As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on October 7, 2021
Registration No. 333-259237
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Amendment No. 1
to
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS, SA
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg | 2800 | Not Applicable | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
12E rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882 Luxembourg
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
352 2668 62-1
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
Barry Lederman
8000 Maryland Avenue
Suite 350
Clayton, Missouri 63105
(314) 396-7343
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Alan I. Annex, Esq.
Flora R. Perez, Esq. Brian J. Gavsie, Esq. Greenberg Traurig, P.A. 333 S.E. 2nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33131 (305) 579-0500 |
Tim Cruickshank, Esq. Jeffrey A. Fine, Esq.
Jeremy S. Liss, Esq.
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and after all conditions under the Merger Agreement to consummate the proposed merger are satisfied or waived.
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box: ☐
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering: ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering: ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company and emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ | Non-accelerated filer ☒ | Smaller reporting company ☐ | 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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:
Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer) | ☐ | |
Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer) | ☐ |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the SEC, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered |
Amount
to be
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Proposed
Maximum Offering Price per Share |
Proposed
Offering Price |
Amount of Registration Fee(2) |
||||
Ordinary Shares (3)(4) |
40,832,600 |
$12.50(5) |
$510,407,500 (5) |
$55,685.46 |
||||
Warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares (4)(6) |
34,020,000(7) | $0.18(7) | $6,123,600(7) | 668.08(7) | ||||
Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of warrants (4)(8) |
8,505,000 | $12.00(9) | | (9) | ||||
Total |
$516,531,100 |
$56,353.54(10) |
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(1) |
All securities being registered will be issued by Perimeter Solutions, SA, a newly-formed public company limited by shares (société anonyme) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Holdco). In connection with the business combination described in this registration statement and the enclosed prospectus (the Business Combination), among other things, (a) EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability in the British Virgin Islands and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco (Merger Sub) will merge with and into EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability in the British Virgin Islands and the parent company of Holdco (EverArc), with EverArc surviving such merger as a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco (the Merger); (b) in the context of such Merger, all ordinary shares of EverArc (the EverArc Ordinary Shares) outstanding immediately prior to the Merger shall be exchanged for ordinary shares of Holdco (the Holdco Ordinary Shares); (c) SK Invictus Holdings, S.à r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (SK Holdings) will (i) contribute a portion of its ordinary shares in SK Invictus Intermediate S.à r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Perimeter) to Holdco in exchange for preferred shares of Holdco and (ii) sell its remaining ordinary shares in Perimeter to Holdco for cash and (d) all of the outstanding warrants of EverArc (EverArc Warrants), in each case, entitling the holder thereof to purchase one-fourth of an EverArc Ordinary Share at an exercise price of $12.00 per whole EverArc Ordinary Share, will be converted into the right to purchase one-fourth of a Holdco Ordinary Share on substantially the same terms as the EverArc Warrants (the Holdco Warrants). |
(2) |
Determined in accordance with Section 6(b) of the Securities Act at a rate equal to $109.10 per $1,000,000 of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price. |
(3) |
Represents Holdco Ordinary Shares issuable in exchange for all outstanding EverArc Ordinary Shares in connection with the Merger. The EverArc Founder Shares will automatically convert into EverArc Ordinary Shares on a one-for-one basis in connection with the Business Combination. |
(4) |
Pursuant to Rule 416(a), an indeterminable number of additional securities are also being registered to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions. |
(5) |
Pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(f)(1) under the Securities Act, and solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, the proposed maximum aggregate offering price is equal to the product obtained by multiplying $12.50, which represents the average of the high and low prices of EverArc Ordinary Shares on the London Stock Exchange on August 24, 2021, by 40,832,600, the estimated number of shares of EverArc Ordinary Shares that will be outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination. |
(6) |
EverArc Warrants will automatically convert into Holdco Warrants upon consummation of the Business Combination as described in the prospectus included herein. |
(7) |
The maximum number of Holdco Warrants and Holdco Ordinary Shares of the registrant issuable upon exercise of the Holdco Warrants are being simultaneously registered hereunder. Consistent with the response to Question 240.06 of the Securities Act Rules Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations, the registration fee with respect to such Holdco Warrants has been allocated to the Holdco Ordinary Shares underlying such warrants and those Holdco Ordinary Shares are included in the registration fee as calculated in footnote (8) below. |
(8) |
Consists of Holdco Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of Holdco Warrants. Each Holdco Warrant will entitle the warrant holder to purchase one-fourth of a Holdco Ordinary Share at a price of $12.00 per whole Holdco Ordinary Share (subject to adjustment). |
(9) |
No separate registration fee is required pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act. Pursuant to Rule 457(g)(1) of the Securities Act and solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, the proposed maximum aggregate offering price of the Holdco Ordinary Shares underlying the Holdco Warrants is calculated based on an exercise price of $12.00 per share. |
(10) |
Previously paid. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not issue or sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 7, 2021
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
Perimeter Solutions, SA
49,337,600 Ordinary Shares
34,020,000 Warrants
This prospectus relates to the issuance of (i) 40,832,600 ordinary shares of Perimeter Solutions, SA, a newly-formed public company limited by shares (société anonyme) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Holdco), (ii) 34,020,000 Holdco Warrants (as defined below) to purchase Holdco Ordinary Shares (as defined below) and (iii) 8,505,000 Holdco Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Holdco Warrants, in each case, in connection with the business combination described in this prospectus (the Business Combination).
On June 15, 2021, we entered into a Business Combination Agreement with EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability in the British Virgin Islands and the parent company of Holdco (EverArc), SK Invictus Holdings S.à r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (SK Holdings), SK Invictus Intermediate S.à r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Perimeter), and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability in the British Virgin Islands and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco (Merger Sub) (such agreement, as may be amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the Business Combination Agreement).
Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement:
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on the business day prior to the closing of the Business Combination, Merger Sub will merge with and into EverArc, with EverArc surviving such merger as a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco (the Merger); |
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pursuant to the Merger, all ordinary shares of EverArc (the EverArc Ordinary Shares) outstanding immediately prior to the Merger shall be exchanged for ordinary shares of Holdco (the Holdco Ordinary Shares); |
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SK Holdings will (i) contribute a portion of its ordinary shares in Perimeter to Holdco in exchange for 10,000,000 preferred shares of Holdco valued at $100 million and (ii) sell its remaining ordinary shares in Perimeter to Holdco for approximately $1.9 billion in cash subject to certain customary adjustments; and |
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all of the outstanding warrants of EverArc (EverArc Warrants), in each case, entitling the holder thereof to purchase one-fourth of an EverArc Ordinary Share at an exercise price of $12.00 per whole EverArc Ordinary Share, will be converted into the right to purchase Holdco Ordinary Shares on substantially the same terms as the EverArc Warrants (the Holdco Warrants). |
In connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, EverArc, SK Holdings and Holdco entered into separate subscription agreements (collectively, the Subscription Agreements) with a number of institutional investors, investors affiliated with SK Holdings and individual accredited investors (collectively, the EverArc Subscribers), pursuant to which the EverArc Subscribers agreed to purchase an aggregate of 115,000,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares at $10.00 per share which will be converted into Holdco Ordinary Shares in connection with the closing of the Business Combination. In addition, members of management of Perimeter (collectively, the Management Subscribers and together with the EverArc Subscribers, the PIPE Subscribers) agreed to purchase an aggregate of 1,100,212 Holdco Ordinary Shares at $10.00 per share in connection with the closing of the Business Combination.
In connection with the execution of the Business Combination, EverArc obtained a debt commitment letter from certain financial institutions pursuant to which the banks party to the debt commitment letter have agreed to provide financing for the Business Combination through a senior secured revolving credit facility and a senior secured first lien increasing rate bridge facility as further described in this prospectus.
The EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants are currently listed on the Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and admitted to trading on the main market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE) under the symbols EVRA and EVWA, respectively. Holdco intends to apply to list the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols PRM and PRMW, respectively.
No action or vote of the EverArc shareholders is required to effect the Business Combination. We are not asking you for a proxy and you are requested not to send us a proxy. See The Business Combination.
Investing in our ordinary shares and warrants involves risks. See Risk Factors beginning on page 26 of this prospectus. You are encouraged to read this prospectus carefully.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Holdco is an emerging growth company as defined under U.S. federal securities laws and, as such, has elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements with respect to the registration statement.
Prospectus dated , 2021
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EVERARC MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
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CERTAIN EVERARC RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS |
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PERIMETER MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
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CERTAIN PERIMETER RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS |
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT |
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i
This document, which forms part of a registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) by Holdco, constitutes a prospectus of Holdco under Section 5 of the Securities Act, with respect to the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants (to be issued to the EverArc shareholders if the Business Combination described herein is consummated) and the Holdco Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Holdco Warrants.
This document does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction or to any person to whom it would be unlawful to make such offer.
The securities are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, any persons in member states of the European Economic Area which apply Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market (this Regulation together with any implementing measures in any member state, the Prospectus Regulation), unless they are qualified investors for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation in such member state or in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation, and no person in member states of the European Economic Area that is not a relevant person or qualified investor may act or rely on this document or any of its contents.
This prospectus includes trademarks, tradenames and service marks, certain of which belong to us or Perimeter and others that are the property of other organizations. Solely for convenience, trademarks, tradenames and service marks referred to in this prospectus appear without the ®, TM and SM symbols, but the absence of those symbols is not intended to indicate, in any way, that we or Perimeter will not assert our or their rights or that the applicable owner will not assert its rights to these trademarks, tradenames and service marks to the fullest extent under applicable law. We do not intend our use or display of other parties trademarks, trade names or service marks to imply, and such use or display should not be construed to imply a relationship with, or an endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other parties.
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This prospectus contains estimates, projections, and other information concerning Perimeters industry and business, as well as data regarding market research, estimates, and forecasts prepared by Perimeters management. Information that is based on estimates, forecasts, projections, market research, or similar methodologies is inherently subject to uncertainties, and actual events or circumstances may differ materially from events and circumstances that are assumed in this information. The industry in which Perimeter operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the section titled Risk Factors. Unless otherwise expressly stated, Perimeter obtained this industry, business, market, and other data from reports, research surveys, studies, and similar data prepared by market research firms and other third parties, industry and general publications, government data, and similar sources. In some cases, Perimeter does not expressly refer to the sources from which this data is derived. In that regard, when Perimeter refers to one or more sources of this type of data in any paragraph, you should assume that other data of this type appearing in the same paragraph is derived from sources which Perimeter paid for, sponsored, or conducted, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires. While Perimeter has compiled, extracted, and reproduced industry data from these sources, Perimeter has not independently verified the data. Forecasts and other forward-looking information with respect to industry, business, market, and other data are subject to the same qualifications and additional uncertainties regarding the other forward-looking statements in this prospectus. See Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
2
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this prospectus may constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the federal securities laws. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management teams expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, intends, may, might, plan, possible, potential, predict, project, should, would and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this prospectus may include, for example, statements about:
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our ability to consummate the Business Combination; |
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the benefits from the Business Combination; |
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our ability to initially list, and once listed, maintain the listing of the Holdco Ordinary Shares on the Trading Market following the Business Combination; |
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the Companys future financial performance following the Business Combination, including any expansion plans and opportunities; |
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the Companys success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, its officers, key employees or directors following the Business Combination; |
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the ability of EverArc and the Company to consummate the PIPE or raise additional financing concurrently with the consummation of the Business Combination or otherwise in the future; |
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expectations concerning sources of revenue; |
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expectations about demand for fire retardant products, equipment and services; |
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the size of the markets in which we compete and potential opportunities in such markets; |
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our ability to foster highly responsive and collaborative relationships with existing and potential customers and stakeholders; |
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expectations concerning tax consequences of the Business Combination and other tax treatments; |
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expectations concerning certain of our products ability to protect life and property as population settlement locations change; |
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expectations concerning the markets in which we will operate in the coming years; |
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our ability to maintain a leadership position in any market following the consummation of the Business Combination; |
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the expected outcome of litigation matters and the effect of such claims on business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows; |
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our ability to increase the size of our selling, general and administrative functions to support the growth of our business and whether administrative expenses will decrease as a percentage of revenue over time; and |
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expectations about compensation policies following the Business Combination. |
These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this prospectus, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
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You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, our actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause our actual results to differ include:
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our substantial dependence on sales to the USDA Forest Service and the state of California and the risk of decreased sales to these customers; |
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changes in the regulation of the petrochemical industry, a downturn in the oil additives and/or fire-retardant end markets or our failure to accurately predict the frequency, duration, timing, and severity of changes in demand in such markets; |
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changes in customer relations or service levels; |
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improper conduct of, or use of our products, by employees, agents, government contractors or collaborators; |
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changes in the availability of products from our suppliers on a long-term basis; |
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production interruptions or shutdowns, which could increase our operating or capital expenditures or negatively impact the supply of our products resulting in reduced sales; |
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changes in the availability of third-party logistics suppliers for distribution, storage and transportation; |
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increases in supply and raw material costs, supply shortages, long lead times for components or supply changes; |
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failure to continuously innovate and to provide products that gain market acceptance, which may cause us to be unable to attract new customers or retain existing customers; |
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adverse effects on the demand for our products or services due to the seasonal or cyclical nature of our business or severe weather events; |
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introduction of new products, which are considered preferable, which could cause demand for some of our products to be reduced or eliminated; |
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current ongoing and future litigation, including multi-district litigation and other legal proceedings; |
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heightened liability and reputational risks due to certain of our products being provided to emergency services personnel and their use to protect lives and property; |
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future products liabilities claims where indemnity and insurance coverage could be inadequate or unavailable to cover these claims due to the fact that some of the products we produce may cause adverse health consequences; |
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compliance with export control or economic sanctions laws and regulations; or |
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environmental impacts and side effects of our products, which could have adverse consequences for our business. |
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In this document:
1915 Law means the Luxembourg law of August 10, 1915 on commercial companies, as amended.
Additional Offering means EverArcs placing of 6,800,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares, consummated on January 15, 2020 at a placing price of $10.50 per ordinary share.
Business Combination means the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement.
Business Combination Agreement means the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2021 as may be amended, by and among EverArc, Perimeter, Holdco, Merger Sub and SK Holdings.
Business Day means any day, except Saturday or Sunday, on which banks are not required or authorized to close in Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, New York, NY, London, United Kingdom, or the British Virgin Islands.
BVI Companies Act means the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 (as amended).
Closing means the consummation of the Business Combination.
Closing Date means the date upon which the Closing is to occur.
Code means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Combined Company means Holdco and its consolidated subsidiaries after giving effect to the Business Combination.
Computershare BVI means Computershare Investor Services (BVI) Limited, EverArcs transfer agent and warrant agent prior to the Closing.
Computershare UK means Computershare Investor Services plc., EverArcs depositary interest agent prior to the Closing.
Computershare US means Computershare Inc., Holdcos transfer agent and warrant agent following the Closing.
Contribution and Sale means (i) the contribution by SK Holdings of part of its Perimeter Ordinary Shares to Holdco in exchange for Holdco Preferred Shares and (ii) the sale by SK Holdings of its remaining Perimeter Ordinary Shares to Holdco for cash.
EverArc refers to EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
EverArc Articles means the Memorandum and Articles of Association of EverArc.
EverArc Founder Entity means EverArc Founders, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
EverArc Founders means William N. Thorndike, Jr., W. Nicholas Howley, Tracy Britt Cool, Vivek Raj and Haitham Khouri.
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EverArc Founder Shares means EverArcs founder shares of no-par value having the rights, privileges and designations set out in the EverArc Articles.
EverArc Ordinary Shares means EverArcs ordinary shares, no par value.
EverArc Securities means the EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants, collectively.
EverArc Shares means the EverArc Ordinary Shares and the EverArc Founder Shares, collectively.
EverArc Subscribers means the institutional investors, investors affiliated with SK Holdings and individual accredited investors that entered into Subscription Agreements with EverArc, SK Holdings and Holdco, to purchase an aggregate of 115,000,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares at $10.00 per share which will be converted into Holdco Ordinary Shares in connection with the closing of the Business Combination.
EverArc Subscription Agreements means the subscription agreements entered into with the EverArc Subscribers for the purchase of the PIPE Shares.
EverArc Subscription Founder Entities means TVR EverArc, LLC and Llanerch EverArc, LLC.
EverArc Warrants means the warrants issued in the IPO, each of which is exercisable for one-fourth of an EverArc Ordinary Share, in accordance with its terms.
EverArc Warrant Instrument means the warrant instrument executed by EverArc, dated December 12, 2019, setting for the terms and conditions of the EverArc Warrants.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Founder Advisory Agreement means that certain Founder Advisory Agreement dated as of December 12, 2019, by and between EverArc and the EverArc Founder Entity.
Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number means such number of Holdco Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately following the Business Combination, including any Holdco Ordinary Shares issued upon the exercise of Holdco Warrants, but excluding any Holdco Ordinary Shares issued to shareholders or other beneficial owners of Perimeter in connection with the Business Combination.
Holdco means Perimeter Solutions, SA, a public company limited by shares (société anonyme) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) under number B256.548.
Holdco Ordinary Shares means the ordinary shares of Holdco, with a nominal value of $1.00 per share.
Holdco Preferred Shares means the redeemable preferred shares of Holdco, with a nominal value of $10.00 per share.
Holdco Warrant Instrument means the warrant instrument by and between Holdco and Computershare US, as warrant agent, governing the Holdco Warrants, to be entered into at the Closing.
Holdco Warrants means the EverArc Warrants, as amended at the Merger Effective Time such that each EverArc Warrant becomes a right to acquire one-fourth of a Holdco Ordinary Share on substantially the same terms as were in effect immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time under the terms of the Holdco Warrant Instrument.
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IFRS means International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
IPO means EverArcs initial public offering by way of a placing of ordinary shares with matching warrants, consummated on December 17, 2019.
IRS means the Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America.
LSE means the London Stock Exchange.
Management Subscribers means members of management of Perimeter that entered into Subscription Agreements with Holdco to purchase an aggregate of 1,100,212 Holdco Ordinary Shares at $10.00 per share in connection with the closing of the Business Combination.
Management Subscription Agreements means the subscription agreements entered into with the Management Subscribers for the purchase of the PIPE Shares.
Merger means the merger of Merger Sub with and into EverArc, with EverArc surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco.
Merger Effective Time means 12:01 a.m. New York time on the business day immediately following the day of the filing of the Plan and Articles of Merger.
Merger Sub means EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability in the British Virgin Islands.
NYSE means the New York Stock Exchange.
Payment Price means the Average Price (as defined in the Founder Advisory Agreement) per Holdco Ordinary Share for the last ten consecutive trading days in the relevant payment year, or as otherwise determined in accordance with the terms of the Founder Advisory Agreement in the event that the Founder Advisory Agreement is terminated in certain circumstances, including if there is a Sale of the Company (as defined in the Founder Advisory Agreement).
PCAOB means the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
Perimeter means SK Invictus Intermediate S.à r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with its registered office at 6, rue Eugène Ruppert, L-2453 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) under number B 221.545.
Perimeter Ordinary Shares means the ordinary shares of Perimeter, with a nominal value of $1.00 per share.
PIPE means the private placement or placements of PIPE Shares in connection with the consummation of the Transactions.
PIPE Shares means the Holdco Ordinary Shares (1) issuable to the EverArc Subscribers in exchange for the EverArc Ordinary Shares purchased by them pursuant to the EverArc Subscription Agreements and (2) purchased by the Management Subscribers pursuant to the Management Subscription Agreements.
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PIPE Share Price means $10.00, the price per share at which EverArc Ordinary Shares (and with respect to the Management Subscribers, Holdco Ordinary Shares) are being sold in the PIPE.
PIPE Subscribers means, collectively, the EverArc Subscribers and the Management Subscribers.
Placing Agents means Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc and UBS AG London Branch.
Plan and Articles of Merger means that certain Articles of Merger between EverArc and Merger Sub, a copy of which is attached to the Business Combination Agreement as Exhibit F.
Prospectus means the prospectus included in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-259237) filed with the SEC.
SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
SK Holdings means SK Invictus Holdings S.à r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with its registered office at 6, rue Eugène Ruppert, L-2453 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) under number B 221.541.
Subscription Agreements means the EverArc Subscription Agreements and the Management Subscription Agreements.
Trading Market means the national stock exchange on which the Holdco Ordinary Shares will be listed for trading, which is expected to be the NYSE.
Transactions means the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the Plan and Articles of Merger and all other ancillary agreements thereto, including the Merger and the Contribution and Sale.
U.K. Corporate Governance Code means the U.K. Corporate Governance Code issued by the Financial Reporting Council in the U.K. from time to time.
USDA Forest Service means the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
U.S. GAAP means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
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This summary highlights selected information from this prospectus and does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. To better understand the Business Combination, you should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the annexes. See also the section entitled Where You Can Find More Information. Certain figures included in this section have been rounded for ease of presentation and, as a result, percentages may not sum to 100%.
Parties to the Business Combination
EverArc
EverArc was formed in the British Virgin Islands on November 8, 2019 to consummate an acquisition of a target company or business (which may be in the form of a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, scheme of arrangement, reorganization or similar business combination).
EverArc completed its IPO on December 17, 2019 and its Additional Offering on January 15, 2020. EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants are currently listed for trading on the London Stock Exchange under the symbols EVRA, and EVWA, respectively.
The mailing address of EverArcs principal executive office is 55 Water Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11201.
Perimeter
Perimeter is a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with its registered office at 6, rue Eugene Ruppert, L-2453 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) under number B221.545.
Perimeter is a leading global solutions provider for the fire safety and oil additives industries.
The Fire Safety business is a formulator and manufacturer of fire management products that help our customers combat various types of fires, including wildland, structural, flammable liquids and other types of fires. Our Fire Safety business also offers specialized equipment and services, typically in conjunction with our fire management products, to support our customers firefighting operations. Our specialized equipment includes airbase retardant storage, mixing, and delivery equipment; mobile retardant bases; retardant ground application units; mobile foam equipment; and equipment that we custom design and manufacture to meet specific customer needs. Our service network can meet the emergency resupply needs of over 150 air tanker bases in North America, as well as many other customer locations in North America and internationally. The segment is built on the premise of superior technology, exceptional responsiveness to our customers needs, and a never-fail service network. The segment sells products to government agencies and commercial customers around the world. Our wildfire retardant products are the only qualified products for use by the USDA Forest Service.
Perimeters Oil Additives business provides high quality P2S5 primarily used in the preparation of ZDDP-based lubricant additives for critical engine anti-wear solutions. P2S5 is also used in pesticide and mining chemicals applications.
The mailing address of Perimeters principal executive office is 6, rue Eugene Ruppert, L-2453 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
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For more information about Perimeter, see the sections entitled Information About Perimeter and Perimeters Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.
Holdco
Holdco was incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on June 21, 2021 as a public company limited by shares (société anonyme) having its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, registered with the Luxembourg register of commerce and companies (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés de Luxembourg) under number B256.548. Holdco was formed solely in contemplation of the Business Combination, has not commenced any operations, has only nominal assets and has no liabilities or contingent liabilities, nor any outstanding commitments other than in connection with the Business Combination.
Holdco expects to apply to list its Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants on the Trading Market.
The address of Holdcos registered office is 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Merger Sub
Merger Sub is a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability in the British Virgin Islands and is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco. Merger Sub was formed solely in contemplation of the Business Combination, has not commenced any operations, has only nominal assets and has no liabilities or contingent liabilities, nor any outstanding commitments other than in connection with the Business Combination.
The mailing address of Merger Subs principal executive office is Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
The Business Combination
The Business Combination Agreement
On June 15, 2021, EverArc, Perimeter, SK Holdings, Holdco and Merger Sub entered into the Business Combination Agreement pursuant to which, following the effectiveness of the transactions contemplated therein, Perimeter and EverArc will become direct, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Holdco. Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, each of the following transactions will occur, in the following order:
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on the Business Day prior to the Closing Date, Merger Sub, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco will merge with and into EverArc, with EverArc surviving such merger as a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco (the Merger); |
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in the context of such Merger, all EverArc Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Merger shall be exchanged for the right to receive Holdco Ordinary Shares pursuant to a share capital increase of Holdco, as set forth in the Business Combination Agreement; |
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on the Closing Date, SK Holdings, which holds 100% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Perimeter, will (i) contribute part of its Perimeter Ordinary Shares to Holdco in exchange for 10,000,000 Holdco Preferred Shares valued at $100 million and (ii) sell its remaining Perimeter Ordinary Shares to Holdco for approximately $1.9 billion in cash, subject to customary adjustments (the Contribution and Sale); |
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in connection with the Contribution and Sale, the nominal Holdco Ordinary Share held by EverArc will be cancelled via a share capital reduction without any consideration for EverArc; and |
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all of the outstanding EverArc Warrants, in each case, entitling the holder thereof to purchase one-fourth of an EverArc Ordinary Share at an exercise price of $12.00 per whole EverArc Ordinary Share, will be converted into the right to purchase one-fourth of a Holdco Ordinary Share on substantially the same terms as the EverArc Warrants. |
On the business day immediately prior to the Closing Date, EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub shall execute and file articles of merger and a plan of merger with the Registrar of Corporate Affairs of the British Virgin Islands (the Registrar), in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the BVI Companies Act, together with all other filings or recordings required under the BVI Companies Act in connection with the Merger. The Plan and Articles of Merger shall specify that the Merger shall become effective at such time as the Plan and Articles of Merger are duly registered by the Registrar, or at such later time as the Parties agree in writing (subject to the requirements of the BVI Companies Act). The parties will hold the Closing on the date of the Merger Effective Time, following the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement.
For more information, see the section entitled The Business Combination AgreementThe Structure of the Business Combination.
A copy of the Business Combination Agreement is attached hereto as Annex A to this prospectus and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Consideration to be Received in the Business Combination
At the Merger Effective Time, SK Holdings will receive approximately $1.9 billion in cash subject to customary adjustments for working capital, transaction expenses, cash and indebtedness, and 10,000,000 Holdco Preferred Shares valued at $100 million. At the Merger Effective Time, each EverArc Ordinary Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time will automatically be converted into and exchanged for the right to receive one Holdco Ordinary Share, which will be valued at $10.00 per share.
The Holdco Preferred Shares are entitled to a preferred annual cumulative right to a dividend equal to 6.5% of its nominal value (the Preferential Dividend). The Holdco Preferred Shares are not entitled to vote, except for the matters provided for by the 1915 Law, including any amendment, alteration or change to the rights attached to the Holdco Preferred Shares in a manner adverse to the Holdco Preferred Shares for which the consent of holders owning a majority of the Holdco Preferred Shares is required.
For more information, see the section entitled The Business Combination AgreementConsideration to be Received in the Business Combination.
Conditions to Closing
The obligations of SK Holdings, Perimeter, EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub to consummate the Business Combination and the transactions contemplated thereby, are subject to customary conditions and waivers. For more information, see the section entitled The Business Combination AgreementConditions to Closing the Business Combination.
Termination Rights
The Business Combination Agreement includes customary provisions allowing for the termination or abandonment of the Business Combination at any time prior to the Merger Effective Time including, but not limited to:
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by mutual written consent of EverArc and SK Holdings; |
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by either EverArc or SK Holdings, if the Merger Effective Time shall not have occurred prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on March 31, 2022, provided that the terminating party is not, either directly or indirectly through its affiliates, in breach or violation of any representation, warranty, covenant, |
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agreement or obligation under the Business Combination Agreement and such breach or violation is the principal cause of the failure of a condition set forth in the Business Combination Agreement prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on March 31, 2022; |
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by either EverArc or SK Holdings on January 1, 2022 if the Merger Effective Time shall not have occurred prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on December 31, 2021; |
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by SK Holdings if (A)(i) certain of the conditions to closing set forth in the Business Combination have been satisfied, (ii) SK Holdings confirms to EverArc in writing that all of the conditions to the obligations of EverArc to consummate the Closing have been satisfied or waived by EverArc and that SK Holdings and Perimeter are ready to consummate the Business Combination and (iii) EverArc has not consummated the Business Combination within three business days of such date or (B)(i) EverArc is in material breach of its covenants under the Business Combination Agreement and such breach results in EverArc being incapable of consummating the Business Combination and (iv) SK Holdings notifies EverArc, in writing, of such material breach and EverArc does not cure such breach by the earlier of (x) the date that is thirty (30) days after written notice of such breach is provided by SK Holdings to EverArc and (y) December 31, 2021, if such written notice of such breach is provided prior to December 31, 2021, or March 31, 2022, if such written notice of such breach is provided after December 31, 2021; or |
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by EverArc, on or after December 31, 2021, if as of December 21, 2021, EverArc is unable to consummate the Business Combination solely due to the unavailability of sufficient funds available to EverArc under its financing sources. |
In the event that the Business Combination Agreement is validly terminated, subject to certain terms in the Business Combination Agreement, all transaction expenses incurred in connection with the Business Combination will be paid by the party incurring such transaction expenses, except that EverArc shall pay all fees and expenses incurred in connection with any filing under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the HSR Act) or other applicable antitrust laws. If the Business Combination is consummated, subject to restrictions, Holdco will bear the reasonable and documented transaction expenses of all of the parties.
In the event that the Business Combination Agreement is validly terminated under certain circumstances, EverArc will be obligated to pay to SK Holdings an amount equal to $50 million less the amount of the PCAOB Financials Expenses (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) and the Financing Cooperation Expenses (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) actually reimbursed by EverArc to Perimeter pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement.
For more information, see the section entitled The Business Combination AgreementTermination of the Business Combination Agreement.
Other Agreements Related to the Business Combination Agreement
Debt Agreements
Debt Commitment. In order to finance a portion of the cash consideration payable in the Business Combination and the costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, EverArc entered into a debt commitment letter with Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. (MSSF), Barclays Bank PLC (Barclays) and Goldman Sachs Bank USA (GS and, together with MSSF and Barclays, the Commitment Parties), dated June 15, 2021 (the Debt Commitment Letter).
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Revolving Credit Facility. Pursuant to the Debt Commitment Letter, in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, SK Invictus Intermediate II S.à r.l., a private limited liability company governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Invictus II) and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Perimeter, expects to enter into a five-year revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility), which is expected to, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, provide for a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100.0 million. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are expected to bear interest at a rate equal to (i) an applicable margin, plus (ii) at Invictus IIs option, either (x) LIBOR determined by reference to the cost of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing, adjusted for certain additional costs (but which will not be less than a 0.00% LIBOR floor) or (y) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the prime commercial lending rate published by the Wall Street Journal, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (c) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.00% and (d) a minimum floor of 1.0%,
Invictus II is expected to be the borrower under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility is expected to be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Perimeter and each of Invictus IIs existing and future wholly-owned material restricted subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions), and is expected to be secured by a valid and perfected first priority lien (subject to certain permitted liens) on substantially all of Invictus IIs and each of the guarantors existing and future property and assets (subject to certain exceptions).
Senior Notes. Also in connection with the Business Combination, on October 5, 2021, EverArc Escrow S.à r.l. (Escrow Issuer), a newly-formed limited liability company governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and a wholly owned subsidiary of EverArc launched a private offering of $600,000,000 principal amount of % senior secured notes due 2029 (the Senior Notes) pursuant to that certain Indenture dated as of October , 2021 between Invictus II and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent (the Trustee). Upon the consummation of the Business Combination, Invictus II will assume the Escrow Issuers obligations under the Senior Notes.
The Senior Notes will bear interest at an annual rate of %. Interest on the Senior Notes will be payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, commencing on , 2022.
From and after the Closing, the Senior Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by all of Invictus IIs existing or future restricted subsidiaries (other than certain excluded subsidiaries) that guarantee the Revolving Credit Facility.
From and after the Closing, the Senior Notes will be general, secured, senior obligations of Invictus II; will rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness of Invictus II (including, without limitation, the Revolving Credit Facility); and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, will be effectively senior to all existing and future indebtedness of Invictus II that is not secured by the Collateral (as defined in the Indenture), to the extent of the value of the Collateral.
For more information about the Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Notes, see the section entitled Certain Agreements Related to the Business CombinationDebt Agreements.
Subscription Agreements
In connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, EverArc, SK Holdings and Holdco entered into Subscription Agreements with the EverArc Subscribers pursuant to which the EverArc Subscribers agreed to purchase an aggregate of 115,000,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares at $10.00 per share which will be converted into Holdco Ordinary Shares in connection with the closing of the Business Combination. In addition, the Management Subscribers entered into Subscription Agreements with Holdco pursuant to which they agreed
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to purchase an aggregate of 1,100,212 Holdco Ordinary Shares at $10.00 per share in connection with the closing of the Business Combination.
The issuance of the PIPE Shares pursuant to the Subscription Agreements is contingent upon, among other customary closing conditions, the substantially concurrent consummation of the Business Combination.
Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, Holdco agreed that, within 30 calendar days after the Closing Date, it will file with the SEC (at Holdcos sole cost and expense) a registration statement registering the resale of the PIPE Shares, and Holdco will use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (i) the 60th calendar day (or 90th calendar day if the SEC notifies Holdco that it will review the registration statement) following the closing of the sale of the PIPE Shares and (ii) the 5th business day after the date Holdco is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that the Registration Statement will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review.
For more information about the Subscription Agreements, see the section entitled Certain Agreements Related to the Business CombinationSubscription Agreements.
Non-Compete Agreements
In connection with the execution of the Subscription Agreements entered into with the Management Subscribers, EverArc, Holdco and each Management Subscriber entered into Non-Compete Agreements, which placed restrictive employment covenants on such Management Subscriber for a period of three years.
For more information about the Non-Compete Agreements, see the section entitled Certain Agreements Related to the Business CombinationNon-Compete Agreements.
Warrant Amendment
In connection with the Closing, Holdco will enter into the Holdco Warrant Instrument with EverArc and Computershare Inc., as warrant agent (the Warrant Agent) to, among other things, assume EverArcs obligations under the existing EverArc Warrant Instrument.
For more information about the Warrant Amendment, see the section entitled Certain Agreements Related to the Business Combination Warrant Amendment.
EverArcs Board of Directors Reasons for the Approval of the Business Combination
After careful consideration, EverArcs board of directors approved the Business Combination. For a complete discussion of the factors utilized by EverArcs board of directors in approving the Business Combination, see the section entitled, The Business CombinationEverArcs Board of Directors Reasons for the Approval of the Business Combination.
Interests of Certain Persons in the Business Combination
EverArcs shareholders should be aware that, aside from their interests as shareholders, the EverArc Founders indirectly through the EverArc Founder Entity and EverArcs directors and officers have interests in the Business Combination that are different from, or in addition to, those of other shareholders and warrant holders generally.
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EverArcs directors were aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating the Business Combination. These interests include, among other things:
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the amounts payable to the EverArc Founder Entity pursuant to the Founder Advisory Agreement entered into by EverArc and the EverArc Founder Entity which is designed to provide incentives to the EverArc Founders to achieve EverArcs objectives which includes: |
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a fixed annual advisory amount equal to 1.5% of the Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number (in each case, payable in Holdco Ordinary Shares or partly in cash, at the election of the EverArc Founder Entity provided that at least 50% of such amounts are paid in Holdco Ordinary Shares). Based on the assumptions described in this prospectus, the fixed annual advisory amount is currently expected to be 2,353,992 Holdco Ordinary Shares which, assuming a stock price of $12.50 per Holdco Ordinary Share, would have a value of $29,424,902. Each additional $1 increase in the stock price of Holdco Ordinary Shares above $12.50 will increase the value of the fixed annual advisory amount payable to the EverArc Founder Entity by $2,353,992; and |
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a variable annual advisory amount based on the appreciation of the market price of Holdco Ordinary Shares if such market price exceeds certain trading price minimums (in each case, payable in Holdco Ordinary Shares or partly in cash, at the election of the EverArc Founder Entity provided that at least 50% of such amounts are paid in Holdco Ordinary Shares). Based on assumptions described in this prospectus and assuming a stock price of $12.50 per Holdco Ordinary Share, the variable annual advisory amount payable to the EverArc Founder Entity in year one would have a value of $70,619,765. For each $1 increase in the stock price of Holdco Ordinary Shares above $12.50, or such higher stock price on which a variable annual advisory amount was previously paid to the EverArc Founder Entity, the EverArc Founder Entity will receive a variable annual advisory amount valued at $28,247,906. |
The EverArc Founders have advised Holdco that their intention is to elect, via the EverArc Founder Entity, to receive any advisory amounts in Holdco Ordinary Shares and for any cash element to only be such amount as is required to pay any related taxes;
With respect to the fixed annual advisory fee, the EverArc Founder Entity will earn such advisory fee even if Holdcos public shareholders earn a negative return following the consummation of the Business Combination;
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the potential continuation of certain of EverArcs directors as directors of Holdco; |
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the EverArc Founder Entity and EverArcs directors have agreed that none of the EverArc Founder Shares nor any EverArc Ordinary Shares or EverArc Warrants owned by them will be sold or transferred by them until one year after EverArc has completed a business combination, subject to limited exceptions; |
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approximately $100,000 in unreimbursed expenses due to the EverArc Founder Entity; |
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the continued indemnification of current directors and officers of EverArc and the continuation of directors and officers liability insurance after the Business Combination; |
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to the extent that the EverArc Founders or directors identify business opportunities that may be suitable for EverArc or other companies on whose boards of directors they may sit or to whom they owe a contractual obligation, the EverArc Founders and directors will honor those pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations ahead of their obligations to EverArc. Accordingly, they may refrain from presenting certain opportunities to EverArc that come to their attention in the performance of their duties as directors of such other entities or in observance of contractual obligations unless the other companies have declined to accept such opportunities or waive the contractual obligations. EverArc considered the pre-existing duties or contractual obligations of the EverArc Founders or directors and does not believe that they materially impacted its search for an acquisition target, or the negotiation or approval of the Business Combination; and |
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the beneficial ownership by the EverArc Founders, directly and indirectly through the EverArc Founder Entity, of: |
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100 EverArc Founder Shares, acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $1,000, which following the Closing will have an aggregate market value of approximately $1,250 based on the closing price of EverArc Ordinary Shares of $12.50 on the LSE on September 30, 2021; and |
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1,595,239 EverArc Ordinary Shares and 1,500,000 EverArc Warrants, acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $16,000,010, which have an aggregate market value of approximately $20,202,988 based on the closing price of EverArc Ordinary Shares of $12.50 and EverArc Warrants of $0.175 on the LSE on September 30, 2021; if the Business Combination is not consummated and EverArc is liquidated, the EverArc Founders will suffer a loss on their investment, if any, equal to the difference between the price paid for their EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants and the liquidation value of their EverArc Ordinary Shares which loss would, based on EverArcs publicly reported statement of financial position as of April 30, 2021, equal, in the aggregate, $398,573; |
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the beneficial ownership by the EverArc non-founder directors of an aggregate of 30,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares and 30,000 EverArc Warrants granted to them in lieu of their first years annual remuneration at a fair value of $10.00 per EverArc Ordinary Share, which have an aggregate market value of approximately $380,250 based on the closing price of EverArc Ordinary Shares of $12.50 and EverArc Warrants of $0.175 on the LSE on September 30, 2021; if the Business Combination is not consummated and EverArc is liquidated, the EverArc non-founder directors will suffer a loss, if any, equal to the difference between the value of their EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants upon issuance and the liquidation value of their EverArc Ordinary Shares which loss would, based on EverArcs publicly reported statement of financial position as of April 30, 2021, equal, in the aggregate, $6,600. |
The existence of the interests described above may result in a conflict of interest on the part of EverArcs officers and directors and the EverArc Founder Entity in approving the Business Combination. In particular, the existence of the interests described above may incentivize EverArcs directors and the EverArc Founder Entity to complete an initial business combination, even if on terms less favorable to EverArcs shareholders compared to liquidating EverArc, because, among other things, if EverArc is liquidated without completing an initial business combination, the EverArc Founders and directors could suffer a loss on their investment in the EverArc Ordinary Shares they purchased, their EverArc Warrants would be worthless (which, if unrestricted and freely tradable, would be worth an aggregate of approximately $267,750 based on the closing price of EverArc Warrants on September 30, 2021), and the EverArc Founder Entity would not receive any future advisory fees, which at the current price of EverArc could be worth, in the aggregate, as much as $100,044,667 at December 31, 2021.
You should also read the section entitled The Business CombinationInterests of EverArcs Directors and Officers in the Business Combination.
Description of Holdcos Securities
As a result of the Business Combination, Holdco will issue Holdco Ordinary Shares, Holdco Preferred Shares and Holdco Warrants. For a complete description of Holdcos securities, see the section entitled Description of Holdco Securities.
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Redemption Rights
Pursuant to the EverArc Articles, holders of EverArc Ordinary Shares do not have any right to have EverArc redeem their EverArc Ordinary Shares in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination.
Shareholder Rights Following the Business Combination
The rights of EverArc shareholders will change as a result of the Business Combination due to the differences in EverArcs and Holdcos governing documents. A description of shareholder rights under each of the EverArc and Holdco governing documents, and the material differences between them, is included in the section entitled Comparison of Shareholder Rights.
Ownership of Holdco Following the Business Combination
It is anticipated that, upon completion of the Business Combination, (i) EverArcs existing shareholders will own approximately 26.0% of the issued and outstanding Holdco Ordinary Shares (including 1% owned by the EverArc Founders) and (ii) the PIPE Subscribers will own approximately 74.0% of the issued and outstanding Holdco Ordinary Shares. These relative percentages assume no additional exercise of EverArc Warrants and no additional equity issuances by EverArc at or prior to Closing. If the actual facts are different than these assumptions, the percentage ownership retained by EverArcs existing shareholders will be different. Additionally, upon completion of the Business Combination, SK Holdings will own 10,000,000 Holdco Preferred Shares which represent 100% of the issued and outstanding Holdco Preferred Shares.
The following table illustrates the ownership percentages of Holdco Ordinary Shares (excluding the impact of the shares underlying the Holdco Warrants) immediately after the Closing based on the assumptions described above:
Number of
Holdco Ordinary Shares |
Percentage | |||||||
EverArc existing shareholders |
40,832,600 | 26.0 | % | |||||
PIPE Subscribers |
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Institutional Subscribers |
114,240,000 | 72.8 | % | |||||
SK Subscribers |
429,000 | 0.3 | % | |||||
Individual Subscribers |
331,000 | 0.2 | % | |||||
Management Subscribers |
1,100,212 | 0.7 | % | |||||
Total |
156,932,812 | 100 | % |
For more information, see the section entitled Summary Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Combined Financial Information.
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Organizational Structure
Prior to the Business Combination
The following diagram shows the current ownership structure of EverArc (excluding the impact of the shares underlying the EverArc Warrants).
(1) |
For more information about the ownership interests of our EverArc Founders and the EverArc Founder Entity, prior to the Business Combination, please see the section entitled Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. |
The following diagram shows the current ownership structure of Perimeter.
(1) |
The diagram above only shows select subsidiaries of Perimeter. |
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Following the Business Combination
The following diagram shows the pro forma ownership percentages (excluding the impact of the shares underlying the Holdco Warrants) and structure of Holdco immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination.
Board of Directors of Holdco Following the Business Combination
EverArc and Perimeter anticipate that the current executive officers of Perimeter will become the executive officers of Holdco. Following the Business Combination, Holdcos board of directors will expand to 9 members and will consist of W. Nicholas Howley, William N. Thorndike, Jr., Haitham Khouri, Edward Goldberg, Vivek Raj, Tracy Britt Cool, Kevin Stein, Sean Hennessy and Robert S. Henderson. We believe a majority of our board of directors will meet the independence standards under the applicable Trading Market rules. Please see the section entitled Management of Holdco After the Business Combination.
Material Tax Consequences
For a detailed discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences and Luxembourg tax consequences of the Business Combination, see the sections titled Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations and Material Luxembourg Income Tax Considerations in this prospectus.
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Accounting Treatment
The Merger between Holdco and EverArc will be accounted for as a common control transaction, where substantially all of the net assets of Holdco will be those previously held by EverArc. The acquisition of Perimeter through the Contribution and Sale will be treated as a business acquisition under Financial Accounting Standards Boards Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations with Holdco determined to be the legal and accounting acquirer.
Appraisal or Dissenters Rights
The BVI Companies Act provides that any member of a BVI company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his, her or its shares upon dissenting from a merger, unless the company is the surviving company of the merger and the member continues to hold the same or similar shares.
Following delivery of the required notice from the Company, a dissenter is in most circumstances is required to follows certain procedures in order to properly assert their dissenters rights under BVI law including giving the Company a written notice of their decision to elect to dissent
Upon the giving of a notice of election to dissent, the dissenter ceases to have any of the rights of a shareholder except the right to be paid the fair value of his, her or its shares, and the right to institute proceedings to obtain relief on the ground that the action is illegal.
The Company shall make a written offer to each dissenter to purchase his shares at a specified price that the Company determines to be their fair value. If the Company and the dissenter fail, within 30 days immediately following the date on which the offer is made, to agree on the price to be paid for the shares owned by the dissenter, then fair value shall be determined through a statutory appraisal process.
EverArc caused the required notice to be given to shareholders on July 7, 2021. No member elected to exercise his, her or its right to dissent.
