false 0001730346 0001730346 2021-08-03 2021-08-03

 

 

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): August 3, 2021

 

 

CHARAH SOLUTIONS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-38523   82-4228671

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

12601 Plantside Drive

Louisville, Kentucky

  40299
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code): (502) 245-1353

 

 

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, par value $0.01 per share   CHRA   New York Stock Exchange

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.  ☐

 

 

 


Item 1.01.

Entry into Material Definitive Agreement.

Stock Purchase Agreement

On August 6, 2021, Charah Solutions, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”), by and between the Company and B. Riley Securities, Inc. (the “Investor”), whereby the Company agreed to issue and sell to Investor, and Investor agreed to purchase from the Company, 2,888,889 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), at a price of $4.50 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $13.0 million (the “Private Placement”). The Private Placement closed on August 6, 2021 (the “Closing”). The issuance of the Common Stock was offered and sold in reliance on the exemption afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”). Pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement (as defined below), the Company has agreed to register the resale of such shares of Common Stock under the Act.

The foregoing description of the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Stock Purchase Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

Investor Rights Agreement

Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, on August 6, 2021, the Company, the Investor and B. Riley Financial, Inc. (“B. Riley”) entered into an Investor Rights Agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”). Pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement, for so long B. Riley and its affiliates beneficially own at least 4% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, B. Riley is entitled to nominate one Class I Director (the “B. Riley Nominee”) to the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), who shall initially be Kenneth M. Young. For so long as affiliates of B. Riley beneficially own at least 3% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (based on the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately following the Closing plus any equity issuances under the Company’s equity plans, but without regards to any subsequent equity issuances) and if no B. Riley Nominee is serving on the Board, B. Riley has the right to appoint one Board observer. In addition, the Investor or any of its affiliates holding the shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement have certain demand and piggy-back registration rights with respect to such shares. The Investor and its affiliates have also agreed to certain customary standstill covenants.

The form of the Investor Rights Agreement is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference, and the foregoing summary of the Investor Rights Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to Exhibit 4.1.

Credit Agreement Amendment and Waiver

On August 3, 2021, the Company entered into the Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement and Waiver (the “Amendment”), among the Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders, the lenders party thereto, and the guarantors party thereto, which amended our Credit Agreement dated as of September 21, 2018 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time) to, among other things, revise the financial covenant ratios such that, after giving effect to the Amendment, the maximum consolidated net leverage ratio was increased from 4.80 to 1.00 to 5.50 to 1.00 for the measurement period ending September 30, 2021 and thereafter will step-down to 4.50 to 1.00 for the measurement period beginning October 1, 2021 through December 30, 2021 and 3.50 to 1.00 for the measurement period beginning December 31, 2021 and thereafter, and the minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio was decreased from 1.20 to 1.00 to 1.10 to 1.00 for the measurement period ending September 30, 2021 and thereafter will increase to 1.20 to 1.00 for each measurement period thereafter. The lenders party to the Amendment also waived the Company’s non-compliance with the financial covenant ratios for the measurement period ended June 30, 2021.

As consideration for the Amendment, the Company made an additional prepayment of $5.0 million of outstanding loans under the credit facility. The Company also accelerated payment of a previously accrued $2.0 million work fee associated with Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement, which otherwise would have been due at maturity in 2022.

The foregoing description of the terms of the Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Amendment, which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 3.02.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

The information under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02.

 

Item 5.02.

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

The information under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

On August 3, 2021, the Board approved an increase in the size of the Board from eight to nine members, to be effective upon the Closing. In connection with the Closing and immediately upon Closing, the size of the board was increased to nine members, and Kenneth M. Young, as the B. Riley Nominee under the Investor Rights Agreement, was appointed to the Board as a Class I Director with a term expiring at the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Mr. Young is President of B. Riley Financial Inc. and Chief Executive Officer of B. Riley Principal Investments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of B. Riley Financial, Inc. In connection with his appointment, Mr. Young will receive from the Company a pro-rated portion of the annual cash retainer and equity award, in accordance with the Company’s standard compensation arrangements for non-employee directors, as described in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2021 annual meeting, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There are no other related party transactions between the Company and Mr. Young that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

On August 6, 2021, the Company entered into its standard form of director and officer indemnification agreement with Mr. Young, which requires the Company to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the form of which was previously filed by the Company as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 18, 2018.


Item 9.01.

Financial Statement and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

  4.1    Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of August 6, 2021, by and among Charah Solutions, Inc., B. Riley Securities, Inc. and B. Riley Financial, Inc.
10.1    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 6, 2021, by and among Charah Solutions, Inc. and the purchaser named on Schedule A thereto.
10.2    Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement and Waiver, dated as of August 3, 2021, among Charah Solutions, Inc., as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders, the lenders party thereto, and the guarantors party thereto.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

SIGNATURES

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

 

      CHARAH SOLUTIONS, INC.
Date: August 9, 2021       By:  

/s/ Scott A. Sewell

      Name:   Scott A. Sewell
      Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 4.1

EXECUTION VERSION

CHARAH SOLUTIONS, INC.

INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of August 6, 2021 is entered into among Charah Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), B. Riley Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“B. Riley”) and B. Riley Securities, Inc. (“B. Riley Securities”). The Company, B. Riley and B. Riley Securities are referred to collectively herein as the “Parties” and, individually, as a “Party.”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Company has agreed, among other things, to expand the size of its Board of Directors (the “Board”) by one member in connection with the consummation of the Transactions (as defined herein) and to nominate and appoint one individual selected by B. Riley as a director to fill the vacancy created thereby, subject to certain conditions contained therein (the “Director Appointment Right”), and to provide B. Riley with the right to designate and appoint one observer to the Board as provided herein subject to certain conditions contained therein (the “Board Observer Right”).

WHEREAS, B. Riley Securities will purchase from the Company, 2,888,889 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”) on or around the date hereof, pursuant to that certain Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of August 6, 2021 (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”). The shares of Common Stock issued to B. Riley Securities pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement shall be referred to in this Agreement as the “Shares.”

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Director Appointment Right. For so long as B. Riley and its Affiliates beneficially own at least four percent (4%) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock, B. Riley shall have the right, but not the obligation, to nominate one (1) member to the Board (the “B. Riley Nominee”), who shall initially be Kenneth M. Young (the Initial B. Riley Nominee”), and the Company shall include, and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Board, whether acting through a committee of the Board or otherwise, to include, in the slate of nominees recommended to stockholders of the Company (the “Stockholders”) for election as a Class I Director at any annual or special meeting of the Stockholders (or, if permitted, by any action by written consent of the Stockholders) at or by which directors of the Company are to be elected, the B. Riley Nominee. The Board has taken action such that the Initial B. Riley Nominee shall be appointed to the Board as a Class I Director concurrently with or prior to the consummation of the Transaction (as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) (the “Closing”). The B. Riley Nominee shall, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, have the requisite skill and experience to serve as a director of a publicly traded company, not be prohibited or disqualified from serving as a director of the Company pursuant to any rule or regulation of the SEC, the New York Stock Exchange (or, if different, the listing exchange on which the Common Stock is traded) or by applicable law and otherwise be reasonably acceptable to the Company. For the avoidance

 

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of doubt, the Company acknowledges and agrees that the Initial B. Riley Nominee meets all of the aforementioned Board qualifications. The B. Riley Nominee shall be subject to the approval of the Board and, as applicable, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld). As used herein, the term “Affiliates” shall mean with respect to any specified person, any other 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, director or trustee of such person, or any registered investment company now or hereafter existing that is controlled by one or more general partners, managing members or investment advisers of, or shares the same management company or investment adviser with, such person.

2. Board Observer Right.

(a) For so long as B. Riley and its Affiliates beneficially own at least three percent (3%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (based on the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately following the Closing and without regard to any equity issuances (other than equity issuances under the Company’s equity plans) occurring after the Closing), but have no B. Riley Nominee then serving on the Board, B. Riley shall have the right, but not the obligation, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, to designate and appoint one representative (the “Observer”) to attend all meetings (including telephonic or videoconference meetings of the Board) of the Board (not inclusive of any committees thereof), in a non-voting, observer capacity; provided, however, that such Observer shall agree to hold in confidence all information so provided. The Observer shall not be entitled to be present during executive sessions comprised solely of independent directors of the Board. The Observer shall be subject to the approval of the Board (with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld). Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Observer may participate fully in discussions of all matters brought to the Board for consideration and provide input and advice with respect thereto, but in no event shall the Observer (i) be deemed to be a member of the Board; (ii) without limitation of the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement, have or be deemed to have, or otherwise be subject to, any duties (fiduciary or otherwise) to the Company or its stockholders; or (iii) have the right to propose or offer any motions or resolutions to the Board or to vote upon any motions or resolutions duly brought before the Board. The Observer shall not be entitled to any cash retainer or equity awards from the Company during the course of his or her appointment to the Board. The presence of the Observer shall not be required or counted for purposes of establishing a quorum at any meeting of the Board.

(b) The Company shall provide to the Observer copies of all notices, minutes, consents and other materials that it provides to all Board members (collectively, “Board Materials”), including any draft versions, proposed written consents, and exhibits and annexes to any such materials, at the same time and in the same manner as such information is delivered to the Board members, provided, however, that such Observer shall agree to hold in confidence all information or materials so provided.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company may exclude the Observer from access to any Board Materials or any Board meeting (or portion thereof) if the Board determines, acting in good faith, that (i) such exclusion is necessary to preserve the attorney-client or work product privilege between the Company (and/or its Affiliates and/or its subsidiaries) and its counsel (provided, however, that any such exclusion shall only apply to such portion of such material or meeting which would be required to preserve such privilege); (ii) such exclusion is necessary to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or any agreement to which the Company (and/or its Affiliates and/or its subsidiaries) is a party or is otherwise bound; or (iii) such Board Materials or discussion relates to the relationship, contractual or otherwise, between the Company (and/or its Affiliates and/or its subsidiaries), on one hand, and B. Riley and/or the Observer, on the other hand, or their respective Affiliates (a “Conflict of Interest”). Any Observer shall be required to enter into a confidentiality agreement with the Company prior to the exercise of the rights contained in this Section 2.

(d) The Parties agree that neither the Company nor its Affiliates nor any member of the Board or Committee shall be entitled to rely on any statements or views expressed by the Observer in any Board meeting. The Parties further agree that all information is provided to the Observer “AS IS” and the Company does not make, and expressly disclaims, any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness thereof. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to the Observer, B. Riley Securities or their respective Affiliates or representatives resulting from any use or reliance on any information.

3. Registration Rights.

(a) The Company, upon written demand (a “Demand Notice”) of B. Riley Securities or any Affiliate holding the Shares (each a “Registered Holder”), agrees to register, on one occasion, all or any portion of the Shares. On such occasion, the Company will file a registration statement with the SEC covering the resale of the Shares within thirty (30) days after receipt of a Demand Notice and will use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective promptly thereafter, subject to compliance with review by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The demand for registration may be made at any time following the issuance of any Shares by the Company through the third (3rd) anniversary of such issuance. Notwithstanding the foregoing obligations, if the Company furnishes to the Registered Holder requesting a registration pursuant to this Section 3(a) a certificate signed by the Company’s chief executive officer stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors it would be materially detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such registration statement to either become effective or remain effective for as long as such registration statement otherwise would be required to remain effective, because such action would (i) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, corporate reorganization, or other similar transaction involving the Company; (ii) require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential; or (iii) render the Company unable to comply with requirements under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), then the Company shall have the right to defer taking action with respect to such filing, and any time periods with respect to filing or effectiveness thereof shall be tolled correspondingly, for a period of not more than one hundred twenty (120) days.

 

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(b) The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to the registration of the Shares pursuant to Section 3(a), but the Registered Holder shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Registered Holder to represent them in connection with the sale of the Shares. The Company agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the filing required by Section 3(a) to become effective in accordance with the requirements of Section 3(a) and to qualify or register the Shares in such States as are reasonably requested by the Registered Holder; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be required to register the Shares in a State in which such registration would cause: (i) the Company to be obligated to register or license to do business in such State or submit to general service of process in such State, or (ii) the principal shareholders of the Company to be obligated to escrow their shares of capital stock of the Company. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause any registration statement filed pursuant to the demand right granted under Section 3(a) to remain effective for a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months after the date that the Registered Holder is first given the opportunity to sell all of the Shares registered thereunder. The Registered Holder shall only use the prospectuses provided by the Company to sell the shares covered by such registration statement, and will immediately cease to use any prospectus furnished by the Company if the Company advises the Registered Holder that such prospectus may no longer be used due to a material misstatement or omission. For the avoidance of doubt, the Registered Holder shall be entitled to a demand registration under this Section 3 on only one (1) occasion.

(c) In addition to the demand right of registration described in 3(a) hereof, the Registered Holder shall have the right, for a period of three (3) years following the first date upon which the Company issues any Shares, to include the Shares as part of any other registration of securities filed by the Company (other than in connection with a transaction contemplated by Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or pursuant to Form S-8 or any equivalent form); provided, however, that if, (i) the managing underwriter(s) thereof shall, in its reasonable discretion, impose a limitation on the number of shares of Common Stock which may be included in the registration statement because, in such underwriter(s)’ judgment, marketing or other factors dictate such limitation is necessary to facilitate public distribution, or (ii) the Company determines in its reasonable discretion to impose a limitation on the number of shares of Common Stock which may be included in the registration statement, or to exclude completely, because, in the Company’s reasonable judgment, inclusion of such shares would violate its existing obligations under that Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 18, 2018, by and between the Company and the initial holders thereto (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), then the Company shall be obligated to include in such registration statement only such limited portion of the Shares with respect to which the Registered Holder requested inclusion hereunder as the underwriter or the Company, as applicable, shall reasonably permit. The Parties hereto agree that this Agreement shall not be construed to violate or subordinate the rights granted to the initial holders under the Registration Rights Agreement.

(d) The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Shares pursuant to Section 3(c) hereof, but the Registered Holder shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Registered Holder to represent them in connection with the sale of the Shares. In the event of such a proposed registration, the Company shall furnish the Registered Holder with not less than eight (8) days’ written notice prior to the proposed date of filing of such registration statement. Such notice to the Registered Holder shall continue to be given for each registration statement filed by the Company until such time as all of the Shares have been sold by the Registered Holder. The Registered Holder shall exercise the “piggy-back” rights provided for herein by giving written notice, within five (5) days of the receipt of the Company’s notice of its intention to file a registration statement. There shall be no limit on the number of times the Registered Holder may request registration under this Section 3(d).

 

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4. 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 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 (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after 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 below, or to such e-mail address, or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 4.

 

if to the Company:    Charah Solutions, Inc.
   12601 Plantside Drive
   Louisville, KY 40299
   Facsimile No:
   Attention: Steve Brehm
   Email:
with a copy to:    Vinson & Elkins LLP
   2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 3900
   Dallas, TX 75201
   Facsimile No:
   Attention: Robert L. Kimball
   Email:
if to B. Riley:    c/o B. Riley Financial, Inc.
   11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 800
   Los Angeles, CA 90025
   Attention: Alan N. Forman, Esq.
   Email:
with a copy to:    Duane Morris LLP
   1540 Broadway
   New York, NY 10036
   Attention: Dean Colucci

5. Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal law of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in the application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware. The Parties (i) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the jurisdiction of the state courts of Delaware and to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (ii)) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except

 

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in the state courts of Delaware or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and (iii) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, 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 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.