Risk Factor Summary
You should carefully read this prospectus, including the annexes, and especially consider the factors discussed in the section entitled Risk Factors. Some of the risks related to EverArc and Perimeter are summarized below:
Risks Related to Perimeter and Our Industry
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a small number of our customers represent a significant portion of our revenue particularly the USDA Forest Service and the state of California; |
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as a supplier and service provider to the U.S. government and many foreign governments, states, and municipalities, we are subject to certain heightened risks; |
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our profitability could be negatively impacted by price and inventory risk; |
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changes in the regulation of the petrochemical industry, a downturn in the oil additives and/or fire-retardant end markets or our failure to accurately predict the frequency, duration, timing, and severity of changes in demand in such markets could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations; |
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risks from the improper conduct of, or use of our products, by employees, agents, government contractors, or collaborators could adversely affect our reputation; |
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there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue purchasing products from our suppliers on a long-term basis and production interruptions or shutdowns could increase our operating or capital expenditures or negatively impact the supply of our products resulting in reduced sales; |
|
we rely on third-party logistics suppliers for distribution, storage, transportation, operating supplies and products; |
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we are susceptible to supply and raw material cost increases, supply shortages, long lead times for components, and supply changes; |
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if we fail to continuously innovate and to provide products that gain market acceptance, we may be unable to attract new customers or retain existing customers; |
|
the seasonal or cyclical nature of our business and severe weather events may cause demand for our products and services to be adversely affected; |
|
our industry and the markets in which we operate have few large competitors and increased competitive pressures could reduce our share of the markets we serve; |
|
our competitive position could be adversely affected if we fail to protect our patents, trade secrets or other intellectual property rights, if our patents expire or if we become subject to infringement claims and our patents may not provide full protection; |
|
risks inherent in our global operations; |
Risks Related to Regulatory and Legal Matters
|
certain of our products are provided to emergency services personnel and are intended to protect lives and property, so we are subject to heightened liability and reputational risks; |
|
some of the products we produce may cause adverse health consequences and we are and may be subject in the future to product liability claims, and indemnity and insurance coverage could be inadequate or unavailable to cover these claims; |
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we are exposed to risks related to litigation, including multi-district litigation and other legal proceedings; |
|
a failure to comply with export control or economic sanctions laws and regulations U.S. FCPA and similar anticorruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws, environmental laws and laws related to PFAS substances could have a material adverse impact on our business; |
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our contracts with the federal government subject us to additional oversight and risks; |
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our products are subject to extensive government scrutiny and regulation, including the USDA Forest Service qualification process; |
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increased regulations or limitations of carriers willing to ship materials considered to be hazardous can significantly increase the costs to acquire raw materials or ship finished goods to customers in the oil additives segment; |
|
legal and regulatory claims, investigations and proceedings may be initiated against us in the ordinary course of business; |
Risks Related to Holdco
|
Holdco will incur increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and its management will devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives; |
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there can be no assurance that the Holdco Ordinary Shares that will be issued in connection with the Business Combination or the Holdco Warrants will be approved for listing on the Trading Market or, if approved, that Holdco will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of the Trading Market; |
|
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting which we may not successfully remediate; |
|
the Combined Companys failure to timely and effectively implement controls and procedures required by Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on its business, operating results and financial condition; |
21
Risks Related to EverArc and the Proposed Business Combination
|
we may fail to realize the strategic and financial benefits currently anticipated from the Business Combination which could negatively impact the Combined Companys stock price; |
|
the requirements of being a public company may strain the Combined Companys resources and divert managements attention; |
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the Combined Company may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, or the Combined Company may be subject to restructuring, impairment or other charges; |
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failure to consummate the Business Combination would result in a termination fee payable by EverArc; |
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EverArc may not be able to complete its initial business combination prior to December 17, 2022; |
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EverArcs board of directors did not obtain a fairness opinion in determining whether or not to proceed with the Business Combination; |
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the EverArc Founders and EverArcs board of directors have potential conflicts of interest in the Business Combination; |
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the EverArc shareholders are becoming shareholders of Holdco through the Business Combination rather than acquiring securities of Perimeter directly in an underwritten public offering; |
|
Pursuant to the Founder Advisory Agreement, Holdco will be required to make a termination payment if the Founder Advisory Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances; |
|
EverArcs shareholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against EverArc to the extent of distributions received by them; |
|
risks related to holders of Holdco Warrants following the Business Combination; |
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Holdco may have limited recourse for indemnity claims under the Business Combination Agreement; |
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EverArcs and Perimeters ability to consummate the Business Combination may be materially adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; |
Risks Related to Investment in a Luxembourg Company
|
Holdco is organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It may be difficult for you to obtain or enforce judgments or bring original actions against Holdco or the members of its board of directors in the U.S.; |
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Luxembourg and European insolvency and bankruptcy laws are substantially different from U.S. insolvency and bankruptcy laws and may offer Holdcos shareholders less protection than they would have under U.S. insolvency and bankruptcy laws; |
|
the rights of Holdcos shareholders may differ from the rights they would have as shareholders of a U.S. corporation, which could adversely impact trading in Holdcos Ordinary Shares and its ability to conduct equity financings; |
General Risk Factors
|
the Combined Company may require additional capital to fund our operations; |
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cybersecurity attack, acts of cyber-terrorism, failure of technology systems and other disruptions to our information technology systems may adversely impact us; |
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the Combined Company results of operations are subject to exchange rate and other currency risks; |
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the Combined Company insurance may not fully cover all of our operational risks; |
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the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may have an adverse effect on the Combined Company; and |
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the loss of key personnel or the Combined Company inability to attract and retain new qualified personnel could hurt its business and inhibit our ability to operate and grow successfully. |
22
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF EVERARC
The summary historical statements of income data of EverArc for the period from November 8, 2019 (inception) to October 31, 2020 and the historical balance sheet data as of October 31, 2020 are derived from EverArcs audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary historical statements of income data of EverArc for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and the balance sheet data as of April 30, 2021 are derived from EverArcs unaudited interim condensed financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
EverArcs historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in the future. The information below is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the section entitled EverArcs Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the EverArc financial statements, and the notes and schedules related thereto, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
As of and
for the six months ended April 30, 2021 |
As of and for
the period from November 8, 2019 (inception) through October 31, 2020 |
|||||||
Statement of Income Data: |
||||||||
Operating Expenses |
$ | 1,028,961 | $ | 2,620,712 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating Loss |
(1,028,961 | ) | (2,620,712 | ) | ||||
Other income (expense) |
||||||||
Gain on investments |
84,098 | 1,646,166 | ||||||
Other income |
| 6 | ||||||
Total other income |
84,098 | 1,646,172 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net loss |
$ | (944,863 | ) | $ | (974,540 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments |
(9,381 | ) | 26,708 | |||||
Total Comprehensive Loss |
(954,244 | ) | (947,832 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Balance Sheet Data: |
||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 399,566,250 | $ | 400,463,434 | ||||
Total liabilities |
111,782 | 87,599 | ||||||
Total equity |
399,454,468 | 400,375,835 |
23
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF PERIMETER
The summary historical statements of income data of Perimeter for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the historical balance sheet data as of December 31, 2020 are derived from Perimeters audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary historical statements of income data of Perimeter for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the balance sheet data as of June 30, 2021 are derived from Perimeters unaudited interim condensed financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Perimeters historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in the future. The information below is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the section entitled Perimeters Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Perimeter financial statements, and the notes and schedules related thereto, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
(in thousands, except per share data) |
As of and
for the six months ended June 30, 2021 |
As of and
for the year ended December 31, 2020 |
||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Statement of Income Data: |
||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 121,046 | $ | 339,577 | ||||
Cost of goods sold |
73,814 | 177,532 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross profit |
47,232 | 162,045 | ||||||
Operating expenses |
$ | 54,506 | $ | 90,569 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating (loss) income |
(7,274 | ) | 71,476 | |||||
Other (expense) income |
||||||||
Interest expense |
(15,886 | ) | (42,017 | ) | ||||
Other (expense) income- net |
(4,703 | ) | 5,273 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other (expense) |
(20,589 | ) | (36,744 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
$ | (27,863 | ) | $ | 34,732 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
5,486 | (10,483 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net (loss) income |
(22,377 | ) | 24,249 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Foreign translation adjustments |
(404 | ) | 4,787 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total comprehensive (loss) income |
(22,781 | ) | $ | 29,036 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income (loss) per share |
||||||||
Basic |
$ | (0.42 | ) | $ | 0.46 | |||
Diluted |
$ | (0.42 | ) | $ | 0.46 | |||
Weighted-average shares used in computing net income (loss) per share |
||||||||
Basic |
53,045,510 | 53,045,510 | ||||||
Diluted |
53,045,510 | 53,045,510 | ||||||
Balance Sheet Data: |
||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 1,154,474 | $ | 1,138,206 | ||||
Total liabilities |
885,833 | 846,784 | ||||||
Total equity |
268,641 | 291,422 |
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SUMMARY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial data (the summary pro forma data) gives effect to the Business Combination and related transactions described in the section entitled Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Combined Financial Information. The Business Combination will be accounted for as a business acquisition under ASC 805. Under this method of accounting, Holdco will be treated as the legal and accounting acquirer. The Merger will be accounted for as a common control transaction. Accordingly, the net assets of Perimeter will be stated at fair value; and the net assets of EverArc will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. The summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined balance sheet data as of June 30, 2021 gives pro forma effect to the Business Combination and related transactions as if they had occurred on June 30, 2021. The summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined statement of operations data for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the six months ended June 30, 2021 give pro forma effect to the Business Combination and related transactions as if they had been consummated on January 1, 2020.
The summary pro forma data have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information of the combined company appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the accompanying notes. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information is based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, the historical financial statements and related notes of Holdco, EverArc, and Perimeter, which are included in this prospectus. The summary pro forma data have been presented for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of what the combined companys financial position or results of operations actually would have been had the Business Combination and related transactions been completed as of the dates indicated. In addition, the summary pro forma data do not purport to project the future financial position or operating results of the combined company.
Pro Forma Combined
(in thousands, except share and per share data) |
||||
Statement of Operations Data for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 |
||||
Net sales |
$ | 121,046 | ||
Net loss |
$ | (72,963 | ) | |
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted |
$ | (0.47 | ) | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted |
156,900,000 | |||
Statement of Operations Data for the Year Ended December 31, 2020 |
||||
Net sales |
$ | 339,577 | ||
Net loss |
$ | (310,553 | ) | |
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted |
$ | (1.98 | ) | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted |
156,900,000 |
25
The value of your investment in EverArc following consummation of the Business Combination will be subject to the significant risks affecting Perimeter and inherent to the industry in which it operates. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and other information included in this prospectus. If any of the events described below occur, the post-acquisition business and financial results could be adversely affected in a material way. This could cause the trading price of its common stock to decline, perhaps significantly, and you therefore may lose all or part of your investment.
As used in the risks described in this subsection, references to we, us and our are intended to refer to Perimeter unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The risk factors described below are not necessarily exhaustive and you are encouraged to perform your own investigation with respect to the businesses of EverArc and Perimeter.
Risks Related to Perimeter and Our Industry
A small number of customers represent a significant portion of our revenue, and a loss of one or more of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A small number of customers represent a significant portion of our revenue. A certain number of contracts with these customers are on an on-demand, as-needed basis, and there are no guaranteed minimums included in such contracts. In other cases, manufacturing disruptions at customer sites can significantly decrease customer demand. Because of the concentrated nature of our customer base and contract terms applicable to such customers, our quarterly revenue and results of operations may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and are difficult to estimate. In addition, any cancellation of orders or any acceleration or delay in anticipated product purchases by our larger customers could materially affect our revenue and results of operations in any quarterly period. We may be unable to sustain or increase our revenue from our larger customers, or offset any discontinuation or decrease of purchases by our larger customers with purchases by new or other existing customers. To the extent one or more of our larger customers experience significant financial difficulty, bankruptcy or insolvency, this could have a material adverse effect on our sales and our ability to collect on receivables, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, certain customers, including some of our larger customers, have negotiated, or may in the future negotiate, volume-based discounts or other more favorable terms from us, which can and have had a negative effect on our gross margins or revenue.
We expect that such concentrated purchases will continue to contribute materially to our revenue for the foreseeable future and that our results of operations may fluctuate materially as a result of such larger customers buying patterns.
We are substantially dependent on sales to the USDA Forest Service and the state of California, which account for approximately 58% of our revenue related to our fire safety segment.
Sales to the USDA Forest Service and the state of California represent a substantial portion of our revenues and this concentration of our sales makes us substantially dependent on those customers. In fiscal year 2020, sales to the USDA Forest Service and the state of California accounted for approximately 58% of our revenue related to our fire-safety segment. This customer concentration makes us subject to the risk of nonpayment, nonperformance, re-negotiation of terms or non-renewal by these major customers under our commercial agreements. If the USDA Forest Services and/or the state of California reduce their spend on our fire-retardant products, we may experience a reduction in revenue and may not be able to sustain profitability, and our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially harmed.
26
As a supplier and service provider to the U.S. government, we are subject to certain heightened risks, such as those associated with the governments rights to audit and conduct investigations and with its rights to terminate contracts for convenience or default.
As a supplier and service provider to the U.S. government, we are subject to certain heightened risks, such as those associated with the governments rights to audit and conduct investigations and with its rights to terminate contracts for convenience or default. We may in the future be the subject of U.S. government investigations relating to our U.S. government contracts. Such investigations often take years to complete and could result in administrative, civil or criminal liabilities, including repayments, fines, treble and other damages, forfeitures, restitution or penalties, or could lead to suspension or debarment of U.S. government contracting or of export privileges. For instance, if a business unit were charged with wrongdoing in connection with a U.S. government investigation (including fraud, or violation of certain environmental or export laws), the U.S. government could suspend us from bidding on or receiving awards of new U.S. government contracts or subcontracts. If convicted or found liable, the U.S. government could fine and debar us from receiving new awards for a period generally not to exceed three years and could void any contracts found to be tainted by fraud. We also could suffer reputational harm if allegations of impropriety were made against us, even if such allegations are later determined to be unsubstantiated.
Some of our sales are to foreign buyers, which exposes us to additional risks such as foreign political, foreign exchange, economic and regulatory risks.
We derived approximately 22% of our revenues from customers located in foreign countries in fiscal 2020. The amount of foreign sales we make may increase in the future. The additional risks of foreign sales include:
|
potential adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; |
|
higher credit risks; |
|
restrictive trade policies of the U.S. or foreign governments; |
|
currency hyperinflation and weak banking institutions; |
|
changing economic conditions in local markets; |
|
compliance risk related to local rules and regulations; |
|
political and economic instability in foreign markets; |
|
changes in leadership of foreign governments; and |
|
export restrictions due to local states of emergency for disease or illness. |
Some or all of these risks may negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our profitability could be negatively impacted by price and inventory risk related to our business, including commodity price exposure.
Our realized margins depend on the differential of sales prices over our total supply costs. Our profitability is therefore sensitive to changes in product prices caused by changes in supply, transportation and storage capacity or other market conditions.
Generally, we attempt to maintain an inventory position that is substantially balanced between our purchases and sales, including our future delivery obligations. We attempt to obtain a certain margin for our purchases by selling our product to our customers. However, market, weather or other conditions beyond our control may disrupt our expected supply of product, and we may be required to obtain supply at increased prices
27
that cannot be passed through to our customers. For example, some of our supply contracts follow market prices, which may fluctuate through the year, while our product prices may be fixed on a quarterly or annual basis, and therefore, fluctuations in our supply may not be passed through to our customers and can produce an adverse effect on our margins.
Changes in the regulation of the petrochemical industry, a downturn in the oil additives and/or fire-retardant end markets or our failure to accurately predict the frequency, duration, timing, and severity of changes in demand in such markets and the broader necessity for oil additives and/or firefighting related materials could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our end markets experience constantly changing demand depending on a number of factors that are out of our control. In our oil additives business, we supply phosphorus pentasulfide which is primarily used in the lubricant additives market to produce a critical compound in engine oils. As more electric vehicles emerge on the automobile market, use of the internal combustion engine may decline, thereby lessening demand for our oil additive products. In our fire-retardant business, demand is dependent on the occurrence of fires, which are seasonal and dependent on environmental and other factors. Changes in the occurrence, severity and duration of fires may change demand for our fire-retardant products. For example, in 2019 we experienced the lowest U.S. fire season in 16 years. Seasonality in the fire-retardant end market could periodically result in higher or lower levels of revenue and revenue concentration with a single or small number of customers. See The seasonal or cyclical nature of our business and severe weather events may cause demand for our products and services to be adversely affected while certain of our fixed costs remain the same, and prior performance is not necessarily indicative of our future results. Our inability to offset the volatility of these end markets through diversification into other markets, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There can be no assurance that we will maintain our relationship with, or serve, our customers at current levels.
There can be no assurance that we will maintain our relationship with, or serve, our customers at current levels. In addition, there is no assurance that any new agreement we enter into to supply or share services or facilities will have terms as favorable as those contained in current arrangements. Less favorable contract terms and conditions under any customer contract or contract for supply, purchase or shared services or facilities, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks from the improper conduct of, or use of our products by, employees, agents, government contractors, or collaborators could adversely affect our reputation as well as our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Unapproved or improper use of our products, or inadequate disclosure of risks or other information relating to the use of our products can lead to injury or other serious adverse events. These events could lead to recalls or safety alerts relating to our products (either voluntary or as required by governmental authorities), and could result, in certain cases, in the removal of a product from the market. A recall could result in significant costs and lost sales and customers, enforcement actions and/or investigations by state and federal governments or other enforcement bodies, as well as negative publicity and damage to our reputation that could reduce future demand for our products. Personal injuries relating to the use of our products can also result in significant product liability claims being brought against us. See Some of the products we produce may cause adverse health consequences, which exposes us to product liability and other claims, and we may, from time to time, be the subject of indemnity claims. Indemnity and insurance coverage could be inadequate or unavailable to cover such product liability and other claims.
We cannot ensure that our compliance controls, policies, and procedures will in every instance protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents, contractors, or collaborators that would violate the laws or regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate, including, without limitation, employment, foreign corrupt practices, trade restrictions and sanctions, environmental, competition, and privacy laws and regulations. Such
28
improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations, and monetary and injunctive penalties, and could adversely impact our reputation as well as our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue purchasing products from our suppliers on a long-term basis.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue purchasing products from our suppliers on a long-term basis. Although some of these contracts are renewable or renew automatically unless notice of termination is given, there can be no assurance that they will be renewed or that notice of termination will not be given. There are also no assurances that if such contracts are not renewed, that we will be able to find suppliers who can provide products at a similar price and of a similar quality. Finding a new supplier may take a significant amount of time and resources, and once we have identified such new supplier, we would have to ensure that they meet our standards for quality control and have the necessary technical capabilities, responsiveness, high-quality service and financial stability. Further, any changes in our supply could result in changes in the quality of our products and may also require approval by the USDA Forest Service. If we are unable to manage our supply chain effectively and ensure that our products are available to meet consumer demand, our operating costs could increase and our profit margins could decrease. Any of these factors could impact our ability to supply our products to customers and consumers and may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Production interruptions or shutdowns could increase our operating or capital expenditures or negatively impact the supply of products resulting in reduced sales.
Manufacturing of our oil additives and fire-retardant products is concentrated at certain facilities. In the event of a significant manufacturing difficulty, disruption or delay, we may not be able to develop alternate or secondary manufacturing locations without incurring material additional costs and substantial delays. Furthermore, these risks could materially and adversely affect our business if our facilities are impacted by a natural disaster or other interruption at a particular location. Transferring manufacturing to another location may result in significant delays in the availability of our products. As a result, protracted regional crises, issues with manufacturing facilities, or the COVID-19 pandemic, could lead to eventual shortages of necessary components. It could be difficult or impossible, costly and time consuming to obtain alternative sources for these components, or to change products to make use of alternative components. In addition, difficulties in transitioning from an existing supplier to a new supplier could create delays in component availability that would have a significant impact on our ability to fulfill orders for our products.
The operation of manufacturing plants involves many risks, including suspension of operations and increased costs or requirements stemming from new government statutes, regulations, guidelines and policies, including evolving environmental regulations.
The operation of manufacturing plants involves many risks, including suspension of operations and increased costs or requirements stemming from new government statutes, regulations, guidelines and policies, including evolving environmental regulations. We need environmental and operational registrations, licenses, permits, inspections and other approvals to operate. The loss or delay in receiving a significant permit or license or the inability to renew it and any loss or interruption of the operations of our facilities may harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on third-party logistics suppliers for the distribution, storage and transportation of raw materials, operating supplies and products.
We rely on third-party logistics suppliers for the distribution, storage and transportation of raw materials, operating supplies and products. Delays or disruptions in the supply chain may adversely impact our ability to manufacture and distribute products thus impacting business financials. Any failure to properly store
29
our products may similarly impact our manufacturing and distribution capabilities, impacting business financials. Although no single third-party logistics supplier and no one country is critical to our production needs, if we were to lose a supplier it could result in interruption of product shipments, cancellation of orders by customers and termination of relationships. This, along with the damage to our reputation, could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and, consequently, our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, actions by a third-party logistics supplier that fail to comply with contract terms or applicable laws and regulations could result in such third-party logistics supplier exposing us to claims for damages, financial penalties and reputational harm, any of which could have a material adverse effect in our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Raw materials necessary for the production of our products and with limited sources of supply are susceptible to supply cost increases which we may not be able to pass onto customers, disruptions to the supply chain, and supply changes, any of which could disrupt our supply chain and could lead to us not meeting our contractual requirements.
All of the raw materials that go into the manufacture of our fire-retardant and oil additive products are sourced from third-party suppliers. Some of the key raw materials used to manufacture our products come from limited or sole sources of supply. We are therefore subject to the risk of shortages and long lead times in the supply of these raw materials and the risk that our suppliers discontinue or modify raw materials used in our products. We have a global supply chain and the COVID-19 pandemic has and may continue to adversely affect our ability to source raw materials in a timely or cost-effective manner from our suppliers. For example, reduction in shipping resources have resulted in longer lead times for key raw materials to be transported to our facilities. In addition, the lead times associated with certain raw materials are lengthy and preclude rapid changes in quantities and delivery schedules. We have in the past experienced and may in the future experience raw materials shortages and price fluctuations of certain key raw materials and materials, and the predictability of the availability and pricing of these raw materials may be limited. Raw materials shortages or pricing fluctuations could be material in the future. In the event of a raw materials shortage, supply interruption or material pricing change from suppliers of these raw materials, we may not be able to develop alternate sources in a timely manner or at all in the case of sole or limited sources. Developing alternate sources of supply for these raw materials is time-consuming, difficult, and costly as they require extensive qualifications and testing, and we may not be able to source these raw materials on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, which may undermine our ability to meet our requirements or to fill customer orders in a timely manner. Any interruption or delay in the supply of any of these raw materials, or the inability to obtain these raw materials from alternate sources at acceptable prices and within a reasonable amount of time, would adversely affect our ability to meet our scheduled product deliveries to our customers. This could adversely affect our relationships with our customers and could cause delays in shipment of our products and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, increased raw materials costs could result in lower gross margins. Even where we are able to pass increased raw materials costs along to our customers, there may be a lapse of time before we are able to do so such that we must absorb the increased cost. If we are unable to buy these raw materials in quantities sufficient to meet our requirements on a timely basis, we will not be able to deliver products to our customers, which may result in such customers using competitive products instead of Perimeters products.
If the cost of our raw materials fluctuates significantly, this may adversely impact our profit margin and financial position.
Our business uses phosphorus as a key raw material. The price of this raw material may fluctuate in the future. If the price for this raw material increases, our profit margin could decrease for certain business lines.
30
The industries in which we operate and which we intend to operate in the future are subject to change. If we fail to continuously innovate and to provide products that gain market acceptance, we may be unable to attract new customers or retain existing customers, and hence our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
The industries in which we operate and intend to operate in the future are subject to change, including shifts in customer demands and regulatory requirements and emergence of new industry standards and practices. Thus, our success will depend, in part, on our ability to respond to these changes in a cost-effective and timely manner. We need to anticipate the emergence of new technologies and assess their market acceptance. We also need to invest significant resources in research and development in order to keep our products competitive in the market.
However, research and development activities are inherently uncertain, and we might encounter practical difficulties in commercializing our research and development results, which could result in excessive research and development expenses or delays. If we are unable to keep up with the technological developments and anticipate market trends, or if new technologies render our products obsolete, customers may no longer be attracted to our products. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
The seasonal or cyclical nature of our business and severe weather events may cause demand for our products and services to be adversely affected while certain of our fixed costs remain the same, and prior performance is not necessarily indicative of our future results.
Our operating revenues of our fire-retardant business tend to be somewhat higher in summer months primarily due to the hotter/drier weather, which is generally correlated with a higher prevalence of wildfires. This is in part offset by the disbursement of our operations in both the northern and southern hemispheres, so that the summer seasons alternate.
Fires caused by severe storms, extended periods of inclement weather or climate extremes resulting from climate change can significantly affect demand for our fire-retardant products in the areas affected. While weather-related and other event-driven increases in demand can boost revenues through additional demand for our products for a limited time, we may incur increased costs in our efforts to produce enough products and to transport our products to our customers in a timely matter.
For these and other reasons, operating results in any interim period are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire year, and operating results for any historical period are not necessarily indicative of operating results for a future period. Our stock price may be negatively or positively impacted by interim variations in our results.
Our industry and the markets in which we operate have few large competitors and increased competitive pressures could reduce our share of the markets we serve and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Increased interest and potential competition in our markets from existing and potential competitors may reduce our market share and could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Historically we have had relatively few large competitors. Existing and potential competitors may have more resources and better access to capital markets to facilitate continued expansion. If there are new entrants into our markets, the resulting increase in competition may adversely impact our results of operations.
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If new products are introduced into the market that are lower in cost, have enhanced performance characteristics or are considered preferable for environmental or other reasons, demand for some of our products could be reduced or eliminated.
New fire retardants based on different chemistry or raw materials may be introduced by competitors in the future. These products may be lower in cost, or have enhanced performance characteristics compared to our existing products, and our customers may find them preferable. Replacement of one or more of our products in significant volumes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our businesses depend upon many proprietary technologies, including patents, licenses, trademarks and trade secrets. Our competitive position could be adversely affected if we fail to protect our patents, trade secrets or other intellectual property rights, if our patents expire or if we become subject to claims that we are infringing upon the rights of others.
Our intellectual property is of particular importance for a number of the specialty products that we manufacture and sell. The trademarks and patents that we own may be challenged, and because of such challenges, we could eventually lose our exclusive rights to use and enforce such patented technologies and trademarks, which could adversely affect our competitive position, business, financial condition and results of operations. We are licensed to use certain patents and technology owned by other companies to manufacture products complementary to our own products. We pay royalties for these licenses in amounts not considered material, in the aggregate, to our consolidated results.
We also rely on unpatented proprietary know-how and continuing technological innovation and other trade secrets in all regions to develop and maintain our competitive position. Although it is our policy to enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and third parties to restrict the use and disclosure of trade secrets and proprietary know-how, those confidentiality agreements may be breached. Additionally, adequate remedies may not be available in the event of an unauthorized use or disclosure of such trade secrets and know-how, and others could obtain knowledge of such trade secrets through independent development or other access by legal means. The failure of our patents, trademarks or confidentiality agreements to protect our processes, technology, trade secrets or proprietary know-how and the brands under which we market and sell our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our patents may not provide full protection against competing manufacturers in the United States, or in countries outside of the United States, including members of the European Union and certain other countries, and patent terms may also be inadequate to protect our products for an adequate amount of time. Weaker protection may adversely impact our sales, business, financial condition and results of operations.
In some of the countries in which we operate, the laws protecting patent holders are significantly weaker than in the United States, countries in the European Union and certain other countries. Weaker protection may assist competing manufacturers in becoming more competitive in markets in which they might not have otherwise been able to introduce competing products for a number of years. As a result, we tend to rely more heavily upon trade secret and know-how protection in these regions, as applicable, rather than patents and this may adversely impact our sales, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our commercial success will depend in part on our success in obtaining and maintaining issued patents and other intellectual property rights in the United States and elsewhere. If we do not adequately protect our intellectual property, competitors may be able to use our processes and erode or negate any competitive advantage we may have, which could harm our business.
We cannot provide any assurances that any of our patents have, or that any of our pending patent applications that mature into issued patents will include, claims with a scope sufficient to protect our products, any additional features we develop or any new products. Patents, if issued, may be challenged, deemed unenforceable, invalidated or circumvented. We also cannot provide any assurances that any of our pending patent applications will be approved and a rejection of a patent application could have a materially adverse effect on our ability to protect our intellectual property from competitors.
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Furthermore, though an issued patent is presumed valid and enforceable, its issuance is not conclusive as to its validity or its enforceability and it may not provide us with adequate proprietary protection or competitive advantages against competitors with similar products. Competitors may also be able to design around our patents. Other parties may develop and obtain patent protection for more effective technologies, designs or methods. We may not be able to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of our knowledge or trade secrets by consultants, suppliers, vendors, former employees and current employees. The laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States, and we may encounter significant problems in protecting our proprietary rights in these countries. Such claims and proceedings can also distract and divert management and key personnel from other tasks important to the success of our business. In addition, intellectual property litigation or claims could force us to do one or more of the following:
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cease selling products that contain asserted intellectual property; |
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pay substantial damages for past use of the asserted intellectual property; |
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obtain a license from the holder of the asserted intellectual property, which may not be available on reasonable terms; and |
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redesign or rename, in the case of trademark claims, our products to avoid infringing the rights of third parties. |
Such requirements could adversely affect our revenue, increase costs, and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Several of our niche products and services are sold in select markets. There can be no assurance that these markets will not attract additional competitors that could have greater financial, technological, manufacturing and/or marketing resources.
Select markets for some of our niche products and services may attract additional competitors. We cannot assure you that we will have the financial resources to fund capital improvements to more effectively compete with such competitors or that even if financial resources are available to us, that projected operating results will justify such expenditures. Smaller companies may be more innovative, better able to bring new products to market and better able to quickly exploit and serve niche markets.
There are other risks that are inherent in our global operations.
A portion of our revenues and earnings are generated by non-U.S. operations. Risks inherent in our global operations include:
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the potential for changes in socio-economic conditions, laws and regulations, including antitrust, import, export, labor and environmental laws, and monetary and fiscal policies; |
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unsettled or unstable political conditions; |
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government-imposed plant or other operational shutdowns; |
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corruption; |
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natural and man-made disasters, |
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hazards and losses; and |
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violence, civil and labor unrest, and possible terrorist attacks. |
There can be no assurance that any or all of these events will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Risks Related to Regulatory and Legal Matters
We are the subject of litigation by customers, suppliers and other third parties and may be the subject of such litigation in the future.
We are the subject of litigation by customers, suppliers and other third parties and may be the subject of such litigation in the future. From time to time, such lawsuits are filed against us and the outcome of any litigation, particularly class or collective action lawsuits and regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify. Plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to such lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. The cost to defend any such lawsuits may be significant and may negatively affect our operating results if changes to our business operations are required. There may also be negative publicity associated with litigation that could decrease customer acceptance of our products, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable. A significant judgment against us, the loss and/or expiration of a significant permit, license or other approval, or a significant fine, penalty or contractual dispute could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Certain of our products are provided to emergency services personnel and are intended to protect lives and property, so we are subject to heightened liability and reputational risks if our products fail to provide such protection as intended.
Our fire-retardant products are provided to emergency services personnel and are intended to protect lives and property, so we are subject to heightened liability risks if our products fail to provide such protection. While our products are effective in retarding fires, there is no guarantee such products will be able to stop all fires due to their unpredictability and variation in size and/or speed in which a fire is burning. In addition, fires need to be fought with the cooperation and assistance of local fire authorities as well as the additional tools and resources that they bring. Therefore, while we recognize the importance of the role our products play in these critical efforts, our products are not the only factor in fighting fires and therefore we cannot guarantee that our products will always be able to protect life and property. Any failure to do so could have an adverse effect on our business.
Some of the products we produce may cause adverse health consequences, which exposes us to product liability and other claims, and we may, from time to time, be the subject of indemnity claims. Indemnity and insurance coverage could be inadequate or unavailable to cover such product liability and other claims.
Some of the products we produce may cause adverse health consequences, which exposes us to product liability and other possible claims including indemnity claims by our distributors pursuant to the terms of our distributor arrangements. A successful class action proceeding or one or a series of claims related to degradation of natural resources, product liability or exposure from usage of a product that exceeds our insurance or indemnity coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such litigation and indemnity claim resolution is expensive, time consuming and may divert managements attention away from the operation of the business. The outcome of litigation and disputes can never be predicted with certainty and not resolving such matters favorably could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or reputation, as they may require us to pay substantial damages or make substantial indemnification payments, among other consequences.
We manufacture, among other things, products used to extinguish fires. The products that we manufacture are typically used in applications and situations that involve high levels of risk of personal injury. Failure to use our products for their intended purposes, failure to use our products properly or the malfunction of our products could result in serious bodily injury or death of the user. In such cases, we may be subject to product liability claims arising from the design, manufacture or sale of our products. If these claims are decided against us, and we are found to be liable, we may be required to pay substantial damages, and our insurance costs may
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increase significantly as a result. We cannot assure you that our indemnity and insurance coverage would be sufficient to cover the payment of any potential claim. In addition, we cannot assure you that this or any other indemnity or insurance coverage will continue to be available or, if available, that we will be able to obtain insurance at a reasonable cost. Any material uninsured loss could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are exposed to risks related to litigation, including multi-district litigation and other legal proceedings.
We operate in a highly regulated and litigious environment. We and/or one or more of our subsidiaries are regularly involved in a variety of legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, including arbitration, litigation (and related settlement discussions), and other claims, and are subject to regulatory proceedings including governmental audits and investigations. Legal proceedings, in general, and class action and multi-district litigation, in particular, can be expensive and disruptive, and may not be insured or exceed any applicable insurance coverage. Additionally, defending against these lawsuits and proceedings may involve significant expense and diversion of managements attention and resources. Some of these suits may purport or may be determined to be class actions and/or involve parties seeking large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive or exemplary damages, and may remain unresolved for several years.
For example, we are a defendant in a multi-district litigation pending in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina (MDL) relating to the manufacture, sale, and distribution of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). The cases allege, among other things, groundwater contamination, drinking water contamination, property damage, damages to natural resources, and bodily injuries from exposure to Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals in AFFF. There are over 1,300 cases currently pending in the MDL. The plaintiffs include, among others, individual firefighters, municipalities and corporate water providers, and state attorneys general. The lead defendants include 3M Company, Tyco Fire Products LP, and DuPont de Nemours, Inc./The Chemours Company, and approximately 10 to 12 other defendants including, among others, Amerex Corporation (Amerex). Amerex was named as a defendant in many of the lawsuits based on its prior ownership of The Solberg Company (Solberg), which Perimeter acquired from Amerex on January 1, 2019. Although Amerex retained certain pre-closing liabilities for Solberg, there are indemnity claims, and a very small number of potential direct claims, that have been made against Perimeter Solutions on the basis of Perimeter Solutions ownership of Solberg after January 1, 2019. There are also cases pending against Perimeter Solutions on the basis of its manufacturing, distribution, and sale of non-Solberg AFFF products.
We cannot predict with certainty the outcomes of these legal proceedings and other contingencies, and the costs incurred in litigation can be substantial, regardless of the outcome. Proceedings that we believe are insignificant may develop into material proceedings and subject us to unforeseen outcomes or expenses. Additionally, the actions of certain participants in our industry may encourage legal proceedings against us or cause us to reconsider our litigation strategies. As a result, we could from time to time incur judgments, enter into settlements or revise our expectations regarding the outcome of certain matters, and such developments could harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A failure to comply with export control or economic sanctions laws and regulations could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may be unable to ensure that our distributors comply with applicable sanctions and export control laws.
We operate on a global basis, with 22% of our revenues in fiscal 2020 made to destinations outside the United States, including Canada, Europe, Australia, Mexico and Israel. We face several risks inherent in conducting business internationally, including compliance with applicable economic sanctions laws and regulations, such as laws and regulations administered by U.S. Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Commerce. We must also comply with all applicable export control laws and regulations of the United States and other countries.
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Violations of these laws or regulations could result in significant additional sanctions including criminal or civil fines or penalties, more onerous compliance requirements, more extensive debarments from export privileges or loss of authorizations needed to conduct aspects of our international business.
In certain countries, we may engage third party agents or intermediaries, such as customs agents, to act on our behalf and if these third-party agents or intermediaries violate applicable laws, their actions may result in criminal or civil fines or penalties or other sanctions being assessed against us. We take certain measures designed to ensure our compliance with U.S. export and economic sanctions law and we believe that we have never sold our products to Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea or Syria through third party agents or intermediaries or made any effort to attract business from any of these countries. We also take steps to prevent our products from being sold, without the necessary legal authorization, to individuals or entities that are the subject or target of U.S. export and economic sanctions laws. However, it is possible that some of our products were sold or will be sold to distributors or other parties that, without our knowledge or consent, re-exported or will re-export such products to these countries or sanctioned persons. Although none of our non-U.S. distributors are located in, or to our knowledge, conduct business with Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea or Syria, we may not be successful in ensuring compliance with limitations or restrictions on business with these or other countries subject to economic sanctions. There can be no assurance that we will be in compliance with export control or economic sanctions laws and regulations in the future.
Any such violation could result in significant criminal or civil fines, penalties or other sanctions and repercussions, including reputational harm that could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because of our international operations, we could be materially adversely affected by violations of the U.S. FCPA and similar anticorruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws.
Our business operations and sales in countries outside the United States are subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws and regulations, including restrictions imposed by the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the FCPA), as well as the United Kingdom Bribery Act of 2010 (the UK Bribery Act). The FCPA, UK Bribery Act, and similar anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies, their employees, their intermediaries and their agents from providing anything of value to government officials or any other persons for the purpose of improperly obtaining or retaining business. We operate and sell our products in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws may conflict with local customs and practices. We have policies in place that prohibit employees from making improper payments on our behalf. We continue to implement internal controls and procedures designed to promote compliance with anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws, rules and regulations as well as mitigate and protect against corruption risks. We cannot provide assurance that our internal controls and procedures will protect us from reckless, criminal or other acts committed by our employees or third parties with whom we work. If we are found to be liable for violations of the FCPA or similar anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws in international jurisdictions, either due to our own acts or omissions, or out of inadvertence, or due to the acts or inadvertence of others, we could suffer criminal or civil fines or penalties or other repercussions, including reputational harm, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our contracts with the U.S. federal government subject us to additional oversight and risks inherent in the government procurement process.
We provide products and services, directly and indirectly, to a variety of government entities. In fiscal 2020, we derived approximately 41% of our revenue from multiple contracts with agencies of the U.S. federal government. As such, we must comply with and are affected by laws and regulations relating to the award,
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administration and performance of U.S. government contracts. Government contract laws and regulations affect how we do business with our customers and impose certain risks and costs on our business.
Risks associated with selling products and services to government entities include extended sales and collection cycles, varying governmental budgeting processes, and adherence to complex procurement regulations and other government-specific contractual requirements. We may be subject to audits and investigations relating to our government contracts and any violations could result in civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including termination of contracts, payment of fines, and suspension or debarment from future government business, as well as harm to our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our products are subject to extensive government scrutiny and regulation, including the USDA Forest Service qualification process. There can be no assurance that such regulations will not change and that our products will continue to be approved for usage.
We are subject to regulation by federal, state, local and foreign government authorities. In some cases, for example, for our firefighting products, we need pass the USDA Forest Service qualification process, which is a rigorous process that requires the product passing several tests and standards, including toxicity corrosion and stability. The USDA Forest Service also requires a lengthy field evaluation, which adds to the difficulty of meeting USDA Forest Service standards. We are also subject to ongoing reviews of our products, manufacturing processes and facilities by government authorities, and must also produce product data and comply with detailed regulatory requirements.
The Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) legislation may affect our ability to manufacture and sell certain products in the EU: REACH requires chemical manufacturers and importers in the EU to prove the safety of their products. We were required to pre-register certain products and file comprehensive reports, including testing data, on each chemical substance, and perform chemical safety assessments. Additionally, substances of high concern are subject to an authorization process. Authorization may result in restrictions on certain uses of products or even prohibitions on the manufacture or importation of products. The full registration requirements of REACH have been phased in over several years, and we have incurred additional expense to cause the registration of our products under these regulations. REACH may affect our ability to import, manufacture and sell certain products in the EU. In addition, other countries and regions of the world already have or may adopt legislation similar to REACH that affect our business, affect our ability to import, manufacture or sell certain products in these jurisdictions, and have required or will require us to incur increased costs.
The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act modified the Toxic Control Substances Act (TSCA), by requiring the EPA, to prioritize and evaluate the environmental and health risks of existing chemicals and provided the EPA with greater authority to regulate chemicals posing unreasonable risks. According to this statute, the EPA is required to make an affirmative finding that a new chemical will not pose an unreasonable risk before such chemical can go into production. As a result, TSCA now operates in a similar fashion to the REACH legislation in Europe. These laws and regulations, among others, increase the complexity and costs of transporting our products from the country in which they are manufactured to our customers. Further changes to these and similar regulations could restrict our ability to expand, build or acquire new facilities, require us to acquire costly control equipment, cause us to incur expenses associated with remediation of contamination, cause us to modify our manufacturing or shipping processes or otherwise increase our cost of doing business and have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the adoption of new laws, rules or regulations related to climate change poses risks that could harm our results of operations or affect the way we conduct our businesses. For example, new or modified regulations could require us to make substantial expenditures to enhance our environmental compliance efforts.
New or stricter laws and regulations may be introduced that could result in additional compliance costs and prevent or inhibit the development, manufacture, distribution and sale of our products. For example,
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perfluorooctanoic acid substances (PFOAs) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid substances (PFOS) may become regulated as hazardous substances, phased out or banned. The USDA Forest Service may change its qualification process or determine that our products no longer qualify under existing requirements. Such outcomes could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Environmental laws and regulations may subject us to significant liabilities. Changes to existing Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) requirements or the adoption of new EHS requirements, changes to the enforcement of EHS requirements, and the discovery of additional or unknown conditions at facilities owned, operated or used by us or at or near which our products were, are, or will be used, to the extent not covered by indemnity, insurance or a covenant not to sue, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We operate in jurisdictions where legislative initiatives relating to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are being considered or adopted. There has been no material effect on any of our facilities to date, and we continue to follow developments closely. Although it is difficult to know what final regulations may be passed in the jurisdictions where our manufacturing facilities are located, we could face increased capital and operating costs to comply with GHG emissions regulations and these costs could be material. The potential impact of current and proposed environmental laws and regulations is uncertain. We cannot predict the nature of these requirements and the impact on our business, but proposed regulations or failure to comply with current and proposed regulations could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations by substantially increasing capital expenditures and compliance costs, affecting our ability to meet our financial obligations. It may also lead to the modification or cancellation of operating licenses and permits, penalties and other corrective actions.
The regulatory environment in which we operate is subject to change, and new regulations and new or existing claims, such as those related to certain PFAS substances, PFOAs, and PFOS could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations or make aspects of our business as currently conducted no longer possible. In addition, we are and, in the future may be, subject to claims related to substances such PFAS, including for degradation of natural resources from such PFAS and personal injury or product liability claims as a result of human exposure to such PFAS.
Our operations are subject to extensive environmental regulation in each of the countries in which we maintain facilities. For example, U.S. (federal, state and local), and other countries environmental laws applicable to the Company include statutes and regulations intended to impose certain obligations with respect to the manufacture, sale and distribution of firefighting foam that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals. In addition, certain regulations also impose restrictions on the discharge of PFAS chemicals in wastewater, and may require allocating the cost of investigating, monitoring and remedying soil and groundwater contamination to a party operating the site, as well as to prevent future soil and groundwater contamination; imposing air ambient standards and, in some cases, emission standards, for air pollutants which present a risk to public health, welfare or the natural environment; governing the handling, management, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes and substances; regulating the chemical content of products; and regulating the discharge of pollutants into waterways.
With regards to our oil additives business, our use of hazardous substances in our manufacturing processes and the generation of hazardous wastes not only by us, but by prior occupants of our facilities, suggest that hazardous substances may be present at or near certain of our facilities or may come to be located there in the future. Consequently, we are required to closely monitor our compliance under all the various environmental laws and regulations applicable to us. Under certain environmental laws, we may be responsible for remediation costs or other liabilities as a result of the use, release or disposal of hazardous substances at or from any property currently or formerly owned or operated or to which we sent waste for treatment or disposal. Liability under these laws may be imposed without regard to whether we were aware of, or caused, the contamination and, in some cases, liability may be joint or several.
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Our facilities are subject to increasingly more stringent federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Some of these laws and regulations relate to what are frequently called emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, PFOAs and PFOS. Some of the Companys products use fluorine as a raw material, which is considered a PFAS chemical. We and some of our competitors have been, are, and in the future may be the target of lawsuits and state enforcement actions because of the alleged discharge of PFAS into the environment, including for degradation of natural resources from such PFAS and personal injury or product liability claims as a result of human exposure to such PFAS. See We are exposed to risks related to litigation, including multi-district litigation and other legal proceedings.
We obtain Phase I or similar environmental site assessments for most of the manufacturing facilities we own or lease at the time we either acquire or lease such facilities. These assessments typically include general inspections. These assessments may not reveal all potential environmental liabilities and current assessments are not available for all facilities. Consequently, there may be material environmental liabilities of which we are not aware. In addition, ongoing cleanup and containment operations may not be adequate for purposes of future laws and regulations. The conditions of our properties could also be affected in the future by neighboring operations or the conditions of the land in the vicinity of our properties. These developments and others, such as increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations, increasingly strict enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, or claims for damage to property or injury to persons resulting from the environmental, health or safety impact of our operations, may cause us to incur significant costs and liabilities that could have a material adverse effect.
Our facilities are required to maintain numerous environmental permits and governmental approvals for our operations. Some of the environmental permits and governmental approvals that have been issued to us or to our facilities contain conditions and restrictions, including restrictions or limits on emissions and discharges of pollutants and contaminants, or may have limited terms. Maintaining these permits and complying with their terms as well as environmental laws and regulations applicable to our business could require us to incur material costs.
If we fail to satisfy these conditions or to comply with these restrictions or with applicable environmental laws and regulations, we may become subject to enforcement actions and the operation of the relevant facilities could be adversely affected. We may also be subject to fines, penalties, claims for injunctive relief or additional costs. We may not be able to renew, maintain or obtain all environmental permits and governmental approvals required for the continued operation or further development of our facilities, as a result of which the operation of our facilities may be limited or suspended.
Because our oil additives segment manufactures and uses materials that are known to be hazardous, highly combustible and difficult to transport, we are subject to, or affected by, certain product and manufacturing regulations, for which compliance can be costly and time consuming. In addition, we may be subject to personal injury or product liability claims as a result of human exposure to such hazardous materials.
We produce hazardous, highly combustible and difficult to transport chemicals, which subject us to regulation by many U.S. and non-U.S. national, supra-national, state and local governmental authorities. In some circumstances, these authorities must review and, in some cases approve, our products and/or manufacturing processes and facilities before we may manufacture and sell some of these chemicals. To be able to manufacture and sell certain new chemical products, we may be required, among other things, to demonstrate to the relevant authority that the product does not pose an unreasonable risk during its intended uses and/or that we are capable of manufacturing the product in compliance with current regulations. The process of seeking any necessary approvals can be costly, time consuming and subject to unanticipated and significant delays. Approvals may not be granted to us on a timely basis, or at all. Any delay in obtaining, or any failure to obtain or maintain these approvals would adversely affect our ability to introduce new products and to generate revenue from those products. New laws and regulations may be introduced in the future that could result in additional compliance costs, bans on product sales or use, seizures, confiscation, recall or monetary fines, any of which could prevent or
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inhibit the development, distribution or sale of our products and could increase our customers efforts to find less hazardous substitutes for our products. We are subject to ongoing reviews of our products and manufacturing processes.
Phosphorus pentasulfide is transported through a combination of ground and sea. These materials are highly combustible and difficult to transport, so they must be handled carefully and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. An incident in the transportation of our materials or our failure to comply with laws and regulations applicable to the transfer of such products could lead to human injuries or significant property damage, regulatory repercussions or could make it difficult to fulfill our obligations to our customers, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Products we have made or used could be the focus of legal claims based upon allegations of harm to human health. We cannot predict the outcome of suits and claims, and an unfavorable outcome in these litigation matters could exceed reserves or have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and cause our reputation to decline.
Our products or facilities could have environmental impacts and side effects.
If the products we sell do not have the intended effects, our business may suffer and it may be subject to products liability or other legal actions. Our products contain innovative combinations of materials. While there is data available with respect to the environmental impacts of our fire retardant products that are conducted by governmental agencies, this data is limited to certain locations and periods and therefore, may not capture all the possible environmental impacts and side effects of use or repeated use of our fire retardant products. Similarly, there have been toxicological studies conducted on the impact of our products on certain fish and mammalian species, however, this is limited in scope and therefore, does not present all the potential side effects and/or the products interaction with animal biochemistry. As a result, our products could have certain impact on the environment or the animal population that is currently unknown by the Company.
Legal and regulatory claims, investigations and proceedings may be initiated against us in the ordinary course of business. The outcomes and the amounts of any damages awarded or fines or penalties assessed, cannot be predicted, and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation as well as our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be the subject of litigation by customers, suppliers and other third parties. A significant judgment against us, the loss of a significant permit, license or other approval, or a significant fine, penalty or contractual dispute could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Some of the products we produce may cause adverse health consequences, which exposes us to product liability claims. See Some of the products we produce may cause adverse health consequences, which exposes us to product liability and other claims, and we may, from time to time, be the subject of indemnity claims. Litigation is expensive, time consuming and may divert managements attention away from the operation of the business. The outcome of litigation can never be predicted with certainty and an adverse outcome in any of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our reputation as well as our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Holdco
Holdco will incur increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and its management will devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives.
If Holdco completes the Business Combination and becomes a public company, it will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that it did not incur as a private company, and these expenses may increase even more after Holdco is no longer an emerging growth company, as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities
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Act. As a public company, Holdco will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as well as rules adopted, and to be adopted, by the SEC and the Trading Market. Holdcos management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, Holdco expects these rules and regulations to substantially increase its legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time consuming and costly. The increased costs will increase Holdcos net loss. For example, these rules and regulations could make it more difficult and more expensive for Holdco to obtain director and officer liability insurance and as a result, Holdco may be forced to accept reduced policy limits or incur substantially higher costs to maintain the same or similar coverage. Holdco cannot predict or estimate the amount or timing of additional costs it may incur to respond to these requirements. The impact of these requirements could also make it more difficult for Holdco to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on its board of directors or as executive officers.
Holdcos management has limited experience in operating a public company.
Holdcos executive officers have limited experience in the management of a publicly traded company. Holdcos management team may not successfully or effectively manage its transition to a public company that will be subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under federal securities laws. Their limited experience in dealing with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies could be a significant disadvantage in that it is likely that an increasing amount of their time may be devoted to these activities which will result in less time being devoted to the management and growth of the Combined Company. Holdco may not have adequate personnel with the appropriate level of knowledge, experience, and training in the accounting policies, practices or internal controls over financial reporting required of public companies in the U.S. The development and implementation of the standards and controls necessary for the Combined Company to achieve the level of accounting standards required of a public company in the U.S. may require costs greater than expected. It is possible that the Combined Company will be required to expand its employee base and hire additional employees to support its operations as a public company, which will increase its operating costs in future periods.