6. Termination.

(a) Subject to paragraph (c) below, this Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect (“Termination”), including for the avoidance of doubt Section 3, immediately upon the failure of B. Riley and/or its Affiliates to beneficially own at least four percent (4%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (the “Termination Event”), except that Sections 2 and 7 shall continue to be in full force and effect until the termination of the rights or obligations in accordance with the terms specified therein.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) above, as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than three (3) business days after the occurrence of the Termination Event of which B. Riley becomes aware, B. Riley shall provide notice to the Company that the Termination Event has occurred and that this Agreement has been terminated.

(c) In the event that the Company becomes aware that the Termination Event has occurred prior to receiving notice from B. Riley as required by paragraph (b) above, the Company shall provide notice to B. Riley that it believes that the Termination Event has occurred (the “Company Notice”), and upon B. Riley’s written confirmation to the Company (such confirmation not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, but in any event, shall be provided within three (3) business days of receiving the Company Notice) that the Termination Event has occurred, this Agreement shall be deemed terminated in accordance with paragraph (a) above and, if requested by the Company, the B. Riley Nominee shall promptly resign as a member of the Board and any committees thereof.

 

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7. Standstill.

(a) B. Riley and its Affiliates (collectively, the “B. Riley Party”) agree that, until the later of (A) the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement or (B) for so long as it has a right to designate and appoint an Observer as set forth in Section 2 hereof, without the prior written approval of a majority of the members of the Board, or except as expressly contemplated herein, they will not, directly or indirectly, in any manner:

(i) make a public announcement, proposal or offer (including any solicitation of proxies) to the Board or any of the Company’s stockholders regarding, or otherwise solicit, seek or offer to effect, or otherwise publicly disclose an intent to propose or enter into or agree to enter into, singly or with any other person, directly or indirectly, to effect (A) any business combination, merger, tender offer, exchange offer or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or (B) any restructuring, recapitalization, liquidation or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; provided, however, that the B. Riley Party may privately communicate any such proposal or offer to the Company so long as such private communications do not trigger public disclosure obligations (including the filing of a Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G or any amendment to such a filing);

(ii) form, join or participate in any Group (with such meaning given to such term in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act with respect to the Common Stock;

(iii) enter, agree to enter, propose or offer to enter into any merger, business combination, recapitalization, restructuring, change in control transaction or other similar extraordinary transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries (unless such transaction is recommended by the Board);

(iv) otherwise act with any person, including by providing financing for another party, to seek to control the management, the Board or the policies of the Company (other than any appointment or removal of the B. Riley Nominee);

(v) acquire, agree or propose or offer to acquire (including through any hedging, swap or other similar transaction) directly or indirectly, whether by purchase, tender or exchange offer, through the acquisition of control of another person, by joining a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or other group (including any group of Persons that would be treated as a single “person” under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) any Common Stock or securities that are convertible or exchangeable into (or exercisable for) Common Stock, other than (A) pursuant to a transfer to any of the other B. Riley Parties, (B) as a result of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, distributions, combinations, reclassifications or other similar transaction of voting securities of the Company or (C) in an amount that would result in total ownership of 19.9% or less of the outstanding Common Stock;

 

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(vi) engage in any solicitation of proxies or written consents to vote any voting securities of the Company, or conduct any non-binding referendum with respect to any voting securities of the Company, or knowingly assist or participate in any other way, directly or indirectly, in any solicitation of proxies or written consents with respect to any voting securities of the Company, or otherwise become a “participant” in a “solicitation,” as such terms are defined in the rules under the Exchange Act;

(vii) call, or seek to call, a meeting of the stockholders of the Company or initiate any stockholder proposal for action by stockholders of the Company or advise, encourage or influence any person (other than its Affiliates and the other B. Riley Parties) with respect to the voting or disposition of any Common Stock (including in any “vote no,” “withhold” or similar campaign);

(viii) seek, or encourage any person, to submit nominations to the Board in furtherance of a “contested solicitation” for the election or removal of directors from the Board or seek or knowingly encourage the removal of any members of the Board or the election of any directors (other than nominees recommended by the Board);

(ix) demand a copy of the Company’s list of stockholders, whether pursuant to Section 220 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or pursuant to any other statutory right;

(x) deposit any Common Stock in any voting trust or subject any Common Stock to any arrangement or agreement with respect to the voting of any Common Stock (other than any such voting trust, arrangement or agreement solely among the B. Riley Parties that is otherwise in accordance with this Agreement);

(xi) publicly disclose any intention, plan or arrangement prohibited by, or inconsistent with, the foregoing or enter into any negotiations, agreements or understandings with any person with respect to any of the foregoing;

(xii) publicly disclose, or take any action that would reasonably cause the public disclosure (including the filing of any document with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any disclosure to any journalist, member of the media or securities analyst) of, any intent, purpose, plan or proposal to request that the Company or the Board waive, terminate or amend the restrictions in this Section 7(a); or

(xiii) knowingly facilitate, encourage or assist any third party to do any of the foregoing.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, none of the B. Riley Parties shall be prohibited or restricted from: (A) communicating privately with the Board or any officer or director of the Company regarding any matter, so long as such communications are not intended to, and would not reasonably be expected to, require any public disclosure of such communications by any of the B. Riley Parties or their respective Affiliates, the Company or its Affiliates or any third party, subject in any case to any confidentiality obligations to the Company of any such director or officer and applicable law, rules or regulations; (B) taking any action necessary to comply with any applicable laws or any action required by any federal, state, municipal, local or foreign government, governmental authority, regulatory or administrative agency, governmental commission, department, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, court, tribunal, arbitrator or arbitral body or by any stock exchanges that have, or may have, jurisdiction

 

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over any B. Riley Party, provided that a breach by such B. Riley Party of this Agreement is not the cause of the applicable requirement; (C) privately communicating to any B. Riley Party publicly available information regarding the Company, provided such communications are not otherwise reasonably expected to be publicly disclosed; (D) privately communicating to any B. Riley Party in a manner that otherwise does not violate the terms of this Agreement; or (E) publicly providing the information required by Item 5.02(a) of Form 8-K. Further, nothing herein shall restrict any B. Riley Party from effecting transactions in the Common Stock by or on behalf of any customer or client of such B. Riley party or any transactions by such B. Riley Party to facilitate any such transactions by or on behalf of any such customer or client.

(b) The provisions set forth in this Section 7 shall not limit the actions of the B. Riley Nominee in his or her capacity as a director of the Company (including receipt of any equity incentive or similar awards), recognizing that such actions are subject to such person’s fiduciary duties to the Company and its stockholders (it being understood and agreed that none of the B. Riley Parties shall seek to do indirectly through the B. Riley Nominee any action that would be prohibited if done directly by any of the B. Riley Parties pursuant to this Section 7).

(c) Other than with respect to Shares, each of the B. Riley Parties represents and warrants to the Company that, as of the date hereof, neither it, nor any of its Affiliates, is engaged in any discussions or negotiations with any person who is not a B. Riley Party, and neither it, nor any of its Affiliates, has any agreements, arrangements, or understandings, written or oral, formal or informal, and whether or not legally enforceable with any person who is not a B. Riley Party concerning the acquisition of any Common Stock, or securities that are convertible or exchangeable into (or exercisable for) Common Stock, of the Company.

8. Miscellaneous.

(a) The Company agrees to reimburse B. Riley promptly for reasonable documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the B. Riley Nominee’s or the Observer’s attendance at Board and Committee meetings, if applicable; provided, however, that all reimbursements payable by the Company pursuant to this Section 8(a) shall be payable in accordance with and subject to the Company’s policies and practices with respect to director expense reimbursement then in effect.

(b) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. Solely to the extent that any provision or restriction contained in this Agreement is found by a court to be unreasonable or unenforceable, then such court may amend or modify any such provision or restriction so it can be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

(c) The section headings in this Agreement have been inserted as a matter of convenience of reference and are not a part of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed by electronic signature in any number of counterparts, each of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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(d) Any waiver by any Party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed to be a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision of this Agreement. The failure of a Party to insist on strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on one or more occasions shall not be construed as a waiver or deprive such Party of the right to thereafter insist on strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.

(e) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties, and supersedes any and all previous agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, between the Parties regarding the matters set out in this Agreement. No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified or waived, except in a writing signed by the Parties hereto. This Agreement and the rights described herein may not be assigned by B. Riley or B. Riley Securities.

[Signature page follows]

 

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

 

CHARAH SOLUTIONS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

Name:   Scott Sewell
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer
B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC.
By:  

/s/ Daniel Shribman

Name:   Daniel Shribman
Title:   Chief Investment Officer
B. RILEY SECURITIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Andy Moore

Name:   Andy Moore
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Investor Rights Agreement]

Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTION VERSION

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made as of August 6, 2021, by and among Charah Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the investor listed on Exhibit A attached to this Agreement (the “Purchaser”).

The parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Purchase and Sale of Common Stock.

1.1 Sale and Issuance of Common Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Purchaser agrees to purchase at the Closing (as defined below), and the Company agrees to sell and issue to the Purchaser at the Closing, that number of shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), set forth opposite the Purchaser’s name on Exhibit A, at a purchase price of $4.50 per share. The shares of Common Stock issued to the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement shall be referred to in this Agreement as the “Shares.”

1.2 Closing; Delivery.

(a) The purchase and sale of the Shares shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures, on August 6, 2021, or at such other time and place as the Company and the Purchaser mutually agrees upon, orally or in writing (which time and place are designated as the “Closing”).

(b) At or promptly after the Closing, the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a certificate representing the Shares, or evidence of the book-entry issuance of the Shares, being purchased by the Purchaser at the Closing against payment of the purchase price as set forth on Exhibit A (the “Purchase Price”) therefor by wire transfer to a bank account designated by the Company.

1.3 Defined Terms Used in this Agreement. In addition to the terms defined above, the following terms used in this Agreement shall be construed to have the meanings set forth or referenced below.

(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other 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, director or trustee of such Person, or any venture capital fund or registered investment company now or hereafter existing that is controlled by one or more general partners, managing members or investment advisers of, or shares the same management company or investment adviser with, such Person.

(b) “Backstop Agreement” means the Engagement and Backstop Commitment Letter, dated as of July 31, 2021, by and between Charah Solutions, Inc. and B. Riley Securities, Inc., relating to the Transaction.

(c)Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

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(d) “Company Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2018, by and among Charah Solutions, Inc., certain of the Charah Solutions, Inc.’s subsidiaries, as guarantors, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swingline lender and letter of credit issuer, and the other lenders party thereto, as subsequently amended.

(e) “Company SEC Filings” mean (i) the Company’s forms, registration statements, reports, schedules and statements filed or furnished by it under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act with the SEC since January 1, 2020, and (ii) the draft, dated as of August 6, 2021, of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 that was provided to the Purchaser.

(f) “DGCL” means the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended or superseded from time to time.

(g) “Environmental Laws” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.15.

(h) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(i) “FCPA” means the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

(j) “GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles.

(k) “Investor Rights Agreement” means that certain agreement, to be dated as of the Closing, by and between the Company, B. Riley Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and the Purchaser.

(l) “Intellectual Property Rights” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.16.

(m) “Material Adverse Effect” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1.

(n) “Money Laundering Laws” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.20.

(o) “NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.

(p) “OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department.

(q) “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association or other entity.

 

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(r) “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

(s) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(t) “Subsidiary” means any significant subsidiary of the Company as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

(u) “Transaction” means the Company’s firm commitment underwritten public offering of “baby bond” debt securities, with B. Riley as lead left underwriter and sole bookrunner, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of at least $135 million, inclusive of a $15 million commitment from Bernhard Capital Partners Management, LP or an affiliate thereof, as more fully described in the Backstop Agreement.

2. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser that the following representations are true and correct as of the date of the Closing, except as otherwise indicated.

2.1 Organization, Good Standing and Qualification. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation or other legal entity as applicable in good standing (or its equivalent) under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other legal entity in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of its properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification and has all corporate power and authority necessary to own or hold its properties and to conduct the businesses in which each is engaged as described in the Company SEC Filings except where the failure to so qualify or have such power or authority would not reasonably be expected to (i) have, singularly or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, assets, or business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) impair in any material respect the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate any transactions contemplated by this Agreement (any such effect as described in clauses (i) or (ii), a “Material Adverse Effect”).

2.2 Authorization, Enforceable Agreement. The Company has the full legal right, power and authority to execute and deliver, and perform its obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, and when executed and delivered, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Purchaser, constitutes and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law).

2.3 Valid Issuance of Shares. The Shares have been duly authorized by the Company, and when the Shares are issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement against payment of the consideration set forth herein, the Shares will be validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, not subject to any preemptive or other similar rights, except as specified in the Investor Rights Agreement, and will entitle the holders of the Shares to the rights and benefits provided therein.

 

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2.4 Valid Issuance of Capital Stock. All issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company outstanding prior to the issuance of the Shares are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and were issued in compliance in all material respects with United States federal and applicable state securities laws. All of the Company’s options, warrants and other rights to purchase or exchange any securities for shares of the Company’s capital stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and were issued in compliance in all material respects with United States federal and applicable state securities laws. None of the outstanding shares of capital stock was issued in violation of any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities of the Company.

2.5 Capitalization. Other than pledges of the interest of the Subsidiaries pursuant to the Company Credit Agreement, the membership interests, capital stock, partnership interests or other similar equity interests, as applicable, of each Subsidiary, have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and, except to the extent set forth in the Company SEC Filings or would not individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, are owned by the Company directly, free and clear of any claim, lien, encumbrance, security interest, restriction upon voting or transfer or any other claim of any third party. The respective rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions of the Company’s capital stock are as stated in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate of Designations and the Company SEC Filings.

2.6 Absence of Breach or Violation. None of (1) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company and (2) the issuance and sale of the Shares by the Company (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) (x) conflicts with or results in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, constitutes a default under, gives rise to any right of termination or other right or the cancellation or acceleration of any right or obligation or loss of a benefit under or pursuant to, any mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, (y) results in any violation of the provisions of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or analogous governing instruments, as applicable) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (z) results in any violation of provisions of any law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their properties or assets; except, with respect to clauses (x) or (z), any contravention which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.7 Consents and Approvals. No consent, approval, authorization or order of, qualification with, or filing with any governmental body or agency or self-regulatory authority is required for the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, except (1) the filing with the SEC of such reports under the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, (2) as have been obtained or as may be required by the securities or blue sky laws of the various states or (3) as

 

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required under the rules and regulations of the NYSE. Assuming that the representations of the Purchaser set forth in Section 3 are true and correct, the offer, sale, and issuance of the Shares in conformity with the terms of this Agreement will be, exempt from the registration requirements of Section 5 of the Securities Act, and all applicable state securities laws, and neither the Company nor any authorized agent acting on its behalf will take any action hereafter that would cause the loss of such exemptions.

2.8 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Deloitte & Touche LLP, who has audited certain financial statements of the Company, is, to the knowledge of the Company, an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).

2.9 Financial Statements. The Company’s financial statements, together with the related notes and schedules thereto, fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position and the results of operations and changes in financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries and other consolidated entities at the respective dates or for the respective periods therein specified. Such statements and related notes and schedules have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved except as may be set forth in the related notes. The financial statements, together with the related notes and schedules, comply as to form in all material respects with Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.