There can be no assurance that the Holdco Ordinary Shares that will be issued in connection with the Business Combination or the Holdco Warrants will be approved for listing on the Trading Market or, if approved, will continue to be so listed following the closing of the Business Combination, or that Holdco will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of the Trading Market.
Holdco intends to apply for the listing of the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants on the Trading Market. If the Trading Market denies its application for failure to meet the listing standards, Holdco and its shareholders could face significant material adverse consequences including:
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a limited availability of market quotations for its securities; |
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reduced liquidity for its securities; |
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a determination that Holdco Ordinary Shares are a penny stock which will require brokers trading in the Holdco Ordinary Shares to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for its securities; |
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a limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and |
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a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future. |
The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as covered securities. If the Holdco Ordinary Shares and the Holdco Warrants are listed on the Trading Market, they will be covered securities. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of the Combined Companys securities, the
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federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. While Holdco is not aware of a state, other than the State of Idaho, having used these powers to prohibit or restrict the sale of securities issued by blank check companies, certain state securities regulators view blank check companies unfavorably and might use these powers, or threaten to use these powers, to hinder the sale of securities of blank check companies in their states. Further, if the Combined Company was not listed on the Trading Market, its securities would not be covered securities and it would be subject to regulation in each state in which it offers its securities.
Holdco has no operating or financial history and its results of operations and those of the Combined Company may differ significantly from the unaudited pro forma financial data included in this prospectus.
Holdco has no operating history and no revenues. This prospectus includes unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements for the Combined Company. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined statement of operations of the Combined Company combines the historical audited results of operations of Perimeter for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, with the historical audited results of operations of EverArc for the year ended October 31, 2020, and gives pro forma effect to the Business Combination as if it had been consummated on January 1, 2020. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined balance sheet of the Combined Company combines the historical balance sheets of EverArc as of October 31, 2020 and of Perimeter as of December 31, 2020 and gives pro forma effect to the Business Combination as if it had been consummated on June 30, 2021.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only, are based on certain assumptions, address a hypothetical situation and reflect limited historical financial data. Therefore, the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial position that would have been achieved had the Business Combination been consummated on the dates indicated above, or the future consolidated results of operations or financial position of the Combined Company. Accordingly, the Combined Companys business, assets, cash flows, results of operations and financial condition may differ significantly from those indicated by the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements included in this document.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If our remediation of the material weaknesses is not effective, or if we experience additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls in the future, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations.
In connection with the audit of our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, we identified two material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weaknesses related to a lack of appropriately designed and implemented controls (i) to maintain segregation of duties between the creation, posting and approval of journal entries and (ii) to ensure the assumptions made in connection with estimates used to value intangible assets acquired in business combinations are sufficiently reviewed. The material weaknesses did not result in a misstatement to our financial statements.
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We have taken and are taking steps to remediate these material weaknesses through the implementation of appropriate segregation of duties and related systems, a system of review of assumptions made in connection with estimates used to value intangible assets. However, we are still in the process of implementing these steps and cannot assure investors that these measures will significantly improve or remediate the material weaknesses described above.
We may in the future discover additional material weaknesses in our system of internal financial and accounting controls and procedures that could result in a material misstatement of our financial statements. Our internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control systems objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected.
If the Combined Company fails to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, the price of Holdco securities may be adversely affected.
The Combined Company will be required to establish and maintain appropriate internal controls over financial reporting. Failure to establish those controls, or any failure of those controls once established, could adversely affect the Combined Companys public disclosures regarding its business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, managements assessment of internal controls over financial reporting may identify weaknesses and conditions that need to be addressed in the Combined Companys internal controls over financial reporting, or other matters that may raise concerns for investors. Any actual or perceived weaknesses and conditions that need to be addressed in the Combined Companys internal controls over financial reporting, or disclosure of managements assessment of the Combined Companys internal controls over financial reporting, may have an adverse impact on the price of Holdco securities.
The Combined Companys failure to timely and effectively implement controls and procedures required by Section 404(a) (Section 404(a)) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that will be applicable to it after the Business Combination is consummated could have a material adverse effect on its business, operating results and financial condition.
Neither Holdco nor Perimeter is currently subject to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. However, following the consummation of the Business Combination, the Combined Company will be required to provide managements attestation on internal controls. The standards required for a public company under Section 404(a) are significantly more stringent than those required of Holdco or Perimeter as privately held companies. Management may not be able to effectively and timely implement controls and procedures that adequately respond to the increased regulatory compliance and reporting requirements that will be applicable after the Business Combination. If the Combined Company is not able to implement the additional requirements of Section 404(a) in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, it may not be able to assess whether its internal controls over financial reporting are effective or may result in a finding that there is a material weakness in the Combined Companys internal controls over financial reporting, which may subject it to adverse regulatory consequences and could harm investor confidence and the market price of its securities.
A market for Holdcos securities may not continue, which would adversely affect the liquidity and price of its securities.
Following the Business Combination, the price of Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants may fluctuate significantly due to the markets reaction to the Business Combination and general market and
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economic conditions. An active trading market for Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants following the Business Combination may never develop or, if developed, it may not be sustained. In addition, the price of Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants after the Business Combination can vary due to general economic conditions and forecasts, its general business condition and the release of its financial reports. If its securities are not listed on, or become delisted from, the Trading Market for any reason, and are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, an inter-dealer automated quotation system for equity securities that is not a national securities exchange, the liquidity and price of its securities may be more limited than if it were quoted or listed on the Trading Market or another national securities exchange. You may be unable to sell your Holdco securities unless a market can be established or sustained.
If, following the Business Combination, securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about the Combined Company, its business, or its market, or if they change their recommendations regarding Holdco Ordinary Shares adversely, then the price and trading volume of Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants could decline.
The trading market for Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about the Combined Company, its business, its market, or its competitors. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on EverArc or the Combined Company. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of the Combined Company, Holdco Ordinary Share and Holdco Warrant price and trading volume would likely be negatively impacted. If any of the analysts who may cover the Combined Company change their recommendation regarding Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants adversely, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about Holdcos competitors, the price of Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover EverArc were to cease coverage of the Combined Company or fail to regularly publish reports on it, Holdco could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause the price or trading volume of Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrant to decline.
The JOBS Act permits emerging growth companies like Holdco to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
Holdco currently qualifies as an emerging growth company as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the JOBS Act). As such, Holdco takes advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies for as long as it continues to be an emerging growth company, including the exemption from the auditor attestation requirements with respect to internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. As a result, Holdco shareholders may not have access to certain information they deem important. Holdco will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year: (a) following December 17, 2024, the fifth anniversary of the IPO; (b) in which Holdco has total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion; or (c) in which Holdco is deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of Holdco Ordinary Shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of Holdcos prior second fiscal quarter, and (ii) the date on which Holdco has issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the exemption from complying with new or revised accounting standards provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act as long as it is an emerging growth company. An emerging growth company can therefore delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies, but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. If Holdco elects to avail itself of such extended transition period, when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, Holdco, as an emerging growth
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company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of Holdcos financial statements with another public company that is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company that has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
Holdco cannot predict if investors will find Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants less attractive because it relies on these exemptions. If some investors find Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market and share price for Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants may be more volatile. Holdco does not expect to qualify as an emerging growth company after the last day of the fiscal year in which the Business Combination is consummated and may incur increased legal, accounting and compliance costs associated with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Risks Related to EverArc and the Proposed Business Combination
We may fail to realize the strategic and financial benefits currently anticipated from the Business Combination.
The future success of the Business Combination, including anticipated benefits, depends, in part, on our ability to optimize our operations as a public company. The optimization of our operations following the Business Combination will be a complex, costly and time-consuming process and if we experience difficulties in this process, the anticipated benefits may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected, which could have an adverse effect on us for an undetermined period. There can be no assurances that we will realize the potential operating efficiencies, synergies and other benefits currently anticipated from the Business Combination.
Some of the factors involved in this are outside of our control, and any one of them could result in delays, increased costs, decreases in the amount of potential revenues, potential cost savings, and diversion of managements time and energy, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to consummate the Business Combination would result in a termination fee payable by EverArc.
If the Business Combination Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances including EverArcs failure to close when all conditions to closing have been satisfied, EverArc would be required to pay a termination fee of $50 million. The payment of such termination fee could have a materially adverse effect on EverArcs financial condition and impact its ability to pursue a different acquisition in the future. For more information, see the section entitled The Business Combination AgreementTermination Fee.
The requirements of being a public company may strain the Combined Companys resources and divert managements attention, and the increases in legal, accounting and compliance expenses that will result from the proposed business combination may be greater than we anticipate.
As a public company, the Combined Company will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Trading Market rules. The requirements of these rules and regulations will impact the Combined Companys legal, accounting and compliance expenses, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and place strain on its personnel, systems and resources. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that the Combined Company maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Ensuring that the Combined Company will have adequate internal financial and accounting controls and procedures in place is a costly and time-consuming effort that needs to be re-evaluated frequently. We do not expect that the Combined Company will initially have an internal audit group, and the Combined Company may need to hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge. Implementing any appropriate
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changes to the Combined Companys internal controls may require specific compliance training for the Combined Companys directors, officers and employees, entail substantial costs, and take a significant period of time to complete. Such changes may not, however, be effective in maintaining the adequacy of the Combined Companys internal controls and any failure to maintain that adequacy, or consequent inability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis, could increase the Combined Companys operating costs and could materially impair its ability to operate its business. Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary for the Combined Company to produce reliable financial reports and are important to help prevent fraud.
In accordance with the Trading Market rules, unless the Combined Company is eligible for an exemption, it will be required to maintain a majority of independent directors on the board. The various rules and regulations applicable to public companies make it more difficult and more expensive for the Combined Company to maintain directors and officers liability insurance, and the Combined Company may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to maintain coverage. If the Combined Company is unable to maintain adequate directors and officers insurance, its ability to recruit and retain qualified officers and directors will be significantly curtailed.
We expect that the rules and regulations applicable to public companies will result in the Combined Company incurring substantial additional legal and financial compliance costs. These costs will decrease the Combined Companys net income or increase its net loss and may require it to reduce costs in other areas of its business.
There can be no assurance that the Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants will be approved for listing on the Trading Market or that the Combined Company will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of the Trading Market.
The Combined Company intends to apply to have the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants listed on the Trading Market, subject to official notice of issuance, and expects that the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants will begin trading on the Trading Market immediately following the Closing of the Business Combination. Although following the closing of the Business Combination the Combined Company expects to meet the minimum initial listing standards set forth in the Trading Markets listing standards, it cannot assure you that the Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants will be, or will continue to be, listed on the Trading Market in the future. In order to maintain that listing, we must satisfy minimum financial and other continued listing requirements and standards, including those regarding director independence and independent committee requirements, minimum stockholders equity, minimum share price, and certain corporate governance requirements. We may not be able to comply with the applicable listing standards and the Trading Market could delist our securities as a result.
The Combined Company cannot assure you that our Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants, if delisted from the Trading Market, will be listed on another national securities exchange. If the Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants are delisted by the Trading Market, the Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants would likely trade on the OTCQB where an investor may find it more difficult to sell the securities or obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of such securities.
Subsequent to the consummation of the Business Combination, the Combined Company may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, or the Combined Company may be subject to restructuring, impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on the Combined Companys business, financial condition and results of operations as well as the price of our stock, which could cause you to lose some or all of your investment.
Even though we have conducted extensive due diligence on Perimeter, we cannot assure you that this diligence identified all material issues that may be present, that it would be possible to uncover all material issues through a customary amount of due diligence, or that factors outside of Perimeters and outside of our control
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will not later arise. As a result of these factors, we may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in our reporting losses. Even if our due diligence successfully identified certain risks, unexpected risks may arise and previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with our preliminary risk analysis. Even though these charges may be non-cash items and not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about our securities or us. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate net worth or other covenants to which we may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing debt held by Perimeter or by virtue of our obtaining post-combination debt financing. Accordingly, any stockholder or warrant holder who chooses to remain a stockholder or warrant holder, respectively, following our initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their securities. Such stockholders and warrant holders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value.
If the Business Combinations benefits do not meet the expectations of investors or securities analysts, the market price of our securities or, following the consummation of the business combination, the Combined Companys securities, may decline.
The market price of our common stock may decline as a result of our Business Combination if we do not achieve the perceived benefits of our Business Combination as rapidly, or to the extent anticipated by, financial analysts or the effect of our Business Combination on our financial results is not consistent with the expectations of financial analysts. Accordingly, holders of our common stock following the consummation of our Business Combination may experience a loss as a result of a decline in the market price of such common stock. In addition, a decline in the market price of our common stock following the consummation of our Business Combination could adversely affect our ability to issue additional securities and to obtain additional financing in the future.
EverArc may not be able to complete its initial business combination prior to December 17, 2022, in which case EverArcs directors shall determine whether to recommend to the shareholders if EverArcs operations should be wound up. EverArc may not be able to complete its initial business combination within this time period.
EverArcs Articles provide that if EverArc fails to complete its initial business combination by December 17, 2022, EverArcs directors shall determine whether to recommend to the shareholders if EverArcs operations should be wound up. EverArc may not be able to complete its initial business combination within such time period. EverArcs ability to complete its initial business combination may be negatively impacted by general market conditions, volatility in the capital and debt markets and the other risks described herein. If EverArc has not completed its initial business combination within such time period and its directors and shareholders decide to wind up the business, EverArc will be wound up in accordance with the BVI Companies Act. In such case, the holders of EverArc Ordinary Shares may only receive $10.00 per share, and EverArcs warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, the holders of EverArc Ordinary Shares may receive less than $10.00 per share on the redemption of his, her or its shares.
EverArcs shareholders cannot be sure of the market value of the Holdco Ordinary Shares to be issued upon completion of the Business Combination.
The holders of EverArc Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Business Combination will receive one Holdco Ordinary Share in exchange for each EverArc Ordinary Share held by them, rather than a number of shares with a particular fixed market value. The market value of EverArc Ordinary Shares at the time of the Business Combination may vary significantly from its price on the date the Business Combination Agreement was executed or the date of the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part. Because the exchange ratio of the shares will not be adjusted to reflect any changes in the market prices of EverArc Ordinary Shares, the market value of the Holdco Ordinary Shares issued in the Business Combination and the EverArc Ordinary Shares surrendered in the Business Combination may be higher
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or lower than the value of these shares on earlier dates. 100% of the consideration to be received by EverArcs Shareholders will be Holdco Ordinary Shares. Following consummation of the Business Combination, the market price of Holdcos securities may be influenced by many factors, some of which are beyond its control, including those described above and the following:
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changes in financial estimates by analysts; |
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announcements by it or its competitors of significant contracts, productions, acquisitions or capital commitments; |
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fluctuations in its quarterly financial results or the quarterly financial results of companies perceived to be similar to it; |
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general economic conditions; |
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changes in market valuations of similar companies; |
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terrorist acts; |
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changes in its capital structure, such as future issuances of securities or the incurrence of additional debt; |
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future sales of Holdco Ordinary Shares; |
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regulatory developments in the U.S., foreign countries or both; |
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litigation involving Holdco, its subsidiaries or its general industry; and |
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additions or departures of key personnel. |
EverArcs board of directors did not obtain a fairness opinion in determining whether or not to proceed with the Business Combination and, as a result, the terms may not be fair from a financial point of view to the EverArc shareholders.
In analyzing the Business Combination, the EverArc board of directors conducted significant due diligence on Perimeter. For a complete discussion of the factors utilized by EverArcs board of directors in approving the Business Combination, see the section entitled, The Business CombinationEverArcs Board of Directors Reasons for the Approval of the Business Combination. The EverArc board of directors believes because of the financial skills and background of its directors, it was qualified to conclude that the Business Combination was fair from a financial perspective to its shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, EverArcs board of directors did not obtain a fairness opinion to assist it in its determination. Accordingly, EverArcs board of directors may be incorrect in its assessment of the Business Combination.
Since the EverArc Founders and EverArcs officers and directors have interests that are different, or in addition to (and which may conflict with), the interests of EverArcs public shareholders, a conflict of interest may have existed in determining whether the Business Combination is appropriate as EverArcs initial business combination. Such interests include that the EverArc Founders and directors could suffer a loss on their investment in the EverArc Ordinary Shares they purchased, their EverArc Warrants would be worthless (which, if unrestricted and freely tradable, would be worth an aggregate of approximately $267,750 based on the closing price of EverArc Warrants on September 30, 2021), and the EverArc Founder Entity will not receive any advisory fees, which may be significant, if a business combination is not completed. Accordingly, EverArcs officers and directors and the EverArc Founders may be incentivized to complete an initial business combination, even on terms less favorable to EverArcs public shareholders than liquidating EverArc.
You should keep in mind that the EverArc Founders and EverArcs officers and directors have interests that are different from, or in addition to, your interests as an EverArc public shareholder and warrant holders generally. The EverArc board of directors was aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in
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evaluating and negotiating the Business Combination and transaction agreements and in determining whether to approve the Business Combination. These interests include, among other things:
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the amounts payable to the EverArc Founder Entity pursuant to the Founder Advisory Agreement entered into by EverArc and the EverArc Founder Entity which is designed to provide incentives to the EverArc Founders to achieve EverArcs objectives which includes: |
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a fixed annual advisory amount equal to 1.5% of the Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number (in each case, payable in Holdco Ordinary Shares or partly in cash, at the election of the EverArc Founder Entity provided that at least 50% of such amounts are paid in Holdco Ordinary Shares). Based on the assumptions described in this prospectus, the fixed annual advisory amount is currently expected to be 2,353,992 Holdco Ordinary Shares which, assuming a stock price of $12.50 per Holdco Ordinary Share, would have a value of $29,424,902. Each additional $1 increase in the stock price of Holdco Ordinary Shares above $12.50 will increase the value of the fixed annual advisory amount payable to the EverArc Founder Entity by $2,353,992; and |
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a variable annual advisory amount based on the appreciation of the market price of Holdco Ordinary Shares if such market price exceeds certain trading price minimums (in each case, payable in Holdco Ordinary Shares or partly in cash, at the election of the EverArc Founder Entity provided that at least 50% of such amounts are paid in Holdco Ordinary Shares). Based on assumptions described in this prospectus and assuming a stock price of $12.50 per Holdco Ordinary Share, the variable annual advisory amount payable to the EverArc Founder Entity in year one would have a value of $70,619,765. For each $1 increase in the stock price of Holdco Ordinary Shares above $12.50, or such higher stock price on which a variable annual advisory amount was previously paid to the EverArc Founder Entity, the EverArc Founder Entity will receive a variable annual advisory amount valued at $28,247,906; |
The EverArc Founders have advised Holdco that their intention is to elect, via the EverArc Founder Entity, to receive any advisory amounts in Holdco Ordinary Shares and for any cash element to only be such amount as is required to pay any related taxes;
With respect to the fixed annual advisory fee, the EverArc Founder Entity will earn such advisory fee even if Holdcos public shareholders earn a negative return following the consummation of the Business Combination;
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the potential continuation of certain of EverArcs directors as directors of Holdco; |
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the EverArc Founder Entity and EverArcs directors have agreed that none of the EverArc Founder Shares nor any EverArc Ordinary Shares or EverArc Warrants owned by them will be sold or transferred by them until one year after EverArc has completed a business combination, subject to limited exceptions; |
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approximately $100,000 in unreimbursed expenses due to the EverArc Founder Entity; |
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the continued indemnification of current directors and officers of EverArc and the continuation of directors and officers liability insurance after the Business Combination; |
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to the extent that the EverArc Founders or directors identify business opportunities that may be suitable for EverArc or other companies on whose boards of directors they may sit or to whom they owe a contractual obligation, the EverArc Founders and directors will honor those pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations ahead of their obligations to EverArc. Accordingly, they may refrain from presenting certain opportunities to EverArc that come to their attention in the performance of their duties as directors of such other entities or in observance of contractual obligations unless the other companies have declined to accept such opportunities or waive the contractual obligations. EverArc considered the pre-existing duties or contractual obligations of the EverArc Founders or directors and does not believe that they materially impacted its search for an acquisition target, or the negotiation or approval of the Business Combination; and |
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the beneficial ownership by the EverArc Founders, directly and indirectly through the EverArc Founder Entity, of: |
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100 EverArc Founder Shares, acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $1,000, which following the Closing will have an aggregate market value of approximately $1,250 based on the closing price of EverArc Ordinary Shares of $12.50 on the LSE on September 30, 2021; and |
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1,595,239 EverArc Ordinary Shares and 1,500,000 EverArc Warrants, acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $16,000,010, which have an aggregate market value of approximately $20,202,988 based on the closing price of EverArc Ordinary Shares of $12.50 and EverArc Warrants of $0.175 on the LSE on September 30, 2021; if the Business Combination is not consummated and EverArc is liquidated, the EverArc Founders will suffer a loss on their investment, if any, equal to the difference between the price paid for their EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants and the liquidation value of their EverArc Ordinary Shares which loss would, based on EverArcs publicly reported statement of financial position as of April 30, 2021, equal, in the aggregate, $398,573; |
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the beneficial ownership by the EverArc non-founder directors of an aggregate of 30,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares and 30,000 EverArc Warrants granted to them in lieu of their first years annual remuneration at a fair value of $10.00 per EverArc Ordinary Share, which have an aggregate market value of approximately $380,250 based on the closing price of EverArc Ordinary Shares of $12.50 and EverArc Warrants of $0.175 on the LSE on September 30, 2021; if the Business Combination is not consummated and EverArc is liquidated, the EverArc non-founder directors will suffer a loss, if any, equal to the difference between the value of their EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants upon issuance and the liquidation value of their EverArc Ordinary Shares which loss would, based on EverArcs publicly reported statement of financial position as of April 30, 2021, equal, in the aggregate, $6,600. |
The existence of the interests described above may result in a conflict of interest on the part of EverArcs officers and directors and the EverArc Founder Entity in approving the Business Combination. In particular, the existence of the interests described above may incentivize EverArcs directors and the EverArc Founder Entity to complete an initial business combination, even if on terms less favorable to EverArcs shareholders compared to liquidating EverArc, because, among other things, if EverArc is liquidated without completing an initial business combination, the EverArc Founders and directors could suffer a loss on their investment in the EverArc Ordinary Shares they purchased, their EverArc Warrants would be worthless (which, if unrestricted and freely tradable, would be worth an aggregate of approximately $267,750 based on the closing price of EverArc Warrants on September 30, 2021), and the EverArc Founder Entity would not receive any future advisory fees, which at the current price of EverArc could be worth, in the aggregate, as much as $100,044,667 at December 31, 2021.
Pursuant to the Founder Advisory Agreement, Holdco will be required to make a termination payment if the Founder Advisory Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances.
In the event the Founder Advisory Agreement is terminated by Holdco upon it ceasing to be traded on the NYSE or by Parent upon a sale of Holdco, Holdco will pay the EverArc Founder a termination payment in cash. This termination payment may be substantial and will be immediately due and payable on the date of termination of the Founder Advisory Agreement. See Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsFounder Advisory Agreement.
There are risks to EverArc shareholders who are not affiliates of the EverArc Founder Entity of becoming shareholders of Holdco through the Business Combination rather than acquiring securities of Perimeter directly in an underwritten public offering, including no independent due diligence review by an underwriter and conflicts of interest of the EverArc Founders.
Because there is no independent third-party underwriter involved in the Business Combination or the issuance of Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants in connection therewith, investors will not receive the
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benefit of any outside independent review of EverArcs and Perimeters respective finances and operations. Underwritten public offerings of securities conducted by a licensed broker-dealer are subjected to a due diligence review by the underwriter or dealer manager to satisfy statutory duties under the Securities Act, the rules of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) and the national securities exchange where such securities are listed. Additionally, underwriters or dealer-managers conducting such public offerings are subject to liability for any material misstatements or omissions in a registration statement filed in connection with the public offering. As no such review will be conducted in connection with the Business Combination, EverArc shareholders must rely on the information in this prospectus and will not have the benefit of an independent review and investigation of the type normally performed by an independent underwriter in a public securities offering. Although EverArc performed a due diligence review and investigation of Perimeter in connection with the Business Combination, EverArc has different incentives and objectives in the Business Combination than an underwriter would in a traditional initial public offering. The lack of an independent due diligence review and investigation may increase the risk of an investment in Holdco because it may not have uncovered facts that would be important to a potential investor.
In addition, because Holdco will not become a public reporting company by means of a traditional underwritten initial public offering, securities or industry analysts may not provide, or may be less likely to provide, coverage of Holdco. Investment banks may also be less likely to agree to underwrite securities offerings on behalf of Holdco than they might if Holdco became a public reporting company by means of a traditional underwritten initial public offering, because they may be less familiar with Holdco as a result of more limited coverage by analysts and the media. The failure to receive research coverage or support in the market for Holdcos Ordinary Shares could have an adverse effect on Holdcos ability to develop a liquid market for Holdcos Ordinary Shares.
EverArcs shareholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest after consummation of the Business Combination and will exercise less influence over management.
After the completion of the Business Combination, EverArcs shareholders will own a smaller percentage of Holdco than they currently own of EverArc. Upon completion of the Business Combination, it is anticipated that EverArcs shareholders, will own approximately 26.1%, of the Holdco Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding immediately after the consummation of the Business Combination. Consequently, EverArcs shareholders, as a group, will have reduced ownership and voting power in Holdco compared to their ownership and voting power in EverArc.
Risks for any holders of Holdco Warrants following the Business Combination.
Following the Business Combination, Holdco may redeem your Holdco Warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to you, thereby significantly impairing the value of such warrants. Holdco will have the ability to redeem outstanding Holdco Warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.01 per warrant, provided that the closing price of the Holdco Ordinary Shares equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 10 consecutive Trading Days Redemption of the outstanding Holdco Warrants could force you (i) to exercise your Holdco Warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (ii) to sell your Holdco Warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your Holdco Warrants, or (iii) to accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding Holdco Warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of your Holdco Warrants.
EverArcs shareholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against EverArc to the extent of distributions received by them.
If EverArc is forced to enter into an insolvent liquidation, any distributions received by holders of EverArc Ordinary Shares could be viewed as an unlawful payment if it was proved that immediately after the
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distribution, EverArc was unable to pay its debts as they fell due or the value of its assets did not exceed its liabilities. As a result, a liquidator could seek to recover all amounts received by the holders of EverArc Ordinary Shares. A distribution made to a member at a time when EverArc did not, immediately after the distribution, satisfy the solvency test may be recovered by EverArc (acting by its liquidator) from the member unless (a) the member received the distribution in good faith and without knowledge of EverArcs failure to satisfy the solvency test; (b) the member has altered his or her position in reliance on the validity of the distribution; and (c) it would be unfair to require repayment in full or at all. Furthermore, EverArcs directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to EverArc or its creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, thereby exposing themselves and EverArc to claims, by paying holders of EverArc Ordinary Shares prior to addressing the claims of creditors. EverArc cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against it for these reasons.
Holdco may have limited recourse for indemnity claims under the Business Combination Agreement.
Under the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, Holdco will have limited recourse against SK Holdings or its affiliates for losses and liabilities arising or discovered after the closing of the Business Combination. Except in the event of fraud or for certain specific indemnification matters, Holdco cannot make a claim for indemnification against SK Holdings or its affiliates for a breach of the representations and warranties or covenants in the Business Combination Agreement. In connection with the Business Combination, Holdco obtained a representation and warranty insurance policy to provide indemnification for breaches of certain representations and warranties which policy is subject to certain specified limitations and exclusions. There can be no assurance that, in the event of a claim, the insurance policy will cover the relevant losses, or that proceeds that are recoverable under the insurance policy (if any) will be sufficient to compensate Holdco for any losses incurred. Therefore, Holdco may have limited recourse against SK Holdings or its affiliates and/or the representations and warranties insurance provider in respect of claims for breach of the warranties, covenants and other provisions in the Business Combination Agreement, which could have a material adverse effect on Holdcos business, financial condition and results of operations.
EverArcs and Perimeters ability to consummate the Business Combination may be materially adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China, which has and is continuing to spread throughout the world, including the U.S. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On January 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency for the U.S. to aid the U.S., and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted, and other infectious diseases could result, in a widespread health crisis that has and could continue to adversely affect the economies and financial markets worldwide, which may delay or prevent the consummation of the Business Combination. The extent of such impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information, which may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19 and the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, among others.
The disruptions posed by COVID-19 have continued, and other matters of global concern may continue for an extensive period of time, and EverArcs and Perimeters ability to consummate the Business Combination may be materially adversely affected. Each of EverArc, Perimeter and Holdco may also incur additional costs due to delays caused by COVID-19, which could adversely affect EverArcs and Perimeters ability to consummate the Business Combination.
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Risks Related to Investment in a Luxembourg Company
Holdco is organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It may be difficult for you to obtain or enforce judgments or bring original actions against Holdco or the members of its board of directors in the U.S.
Holdco is organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. In addition, some of the members of Holdcos board of directors and officers reside outside the U.S. Investors may not be able to effect service of process within the U.S. upon Holdco or these persons or enforce judgments obtained against Holdco or these persons in U.S. courts, including judgments in actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. Likewise, it also may be difficult for an investor to enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained against Holdco or these persons in courts located in jurisdictions outside the U.S., including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. Awards of punitive damages in actions brought in the U.S. or elsewhere are generally not enforceable in Luxembourg.
As there is no treaty in force on the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters between the U.S. and Luxembourg, courts in Luxembourg will not automatically recognize and enforce a final judgment rendered by a U.S. court. Pursuant to the general provisions of Luxembourg law for the enforcement of foreign judgments and in particular, but not limited to, section 678 of the Luxembourg New Code of Civil Procedure, a party who obtains a final judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction in the U.S. may initiate enforcement proceedings in Luxembourg (exequatur) and the District Court (Tribunal dArrondissement) may authorize the enforcement in Luxembourg of the U.S. judgment without re-examination of the merits, if it is satisfied that the following conditions are met (which conditions may change):
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the judgment of the U.S. court is final and enforceable (exécutoire) in the U.S.; |
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the U.S. court had jurisdiction over the subject matter leading to the judgment according to the Luxembourg conflict of jurisdictions rules (that is, its jurisdiction was in compliance both with Luxembourg private international law rules and with the applicable domestic U.S. federal or state jurisdictional rules); |
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the U.S. court applied to the dispute the substantive law that would have been applied by Luxembourg courts (based on recent case law and legal doctrine, it is not certain that this condition would still be required for an exequatur to be granted by a Luxembourg court); |
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the judgment was granted following proceedings where the counterparty had the opportunity to appear and, if it appeared, to present a defense, and the decision of the foreign court must not have been obtained by fraud, but with the procedural rules of the jurisdiction in which the judgment was rendered, in particular, in compliance with the rights of the defendant; |
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the U.S. court acted in accordance with its own procedural laws; and |
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the decisions and the considerations of the U.S. court must not be contrary to Luxembourg international public policy rules or have been given in proceedings of a tax or criminal nature or rendered subsequent to an evasion of Luxembourg law (fraude à la loi). Awards of damages made under civil liabilities provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws, or other laws, which are classified by Luxembourg courts as being of a penal or punitive nature (for example, fines or punitive damages), might not be recognized by Luxembourg courts. Ordinarily, an award of monetary damages would not be considered as a penalty, but if the monetary damages include punitive damages, such punitive damages may be considered a penalty. |
In addition, actions brought in a Luxembourg court against Holdco, the members of its board of directors, its officers, or the experts named herein to enforce liabilities based on U.S. federal securities laws may be subject to certain restrictions. In particular, Luxembourg courts generally do not award punitive damages. Litigation in Luxembourg also is subject to rules of procedure that differ from the U.S. rules, including, with
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respect to the taking and admissibility of evidence, the conduct of the proceedings and the allocation of costs. Proceedings in Luxembourg would have to be conducted in the Luxembourgish, French or German language, and all documents submitted to the court would, in principle, have to be translated into Luxembourgish, French or German. For these reasons, it may be difficult for a U.S. investor to bring an original action in a Luxembourg court predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against Holdco, the members of its board of directors, its officers, or the experts named herein. In addition, even if a judgment against Holdco, the non-U.S. members of its board of directors, its officers, or the experts named in this prospectus based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws is obtained, a U.S. investor may not be able to enforce it in U.S. or Luxembourg courts.
The directors and officers of Holdco have entered into, or will enter into, indemnification agreements with Holdco. Under such agreements, the directors and officers will be entitled to indemnification from Holdco to the fullest extent permitted by Luxemburg law against liability and expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit, or proceeding in which he or she would be involved by virtue of his or her being or having been a director or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof. Luxembourg law permits Holdco to keep directors indemnified against any expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in connection with liability of a director towards Holdco or a third party for management errors i.e., for wrongful acts committed during the execution of the mandate (mandat) granted to the director by Holdco, except in connection with criminal offenses, gross negligence or fraud. The rights to and obligations of indemnification among or between Holdco and any of its current or former directors and officers are generally governed by the laws of Luxembourg and subject to the jurisdiction of the Luxembourg courts, unless such rights or obligations do not relate to or arise out of such persons capacities listed above. Although there is doubt as to whether U.S. courts would enforce this indemnification provision in an action brought in the U.S. under U.S. federal or state securities laws, this provision could make it more difficult to obtain judgments outside Luxembourg or from non-Luxembourg jurisdictions that would apply Luxembourg law against Holdcos assets in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg and European insolvency and bankruptcy laws are substantially different from U.S. insolvency and bankruptcy laws and may offer Holdcos shareholders less protection than they would have under U.S. insolvency and bankruptcy laws.
As a company organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and with its registered office in Luxembourg, Holdco is subject to Luxembourg insolvency and bankruptcy laws in the event any insolvency proceedings are initiated against it including, among other things, Council and European Parliament Regulation (EU) 2015/848 of 20 May 2015 on insolvency proceedings (recast). Should courts in another European country determine that the insolvency and bankruptcy laws of that country apply to Holdco in accordance with and subject to such European Union (EU) regulations, the courts in that country could have jurisdiction over the insolvency proceedings initiated against Holdco. Insolvency and bankruptcy laws in Luxembourg or the relevant other European country, if any, may offer Holdcos shareholders less protection than they would have under U.S. insolvency and bankruptcy laws and make it more difficult for them to recover the amount they could expect to recover in a liquidation under U.S. insolvency and bankruptcy laws.
The rights of Holdcos shareholders may differ from the rights they would have as shareholders of a U.S. corporation, which could adversely impact trading in Holdcos Ordinary Shares and its ability to conduct equity financings.
Holdcos corporate affairs are governed by Holdcos articles of association and the laws of Luxembourg, including the Luxembourg Company Law (loi du 10 août 1915 sur les sociétés commerciales, telle que modifiée). The rights of Holdcos shareholders and the responsibilities of its directors and officers under Luxembourg law are different from those applicable to a corporation incorporated in the U.S. For example, under Delaware law, the board of directors of a Delaware corporation bears the ultimate responsibility for managing the business and affairs of a corporation. In discharging this function, directors of a Delaware corporation owe fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to the corporation and its shareholders. Luxembourg law imposes, among others, a duty on directors of a
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Luxembourg company to: (i) act in good faith with a view to the best interests of a company; and (ii) exercise the care, diligence, and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in a similar position and under comparable circumstances. Additionally, under Delaware law, a shareholder may bring a derivative action on behalf of a company to enforce a companys rights. Under Luxembourg law, the board of directors has sole authority to decide whether to initiate legal action to enforce a companys rights (other than, in certain circumstances, an action against members of Holdcos board of directors, which may be initiated by the general meeting of the shareholders, or, subject to certain conditions, by minority shareholders holding together at least 10% of the voting rights in the company). See Comparison of Shareholder Rights for an additional explanation of the differences. Further, under Luxembourg law, there may be less publicly available information about Holdco than is regularly published by or about U.S. issuers. In addition, Luxembourg laws governing the securities of Luxembourg companies may not be as extensive as those in effect in the U.S., and Luxembourg laws and regulations in respect of corporate governance matters might not be as protective of minority shareholders as are state corporation laws in the U.S. Therefore, Holdcos shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in connection with actions taken by Holdcos directors, officers or principal shareholders than they would as shareholders of a corporation incorporated in the United States. As a result of these differences, Holdcos shareholders may have more difficulty protecting their interests than they would as shareholders of a U.S. issuer.
Risks Related to Taxes
If Holdco is or becomes a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, U.S. Holders of Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants could be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
If Holdco is or becomes a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder (as defined in Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations) holds Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences may apply to such U.S. Holder. Assuming the Merger, together with certain related transactions, qualifies as an F Reorganization (see Material U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsTax Consequences of the Business CombinationThe Merger), Holdco should be treated as the same corporation as EverArc for purposes of the PFIC provisions. Accordingly, Holdcos PFIC status may depend on whether EverArc has qualified for the PFIC start-up exception (see Material U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsTax Consequences of Ownership and Disposition of Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco WarrantsPassive Foreign Investment Company Rules). EverArcs and Holdcos actual PFIC status for any taxable year will not be determinable until after the end of such year and, in the case of the application of the start-up exception to EverArc for its taxable year that ended on October 31, 2020, until after the end of Holdcos second succeeding taxable year. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that Holdco will not be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year.
If Holdco were treated as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences, such as taxation at the highest marginal ordinary income tax rates on capital gains and on certain actual or deemed distributions, interest charges on certain taxes treated as deferred, and additional reporting requirements. Certain elections (including a qualified electing fund or a mark-to-market election) may be available to U.S. Holders of Holdco Ordinary Shares to mitigate some of the adverse tax consequences resulting from PFIC treatment, but U.S. Holders will not be able to make similar elections with respect to Holdco Warrants. See Material U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsTax Consequences of Ownership and Disposition of Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco WarrantsPassive Foreign Investment Company Rules.
If a United States person is treated as owning at least 10% of Holdcos shares, such person may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
If a United States person is treated as owning (directly, indirectly or constructively) at least 10% of the value or voting power of Holdcos shares, such person may be treated as a United States shareholder with respect to each
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of Holdco and its direct and indirect subsidiaries (Holdco Group) that is a controlled foreign corporation, or CFC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the Holdco Group includes one or more U.S. subsidiaries, certain of Holdcos non-U.S. subsidiaries could be treated as CFCs regardless of whether Holdco is treated as a CFC. Immediately following the Business Combination, the Holdco Group will include a U.S. subsidiary.
A United States shareholder of a CFC may be required to report annually and include in its U.S. taxable income its pro rata share of the CFCs subpart F income and tested income (for purposes of computing global intangible low-taxed income) and earnings invested in U.S. property by the CFC, regardless of whether such CFC makes any distributions. Failure to comply with these reporting obligations (or related tax payment obligations) may subject such United States shareholder to significant monetary penalties and may prevent the statute of limitations with respect to such United States shareholders U.S. federal income tax return for the year for which reporting (or payment of tax) was due from starting. An individual that is a United States shareholder with respect to a CFC generally would not be allowed certain tax deductions or foreign tax credits that would be allowed to a United States shareholder that is a U.S. corporation. Holdco cannot provide any assurances that it will assist holders in determining whether any of its non-U.S. subsidiaries is treated as a CFC or whether any holder is treated as a United States shareholder with respect to any of such CFCs or furnish to any holder information that may be necessary to comply with reporting and tax paying obligations.
Changes in tax laws may materially adversely affect Holdcos business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
New income, sales, use or other tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be enacted at any time, which could adversely affect Holdcos business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. Further, existing tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be interpreted, changed, modified or applied adversely to Holdco. For example, U.S. federal tax legislation enacted in 2017, informally titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act), enacted many significant changes to the U.S. tax laws. Future guidance from the IRS with respect to the Tax Act may affect Holdco, and certain aspects of the Tax Act could be repealed or modified in future legislation. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act), has already modified certain provisions of the Tax Act. In addition, it is uncertain if and to what extent various states will conform to the Tax Act, the CARES Act or any newly enacted federal tax legislation. In addition, the Biden administration and members of Congress have proposed various changes to the U.S. federal tax regime, including an increase in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from the current 21% rate to, in various proposals, 26.5% or 28%. Congress is currently working on draft legislation, that may include the proposed or other changes to the U.S. federal tax law; however, it is not yet clear what changes will be made or when, or what impact any such changes will have on us.
General Risk Factors
We may require additional capital to fund our operations. If we are unable to raise additional capital on terms acceptable to us or at all or generate cash flows necessary to maintain or expand our operations, we may not be able to compete successfully, which would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We expect to devote substantial financial resources to our ongoing and planned activities. We expect our expenses to continue to increase as our volumes and revenues increase. Furthermore, we expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. Accordingly, we may need to obtain additional capital to fund our continuing operations.
We believe that our existing cash and other resources will be sufficient to fund our operations and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months; however, these assumptions are based on estimates that may be wrong. As a result, we could deplete our capital resources sooner than we currently expect.
In the event that we require additional financing, we may not be able to raise such financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or
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strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. If we are unable to raise additional capital on terms acceptable to us or at all or generate cash flows necessary to maintain or expand our operations and invest in our business, we may not be able to compete successfully, which would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Cybersecurity attack, acts of cyber-terrorism, failure of technology systems and other disruptions to our information technology systems could compromise our information, disrupt our operations, and expose us to liability, which may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In the ordinary course of our business, we store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, and personally identifiable information of our employees in our information technology systems, including in our data servers and on our networks. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this data is critical to our operations. Despite our security measures, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached or disrupted due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such attack, breach or disruption could compromise our information technology systems and the information stored in them could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen and our business operations could be disrupted. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information or business disruption could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, and damage to our reputation, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our results of operations are subject to exchange rate and other currency risks. A significant movement in exchange rates could adversely impact our results of operations.
Although we conduct our business primarily in U.S. dollar we also conduct business in many different currencies. Accordingly, currency exchange rates affect our results of operations. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on our future operating results are unpredictable because of the number of currencies in which we conduct business and the potential volatility of exchange rates. We are also subject to the risks of currency controls and devaluations. Currency controls may limit our ability to convert currencies into U.S. dollars or other currencies, as needed, or to pay dividends or make other payments from funds held by subsidiaries in the countries imposing such controls, which could adversely affect our liquidity. Currency devaluations could also negatively affect our operating margins and cash flows. For example, if the U.S. dollar were to strengthen against a local currency, our operating margin would be adversely impacted in the country to the extent significant costs are denominated in U.S. dollars while our revenues are denominated in such local currency.
Our insurance may not fully cover all of our operational risks, including, but not limited to, environmental risks, and changes in the cost of insurance or the availability of insurance could materially increase our insurance costs or result in a decrease in our insurance coverage.
We have a significant concentration of our manufacturing facilities. Natural disasters and severe weather events (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, floods, landslides and wind or hailstorms) or other extraordinary events subject us to property loss and business interruption. Illegal or unethical conduct by employees, customers, vendors and unaffiliated third parties can also impact our business. Other potential liabilities arising out of our operations may involve claims by employees, customers or third parties for personal injury, product liability or property damage and potential fines and penalties in connection with alleged violations of regulatory requirements.
In certain instances, our insurance may not fully cover an insured loss depending on the magnitude and nature of the claim. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will not be exposed to uninsured or underinsured losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, changes in the cost of insurance or the availability of insurance in the future could substantially increase our costs to maintain our current level of coverage or could cause us to reduce our insurance coverage.
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We are subject to general governmental regulation and other legal obligations, including those related to privacy, data protection and information security, and our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business. Compliance with such laws could also impair our efforts to maintain and expand our customer base, and thereby decrease our revenue.
We receive, store and process personal information and other data from and about customers in addition to our employees and services providers. Our handling of data is subject to a variety of laws and regulations, including regulation by various government agencies, such as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the FTC) and various state, local and foreign agencies. Our data handling also is subject to contractual obligations and industry standards.
The U.S. federal and various state governments have adopted or proposed limitations on the collection, distribution, use, storage and security of data relating to individuals, including the use of contact information and other data for marketing, advertising and other communications with individuals and businesses. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the CCPA) became effective January 1, 2020. The CCPA requires covered businesses to, among other things, make new disclosures to consumers about their data collection, use, and sharing practices, and allows consumers to opt out of certain data sharing with third parties. The CCPA also provides a new private cause of action for certain data breaches. The California Privacy Rights Act (the CPRA) which will become effective on January 1, 2023, will significantly modify the CCPA, and also create a new state agency that will be vested with authority to implement and enforce the CCPA and the CPRA. The effects of the CCPA and the CPRA are potentially significant and may require us to incur substantial costs and expenses in an effort to comply and increase our potential exposure to regulatory enforcement and/or litigation. States such as Virginia have enacted and we expect additional states may also enact legislation similar to the CCPA and CPRA. Additionally, the FTC and many state attorneys general are interpreting federal and state consumer protection laws as imposing standards for the online collection, use, dissemination and security of data.
Several foreign countries and governmental bodies, including the European Union, have laws and regulations dealing with the handling and processing of personal information obtained from their residents, which in certain cases are more restrictive than those in the United States, and we expect additional jurisdictions may enact similar regulations. Laws and regulations in these jurisdictions apply broadly to the collection, use, storage, disclosure and security of various types of data, including data that identifies or may be used to identify an individual, such as names, email addresses and in some jurisdictions, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Within the European Union, legislators have adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (the GDPR) which became effective in May 2018. The GDPR includes more stringent operational requirements for processors and controllers of personal data than previous EU data protection laws and imposes significant penalties for non-compliance.
These domestic and foreign laws and regulations relating to privacy and data security are evolving, can be subject to significant change and may result in ever-increasing regulatory and public scrutiny and escalating levels of enforcement and sanctions. Interpretation of certain requirements remains unclear and may evolve, in particular for regulations that have recently been enacted. Application of laws may be inconsistent or may conflict among jurisdictions resulting in additional complexity and increased legal risk. In addition, these regulations have increased our compliance costs and may impair our ability to grow our business or offer our service in some locations, may subject us to liability for non-compliance, may require us to modify our data processing and transferring practices and policies and may strain our technical capabilities.
We also handle credit card and other personal information. Due to the sensitive nature of such information, we have implemented procedures in an effort to preserve and protect our data and our customers data against loss, misuse, corruption, misappropriation caused by systems failures, unauthorized access or misuse. Notwithstanding these procedures, we could be subject to liability claims by individuals and customers whose data resides in our databases for the misuse of that information. If we fail to meet appropriate compliance levels, this could negatively impact our ability to utilize credit cards as a method of payment, and/or collect and store credit card information, which could disrupt our business.
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We may be subject to rules of the FTC, the Federal Communications Commission (the FCC) and potentially other federal agencies and state laws related to commercial electronic mail and other messages. Compliance with these provisions may limit our ability to send certain types of messages. If we were found to have violated such rules and regulations, we may face enforcement actions by the FTC or FCC or face civil penalties, either of which could adversely affect our business.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with laws, regulations, policies, legal or contractual obligations, industry standards, or regulatory guidance relating to privacy or data security, may result in governmental investigations and enforcement actions, litigation, fines and penalties or adverse publicity, and could cause our customers and partners to lose trust in us, which could have an adverse effect on our reputation and business. We expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws, regulations and industry standards relating to privacy, data protection, marketing, consumer communications, information security and local data residency in the United States, the European Union and other jurisdictions, and we cannot determine the impact such future laws, regulations and standards may have on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Governments and municipalities around the world have instituted measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, school closures, travel restrictions, and closure of non-essential businesses. These measures have led to significant adverse economic impacts which have had, and could continue to have, an adverse impact on our business operations in a number of ways, including, without limitation, (1) disruptions to our sales operations and marketing efforts as a result of the inability of our sales team to travel and meet customers in person, (2) negative impacts on our customers and prospects that could result in (i) extended customer sales cycles, delayed spending on our services, impairment of our ability to collect accounts receivable, and (ii) reduced payment frequencies, demand for our services, renewal rates, and spending on our services, and (3) negative impacts to the financial condition or operations of our vendors and business partners, as well as disruptions to the supply chain of products needed to offer our services. Moreover, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are temporarily requiring a portion of our employees to work remotely, which may lead to disruptions and decreased productivity and other adverse operational business impacts. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant economic impact affects our business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.
The loss of key personnel or our inability to attract and retain new qualified personnel could hurt our business and inhibit our ability to operate and grow successfully.
Our success depends on the continuing services of certain members of the current management team. Our executive team are incentivized by stock compensation grants that align the interests of investors with the executive team and certain executives have employment retention agreements. The loss of key management, employees or third-party contractors could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, the success of our operations will largely depend upon our ability to successfully attract and maintain competent and qualified key management personnel. As with any company with limited resources, there can be no guarantee that we will be able to attract such individuals or that the presence of such individuals will necessarily translate into profitability for our company. If we are successful in attracting and retaining such individuals, it is likely that our payroll costs and related expenses will increase significantly and that there will be additional dilution to existing stockholders as a result of equity incentives that may need to be issued to such management personnel. Our inability to attract and retain key personnel may materially and adversely affect our business operations. Any failure by our management to effectively anticipate, implement, and manage personnel required to sustain our growth would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF LIABILITIES
Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries (the non-U.S. companies) are or will be incorporated under the laws of countries other than the U.S. In addition, certain of the directors and officers of the non-U.S. companies reside outside of the U.S. and most of the assets of the non-U.S. companies and some of the assets of their directors and officers are located outside the U.S. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process on the non-U.S. companies or those persons in the U.S. or to enforce in the U.S. judgments obtained in U.S. courts against the non-U.S. companies or those persons based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws or other laws. Uncertainty exists as to whether courts in the jurisdiction of organization of the non-U.S. companies will enforce judgments obtained in other jurisdictions, including the U.S., against the non-U.S. companies or their directors or officers under the securities or other laws of those jurisdictions or entertain actions in those jurisdictions against the non-U.S. companies or their directors or officers under the securities or other laws of those jurisdictions.
Luxembourg
It may be possible to effect service of process within Luxembourg upon Holdco and its respective directors and officers provided that The Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters of November 15, 1965 is complied with.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Introduction
Holdco, EverArc, and Perimeter are providing the following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information to aid you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the business combination. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 combines the audited balance sheet of Holdco as of June 30, 2021 with the unaudited condensed balance sheet of Perimeter as of June 30, 2021 and the unaudited condensed consolidated combined balance sheet of EverArc as of April 30, 2021, giving effect to the Business Combination.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 combines the unaudited condensed statement of operations of Holdco for the period from June 21, 2021 (inception) to June 30, 2021 with the unaudited condensed statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) of Perimeter for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the unaudited condensed consolidated combined statement of operations of EverArc for the six months ended April 30, 2021. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 combines the audited condensed statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) of Perimeter for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the audited condensed consolidated combined statement of operations of EverArc for the period from November 8, 2019 (inception) to October 31, 2020, giving effect to the Business Combination as if it had been consummated on January 1, 2020, the beginning of the earliest period presented.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information was derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the following historical financial statements and the accompanying notes, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus:
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The historical audited balance sheet of Holdco as of June 30, 2021 and the unaudited condensed statement of operations for the period from June 21, 2021 (inception) to June 30, 2021; |
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The historical unaudited condensed financial statements of Perimeter as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2021, and the historical audited financial statements of Perimeter as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020; and |
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The historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of EverArc as of and for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and the historical audited consolidated financial statements as of October 31, 2020 and for the period from November 8, 2019 (inception) to October 31, 2020. |
The foregoing historical financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information has been prepared based on the aforementioned historical financial statements and the assumptions and adjustments as described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information. The pro forma adjustments reflect transaction accounting adjustments related to the Business Combination, which is discussed in further detail below. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to represent Perimeters consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position that would actually have occurred had the Business Combination been consummated on the dates assumed or to project Perimeters consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position for any future date or period.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information should also be read together with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Perimeter
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and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of EverArc, and other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Description of the Business Combination and Related Activity
Prior to the acquisition of Perimeter, the Merger will occur, whereby Merger Sub, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco, will merge with and into EverArc, with EverArc surviving such merger and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco. Concurrent with the Merger, PIPE Subscribers will invest $1,150.0 million in EverArc shares pursuant to the PIPE Subscription Agreement (PIPE Financing), which are exchanged for Holdco shares in connection with the closing of the Business Combination. Further financing activities include the refinancing of debt through the pay down of existing debt and the issuance of new debt for a net decrease to total debt of $75.4 million. The Business Combination will then occur, whereby Holdco will acquire 100% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Perimeter. Consideration for the acquisition will be transferred to SK Holdings, which holds 100% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Perimeter, through a combination of Holdco preferred shares, and cash. As part of the Business Combination, all the outstanding shares of EverArc will be exchanged for outstanding shares of Holdco and all of the outstanding EverArc warrants will be converted into the right to purchase one-fourth of a Holdco ordinary share on the substantially the same terms as the EverArc warrants.
Upon Closing, the ownership distribution of the common stock of the successor entity will be as follows:
Total Capitalization (in millions) | ||||||||||||
$ | Shares | % | ||||||||||
EverArc Holdco stockholders |
408 | 40.8 | 26.0 | |||||||||
Management investment in PIPE |
11 | 1.1 | 0.7 | |||||||||
PIPE Investors |
1,150 | 115.0 | 73.3 | |||||||||
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Total Shares |
1,569 | 156.9 | 100.0 | |||||||||
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Accounting for the Business Combination and Related Activity
The Merger between Holdco and EverArc will be accounted for as a common control transaction, where substantially all of the net assets of Holdco will be those previously held by EverArc. The acquisition of Perimeter through the Contribution and Sale will be treated as a business acquisition under ASC 805 with Holdco determined to be the legal and accounting acquirer. Accordingly, the net assets of Perimeter will be stated at fair value within the pro formas. This determination was primarily based on i) Holdco being a substantive entity as it engaged in significant pre-combination activities in order to raise capital, market to investors and pursue a business combination; ii) the Holdco equity holders having a relative majority of the voting power of the Post-Combination Company; iii) Holdco having the authority to appoint a majority of directors on the Board of Directors; and iv) that Holdco both transfers cash and issues equity to effect the business combination. In addition, Perimeter has been determined to be the predecessor of the Post-Combination Company. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the financial statements of the Post-Combination Company will represent a continuation of the financial statements of Perimeter.
Basis of Pro Forma Presentation
The historical financial information has been adjusted to give pro forma effect to the transaction adjustments required for the Business Combination and Merger as well as the financing adjustment related to PIPE Financing, extinguishment of historical debt and the issuance of new debt. The adjustments in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information have been identified and presented to provide relevant information necessary for an accurate understanding of the Post-Combination Company following the Business Combination.
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Holdco and Perimeter both have December 31st fiscal year-ends, while EverArc has an October 31st fiscal year-end. In accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Article 11-02(c), the information contained within the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined statement of operations and condensed consolidated combined balance sheet will be presented based on the fiscal year-end of Holdco, the Registrant.
Perimeter constitutes a business, with inputs and processes applied to those inputs that have the ability to contribute to the creation of outputs. Accordingly, the acquisition of Perimeter constitutes the acquisition of a business for purposes of ASC 805, and due to the change in control, will be accounted for using the acquisition method. Under the acquisition method, the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred, consisting of preferred shares and cash, by Holdco to effect the acquisition of Perimeter is allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values, as reflected in adjustment (A) to the pro formas. Management of Holdco has made significant estimates and assumptions in determining the preliminary allocation of the consideration transferred in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements. As the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements have been prepared based on these preliminary estimates, the final amounts recorded may differ materially from the information presented.
In order to appropriately reflect Holdco as the accounting acquirer within the pro formas, the Company has presented the historical financial statements of Holdco within the pro formas, followed by columns representing the EverArc Merger and purchase of Perimeter, which will be treated as a common control transaction and as a business combination under ASC 805, respectively. Based on the determination of the EverArc acquisition as a common control transaction, the net assets of EverArc will be stated at their historical value within the pro formas. Fair value adjustments have been applied to Perimeters historical financial statements in order to present the acquisition at fair value. Transaction adjustments related to the Business Combination are then applied to arrive at the combined total pro forma financial statements.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information is for illustrative purposes only. The financial results may have been different had the companies always been combined. You should not rely on the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information as being indicative of the historical results that would have been achieved had the companies always been combined or the future results that the Post-Combination Company will experience. Holdco and EverArc have not had any historical relationship with Perimeter prior to the Merger. Accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were required to eliminate activities between the companies.
Lastly, the significant accounting policies of EverArc and Perimeter are aligned and did not require any adjustments to be made by Holdco upon consummation of the Business Combination in order to create the significant accounting policies of the post-consummation entity.
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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Holdco
Historical |
EverArc
Historical |
Perimeter
Solutions Historical |
Perimeter
Solutions Purchase Price Allocation Adjustments |
Pro Forma
Transaction Adjustments |
Pro Forma
Combined |
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Net sales |
$ | | $ | | $ | 121,046 | $ | 121,046 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales |
| | 73,814 | 73,814 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
| 1,029 | 27,211 | 7,881 | (CC | ) | 53,782 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17,661 | (DD | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization expense |
| | 26,542 | 33,777 | (AA.1 | ) | 60,319 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating (income) expense |
| | 753 | 753 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total operating expense |
| 1,029 | 128,320 | 33,777 | 25,542 | 188,668 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
| (1,029 | ) | (7,274 | ) | (33,777 | ) | (25,542 | ) | (67,622 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
| | 15,886 | 1,250 | (FF | ) | 17,136 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on contingent earnout |
| | 2,763 | 2,763 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss |
| | 2,258 | 2,258 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) expense, net |
| | (318 | ) | (318 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income |
| (84 | ) | | 84 | (BB | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Income (loss) before income taxes |
| (945 | ) | (27,863 | ) | (33,777 | ) | (26,876 | ) | (89,461 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
| | (5,486 | ) | (8,929 | ) | (AA.2 | ) | (2,083 | ) | (EE | ) | (16,498 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) |
$ | | $ | (945 | ) | $ | (22,377 | ) | $ | (24,848 | ) | $ | (24,793 | ) | $ | (72,963 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Net earnings: |
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Basic earnings per share |
| (0.03 | ) | (0.42 | ) | (0.47 | ) | (GG | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average shares outstanding |
| 36,301,525 | 53,045,510 | 156,900,000 | (GG | ) |
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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Holdco
Historical |
EverArc
Historical |
Perimeter
Solutions Historical |
Perimeter
Solutions Purchase Price Allocation Adjustments |
Pro Forma
Transaction Adjustments |
Pro Forma
Combined |
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Net sales |
$ | | $ | | $ | 339,577 | $ | 339,577 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales |
| | 177,532 | 11,393 | (HH.2 | ) | 188,925 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
| 2,621 | 37,747 | 33,165 | (JJ | ) | 306,178 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20,449 | (KK | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
28,114 | (LL | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
62,998 | (MM | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15,763 | (NN | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
35,321 | (OO | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
70,000 | (RR | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization expense |
| | 51,458 | 69,180 | (HH.1 | ) | 120,638 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating (income) expense |
| | 1,364 | 1,364 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total operating expense |
| 2,621 | 268,101 | 80,573 | 265,810 | 617,105 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
| (2,621 | ) | 71,476 | (80,573 | ) | (265,810 | ) | (277,528 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
| | 42,017 | 12,029 | ) | 56,546 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2,500 | (SS | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) expense, net |
| | (5,273 | ) | (5,273 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income |
| (1,646 | ) | | 1,646 | (II | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Income (loss) before income taxes |
| (975 | ) | 34,732 | (80,573 | ) | (269,956 | ) | (328,801 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
| | 10,483 | (21,299 | ) | (HH.3 | ) | (7,432 | ) | (PP | ) | (18,248 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) |
$ | | $ | (975 | ) | $ | 24,249 | $ | (59,274 | ) | $ | (262,524 | ) | $ | (310,553 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Net earnings: |
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Basic earnings per share |
| (0.03 | ) | 0.46 | (1.98 | ) | (TT | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average shares outstanding |
| 36,301,525 | 53,045,510 | 156,900,000 | (TT | ) |
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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1. Basis of Presentation
The pro forma adjustments have been prepared as if the Business Combination had been consummated on June 30, 2021, in the case of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined balance sheet, and as if the Business Combination had been consummated on January 1, 2020, the beginning of the earliest period presented in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined statements of operations.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information has been prepared assuming the following methods of accounting in accordance with GAAP.
The Merger between Holdco and EverArc will be accounted for as a common control transaction, where substantially all of the net assets of Holdco will be those previously held by EverArc. The acquisition of Perimeter through the Business Combination will be treated as a business acquisition under ASC 805 with Holdco determined to be the legal and accounting acquirer. Accordingly, the net assets of Perimeter will be stated at fair value within the pro formas. Perimeter has been determined to be the predecessor to the Post-Combination Company. In addition to purchase price allocation adjustments and transaction adjustments, a financing adjustment has been reflected within the pro formas; this adjustment relates to the PIPE Financing, which is an additional source of financing associated with the Business Combination.
The pro forma adjustments represent managements estimates based on information available as of the date of this prospectus and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and additional analyses are performed. Management considers this basis of presentation to be reasonable under the circumstances.
2. Adjustments and Assumptions to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Combined Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2021
The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 are as follows:
(A) |
Reflects the purchase price allocation adjustments to record Perimeters assets and liabilities at estimated fair value based on the consideration conveyed to SK Holdings of $1,389.9 million, as detailed below. This consideration includes payment to SK Holdings as per the Business Combination Agreement in the form of $1,289.9 million in cash and $100.0 million in Preferred Equity Contributions. Preferred Equity Contributions were issued to existing Perimeter equity holders at par upon the Business Combination. Par value is considered to approximate fair value as this amount is equal to the redemption value as of Closing. These instruments have been assessed for classification, and it was determined that the instrument should be classified as a liability due to mandatory redemption features. In addition to the consideration conveyed to SK Holdings, $702.3 million will be used to pay down debt, which is discussed further at adjustment (I). As part of the allocation of the purchase price under ASC 805, Perimeters historical accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive loss was also eliminated. |
The preliminary purchase price was allocated among the identified assets to be acquired, based on a preliminary analysis. All valuation procedures related to existing assets as no new assets were identified as a result of procedures performed. Goodwill was recognized as a result of the acquisition, which represents the excess fair value of consideration over the fair value of the underlying net assets, largely arising from the extensive industry expertise that has been established by Perimeter. This was considered appropriate based on the determination that the Business Combination would be accounted for as a business acquisition under ASC 805. A deferred tax liability was recorded as part of the purchase price allocation, based on an analysis of the tax impacts of the Business Combination by
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location and by asset. The estimates of fair value are based upon preliminary valuation assumptions believed to be reasonable but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable; and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.
Assets Identified | Fair Value | |||
Property, Plant, and Equipment |
$ | 57,074 | ||
Inventory |
90,103 | |||
Other intangible assets |
100,061 | |||
Customer lists |
789,000 | |||
Existing technology and patents |
257,000 | |||
Goodwill |
1,079,195 | |||
Working capital |
32,287 | |||
Other assets |
980 | |||
LaderaTech Contingent Earnout(1) |
(22,208 | ) | ||
Debt |
(690,356 | ) | ||
Deferred tax liabilities |
(303,216 | ) | ||
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Total Fair Value |
$ | 1,389,920 |
Value Conveyed | ||||
Cash to SK Holdings |
$ | 1,289,920 | ||
Preferred Equity Contributions |
100,000 | |||
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Total preliminary purchase price consideration |
$ | 1,389,920 |
(1) |
Refer to Footnote 3 to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to the LaderaTech Contingent Earnout. |
(B) |
Reflects the reclassification of cash and marketable securities held in short-term investments that become available in conjunction with the business combination. This amount relates to EverArcs IPO proceeds, which are not subject to redemption. |
(C) |
Reflects the issuance of 40.8 million shares of Class A Common Stock in the Post-Combination Company to EverArc shareholders. The impact to Class A Common Stock in the Post-Combination Company was calculated as the number of shares multiplied by 0.0001, resulting in an adjustment of $4 thousand to common stock. The remaining balance in EverArc Class A Common Stock was recorded to additional paid-in capital in the Post-Combination Company in order to consistently present this balance on a go forward basis. |
(D) |
Represents recognition of the balance sheet impact of the fair value associated with the portion of the fixed award within the EverArc Founder Advisory Agreement that is fully vested as of the Business Combination. This agreement is referenced at Note 7 to the EverArc financial statements for the six months ended April 30, 2021. This portion of the award fully vests upon a change in control. The related nonrecurring expense was recorded via adjustment (KK). |
(E) |
Represents recognition of the balance sheet impact of the fair value associated with the variable award and a portion of the fixed award within the EverArc Founder Advisory Agreement that are partially vested as of the Business Combination. This agreement is referenced at Note 7 to the EverArc financial statements for the six months ended April 30, 2021. These awards have been assessed for classification, and, following the Business Combination, it was determined that half of the awards should be classified as a liability and the other half as equity. This is due to fact that half of these awards are subject to cash settlement at the option of the holder. A deferred tax asset was recorded for the expected tax benefit of the amount vested as of the Business Combination. The related recurring expense expected to be incurred on an ongoing basis for these awards was recorded via adjustments (CC) and (DD), respectively. The related nonrecurring expense incurred from grant date to Closing for these awards was recorded via adjustments (LL) and (MM), respectively. |
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(F) |
Represents transaction costs of $70.0 million, of which no amount was accrued for on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2021. |
(G) |
Represents the pro forma adjustment to record the net proceeds of $11.0 million from the issuance of 1.1 million shares of Class A Common Stock to Perimeter management as subscribers in the PIPE. The impact to Class A Common Stock in the Post-Combination Company was calculated as the number of shares multiplied by 0.0001, resulting in an adjustment of $1 thousand to common stock, and the remaining balance was recorded to additional paid-in capital. |
(H) |
Represents the pro forma adjustment to record the net proceeds of $1,150.0 million from the private placement and issuance of 115.0 million shares of Class A common stock to the PIPE Investors. The impact to Class A Common Stock in the Post-Combination Company was calculated as the number of shares multiplied by 0.0001, resulting in an adjustment of $11 thousand to common stock, and the remaining balance was recorded to additional paid-in capital. |
(I) |
Represents the pro forma adjustment to record the pay down of existing debt of $690.4 million, net of deferred financing costs of $12.0 million. As a result of the pay down of debt, we accelerated the recognition of expense related to these deferred financing costs. |
(J) |
Represents the pro forma adjustment to record the issuance of new debt in the amount of $615.0 million. The proceeds of debt were reduced by deferred financing costs of $20.0 million. The net decrease to total debt of $75.4 million is expected to reduced the ongoing interest expense of the Post-Combination Company. The total amount of new debt is known through an executed debt commitment letter. Interest expense adjustments will be applied once the relevant interest rate on this debt is available. |
3. Adjustments and Assumptions to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations for the Six Months ended June 30, 2021
The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 are as follows:
(AA) Reflects the pro forma impacts related to the purchase price allocation discussed at adjustment (A). This includes the following impacts:
1) |
The incremental amortization expense related to intangibles. These intangibles include Customer lists, Existing technology and patents, and Other intangibles, which were previously presented within Perimeters historical financial statements but were adjusted to fair value based on the purchase price allocation. The amortization expense for intangibles was calculated on a straightline basis using the estimated remaining useful lives of the assets, which was determined to be ten years for all intangibles. |
2) |
Represents the pro forma adjustment to taxes as a result of the purchase price allocation adjustments to the income statement for the six months ended June 30, 2021, which was calculated using the relevant blended statutory income tax rate of 26.44%. |
(BB) |
Reflects the elimination of interest earned on marketable securities held in the trust account. |
(CC) |
Reflects the pro forma adjustment to record ongoing stock compensation expense related to the partially vested portion of the fixed award within the EverArc Founder Advisory Agreement, referenced at Note 7 to the EverArc financial statements for the six months ended April 30, 2021. This agreement provides, in part, for compensation to be recognized over a period beginning at the grant date and extending six years following Closing (the service period), as further described at Note 7 to the EverArc financial statements for the six months ended April 30, 2021. The ASC 718 fair value of this award was determined as of September 30, 2021, assuming a share price of $10 per share, which resulted in a total valuation of $122.7 million. This adjustment represents the ongoing compensation expense related to this award in the amount of $7.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. |
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Refer to adjustment (E) for the liability and equity impact related to the vested portions of this award and the award referenced at adjustment (DD). |
(DD) |
Reflects the pro forma adjustment to record ongoing stock compensation expense related to the partially vested variable award within the EverArc Founder Advisory Agreement, referenced at Note 7 to the EverArc financial statements for the six months ended April 30, 2021. This agreement provides, in part, for compensation to be recognized over a period beginning at the grant date and extending ten years following Closing (the service period), as further described at Note 7 to the EverArc financial statements for the six months ended April 30, 2021.. The ASC 718 fair value of this award was determined as of September 30, 2021, utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation, which resulted in a total valuation of $416.2 million. This adjustment represents the ongoing compensation expense related to this award in the amount of $17.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. Refer to adjustment (E) for the liability and equity impact related to the vested portions of this award and the award referenced at adjustment (CC). |
(EE) |
Represents the pro forma adjustment to taxes as a result of adjustments to the income statement for the six months ended June 30, 2021, which was calculated using the relevant blended statutory income tax rate of 26.44%. The calculation of the pro forma adjustment to taxes was limited to tax impacted adjustments. No tax impact was recorded with regard to interest earned on marketable securities held in the trust account, representing income with no associated tax expense recorded. |
(FF) |
Reflects the recognition of the amortization of deferred financing costs recorded on new debt for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The deferred financing costs were amortized over the term of the loan, 8 years. |
(GG) |
Represents net loss per share computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The weighted average shares outstanding was calculated assuming the transaction occurred as of the earliest period presented. |
4. Adjustments and Assumptions to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations for the Year ended December 31, 2020
The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 are as follows:
(HH) |
Reflects the pro forma impacts related to the purchase price allocation discussed at adjustment (A). This includes the following impacts: |
1) The incremental amortization expense related to intangibles. These intangibles include Customer lists, Existing technology and patents, and Other intangibles, which were previously presented within Perimeters historical financial statements but were adjusted to fair value based on the purchase price allocation. The amortization expense for intangibles was calculated on a straight-line basis using the estimated remaining useful lives of the assets, which was determined to be ten years for all intangibles.
2) The increase in cost of sales related to the step-up in basis associated with inventory. Based on Perimeters inventory turnover of approximately twice per year, it was estimated that this would be fully recognized within the first six months of Closing. Thus, this adjustment was treated as a nonrecurring expense for purposes of the pro formas.
3) Represents the pro forma adjustment to taxes as a result of the purchase price allocation adjustments to the income statement for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was calculated using the relevant blended statutory income tax rate of 26.44%.
(II) |
Reflects the elimination of interest earned on marketable securities held in the trust account. |
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(JJ) |
Reflects the pro forma adjustment to record stock compensation expense for legacy shares granted to Perimeter management that vest upon a change in control. This expense is in the predecessor period of Perimeter, and therefore is not reflected in the equity of the Post-Combination Company within the pro forma balance sheet. |
(KK) |
Reflects the pro forma adjustment to record nonrecurring performance based stock compensation expense as of Closing related to the fully vested portion of the fixed award within the EverArc Founder Advisory Agreement, referenced at Note 6 to the EverArc financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2020. The ASC 718 fair value of this award was determined as of September 30, 2021, assuming a share price of $10 per share, which resulted in a total valuation of $20.4 million. This award fully vests upon a change in control. Refer to adjustment (D) for the equity impact related to this award. |
(LL)Reflects |
the pro forma adjustment to record nonrecurring performance based stock compensation expense as of Closing related to the partially vested portion of the fixed award within the EverArc Founder Advisory Agreement, referenced at Note 6 to the EverArc financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2020. This agreement provides, in part, for compensation to be recognized over a period beginning at the grant date of December 19, 2019 and extending six years following Closing (the service period), as further described at Note 6 to the EverArc financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2020. The ASC 718 fair value of this award was determined as of September 30, 2021, assuming a share price of $10 per share, which resulted in a total valuation of $122.7 million. This adjustment represents the compensation expense related to this award in the amount of $28.1 million, which relates to the period from the grant date to the date at which the performance metrics of the award become probable. Refer to adjustment (CC) for the pro forma adjustment to recognize the ongoing expense related to this award. Refer to adjustment (E) for the liability and equity impact related to the vested portions of this award and the award referenced at adjustment (MM). |
(MM) |
Reflects the pro forma adjustment to record nonrecurring performance based stock compensation expense as of Closing related to the partially vested variable award within the EverArc Founder Advisory Agreement, referenced at Note 6 to the EverArc financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2020. This agreement provides, in part, for compensation to be recognized over a period beginning at the grant date of December 19, 2019 and extending ten years following Closing (the service period), as further described at Note 6 to the EverArc financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2020. The ASC 718 fair value of this award was determined as of September 30, 2021, utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation, which resulted in a total valuation of $416.2 million. This adjustment represents the compensation expense related to this award in the amount of $63.0 million, which relates to the period from the grant date to the date at which the performance metrics of the award become probable. Refer to adjustment (DD) for the pro forma adjustment to recognize the ongoing expense related to this award. Refer to adjustment (E) for the liability and equity impact related to the vested portions of this award and the award referenced at adjustment (LL). |
(NN) |
Reflects the pro forma adjustment to record ongoing stock compensation expense related to the partially vested portion of the fixed award within the EverArc Founder Advisory Agreement, referenced at Note 6 to the EverArc financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2020. This agreement provides, in part, for compensation to be recognized over a period beginning at the grant date of December 19, 2019 and extending six years following Closing (the service period), as further described at Note 6 to the EverArc financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2020. The ASC 718 fair value of this award was determined as of September 30, 2021, assuming a share price of $10 per share, which resulted in a total valuation of $122.7 million. This adjustment represents the ongoing compensation expense related to this award in the amount of $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Refer to adjustment (E) for the liability and equity impact related to the vested portions of this award and the award referenced at adjustment (OO). |
(OO) |
Reflects the pro forma adjustment to record ongoing stock compensation expense related to the partially vested variable award within the EverArc Founder Advisory Agreement, referenced at Note 6 |
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to the EverArc financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2020. This agreement provides, in part, for compensation to be recognized over a period beginning at the grant date of December 19, 2019 and extending ten years following Closing (the service period), as further described at Note 6 to the EverArc financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2020. The ASC 718 fair value of this award was determined as of September 30, 2021, utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation, which resulted in a total valuation of $416.2 million. This adjustment represents the ongoing compensation expense related to this award in the amount of $35.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Refer to adjustment (E) for the liability and equity impact related to the vested portions of this award and the award referenced at adjustment (NN). |
(PP) |
Represents the pro forma adjustment to taxes as a result of adjustments to the income statement for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was calculated using the relevant blended statutory income tax rate of 26.44%. The calculation of the pro forma adjustment to taxes was limited to tax impacted adjustments. No tax impact was recorded with regard either to interest earned on marketable securities held in the trust account, representing income with no associated tax expense recorded, or to compensation expense that is expected to be nondeductible for tax purposes. |
(QQ) |
Reflects the accelerated recognition of nonrecurring expense related to deferred financing costs on refinanced debt in the amount of $12.0 million. For further details related to the pay down of debt, refer to adjustment (I). |
(RR) |
Reflects the recognition of nonrecurring expenses related to transaction costs in the amount of $70.0 million, which are comprised of $48.5 million of bank fees, $12.9 million of accounting and finance fees, $2.8 million related to legal fees, and $5.9 million related to other transaction costs. |
(SS) |
Reflects the recognition of the amortization of deferred financing costs recorded on new debt for the year ended December 31, 2020. The deferred financing costs were amortized over the term of the loan, 8 years. |
(TT) |
Represents net income per share computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2020. The weighted average shares outstanding was calculated assuming the transaction occurred as of the earliest period presented. |
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The following table sets forth the per share data of the Company on a stand-alone basis and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined per share data for the period ended December 31, 2020 and the six months ended June 30, 2021 after giving effect to the Business Combination.
The information in the following table should be read in conjunction with the selected historical financial information summary included elsewhere in this prospectus, and the historical financial statements of Holdco, EverArc, and Perimeter and related notes that are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited Holdco, EverArc, and Perimeter pro forma combined per share information is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma combined net income per share information below does not purport to represent the net income per share which would have occurred had the companies been combined during the periods presented, nor net income per share for any future date or period. The unaudited pro forma combined book value per share information below does not purport to represent what the value of Holdco, EverArc, and Perimeter would have been had the companies been combined during the periods presented.
(Unaudited)
Perimeter Solutions (Historical) |
EverArc
(Historical) |
Combined Pro
Forma |
||||||||||
As of and for the Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) |
June 30, 2021 | April 30, 2021 | June 30, 2021 | |||||||||
Shareholders equity |
$ | 268,641 | $ | 399,455 | $ | 1,440,302 | ||||||
Net loss |
$ | (22,377 | ) | $ | (945 | ) | $ | (72,963 | ) | |||
Common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2021 basic |
53,045,510 | 40,832,500 | 156,900,000 | |||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding basic |
53,045,510 | 36,301,525 | 156,900,000 | |||||||||
Shareholders equity per share basic |
$ | 5.06 | $ | 9.78 | $ | 9.18 | ||||||
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders basic |
$ | (0.42 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.47 | ) |
(Unaudited)
Perimeter Solutions (Historical) |
EverArc
(Historical) |
Combined Pro
Forma |
||||||||||
As of and for the Year Ended | ||||||||||||
December 31,
2020 |
October 31,
2020 |
December 31,
2020 |
||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 24,249 | $ | (975 | ) | $ | (310,553 | ) | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding basic |
53,045,510 | 36,301,525 | 156,900,000 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders basic |
$ | 0.46 | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (1.98 | ) |
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Background of the Business Combination
EverArc was formed in the British Virgin Islands on November 8, 2019 to undertake an acquisition of a target company or business (which may be in the form of a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, scheme of arrangement, reorganization or similar business combination). The proposed Business Combination with Perimeter is the result of an extensive search for a potential business combination using the investing and operating experience of EverArcs board of directors and the EverArc Founders.
The terms of the Business Combination are the result of negotiations between representatives of EverArc and SK Holdings. The following is a brief description of the background of these negotiations and the resulting Business Combination.
On December 17, 2019, EverArc consummated its IPO and issued 34,030,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares and 34,030,000 matching EverArc Warrants (which included an aggregate of (i) 1,500,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares (with matching warrants) subscribed for by the EverArc Founders and the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities and (ii) 30,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares (with matching warrants)) subscribed for by certain EverArc directors in each case, outside of the IPO, with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one-fourth of an EverArc Ordinary Share at $12.00 per whole EverArc Ordinary Share. The EverArc Ordinary Shares issued in the IPO and the EverArc Ordinary Shares subscribed for by the EverArc Founders, the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities and certain EverArc directors were sold at a price of $10.00 per EverArc Ordinary Share, generating gross proceeds of $340,300,000. Further gross proceeds of $71,400,000 were raised in January 2020 from a placing of EverArc Ordinary Shares at a placing price of $10.50 per EverArc Ordinary Share.
Prior to the consummation of the IPO, neither EverArc, nor anyone on its behalf, had selected any business combination target or initiated any substantive discussions, directly or indirectly, with respect to identifying any business combination target.
After the IPO, EverArcs officers and directors commenced an active search for prospective businesses or assets to acquire in the initial business combination. In the prospectus for the IPO, EverArc identified the following general criteria and guidelines that it believed would be important in evaluating acquisition opportunities, although it indicated that it may decide to enter an initial business combination with a target business that does not meet these criteria and guidelines. EverArc intended to acquire companies or assets that it believed had the following attributes:
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predictable and growing revenue streams; |
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products or services that account for critical but small portions of larger value streams; |
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significant free cash flow generation with high returns on tangible capital; |
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secular growth tailwinds; and |
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businesses in fragmented industries with potential for opportunistic consolidation. |
These criteria were not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination was to be based, to the extent relevant, on some or all of the above factors as well as other considerations deemed relevant to EverArcs business objective by the board of directors.
During the search process from the consummation of EverArcs IPO through the signing of the Business Combination Agreement on June 15, 2021, EverArc reviewed self-generated ideas including over 200 potential acquisition targets that potentially met its five attributes.
These potential acquisition targets originated through the EverArc Founders networks and relationships, or through financial advisors and other entities that presented potential acquisition targets. The majority of these
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potential targets conducted a significant proportion of their business activities in North America, and most commonly conducted business in the industrials, specialty chemicals, services, or software sectors. EverArc conducted due diligence to varying degrees on such prospective targets, including review of such businesses management, business model, competitive landscape, and certain financials, in each case, to the extent available. EverArc reviewed opportunities on a rolling basis, including based on discussions and information, including investor presentations received under confidentiality agreements entered into with a limited number of potential counterparties and approximately 20 management meetings. The EverArc Founders convened on a biweekly basis to review these opportunities in detail. After reviewing and considering the foregoing opportunities, EverArc continued to cull its list of prospects based primarily on each business fit relative to EverArcs aforementioned target economic attributes. Following such reviews and discussions, and at various points in time, EverArc discontinued its review of certain targets for one or various reasons, often pertaining to a targets insufficient fit relative to EverArcs target economic attributes. Once discussions began with SK Holdings relating to an acquisition of Perimeter, it was deemed that Perimeter was the most attractive opportunity for EverArc and its shareholders based on its attributes relative to EverArcs target attributes as discussed more fully below.
The terms of the Business Combination are the result of negotiations between representatives of EverArc and SK Holdings. The following is a brief description of the background of these negotiations and the resulting Business Combination.
On May 6, 2020, Telly Zachariades and several of his colleagues from The Valence Group of Piper Sandler & Co. (Valence) delivered a presentation to Mr. Khouri and Mr. Raj, two of the EverArc Founders. Valences presentation detailed several businesses, which, Valence believed, possessed the core economic attributes the EverArc Founders were targeting in an acquisition, and which therefore might be attractive acquisition targets for EverArc. Perimeter Solutions was one of the companies profiled in Valences presentation.
On May 15, 2020, the EverArc Founders held a conference call attended by Mr. Howley, Mr. Thorndike, Ms. Britt Cool, Mr. Khouri, and Mr. Raj. During the conference call, the EverArc Founders discussed Perimeter Solutions as a new and interesting potential acquisition candidate and agreed to conduct further research related to Perimeter.
Over the ensuing months, the EverArc Founders conducted independent desktop due diligence on Perimeter. This independent due diligence indicated that Perimeter potentially possessed many of the core economic attributes that the EverArc Founders were targeting in an acquisition.
During this period, the EverArc Founders periodically updated the EverArc Board on the acquisition search process.
Following the desktop diligence, Mr. Khouri and Mr. Raj, on several occasions over the second half of 2020, conveyed their interest in exploring an acquisition of Perimeter directly to representatives of SK Holdings, Perimeters sole shareholder, as well as to Mr. Zachariades, who, in turn, conveyed this interest to SK Holdings.
In January 2021, after again speaking to Mr. Khouri and Mr. Raj, and confirming their continued interest in exploring an acquisition of Perimeter, Mr. Zachariades again spoke to representatives of SK Holdings, including Mr. Aaron Davenport, Managing Director at SK Capital Partners, an affiliate of SK Holdings. During the conversation, Mr. Davenport indicated to Mr. Zachariades a willingness to enter into an NDA with EverArc, and to engage in preliminary exploratory conversations around Perimeter Solutions. Mr. Davenport also indicated to Mr. Zachariades a target valuation for Perimeter of approximately $2.0 billion. Mr. Zachariades relayed this conversation to Mr. Khouri and Mr. Raj, who reiterated to Mr. Zachariades their interest in moving forward.
On January 20, 2021, EverArc and SK Holdings entered into an NDA.
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On January 27, 2021, an introductory conference call was held between members of EverArc, including Mr. Khouri and Mr. Raj; SK Holdings, including Mr. Davenport; and Valence, including Mr. Zachariades. During the call, Mr. Davenport provided a detailed overview of Perimeters business, and discussed the Companys historical and projected financial performance.
On February 5, 2021, SK Holdings provided EverArc with a presentation outlining Perimeters business in further detail, including its historical and projected financial performance.
During the weeks of February 8 and February 15, 2021, EverArc completed a thorough review of the presentation that was provided by SK Holdings on February 5, 2021, and conducted incremental independent desktop due-diligence on Perimeter.
The EverArc Founders continued to keep the EverArc Board apprised of the discussions with SK Holdings and the results of the diligence process.
On February 22, 2021, EverArc sent a letter addressed to Mr. Davenport, re-affirming its interest in further exploring an acquisition of Perimeter. The letter provided a non-binding valuation range of $1.95 billion to $2.1 billion based on the independent research conducted to date, the presentation received from SK Holdings, and the valuation feedback Mr. Davenport had previously provided to Mr. Zachariades. The letter also proposed that EverArc acquire 65% to 80% of the equity in Perimeter, with SK retaining 20% to 35% ownership in the Company. Mr. Davenport indicated receptivity to EverArcs non-binding proposal and agreed to introduce the EverArc Founders to Perimeters management team, while also indicating a target valuation range of $2.0 billion to $2.1 billion.
On March 4, 2021, a conference call was held between the EverArc Founders, including Mr. Howley, Mr. Thorndike, Mr. Khouri, and Mr. Raj; SK Holdings, including Mr. Davenport; Valence, including Mr. Zachariades; and Perimeter, including Mr. Goldberg, Perimeters CEO, and Mr. Lederman, Perimeters CFO. During the conference call, Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Lederman provided an in-depth overview of Perimeters business, including a detailed discussion of the Companys business strategy, as well as its historical and projected financial performance. Perimeter also provided EverArc with an accompanying slide deck presentation which further detailed the Companys business strategy and its historical and projected financial performance.
On March 10, 2021, EverArc presented Perimeter with a due-diligence request list prepared by its legal counsel, Greenberg Traurig, P.A. (Greenberg). The list included the following sections:
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Financial and accounting |
|
Organization and people |
|
Manufacturing and supply chain |
|
Environmental |
|
R&D and IP |
|
M&A |
|
Other business information |
|
Competition |
|
Others |
On March 12, 2021, EverArc sent a non-binding letter of intent addressed to Mr. Davenport, outlining preliminary key terms and conditions for the potential transaction. The letter of intent provided for a valuation range of $2.0 billion to $2.1 billion, proposed that EverArc acquire 75% of the equity in Perimeter with SK Holdings retaining 25% ownership, and that EverArc and SK Holdings enter into exclusive negotiations regarding an acquisition of Perimeter.
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On the afternoon of March 18, 2021, EverArc held its scheduled Q1 2021 board meeting. A portion of the meeting was devoted to the discussion of a potential acquisition of Perimeter, including the EverArc Founders intent to enter into exclusivity, and conduct in-depth due diligence on the Company. The EverArc board indicated its support for proceeding with these next steps regarding Perimeter.
On the evening of March 18, 2021, EverArc and Perimeter entered into an exclusivity agreement with SK Holdings related to EverArcs potential acquisition of Perimeter. The exclusivity agreement provided for a valuation range of $2.0 billion to $2.1 billion and proposed that EverArc acquire 70% to 85% of the equity in Perimeter, with SK Holdings retaining 15% to 30% ownership in the Company. The exclusivity agreement was set to terminate on April 14, 2021.
On March 19, 2021, Mr. Khouri sent an email to the EverArc board, informing them that EverArc had entered into an exclusivity agreement with Perimeter, and providing them with further information on the company.
Over the ensuing weeks, EverArc received materials consistent with their due-diligence request list, conducted several conference calls and meetings with Perimeter management, and engaged several third-party experts to assist in the due-diligence process, including to perform financial, accounting and tax, environmental, and litigation and other legal analysis.
Additionally, following execution of the letter of intent, the attorneys for SK Holdings, which in addition to Kirkland & Ellis included Arendt & Medernach SA in Luxembourg (Arendt) and Conyers Dill & Pearman in BVI, and the attorneys for EverArc, which in addition to Greenberg, included Maples and Calder (Luxembourg) SARL in Luxembourg and Maples and Calder in the BVI, had several calls to discuss transaction structure and the documentation required for the transaction. Ultimately, EverArc and SK Holdings mutually agreed that the listed company resulting from the business combination should be an entity incorporated under Luxembourg law, given expectations regarding future growth prospects outside of the U.S., expected tax benefits, and the existence of recent similar market precedents involving the listing of Luxembourg holding vehicles.
On the evening of April 12, 2021, Mr. Howley, Mr. Khouri, and Mr. Raj met with Mr. Goldberg in Cleveland, Ohio, where the parties discussed EverArcs potential acquisition of Perimeter.
On the morning of April 16, 2021, Mr. Howley and Mr. Khouri called Mr. Davenport. The parties discussed a transaction in which EverArc would acquire 80% of the equity in Perimeter for $2.0 billion, consisting of $1.9 billion in cash and $100 million in seller preferred shares.
On the morning of April 19, 2021, Mr. Khouri called Mr. Davenport, and informed him that EverArc agreed in principle to the terms discussed during their call on the morning on April 16.
On April 23, 2021, EverArc engaged Valence as its financial advisor connection with EverArcs contemplated acquisition of Perimeter.
On April 27, 2021, EverArc convened a board meeting, during which the Board had an in-depth discussion of EverArcs potential acquisition of Perimeter.
On May 3, 2021, EverArc initiated conversations with investors regarding a $680 million PIPE to fund the proposed acquisition of 80% of the equity of Perimeter.
On May 6, 2021, Kirkland & Ellis, sent an initial draft of the proposed Business Combination Agreement to Greenberg. Prior to signing the Business Combination Agreement and related documents, several drafts of those documents were negotiated by the parties.
On May 11, 2021, EverArc entered into a Placement Agent Agreement on customary terms with Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc (Morgan Stanley), under which Morgan Stanley was appointed to act as
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placement agent for EverArc in respect of the PIPE. For its services as placement agent, Morgan Stanley was entitled to a commission of an amount equal to 1.875% of the aggregate gross proceeds received by EverArc from the sale of securities in the PIPE. Further, on June 6, 2021, EverArc entered into a Placement Agent Agreement on customary terms with UBS Securities LLC (UBS), under which UBS was appointed to act as placement agent for EverArc in respect of the PIPE, alongside Morgan Stanley. For its services as placement agent, UBS was entitled to a commission of an amount equal to 0.625% of the aggregate gross proceeds received by EverArc from the sale of securities in the PIPE.
EverArc continued to hold conversations with potential PIPE investors during the weeks of May 3, May 10, May 17, May 23, and May 31.
During this time, the parties continued negotiating the Business Combination Agreement. In particular, the parties underwent lengthy discussions relating to the amount of the termination fee, the circumstances under which the termination fee would be paid and the termination date. Given the amount of the termination fee, the parties agreed that the Business Combination Agreement may be terminated by either EverArc or SK Holdings if the closing has not occurred by March 31, 2022. In addition, the parties agreed that either party may terminate on January 1, 2022 (but not after that date) if the closing did not occur by 5:00 pm (Eastern Time) on December 31, 2021 given SK Holdings desire to close the transaction in 2021.
The parties also discussed the termination fee payable by EverArc if the Business Combination Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, including EverArcs failure to close when all conditions to closing have been satisfied or waived. Following negotiations, the parties agreed to a termination fee of $50 million which is in line with market termination fees in private-equity acquisition transactions.
The parties also discussed the terms of the Holdco Preferred Shares. After negotiations, the parties agreed that the Holdco Preferred Shares would be entitled to a preferential dividend of 6.5% on their nominal value of $10.00 per share, at least 40% of which shall be paid in cash, and the remainder of which shall be paid in kind. The parties also agreed that, in any year during which Holdco paid a dividend on its Ordinary Shares during the period since the payment of the last preferential dividend, 50% of the preferential dividend (rather than 40%) shall be paid in cash. In addition, the parties agreed that if Holdco fails to pay any portion of the cash portion of the preferential dividend in a given year by the date such preferred dividend is required to be paid, then the preferential dividend rate for such year will increase to the interest rate being paid at such time under the Senior Credit Agreement plus 5%. Furthermore, the parties agreed that if Holdco fails to redeem the Holdco Preferred Shares at the defined maturity date, the preferential dividend rate will permanently increase to the interest rate currently being paid under the Senior Credit Agreement plus 10%. The parties agreed the maturity date for the Holdco Preferred Shares, at which time Holdco will be required to fully redeem the Holdco Preferred Shares, would be six months following the maturity date of the Senior Credit Agreement.
In addition, the parties discussed the target level of net working capital that the Company would have as of closing. Following analysis by the parties and their respective accounting advisors, and negotiations between the parties, the parties agreed to a target net working capital figure.
EverArc requested, and received, PIPE indications of interest on June 7, 2021. The PIPE indications totaled approximately $2.0 billion, which significantly exceeded the $680 million EverArc had intended to raise.
On the evening of June 7, 2021, Mr. Howley, Mr. Thorndike, and Mr. Khouri discussed offering to acquire 100% of the equity in Perimeter, rather than the previously contemplated 80%, and agreed to do so.
On the morning of June 8, 2021, Mr. Khouri conveyed this proposal to Mr. Davenport. Mr. Davenport acknowledged Mr. Khouris proposal and indicated that he would discuss it internally with the SK Capital Partners investment committee and SK Holdings. On the afternoon of June 8, 2021, Mr. Davenport informed Mr. Khouri that SK Holdings would agree to sell 100% of the equity in Perimeter to EverArc.
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On the morning of June 11, 2021, EverArc held a board meeting during which the EverArc Founders provided the Board with a detailed update on the Perimeter transaction, including a detailed summary of their due diligence. Several of EverArcs advisers, as well as Mr. Goldberg, were present for portions of the meeting, and presented to the EverArc board and answered questions.
On the morning of June 14, 2021, EverArc held a board meeting during which the board further discussed, voted on, and approved, the proposed acquisition of Perimeter Solutions.
On the morning of June 15, 2021, Perimeter held a board meeting during which its board discussed, voted on and approved the transaction with EverArc.
On June 15, 2021, EverArc, Perimeter, SK Holdings, Holdco and Merger Sub entered into the Business Combination Agreement.
On the morning of June 16, 2021, EverArc announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Perimeter Solutions in a transaction valued at approximately $2 billion.
The parties have continued and expect to continue regular discussions in connection with, and to facilitate, the closing.
EverArcs Board of Directors Reasons for the Approval of the Business Combination
As described under The Structure of the Business Combination above, EverArcs board of directors, in evaluating the Business Combination, consulted with EverArcs Founders and financial and legal advisors. In reaching its decision to approve the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, EverArcs board of directors considered a range of factors, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed below. In light of the complexity of such factors, EverArcs board of directors, as a whole, did not consider it practicable to, nor did it attempt to, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors it took into account in reaching its decision. Individual members of EverArcs board of directors may have given different weight to different factors.
The explanation of the reasons for the approval by EverArcs board of directors of the Business Combination, and all other information presented in this section, is forward-looking in nature and, therefore, should be read in light of the factors discussed in the section entitled Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
Before reaching its decision, EverArcs board of directors discussed the results of the due diligence conducted by EverArcs Founders and financial and legal advisors, and their advisors, which included:
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review of Perimeters material contracts, intellectual property, financial, tax, legal, real estate, environmental insurance and accounting due diligence; |
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meetings and calls with the management team and advisors of Perimeters regarding operations and forecasts; |
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consultations with Perimeters management and legal and financial advisors; |
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discussions with Perimeters customers, suppliers and industry partners; |
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review of Perimeters audited and unaudited financial statements; |
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financial review and analysis of Perimeter and the Business Combination; |
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financial projections prepared by Perimeters management team; |
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analysis on comparable target companies; and |
|
research on comparable transactions. |
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In considering the $2 billion valuation, the EverArc Board primarily relied upon on the EverArc Founders research and due-diligence based perspective that the transaction would provide shareholders with private-equity like returns, defined as equity returns of 15% or greater, over a long-term ownership period, defined as ten years. The EverArc Founders conveyed to the EverArc Board their perspective that the $2 billion purchase price for Perimeter proposed by SK Holdings, in combination with Perimeters projected financial performance based on the EverArc Founders due diligence, and assuming a market trading multiple in-line with the implied Perimeter acquisition multiple of 15x prior-year EBITDA, would result in 15% or greater returns for EverArcs shareholders over a ten-year period. The EverArc Board further considered and discussed the assumptions underlying the EverArc Founders long-term financial projections for Perimeter, including the assumptions for long-term (i) Fire Safety volume growth, (ii) Fire Safety price growth, (iii) Fire Safety new business initiatives, (iv) productivity (cost), and (v) contribution from Oil Additives and M&A, as described below.
In approving the Business Combination, EverArcs board of directors determined not to obtain a fairness opinion. The officers and directors of EverArc have substantial experience in evaluating the operating and financial merits of companies from a wide range of industries and concluded that their experience and background, enabled them to make the necessary analyses and determinations regarding the Business Combination. However, EverArcs Founders and financial and legal advisors prepared an analysis with respect to the market valuation of comparable companies as described in greater detail in the below section entitled Information About PerimeterCompetition.