2.10 Liabilities. The Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, do not have any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations or any “variable interest entities” within the meaning of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810), which are not disclosed in the Company SEC Filings.

2.11 Absence of Changes; Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of the most recent financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference in the Company SEC Filings, there has not occurred any event or circumstance that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

2.12 Litigation; Proceedings. Except as set forth in the Company SEC Filings, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or to which any property or asset of any of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect or which challenges the validity of any of this Agreement or the right of the Company to enter into this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

2.13 Real and Personal Property. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has good and valid title to all real property and good title to all personal property described in the Company SEC Filings as owned by such entity, free and clear of all liens except (a) as are described in the Company SEC Filings, (b) as are created, arise under or secure the Company Credit Agreement, or (c) as would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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2.14 Compliance with Environmental Laws. Except as disclosed in the Company SEC Filings, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any statute, rule, regulation, decision or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, relating to the use, disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or relating to the protection or restoration of the environment or human exposure to hazardous or toxic substances (collectively, “Environmental Laws”), operates any real property contaminated with any substance that is subject to any Environmental Laws, is liable for any off-site disposal or contamination pursuant to any Environmental Laws, or is subject to any claim relating to any Environmental Laws, which violation, contamination, liability or claim would individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and the Company is not aware of any pending investigation that the Company expects will lead to such a claim.

2.15 Intellectual Property. Except as described in the Company SEC Filings, to the Company’s knowledge with respect to patents and patent applications only, the Company and its Subsidiaries own or possess, or have the right to use or can acquire on reasonable terms, adequate trademarks, trade names and other rights to inventions, know-how, patents, copyrights, confidential information and other intellectual property (collectively, “Intellectual Property Rights”) necessary to conduct the business now operated by them, or presently employed by them, and have not received any notice of infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others against the Company with respect to any Intellectual Property Rights, except such as will not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.16 Internal Controls. Except as disclosed in the Company SEC Filings, the Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

2.17 Absence of Certain Relationships. No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders (or analogous interest holders), customers or suppliers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their controlled affiliates, on the other hand, which is required to be described under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K in the Company SEC Filings and which is not so described.

2.18 FCPA. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company and its Subsidiaries, any of its directors, officers, agents, employees, controlled affiliates or other person acting on their behalf is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that has violated or would result in a violation by such persons of the FCPA, including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA. The Company and its Subsidiaries have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to reasonably ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.

 

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2.19 Compliance with Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times, in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar applicable rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency having jurisdiction over the Company (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) except where the failure to be in such compliance would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

2.20 OFAC. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC; and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.

2.21 Registration Rights. Except as described in the Company SEC Filings and as provided in the Investor Rights Agreement, the Company has not granted or agreed to grant, and is not under any obligation to provide, any rights to register under the Securities Act any of its presently outstanding securities or any of its securities that may be issued subsequently.

2.22 Compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Company is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or is implementing the provisions thereof that are currently in effect.

2.23 Permits. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Company SEC Filings, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries possess such valid and current certificates, authorizations or permits issued by the appropriate state, federal or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to conduct their respective businesses as described in the Company SEC Filings, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of, or non-compliance with, any such certificate, authorization or permit which, individually or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

2.24 Tax Returns. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries have filed all material federal, state and foreign income and franchise tax returns or have properly requested extensions thereof and have paid all material taxes required to be paid by any of them and, if due and payable, any related or similar assessment, fine or penalty levied against any of them except as may be being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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2.25 NYSE. No approval of the stockholders of the Company under the rules and regulations of the NYSE is required for the Company to issue and deliver the Shares.

2.26 Insurance. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Company SEC Filings, the Company maintains or is entitled to the benefits of insurance from reputable insurers covering its properties, operations, personnel and businesses against such losses and risks as are reasonably adequate to protect it and its businesses in a commercially reasonable manner. All such insurance is outstanding and duly in force on the date hereof, except for such insurance for which the failure to be outstanding and duly in force would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.27 Use of Proceeds. The proceeds from the sale of Shares to the Purchaser shall be used for the repayment of indebtedness and general corporate purposes.

3. Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser. The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company that:

3.1 Existence; Authorization; No Breach. The Purchaser is duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of formation, with all necessary power and authority to own properties and to conduct its business as currently conducted. The Purchaser has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by the Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and any other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies. The execution, delivery and performance of the Agreement by the Purchaser and the consummation by the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated herein will not (a) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any agreement to which the Purchaser is a party or by which the Purchaser is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Purchaser is subject, (b) conflict with or result in any violation of the provisions of the organizational documents of the Purchaser, or (c) violate any statute, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Purchaser or the property or assets of the Purchaser, except in the case of clauses (a) and (c), for such conflicts, breaches, violations or defaults would not prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.2 Purchase Entirely for Own Account. This Agreement is made with the Purchaser in reliance upon the Purchaser’s representation to the Company, which, by the Purchaser’s execution of this Agreement, the Purchaser hereby confirms that the Shares to be acquired by the Purchaser will be acquired for investment for the Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof, and that the Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same. By executing this Agreement, the Purchaser further represents that the Purchaser does not presently have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person or to any third Person, with respect to any of the Shares. The Purchaser has not been formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Shares.

 

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3.3 Disclosure of Information. The Purchaser has had an opportunity to discuss the Company’s business, management, financial affairs and the terms and conditions of the offering of the Shares with the Company’s management and has had access to the Company SEC Filings and to certain financial and other information to inform its decision to purchase the Shares. The Purchaser understands that its purchase of the Shares involves a high degree of risk. The Purchaser is a sophisticated investor and knows that the Company may have material non-public information concerning the Company and its condition (financial and otherwise), results of operations, businesses, properties, plans and prospects and that such information could be material to the Purchaser’s decision to purchase the Shares or otherwise materially adverse to the Purchaser’s interests. The Purchaser is not relying on the disclosure or omission of any such information. The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the Company shall have no obligation to disclose to it any such information and hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all claims and causes of action it has or may have against the Company and its affiliates, officers, partners, directors, employees, agents and representatives based upon, relating to or arising out of nondisclosure of such information or the purchase of the Shares hereunder. The Purchaser has adequate information concerning the business and financial condition of the Company to make an informed decision regarding the purchase of the Shares and has, independently and without reliance upon the Company, made its own analysis and decision to purchase the Shares. With respect to legal, tax, accounting, financial and other considerations involved in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the purchase of the Shares, the Purchaser is not relying on the Company (or any agent or representative thereof). The Purchaser has carefully considered and, to the extent it believes such discussion is necessary, discussed with professional legal, tax, accounting, financial and other advisors the suitability of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the purchase of the Shares. The Purchaser acknowledges that it has not relied upon any express or implied representations or warranties of any nature made by or on behalf of the Company, whether or not any such representations, warranties or statements were made in writing or orally, except as expressly set forth for the benefit of the Purchaser in this Agreement. The foregoing, however, does not limit or modify the representations and warranties of the Company in Section 2 of this Agreement or the right of the Purchaser to rely thereon.

3.4 Restricted Securities. The Purchaser understands that the Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act, by reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act which depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the investment intent and the accuracy of the Purchaser’s representations as expressed herein. The Purchaser understands that the Shares are “restricted securities” under applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and that, pursuant to these laws, the Purchaser must hold the Shares indefinitely unless they are registered with the SEC and qualified by state authorities, or an exemption from such registration and qualification requirements is available. The Purchaser acknowledges that the Company has no obligation to register or qualify the Shares for resale, except as set forth in the Investor Rights Agreement. The Purchaser further acknowledges that if an exemption from registration or qualification is available, it may be conditioned on various

 

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requirements including, but not limited to, the time and manner of sale, the holding period for the Shares, and on requirements relating to the Company which are outside of the Purchaser’s control, and which the Company is under no obligation and may not be able to satisfy. The Purchaser represents that it is familiar with SEC Rule 144, as presently in effect, and understands the resale limitations imposed thereby and by the Securities Act.