EverArcs board of directors considered a wide range of factors pertaining to the Business Combination as generally supporting its decision to enter into the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including, but not limited to, the following:
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Strong Market Position. EverArcs board of directors considered Perimeters industry-leading position within its key business lines, including fire retardants and oil additives; |
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Large and Growing Market Opportunity. EverArcs board of directors considered Perimeters long-term market opportunity, within key business lines including fire retardants and oil additives, as well as within emerging businesses including international, fluorine-free foams, and preventative retardant applications; |
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Preferred Supplier to Multiple Key Customers. EverArcs board of directors considered Perimeters long-standing relationships with key customers, including leading wildland firefighting agencies in the United States and internationally, as well as key customers within the Companys Oil Additives segment; |
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Innovation and R&D Track-record. EverArcs board of directors considered Perimeters long-standing track-record of innovation and customer value-enhancement, including the Companys in-house R&D capabilities relating to both its products and the associated equipment; |
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Due Diligence. The results of EverArcs due diligence investigation of Perimeter conducted by EverArcs Founders and their financial, technical and legal advisors; |
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Experienced Management Team. EverArcs board of directors believe that Perimeter has a strong management team experienced in its industry, which is expected to remain with the Post-Combination Company to seek to execute Perimeters strategic and growth goals; |
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Negotiated Transaction. The financial and other terms of the Business Combination Agreement and the fact that such terms and conditions are reasonable and were the product of arms length negotiations between the parties thereto. |
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In the course of its deliberations, EverArcs board of directors also considered a variety of uncertainties, risks and other potentially negative factors relevant to the Business Combination, including, but not limited to, the following:
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Perimeters Fire Safety business is tied to certain variables outside of the Companys control, and which may fluctuate from year-to-year, including the severity of the North American fire season and the availability of airtanker capacity. |
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Competition in certain of the Companys end-markets is intense and, as a result, Perimeter may fail to attract and retain customers, which may negatively impact the Companys operations and growth prospects. |
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Certain of the Companys end-markets may attract additional competitors over time. |
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The Company may not be able to execute on its business plans or attain its profitability targets in certain of its growth initiatives, including international, fluorine-free foams, and preventative retardant applications. |
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The risk that Perimeter may not be able to execute on the business plan contemplated by EverArcs Founders, and realize the financial performance as set forth in the financial projections presented to EverArcs board of directors. |
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Perimeters growth prospects may suffer if it is unable to develop successful product offerings, if it fails to pursue additional product offerings or if it loses any of its key executives or other key employees. In addition, if Perimeter fails to make optimal investment decisions in its product and service offerings, it may not attract and retain key customers and its revenue and results of operations may be adversely affected. |
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Perimeter may be subject to litigation in the operation of its business and Perimeters insurance may not provide adequate levels of coverage against any claims. An adverse outcome in one or more legal proceedings or inadequate insurance coverage could adversely affect Perimeters business. |
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The requirements of being a public company, including compliance with the SECs requirements regarding internal controls over financial reporting, may strain Perimeters resources and divert managements attention, and the increases in legal, accounting and compliance expenses that will result from the Business Combination may be greater than Perimeter anticipates. |
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The potential benefits of the Business Combination may not be fully achieved or may not be achieved within the expected time frame and the significant fees, expenses and time and effort of management associated with completing the Business Combination. |
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The risk that the Business Combination and transactions contemplated thereby might not be consummated or completed in a timely manner or that the closing might not occur despite our best efforts. |
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EverArcs board of directors did not obtain an opinion from any independent investment banking or accounting firm that the consideration EverArc would pay to acquire Perimeter is fair to EverArc or its stockholders from a financial point of view. In addition, EverArcs board of directors considered the limits of the due diligence performed by EverArcs rounders and outside advisors and the inherent risk that even a thorough review may not uncover all potential risks of the business. Accordingly, EverArcs board of directors may be incorrect in its assessment of the Business Combination. |
After extensive review, EverArcs board of directors concluded that the potential benefits that it expects EverArc and its shareholders to realize as a result of the Business Combination outweigh the potential risks associated with the Business Combination. Accordingly, EverArcs board of directors, based on its consideration of the specific factors listed above, approved and declared advisable the Business Combination Agreement, the other ancillary documents and all transactions contemplated thereby.
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Interests of EverArcs Directors and Officers in the Business Combination
The EverArc Founders and certain of EverArcs directors and officers have interests in the Business Combination that are different from, or in addition to, your interests as a shareholder. These interests include, among other things:
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the amounts payable to the EverArc Founder Entity pursuant to the Founder Advisory Agreement entered into by EverArc and the EverArc Founder Entity which is designed to provide incentives to the EverArc Founders to achieve EverArcs objectives which includes: |
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a fixed annual advisory amount equal to 1.5% of the Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number (in each case, payable in Holdco Ordinary Shares or partly in cash, at the election of the EverArc Founder Entity provided that at least 50% of such amounts are paid in Holdco Ordinary Shares). Based on the assumptions described in this prospectus, the fixed annual advisory amount is currently expected to be 2,353,992 Holdco Ordinary Shares which, assuming a stock price of $12.50 per Holdco Ordinary Share, would have a value of $29,424,902. Each additional $1 increase in the stock price of Holdco Ordinary Shares above $12.50 will increase the value of the fixed annual advisory amount payable to the EverArc Founder Entity by $2,353,992; and |
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a variable annual advisory amount based on the appreciation of the market price of Holdco Ordinary Shares if such market price exceeds certain trading price minimums (in each case, payable in Holdco Ordinary Shares or partly in cash, at the election of the EverArc Founder Entity provided that at least 50% of such amounts are paid in Holdco Ordinary Shares). Based on assumptions described in this prospectus and assuming a stock price of $12.50 per Holdco Ordinary Share, the variable annual advisory amount payable to the EverArc Founder Entity in year one would have a value of $70,619,765. For each $1 increase in the stock price of Holdco Ordinary Shares above $12.50, or such higher stock price on which a variable annual advisory amount was previously paid to the EverArc Founder Entity, the EverArc Founder Entity will receive a variable annual advisory amount valued at $28,247,906. |
The EverArc Founders have advised Holdco that their intention is to elect, via the EverArc Founder Entity, to receive any advisory amounts in Holdco Ordinary Shares and for any cash element to only be such amount as is required to pay any related taxes;
With respect to the fixed annual advisory fee, the EverArc Founder Entity will earn such advisory fee even if Holdcos public shareholders earn a negative return following the consummation of the Business Combination;
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the potential continuation of certain of EverArcs directors as directors of Holdco; |
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the EverArc Founder Entity and EverArcs directors have agreed that none of the EverArc Founder Shares nor any EverArc Ordinary Shares or EverArc Warrants owned by them will be sold or transferred by them until one year after EverArc has completed a business combination, subject to limited exceptions; |
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approximately $100,000 in unreimbursed expenses due to the EverArc Founder Entity; |
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the continued indemnification of current directors and officers of EverArc and the continuation of directors and officers liability insurance after the Business Combination; |
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to the extent that the EverArc Founders or directors identify business opportunities that may be suitable for EverArc or other companies on whose boards of directors they may sit or to whom they owe a contractual obligation, the EverArc Founders and directors will honor those pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations ahead of their obligations to EverArc. Accordingly, they may refrain from presenting certain opportunities to EverArc that come to their attention in the performance of their duties as directors of such other entities or in observance of contractual obligations unless the other companies have declined to accept such opportunities or waive the contractual obligations. EverArc considered the pre-existing duties or contractual obligations of the EverArc Founders or directors and does not believe that they materially impacted its search for an acquisition target, or the negotiation or approval of the Business Combination; and |
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the beneficial ownership by the EverArc Founders, directly and indirectly through the EverArc Founder Entity, of: |
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100 EverArc Founder Shares, acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $1,000, which following the Closing will have an aggregate market value of approximately $1,250 based on the closing price of EverArc Ordinary Shares of $12.50 on the LSE on September 30, 2021; and |
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1,595,239 EverArc Ordinary Shares and 1,500,000 EverArc Warrants, acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $16,000,010, which have an aggregate market value of approximately $20,202,988 based on the closing price of EverArc Ordinary Shares of $12.50 and EverArc Warrants of $0.175 on the LSE on September 30, 2021; if the Business Combination is not consummated and EverArc is liquidated, the EverArc Founders will suffer a loss on their investment, if any, equal to the difference between the price paid for their EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants and the liquidation value of their EverArc Ordinary Shares which loss would, based on EverArcs publicly reported statement of financial position as of April 30, 2021, equal, in the aggregate, $398,573; |
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the beneficial ownership by the EverArc non-founder directors of an aggregate of 30,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares and 30,000 EverArc Warrants granted to them in lieu of their first years annual remuneration at a fair value of $10.00 per EverArc Ordinary Share, which have an aggregate market value of approximately $380,250 based on the closing price of EverArc Ordinary Shares of $12.50 and EverArc Warrants of $0.175 on the LSE on September 30, 2021; if the Business Combination is not consummated and EverArc is liquidated, the EverArc non-founder directors will suffer a loss, if any, equal to the difference between the value of their EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants upon issuance and the liquidation value of their EverArc Ordinary Shares which loss would, based on EverArcs publicly reported statement of financial position as of April 30, 2021, equal, in the aggregate, $6,600. |
The existence of the interests described above may result in a conflict of interest on the part of EverArcs officers and directors and the EverArc Founder Entity in approving the Business Combination. In particular, the existence of the interests described above may incentivize EverArcs directors and the EverArc Founder Entity to complete an initial business combination, even if on terms less favorable to EverArcs shareholders compared to liquidating EverArc, because, among other things, if EverArc is liquidated without completing an initial business combination, the EverArc Founders and directors could suffer a loss on their investment in the EverArc Ordinary Shares they purchased, their EverArc Warrants would be worthless (which, if unrestricted and freely tradable, would be worth an aggregate of approximately $267,750 based on the closing price of EverArc Warrants on September 30, 2021), and the EverArc Founder Entity would not receive any future advisory fees, which at the current price of EverArc could be worth, in the aggregate, as much as $100,044,667 at December 31, 2021.
Regulatory Approvals Required for the Business Combination
Under the HSR Act and related rules, certain transactions, including the Business Combination, may not be completed until notifications have been given and information is furnished to the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (the DOJ) and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the FTC) and all statutory waiting period requirements have been satisfied. Completion of the Business Combination is subject to the expiration or earlier termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act. On June 30, 2021, EverArc and Perimeter filed the required notice and furnished the required information under the HSR to the Antitrust Division of the DOJ and the FTC. The 30-day HSR waiting period expired on July 30, 2021 at 11:59 PM.
In addition, non-U.S. regulatory bodies and U.S. state attorneys general could take action under other applicable regulatory laws as they deem necessary or desirable in the public interest, including, without limitation, seeking to enjoin or otherwise prevent the completion of the Business Combination or permitting completion subject to regulatory conditions. Private parties may also seek to take legal action under regulatory laws under some
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circumstances. There can be no assurance that a challenge to the Business Combination on antitrust grounds will not be made or, if such a challenge is made, that it would not be successful. EverArc and Perimeter are not aware of any other regulatory approvals in the U.S., Luxembourg or elsewhere required for the consummation of the Business Combination.
Litigation Relating to the Business Combination
There have been no proceedings brought against EverArc in relation to the Business Combination or the Business Combination Agreement.
Listing of Holdco Ordinary Shares
Approval of the listing on the NYSE or Nasdaq, of the Holdco Ordinary Shares to be issued in the Business Combination, subject to official notice of issuance, is a condition to each partys obligation to complete the Business Combination.
Accounting Treatment of the Business Combination
The Merger between Holdco and EverArc will be accounted for as a common control transaction, where substantially all of the net assets of Holdco will be those previously held by EverArc. The acquisition of Perimeter through the Contribution and Sale will be treated as a business acquisition under Financial Accounting Standards Boards Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations with Holdco determined to be the legal and accounting acquirer.
Appraisal or Dissenters Rights
The BVI Companies Act provides that any member of a BVI company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his, her or its shares upon dissenting from a merger, unless the company is the surviving company of the merger and the member continues to hold the same or similar shares. The following is a summary of the position under the BVI Companies Act.
A dissenter is in most circumstances required to give to the company written objection to the merger, which must include a statement that the dissenter proposes to demand payment for his, her or its shares if the merger takes place. This written objection must be given before the meeting of members at which the merger is submitted to a vote, or at the meeting but before the vote. However, no objection is required from a member to whom the company did not give notice of the meeting of members or where the proposed merger is authorized by written consent of the members without a meeting.
Within 20 days immediately following the written consent, or the meeting at which the merger was approved, the company shall give written notice of the consent or resolution to each member who gave written objection or from whom written objection was not required, except those members who voted for, or consented in writing to, the proposed merger.
A member to whom the Company was required to give notice who elects to dissent shall, within 20 days immediately following the date on which the copy of the plan of merger or an outline of the merger is given to him, give to the Company a written notice of his decision to elect to dissent, stating:
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his name and address; |
(b) |
the number and classes of shares in respect of which he dissents (which must be all shares that he holds in the company); and |
(c) |
a demand for payment of the fair value of his shares. |
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Upon the giving of a notice of election to dissent, the dissenter ceases to have any of the rights of a member except the right to be paid the fair value of his shares, and the right to institute proceedings to obtain relief on the ground that the action is illegal.
The Company shall make a written offer to each dissenter to purchase his shares at a specified price that the Company determines to be their fair value. Such offer must be given within seven days immediately following the date of the expiration of the period within which members may give their notices of election to dissent, or within seven days immediately following the date on which the merger is put into effect, whichever is later.
If the Company and the dissenter fail, within 30 days immediately following the date on which the offer is made, to agree on the price to be paid for the shares owned by the dissenter, then within 20 days:
(a) |
the Company and the dissenter shall each designate an appraiser; |
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the two designated appraisers together shall designate an appraiser; |
(c) |
the three appraisers shall fix the fair value of the shares owned by the dissenter as of the close of business on the day prior to the date of the meeting or the date on which the resolution was passed, excluding any appreciation or depreciation directly or indirectly induced by the action or its proposal, and that value is binding on the company and the dissenter for all purposes; and |
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the Company shall pay to the dissenter the amount in money upon the surrender by him of the certificates representing his shares, and such shares shall be cancelled. |
EverArc caused the notice to be given on July 7, 2021. No member elected to exercise his, her or its right to dissent.
Unaudited Perimeter Prospective Financial Information
Perimeter does not as a matter of course make public projections as to future revenues, performance, financial condition or other results. EverArc, based on its due diligence and discussions with Perimeters management, prepared and provided to its board of directors assumptions regarding Perimeters prospective financial growth and performance. The inclusion of the below information should not be regarded as an indication that EverArc, Perimeter or any other recipient of this information considered or now considers it to be necessarily predictive of actual future results.
The unaudited prospective financial information is subjective in many respects. As a result, there can be no assurance that the prospective results will be realized or that actual results will not be significantly higher or lower than estimated. Since the unaudited prospective financial information covers multiple years, that information by its nature becomes less predictive with each successive year.
While presented in this prospectus with numeric specificity, the information set forth in the summary below was based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain and may be beyond the control of Perimeters management, including, among other things, the matters described in the sections entitled Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors. EverArc and Perimeter believe the assumptions regarding the prospective financial performance were reasonable at the time the assumptions were determined, in light of available information. However, important factors that may affect actual results and cause the results reflected in the prospective financial information not to be achieved include, among other things, risks and uncertainties relating to Perimeters business, industry performance, the regulatory environment and general business and economic conditions. The prospective financial information also reflects assumptions as to certain business decisions that are subject to change. The unaudited prospective financial information was not prepared with a view toward public disclosure or with a view toward complying with the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants with respect to prospective financial information, but, in the view of Perimeters management, was prepared on a reasonable basis, reflects the best currently available
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estimates and judgments, and presents, to the best of managements knowledge and belief, the expected course of action and the expected future financial performance of Perimeter. However, this information is not fact and should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results, and readers of this prospectus are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the prospective financial information.
Neither Perimeters independent registered public accounting firm, nor any other independent accountants, have compiled, examined or performed any procedures with respect to the prospective financial information contained herein, nor have they expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance on such information or its achievability, and assume no responsibility for, and disclaim any association with, the prospective financial information. The audit reports included in this prospectus relate to historical financial information. They do not extend to the prospective financial information and should not be read to do so.
EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS, PERIMETER DOES NOT INTEND TO MAKE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE ANY UPDATE OR OTHER REVISION TO THE PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION. THE PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ANY CIRCUMSTANCES OR EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER THE DATE THAT INFORMATION WAS PREPARED. READERS OF THIS PROSPECTUS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON THE UNAUDITED PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION SET FORTH BELOW. NONE OF PERIMETER, EVERARC OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ADVISORS OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES HAS MADE OR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION TO ANY EVERARC SHAREHOLDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON REGARDING ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE COMPARED TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION OR THAT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS WILL BE ACHIEVED.
Certain of the measures included in the prospective financial information may be considered non-GAAP financial measures. Specifically, EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that is calculated as net income less interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and EBITDA Margin is calculated as EBITDA as a percent of net revenues. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information presented in compliance with GAAP, and non-GAAP financial measures as used by Perimeter may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts used by other companies. Financial measures provided to a financial advisor in connection with a business combination transaction are excluded from the definition of non-GAAP financial measures and therefore are not subject to SEC rules regarding disclosures of non-GAAP financial measures, which would otherwise require a reconciliation of a non-IFRS financial measure to a GAAP financial measure. Accordingly, we have not provided a reconciliation of such financial measures.
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The following tables set forth the prospective financial information regarding Perimeter that was provided to the EverArc board of directors in connection with their consideration of the Business Combination which prospective financial information was prepared by EverArc:
The long-term financial outlook for Perimeter described above was prepared by EverArc and based on several key factors, including:
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independent research and due diligence regarding Perimeter specifically; |
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independent research and due diligence regarding the fire safety and oil additives industries more generally; |
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a thorough review of the various presentations and due diligence materials provided by Perimeter; |
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several conversations with Perimeter management; and |
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input received from EverArcs various third-party advisors. |
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THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT
This section of the prospectus describes the material provisions of the Business Combination Agreement but does not purport to describe all of the terms of the Business Combination Agreement. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Business Combination Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A hereto. Certain figures included in this section have been rounded for ease of presentation and, as a result, percentages may not sum to 100%.
The Business Combination
On June 15, 2021, EverArc, Perimeter, SK Holdings, Holdco and Merger Sub entered into the Business Combination Agreement, which contains customary representations and warranties, covenants, closing conditions, termination fee provisions and other terms relating to the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, as summarized below. Capitalized terms used in this section but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Business Combination Agreement.
The Structure of the Business Combination
At the Merger Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and the Holdco Requisite Approvals, subject to a report from a Luxembourg independent statutory auditor, and without any further action on the part of EverArc, Merger Sub, Holdco or Perimeter or the holders of any of the following securities:
a) |
on the Business Day prior to the Closing Date, the Merger will occur; |
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all EverArc Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Merger will be exchanged for the right to receive Holdco Ordinary Shares pursuant to a share capital increase of Holdco, as set forth in the Business Combination Agreement; |
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on the Closing Date, SK Holdings, which holds 100% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Perimeter, will complete the Contribution and Sale; |
d) |
in connection with the Contribution and Sale, the Holdco Ordinary Share held by EverArc will be cancelled via a share capital reduction without any consideration for EverArc; and |
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all of the outstanding EverArc Warrants, in each case, entitling the holder thereof to purchase one-fourth of an EverArc Ordinary Share at an exercise price of $12.00 per whole EverArc Ordinary Share, will be converted into the right to purchase one-fourth of a Holdco Ordinary Share on substantially the same terms as the EverArc Warrants. |
On the business day immediately prior to the Closing Date, EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub will execute and file the Plan and Articles of Merger with the Registrar, in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the BVI Companies Act, together with all other filings or recordings required under the BVI Companies Act in connection with the Merger (including the filing by the Merger Subs registered agent of a letter confirming it has no objections to the Merger). The Plan and Articles of Merger will specify that the Merger will become effective at such time as the Plan and Articles of Merger are duly registered by the Registrar, or at such later time as the Parties agree in writing (subject to the requirements of the BVI Companies Act). The parties will hold the closing on the date of the Merger Effective Time, following the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent such waiver is permitted by applicable law) of the conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions at such time). In addition, EverArc will file an election with the IRS to be classified as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income Tax purposes (the Tax Classification Election), which will be effective on the Closing Date.
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Effective Time and Closing of the Business Combination
The following diagram shows the current ownership structure of EverArc (excluding the impact of the shares underlying the EverArc Warrants).
(1) |
For more information about the ownership interests of our EverArc Founders and the EverArc Founder Entity, prior to the Business Combination, please see the section entitled Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. |
The following diagram shows the current ownership structure of Perimeter.
(1) |
The diagram above only shows select subsidiaries of Perimeter. |
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The following diagram shows the pro forma ownership percentages (excluding the impact of the shares underlying the Holdco Warrants) and structure of Holdco immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination.
Consideration to be Received in the Business Combination
At the Merger Effective Time, each EverArc Ordinary Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time will automatically be converted into and exchanged for the right to receive one (1) validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Holdco Ordinary Share, which will be valued at $10.00 per share.
At the Merger Effective Time, SK Holdings will receive (i) cash in an amount equal to $1.9 billion minus (a) the aggregate amount (if any) by which Estimated Company Transaction Expenses (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) exceeds $500,000, plus (b) the Estimated Cash (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement), minus (c) the Estimated Indebtedness (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement), plus (d) the aggregate amount (if any) by which the Estimated Closing Net Working Capital (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) is greater than Target Net Working Capital (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement), minus (e) the aggregate amount (if any) by which Estimated Closing Net Working Capital is less than Target Net Working Capital, minus (f) $7,600,000 and (ii) 10,000,000 redeemable Holdco Preferred Shares.
As long as the Holdco Preferred Shares are in issue and outstanding, no shares ranking pari passu or senior to the Holdco Preferred Shares shall be issued by Holdco, other than additional Holdco Preferred Shares or other equity securities interest issued with the consent of a majority of holders of the Holdco Preferred Shares.
Each Holdco Preferred Share is entitled to a Preferential Dividend amounting to 6.5% (the Regular Dividend Rate) of its nominal value (i.e. $10.00 per share). The Preferential Dividend shall be paid each year within
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3 business days following the holding of Holdcos annual general meeting (each, a Preferential Dividend Payment Date). On each Preferential Dividend Payment Date, 40% of the Preferential Dividend for such year (or 50% of the Preferential Dividend for such year if Holdco paid a dividend on the Holdco Ordinary Shares during period since the payment of the last Preferential Dividend Payment Date) shall be paid in cash and the remainder of the Preferential Dividend shall be paid in kind, unless Holdco elects to pay any additional portion of the Preferential Dividend in cash; provided, that, (x) Holdco shall not be required to pay any portion of such annual Preferential Dividends in cash on a Preferential Dividend Payment Date to the extent that Holdco or its subsidiaries are prohibited from paying such portion of the annual Preferential Dividend in cash under either (i) that certain senior credit facility agreement to which Holdco and/or certain of its subsidiaries is a party (the Senior Credit Agreement) or (ii) that certain bridge term loan credit facility to which Holdco and/or certain of its subsidiaries is a party or any senior secured notes issued by Holdco and/or any of its subsidiaries (as applicable, the Bridge Loan/Secured Notes), and (y) in the event that Holdco or its subsidiaries are so prohibited from paying all or a portion of such Preferential Dividends in cash as described in the foregoing clause (x), Holdco shall pay the maximum amount not prohibited by the Senior Credit Agreement or the Bridge Loan/Secured Notes in cash. If Holdco fails to pay any portion of the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend for any reason in a given year by the Preferential Dividend Payment Date (including due to clause (x) of the immediately preceding sentence), then (i) the Preferential Dividend rate for such year (i.e. the year in which Holdco fails to pay any portion of the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment), but not necessarily the subsequent year, will increase to the interest rate being paid (whether default or not) at such time under the Senior Credit Agreement plus 5% (the Increased Dividend Rate) and (ii) the Preferential Dividend Rate for the following year will be reset at the Regular Dividend Rate and will be subject to increase to the Increased Dividend Rate for such year (but not necessarily the subsequent year) if Holdco fails to pay any portion of the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment by the Preferential Dividend Payment Date for such year.
If Holdco fails to redeem the Holdco Preferred Shares at the defined maturity date, the Preferential Dividend rate will permanently increase to the interest rate currently being paid (whether default or not) under the Senior Credit Agreement plus 10%.
As long as Holdco Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding, Holdco and its subsidiaries shall not (a) enter into a credit agreement (except to the extent related to the issuance of senior secured notes as contemplated by the Bridge Loan/Secured Notes) or (b) amend the Senior Credit Agreement, in each case, in a manner that would adversely affect the redemption rights of the Holdco Preferred Shares by extending the maturity date under such credit facility beyond the defined maturity date or increase the restrictions on Holdcos ability to pay the cash portion of Preferential Dividends without the consent of holders owning a majority of the Holdco Preferred Shares. If, in any year, Holdco fails to make any portion of the cash portion of any Preferential Dividend by the Preferential Dividend Payment Date, then, during the following year, Holdco may not, without the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Holdco Preferred Shares, pay a cash dividend on the Holdco Ordinary Shares until such time as Holdco has paid the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment for such following year (which cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment may be paid by Holdco in advance of the Preferential Dividend Payment Date for, and at any time during, such following year); for the avoidance of doubt, the restrictions set forth in this sentence shall not apply to any non-pro rata purchase, repurchase or redemption of any equity securities of Holdco or any of its subsidiaries. As long as Holdco Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding, during the occurrence and continuance of a default by Holdco to pay any Preferential Dividend (for the avoidance of doubt, the payment of any cash portion of the Preferential Dividend in kind in accordance with the terms of Holdcos articles of association shall not constitute a default by Holdco), the approval of holders owning a majority of the outstanding Holdco Preferred Shares shall be required (i) for the declaration of dividends to the benefit of all other categories of Holdco shares issued and outstanding and (ii) for the purchase, repurchase or redemption of any equity securities of Holdco or any of its subsidiaries (other than pursuant to equity incentive agreements with employees).
Holdco Preferred Shares are not entitled to vote, save for the matters provided for by Luxembourg law, including any amendment, alteration or change to the rights attached to the Holdco Preferred Shares in a manner adverse to
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the Holdco Preferred Shares for which the consent of holders owning a majority of the Holdco Preferred Shares will be required.
Holdco Preferred Shares, being non-voting shares, shall not be included for the calculation of the quorum and majority at each general meeting of Holdco, save for the matters provided for by Luxembourg law and in the relevant provisions of the articles of association of Holdco.
In case of liquidation of Holdco, after payment of all the debts of and charges against Holdco and of the expenses of liquidation, the holders of Holdco Preferred Shares, if any, shall be entitled to a preferential right to repayment of the nominal value of the Holdco Preferred Shares plus any accrued but unpaid Preferential Dividends before repayment of the nominal value of the Holdco Ordinary Shares.
The rights attached to the Holdco Preferred Shares under Holdcos articles of association shall not be amended in a manner adverse to the Holdco Preferred Shares without the consent of holders owning a majority of the Holdco Preferred Shares.
Ownership of the Combined Company Upon Completion of the Business Combination
Following the Business Combination, each of EverArc and Perimeter will be direct, wholly owned subsidiaries of Holdco.
Representation and Warranties
The Business Combination Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of (a) Perimeter and SK Holdings and (b) Holdco, EverArc and Merger Sub relating to, among other things, their ability to enter into the Business Combination Agreement and their outstanding capitalization.
In connection with the Business Combination, the EverArc obtained a representation and warranty policy with customary terms, exclusions and fees.
Conduct of Business Pending Consummation of the Business Combination; Covenants
Conduct of Business by Perimeter Pending the Merger
From the date of the Business Combination Agreement and until the earlier of the termination of the Business Combination Agreement and the Merger Effective Time, except as (i) expressly contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement or any ancillary agreement, (ii) set forth on the Perimeter disclosure schedule, and (iii) as required by applicable law, unless EverArc otherwise consents in writing, (y) Perimeter will, and will cause their subsidiaries to, conduct their business in all material respects in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice; provided that any actions reasonably taken in response to an emergency or urgent conditions arising from COVID-19 will not be deemed to be outside the ordinary course of business, so long as such actions or omissions are reasonably designed to protect the health or welfare of Perimeters employees or comply with clause (z) herein and (z) Perimeter will use its reasonable best efforts to preserve substantially intact the business organization of Perimeter and its subsidiaries and will use commercially reasonable efforts to keep available the services of current officers, key employees and consultants of Perimeter and its subsidiaries and to preserve relationships with customers, suppliers and other persons with which Perimeter has significant business relations.
Except as (i) expressly contemplated by any other provision of the Business Combination Agreement and any ancillary agreement, (ii) as set forth in the Perimeter disclosure schedule and (iii) as required by applicable law, Perimeter will not, and will cause each subsidiary not to, between the date of the Business Combination
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Agreement and the earlier of the termination of the Business Combination Agreement and the Merger Effective Time, directly or indirectly, do any of the following without the prior written consent of EverArc:
a) |
amend or otherwise change its memorandum of association, articles of association, certificate of incorporation, by-laws or equivalent organizational documents; |
b) |
issue, sell, pledge, dispose of, grant or encumber, solicit, propose, negotiate with respect to, or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition, grant or encumbrance of, (x) any shares of any class of capital stock of Perimeter or any subsidiary, except for the issuance of Perimeter Ordinary Shares upon exercise or settlement of Perimeter options, if any, (y) any options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of such capital stock, or any other ownership interest (including any phantom interest) or (z) except in the ordinary course of business, any assets of Perimeter or any subsidiary; |
c) |
declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect to any of its capital stock; |
d) |
reclassify, combine, split, subdivide or redeem, or purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its capital stock, other than redemptions of equity securities from former employees upon the terms set forth in the underlying agreements governing such equity securities; |
e) |
merge or consolidate with any other person or restructure, reorganize, dissolve or completely or partially liquidate or otherwise enter into any agreements or arrangements imposing material changes or restrictions on its assets, operations or businesses; |
f) |
acquire (including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation, or acquisition of stock or assets or any other business combination) any corporate partnership, other business organization, or any division thereof, in each case, for an aggregate purchase price that exceeds $1,000,000; |
g) |
incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise become responsible for, the obligations of any person, or make any loans or advances, or intentionally grant any security interest in any of its assets, in each case, except in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice; |
h) |
transfer, sell, lease, license, mortgage, pledge, surrender, encumber, divest, cancel abandon or allow to lapse or expire or otherwise dispose of any of its material assets, properties, licenses, operations, rights, production lines, businesses or interests therein, except for sales or other dispositions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; |
i) |
(v) increase the compensation or benefit payable to any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant of Perimeter or any subsidiary, other than (1) health and welfare plan renewals in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or (2) increases in base salary or wage of employees in the ordinary course of business whose annual base salary or wage is not in excess of $300,000; (w) pay or promise to pay any bonus to any such current or former director, officer, employee or consultant of Perimeter or any subsidiary; (x) take any action to accelerate or commit to accelerate the funding, payment, or vesting of any compensation or benefits to any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant; (y) hire or otherwise enter into any employment or consulting agreement or arrangement with any person or terminate (other than for cause) any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant provider whose annual base salary or wage would exceed $300,000; or (z) enter into any new, or materially amend any existing employment or severance or termination agreement with any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant; |
j) |
adopt, enter into, amend and/or terminate any plan, program, agreement, arrangement or policy for the current or future benefit of any current or former director, officer, employee, consultant or individual independent contractor (including any existing employment or severance or termination agreement with any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant), except as may be |
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required by applicable law or health and welfare plan renewals in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice; |
k) |
materially amend other than reasonable and usual amendments in the ordinary course of business, with respect to accounting policies or procedures, other than as required by the accounting principles or U.S. GAAP (as the case may be); |
l) |
make change or revoke any material Tax election, change any annual Tax accounting period, adopt or change any method of Tax accounting, amend any Tax Returns or file claims for Tax refunds, enter into any closing agreement, waive or extend any statute of limitations period in respect of an amount of Taxes, settle any Tax claim, audit or assessment, or surrender any right to claim a Tax refund, offset or other reduction in Tax liability; |
m) |
materially amend, or modify or consent to the termination (excluding any expiration in accordance with its terms) of any material contract or amend, waive, modify or consent to the termination (excluding any expiration in accordance with its terms) of Perimeters or any subsidiarys material rights thereunder, in each case in a manner that is adverse to Perimeter or any subsidiary, taken as a whole, except in the ordinary course of business; |
n) |
intentionally permit any material item of Perimeter-owned intellectual property to lapse or to be abandoned, invalidated, dedicated to the public, or disclaimed, or otherwise become unenforceable or fail to perform or make any applicable filings, recordings or other similar actions or filings, or fail to pay all required fees and taxes required to maintain and protect its interest in each and every material item of Perimeter-owned intellectual property; |
o) |
create or incur any lien material to Perimeter or any subsidiary, Holdco or Merger Sub other than permitted liens incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; |
p) |
make any loans, advances, guarantees or capital contributions to or investments in any person (other than Perimeter or any subsidiary) that exceed $250,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding; |
q) |
fail to make or authorize any budgeted capital expenditures or make or authorize any unbudgeted capital expenditures in excess of $750,000 in the aggregate; |
r) |
fail to pay or satisfy when due any material account payable or other material liability, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or any such liability that is being contested in good faith by Perimeter or any subsidiary; |
s) |
fail to keep current and in full force and effect, or comply in all material respects with the requirements of any permits issued to Perimeter or any subsidiary by any governmental authority; |
t) |
take any steps for liquidation, winding-up, freeze of proceedings, arrangements with creditors or similar action or proceeding by or in respect of Perimeter or any subsidiary; |
u) |
take any action or fail to take any action, which action or failure to act would reasonably be expected to prevent or impede the Contribution and Sale and the Merger from qualifying for certain tax treatment; |
v) |
take any actions or omit to take any actions that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in any of the Closing conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement not being satisfied; |
w) |
engage in any dealings or transactions (i) with any restricted person in violation of applicable laws; (ii) involving any sanctionable activity; or (iii) otherwise in violation of sanctions laws, export control laws, or import control laws; |
x) |
amend, or permit the amendment of, any agreement related to the Contribution and Sale; or |
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y) |
enter into any formal or informal agreement or otherwise make a binding commitment to do any of the foregoing. |
Conduct of Business by EverArc Pending the Merger
From the date of the Business Combination Agreement and until the earlier of the termination of the Business Combination Agreement and the Merger Effective Time, except as (i) expressly contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement or any ancillary agreement, (ii) set forth on the EverArc disclosure schedule, and (iii) as required by applicable law, unless Perimeter otherwise consents in writing, EverArc will conduct its business in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice and will not, directly or indirectly, take any action that would reasonably be likely to impede or materially delay the consummation of the transactions proposed under the Business Combination Agreement.
Conditions to Closing the Business Combination
General Conditions
Under the Business Combination Agreement, the obligations of the parties to consummate the Business Combination are conditioned on the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) of the following conditions at or prior to the Effective Time of the Contribution and Sale and at or prior to the Closing:
a) |
the Holdco Requisite Approval will have been obtained and delivered to EverArc; |
b) |
a Luxembourg statutory independent auditor (réviseur dentreprises agréé) of Holdco will have issued appropriate reports regarding the contributions relating to the Holdco Ordinary Shares and to the EverArc Ordinary Shares that will be exchanged for Holdco Ordinary Shares as set forth in the Business Combination Agreement Holdco Ordinary Shares; |
c) |
no governmental authority will have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, executive order or award which is then in effect and has the effect of making the Business Combination illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Business Combination; and |
d) |
all waiting periods applicable to the consummation of the Business Combination under the HSR Act (or any extension thereof) will have expired or been terminated and all required filings will have been made and all required approvals obtained (or waiting periods expired or terminated) under applicable antitrust law. |
EverArc Conditions to Closing
The obligations of EverArc to consummate the Business Combination are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by EverArc (at its sole option) of the following additional conditions:
a) |
certain representations and warranties of Perimeter and SK Holdings will each be true and correct in all respects except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct does not result in a Company Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement); |
b) |
Perimeter and SK Holdings will have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by the Business Combination Agreement; |
c) |
Perimeter and SK Holdings will have delivered to EverArc a certificate, signed by an officer of the appropriate entity, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Business Combination Agreement; |
d) |
no Company Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) will have occurred; |
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e) |
the Registration Statement will have been declared effective under the Securities Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement will be in effect, and no proceedings for purposes of suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement will have been initiated by the SEC and not withdrawn; and |
f) |
the Holdco Ordinary Shares will have been approved for listing on the NYSE or Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance. |
Perimeter Conditions to Closing
The obligations of Perimeter to consummate the transactions are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Perimeter (at its sole option) of the following additional conditions at or prior to the Merger
Effective Time and at or prior to the Closing:
a) |
certain representations and warranties of EverArc will each be true and correct in all respects except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct does not result in an EverArc Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement); |
b) |
certain representations and warranties of Holdco and Merger Sub will each be true and correct in all respects and all other representations and warranties of Perimeter and SK Holdings will be true and correct except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct does not result in a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement); |
c) |
each of EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub will have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by the Business Combination Agreement; |
d) |
each of EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub will have delivered to Perimeter a certificate, signed by an appropriate officer of each, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Business Combination Agreement; and |
e) |
no EverArc Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) will have occurred. |
Termination of the Business Combination Agreement
The Business Combination Agreement may be terminated and the transactions may be abandoned at any time prior to the Merger Effective Time, notwithstanding any requisite approval and adoption of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions by the shareholders of Perimeter or EverArc, as follows:
a) |
by mutual written consent of EverArc and SK Holdings; |
b) |
by either EverArc or SK Holdings if the Merger Effective Time will not have occurred prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on March 31, 2022, provided that the terminating party is not, either directly or indirectly through its affiliates, in breach or violation of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation under the Business Combination Agreement and such breach or violation is the principal cause of the failure of a condition set forth in the Business Combination Agreement on or prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on March 31, 2022; |
c) |
by either EverArc or SK Holdings if any governmental authority will have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any injunction, order, decree or ruling (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which has become final and non-appealable and has the effect of making consummation of the transactions illegal or otherwise preventing or prohibiting consummation of the Business Combination; |
d) |
by EverArc upon any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Business Combination Agreement on the part of SK Holdings or Perimeter that remains uncured for |
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more than 30 days after written notice of such breach is provided by EverArc to Perimeter, such that the conditions set forth in Section 9.02(a) and Section 9.02(b) of the Business Combination Agreement would not be satisfied; |
e) |
by SK Holdings upon any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Business Combination Agreement on the part of EverArc that remains uncured for more than 30 days after written notice of such breach is provided by Perimeter to EverArc such that the conditions set forth in Section 9.03(a) and Section 9.03(b) of the Business Combination Agreement would not be satisfied; |
f) |
by EverArc on or after September 8, 2021 if Perimeter will have failed to deliver the PCAOB Financials (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) by 11:59 EST on September 7, 2021; |
g) |
by either EverArc or SK Holdings on January 1, 2022 if the Merger Effective Time will not have occurred prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) December 31, 2022, provided that the terminating party is not, either directly or indirectly through its affiliates, in breach or violation of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation under the Business Combination Agreement and such breach or violation is the principal cause of the failure of a condition set forth in the Business Combination Agreement on or prior to December 31, 2021; |
h) |
by SK Holdings if (A)(i) certain conditions precedent to the merger have been satisfied and continue to be satisfied or waived and (ii) SK Holdings confirms to EverArc that all conditions required have been satisfied or waived and that SK Holdings and Perimeter are willing and able to consummate the transactions and (iii) EverArc will not have consummated the closing within three business days of the occurrence of clauses (i) and (ii) above or (B)(i) EverArc will be in material breach of its covenants under the Business Combination Agreement and such material breach results in EverArc being incapable of consummating the transactions thereunder and (ii) SK Holdings notifies EverArc, in writing, of such material breach and EverArc does not cure such breach; and |
i) |
by EverArc, on or after December 31, 2021, if, as of December 31, 2021, (i) certain conditions precedent to the Merger have been satisfied (and continue to be satisfied) or waived and (ii) EverArc will be unable to consummate the Closing solely due to the unavailability of sufficient funds available to EverArc. |
Amendment, Waiver and Extension of the Business Combination Agreement
The Business Combination Agreement may be amended in writing by all parties thereto at any time prior to the Merger Effective Time.
At any time prior to the Merger Effective Time, (a) EverArc may (i) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of SK Holdings or Perimeter, (ii) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of SK Holdings or Perimeter contained in the Business Combination Agreement or in any document delivered by SK Holdings or Perimeter pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement and (iii) waive compliance with any agreement of SK Holdings or Perimeter or any condition to its own obligations contained in the Business Combination Agreement and (b) Perimeter may (i) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of EverArc, Holdco or Merger Sub, (ii) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of EverArc, Holdco or Merger Sub contained in the Business Combination Agreement or in any document delivered by EverArc, Holdco or Merger Sub pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement and (iii) waive compliance with any agreement of EverArc, Holdco or Merger Sub or any condition to its own obligations contained in the Business Combination Agreement. Any such extension or waiver will be valid if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound thereby.
Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction
The Business Combination Agreement is governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that state, except to the extent mandatorily
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governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, including the provisions relating to the Contribution and Sales and the Exchange Agreements. All legal actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to the Business Combination Agreement will be heard and determined exclusively in any Delaware Chancery Court; provided, that if jurisdiction is not then available in the Delaware Chancery Court, then any such legal action may be brought in any federal court located in the State of Delaware or any other Delaware state court. The parties to the Business Combination Agreement (a) irrevocably submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts for themselves and with respect to their respective properties for the purpose of any action arising out of or relating to the Business Combination Agreement brought by any party hereto, and (b) agreed not to commence any action relating thereto except in the courts described above in Delaware, other than actions in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce any judgment, decree or award rendered by any such court in Delaware as described in the Business Combination Agreement. Each of the parties thereto further waived (y) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (z) any requirement under any law to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.
Expenses
In the event that this Business Combination Agreement is validly terminated, all transaction expenses incurred in connection with the Business Combination Agreement, related documents and the Business Combination will be paid by the party incurring such transaction expenses; provided, that EverArc will pay all fees and expenses incurred by Perimeter or its affiliates in connection with (a) the Financing Cooperation Expenses (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement), (b) all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with any filing under the HSR Act or other applicable antitrust laws and (c) costs, fees and expenses incurred by Perimeter and its affiliates in connection with the preparation and delivery of the PCAOB Financials (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement). Subject to certain conditions detailed in the Business Combination Agreement, if the Business Combination is consummated, Holdco, subject to certain limitations, will bear the reasonable and documented transaction expenses of all of the parties.
Termination Fee
In the event that this Business Combination Agreement is validly terminated (i) by SK Holdings pursuant to Section 10.01(e) or Section 10.01(h) of the Business Combination Agreement, (ii) by EverArc at a time that SK Holdings could have terminated the Business Combination Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01(e) or Section 10.01(h) of the Business Combination Agreement or (iii) by EverArc pursuant to Section 10.01(i) of the Business Combination Agreement, EverArc will, as promptly as reasonably practicable following such termination, pay to SK Holdings or its designee an amount equal to (x) $50,000,000 less (y) the amount of the PCAOB Financials Expenses (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) and the Financing Cooperation Expenses (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) actually reimbursed by EverArc to Perimeter pursuant to Section 8.12 and Section 8.16(c) of the Business Combination Agreement, respectively, at the time of such termination.
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CERTAIN AGREEMENTS RELATED TO THE BUSINESS COMBINATION
All capitalized terms used but not defined below shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the agreement to which such section is discussing.
Debt Agreements
Revolving Credit Facility
In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, Invictus II expects to enter into the Revolving Credit Facility, which is expected to, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, provide for a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100.0 million. The Revolving Credit Facility is expected to mature on the fifth anniversary of the date upon which all closing conditions are satisfied. We anticipate that the Revolving Credit Facility will include a $20.0 million swingline sub-facility and a $25.0 million letter of credit sub-facility. We anticipate that the Revolving Credit Facility will allow Invictus II to increase commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed the greater of (i) $130.0 million and (ii) 100.0% of consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four-quarter period (minus the aggregate outstanding principal amount of certain ratio debt permitted to be incurred thereunder). All borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are expected to be subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including the absence of a default and the accuracy of representations and warranties, subject to certain exceptions.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are expected to bear interest at a rate equal to (i) an applicable margin, plus (ii) at Invictus IIs option, either (x) LIBOR determined by reference to the cost of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing, adjusted for certain additional costs (but which will not be less than a 0.00% LIBOR floor) or (y) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the prime commercial lending rate published by the Wall Street Journal, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (c) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.00% and (d) a minimum floor of 1.0%. The applicable margin is expected to be 3.25% in the case of LIBOR based loans and 2.25% in the case of base rate based loans, with two stepdowns of 0.25% each based upon the achievement of certain leverage ratios. In addition, on a quarterly basis, we expect Invictus II to be required to pay each lender under the Revolving Credit Facility a commitment fee of 0.50% in respect of the unused portion of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility, which fee will be subject to two stepdowns of 0.125% based upon the achievement of certain leverage ratios. We also expect Invictus II to be required to pay customary agency fees as well as letter of credit participation fees computed at a rate per annum equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR borrowings on the dollar equivalent of the face amount of each undrawn letter of credit, plus such letter of credit issuers customary administration and issuance fees and charges and a fronting fee in an amount equal to 0.125% per annum of the face amount of each letter of credit.
Invictus II is expected to be the borrower under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility is expected to be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Perimeter and each of Invictus IIs existing and future wholly-owned material restricted subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions), and is expected to be secured by a valid and perfected first priority lien (subject to certain permitted liens) on substantially all of Invictus IIs and each of the guarantors existing and future property and assets (subject to certain exceptions).
Solely to the extent that on the last day of the applicable fiscal quarter, the utilization of the Revolving Credit Facility exceeds 40% (excluding certain undrawn or cash collateralized letters of credit), the Revolving Credit Facility is expected to require compliance on a quarterly basis with a maximum secured net leverage ratio of 7.50:1.00. In addition, for purposes of determining compliance with such financial maintenance covenant for any fiscal quarter, we expect Invictus II to be able to exercise an equity cure by Invictus II issuing certain permitted securities for cash or otherwise receiving cash contributions to the capital of Invictus II that will, upon the receipt by Invictus II of such cash, be included in the calculation of consolidated EBITDA solely for the purpose of such financial maintenance covenant. We expect that Invictus II will not be able to exercise the equity cure right in
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more than two fiscal quarters during any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters or more than five fiscal quarters during the term of the Revolving Credit Facility. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, we expect that Invictus II may also be required to meet specified leverage ratios in order to take certain actions, such as incurring certain debt or making certain acquisitions. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility is expected to include a customary holding company covenant that restricts the activities of Invictus II and other negative covenants, subject to certain exceptions, restricting or limiting Invictus IIs ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) make non-ordinary course dispositions of assets; (ii) participate in certain mergers and acquisitions; (iii) pay dividends or make distributions and stock repurchases and optional redemptions (and optional prepayments) of certain subordinated, junior lien or unsecured debt; (iv) incur, assume or guarantee indebtedness; (v) make certain loans and investments; (vi) grant, assume or incur liens; (vii) transact with affiliates; (viii) change its business and the business of its restricted subsidiaries; or (ix) enter into negative pledges or restrictions on its ability or the ability of restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends, make distributions, repay or guarantee indebtedness, or make intercompany investments or transfers.
Senior Notes
Also in connection with the Business Combination, on October 5, 2021, the Escrow Issuer, launched a private offering of $600,000,000 principal amount of % senior secured notes due 2029 (the Senior Notes) pursuant to that certain Indenture dated as of October , 2021 between Invictus II and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent (the Trustee). Upon the consummation of the Business Combination, Invictus II will assume the Escrow Issuers obligations under the Senior Notes.
The Senior Notes will bear interest at an annual rate of %. Interest on the Senior Notes will be payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, commencing on , 2022. The Senior Notes may be issued with original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The Senior Notes will be general, secured, senior obligations of Invictus II; will rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness of Invictus II (including, without limitation, the Revolving Credit Facility); and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, will be effectively senior to all existing and future indebtedness of Invictus II that is not secured by the collateral. The Senior Notes will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of Invictus II that is secured by assets other than the collateral, to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness, will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness, claims of holders of any preferred stock that may be issued by, and other liabilities of, subsidiaries of Invictus II that do not guarantee the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes will be senior in right of payment to any future subordinated indebtedness of Invictus II and will be initially guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the guarantors and will also be guaranteed in the future by each subsidiary, if any, that guarantees indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Senior Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by all of Invictus IIs existing or future restricted subsidiaries (other than certain excluded subsidiaries) that guarantee the Revolving Credit Facility.
Subscription Agreements
In connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, EverArc, SK Holdings and Holdco entered into the Subscription Agreements with (i) the Institutional Subscribers, pursuant to which the Institutional Subscribers agreed to purchase an aggregate of 114,240,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares at $10.00 per share ($1,142,400,000 in the aggregate) which will be converted into Holdco Ordinary Shares in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, (ii) the SK Subscribers, pursuant to which the SK Subscribers agreed to purchase an aggregate of 429,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares at $10.00 per share ($4,290,000 in the aggregate) which will be converted into Holdco Ordinary Shares in connection with the closing of the Business Combination and (iii) the Individual Subscribers pursuant to which the Individual Subscribers agreed to purchase
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an aggregate of 331,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares at $10.00 per share ($3,310,000 in the aggregate) which will be converted into Holdco Ordinary Shares in connection with the closing of the Business Combination. In addition, the Management Subscribers entered into Subscription Agreements with Holdco pursuant to which the Management Subscribers agreed to purchase an aggregate of 1,100,212 Holdco Ordinary Shares at $10.00 per share ($11,002,117 in the aggregate).
The issuance of the PIPE Shares pursuant to the Subscription Agreements is contingent upon, among other customary closing conditions, the substantially concurrent consummation of the Business Combination.
Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, Holdco agreed that (i) within 30 calendar days after the Closing Date, it will file with the SEC (at Holdcos sole cost and expense) a registration statement registering the resale of the PIPE Shares, and (ii) it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (x) the 60th calendar day (or 90th calendar day if the SEC notifies Holdco that it will review the registration statement) following the closing of the sale of the PIPE Shares and (y) the 5th business day after the date Holdco is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that such registration statement will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review.
Non-Compete Agreements
In connection with the execution of the Subscription Agreements entered into with the Management Subscribers, EverArc, Holdco and each Management Subscriber entered into certain Non-Compete Agreements which placed restrictive employment covenants on such Management Subscriber for a period of three years following the Closing Date (as defined therein). These covenants include a covenant (i) not to compete anywhere SK Holdings (directly or through any subsidiary of SK Holdings) conducts its business as of the Closing Date (as defined therein), (ii) not to solicit or transact with any customers or suppliers of the SK Holdings (or any subsidiary of SK Holdings) fire safety and oil additives business, (iii) not to cause any customers or suppliers of the SK Holdings (or any subsidiary of SK Holdings) fire safety and oil additives business to cease doing business with or terminate their respective relationships with SK Holdings, (iv) not to solicit for employment or hire any employees of SK Holdings or its subsidiaries for at least six months following the termination of their employment with SK Holdings and (v) not to disclose any Confidential Information of SK Holdings.
Warrants
Pursuant to the Holdco Warrant Instrument, Holdco will assume, and agree to pay, perform, satisfy and discharge in full, all of EverArcs liabilities and obligations under the EverArc Warrant Instrument arising from and after the Merger Effective Time.
Each Holdco Warrant is exercisable in multiples of four to purchase one Holdco Ordinary Share and only whole warrants are exercisable. The exercise price of the Holdco Warrants is $12.00 per whole Holdco Ordinary Share, subject to adjustment as described in the EverArc Warrant Instrument. A Holdco Warrant may be exercised at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York time on the earlier to occur of: (x) the date that is three (3) years after the date on which the Business Combination is completed or (y) such earlier date as determined by the EverArc Warrant Instrument provided that if such day is not a trading day, the trading day immediately following such day.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
This section describes the material U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to you if you are a U.S. Holder (as defined below) of EverArc Securities as a consequence of (i) the Business Combination and (ii) the ownership and disposition of Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants (collectively, Holdco securities) acquired pursuant to the Business Combination. This discussion assumes that any distribution made (or deemed made) on our Holdco Ordinary Shares and any consideration received (or deemed received) by a holder in consideration for the sale or other disposition of our Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants will be in U.S. dollars. This discussion applies only to U.S. Holders that hold EverArc Securities and Holdco securities held as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally property held for investment) and is general in nature and therefore does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular investors in light of their particular circumstances or status, including alternative minimum tax and Medicare contribution tax consequences, or to holders subject to special rules, such as:
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our sponsor, officers, directors and their respective affiliates; |
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brokers, dealers and other investors that do not own their EverArc Securities or Holdco securities as capital assets; |
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traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting for their securities holdings; |
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tax-exempt organizations (including private foundations), governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts or other tax deferred accounts, trusts and estates; |
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banks or other financial institutions, financial services entities, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts or regulated investment companies; |
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persons that own (directly, indirectly, or by attribution) 5% or more (by vote or value) of the EverArc Ordinary Shares or Holdco Ordinary Shares; |
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partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes or beneficial owners of partnerships or other pass-through entities; |
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persons holding EverArc Securities or Holdco securities as part of a straddle, hedging or conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one position; |
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persons required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to EverArc Securities or Holdco securities as a result of such income being recognized on an applicable financial statement; |
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persons who purchase Holdco Ordinary Shares as part of the PIPE; |
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persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; |
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U.S. expatriates; |
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persons that received EverArc Securities or Holdco securities as compensation for services; or |
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persons that are not U.S. Holders, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ materially from those summarized below. |
For purposes of this discussion, a U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of EverArc Securities or Holdco securities that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
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an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or |
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a trust if (1) a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over the trusts administration and one or more U.S. persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust; or (2) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
This discussion is based on the Code, its legislative history, existing and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code (the Treasury Regulations), published rulings by the IRS and court decisions, all as of the date hereof. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This discussion is necessarily general and does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation, including the effect of the U.S. federal estate and gift tax, or any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws to a holder of EverArc Securities or Holdco securities. We have not and do not intend to seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the Business Combination. There is no assurance that the IRS will not take positions concerning the tax consequences of the Business Combination that are different from those discussed below, or that any such different positions would not be sustained by a court.
ALL HOLDERS OF EVERARC SECURITIES ARE URGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF HOLDCO SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECTS OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX LAWS IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATION.
Tax Consequences of the Business Combination
The Merger
In the opinion of Greenberg, counsel to EverArc, the Merger, together with certain related transactions, will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code (an F Reorganization), subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations described herein and in the opinion included as Exhibit 8.1 hereto. Assuming the Merger, together with certain related transactions qualifies as an F Reorganization, the tax consequences of the Merger to U.S. Holders of EverArc Securities might depend on whether EverArc is treated as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes (as discussed in detail below). If EverArc is not treated as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder that exchanges its EverArc Securities in the Merger for Holdco securities should not recognize any gain or loss on such exchange. The aggregate adjusted tax basis of the Holdco Ordinary Shares received in the Merger by a U.S. Holder should be equal to the adjusted tax basis of the EverArc Ordinary Shares surrendered in exchange therefor, and the aggregate adjusted tax basis of the Holdco Warrants received in the Merger by a U.S. Holder should be equal to the adjusted tax basis of the EverArc Warrants surrendered in exchange therefor. The holding period of the Holdco securities should include the period during which the EverArc Securities surrendered in the Merger in exchange therefor were held by the U.S. Holder.
If EverArc is treated as a PFIC, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger to U.S. Holders of EverArc Securities should generally be similar to those described above. Under proposed Treasury Regulations, if the Merger, together with certain related transactions otherwise qualifies as an F Reorganization, the treatment of EverArc as a PFIC would not adversely impact the tax consequences of the Merger to U.S. Holders of EverArc Securities. The proposed Treasury Regulations, if finalized in their current form, would be effective as of April 1, 1992. Although not entirely clear, in the absence of any final Treasury Regulations, it appears that generally applicable tax rules should apply, which would lead to consequences similar to those described above, even if EverArc is a PFIC.
The opinion described above is based on customary assumptions and representations from EverArc and Holdco. If any of the assumptions or representations is incorrect, incomplete or inaccurate, the validity of the opinion described above may be affected and the tax consequences of the Merger could differ from those described
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above. Further, an opinion of counsel represents counsels best legal judgment but is not binding on the IRS or any court, so there can be no certainty that the IRS will not challenge the conclusion reflected above or that a court would not sustain such a challenge.
U.S. Holders of EverArc Securities are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Merger to them.
Tax Consequences of Ownership and Disposition of Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants
Distributions on Holdco Ordinary Shares
Subject to the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules, the gross amount of any distribution on Holdco Ordinary Shares that is made out of Holdcos current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) generally will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary dividend income on the date such distribution is actually or constructively received. Any such dividends generally will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations. To the extent that the amount of the distribution exceeds Holdcos current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles), such excess amount will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holders tax basis in its Holdco Ordinary Shares, and thereafter as capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange. However, it is not expected that Holdco will maintain calculations of its earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. U.S. Holders should therefore assume that any distribution by Holdco with respect to Holdco Ordinary Shares will be reported as dividend income. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the appropriate U.S. federal income tax treatment of any distribution received from Holdco.
Subject to the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules, dividends received by non-corporate U.S. Holders from a qualified foreign corporation may be eligible for reduced rates of taxation, provided that certain holding period requirements and other conditions are satisfied. For these purposes, a non-U.S. corporation will be treated as a qualified foreign corporation if it is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that meets certain requirements. There can be no assurances that Holdco will be eligible for benefits of an applicable comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States. A non-U.S. corporation is also treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends it pays on shares that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. U.S. Treasury guidance indicates that shares listed on the Trading Market (which Holdco Ordinary Shares are expected to be) will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. There can be no assurance that Holdco Ordinary Shares will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in future years. Non-corporate U.S. Holders that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as investment income pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code (dealing with the deduction for investment interest expense) will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of Holdcos status as a qualified foreign corporation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to the positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been met. Holdco will not constitute a qualified foreign corporation for purposes of these rules if it is a passive foreign investment company for the taxable year in which it pays a dividend or for the preceding taxable year. See Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.
Subject to certain conditions and limitations, withholding taxes, if any, on dividends paid by Holdco may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against a U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability under the U.S. foreign tax credit rules. For purposes of calculating the U.S. foreign tax credit, dividends paid on Holdco Ordinary Shares will generally be treated as income from sources outside the United States and will generally constitute passive category income. The rules governing the U.S. foreign tax credit are complex and U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the U.S. foreign tax credit under particular circumstances.
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Gain or Loss on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants
Subject to the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules, upon any sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the amount realized on the disposition and (ii) the U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in such shares or warrants. Any such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holders holding period for such shares or warrants exceeds one year. Long-term capital gain realized by a non-corporate U.S. Holder generally will be taxable at a reduced rate. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. This gain or loss generally will be treated as U.S. source gain or loss.
The U.S. Treasury Department recently published a legislative proposal that, if adopted in its current form, would increase the rates of tax imposed on U.S. Holders with net income exceeding certain thresholds and would also result in long-term capital gain no longer being subject to U.S. federal income tax at a reduced rate in the case of U.S. Holders with net income exceeding certain thresholds.
Exercise or Lapse of a Holdco Warrant
A U.S. Holder generally will not recognize taxable gain or loss on the acquisition of a Holdco Ordinary Share upon exercise of a Holdco Warrant for cash. The U.S. Holders tax basis in the Holdco Ordinary Share received upon exercise of the Holdco Warrant generally will be an amount equal to the sum of the U.S. Holders tax basis in the Holdco Warrant and the exercise price. The U.S. Holders holding period for Holdco Ordinary Shares received upon exercise of the of a Holdco Warrant will begin on the date following the date of exercise (or possibly the date of exercise) of the Holdco Warrant and will not include the period during which the U.S. Holder held the Holdco Warrant. If a Holdco Warrant is allowed to lapse unexercised, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize a capital loss equal to such U.S. Holders tax basis in the warrant.
Possible Constructive Distributions
The terms of each Holdco Warrant provide for an adjustment to the number of Holdco Ordinary Shares for which the Holdco Warrant may be exercised or to the exercise price of the Holdco Warrant in certain events. An adjustment that has the effect of preventing dilution generally is not taxable. A U.S. Holder of a Holdco Warrant would, however, be treated as receiving a constructive distribution from Holdco if, for example, the adjustment increases the holders proportionate interest in Holdcos assets or earnings and profits (e.g., through an increase in the number of Holdco Ordinary Shares that would be obtained upon exercise of such warrant) as a result of a distribution of cash to the holders of the Holdco Ordinary Shares, which is taxable to the U.S. Holders of such shares as described under Distributions on Holdco Ordinary Shares above. Such constructive distribution would be subject to tax as described under that section in the same manner as if the U.S. Holder of such warrant received a cash distribution from Holdco equal to the fair market value of such increased interest.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
Generally. The treatment of U.S. Holders of Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants could be materially different from that described above if Holdco is treated as PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A foreign (i.e., non-U.S.) corporation will be classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes if either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for a taxable year constitutes passive income for purposes of the PFIC rules, or (ii) 50% or more of its assets in any taxable year (generally based on the quarterly average of the value of its assets during such year) is attributable to assets, including cash, that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, certain royalties and rents, annuities, net gains from the sale or exchange of property producing such income and net foreign currency gains. The determination of whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is based upon the composition of such foreign
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corporations income and assets (including, among others, its proportionate share of the income and assets of any other corporation in which it owns, directly or indirectly, 25% (by value) of the stock), and the nature of such foreign corporations activities.
We may directly or indirectly hold interests in lower-tier PFICS. Under attribution rules, assuming we are a PFIC, U.S. Holders will be deemed to own their proportionate shares of any lower-tier PFICs and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax according to the rules described in the following paragraphs on (i) certain distributions by a lower-tier PFIC and (ii) a disposition of shares of a lower-tier PFIC, in each case as if the U.S. Holder held such shares directly, even if the U.S. Holder has not received the proceeds of those distributions or dispositions.
A separate determination must be made after the close of each taxable year as to whether a foreign corporation was a PFIC for that year. Once a foreign corporation qualifies as a PFIC it is, with respect to a shareholder or warrant holder during the time it qualifies as a PFIC, and subject to certain exceptions, always treated as a PFIC with respect to such shareholder or warrant holder, regardless of whether it satisfied either of the qualification tests in subsequent years.
Because EverArc is a blank-check company with no current active business, based upon the composition of EverArcs income and assets, unless EverArc qualifies for the start-up exception (discussed below), EverArc believes it was a PFIC for its taxable year that ended on October 31, 2020. Holdcos PFIC status following the Business Combination is uncertain and may depend upon the application of the start-up exception, discussed below.
Start-up Exception. Pursuant to the start-up exception, a corporation will not be a PFIC for the first taxable year the corporation has gross income (the start-up year), if (1) no predecessor of the corporation was a PFIC; (2) the corporation establishes to the satisfaction of the IRS that it will not be a PFIC for either of the first two taxable years following the start-up year; and (3) the corporation is not in fact a PFIC for either of those years (the start-up exception).
Assuming the Merger, together with certain related transactions qualifies as an F Reorganization, Holdco should be treated as the same corporation as EverArc for purposes of the PFIC provisions, including the start-up exception. EverArcs taxable year that ended on October 31, 2020, should be the start-up year and EverArc should not be treated as a PFIC for such taxable year if EverArc qualifies for the start-up exception, which requires that Holdco (which should be treated as the same corporation as EverArc for this purpose) does not meet the PFIC asset test or income test in either of the following two taxable years. EverArcs and Holdcos actual PFIC status for any taxable year will not be determinable until after the end of such year, and in the case of the application of the start-up exception to EverArc for its taxable year that ended on October 31, 2020, until after the end of Holdcos second succeeding taxable year. Further, if the Merger does not close on or prior to October 31, 2021, EverArc will not qualify for the start-up exception. Accordingly, there can be no assurance with respect to EverArcs status as a PFIC for its taxable year that ended on October 31, 2020, and there can be no assurance with respect to Holdcos status as a PFIC for the current or any future taxable year.
If EverArc does not qualify for the start-up exception and is determined to be a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder, such U.S. Holder did not make either a qualified electing fund (QEF) election or a mark-to-market election (described below) with respect to its EverArc Ordinary Shares, and such U.S. Holder was not subject to tax on the receipt of Holdco Ordinary Shares in exchange for EverArc Ordinary Shares, then, although not free from doubt, Holdco should also be treated as a PFIC as to such U.S. Holder with respect to such Holdco Ordinary Shares even if Holdco did not meet a test for PFIC status in its own right. In addition, if this rule were to apply, such U.S. Holder would be treated for purposes of the PFIC rules as if it held such Holdco Ordinary Shares (treated as shares of a PFIC as to such holder) for a period that includes its holding period for the EverArc Ordinary Shares exchanged therefor.
Consequences if Holdco is a PFIC. If Holdco is treated as a PFIC with respect to the Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants held by a U.S. Holder, there are three separate taxation regimes that could apply to such U.S.
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Holder under the PFIC rules, which are the (i) excess distribution regime (which is the default regime), (ii) QEF regime, and (iii) mark-to-market regime. A U.S. Holder who holds (actually or constructively) stock in a foreign corporation during any year in which such corporation qualifies as a PFIC is subject to U.S. federal income taxation under one of these three regimes. The effect of the PFIC rules on a U.S. Holder will depend upon which of these regimes applies to such U.S. Holder. However, dividends paid by a PFIC are generally not eligible for the lower rates of taxation applicable to qualified dividend income under any of the foregoing regimes.
Excess Distribution Regime. If you do not make a QEF election or a mark-to-market election, as described below, you will be subject to the default excess distribution regime under the PFIC rules with respect to (i) any gain realized on a sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of your Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants, and (ii) any excess distribution you receive on your Holdco Ordinary Shares (generally, any distributions in excess of 125% of the average of the annual distributions on Holdco Ordinary Shares during the preceding three years or your holding period, whichever is shorter). Generally, under this excess distribution regime:
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the gain or excess distribution will be allocated ratably over the period during which you held your Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants (as applicable) |
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the amount allocated to the current taxable year, will be treated as ordinary income; and |
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the amount allocated to prior taxable years will be subject to the highest tax rate in effect for that taxable year and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year. |
The tax liability for amounts allocated to years prior to the year of disposition or excess distribution will be payable generally without regard to offsets from deductions, losses and expenses. In addition, gains (but not losses) realized on the sale of your Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants cannot be treated as capital gains, even if you hold the shares or warrants as capital assets.
QEF Regime. A QEF election is effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years and may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS. If a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF election with respect to its direct or indirect interest in a PFIC, the U.S. Holder will be required to include in income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the PFIC as QEF income inclusions, even if amount is not distributed to the U.S. Holder. Thus, the U.S. Holder may be required to report taxable income as a result of QEF income inclusions without corresponding receipts of cash. U.S. Holders subject to U.S. federal income tax should not expect that they will receive cash distributions from Holdco sufficient to cover their respective U.S. tax liability with respect to such QEF income inclusions. In addition, U.S. Holders of Holdco Warrants will not be able to make a QEF election with respect to their warrants.
The timely QEF election also allows the electing U.S. Holder to: (i) generally treat any gain recognized on the disposition of its shares of the PFIC as capital gain; (ii) treat its share of the PFICs net capital gain, if any, as long-term capital gain instead of ordinary income; and (iii) either avoid interest charges resulting from PFIC status altogether, or make an annual election, subject to certain limitations, to defer payment of current taxes on its share of PFICs annual realized net capital gain and ordinary earnings subject, however, to an interest charge on the deferred tax computed by using the statutory rate of interest applicable to an extension of time for payment of tax. In addition, net losses (if any) of a PFIC will not pass through to our shareholders and may not be carried back or forward in computing such PFICs ordinary earnings and net capital gain in other taxable years. Consequently, a U.S. Holder may over time be taxed on amounts that as an economic matter exceed our net profits.
A U.S. Holders tax basis in Holdco Ordinary Shares will be increased to reflect QEF income inclusions and will be decreased to reflect distributions of amounts previously included in income as QEF income inclusions. No portion of the QEF income inclusions attributable to ordinary income will be treated as qualified dividend
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income. Amounts included as QEF income inclusions with respect to direct and indirect investments generally will not be taxed again when distributed. You should consult your tax advisors as to the manner in which QEF income inclusions affect your allocable share of Holdcos income and your basis in your Holdco Ordinary Shares.
In order to comply with the requirements of a QEF election, a U.S. Holder must receive certain information from Holdco. If Holdco determines that it is a PFIC for any taxable year, Holdco will endeavor to provide the information that a U.S. Holder making a QEF election is required to obtain to make and maintain a QEF election, but there is no assurance that Holdco will timely provide such information. There is also no assurance that Holdco will have timely knowledge of its status as a PFIC in the future or of the required information to be provided. In addition, if Holdco holds an interest in a lower-tier PFIC, U.S. Holders will generally be subject to the PFIC rules described above with respect to any such lower-tier PFICs. There can be no assurance that a portfolio company or subsidiary in which Holdco holds an interest will not qualify as a PFIC, or that a PFIC in which Holdco holds an interest will provide the information necessary for a QEF election to be made by a U.S. Holder (in particular if Holdco does not control that PFIC).
Mark-to-Market Regime. Alternatively, a U.S. Holder may make an election to mark marketable shares in a PFIC to market on an annual basis. PFIC shares generally are marketable if they are (i) regularly traded on a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities Exchange Commission or on the national market system established under Section 11A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, or (ii) regularly traded on any exchange or market that the Treasury Department determines to have rules sufficient to ensure that the market price accurately represents the fair market value of the stock. It is expected that Holdco Ordinary Shares, which are expected to be listed on the Trading Market, will qualify as marketable shares for the PFIC rules purposes, but there can be no assurance that Holdco Ordinary Shares will be regularly traded for purposes of these rules.
Pursuant to such an election, a U.S. Holder would include in each year as ordinary income the excess, if any, of the fair market value of such stock over its adjusted basis at the end of the taxable year. A U.S. Holder may treat as ordinary loss any excess of the adjusted basis of the stock over its fair market value at the end of the year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the election in prior years. A U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the PFIC shares will be increased to reflect any amounts included in income, and decreased to reflect any amounts deducted, as a result of a mark-to-market election. Any gain recognized on a disposition of Holdco Ordinary Shares will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss (but only to the extent of the net amount of income previously included as a result of a mark-to-market election).
A mark-to-market election only applies for the taxable year in which the election was made, and for each subsequent taxable year, unless the PFIC shares ceased to be marketable or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. U.S. Holders should also be aware that the Code and the Treasury Regulations do not allow a mark-to-market election with respect to stock of lower-tier PFICs that is non-marketable. There is also no provision in the Code, Treasury Regulations or other published authority that specifically provides that a mark-to-market election with respect to the stock of a publicly-traded holding company (such as Holdco) effectively exempts stock of any lower-tier PFICs from the negative tax consequences arising from the general PFIC rules. We advise you to consult your own tax advisor to determine whether the mark-to-market tax election is available to you and the consequences resulting from such election. In addition, U.S. Holders of Holdco Warrants will not be able to make a mark-to-market election with respect to their Holdco Warrants.
PFIC Reporting Requirements. If Holdco is a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of Holdco Ordinary Shares will be required to file an annual report on IRS Form 8621 containing such information with respect to its interest in a PFIC as the IRS may require. Failure to file IRS Form 8621 for each applicable taxable year may result in substantial penalties and result in the U.S. Holders taxable years being open to audit by the IRS until such Forms are properly filed.
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The rules dealing with PFICs and with the QEF and mark-to-market elections are very complex and are affected by various factors in addition to those described above. Accordingly, U.S. Holders of Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of the PFIC rules to Holdco securities under their particular circumstances.
Additional Reporting Requirements
Certain U.S. Holders holding specified foreign financial assets with an aggregate value in excess of the applicable dollar thresholds are required to report information to the IRS relating to Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants held in accounts maintained by U.S. financial institutions), by attaching a complete IRS Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets) with their tax return for each year in which they hold Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants. Substantial penalties apply to any failure to file IRS Form 8938, unless the failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. Also, in the event a U.S. Holder does not file IRS Form 8938 or fails to report a specified foreign financial asset that is required to be reported, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of U.S. federal income taxes of such U.S. Holder for the related taxable year may not close before the date which is three years after the date on which the required information is filed. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of these rules on the ownership and disposition of Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries are subject to information reporting, and may be subject to backup withholding, unless (i) the U.S. Holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, the U.S. Holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding.
The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the holders U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle it to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
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MATERIAL LUXEMBOURG INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following information is of a general nature only and is based on the laws in force in Luxembourg as of the date of this Prospectus and is subject to any change in law that may take effect after such date. It does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all tax considerations that might be relevant to an investment decision. It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice. It is a description of the essential material Luxembourg tax consequences with respect to the listing and may not include tax considerations that arise from rules of general application or that are generally assumed to be known to investors. Prospective purchasers should consult their professional advisors with respect to particular circumstances, the effects of state, local or foreign laws to which they may be subject, and as to their tax position.
Please be aware that the residence concept used under the respective headings applies for Luxembourg income tax assessment purposes only. Any reference in this section to a tax, duty, levy impost or other charge or withholding of a similar nature refers to Luxembourg tax law and/or concepts only. In addition, please note that a reference to Luxembourg income tax generally encompasses corporate income tax (impôt sur le revenu des collectivités), municipal business tax (impôt commercial communal), a solidarity surcharge (contribution au fonds pour lemploi) as well as personal income tax (impôt sur le revenu). Corporate shareholders or warrant holders may further be subject to net worth tax (impôt sur la fortune) as well as other duties, levies or taxes. Corporate income tax, municipal business tax, the solidarity surcharge and net worth tax invariably apply to most corporate taxpayers resident in Luxembourg for tax purposes. Individual taxpayers are generally subject to personal income tax and the solidarity surcharge. Under certain circumstances, where an individual taxpayer acts in the course of the management of a professional or business undertaking, municipal business tax may apply as well.
Taxation of Holdco
Income Taxes
From a Luxembourg tax perspective, Luxembourg companies are considered being resident in Luxembourg provided that they have either their registered office or their central administration located in Luxembourg.
Holdco is a fully taxable Luxembourg company. The net taxable profit of Holdco is subject to corporate income tax (CIT) and municipal business tax (MBT) at ordinary rates in Luxembourg.
The maximum aggregate CIT and MBT rate amounts to 24.94% (including a solidarity surcharge for the unemployment fund) for companies located in the municipality of Luxembourg-city. Liability to such corporation taxes extends to Holdcos worldwide income (including capital gains), subject to the provisions of any relevant double taxation treaty. The taxable income of Holdco is computed by application of all rules of the Luxembourg income tax law of December 4, 1967, as amended (loi concernant limpôt sur le revenu), as commented and currently applied by the Luxembourg tax authorities (LIR). The taxable profit as determined for CIT purposes is applicable, with minor adjustments, for MBT purposes. Under the LIR, all income of Holdco will be taxable in the fiscal period to which it economically relates and all deductible expenses of Holdco will be deductible in the fiscal period to which they economically relate. Under certain conditions, dividends received by Holdco from qualifying participations and capital gains realized by Holdco on the sale of such participations, may be exempt from Luxembourg corporation taxes under the Luxembourg participation exemption regime. A tax credit is generally granted for withholding taxes levied at source within the limit of the tax payable in Luxembourg on such income, whereby any excess withholding tax is not refundable (but may be deductible under certain conditions).
Under the participation exemption regime (subject to the relevant anti-abuse rules), dividends derived from shares may be exempt from income tax if
(i) |
the distributing company is a qualified subsidiary (Qualified Subsidiary); and |
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(ii) |
at the time the dividend is put at the companys disposal, the latter holds or commits itself to hold for an uninterrupted period of at least 12 months shares representing either (a) a direct participation of at least 10% in the share capital of the Qualified Subsidiary or (b) a direct participation in the Qualified Subsidiary of an acquisition price of at least 1.2 million (Qualified Shareholding). |
A Qualified Subsidiary means notably (a) a company covered by Article 2 of the Council Directive 2011/96/EU dated November 30, 2011 (the Parent-Subsidiary Directive) or (b) a non-resident capital company (société de capitaux) liable to a tax corresponding to Luxembourg CIT.
Liquidation proceeds are assimilated to a received dividend and may be exempt under the same conditions.
If the conditions of the participation exemption regime are not met, dividends derived by Holdco from the Qualified Subsidiary may be exempt for 50% of their gross amount.
Capital gains realized by Holdco on shares are subject to CIT and MBT at ordinary rates, unless the conditions of the participation exemption regime, as described below, are satisfied.
Under the participation exemption regime (subject to the relevant anti-abuse rules), capital gains realized on shares may be exempt from income tax at the level of Holdco (subject to the recapture rules) if at the time the capital gain is realized, Holdco holds or commits itself to hold for an uninterrupted period of at least 12 months shares representing a direct participation in the share capital of the Qualified Subsidiary (i) of at least 10% or of (ii) an acquisition price of at least 6 million. Taxable gains are determined as being the difference between the price for which shares have been disposed of and the lower of their cost or book value.
For the purposes of the participation exemption regime, shares held through a tax transparent entity are considered as being a direct participation proportionally to the percentage held in the net assets of the transparent entity.
Net Worth Tax
Holdco is as a rule subject to Luxembourg net worth tax (NWT) on its net assets as determined for net worth tax purposes. NWT is levied at the rate of 0.5% on net assets not exceeding 500 million and at the rate of 0.05% on the portion of the net assets exceeding 500 million. Net worth is referred to as the unitary value (valeur unitaire), as determined at 1 January of each year. The unitary value is in principle calculated as the difference between (i) assets estimated at their fair market value (valeur estimée de réalisation), and (ii) liabilities.
Under the participation exemption regime, a Qualified Shareholding held by Holdco in a Qualified Subsidiary is exempt for net worth tax purposes.
As from January 1, 2016, a minimum net worth tax (MNWT) is levied on companies having their statutory seat or central administration in Luxembourg. For entities for which the sum of fixed financial assets, transferable securities and cash at bank exceeds 90% of their total gross assets and 350,000, the MNWT is set at 4,815. For all other companies having their statutory seat or central administration in Luxembourg which do not fall within the scope of the 4,815 MNWT, the MNWT ranges from 535 to 32,100, depending on their total balance sheet.
Other Taxes
The incorporation of Holdco through a contribution in cash to its share capital as well as further share capital increase or other amendment to the articles of incorporation of Holdco are subject to a fixed registration duty of 75.
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Withholding Taxes
Dividends paid by Holdco to its shareholders are generally subject to a 15% withholding tax in Luxembourg, unless a reduced treaty rate or the participation exemption applies. Under certain conditions, a corresponding tax credit may be granted to the shareholders. Responsibility for the withholding of the tax is assumed by Holdco.
A withholding tax exemption applies under the participation exemption regime (subject to the relevant anti-abuse rules), if cumulatively (i) the shareholder is an eligible parent (Eligible Parent) and (ii) at the time the income is made available, the Eligible Parent holds or commits itself to hold for an uninterrupted period of at least 12 months a Qualified Shareholding in Holdco.
Holding a participation through a tax transparent entity is deemed to be a direct participation in the proportion of the net assets held in this entity. An Eligible Parent includes notably (a) a company covered by Article 2 of the Parent-Subsidiary Directive or a Luxembourg permanent establishment thereof, (b) a company resident in a State having a double tax treaty with Luxembourg and liable to a tax corresponding to Luxembourg CIT or a permanent establishment thereof, (c) a capital company (société de capitaux) or a cooperative company (société coopérative) resident in a Member State of the EEA other than an EU Member State and liable to a tax corresponding to Luxembourg CIT or a Luxembourg permanent establishment thereof or (d) a Swiss capital company (société de capitaux) which is subject to CIT in Switzerland without benefiting from an exemption.
No withholding tax is levied on capital gains and liquidation proceeds.
Taxation of the Shareholders / Warrant Holders
Tax Residency
A Shareholder or warrant holder will not become resident, nor be deemed to be resident in Luxembourg solely by virtue of holding and/or disposing of shares or warrants or the execution, performance, delivery and/or enforcement of his/her rights thereunder.
Income Tax
For the purposes of this paragraph, a disposal may include a sale, an exchange, a contribution, a redemption and any other kind of alienation of the participation or the warrants.
Luxembourg Residents
a. |
Luxembourg Resident Individuals |
Dividends and other payments derived from the shares held by resident individual shareholders, who act in the course of the management of either their private wealth or their professional/business activity, are subject to income tax at the ordinary progressive rates. Under current Luxembourg tax laws, 50% of the gross amount of dividends received by resident individuals from Holdco may however be exempt from income tax.
Capital gains realized on the disposal of the shares or warrants by resident individual shareholders, who act in the course of the management of their private wealth, are not subject to income tax, unless said capital gains qualify either as speculative gains or as gains on a substantial participation. Capital gains are deemed to be speculative if the shares or warrants are disposed of within six months after their acquisition or if their disposal precedes their acquisition. Speculative gains are subject to income tax as miscellaneous income at ordinary rates. A participation is deemed to be substantial where a resident individual shareholder holds or has held, either alone or together with his/her spouse or partner and/or minor children, directly or indirectly at any time within the five years preceding the disposal, more than 10% of the share capital of the company whose shares are being disposed of the substantial participation (Substantial Participation). A shareholder is also deemed to alienate a
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Substantial Participation if he acquired free of charge, within the five years preceding the transfer, a participation that was constituting a Substantial Participation in the hands of the alienator (or the alienators in case of successive transfers free of charge within the same five-year period). Capital gains realized on a Substantial Participation more than six months after the acquisition thereof are taxed according to the half-global rate method (i.e., the average rate applicable to the total income is calculated according to progressive income tax rates and half of the average rate is applied to the capital gains realized on the Substantial Participation).
Capital gains realized on the disposal of the shares or warrants by resident individual holders, who act in the course of their professional/business activity, are subject to income tax at ordinary rates. Taxable gains are determined as being the difference between the price for which the shares or warrants have been disposed of and the lower of their cost or book value.
b. |
Luxembourg Resident Companies |
Dividends and other payments derived from the shares held by Luxembourg resident fully taxable companies are subject to income taxes, unless the conditions of the participation exemption regime, as described below, are satisfied. A tax credit is generally granted for withholding taxes levied at source within the limit of the tax payable in Luxembourg on such income, whereby any excess withholding tax is not refundable (but may be deductible under certain conditions). If the conditions of the participation exemption regime are not met, 50% of the dividends distributed by Holdco to a Luxembourg fully taxable resident company are nevertheless exempt from income tax.
Under the participation exemption regime (subject to the relevant anti-abuse rules), dividends derived from the shares may be exempt from CIT and MBT at the level of the shareholder if (i) the shareholder is an Eligible Parent and (ii) at the time the dividend is put at the shareholders disposal, the latter holds or commits itself to hold for an uninterrupted period of at least 12 months a shareholding representing a direct participation of at least 10% in the share capital of Holdco or a direct participation in Holdco of an acquisition price of at least 1.2 million. Liquidation proceeds are assimilated to a received dividend and may be exempt under the same conditions. Capital gains realized by a Luxembourg fully taxable resident company on the disposal of the shares are subject to income tax at ordinary rates, unless the conditions of the participation exemption regime, as described below, are satisfied.
Under the participation exemption regime (subject to the relevant anti-abuse rules), capital gains realized on the shares or warrants may be exempt from CIT and MBT (save for the recapture rules) at the level of the shareholder if cumulatively (i) the shareholder is a Eligible Parent and (ii) at the time the capital gain is realized, the shareholder holds or commits itself to hold for an uninterrupted period of at least 12 months shares representing either (a) a direct participation of at least 10% in the share capital of Holdco or (b) a direct participation in Holdco of an acquisition price of at least 6 million. Taxable gains are determined as being the difference between the price for which the shares have been disposed of and the lower of their cost or book value. Under Luxembourg tax law it is debatable to what extent the warrants are eligible for the participation exemption regime although certain case law supports such argumentation in certain circumstances.
For the purposes of the participation exemption regime, shares held through a tax transparent entity are considered as being a direct participation proportionally to the percentage held in the net assets of the transparent entity.
For warrant holders, the exercise of the warrants should not give rise to any immediate Luxembourg tax consequences.
c. |
Luxembourg Resident Companies Benefiting From a Special Tax Regime |
A shareholder or warrant holder who is a Luxembourg resident company benefiting from a special tax regime, such as (i) a specialized investment fund governed by the amended law of February 13, 2007, (ii) a family wealth
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management company governed by the amended law of May 11, 2007 (iii) an undertaking for collective investment governed by the amended law of December 17, 2010 or (iv) a reserved alternative investment fund treated as a specialized investment fund for Luxembourg tax purposes and governed by the amended law of July 23, 2016 is exempt from income tax in Luxembourg and profits derived from the shares or warrants are thus not subject to tax in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg Non-Residents
Non-resident shareholders or warrant holders, who have neither a permanent establishment nor a permanent representative in Luxembourg to which or whom the shares or warrants are attributable, are not liable to any Luxembourg income tax, whether they receive payments of dividends or realize capital gains on the disposal of the shares or warrants, except with respect to capital gains realized on a Substantial Participation before the acquisition or within the first 6 months of the acquisition thereof, that are subject to income tax in Luxembourg at ordinary rates (subject to the provisions of any relevant double tax treaty) and except for the withholding tax mentioned above.
Non-resident shareholders or warrant holders having a permanent establishment or a permanent representative in Luxembourg to which or whom the shares or warrants are attributable, must include any income received, as well as any gain realized on the disposal of the shares or warrants, in their taxable income for Luxembourg tax assessment purposes, unless the conditions of the participation exemption regime, as described below are satisfied. If the conditions are of the participation exemption regime are not fulfilled, 50% of the gross amount of dividends received by a Luxembourg permanent establishment or permanent representative are however exempt from income tax. Taxable gains are determined as being the difference between the price for which the shares have been disposed of and the lower of their cost or book.
Under the participation exemption regime (subject to the relevant anti-abuse rules), dividends derived from the shares may be exempt from income tax if cumulatively (i) the shares are attributable to a qualified permanent establishment (Qualified Permanent Establishment) and (ii) at the time the dividend is put at the disposal of the Qualified Permanent Establishment, it holds or commits itself to hold a Qualified Shareholding in Holdco. A Qualified Permanent Establishment means (a) a Luxembourg permanent establishment of a company covered by Article 2 of the Parent-Subsidiary Directive, (b) a Luxembourg permanent establishment of a capital company (société de capitaux) resident in a State having a double tax treaty with Luxembourg and (c) a Luxembourg permanent establishment of a capital company (société de capitaux) or a cooperative company (société coopérative) resident in a Member State of the EEA other than an EU Member State. Liquidation proceeds are assimilated to a received dividend and may be exempt under the same conditions. Shares held through a tax transparent entity are considered as being a direct participation proportionally to the percentage held in the net assets of the transparent entity.
Under the participation exemption regime (subject to the relevant anti-abuse rules), capital gains realized on the shares or warrants may be exempt from income tax (save for the recapture rules) if cumulatively (i) the shares or warrants are attributable to a Qualified Permanent Establishment and (ii) at the time the capital gain is realized, the Qualified Permanent Establishment holds or commits itself to hold for an uninterrupted period of at least 12 months shares or warrants representing either (a) a direct participation in the share capital of Holdco of at least 10% or (b) a direct participation in Holdco of an acquisition price of at least 6 million.
Under Luxembourg tax laws currently in force (subject to the provisions of double taxation treaties), capital gains realized by a Luxembourg non-resident shareholder or warrant holder (not acting via a permanent establishment or a permanent representative in Luxembourg through which/whom the shares are held) are not taxable in Luxembourg unless (a) the shareholder or warrant holder holds a Substantial Participation in Holdco and the disposal of the shares or warrants takes place less than six months after the shares or warrants were acquired or (b) the shareholder the warrant holder has been a former Luxembourg resident for more than fifteen years and has become a non-resident, at the time of transfer, less than five years ago. Under Luxembourg tax law
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it is debatable to what extent the warrants are eligible for the participation exemption regime although certain case law supports such argumentation in certain circumstances.
Net Worth Tax
A Luxembourg resident as well as a non-resident who has a permanent establishment or a permanent representative in Luxembourg to which the shares or warrants are attributable, are subject to Luxembourg NWT (subject to the application of the participation exemption regime) on such shares or warrants, except if the shareholder or warrant holders is (i) a resident or non-resident individual taxpayer, (ii) a securitization company governed by the amended law of March 22, 2004 on securitization, (iii) a company governed by the amended law of June 15, 2004 on venture capital vehicles, (iv) a professional pension institution governed by the amended law of July 13, 2005, (v) a specialized investment fund governed by the amended law of February 13, 2007, (vi) a family wealth management company governed by the law of May 11, 2007, (vii) an undertaking for collective investment governed by the amended law of December 17, 2010 or (viii) a reserved alternative investment fund governed by the amended law of July 23, 2016.
However, (i) a securitization company governed by the amended law of March 22, 2004 on securitization, (ii) a company governed by the amended law of June 15, 2004 on venture capital vehicles (iii) a professional pension institution governed by the amended law dated July 13, 2005 and (iv) an opaque reserved alternative investment fund treated as a venture capital vehicle for Luxembourg tax purposes and governed by the amended law of July 23, 2016 remain subject to the MNWT.
Other Taxes
Under current Luxembourg tax laws, no registration tax or similar tax is in principle payable by the shareholder or warrant holder upon the acquisition, holding or disposal of the shares or warrants. However, a fixed or ad valorem registration duty may be due upon the registration of the shares or warrants in Luxembourg in the case where the shares or warrants are physically attached to a public deed or to any other document subject to mandatory registration, as well as in the case of a registration of the shares or warrants on a voluntary basis.
No inheritance tax is levied on the transfer of the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants upon the death of a holder in cases where the deceased was not a resident of Luxembourg for inheritance tax purposes at the time of his death.
Gift tax may be due on a gift or donation of shares, or warrants of the gift is recorded in a Luxembourg notarial deed or otherwise registered in Luxembourg.
The disposal of the shares or warrants is not subject to a Luxembourg registration tax or stamp duty, unless recorded in a Luxembourg notarial deed or otherwise registered in Luxembourg.
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References in this section to we, our, us, the Company or EverArc generally refer to EverArc.
Overview
EverArc is an acquisition company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands as a company limited by shares, on November 8, 2019 for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
EverArc completed its initial public offering on December 17, 2019. The EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants are currently listed on the Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and admitted to trading on the main market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbols EVRA, and EVWA, respectively. At the Merger Effective Time, the outstanding EverArc Ordinary Shares will be converted into Holdco Ordinary Shares.
The mailing address of EverArcs registered office is Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The mailing address of EverArcs principal executive office is 55 Water Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11201.
EverArc raised gross proceeds in its IPO of $340 million, consisting of $325 million through the placing of 32,500,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares (with 32,500,000 EverArc Warrants being issued to subscribers on the basis of one EverArc Warrant per EverArc Ordinary Share) at a placing price of $10.00 per share, and $15 million by way of direct subscriptions of 1,500,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares (with 1,500,000 EverArc Warrants being issued to the EverArc Founders on the basis of one EverArc Warrant per EverArc Ordinary Share) by the EverArc Founders at a price of $10.00 per share. In addition, 30,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares (with matching warrants) were subscribed to outside of the Placing to certain EverArc directors at a price of $10.00 per share. Each whole EverArc Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one-fourth of an EverArc Ordinary Share at $12.00 per whole EverArc Ordinary Share. On January 15, 2020, EverArc raised additional gross proceeds in its Additional Offering of $71,400,000 from a placing of 6,800,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares at a placing price of $10.50 per EverArc Ordinary Share.
Financial Position
As of June 30, 2020, EverArc had funds available for a business combination in the amount of approximately $399.6 million, before fees and expenses associated with the Business Combination. Because EverArc is able to complete its business combination using its cash, debt or equity securities, debt or a combination of the foregoing, EverArc has the flexibility to use the most efficient combination that will allow EverArc to tailor the consideration to be paid to the target business to fit its needs and desires.
Permitted Purchases of EverArcs Securities
The EverArc Founders and EverArcs directors, officers and advisors, or their affiliates, may purchase shares of EverArc Ordinary Shares in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market prior to the completion of the Business Combination. They will not make any such purchases when they are in possession of any material non-public information not disclosed to the seller or while otherwise prohibited from doing so.
In addition, if such purchases are made, the public float of EverArc Ordinary Shares and the number of beneficial holders of EverArcs securities may be reduced, possibly making it difficult for Holdco to obtain the quotation, listing or trading of its securities on a national securities exchange.
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Liquidation if No Business Combination
The EverArc Founders, the EverArc Founder Entity and EverArcs officers and directors have agreed that if EverArc does not complete its initial business combination by December 17, 2022 or such later date that may be approved by EverArcs shareholders, the Directors shall determine whether to recommend to the shareholders if EverArcs operations should be wound up. EverArc may not be able to complete its initial business combination within this time period. If EverArcs shareholders decide to wind up the business and not extend the date by which EverArc may consummate an initial business combination, EverArc will wind up its operations in accordance with the BVI Companies Act.
EverArc expects to use all amounts available to it in its accounts to pay for all costs and expenses associated with implementing its plan of dissolution, as well as payments to any creditors, although EverArc cannot assure you that there will be sufficient funds for such purpose.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, EverArc may become involved in actions, claims, suits, and other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business.
Employees
EverArc currently has no executive officers and has no plans to appoint executive officers ahead of the Business Combination. EverArc does not intend to have any employees prior to the consummation of a business combination.
Directors
The names, ages, and current positions of EverArcs current directors are listed in the table below. For biographical information concerning Messrs. Howley and Thorndike and Ms. Cool, see Management of Holdco After the Business CombinationDirectors and Executive Officers. For biographical information concerning the remaining directors, see below.
Name |
Age |
Title |
||
W. Nicholas Howley | 69 | Co-Chairman | ||
William N. Thorndike, Jr. | 57 | Co-Chairman | ||
Tracy Britt Cool | 36 | Director | ||
Bram Belzberg | 40 | Director | ||
Adam Luke Hall | 46 | Director | ||
John Staer | 68 | Director | ||
Michael Tobin OBE | 57 | Director |
Bram Belzberg. Mr. Belzberg has served as a member of our board of directors since our inception in November 2019. Since 2009, Mr. Belzberg has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KEV Group, Inc., the largest provider of cash accounting management and online payment systems for K-12 schools in North America. Prior to joining KEV Group, Inc., Mr. Belzberg served as an associate at Onex Group, an associate at Amaranth and as an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs. Mr. Belzberg holds a B.A. degree in psychology from McGill University and an M.B.A. degree from Harvard Business School.
Adam Luke Hall. Mr. Hall has served as a member of our board of directors since our inception in November 2019. Since June 2019, Mr. Hall has served as Chief Development Officer of Orica Limited (Orica), the worlds largest provider of commercial explosives and innovative blasting systems, and is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. Prior to joining Orica, Mr. Hall led corporate development and the Industrial Gases
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business for CF Industries, one of the worlds largest producers of nitrogen. He has also held a series of regional and corporate roles with Bunge, a global agribusiness leader. Mr. Hall holds an undergraduate degree in law and commerce from the University of Western Australia and an M.B.A. degree with High Distinction from Harvard Business School.
John Staer. Mr. Staer has served as a member of our board of directors since our inception in November 2019. Mr. Staer retired as Chief Executive Officer of Satair A/S, a subsidiary of Airbus, and a distributor of aerospace products, a role he held from 1993 through 2013. In the last five years, Mr. Staer was formerly a director of Dalhoff Larsen & Horneman A/S, a Danish public company that is supplier of timber and wood products, through April 2017.