3.5 RESERVED.

3.6 Legends. The Purchaser understands that the Shares and any securities issued in respect of or exchange for the Shares, may be notated with one or all of the following legends:

(a) “THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH TRANSFER MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933.” and

(b) Any legend required by the securities laws of any state to the extent such laws are applicable to the Shares represented by the certificate, instrument, or book entry so legended.

3.7 Accredited Investor. The Purchaser is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and is able to bear the risk of its investment in the Shares. The Purchaser acknowledges that it is able to fend for itself, can bear the economic risk of its investment and has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the purchase of the Shares.

3.8 No General Solicitation. Neither the Purchaser, nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, stockholders or partners has either directly or indirectly, including, through a broker or finder (a) engaged in any general solicitation, or (b) published any advertisement in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares.

3.9 Residence. The office or offices of the Purchaser in which its principal place of business is identified in the address or addresses of the Purchaser set forth on Exhibit A.

4. Conditions to The Purchasers Obligations at Closing. The obligations of the Purchaser to purchase Shares at the Closing are subject to the fulfillment, on or before the Closing, of each of the following conditions, unless otherwise waived:

4.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 2 shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Closing, except for any inaccuracies that could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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4.2 Performance. The Company shall have performed and complied with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions in all material respects contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by the Company on or before the Closing.

4.3 Compliance Certificate. The President of the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser at the Closing a certificate certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 have been fulfilled.

4.4 Qualifications. All authorizations, approvals or permits, if any, of any governmental authority or regulatory body of the United States or of any state that are required in connection with the lawful issuance and sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be obtained and effective as of the Closing. No Law, injunction, judgment or ruling enacted, promulgated, issued, entered, amended or enforced by any governmental authority shall be in effect enjoining, restraining, preventing or prohibiting consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.5 Investor Rights Agreement. The Company shall have executed and delivered the Investor Rights Agreement to the Purchaser.

4.6 Secretarys Certificate. The Secretary of the Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser at the Closing a certificate in the form and substance satisfactory to the Purchaser.

4.7 Legal Opinion. The Purchaser shall have received the opinion of Vinson & Elkins LLP, counsel to the Company in form and substance satisfactory to the Purchaser.

4.8 Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated at the Closing and all documents incident thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser (or its counsel) shall have received all such counterpart original and certified or other copies of such documents as reasonably requested. Such documents may include good standing certificates.

4.9 Cross Receipt. The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser a cross-receipt executed by the Company certifying that it has received from the Purchaser an amount in cash equal to the Purchase Price.

4.10 Backstop Agreement. The Company shall have executed and delivered the Backstop Agreement to B. Riley Securities, Inc., an affiliate of the Purchaser.

5. Conditions of the Companys Obligations at Closing. The obligations of the Company to sell Shares to the Purchaser at the Closing are subject to the fulfillment, on or before the Closing, of each of the following conditions, unless otherwise waived:

5.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section 3 shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Closing.

 

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5.2 Performance. The Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by them on or before the Closing.

5.3 Compliance Certificate. An authorized officer of the Purchaser shall deliver to the Company at the Closing a certificate certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 have been fulfilled.

5.4 Qualifications. All authorizations, approvals or permits, if any, of any governmental authority or regulatory body of the United States or of any state that are required in connection with the lawful issuance and sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be obtained and effective as of the Closing. No Law, injunction, judgment or ruling enacted, promulgated, issued, entered, amended or enforced by any governmental authority shall be in effect enjoining, restraining, preventing or prohibiting consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.5 Investor Rights Agreement. The Purchaser and B. Riley Financial, Inc. shall have executed and delivered the Investor Rights Agreement to the Company.

5.6 Cross Receipt. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a cross-receipt executed by the Purchaser certifying that it has received from the Company the number of shares of Stock set forth opposite the Purchaser’s name on Exhibit A.

5.7 Funding. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company payment of the Purchase Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in advance of the Closing by the Company.

5.8 Backstop Agreement. B. Riley Securities, Inc., an affiliate of the Purchaser, shall have executed and delivered the Backstop Agreement to the Company.

6. Miscellaneous.

6.1 Survival of Warranties. Unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the representations and warranties of the Company and the Purchaser contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing and shall in no way be affected by any investigation or knowledge of the subject matter thereof made by or on behalf of the Purchaser or the Company.

6.2 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 party 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 expressly provided in this Agreement.

6.3 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal law of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in the application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.

 

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6.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) 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 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.

6.5 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.

6.6 Notices.

(a) General. 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 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 (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after 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 below, or to such e-mail address, or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 6.6.

 

if to the Company:   

Charah Solutions, Inc.

12601 Plantside Drive

Louisville, KY 40299

Facsimile No:

Attention: Steve Brehm

Email:

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):   

Vinson & Elkins LLP

2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 3900

Dallas, TX 75201

Facsimile No:

Attention: Robert L. Kimball

Email:

if to the Purchaser:   

c/o B. Riley Securities, Inc.

11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 800

Los Angeles, CA 90025

Attention: Alan Forman, Esq.

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):   

Duane Morris LLP

1540 Broadway

New York, NY 10036

Attention: Dean Colucci

 

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(b) Consent to Electronic Notice. The Purchaser consents to the delivery of any stockholder notice pursuant to Section 232 of the DGCL (or any successor thereto) at the e-mail address set forth below the Purchaser’s name on the signature page or Exhibit A, as updated from time to time by notice to the Company. To the extent that any notice given by means of electronic transmission is returned or undeliverable for any reason, the foregoing consent shall be deemed to have been revoked until a new or corrected e-mail address has been provided, and such attempted electronic notice shall be ineffective and deemed to not have been given. The Purchaser agrees to promptly notify the Company of any change in its e-mail address, and that failure to do so shall not affect the foregoing.

6.7 Fees and Expenses. At the Closing, the Company shall reimburse the Purchaser for reasonable documented fees and expenses of the counsel for the Purchaser in an amount not to exceed $35,000.

6.8 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.

6.9 Amendments and Waivers. Any term of this Agreement may be amended, terminated or waived only with the written consent of the Company and the holders of at least a majority of the then-outstanding Shares. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 6.9 shall be binding upon the Purchaser and each transferee of the Shares (or any securities issued in exchange for such Shares), each future holder of all such securities, and the Company.

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

6.11 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 theretofore 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.

6.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including any Exhibits hereto) constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other written or oral agreement relating to the subject matter hereof existing between the parties are expressly canceled.

 

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6.13 Dispute Resolution. The parties (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the jurisdiction of the state courts of Delaware and to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (b) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except in the state courts of Delaware or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and (c) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, 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, THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, THE SECURITIES OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR THEREOF. 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 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.

6.14 No Commitment for Additional Financing. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Purchaser has not made any representation, undertaking, commitment, or agreement to provide or assist the Company in obtaining any financing, investment, or other assistance, other than the purchase of the Shares as set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein and other than the Backstop Agreement. In addition, the Company acknowledges and agrees that (i) no statements, whether written or oral, made by the Purchaser or its representatives on or after the date of this Agreement shall create an obligation, commitment, or agreement to provide or assist the Company in obtaining any financing or investment, (ii) the Company shall not rely on any such statement by the Purchaser or its representatives, and (iii) an obligation, commitment, or agreement to provide or assist the Company in obtaining any financing or investment may only be created by a written agreement, signed by the Purchaser and the Company, setting forth the terms and conditions of such financing or investment and stating that the parties intend for such writing to be a binding obligation or agreement. The Purchaser shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to refuse or decline to participate in any other financing of or investment in the Company, and shall have no obligation to assist or cooperate with the Company in obtaining any financing, investment, or other assistance.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

15


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

 

COMPANY:
CHARAH SOLUTIONS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

Name:   Scott Sewell
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT]


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

 

PURCHASER:
B. RILEY SECURITIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Andy Moore

Name:   Andy Moore
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT]


EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    SCHEDULE OF PURCHASERS


EXHIBIT A

SCHEDULE OF PURCHASERS

 

Name, Address and Email of Purchaser

   Shares of Common Stock Purchased for
Cash
     Cash Purchase
Price
 

B. Riley Securities, Inc.

11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 800

Los Angeles, CA 90025

     2,888,889      $ 13,000,000.50  

TOTAL

     2,888,889      $ 13,000,000.50  

 

A-1

Exhibit 10.2

EXECUTION VERSION

AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO CREDIT AGREEMENT AND WAIVER

This AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO CREDIT AGREEMENT AND WAIVER (this “Amendment”) dated as of August 3, 2021, is made among CHARAH SOLUTIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders (as defined below) (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), the Lenders party hereto (each, a “Consenting Lender”), and the undersigned Guarantors. Each capitalized term used and not otherwise defined in this Amendment has the definition specified in the Credit Agreement described below.

RECITALS:

A. The Borrower, the Guarantors, the Administrative Agent and certain financial institutions party thereto from time to time (the “Lenders”) have entered into that certain Credit Agreement dated as of September 21, 2018 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), pursuant to which the Lenders have made available to the Borrower a Revolving Facility and a Term Facility.

B. The Borrower has requested that Administrative Agent and the Lenders waive compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Sections 7.11(a) and (b) of the Credit Agreement for the measurement period ended June 30, 2021 and amend such financial covenants for the measurement period ending September 30, 2021, and the Administrative Agent and the Consenting Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

In consideration of the premises and further valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1. Amendments to Credit Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, as of the date on which this Amendment becomes effective, the parties hereto hereby agree that the Credit Agreement shall be amended as follows:

(a) Section 7.11(a) of the Credit Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

(a) Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio. Permit the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio at any time during the periods set forth below to be greater than the ratio set forth below opposite such period:

 

Period

   Maximum Consolidated
Net Leverage Ratio

December 31, 2020 through September 30, 2021

   5.50 to 1.00

October 1, 2021 through December 30, 2021

   4.50 to 1.00

December 31, 2021 and thereafter

   3.50 to 1.00

(b) Section 7.11(b) of the Credit Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

(b) Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. Permit the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the end of the Measurement Period ending March 31, 2021 to be less than 1.00 to 1.00, as of the end of the Measurement Period ending June 30, 2021 to be less than 1.20 to 1.00, as of the end of the Measurement Period ending September 30, 2021 to be less than 1.10 to 1.00 and as of the end of each Measurement Period ending thereafter to be less than 1.20 to 1.00.


Section 2. Waiver. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the Borrower made herein, the Lenders hereby waive compliance with Sections 7.11(a) and (b) of the Credit Agreement for the four fiscal quarter period ended June 30, 2021. The waiver set forth in this Section 2 is limited to the extent specifically set forth above and shall in no way serve to waive any other terms, covenants or provisions of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any obligations of the Borrower, other than as expressly set forth above. The Borrower hereby consents, acknowledges and agrees to the waiver set forth herein and hereby confirms and ratifies in all respects the Credit Agreement as amended hereby and the enforceability of such Credit Agreement against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

Section 3. Effectiveness; Conditions Precedent. This Amendment shall become effective on the date when the following conditions shall have been satisfied or waived (such date, the “Effective Date”):

(a) the Administrative Agent’s receipt of this Amendment, duly executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders (which counterparts may be delivered by facsimile, electronic email or other electronic means (including PDF) with originals to follow) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(b) the Borrower shall have prepaid not less than $5,000,000 of the principal balance of the Closing Date Term Loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of July 29, 2021 (together with accrued interest thereon and other amounts payable in connection therewith as provided in Section 2.05(a) of the Credit Agreement) and shall have instructed the Administrative Agent to apply such prepayment to the principal installments of the Closing Date Term Loans in inverse order of maturity; and

(c) the Administrative Agent’s receipt of the work fee in the amount of $2,000,000 earned in connection with Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement, to be paid to each Lender that consented to Amendment No. 3 on a pro rata basis in proportion to the Total Credit Exposure (at the time of execution of Amendment No. 3) of such Lender (or its assignees) to the aggregate Total Credit Exposure (at the time of execution of Amendment No. 3) of all such consenting Lenders (or their assignees), it being understood and agreed that the Borrower’s payment of such work fee in accordance with this Amendment shall satisfy in full the Borrower’s corresponding payment obligations with respect thereto arising under the fee letter executed in connection with Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement.

Section 4. Representations and Warranties. In order to induce the Administrative Agent and the Consenting Lenders to enter into this Amendment, the Borrower and each Guarantor represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as follows:

(a) The representations and warranties made by it in Article V of the Credit Agreement, and by each Loan Party in each of the Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party, or in any document furnished at any time under or in connection therewith, are (i) with respect to representations and warranties that contain a materiality qualification, true and correct in all respects as of the date hereof and (ii) with respect to representations and warranties that do not contain a materiality qualification, true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, except in each case (A) to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date and (B) the representations and warranties contained in Sections 5.05(a) and (b) of the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to Sections 6.01(a) and (b) thereof, respectively;

 

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(b) Since the date of the most recent financial reports of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) of the Credit Agreement, no act, event, condition or circumstance has occurred or arisen which, singly or in the aggregate with one or more other acts, events, occurrences or conditions (whenever occurring or arising), has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c) This Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Borrower and each Guarantor and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower and each Guarantor, except as may be limited by general principles of equity or by the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar law affecting creditors’ rights generally; and

(d) As of the date hereof, after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default has occurred that is continuing.

Section 5. Entire Agreement. This Amendment, together with all the Loan Documents (collectively, the “Relevant Documents”), sets forth the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto in relation to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior negotiations and agreements among the parties relating to such subject matter. No promise, condition, representation or warranty, express or implied, not set forth in the Relevant Documents shall bind any party hereto, and no such party has relied on any such promise, condition, representation or warranty. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that, except as otherwise expressly stated in the Relevant Documents, no representations, warranties or commitments, express or implied, have been made by any party to the other in relation to the subject matter hereof or thereof. None of the terms or conditions of this Amendment may be changed, modified, waived or canceled orally or otherwise, except in writing and in accordance with Section 11.01 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 6. Full Force and Effect of Agreement. Except as hereby specifically amended, modified or supplemented, the Credit Agreement and all other Loan Documents are hereby confirmed and ratified in all respects and shall be and remain in full force and effect according to their respective terms. This Amendment shall not be deemed (i) to be a waiver of, or consent to, or a modification or amendment of, any other term or condition of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document other than as expressly set forth herein, (ii) to prejudice any right or rights which the Administrative Agent or the Lenders may now have or may have in the future under or in connection with the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents or any of the instruments or agreements referred to therein, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time other than as expressly set forth herein, or (iii) to be a commitment or any other undertaking or expression of any willingness to engage in any further discussion with the Borrower, any Loan Party or any other Person with respect to any other waiver, amendment, modification or any other change to the Credit Agreement or the Loan Documents or any rights or remedies arising in favor of the Lenders or the Administrative Agent, or any of them, under or with respect to any such documents. References in the Credit Agreement to “this Agreement” (and indirect references such as “hereunder”, “hereby”, “herein”, “hereof” or other words of like import) and in any Loan Document to the “Credit Agreement” shall be deemed to be references to the Credit Agreement as modified hereby.