Michael Tobin OBE. Mr. Tobin has served as a member of our board of directors since our inception in November 2019. In 2014, Mr. Tobin founded Tobin Ventures Ltd., a management consulting company, where he currently serves as Executive Chairman. In 2003, Mr. Tobin was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Redbus Interhouse plc, having joined in 2002 as Sales and Marketing Director, and continued as Chief Executive Officer following the merger with TelecityGroup plc, leading the company through its initial public offering in 2007 and a period of consolidation in the European data centre industry. Prior to joining TelecityGroup, Mr. Tobin held senior positions in a number of companies internationally, including at Fujitsus e-Commerce operations in Frankfurt, Germany and ICLs Danish outsourcing subsidiary. As a non-executive Director of PACNET in Hong Kong, Mr. Tobin was involved in its transformation from a subsea cable operator to a successful data centre operator culminating in its sale to Telstra for U.S. $700 million in 2015.
Number and Terms of Office of Officers and Directors
EverArc has seven directors all of whom are part of a single class. The terms of each of EverArcs directors will expire at the first annual meeting of shareholders following the consummation of the Business Combination. At that meeting, each of them may stand for re-election. Following the Business Combination, EverArc may terminate a directors appointment with three-months notice. Subject to any other special rights applicable to the shareholders, any vacancies on our board of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present and voting at the meeting of our board of directors.
EverArcs officers are appointed by the board of directors and serve at the discretion of the board of directors, rather than for specific terms of office. Our board of directors is authorized to appoint persons to the offices set forth in our bylaws as it deems appropriate. Our bylaws provide that our officers may be a Chairman or Co-Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, one or more vice-presidents, secretaries, assistant secretaries and treasurers and such other officers as may from time to time be considered necessary or expedient.
Director Compensation
EverArcs three founder directors receive no cash compensation for services rendered to EverArc. EverArcs four non-executive directors are paid $75,000 per year. EverArc pays Oak Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited an annual fee of £36,000 per annum for general corporate services and such other fees agreed from time to time for any additional services that may be provided. Upon completion of EverArcs initial business combination or its liquidation, EverArc will cease paying these monthly fees. No compensation of any kind, including any finders fee, reimbursement, consulting fee or monies in respect of any payment of a loan, has been or will be paid by EverArc to its EverArc Founders, officers and directors, or any affiliate of the EverArc Founders or officers, prior to, or in connection with any services rendered in order to effectuate, the consummation of EverArcs initial business combination. However, these individuals are reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Other than board review of such payments, we do not expect to have any additional controls in place governing our reimbursement payments to our directors and executive officers for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with identifying and consummating an initial business combination.
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EverArc is not party to any agreements with its directors that provide for benefits upon termination of employment.
Committees of the Board of Directors
EverArc currently has no standing committees and has no plans to form committees ahead of the Business Combination.
Director Independence
Mr. Thorndike, Mr. Howley and Ms. Britt Cool are not considered by the Board to be Independent Directors for the purposes of the U.K. Corporate Governance Code. The Board considers Mr. Tobin, Mr. Belzberg, Mr. Hall and Mr. Staer to be independent in character and judgment and free from relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect or could appear to affect, their judgment. When determining independence, the Board had regard to the Letters of Appointment of the Independent Non-Founder Directors. In addition, in relation to Mr. Staer, the Board had regard to the fact that he is currently an independent director of TransDigm and that Mr. Howley is the Executive Chairman of TransDigm but this was not expected to impair Mr. Staers independence and there were no other current cross directorships or other significant links between Mr. Staer and Mr. Howley. The Board believes that, taken as a whole, the aforementioned cross directorship and the number of shares that each Independent Non-Founder Director may obtain pursuant to their Letters of Appointment, are not sufficient to have an impact on their independence.
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EVERARC MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
References in this section to we, our, us, the Company or EverArc generally refer to EverArc.
Overview
EverArc is an acquisition company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands as a company limited by shares, on November 8, 2019 for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
EverArc completed its IPO on December 17, 2019. The EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants are currently listed on the Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and admitted to trading on the main market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbols EVRA, and EVWA, respectively.
Results of Operations
We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our only activities from November 8, 2019 (inception) through April 30, 2021 were organizational activities, those necessary to prepare for the IPO, described below, and identifying a target company for an initial business combination. We do not expect to generate any operating revenues until after the completion of our initial business combination. We generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on marketable securities held after the IPO. We incur expenses as a result of being a public company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as for due diligence expenses.
For the six months ended April 30, 2021, we had a net loss of $(944,863), which consisted of operating expenses of $(1,028,961), offset by an unrealized gain on investments held in our investment accounts of $84,098.
For the period from November 8, 2019 (inception) through October 31, 2020, we had a net loss of $(458,878), which consisted of operating expenses of $1,790,180, offset by an unrealized gain on investments held in our investment accounts of $1,331,296 and other income of $6.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
EverArc raised gross proceeds in its IPO of $340 million, consisting of $325 million through the placing of 32,500,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares (with 32,500,000 EverArc Warrants being issued to subscribers on the basis of one EverArc Warrant per EverArc Ordinary Share) at a placing price of $10.00 per share, and $15 million by way of direct subscriptions of 1,500,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares (with 1,500,000 EverArc Warrants being issued to the EverArc Founders on the basis of one EverArc Warrant per EverArc Ordinary Share) by the EverArc Founders at a price of $10.00 per share. Each whole EverArc Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one-fourth of an EverArc Ordinary Share at $12.00 per whole EverArc Ordinary Share. On January 15, 2020, EverArc raised additional gross proceeds in its Additional Offering of $71,400,000 from a placing of 6,800,000 EverArc Ordinary Shares at a placing price of $10.50 per EverArc Ordinary Share.
Following the IPO and the Additional Offering, we incurred $10,427,561 in transaction costs, consisting of $9,578,337 of underwriting fees, $608,421 in legal fees and $240,803 of other offering costs.
For the six months ended April 30, 2021, net cash used in operating activities was $(1,193,993). Net loss of $(944,863) was affected by a realized gain on short-term investments of $70,537, stock-based compensation expense of $(32,877) and changes in working capital of $211,470.
For the period from November 8, 2019 to October 31, 2020, net cash used in operating activities was $(1,600,400). Net loss of $(974,540) was affected by a realized gain on short-term investments of $523,408, stock-based compensation of $(267,123) and changes in working capital of $369,575.
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As of April 30, 2021, we had cash and marketable securities held in our investment accounts of $398.9 million consisting of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Bills. We intend to use substantially all of the funds held in our investment accounts, including any amounts representing interest earned in our investment accounts (less deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable) to complete an initial business combination. We may withdraw interest to pay taxes. To the extent that our capital stock or debt is used, in whole or in part, as consideration to complete an initial business combination, the remaining proceeds held in our investment accounts will be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business.
As of April 30, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $803 held outside of our investment accounts. We intend to use the funds held outside our investment accounts primarily to identify and evaluate prospective acquisition candidates, perform business due diligence on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses, review corporate documents and material agreements of prospective target businesses, select the target business to acquire and structure, negotiate and complete an initial business combination.
We do not believe we will need to raise additional funds in order to meet the expenditures required for operating our business. However, if our estimate of the costs of identifying a target business, undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating an initial business combination are less than the actual amounts necessary to do so, we may have insufficient funds available to operate our business prior to our initial business combination. Moreover, we may need to obtain additional financing either to complete our initial business combination or because we become obligated to redeem a significant number of our Public Shares upon completion of our initial business combination, in which case we may issue additional securities or incur debt in connection with such initial business combination. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, we would only complete such financing simultaneously with the completion of our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination because we do not have sufficient funds available to us, we will be forced to cease operations and liquidate our investment accounts. In addition, following our initial business combination, if cash on hand is insufficient, we may need to obtain additional financing in order to meet our obligations.
Contractual Obligations
We do not have any long-term debt, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations or long-term liabilities.
Critical Accounting Policies
For a discussion of our critical accounting policies please see Note 2 to our condensed financial statements included in this prospectus.
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CERTAIN EVERARC RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
In December 2019, the EverArc Founder Entity acquired 100 Founder Shares for an aggregate purchase price of $1,000. Prior to the initial investment in EverArc of $1,000 by the EverArc Founder Entity, EverArc had no assets, tangible or intangible.
If any of EverArcs officers or directors becomes aware of a business combination opportunity that falls within the line of business of any entity to which he or she had pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations at the time they were appointed as a director of EverArc, he or she will honor his or her pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such opportunity to such entity. EverArcs officers and directors currently have certain relevant fiduciary duties or contractual obligations to entities other than EverArc that may take priority over their duties to EverArc.
No compensation of any kind, including finders and consulting fees, will be paid to EverArcs Founder Entity, officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates, for services rendered prior to or in connection with the completion of an initial business combination. However, these individuals will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on EverArcs behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. There is no cap or ceiling on the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such persons in connection with activities on EverArcs behalf.
EverArc pays Oak Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited an annual fee of £36,000 per annum for general corporate services and such other fees agreed from time to time for any additional services that may be provided.
Lock Up Arrangements
Pursuant to the Placing Agreement, the EverArc Founders, the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities, the EverArc Founder Entity and each of the Directors have agreed that they shall not, without the prior written consent of the Placing Agents offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any EverArc Ordinary Shares, Founder Shares or EverArc Warrants they hold directly or indirectly in EverArc (or acquire pursuant to the terms of the Founder Advisory Agreement or EverArc Warrants) or any interest in any entity other than EverArc which they may receive in connection with a Business Combination for their EverArc Ordinary Shares or EverArc Warrants, for a period commencing on the date of the Placing Agreement and ending one year after EverArc has completed the Business Combination or upon the passing of a resolution to voluntarily wind-up EverArc for failure to complete the Business Combination (whichever is earlier).
The restrictions on the ability of the Directors, the EverArc Founders and the EverArc Founder Entity to transfer their EverArc Ordinary Shares, Founder Shares or EverArc Warrants, as the case may be, are subject to certain usual and customary exceptions for: gifts; transfers for estate planning purposes; transfers to trusts (including any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of such trusts) for the benefit of the Directors, the EverArc Founders or their families or charitable organizations; transfers to the Directors, the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities or the EverArc Founders; transfers to affiliates or direct or indirect equity holders, holders of partnership interests or members of the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities or the EverArc Founder Entity, in each case, subject to certain conditions; transfers among the EverArc Founders, the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities or the EverArc Founder Entity (including any affiliates thereof or direct or indirect equity holders, holders of partnership interests or members of the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities or the EverArc Founder Entity); transfers to any direct or indirect subsidiary of EverArc, a target company or shareholders of a target company in connection with an Business Combination, provided that in each of the foregoing cases, the transferees enter into a lock up agreement for the remainder of the period referred to above which is subject to similar exceptions to those set out in this paragraph; transfers of any EverArc Ordinary Shares or EverArc Warrants acquired after the date of Admission in an open-market transaction, or the acceptance of, or provision of, an irrevocable undertaking to accept, a general offer made to all Shareholders on equal terms; and after the Business
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Combination, transfers to satisfy certain tax liabilities in connection with, or as a result of transactions related to, completion of the Business Combination, the exercise of EverArc Warrants, or the receipt of share dividends; and, after the Business Combination, transfers by a Director, a Founder, the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities or the EverArc Founder Entity (or certain connected or permitted transferees thereof) of up to 10 per cent of such persons shares for purposes of charitable gifts.
Founder Advisory Agreement
On December 12, 2019, EverArc entered into the Founder Advisory Agreement with the EverArc Founder Entity, which is owned and operated by the EverArc Founders. Under the Founder Advisory Agreement, the Founder Entity agreed, at the request of EverArc (and only to such extent as is mutually agreed): (i) prior to consummation of its initial business combination, to assist with identifying target opportunities, due diligence, negotiation, documentation and investor relations with respect to the initial business combination; and (ii) following the Business Combination, to provide strategic and capital allocation advice and such other services as may from time to time be agreed. In addition, the EverArc Founder Entity has the right to appoint up to six directors for election to the Board. Upon consummation of the Business Combination, the rights and obligations of EverArc under the Founder Advisory Agreement will be assigned to, and assumed by, Holdco.
In exchange for the services provided thereunder, the EverArc Founder Entity will be entitled to receive both a variable amount (the Variable Annual Advisory Amount) and a fixed amount (the Fixed Annual Advisory Amount, each an Advisory Amount and collectively, the Advisory Amounts), each as described below:
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Variable Annual Advisory Amount. Effective upon the consummation of the Business Combination through December 31, 2031, and once the Average Price (as defined in the Founder Advisory Agreement) per Holdco Ordinary Share is at least $10.00 for ten consecutive trading days, the Variable Annual Advisory Amount will be equal in value to: |
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in the first year in which the Variable Annual Advisory Amount is payable, (x) 18% of the increase in the market value of one Holdco Ordinary Share over $10.00 (such increase in market value, the Payment Price) multiplied by (y) the Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number, which based on the assumptions described in this prospectus, is currently expected to be 156,932,812 Holdco Ordinary Shares and, assuming a stock price of $12.50 per Holdco Ordinary Share, the variable annual advisory amount payable to the EverArc Founder Entity in year one would have a value of $70,619,765; and |
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in the following years in which the Variable Annual Advisory Amount may be payable (if at all), (x) 18% of the increase in Payment Price over the previous year Payment Price multiplied by (y) the Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number, which based on the assumptions described in this prospectus, is currently expected to be 156,932,812 Holdco Ordinary Shares. For each $1 increase in the stock price of Holdco Ordinary Shares above $12.50, or such higher stock price on which a variable annual advisory amount was previously paid to the EverArc Founder Entity, the EverArc Founder Entity will receive a variable annual advisory amount valued at $28,247,906. |
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Fixed Annual Advisory Amount. Effective upon the consummation of the Business Combination through December 31, 2027, the Fixed Annual Advisory Amount will be equal to that number of Holdco Ordinary Shares equal to 1.5% of the Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number. Based on the assumptions described in this prospectus, the Fixed Annual Advisory Amount is currently expected to be 2,353,992 Holdco Ordinary Shares which, assuming a stock price of $12.50 per Holdco Ordinary Share, would have a value of $29,424,902. Each additional $1 increase in the stock price of Holdco Ordinary Shares above $12.50 will increase the value of the fixed annual advisory amount payable to the EverArc Founder Entity by $2,353,992. |
Each Advisory Amount, as applicable, will be paid on the relevant Payment Date in Holdco Ordinary Shares or partly in cash, at the election of the EverArc Founder Entity provided that at least 50% of such Advisory Amount
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payable is paid in Holdco Ordinary Shares. The EverArc Founders have advised Holdco that their intention is to elect, via the EverArc Founder Entity, to receive any Advisory Amounts payable in Holdco Ordinary Shares and for any cash element (which will be calculated using the Payment Price) to only be such amount as is required to meet any related taxes. The amounts used for the purposes of calculating the Advisory Amounts and the relevant numbers of Holdco Ordinary Shares are subject to adjustment to reflect any split or reverse split of the outstanding Holdco Ordinary Shares after the date of the closing of the Business Combination.
The Founder Advisory Agreement will remain in effect through December 31, 2031 unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms. The Founder Advisory Agreement may be terminated by EverArc at any time if the EverArc Founder Entity engages in any criminal conduct or in willful misconduct which is harmful to EverArc (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of New York). In addition, the Founder Advisory Agreement can be terminated at any time following consummation of the Business Combination (i) by the EverArc Founder Entity if Holdco ceases to be traded on the Trading Market; or (ii) by the EverArc Founder Entity or Holdco if there is (A) a Sale of the Company (as defined in the Founder Advisory Agreement) or (B) a liquidation of Holdco.
Subject to certain limited exceptions, the EverArc Founder Entitys liability for losses in connection with the services provided is excluded and Holdco will have agreed to indemnify the EverArc Founder Entity and its affiliates in relation to certain liabilities incurred in connection with acts or omissions by or on behalf of Holdco or the EverArc Founder Entity. If the Founder Advisory Agreement is terminated under (i) or (ii)(A), Holdco will pay the EverArc Founder Entity an amount in cash equal to: (a) the Fixed Annual Advisory Amount for the year in which termination occurs and for each remaining year of the term of the agreement, in each case at the Payment Price; and (b) the Variable Annual Advisory Amount that would have been payable for the year of termination and for each remaining year of the term of the agreement. In each case the Payment Price in the year of termination will be calculated on the basis of the Payment Year ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date of termination, save that in the event of a Sale of Holdco, the Payment Price will be calculated on the basis of the amount paid by the relevant third party (or cash equivalent if such amount is not paid in cash). For each remaining year of the term of the agreement the Payment Price in each case will increase by 15% each year. No account will be taken of any Payment Price in any year preceding the termination when calculating amounts due on termination. Payment will be immediately due and payable on the date of termination of the Founder Advisory Agreement. On the entry into liquidation of Holdco, an Advisory Amount will be payable in respect of a shortened year which will end on the trading day immediately prior to the date of commencement of liquidation.
The Founder Advisory Agreement is governed by New York law.
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References in this section to we, our, us, the Company or Perimeter generally refer to Perimeter.
Overview
We are a leading global solutions provider, producing high-quality firefighting products and lubricant additives. We develop products that impact critically important issues of life issues where there often is no room for error and the job doesnt offer second chances. At Perimeter, we characterize the solutions we develop as Solutions that Save which helps underscore what we are trying to accomplish for our customers and the world at large, across our business segments.
Our product offerings are characterized by superior quality standards, proprietary formulations, and a high level of service and commitment. We are focused on being an innovation leader in each industry and for each customer group we serve we collaborate closely with our customers to consistently innovate on our products in order to deliver superior performance and customer value. We are a global company, with 80% of total revenues for the last twelve months ending June 30, 2021 in the U.S., 11% in Europe, 2% in Canada, 2% in Mexico and the remaining 5% across various countries.
We operate primarily through two business units: Fire Safety and Oil Additives.
Fire Safety Business Segment
The Fire Safety business segment consists of the sale of fire retardants and firefighting foams, as well as specialized equipment and services typically offered in conjunction with our retardant and foam products.
Fire Retardants
Perimeters fire retardants help slow, stop and prevent wildfires by chemically altering fuels (e.g., vegetation) and rendering them non-flammable. Fire retardant is typically applied ahead of an active wildland fire to stop or slow its spread, in order to allow ground-based firefighters to safely extinguish the fire. Retardants can be applied aerially via fixed or rotor wing aircraft, or by ground using standard fire engines or Perimeters dedicated ground-applied retardant units. All of Perimeters products have a high level of retardant effectiveness, and differences in visibility, viscosity, adherence to vegetation, and persistence through weathering.
Perimeters fire retardant customers are typically government agencies with responsibility for protecting both government and private land, although the company also serves commercial customers. Perimeter supplies federal, state, provincial, local/municipal, and commercial customers around the world, including in the United States, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, Chile, Australia and Israel.
Perimeter is the only supplier of USDA Forest Service qualified fire retardant a standard that many countries have adopted for ensuring fire retardant is effective, safe and environmentally friendly.
While fire retardant is primarily used to stop or slow the spread of active wildland fires, Perimeter fire retardant is also increasingly utilized in a preventative capacity. The company is expanding its offerings to several high hazard industries, with an initial focus on utility companies. Wildfires ignited by utilities have turned into some of the most devastating wildfires in U.S. history, many of which have occurred in recent years. Western U.S. states in particular are becoming increasingly diligent in wildfire prevention efforts and increasing their investments to prevent wildfire risk. Perimeter offers a variety of ways to utilize retardant to prevent ignitions and protect critical infrastructure, including:
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Around electrical or utility poles in place of banned herbicides |
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Part of a utilitys wildfire mitigation plan |
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Preventatively protecting assets (substations, towers, solar, hydro, and nuclear sites) |
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Protecting assets in the event of an approaching fire (Rapid Response) |
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Protecting assets and communities alongside prescribed burns |
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Protecting utility personnel and ingress/egress routes |
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Protecting railroad right of ways and trestle bridges |
Perimeter is focused on being an innovation leader in fire retardant, driving continuous improvements in product performance to offer increasing value for its customers. Perimeter has made significant enhancements in safety, environmental stewardship and effectiveness, as well as advancements in visibility and aerial drop performance. Working in partnership with the USDA Forest Service Wildland Fire Chemicals group to characterize and develop new products, Perimeter consistently releases new standard-setting products, recently including the PHOS-CHEK® Fx family of ultra-high visibility fugitive-colored products, PHOS-CHEK LCE20-Fx next generation liquid concentrate which combines high performance with improvement environmental performance, and PHOS-CHEK FORTIFY® durable retardant which can offer season-long protection.
Firefighting Foams
Perimeter offers a comprehensive and effective line of firefighting foam, including Class A, Class B, Class A/B, and training foams.
Class A foam is primarily used to combat structural fires. Class A foam is specially formulated to make water more effective for structural fire suppression. The surfactants in Class A foam significantly reduce waters surface tension, and, when mixed with air, create a foam blanket that surrounds fuels. The foam blanket creates a barrier between the fuel and the fire, knocking down the fire faster than water alone, and allowing fire fighters to see the areas of application. Utilizing Class A foam reduces the amount of water needed to extinguish the fire, reduces water damage, and increases firefighter safety through quicker knockdown and reduced mop-up/overhaul requirements. Perimeters Class A foam products are used by wildland firefighters to suppress wildland fires, and are typically applied from various fixed wing airtankers, helicopters equipped with fixed tanks or buckets, standard fire engines or rapid attack brush trucks, or 5-gallon backpacks. In addition to wildfire suppression, Class A foam products are used by municipal and rural fire departments as a water enhancer to combat structural and other fires.
Class B foam is primarily used to combat flammable and combustible liquids. Fires caused by flammable and combustible liquids require foams designed for rapid extinguishment and a secure foam blanket to prevent reignition. The foam blanket must have good burn back resistance and strong integrity to minimize the spread of the fire from areas where the blanket has been compromised, for example by falling debris or the dragging of a fire hose or other equipment through the foam blanket. Perimeters Class B foam products are primarily used by industrial customers with significant amounts of flammable and combustible liquids on-site, including petrochemical facilities, airports and other aviation and aerospace facilities, various military and defense facilities, and other industrial and commercial facilities.
Class A/B foam is a foam listed to fight both Class A (structural) fires and Class B (flammable liquid) fires. Perimeters Class A/B foam products are primarily used by municipal fire departments. Training foam has similar characteristics to Class A and B foams but does not include active ingredients and has a shorter drain time so successive tests can be run without waiting for the foam to disappear. Training foam is used for training and exhibition purposes as well as in the evaluation of foam equipment.
Perimeter believes it is an innovation leader in foams. The Companys Class B foams either use only C6 fluorosurfactant or are fluorine free. Perimeter offers several ground-breaking fluorine free firefighting foam formulations to aid the industry transition to reduce or eliminate the use of firefighting foams that contain PFAS in favor of fluorine-free foams. The Companys products are ahead of the curve on many fronts including fire control performance, reduced viscosity, drainage time and higher stability.
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Custom Equipment and Services
Perimeter offers a broad range of equipment and services to support live firefighting operations across both its retardant and foam business lines. Perimeters equipment and services are typically purchased and utilized in conjunction with the Companys retardant or foam products and are often priced in a single bundle along with these products.
Custom equipment includes specialized airbase retardant storage, mixing, and delivery equipment; mobile retardant bases; retardant ground application units; and mobile foam equipment. Perimeter also has the capability to design and manufacture highly custom equipment that operates at very high throughput and reliability levels, including equipment used to support emergency airtanker base and ground crew operations, as well as custom fire suppressant systems for stationary or portable operations typically used at industrial locations or for supporting municipality firefighting capabilities.
Custom services include design, construction, and installation of specialized airbase retardant equipment, management and staffing of airbase retardant operations, and management of airbase supply and replenishment services. Perimeter has a broad service capability footprint, with full-service operations in over 50 United States and Canadian air bases, and equipment at over 100 bases globally.
Oil Additives Business Segment
The Oil Additives business segment produces high quality P2S5 primarily used in the preparation of lubricant additives, including a family of compounds called Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDP). ZDDP is considered a critical component essential in the formulation of engine oils its main function is to provide anti-wear protection to engine components. In addition, ZDDP inhibits oxidation of engine oil by scavenging free radicals that initiate oil breakdown and sludge formation, resulting in better and longer engine function. P2S5 is also used in pesticide and mining chemicals applications. The company offers several grades of P2S5 with varying degrees of phosphorus content, particle size, distribution, and reactivity to global customers. The P2S5 production process requires a high degree of technical expertise given the reactivity and need for safe transportation and handling. Perimeter is committed to being a technology and safety leader, with strong product stewardship and a strong safety track-record. Perimeter also conducts regular customer visits and provides extensive technical training to ensure customers are committed to operating safely.
Perimeter is focused on being an innovation leader in Oil Additives. Most recently, the company engineered and patented superior storage and handling equipment to safely and efficiently handle and transport P2S5 with lower cost and maintenance requirements.
Key Market Drivers
There are several key market drivers for Perimeters Fire Safety and Oil Additives businesses.
Higher Acres Burned and Longer Fire Seasons
The USDA Forest Service data of the last 37 years shows that the acreage burned in the United States has increased over time. While there is variability in the acreage burned in any given year, the five-year trailing average of acres burned in the United States has increased at every five-year interval between 1995 and 2020, from a five year trailing average of 2.5 million acres burned in 1995, to a five year trailing average of 7.8 million acres burned in 2020. In fact, 2020 was the most intense fire year recorded in U.S. history with over 10 million acres burned. The U.S. fire season is also lengthening on a consistent basis according to a 2016 report published by Climate Central, the U.S. fire season is on average 105 days longer than it was in 1970. Climate Central also reported that the average number of large fires (larger than 1,000 acres) burning each year had tripled between the period of 1970s to 2010s, and the acres burned by such fires showed a six fold increase in the 2010s compared to the 1970s. If acreage burned continues to increase and the fire season continues to lengthen, we expect the demand and usage of fire retardant to increase.
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Increasing Wildland Urban Interfaces
Urban development is pushing farther out of cities and into the wilderness for both primary and secondary residences. For example, according to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), an area where houses and wildland vegetation meet and intermingle, grew rapidly from 1990 to 2010 in terms of both number of new houses and land area, such that it was the fastest-growing land use type in the conterminous United States, with 97% of that growth the result of new housing. As of 2018, the WUI now includes one-third of all homes in the United States although it occupies less than one-tenth of the land area in the U.S. According to PNAS, when homes are built in the WUI, there will be more wildfires due to human ignitions, and wildfires that occur will pose a greater risk to lives and homes, they will be hard to fight, and letting natural fires burn becomes impossible. As the WUI expands and the number of homes at risk from wildland fires increases, we expect the use of retardant to protect property and life from threatening wildfires to increase.
Increasing Firefighting Aircraft Capacity and Usage
The size and capacity of the firefighting aircraft fleet is a key driver of the amount of fire retardant consumed annually, as demand for retardant typically outpaces available aircraft capacity, as evidenced by data regarding unable to fill aerial firefighting requests published by the National Interagency Fire Center. Since 2010, U.S. aircraft capacity increased significantly and is expected to further increase. Increasing airtanker capacity and modernization is a global trend, with more, larger, and more sophisticated tankers are being used in various parts of the world.
Value-Based and Dynamic Pricing Model Protects Attractive Margins
The high cost of failure nature of Perimeters products provide it the ability to formulate attractive pricing constructs. We believe that our comprehensive and closely intertwined product, equipment, and service offering (described above) provides tremendous value to our customers and serves as an important differentiator and margin enhancement tool. Furthermore, we are able to structure tiered pricing and annual pricing escalators with key customers, allowing the business to cover fixed costs in lower-volume years and protect margins over time.
Comprehensive Product Offering
We are a full-service turnkey supplier to many of our key customers. In the Fire Safety segment, in addition to providing fire retardant, we also provide specialized airbase equipment including storage, mixing and loading equipment, as well as the airbase management and training services necessary for land and aerial wildland firefighting. Our supply chain network also provides a critical service to our customers we are able to deliver retardant within hours to over 150 air tanker bases in North America, often in emergency situations as our customers are fighting active and threatening wildfires. We believe that our comprehensive and closely intertwined product, equipment, and service offering provides tremendous value to our customers and serves as an important competitive differentiator.
In the Oil Additives segment, our competitive advantage is based primarily on our long standing record of reliability and customer support, our global supply capability for critical, high quality raw materials, and our technical expertise to handle and transport hazardous products and manage complex logistics. Perimeter has the largest fleet of specialized tote bins in the world that utilize patented technology to ensure safe handling and transport of P2S5.
Move toward Fluorine Free Firefighting Foams
There is an accelerating transition in the fire suppression market towards products that do not contain fluorine. We expect Fluorine-Free Foams (FFF) to account for a growing percentage of the firefighting foam market
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over the next several years. Perimeter is positioned to be one of the key players in the FFF market. For example, we recently introduced SOLBERG® AVIGARD 3B and 6B for the aviation market, and SOLBERG® VERSAGARD AS-100 for oil & gas and general firefighting applications. The latter is a 3x3 fluorine-free foam concentrate and is designed for extinguishing and securing both Class B and deep-seated Class A fires. In addition, SOLBERG® RE-HEALING RF3 is the only F3 that has a UL 162 sprinkler listing through non-aspirated standard sprinklers at the same low application rates as fluorinated Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF). We expect to continue to invest to advance fluorine-free foams and introduce new solutions as the industry gets closer to fully transitioning away from AFFF and Alcohol Resistant-AFFF solutions.
We are also in a unique position to assist customers in their transitions to FFF. We provide a variety of specialized equipment to customers, including fire suppression system components used in conjunction with our fluorine free offerings. We are also experienced in transition activities, including advising on system modifications associated with transition to fluorine free solutions, as well as performance testing to verify compliance with national and industry standards for new fluorine-free systems. Most recently, Perimeter assisted Brisbane Airport (Australia), Schiphol Airport (Netherlands) and Transport Canada to in their respective transitions to fluorine-free foams and systems.
Growth in Miles Driven, Opportunities in Secondary Markets
P2S5 is primarily used in the production of lubricant additives, including a family of compounds called ZDDP. The consumption of ZDDP and other lubricant additives is driven by the global social and economic trends of increased vehicle production and miles driven. Over the past 30 years, the amount of global miles driven has increased resulting in more engine wear and tear and increased demand for motor oil. Secondary markets for P2S5 include agricultural applications in the production of intermediates for pesticides and insecticides, flotation chemistry in the mining industry, and for hydraulic and cutting fluids. A significant development opportunity exists for P2S5 in the emerging technology of lithium sulfide solid state electrolytes used in batteries for the electric vehicle market.
Nighttime Retardant Operations Opportunity
Nighttime retardant operations represent a significant expansion in the wildfire business and has been studied for several years, but has been limited to water. A cooperative initiative between California utilities, counties, a helicopter company and us has been created to provide retardant support for night operations was started in 2021. If the nighttime operations program is continued and expanded, this could add material revenue and EBITDA.
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Manufacturing Capabilities
Fire Retardant: Perimeters global headquarters is located in Clayton, Missouri. Our primary Fire Retardant production facility is located at 10667 Jersey Boulevard, Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730. Our Rancho Cucamonga location was opened in 2013, and has over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing, storage, office and laboratory space. The facility is located close to major airbases in Southern California, including McClellan Airbase, one of CalFires highest volume airbases. The facility also includes a state-of-the-art laboratory, including a burn chamber, which has produced significant technical improvements to our fire retardant products, a number of which have been included in our newest product offerings.
In addition to our Rancho Cucamonga facility, we have fire retardant production capability at two Canadian plants, one in Kamloops, British Columbia, and the other in Sturgeon County, Alberta. These sites manufacture PHOS-CHEK® LC95A products for sale to Canadian customers. Our production facility in Aix-En-Provence, France, provides fire retardant to our EU and Israeli customers, while our New South Wales, Australia, facility has repackaging and storing capability to serve our Australian customers.
We also utilize third party tolling and/or manufacturing locations in Moreland, Idaho and in Pasco, Washington. These facilities are located in close proximity to major USDA Forest Service airbases in the Northwest.
We utilize other tolling and warehouse facilities in strategic locations throughout North America to facilitate rapid shipment of products to our customers. Our retardant products are typically shipped and delivered within hours to any airbase or customer location in North America.
Firefighting Foam: The Company produces firefighting foam products in Green Bay, Wisconsin and Mieres, Spain. Our Green Bay, Wisconsin facility was acquired in 2019 from Amerex Corporation, and produces Class A and Class B foams. Our Mieres, Spain, facility also produces Class A and Class B foams. Both facilities have significant Research and Development (R&D) capabilities and live fire testing capabilities. We have firefighting foam equipment manufacturing capabilities at our Post Falls, Idaho facility as well as at our tolling facility in Port Arthur, Texas.
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Oil Additives: We have two key P2S5 production facilities. One is a tolling facility in Krummrich, Illinois, operated by Eastman Chemical Company, that primarily serves our customers in North America. The other facility is located in a Chemical Park in Knapsack, Germany, and serves our customers outside North America.
Acquisitions
We have a consistent track record of executing on strategic M&A to support growth initiatives. Strategic acquisitions since 2018 have been focused on prevention and protection expansion, geographic expansion and new products such as fluorine free foams. Acquisition opportunities are focused on providing a comprehensive predictive, monitoring, treatment and response solution for wildfire protection. We have completed several acquisitions since our inception in 2018.
Solberg: Perimeter completed the acquisition of Solberg, the firefighting foam products division of Amerex Corporation, in December 2018. Perimeter acquired advanced firefighting foam technologies and added a number of key product lines, including RE-HEALING, ARTIC, and FIRE-BREAK, as well as a firefighting foam production facility in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Solberg line of foam products address rising demand for technology that meets stringent fire performance criteria and environmental safety standards, including a new generation of environmentally friendly foam technologies which exclude fluorosurfactants and fluoropolymers.
Ironman: Perimeter completed the acquisition of Idaho-based Fire Service and Equipment Companies, including First Response Fire Rescue LLC (Ironman), in March 2019. Ironman was established in 2003 and provides equipment, field service, and distribution of parts and supplies for fire suppression operations. Ironman, with a fleet of mobile equipment, is a key service supplier to the USDA Forest Service and CalFire. Since its inception, Ironman has overseen operations at more than 100 airbases throughout North America. Ironman strategically manages and distributes equipment and fire retardant to assist in wildland fire suppression.
LaderaTech: Perimeter completed the acquisition of LaderaTech, a biomaterials company with commercial technology in wildfire prevention and the delivery of agriculture chemicals, in May 2020. LaderaTech was formed in 2018 and subsequently obtained global exclusive rights to patented firefighting technology developed by Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In early 2019, LaderaTech commercialized the FORTIFY® Fire Retardant technology, a durable fire retardant that provides season-long protection. The addition of FORTIFY expanded our opportunities in the prevention and protection space, including to public utilities, state and federal agencies and municipalities.
Budenheim: Perimeter completed the acquisition of the fire-retardant business line of Budenheim in March 2021. The acquisition expanded Perimeters sales of its fire retardant products to the Spanish market.
PHOS-CHEK® Australasia: Perimeter completed the acquisition of PHOS-CHEK® Australasia, the companys distributor in Australia and New Zealand, in April 2021. PHOS-CHEK Australasia supported the long-term fire retardant aerial program across Australia and New Zealand for over 20 years. The acquisition expanded Perimeters footprint and opportunity in Australia and New Zealand.
Magnum: Perimeter completed the acquisition of Magnum Fire & Safety Systems, a manufacturer of firefighting foam equipment and systems, in July 2021. Magnum Fire and Safety Systems a division of Magnum Fabrication, Inc. (Port Arthur, Texas) manufactured firefighting foam equipment for more than thirty-years. The acquisition expands Perimeters capability as a global firefighting foam systems integrator.
IP Portfolio
Perimeters intellectual property rights are valuable and important to our business, and we rely on copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, non-disclosure agreements and electronic and physical security measures to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We intend to continue to pursue additional intellectual property protection on product and equipment enhancements to the extent we believe it would be beneficial and cost-effective.
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As of September 30, 2021, our intellectual property portfolio consisted of (1) for the Fire Safety business, 14 owned U.S. patents, of which we expect 5 to expire in 5 years or less and 9 to expire in more than 5 years, and 52 owned foreign counterpart patents in certain foreign jurisdictions, of which we expect 36 to expire in 5 years or less and 16 to expire in more than 5 years, and (2) for the Oil Additives business, 2 owned U.S. patents we expect to expire in 15 or more years, all of which are further described in the table below. All of our patents and trademarks are registered or pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in select international offices. Our patent portfolio covers 19 countries and the protection is focused on key retardant technology and advancements, including corrosion inhibitors, fugitive color systems and liquid fire retardant compositions.
Title |
Jurisdiction | Filing Date |
Expiration Date
(estimated) |
|||
Ammonium Polyphosphate Solutions Containing Multi-Functional Phosphonate Corrosion Inhibitors |
AUSTRALIA | 3/25/2002 | 3/25/2022 | |||
Ammonium Polyphosphate Solutions Containing Multi-Functional Phosphonate Corrosion Inhibitors |
CANADA | 3/25/2002 | 3/25/2022 | |||
Ammonium Polyphosphate Solutions Containing Multi-Functional Phosphonate Corrosion Inhibitors |
SPAIN | 3/25/2002 | 3/25/2022 | |||
Ammonium Polyphosphate Solutions Containing Multi-Functional Phosphonate Corrosion Inhibitors |
FRANCE | 3/25/2002 | 3/25/2022 | |||
Aqueous Foaming Composition |
AUSTRALIA | 12/6/2002 | 12/6/2022 | |||
Aqueous Foaming Composition |
MEXICO | 12/6/2002 | 12/6/2022 | |||
Aqueous Foaming Composition |
NORWAY | 12/6/2002 | 12/6/2022 | |||
Aqueous Foaming Composition |
UNITED STATES | 1/27/2005 | 6/24/2023 | |||
Biopolymer Thickened Fire Retardant Compositions |
UNITED STATES | 10/16/2001 | 11/15/2021 | |||
Biopolymer Thickened Fire Retardant Compositions |
AUSTRALIA | 10/16/2001 | 10/16/2021 | |||
Biopolymer Thickened Fire Retardant Compositions |
CANADA | 10/16/2001 | 10/16/2021 | |||
Biopolymer Thickened Fire Retardant Compositions |
SPAIN | 10/16/2001 | 10/16/2021 | |||
Biopolymer Thickened Fire Retardant Compositions |
FRANCE | 10/16/2001 | 10/16/2021 | |||
Colorant Liquid, Method of Use, and Wildland Fire Retardant Liquids Containing Same |
AUSTRALIA | 11/27/2002 | 11/27/2022 | |||
Colorant Liquid, Method of Use, and Wildland Fire Retardant Liquids Containing Same |
CANADA | 12/18/2002 | 12/18/2022 | |||
Colorant Liquid, Method of Use, and Wildland Fire Retardant Liquids Containing Same |
SPAIN | 12/24/2002 | 12/24/2022 | |||
Colorant Liquid, Method of Use, and Wildland Fire Retardant Liquids Containing Same |
FRANCE | 12/11/2002 | 12/11/2022 | |||
Container Having Gate Valve |
UNITED STATES | 12/7/2018 | 12/7/2038 | |||
Corrosion-Inhibited Ammonium Polyphosphate Fire Retardant Compositions |
UNITED STATES | 10/31/2006 | 5/1/2030 | |||
Corrosion-Inhibited Ammonium Polyphosphate Fire Retardant Compositions |
AUSTRALIA | 10/30/2007 | 10/30/2027 | |||
Corrosion-Inhibited Ammonium Polyphosphate Fire Retardant Compositions |
CANADA | 10/30/2007 | 10/30/2027 |
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Title |
Jurisdiction | Filing Date |
Expiration Date
(estimated) |
|||
Corrosion-Inhibited Ammonium Polyphosphate Fire Retardant Compositions |
FRANCE | 10/30/2007 | 10/30/2027 | |||
Corrosion-Inhibited Ammonium Polyphosphate Fire Retardant Compositions |
SPAIN | 10/30/2007 | 10/30/2027 | |||
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate |
ISRAEL | 3/1/2006 | 3/1/2026 | |||
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate |
SOUTH KOREA | 3/1/2006 | 3/1/2026 | |||
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate |
NORWAY | 3/1/2006 | 3/1/2026 | |||
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate |
GERMANY | 3/1/2006 | 3/1/2026 | |||
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate |
SPAIN | 3/1/2006 | 3/1/2026 | |||
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate |
FRANCE | 3/1/2006 | 3/1/2026 | |||
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate |
UNITED KINGDOM | 3/1/2006 | 3/1/2026 | |||
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate |
ITALY | 3/1/2006 | 3/1/2026 | |||
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate |
SWEDEN | 3/1/2006 | 3/1/2026 | |||
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate |
NETHERLANDS | 3/1/2006 | 3/1/2026 | |||
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate |
AUSTRALIA | 3/1/2006 | 3/1/2026 | |||
Fire Retardant Compositions Containing Metal Ferrites for Reduced Corrosivity |
UNITED STATES | 4/23/2002 | 4/23/2022 | |||
Fire Retardant Compositions Containing Metal Ferrites for Reduced Corrosivity |
AUSTRALIA | 3/25/2003 | 3/25/2023 | |||
Fire Retardant Compositions Containing Metal Ferrites For Reduced Corrosivity |
CANADA | 3/26/2003 | 3/26/2023 | |||
Fire Retardant Compositions Containing Metal Ferrites For Reduced Corrosivity |
FRANCE | 4/23/2003 | 4/23/2023 | |||
Fire Retardant Compositions with Reduced Aluminum Corrosivity |
AUSTRALIA | 10/16/2001 | 10/16/2021 | |||
Fire Retardant Compositions with Reduced Aluminum Corrosivity |
CANADA | 10/16/2001 | 10/16/2021 | |||
Fire Retardant Compositions with Reduced Aluminum Corrosivity |
SPAIN | 10/16/2001 | 10/16/2021 | |||
Fire Retardant Compositions with Reduced Aluminum Corrosivity |
SPAIN | 10/16/2001 | 10/16/2021 | |||
Fire Retardant Compositions with Reduced Aluminum Corrosivity |
FRANCE | 10/16/2001 | 10/16/2021 | |||
Fire Retardant Compositions with Reduced Aluminum Corrosivity |
FRANCE | 10/16/2001 | 10/16/2021 | |||
Fire-Retardant Compositions and their uses |
UNITED STATES | 8/7/2017 | 11/2/2037 | |||
Flame Retardant Composition |
SPAIN | 6/20/2007 | 6/20/2027 | |||
Flame Retardant Composition |
CANADA | 5/20/2008 | 5/20/2028 | |||
Flame Retardant Composition |
UNITED STATES | 4/22/2010 | 6/27/2029 | |||
Flame Retardant Composition |
SPAIN | 5/20/2008 | 5/20/2028 | |||
Flame Retardant Composition |
FRANCE | 5/20/2008 | 5/20/2028 | |||
Flame Retardant Composition |
ITALY | 5/20/2008 | 5/20/2028 | |||
Flame Retardant Composition |
PORTUGAL | 5/20/2008 | 5/20/2028 | |||
Flame Retardant Composition |
SPAIN | 9/14/2006 | 9/14/2026 | |||
Flame Retardant Composition |
SPAIN | 9/11/2007 | 9/11/2027 | |||
Flame Retardant Composition |
FRANCE | 9/11/2007 | 9/11/2027 | |||
Gate Valve Sealing Ring Flow Guide |
UNITED STATES | 2/18/2019 | 2/18/2039 | |||
Liquid Gel Concentrate Compositions and Methods of use |
AUSTRALIA | 1/9/2013 | 1/9/2033 |
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Title |
Jurisdiction | Filing Date |
Expiration Date
(estimated) |
|||
Liquid Gel Concentrate Compositions and Methods of use |
CANADA | 1/9/2013 | 1/9/2033 | |||
Liquid Gel Concentrate Compositions and Methods of Use |
EUROPEAN PATENT CONVENT | 1/9/2013 | 1/9/2033 | |||
Liquid Gel Concentrate Compositions and Methods of Use |
UNITED STATES | 1/13/2012 | 4/3/2034 | |||
Method and System for Diluting Multiple Chemical Concentrates and Dispersing Resultant Solutions Utilizing a Single Portable Source |
UNITED STATES | 3/12/2013 | 10/13/2034 | |||
Method and System for Diluting Multiple Chemical Concentrates and Dispersing Resultant Solutions Utilizing a Single Portable Source |
UNITED STATES | 12/5/2013 | 10/13/2034 | |||
Method and System for Diluting Multiple Chemical Concentrates and Dispersing Resultant Solutions Utilizing a Single Portable Source |
UNITED STATES | 5/10/2016 | 1/10/2034 | |||
Methods for Preparation of Biopolymer Thickened Fire Retardant Compositions |
UNITED STATES | 4/23/2003 | 12/1/2021 | |||
Newtonian Foam Superconcentrate |
UNITED STATES | 1/26/2016 | 1/3/2039 | |||
Newtonian Foam Superconcentrate |
AUSTRALIA | 7/28/2014 | 7/28/2034 | |||
Storage Stable Liquid Fugitive Colored Fire-Retardant Concentrates |
UNITED STATES | 6/14/2019 | 8/20/2039 | |||
Use of Biopolymer Thickened Fire Retardant Composition to Suppress Fires |
UNITED STATES | 4/23/2003 | 11/19/2021 |
Competition
Fire Retardant
Sales of fire-retardant, and related equipment and services, accounted for 62% of Perimeters revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The fire-retardant business is characterized by its highly-specialized nature, its high cost-of-failure, and the integrated nature of the offering across products, specialized equipment, and services. As a result, development and testing of the product, and the approval and licensing of such products, is typically a complex and lengthy process. The Company believes that it is currently the sole source provider of fire retardant products in the markets it serves, and plans to maintain its leadership position through continued investments in innovation and research and development focused on improving, enhancing and customizing its fire retardant products and services on behalf of its customers.
Firefighting Foams
Sales of firefighting foams, and related equipment and services, accounted for 10% of Perimeters 2020 revenue. The market for our firefighting foam products is highly fragmented, and subject to intense competition from various manufacturers launching their own competing products. We compete with a variety of firms that offer similar products and services, many of which are better capitalized than us and may have more resources than we do. We compete for clients based on the quality of our products, the quality and breadth of the equipment and services we offer in conjunction with our products, the quality and knowledge base of our employees, the geographic reach of our products and services, and pricing of our product. We believe that we offer our customers an attractive value proposition based on these competitive factors, which allows us to compete effectively in the marketplace.
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Oil Additives
Our Oil Additives business is primarily focused on the North American and European markets, with a smaller focus in Asia and South America. In each of North America and Europe, we have one primary competitor. Competitive factors include the quality of our products, our reliability and consistency as a supplier, our ability to innovate and be highly responsive to our customers needs, and the pricing of our products.
Sales and Marketing
Fire Retardant
Fire retardant customers are typically government agencies, with responsibility for protecting both government and private land, although the company also serves commercial customers. We supply federal, state, provincial, local/municipal, and commercial customers around the world. We work diligently to build relationships with our customers and stakeholders, and we develop and enhance products and solutions in a highly collaborative manner with our key customers and stakeholders. We provide our retardants in various colors, forms (i.e. liquid or powder concentrates) and for various delivery methods (i.e., fixed wing aircraft, rotor wing aircraft, ground applied, etc.). We expect the demand for our retardant products, equipment, and services to grow, and we expect to continue to foster highly responsive and collaborative relationships with existing and potential customers and stakeholders.
Firefighting Foams
Our Class A foam customers primarily consist of local fire departments, which utilize our products for wildland and structural firefighting. Our Class B foam customers primarily consist of industrial, aviation, and military customers which store and utilize flammable liquids on-site. Our customers in the market for Class A/B foam primarily consist of municipal fire departments. We utilize a traditional sales force in marketing these products and seek to building lasting relationships with our customers.
Oil Additives
Our oil additives business consists of a few key customers including Lubrizol, Afton, Infineum and Chevron. Given the consolidated nature of this business, our focus is on maintaining our existing customers and expanding their utilization of our services.
Regulatory
General
We are subject to extensive federal, state, local and international laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to safety, pollution, protection of the environment, product management and distribution, and the generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances and waste materials. In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to frequent environmental inspections and monitoring and occasional investigations by governmental enforcement authorities. In addition, our production facilities require operating permits that are subject to renewal, modification and, in certain circumstances, revocation. Actual or alleged violations of safety laws, environmental laws or permit requirements could result in restrictions or prohibitions on plant operations or product distribution, substantial civil or criminal sanctions, as well as, under some environmental laws, the assessment of strict liability and/or joint and several liability. Moreover, changes in environmental regulations could inhibit or interrupt our operations, or require us to modify our facilities or operations. Accordingly, environmental or regulatory matters may cause us to incur significant unanticipated losses, costs or liabilities.