Section 7. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Amendment by telecopy or other electronic means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment.

Section 8. Governing Law; Jurisdiction, Etc. This Amendment shall in all respects be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, and shall be further subject to the provisions of Sections 11.14 and 11.15 of the Credit Agreement.

 

3


Section 9. Enforceability. Should any one or more of the provisions of this Amendment be determined to be illegal or unenforceable as to one or more of the parties hereto, all other provisions nevertheless shall remain effective and binding on the parties hereto.

Section 10. Successors and Assigns. This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, each Guarantor, the Administrative Agent and each Lender, and their respective successors and assignees to the extent such assignees are permitted assignees as provided in Section 11.06 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 11. Costs and Expenses. In accordance with Section 11.04(a) of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower hereby agrees to pay on demand all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent (including the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of counsel for the Administrative Agent) in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment and any other related documents.

Section 12. Release; Indemnification.

(a) Release. In further consideration of the Administrative Agent’s and the Consenting Lenders’ execution of this Amendment, the Borrower and the Guarantors, individually and on behalf of their successors (including any trustees or any debtor-in-possession acting on behalf of the Borrower or a Guarantor), assigns, subsidiaries and affiliates, hereby forever release the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and their successors, assigns, parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates and their officers, employees, directors, agents and attorneys (collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all debts, claims, demands, liabilities, responsibilities, disputes, causes, damages, actions and causes of actions (whether at law or in equity), and obligations of every nature whatsoever (other than any obligations to advance Loans under and in accordance with the Credit Agreement), whether liquidated or unliquidated, whether matured or unmatured, whether fixed or contingent that the Borrower or any Guarantor has or may have against the Releasees, or any of them, in each case which arise from or relate to any actions which the Releasees, or any of them, have or may have taken or omitted to take in connection with the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents prior to the date hereof (including with respect to the Obligations, any Collateral and any third parties liable in whole or in part for the Obligations); provided that neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor is waiving any defense to expense reimbursement or indemnification expressly set forth in Section 11.04 of the Credit Agreement. This provision shall survive and continue in full force and effect whether or not the Borrower shall satisfy all other provisions of the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

(b) Related Indemnity. The Borrower and each Guarantor hereby agree that its release of the Releasees set forth in Section 11(a) shall include an obligation to indemnify and hold the Releasees, or any of them, harmless with respect to any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever incurred by the Releasees, or any of them, whether direct, indirect or consequential, as a result of or arising from or relating to any proceeding by, or on behalf of any Person, including officers, directors, agents, trustees, creditors, partners or shareholders of the Borrower or any Guarantor or any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Borrower or such Guarantor, whether threatened or initiated, asserting any claim for legal or equitable remedy under any statutes, regulation, common law principle or otherwise arising from or in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery, performance, administration and enforcement of this Amendment or any other document executed in connection herewith; provided, that the Borrower shall not be liable for any indemnification to a Releasee to the extent that any such liability, obligation, loss, penalty, action, judgment, suit, cost, expense or disbursement results from (i) the applicable Releasee’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach in bad faith, as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) a claim brought by the Borrower or any other Guarantor against an Indemnitee for a material breach in bad faith of such Releasee’s obligations under the Credit Agreement or under any other Loan Document if the Borrower

 

4


or such Guarantor has obtained a final, non-appealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, or (iii) a dispute solely among the Releasees and not arising out of any act or omission of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (other than any claim against an Indemnitee in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as an Arranger, the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or an L/C Issuer under the Credit Agreement). The foregoing indemnity shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

Section 13. Reaffirmation.

(a) Each Loan Party hereby acknowledges that it expects to realize substantial direct and indirect benefits as a result of this Amendment.

(b) Each Loan Party hereby acknowledges its receipt of this Amendment and its review of the terms and conditions hereof, and consents to the terms and conditions of this Amendment and the transactions contemplated herein.

(c) Each Loan Party hereby (i) affirms and confirms each of its guarantees, pledges, grants and other agreements under each Collateral Document, (ii) affirms that it has the right, power and authority and has taken all necessary corporate and other action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and (iii) agrees that, notwithstanding the effectiveness of this Amendment, each Security Document and all guarantees, pledges, grants and other agreements thereunder shall continue to be in full force and effect in respect of, and to secure, the Secured Obligations.

[Signature pages follow]

 

 

5


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be made, executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

BORROWER:
CHARAH SOLUTIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation
By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

Name:   Scott Sewell
Title:   President & CEO
GUARANTORS:
ASH MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company
By:   Charah, LLC
  its sole member and sole manager
  By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

  Name:   Scott Sewell
  Title:   President & CEO
CHARAH MANAGEMENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:   Charah Solutions, Inc.,
  its sole member and sole manager
  By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

  Name:   Scott Sewell
  Title:   President & CEO
CHARAH PLANT SERVICES, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:   Allied Power Management, LLC,
  its sole member
By:   Allied Power Holdings, LLC,
  its sole member
By:   Charah Solutions, Inc.,
  its sole member and sole manager
  By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

  Name:   Scott Sewell
  Title:   President & CEO

 

Charah Solutions, Inc.

Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement

Signature Page


CHARAH SOLE MEMBER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:   Charah Management LLC,
  its sole member and managing member
By:   Charah Solutions, Inc.,
  its sole member and sole manager
  By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

  Name:   Scott Sewell
  Title:   President & CEO
CHARAH, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company
By:   Charah Sole Member LLC,
  its sole member and sole manager
By:   Charah Management LLC,
  its sole member and managing member
By:   Charah Solutions, Inc.,
  its sole member and sole manager
  By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

  Name:   Scott Sewell
  Title:   President & CEO
MERCURY CAPTURE BENEFICIATION, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:   Charah, LLC its sole manager
  By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

  Name:   Scott Sewell
  Title:   President & CEO
MERCURY CAPTURE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:   Charah, LLC its sole manager
  By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

  Name:   Scott Sewell
  Title:   President & CEO

 

Charah Solutions, Inc.

Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement

Signature Page


NUTEK MICRO-GRINDING, LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company
By: Charah, LLC its sole manager
        By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

        Name:   Scott Sewell
        Title:   President & CEO
SCB INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By: Charah, LLC its sole member and sole manager
        By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

        Name:   Scott Sewell
        Title:   President & CEO
SCB TRADING, LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company
By: Charah, LLC its sole manager
        By:  

/s/ Scott Sewell

        Name:   Scott Sewell
        Title:   President & CEO

 

Charah Solutions, Inc.

Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement

Signature Page


ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
By:  

/s/ Denise Jones

Name:   Denise Jones
Title:   Vice President

 

Charah Solutions, Inc.

Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement

Signature Page


LENDERS:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as a Lender, L/C Issuer and Swingline Lender
By:  

/s/ G. Christopher Miller

Name:   G. Christopher Miller
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

Charah Solutions, Inc.

Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement

Signature Page


REGIONS BANK,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/ Arthur E. Cutler

Name:   Arthur E. Cutler
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

Charah Solutions, Inc.

Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement

Signature Page


FIRST HORIZON BANK, a Tennessee banking corporation, successor by conversion to First Tennessee Bank National Association, a national banking, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Jim Hennigan

Name:   Jim Hennigan
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

Charah Solutions, Inc.

Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement

Signature Page


PINNACLE BANK,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/ William L. Fuson

Name:   William L. Fuson
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

Charah Solutions, Inc.

Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement

Signature Page


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/ David C. Heyson

Name:   David C. Heyson
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

Charah Solutions, Inc.

Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement

Signature Page


ALCOF II NUBT, L.P., as a Lender
By: Arbour Lane Fund II GP, LLC
Its: General Partner
        By:  

/s/ Dan Galanter

        Name: Dan Galanter
        Title:   Manager