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Environmental, Health and Safety Systems
We are committed to achieving and maintaining compliance with all applicable EHS legal requirements, and we have developed policies and management systems that are intended to identify the multitude of EHS legal requirements applicable to our operations, enhance compliance with applicable legal requirements, improve the safety of our employees, contractors, community neighbors and customers and minimize the production and emission of wastes and other pollutants. Although EHS legal requirements are constantly changing and are frequently difficult to comply with, these EHS management systems are designed to assist us in our compliance goals while also fostering efficiency and improvement and reducing overall risk to us.
Employees
As of August 1, 2021, we had 220 full-time employees and approximately 38 temporary, seasonal or part time employees. Our employees are not represented by any labor union, and we have never experienced a work stoppage or strike. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Legal Proceedings
Perimeter is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, including several cases that are part of the multi-district litigation of AFFF in the United States District Court of the District of South Carolina. Although the outcome of these and other claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe the ultimate resolution of the current matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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PERIMETER MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of Perimeters financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Perimeters consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto that appear elsewhere in this prospectus.
In addition to historical financial analysis, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, as described under the heading Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. Actual results and timing of selected events may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under Risk Factors or elsewhere in this prospectus. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Perimeter Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to we, us, our, and the Company are intended to mean the business and operations of SK Invictus Intermediate, S.à r.l. and its subsidiaries. All amounts disclosed below are in thousands.
Overview
We are a leading global solutions provider for the fire safety and oil additives industries.
The Fire Safety business is a formulator and manufacturer of fire management products that help our customers combat various types of fires, including wildland, structural, flammable liquids and other types of fires. Our Fire Safety business also offers specialized equipment and services, typically in conjunction with our fire management products, to support our customers firefighting operations. Our specialized equipment includes airbase retardant storage, mixing, and delivery equipment; mobile retardant bases; retardant ground application units; mobile foam equipment; and equipment that we custom design and manufacture to meet specific customer needs. Our service network can meet the emergency resupply needs of over 150 air tanker bases in North America, as well as many other customer locations in North America and internationally. The segment is built on the premise of superior technology, exceptional responsiveness to our customers needs, and a never-fail service network. The segment sells products to government agencies and commercial customers around the world. Our wildfire retardant products are the only qualified products for use by the USDA Forest Service.
The Oil Additives business provides high quality P2S5 primarily used in the preparation of ZDDP-based lubricant additives for critical engine anti-wear solutions. P2S5 is also used in pesticide and mining chemicals applications.
Key Factors Affecting Our Performance
Weather Conditions and Climate Trends
Our business is highly dependent on the needs of government agencies to quell fires. Given the priority nature of the fire safety business, our financial condition and results of operations are significantly impacted by weather as well as environmental and other factors affecting climate change, which impact the number, nature and span of fires each year. Historically, sales of our products have been higher in the summer season of each fiscal year due to favorable weather, which is generally correlated with a higher prevalence of wildfires. This is in part offset by the disbursement of our operations in both the northern and southern hemispheres, so that the summer seasons alternate.
In 2019, there was an anomalous decrease in fires due to abnormally cold and wet conditions in the key regions of operations, particularly the Western United States. In 2020, the number, as well as the span, of wildfires increased significantly compared to 2019. This resulted in increased net sales in 2020 compared to 2019.
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Growth in Fire Safety
Our fire safety business includes the sale of fire retardants and firefighting foams as well as specialized equipment and services, which allows us to offer a comprehensive firefighting solution to our customers and drive organic growth. Our leading market position in the fire safety industry also allows us to capture increases in demand of fire retardant resulting from continued increases in acreage burned and longer fire seasons. We have invested and also intend to continue investing in the expansion our Fire Safety business through acquisition in order to further grow our global customer base.
COVID-19 Pandemic
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared that the worldwide spread and severity of a new coronavirus, referred to as COVID-19, was severe enough to be characterized as a pandemic. The spread of COVID-19, in conjunction with related government and other preventative measures taken to mitigate the spread of the virus, has caused severe disruptions in the worldwide economy and the global supply chain for industrial and commercial production, which has in turn disrupted our business. Although our financial condition has not been significantly impacted by the ongoing pandemic, we experienced disruptions to our supply chain, including delays in receipt of products needed to offer our services, during the year ended December 31, 2020 as a result of COVID-19. At the current moment, our suppliers are able to operate normally, however we are unable to predict future supply chain disruptions should the pandemic continue.
We continue to actively monitor the impact of the global situation on our people, operations, financial condition, liquidity, suppliers, customers, and industry; however, we cannot at this time predict the specific extent, duration, or full impact that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will have on our financial condition and operations. The impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our financial performance will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the pandemic and related governmental advisories and restrictions.
Recent Developments
LaderaTech Acquisition
On May 7, 2020, we purchased all of the outstanding shares of LaderaTech, Inc. for $21,832, including acquired working capital, consisting of cash consideration of $2,016 and contingent future payments with an estimated fair value of $19,816. The future payments are contingent upon the acquired technology being listed on the USDA Forest Service Qualified Product List (QPL) and an earn-out based on achieving certain thresholds of revenues through December 31, 2026. As of June 30, 2021, the estimated fair value of the contingent future payments was $22,579. The results of operations for LaderaTech, Inc. were included in the Fire Safety segment commencing on the date of acquisition. Please read Note 3Business Acquisitions to our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus for more information.
Ironman Acquisition
On March 20, 2019, we purchased all of the outstanding shares of First Response Fires Rescue, LLC, River City Fabrication, LLC, and H&S Transport, LLC for $19,314. The purchase price consisted of $16,250 in cash to be paid at closing, subject to a final purchase price adjustment, deferred future payments of $11,250, and issuance of common equity for $2,500. The future payments are directly tied to continued employment at each anniversary date; and therefore, this portion does not represent purchase consideration but rather compensation expense recognized ratably over the service period. The results of operations for Ironman were included in the Fire Safety segment from the date of acquisition. Please read Note 3Business Acquisitions to our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus for more information.
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Components of Operating Results
Net Sales
We derive the majority of our revenue from the sale of fire safety products, as well as the sale of integrated fire safety services related to the storage, transportation, maintenance and use of our products. Integrated fire safety services include both supply and service of fire retardant to designated air tank bases. Additionally, we derive a smaller portion of revenue from the sale of oil additive products, both domestically and internationally. Product revenues are recognized at the point in time when product control is transferred to the customer. Control of a product is deemed to be transferred to the customer upon shipment or delivery depending on the shipping terms of each individual contract. Service revenue is recognized ratably over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the services.
We have entered into long-term contracts with the USDA Forest Service for supply and service of fire retardant to the designated air tanker bases of certain United States Government agencies. The revenue derived from these contracts is comprised of three performance obligations, namely product sales, providing operations and maintenance services and leasing of specified equipment. The performance obligation for product sales is satisfied at the point in time in which control of the product is transferred to the customer. The performance obligation for services is satisfied over time and the revenue is recognized straight-line over the service period based on the on-call nature of the contracted services. The performance obligation related to equipment leasing has historically been immaterial to the Company.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold includes the costs we incur at our production facilities to make products saleable on both products invoiced during the period as well as products in progress towards the completion of each performance obligation. Cost of goods sold includes items such as raw materials, direct and indirect labor and facilities costs, including purchasing costs, inspection costs, lease rentals, freight expense, maintenance services contract costs and an allocated portion of overhead costs. Cost of goods sold also includes labor costs incurred to distribute fire retardant to full-service air bases. In addition, depreciation associated with assets used in the production of our products is also included in cost of goods sold. Direct and indirect labor costs consist of salaries, benefits, payroll taxes and other personnel related costs for employees engaged in the manufacturing of our products. We expect cost of revenue to increase in absolute dollars in future periods as we expect our revenues to continue to grow.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses including salaries, benefits, and incentives, associated primarily with our sales, marketing, finance, legal, human resources, facilities, and administrative personnel, external legal fees, accounting, professional services fees and costs associated with sales and marketing programs. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include depreciation of property, plant and equipment, sales commission, freight to customer, insurance and facilities, lease rentals, dedicated for use by our selling, general and administrative functions, and other corporate expenses. We expect to increase the size of our selling, general and administrative function to support the growth of our business. Following the completion of this offering, we expect to incur additional selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of operating as a public company. As a result, we expect the dollar amount of our selling, general and administrative expenses to increase for the foreseeable future. However, we expect that our selling, general and administrative expenses will decrease as a percentage of our net sales over time.
Amortization Expense
Amortization expenses consist primarily of amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, which are customer relationships, existing technology, tradenames and patents.
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Other Operating Expense
Other operating expenses consist primarily of management fees associated with oversight, operational and strategic support and assistance with business development as well as acquisition costs.
Interest Expense
Interest expense includes interest paid and accrued on our outstanding term loans and revolving line of credit along with the amortization of deferred financing fees and costs.
Unrealized Foreign Currency (Gain) Loss
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss includes our net unrealized gain (loss) resulting from transactions conducted in foreign currencies.
Loss on Contingent Earnout
Loss on contingent earnout consists of changes in fair value of contingent consideration.
Other (Income) ExpenseNet
Other income (expense), net includes our net realized gain (loss) resulting from transactions conducted in foreign currencies, bank fees, and other miscellaneous.
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit
Income tax (expense) benefit consist primarily of foreign as well as U.S. federal and state income taxes related to the tax jurisdictions in which we conduct business.
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Results of Operations Consolidated
The following tables sets forth our consolidated statements of operations information for each of the periods indicated:
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 121,046 | $ | 109,499 | $ | 339,577 | $ | 239,310 | ||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
73,814 | 69,440 | 177,532 | 155,427 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Gross profit |
47,232 | 40,059 | 162,045 | 83,883 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
27,211 | 17,734 | 37,747 | 36,198 | ||||||||||||
Amortization expense |
26,542 | 25,428 | 51,458 | 51,100 | ||||||||||||
Other operating expense |
753 | 691 | 1,364 | 2,362 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total operating expenses |
54,506 | 43,853 | 90,569 | 89,660 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
(7,274 | ) | (3,794 | ) | 71,476 | (5,777 | ) | |||||||||
Interest expense |
15,886 | 24,250 | 42,017 | 51,655 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss |
2,258 | (153 | ) | (5,640 | ) | 2,684 | ||||||||||
Loss on contingent earnout |
2,763 | | | | ||||||||||||
Other (income) expensenet |
(318 | ) | (80 | ) | 367 | (405 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total other expenses |
20,589 | 24,017 | 36,744 | 53,934 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
(27,863
|
)
|
(27,811 | ) | 34,732 | (59,711 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
5,486 | 5,724 | (10,483 | ) | 17,674 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (22,377 | ) | $ | (22,087 | ) | $ | 24,249 | $ | (42,037 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020
Net Sales
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Six months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
Net Sales |
$ | 121,046 | $ | 109,499 | $ | 11,547 | 11 | % |
Total net sales increased by $11,547, or 11%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in consolidated net sales was primarily the result of a $9,569 increase in net sales generated by our oil additives segment. Due to easing COVID-19 restrictions, miles driven increased during the six months ended June 30, 2021, resulting in a 22% increase in sales volumes compared to prior year. Net sales in our fire safety segment also increased $1,978 primarily due to increased fire activity. Gallons sold to airbases increased 68% during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the prior year, resulting in an $15,706 increase in net sales. The increase was partially offset by $13,852 lower retardant and firefighting foam export sales to Australia.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Six months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
$ | 73,814 | $ | 69,440 | $ | 4,374 | 6 | % | ||||||||
Gross profit |
47,232 | 40,059 | 7,173 | 18 | % | |||||||||||
Gross margin |
39 | % | 37 | % |
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Total cost of goods sold increased by $4,374, or 6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in consolidated cost of goods sold was primarily the result of a $5,487 increase in cost of goods sold in our oil additives safety segment due to higher costs associated with the growth in net sales during the period. Cost of goods sold in our fire safety segment decreased by $1,113 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to prior year. Our fire safety segment benefited from a product sales mix that resulted in a more favorable cost structure during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and, therefore, cost of goods sold decreased compared to the prior year.
Gross margin increased to 39% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 37% for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in gross margin is primarily due to higher sales volumes in both the fire safety and oil additives segments during the six months ended June 30, 2021. The Company is able to achieve higher product margins within our fire safety segment as compared to our oil additives segment.
Operating Expenses
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
$ | 27,211 | $ | 17,734 | $ | 9,477 | 53 | % | ||||||||
Amortization expense |
26,542 | 25,428 | 1,114 | 4 | % | |||||||||||
Other operating expense |
753 | 691 | 62 | 9 | % |
Selling, general and administrative increased by $9,477, or 53%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to a $9,545 increase in professional fees in our fire safety segment related to the proposed business combination between the Company and EverArc.
Amortization expense increased by $1,114, or 4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of LaderaTech, Inc. in May 2020, in which we acquired an in-process research and development intangible asset.
Other operating expense increased by $62, or 9%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily driven by an 89% increase in acquisition costs. The Company completed one acquisition during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and two acquisitions during the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Other Expenses
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Six months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
$ | 15,886 | $ | 24,250 | $ | (8,364 | ) | (34 | )% | |||||||
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss |
$ | 2,258 | $ | (153 | ) | $ | 2,411 | 1576 | % | |||||||
Loss on contingent earnout |
$ | 2,763 | $ | | $ | 2,763 | * | |||||||||
Other (income) expensenet |
$ | (318 | ) | $ | (80 | ) | $ | (238 | ) | (298 | )% |
* |
Not a meaningful percentage |
Interest expense, net decreased by $8,364, or 34%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by lower LIBOR rates during the six months ended June 30, 2021, which resulted in a $6,038 favorable change in interest due on the First and Second Lien Term Loans, and lower average daily outstanding balances on the Revolving Credit Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.
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Foreign currency (gain) loss increased by $2,411, or 1576%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to unfavorable unrealized foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Loss on contingent earnout was $2,763 and zero for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There were no material adjustments to the Companys estimated fair value of contingent consideration as of June 30, 2020.
Other incomenet was $318 and $80 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The change was primarily attributable to higher customer discounts, partially offset by unfavorable realized foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and higher bank fees.
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Six months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
Income tax benefit |
$ | 5,486 | $ | 5,724 | $ | (238 | ) | (4 | )% |
Income tax expense decreased by $238, or 4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. Our effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and six months ended June 30, 2020 was 19.7% and 20.6%, respectively. The difference in the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and six months ended June 30, 2020 is related to differences in the tax rates of foreign jurisdictions and the relative amounts of income we earn in those jurisdictions as well as changes in permanent book to tax differences.
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Net Sales
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | %Change | |||||||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 339,577 | $ | 239,310 | $ | 100,267 | 42 | % |
Total net sales increased by $100,267, or 42%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in consolidated net sales was primarily the result of a $93,807 increase in net sales generated by our fire safety segment. During the year ended December 31, 2019, there was an anomalous decrease in fire activity due to abnormally cold and wet conditions in the key regions of operations. Fluctuations of weather-related performance drivers resulted in increased fire activity, and therefore 147% increase in gallons sold to airbases and a 579% increase in mobile sales during the year ended December 31, 2020. Net sales in our oil additives segment also increased $6,460 primarily due to increased miles driven as a result of easing COVID-19 restrictions during the third and fourth quarters of 2020.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | %Change | |||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
$ | 177,532 | $ | 155,427 | $ | 22,105 | 14 | % | ||||||||
Gross profit |
162,045 | 83,883 | 78,162 | 93 | % | |||||||||||
Gross margin |
48 | % | 35 | % |
143
Total cost of goods sold increased by $22,105, or 14%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in consolidated cost of goods sold was primarily the result of a $22,697 increase in cost of goods sold in our fire safety segment due to higher costs associated with the growth in net sales during the period. Our oil additives segment benefited from a more favorable cost structure during the year ended December 31, 2020 and, therefore, cost of goods sold remained comparable with the prior year.
Gross margin increased to 48% for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 35% for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in gross margin is primarily due to higher retardant sales in the fire safety segment during the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company is able to achieve higher product margins within our fire safety segment as compared to our oil additives segment.
Operating Expenses
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | %Change | |||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
$ | 37,747 | $ | 36,198 | $ | 1,549 | 4 | % | ||||||||
Amortization expense |
51,458 | 51,100 | 358 | 1 | % | |||||||||||
Other operating expense |
1,364 | 2,362 | (998 | ) | (42 | )% |
Selling, general and administrative increased by $1,549, or 4%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to a $871 and $601 increase in customer related freight and transportation costs in our fire safety and oil additives segments, respectively, as a result of higher sales.
Amortization expense increased by $358, or 1%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of LaderaTech, Inc. in May 2020, in which we acquired an in-process research and development intangible asset.
Other operating expenses decreased by $998, or 42% for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower management fees as a result of reduced travel costs.
Other Expenses
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | %Change | |||||||||||||
Interest expense |
$ | 42,017 | $ | 51,655 | $ | (9,638 | ) | (19 | )% | |||||||
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss |
(5,640 | ) | 2,684 | (8,324 | ) | (310 | )% | |||||||||
Loss on contingent earnout |
| | | | % | |||||||||||
Other (income) expensenet |
367 | (405 | ) | 772 | 191 | % |
Interest expense decreased by $9,638, or 19%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily driven by lower LIBOR rates during the year ended December 31, 2020, which resulted in a $7,901 favorable change in interest due on the First and Second Lien Term Loans, and lower average daily outstanding balances on the Revolving Credit Facility during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Unrealized foreign currency gain was $5,640 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to an unrealized foreign currency loss of $2,684 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The change was primarily attributable to favorable foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations during the year ended December 31, 2020.
144
Loss on contingent earnout was zero for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. There were no material adjustments to the Companys estimated fair value of contingent consideration as of December 31, 2020. There was no contingent earnout as of December 31, 2019.
Other (income) expensenet increased by $772, or 191%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to lower miscellaneous income and higher customer discounts.
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | %Change | |||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
$ | (10,483 | ) | $ | 17,674 | (28,157 | ) | (159 | )% |
Income tax (expense) benefit decreased by $28,157, or 159%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. Our effective income tax rate in 2020 and 2019 was 30.2% and 29.6%, respectively.
The increase in the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the prior year is due mainly to a decrease in favorable book to tax differences.
Results of Operations - Segment Results
The following tables provides supplemental information of our profitability by operating segment:
Fire Safety
Six Months Ended June 30, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
18,832 | 16,165 | 112,034 | 44,748 |
Adjusted EBITDA from our Fire Safety operating segment increased $2,667 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA is primarily due to higher retardant sales to airbases in response to increased fire activity in the Southwestern United States, partially offset by lower retardant export sales to Australia. Adjusted EBITDA also increased $67,286 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA is primarily due to higher retardant sales during the period as a result of abnormally low fire activity in key regions of operations in the prior year.
Oil Additives
Six Months Ended June 30, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
15,423 | 11,645 | 23,977 | 16,841 |
Adjusted EBITDA from our Oil Additives operating segment increased $3,778 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020 primarily due to increased sales volumes compared to prior year. Adjusted EBITDA also increased by $7,136 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to higher sales volumes and a more favorable cost structure.
145
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We prepare and present our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). However, management uses certain financial measures to evaluate our operating performance that are considered non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes the use of such non-GAAP measures on a consolidated and reportable segment basis assists investors in understanding the ongoing operating performance by presenting the financial results between periods on a more comparable basis. These measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) plus income tax expense (benefit), net interest and other financing expenses, and depreciation and amortization, adjusted on a consistent basis for certain non-recurring or unusual items in a balanced manner and on a segment basis. These unusual items may include restructuring charges, unrealized loss (gain) on foreign currency translation, loss on contingent earnout, and other non-recurring items. Management fees also are excluded from the Companys calculation of Adjusted EBITDA as these fees relate to the services provided by an affiliate of SK Capital Partners IV-A, L.P. and SK Capital Partners IV-B, L.P (collectively, the Sponsor) when acting in a management capacity and do not represent expenses incurred in the normal course of our operations. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by sales.
Management believes the use of Adjusted EBITDA measures on a consolidated and reportable segment basis assists investors in understanding the ongoing operating performance by presenting comparable financial results between periods. We believes that by removing the impact of depreciation and amortization and excluding certain non-cash charges, amounts spent on interest and taxes and certain other charges that are highly variable from year to year, Adjusted EBITDA provide our investors with performance measures that reflect the impact to operations from trends in changes in sales, margin and operating expenses, providing a perspective not immediately apparent from net income and operating income. The adjustments we make to derive the non-GAAP measures of Adjusted EBITDA exclude items which may cause short-term fluctuations in net income and operating income and which we do not consider to be the fundamental attributes or primary drivers of our business. Adjusted EBITDA provide disclosure on the same basis as that used by our management to evaluate financial performance on a consolidated and reportable segment basis and provide consistency in our financial reporting, facilitate internal and external comparisons of our historical operating performance and business units and provide continuity to investors for comparability purposes.
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flows provided by operating, investing, and financing activities, or other income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin presented by other companies may not be comparable to our presentation as other companies may define these terms differently.
146
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net income (loss), on a historical basis for the periods indicated:
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (22,377 | ) | $ | (22,087 | ) | ||
Interest and financing expense |
15,891 | 24,250 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
30,381 | 28,779 | ||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
(5,486 | ) |
|
(5,724
|
)
|
|||
Restructuring charges |
8,950 | 245 | ||||||
Loss on contingent earnout |
2,763 | | ||||||
Management fees |
625 | 625 | ||||||
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss |
2,258 | (153 | ) | |||||
Deferred future payments |
1,250 | 1,875 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 34,255 | $ | 27,810 | ||||
Net Sales |
$ | 121,046 | $ | 109,499 | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
28.3 | % | 25.4 | % | ||||
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 24,249 | $ | (42,037 | ) | |||
Interest and financing expense |
42,017 | 51,655 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
58,117 | 58,025 | ||||||
Income tax expense |
10,483 | (17,674 | ) | |||||
Restructuring charges |
2,379 | 3,821 | ||||||
Management fees |
1,281 | 1,366 | ||||||
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss |
(5,640 | ) | 2,684 | |||||
Deferred future payments |
3,125 | 3,749 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 136,011 | $ | 61,589 | ||||
Net Sales |
$ | 339,577 | $ | 239,310 | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
40.1 | % | 25.7 | % |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity and capital requirements are primarily a function of our debt service requirements, contractual obligations, capital expenditures and working capital needs. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, cash on hand, amounts anticipated to be available under our Revolving Credit Facility, and access to capital markets.
In connection with the consummation of the Business Consumattion, we expect Invitus II to enter into the Revolving Credit Facility, which is expected to provide for a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100.0 million and include a $20.0 million swingline sub-facility and a $25.0 million letter of credit sub-facility. The Revolving Credit Facility is expected to mature on the fifth anniversary of the date upon which all closing conditions are satisfied.
As of June 30, 2021, we had cash on hand of $4,041. We believe our cash flows from operations, together with availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, will be sufficient to meet our current capital expenditures, working capital, and debt service requirements through at least the next 12 months. We may consider raising additional capital to expand our business, to pursue strategic investments, to take advantage of financing opportunities or for other reasons. If our available cash and cash equivalents balances, anticipated cash flow from operations and availability under the Revolving Credit Facility are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity
147
requirements, we may seek to raise additional debt or equity capital. We cannot offer any assurances that such capital will be available in sufficient amounts or at an acceptable cost.
We do not invest in any off-balance sheet vehicles that provide liquidity, capital resources, market or credit risk support, or engage in any activities that expose us to any liability that is not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
Cash Flows
Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020
The following table summarizes our cash activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
Cash provided (used in) by: |
||||||||
Operating activities |
$ | (10,516 | ) | $ | 4,624 | |||
Investing activities |
(9,771 | ) | (5,925 | ) | ||||
Financing activities |
1,692 | (2,605 | ) | |||||
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents |
158 | 546 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | (18,437 | ) | $ | (3,360 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities. Cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $10,516. Operating cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were negatively impacted by an increase in working capital, primarily due to higher accounts receivable at June 30, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020 as a result of a $31,302 increase in net sales during the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2020. There have been no material changes in the aging of our accounts receivable or customer portfolios during the six months ended June 30, 2021. Accordingly, the immaterial decrease in our allowance for doubtful accounts from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021 is primarily due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to accounts receivable denominated in foreign currencies. Cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $4,624. Operating cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2020 were favorably impacted by a decrease in working capital.
Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $9,771 and $5,925 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, we paid $3,607 and $2,657 in cash at closing related to the acquisitions of Budenheim Iberica, S.L.U. and PC Australasia Pty Ltd., respectively. We also purchased property and equipment of $3,507. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, we paid $2,016 in cash at closing related to the acquisition of LaderaTech, Inc. and acquired $46 in cash as part of the transaction. We also purchased property and equipment of $3,955.
Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities was $1,692 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, which was primarily attributable to proceeds from the revolving credit facility of $7,500, partially offset by repayments on the revolving credit facility of $3,000 and long-term debt of $2,808. Cash used in financing activities was $2,605 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, which was primarily attributable to repayments on the revolving credit facility of $45,600 and long-term debt of $2,805, partially offset by proceeds from the revolving credit facility of $45,800.
148
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
The following table summarizes our cash activities for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Cash provided (used in) by: |
||||||||
Operating activities |
$ | 70,826 | $ | (305 | ) | |||
Investing activities |
(9,467 | ) | (25,173 | ) | ||||
Financing activities |
(45,610 | ) | 21,030 | |||||
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents |
(3,093 | ) | (1,689 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 12,656 | $ | (6,137 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $70,826. Operating cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020 were favorably impacted by the increased net income in the current year primarily driven by higher retardant sales, partially offset by declines in working capital. Cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $305. Operating cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019 were negatively impacted by the net loss generated due to decreased fire activity and decrease in working capital.
Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $9,467 and $25,173 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In 2020, we paid $2,016 in cash at closing related to the acquisition of LaderaTech, Inc. and acquired $46 in cash as part of the transaction. We also purchased property and equipment of $7,497. In 2019, we paid $16,814 cash at closing related to the acquisition of First Response Fire Rescue, LLC, River City Fabrication, LLC, and H&S Transport, LLC and acquired $500 in cash as part of the transaction. We also purchased property and equipment of $8,859.
Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $45,610, which was primarily attributable to repayments on the revolving credit facility of $97,100 and long-term debt of $20,610, partially offset by proceeds from revolving credit facility of $72,100. Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $21,030, which was primarily attributable to proceeds from the revolving credit facility of $83,300 and long-term debt of $16,000, partially offset by repayment of the revolving credit facility of $60,300 and long term debt of $5,610 as well as a distribution to shareholders of $12,360. Please read Note 1Description of Organization and Nature of Business to our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus for more information related to the distribution.
Debt Activity
On March 28, 2018, Invictus U.S., LLC and SK Invictus Intermediate II, S.à r.l., two wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, entered into credit agreements providing for committed credit facilities of $815,000, a substantial portion of which was used to fund the Invictus Acquisition. The First Lien Credit Facility consists of a $545,000 U.S. dollar term loan, a multicurrency revolving credit facility (the Revolver), and a $16,000 extension on the original term loan. Principal and interest payments are due on a monthly basis. The First Lien matures on quarterly March 28, 2025. On November 23, 2018, the Company executed the First Amendment to the First Lien for an incremental term loan in the amount of $16,000. The liability was recorded when cash was received on February 13, 2019. The Second Lien Credit Facility consists of a $155,000, U.S. dollar term loan with a maturity of March 28, 2026. There are no required principal payments on the Second Lien until maturity with interest payments due quarterly. As of June 30, 2021, the outstanding principal on the First Lien and Second Lien is $542,885 and 155,000, respectively. The Revolver provides for maximum borrowings of $100,000. The Revolver had an outstanding balance of $4,500 at June 30, 2021.
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Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2021 include First Lien Credit Facility amounting to $547,385 due between the remainder of 2021 and 2025, Second Lien Term Loans amounting to $155,000 due in 2026 and lease obligations of $14,615, reflecting the minimum commitments for Company leases facilities and other machinery and equipment under long-term noncancelable operating leases. Additionally, the Company has a supply agreement to purchase elemental phosphorus (P4) from a supplier through 2023. As of June 30, 2021, the Company expects total future purchase orders under this supply agreement to approximate $82,000.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We have prepared our financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Our preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and related disclosures at the date of the financial statements, as well as revenue and expense recorded during the reporting periods. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and or other relevant assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from managements estimates.
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus, we believe the following accounting policies to be critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Business Combinations
We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration in a business combination to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is allocated to goodwill. The allocation of the purchase consideration requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. These estimates can include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired customers and acquired technology from a market participant perspective, useful lives and discount rates. Managements estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.
During the measurement period, which is up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings. No adjustments to the allocation of purchase consideration have been made during the measurement period as it relates to the acquisitions made by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 nor six months ended June 30, 2021.
Definite-lived Intangible Assets
Definite-lived intangible assets largely consist of certain customer relationships, technology, and trademarks. The aggregate value of intangible assets related to these assets is determined using the multi-period excess earnings method (MPEEM) or the relief from royalty method (RFR), which are applications of the income approach. Under the MPEEM approach, the applicable cost structure was deducted from the existing customer revenue estimates to arrive at operating income. Certain adjustments were made to operating income to derive after-tax cash flows. These adjustments included applicable income tax expense and an appropriate charge for the use of contributory assets. After-tax cash flows were estimated over an explicit projection period and discounted to present value at an appropriate discount rate. The significant assumptions using the MPEEM are revenue base, attrition rate, operating expense adjustments, contributory asset charges, and discount rate. The RFR involves the estimation of an amount of hypothetical royalty savings enjoyed by the entity that owns the trademark asset because that entity is relieved from having to license that intangible asset from another owner. Under the RFR,
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the royalty savings is calculated by estimating a reasonable royalty rate that a third party would negotiate in a licensing agreement. Such royalties are most commonly expressed as a percentage of total revenue involving comparable risk and asset characteristics. The net revenue expected to be generated by the intangible asset during its expected remaining life is then multiplied by the selected royalty rate. The estimated after tax royalty stream is then discounted to present value at an appropriate rate of return, to estimate the fair value of the subject intangible asset. The significant assumptions in the RFR are revenue base, selected royalty rate, and discount rate. Income approach methods models are highly reliant on various assumptions, including projected business results and future industry direction, and weighted-average cost of capital. Significant management judgement is involved in estimating these variables, and they include inherent uncertainties since they are forecasting future events. No adjustments have been made to the gross value of the Companys definite-lived intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 nor six months ended June 30, 2021.
Contingent Consideration
The consideration for our acquisitions may include future payments that are contingent upon the occurrence of a particular event. We record a contingent consideration obligation for such contingent consideration payments at fair value on the acquisition date. We estimate the fair value of contingent consideration obligations through a Monte Carlo or a scenario-based method simulation that incorporates assumptions related to the achievement of the milestones, discount rates, set of possible scenarios with corresponding outcomes, and volatility. Each period we revalue the contingent consideration obligations associated with the acquisition to fair value and record changes in the fair value within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Increases or decreases in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations can result from changes in assumed revenue risk premium and volatility, as well as assumed probability with respect to the attainment of certain financial and operational metrics, among others. Significant judgment is employed in determining these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions described above, can materially impact the fair value of contingent consideration recorded at each reporting period. There were no material adjustments to the Companys estimated fair value of contingent consideration during the year ended December 31, 2020. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the fair value of contingent consideration increased $2,763, or 14%, primarily due to the passage of time and therefore shorter discount period.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business. Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
The Company is also subject to business risks inherent in non-U.S. activities, including political and economic uncertainty, import and export limitations, and market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The political and economic risks are mitigated by the stability of the countries in which the Companys largest operations are located.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Currency exchange rate fluctuations impact the Companys results of operations and cash flows. Foreign currency translation gains and losses arising primarily from changes in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated intercompany loans and other intercompany transactions and balances between foreign locations are not hedged and are recorded in other expense, net in the consolidated states of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company does not trade in financial instruments for speculative purposes. As such, a 10% or greater move in exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar could have a material impact on our financial results and position.
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Interest Rate Risk
As of June 30, 2021, the Company had $702,385 of debt outstanding that is subject to a floating interest rate. The debt carries an interest rate based on floating rate indexed to either LIBOR plus an applicable margin, federal funds rate plus an applicable margin, or the prime rate plus an applicable margin. As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2021, the First Lien Credit Facility had an outstanding balance of $542,885 with an average effective interest rate of 3.15%, the Second Lien Credit Facility had an outstanding balance of $155,000 with an average effective interest rate of 6.94%, and the Revolving Credit Facility had an outstanding balance of $4,500.
The above does not consider the effect of interest rate changes on overall activity nor management action to mitigate such changes. At June 30, 2021, the Company did not have any interest rate swaps to mitigate the risk identified above. As such, an increase of 1% in the variable rate on our indebtedness would result in an increase to our interest expense of approximately $7,000 per year.
Credit Risk
We are subject to the risk of loss resulting from nonpayment or nonperformance by our counterparties. We will continue to closely monitor the creditworthiness of customers to whom we grant credit and establish credit limits in accordance with our credit policy.
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Directors and Executive Officers
The names, ages, and current positions of Perimeters current directors and executive officers are listed in the table below. Perimeter expects that the executive officers listed below will continue as executive officers of Holdco following the Business Combination. For biographical information concerning Mr. Goldberg, see Management of Holdco After the Business CombinationDirectors and Executive Officers. For biographical information concerning the remaining directors and executive officers, see below.
Name |
Age |
Title |
||
Nikola Kalezic | 38 | Director | ||
Edward Goldberg | 58 | Chief Executive Officer, Director | ||
Barry Lederman | 51 | Chief Financial Officer, Director | ||
Noriko Yokozuka | 45 | General Counsel | ||
Stephen Cornwall | 57 | Chief Commercial Officer | ||
Ernest Kremling | 57 | Chief Operating Officer | ||
Shannon Horn | 47 | Business Director |
Nikola Kalezic. Mr. Kalezic is a business unit manager at Intertrust Group, a position he has held since May 2018. Prior to joining Intertrust Group, Mr. Kalezic served as a senior audit manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers
Luxembourg from October 2008 to April 2018. Earlier in his career, Mr. Kalezic was a financial loan analyst and
Credit Agricole. Mr. Kalezic is currently on the board of directors at SK Invictus Group S.à.r.l., SK Invictus
Holdings S.à r.l., SK Invictus Intermediate II S.à.r.l. and Sk Invictus Intermediate S.à.r.l., where he has served since October 9, 2020. Mr. Kalezic holds a masters degree in financial and management from University of Nancy, France. We believe Mr. Kalezic is well qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his broad experience in the field.
Barry Lederman. Upon the Closing of the Business Combination, Mr. Lederman will serve as Chief Financial Officer of Holdco. He brings extensive financial and international experience, having led teams of several public and private companies including the sale of Halo Pharmaceuticals to Cambrex Corporation in 2018. Prior to joining Halo, he served as the CFO for Eisai Inc. and Qualitrol Company LLC. He holds a Master of Business Administration with a dual concentration in Finance and Operations Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, both from the University of Rochester. Mr. Lederman is also CPA licensed in New Jersey and New York.
Noriko Yokozuka. Upon the Closing of the Business Combination, Ms. Yokozuka will serve as General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Compliance Officer of Holdco. Prior to joining Perimeter Solutions, Ms. Yokozuka served as General Counsel for ICL Americas. She previously worked as in-house counsel for a healthcare venture capital firm and family office in New York. Ms. Yokozuka started her career with the Investment Management and Corporate groups at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Ms. Yokozuka received her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Yale University.
Stephen Cornwall. Upon the Closing of the Business Combination, Mr. Cornwall will serve as the Chief Commercial Officer of Holdco. He has over 27 years in the chemical industry, from Monsanto to Perimeter, in various sales and marketing management positions focused on the phosphorus and derivatives product lines. Steve is the past president of the Chemical Club of New England and the Racemics Group, as well as the past chairman and a board member of the Chemical Educational Foundation. He is also the 2012 recipient of the supplier of the year award from the National Association of Chemical Distributors. Mr. Cornwall holds a BA in Economics from Westminster College.
Ernest Kremling. Upon the Closing of the Business Combination, Mr. Kremling will serve as the Chief Operating Officer of Holdco. He brings extensive chemical industry experience, having held numerous global
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senior leadership positions at various organizations. Mr. Kremling began his career at Dow where he held roles of increasing responsibility, later holding Executive Leadership positions in Operations / Supply Chain and Business General Management at KMG Chemicals. Before joining Perimeter, he was Senior Executive for Production, Technology, Safety and Environment for the Americas at Lanxess. He holds a BA in Chemistry from Hendrix College.
Shannon Horn. Upon the Closing of the Business Combination, Mr. Horn will serve as Business Director, North America Retardant & Services. He brings over 30 years of experience in the fire safety business. Since 2003, Mr. Horn owned and operated First Response Fire and Rescue, River City Fabrication and H&S Transport, which provided services and equipment support to the companys fire safety business. Perimeter Solutions acquired these three businesses in March of 2019. Mr. Horn holds accounting and business degrees from Long Beach City College and Portland State University School of Business.
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CERTAIN PERIMETER RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
The following is a summary of transactions since January 1, 2018 to which we are a party in which the
amount involved exceeded or exceeds $120,000 and in which any of our directors, executive officers, holders of
more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, or any member of the immediate family of any of the
foregoing persons, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than compensation arrangements
with directors and executive officers, which are described under Management of Perimeter Perimeter Executive Compensation and Management of Perimeter Perimeter Director Compensation.
Purchase and Sales Agreement
We have a purchase and sales agreement with the former owners of the original Invictus business (the Sellers) for specific raw materials. The Sellers and/or their affiliates currently own all of the outstanding preferred interests in Perimeters parent. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, we had raw material purchases of $430,465 and $1,540,746, respectively, in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, we sold raw materials at cost of $3,414,316 and $3,695,083, respectively. This related party transaction is not at arms length.
Transition Services Agreement
We entered into a transition services agreement (the TSA) during 2018 with the Sellers to provide certain functional and infrastructure support for supply chain, information technology, human resources, finance and accounting, and other miscellaneous services for a period of time until we transitioned over such services. We paid $281,932 in total fees under the TSA in 2019, which is presented in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The TSA arrangement ceased during 2019 and, as such, no further fees have been paid.
Sponsor Fee
When involved, an affiliate of SK Capital Partners IV-A, L.P. and SK Capital Partners IV-B, L.P (collectively, the Sponsor) charges a 1% fee on business acquisition transactions in addition to reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. We did not pay any transaction-related costs to the Sponsor during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. Additionally, the Sponsor provides board oversight, operational and strategic support, and assistance with business development in return for a quarterly management fee. Total management consulting fees and expenses were $625,000 for both the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF PERIMETER
The following discussion and analysis of compensation arrangements of the named executive officers of Perimeter for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (i.e., prior to the Business Combination) should be read together with the compensation tables and related disclosures provided below and in conjunction with Perimeters financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. Compensation information included in the following discussion is presented in actual dollar amounts.
Unless stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis of Perimeter, the terms Perimeter, we, us, our and the Company refer to SK Invictus Intermediate S.à r.l. and its subsidiaries.
Introduction
As an emerging growth company, within the meaning of the Securities Act, for purposes of the SECs executive compensation disclosure rules, Perimeter has opted to comply with the executive compensation disclosure rules applicable to emerging growth companies. This section discusses the material components of the executive compensation program for Perimeters Chief Executive Officer and Perimeters two other most highly compensated executive officers who Perimeter refers to collectively as its Named Executive Officers. For fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, Perimeters Named Executive Officers and their positions were as follows:
|
Edward Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer; |
|
Barry Lederman, Chief Financial Officer; and |
|
Shannon Horn, Business Director - North America Retardant & Services. |
Perimeters compensation policies and philosophies are designed to align compensation with business objectives and the creation of equityholder value, while also enabling Perimeter to attract, motivate and retain individuals who contribute to its long-term success. Perimeter believes its executive compensation program must be competitive in order to attract and retain executive officers. Perimeter seeks to implement compensation policies and philosophies by linking a significant portion of Perimeters Named Executive Officers cash compensation to performance objectives and has historically provided a portion of their compensation as long-term incentive compensation in the form of equity awards in SK Invictus Holdings, L.P., a parent entity of Perimeter and SK Holdings (Parent).
Perimeters board of directors has historically determined all of the compensation components of Perimeters Named Executive Officers. As Perimeter transitions from a private company to a publicly traded company, the Combined Company will evaluate its compensation program as circumstances require. As part of the ongoing evaluation, it is expected that the Compensation Committee of the Combined Company will apply Perimeters policies and philosophies described above.
Perimeter expects that it will develop an executive compensation program for the Combined Company that is consistent with Perimeters existing compensation policies and philosophies following the Business Combination, which are designed to align compensation with business objectives and the creation of shareholder value, while also enabling it to attract, motivate and retain individuals who contribute to Perimeters long-term success. The compensation reported in the summary compensation table below is not necessarily indicative of how Perimeters Named Executive Officers will be compensated in the future, and this discussion may contain forward-looking statements that are based on Perimeters current plans, considerations, expectations and determinations regarding future compensation programs. Actual compensation programs that Perimeter adopts in the future may differ materially from the currently anticipated programs summarized in this discussion.
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2020 Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our Named Executive Officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
Name and Principal
|
Year |
Salary
($) |
Bonus (1)($) |
Option
Awards(2) ($) |
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation(3) ($) |
All Other
Compensation(4) ($) |
Total
($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Edward Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer |
2020 | $ | 342,692 | | | $ | 313,500 | $ | 48,263 | $ | 704,455 | |||||||||||||||||
Barry Lederman, Chief Financial Officer |
2020 | $ | 311,538 | $ | 100,000 | $ | 467,933 | $ | 285,000 | $ | 44,700 | $ | 1,209,171 | |||||||||||||||
Shannon Horn, Business Director - North America Retardant & Services |
2020 | $ | 249,231 | | | $ | 182,400 | $ | 44,105 | $ | 475,736 |
(1) |
Amount reported in this column with respect to Mr. Lederman represents a cash signing bonus paid to Mr. Lederman in fiscal year 2020 in connection with the commencement of his employment. |
(2) |
Amounts reported in the Option Awards column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, of 18,510 Class B Units of Parent (also referred to herein as Incentive Units) granted to Mr. Lederman. The Incentive Units represent membership interests in Parent that are intended to constitute profits interests for federal income tax purposes. Despite the fact that the Incentive Units do not require the payment of an exercise price, they are most similar economically to stock options. Accordingly, they are classified as options under the definition provided in Item 402(a)(6)(i) of Regulation S-K as an instrument with an option-like feature. The grant date fair value of the Incentive Units reported in this column was based on a Black-Scholes valuation methodology using the following assumptions: estimated volatility ranging from 160.5% to 211.4% (depending on the performance-vesting criteria applicable to the Incentive Units), risk-free interest rate of 0.1%, 0% expected dividend yield and a one-year term. For more information on the Incentive Units, see the Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End table and Equity Incentives below. |
(3) |
Amounts reported in this column represent the annual bonus earned by each of our Named Executive Officers with respect to the 2020 fiscal year pursuant to their respective employment agreements based on the achievement of the applicable performance conditions. See Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table below for additional information regarding the Named Executive Officers annual bonuses. |
(4) |
Amounts reported in this column represent the following: (a) for Mr. Goldberg, $19,950 in 401(k) plan contributions; $25,978 in Company-paid medical, dental, life and disability insurance premiums; and $2,335 in group term life insurance benefits; (b) for Mr. Lederman, $19,950 in 401(k) plan contributions; $23,537 in Company-paid medical, dental, life and disability insurance premiums; and $1,213 in group term life insurance benefits; and (c) for Mr. Horn, $17,446 in 401(k) plan contributions; $25,881 in Company-paid medical, dental, life and disability insurance premiums; and $778 in group term life insurance benefits. |
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
The compensation of Perimeters Named Executive Officers generally consists of a base salary, an annual cash incentive bonus, equity compensation in Parent in the form of Class B Units (referred to herein as Incentive Units) and health and welfare benefits. As described below, our Named Executive Officers are also eligible to receive certain payments and benefits upon a termination of employment under certain circumstances in accordance with the terms of their employment agreements.
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Base Salary
Each of our Named Executive Officers is paid a base salary commensurate with the Named Executive Officers position, experience, skills, duties and responsibilities. For fiscal year 2020, the annualized base salary amounts for our Named Executive Officers were as follows: $350,000 for Mr. Goldberg, $309,600 for Mr. Lederman and $247,680 for Mr. Horn, and the actual base salaries earned by our Named Executive Officers for 2020 are set forth above in the Summary Compensation Table.
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation; Sign-On Bonus
Pursuant to the employment agreements, as described below, each Named Executive Officer is also eligible to participate in Perimeters annual cash bonus plan and is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus based on the achievement of certain performance objectives established by the board of managers of Parent (the Parent Board) or a committee of the Parent Board, which performance objectives for fiscal year 2020 included the achievement of EBITDA targets and individual performance goals. For fiscal year 2020, the annual target bonus amount for each Named Executive Officer was as follows: 50% of annual base salary for Mr. Goldberg, 50% of annual base salary for Mr. Lederman and 40% of annual base salary for Mr. Horn. The Named Executive Officers were awarded the annual bonuses set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above based on our assessment of each Named Executive Officers individual performance and our performance against pre-established performance metrics, which bonuses were paid to the Named Executive Officers in 2021. In connection with the commencement of his employment, Mr. Lederman also received a one-time $100,000 signing bonus in fiscal year 2020 pursuant to his employment agreement.
Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our Named Executive Officers, which employment agreements generally set forth the Named Executive Officers base salary, target annual bonus opportunity, reimbursement of reasonable business expenses and eligibility to participate in employee benefit plans provided to other senior executives. The material terms of the employment agreements are summarized below. In addition to the key terms summarized below, each employment agreement provides for certain severance benefits upon a termination by the Company without cause and, with respect to Mr. Goldberg, upon his resignation for good reason. Please see the section entitled Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control below for more details regarding the severance benefits each Named Executive Officer is eligible to receive. In connection with the Closing of the Business Combination, Holdco has entered into new employment agreements with Messrs. Goldberg, Lederman and Horn effective as of the Closing. These employment agreements are described in Management of Holdco After the Business Combination Compensation of Directors and Officers.
Goldberg Employment Agreement
Mr. Goldberg entered into an employment agreement with Parent and ICL North America, Inc. (n/k/a Perimeter Solutions North America, Inc.), dated April 2, 2018 (such date, the Effective Date) (the Goldberg Agreement). The Goldberg Agreement provides for an indefinite term of employment, unless either party terminates Mr. Goldbergs employment in accordance with the terms of the Goldberg Agreement. Pursuant to the Goldberg Agreement, Mr. Goldberg is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $275,000 (which has subsequently been increased to $350,000), is eligible to receive an annual bonus (targeted at 50% of his annual base salary and with a maximum of 100% of his annual base salary), based upon the achievement of predetermined performance metrics, and is eligible to participate in employee benefit plans made available to other senior executives. The Goldberg Agreement also provides Mr. Goldberg with the opportunity to participate in the incentive equity programs of Parent. Please see the section entitled Equity Incentives below for more details regarding the Incentive Units Mr. Goldberg was granted.
Under the Goldberg Agreement, Mr. Goldberg was also entitled to receive a mutually agreed upon amount for his reasonable temporary living expenses in the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area (consisting of monthly rent, a rental
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car, meals and reasonable travel expenses associated with traveling to and from his residence outside of the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area or his spouse traveling to and from the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area) until the earlier of (x) 12 months following the Effective Date and (y) the date on which Mr. Goldberg secured a permanent residence in the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area. Mr. Goldberg was also entitled to reimbursement of his documented relocation costs to relocate to St. Louis, Missouri, and an allowance of $23,000 (net of taxes) for miscellaneous expenses associated with his relocation. A separate restrictive covenant and confidentiality agreement entered into with Parent and ICL North America, Inc. (n/k/a Perimeter Solutions North America, Inc.) also subjects Mr. Goldberg to customary confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement covenants. As stated above, please also see the section entitled Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control below for more details regarding the severance benefits that Mr. Goldberg may be eligible to receive under the Goldberg Agreement upon certain separations from employment.
Lederman Employment Agreement
Mr. Lederman entered into an employment agreement with Parent and Perimeter Solutions North America, Inc., dated November 11, 2019 (the Lederman Agreement). The Lederman Agreement provides for an indefinite term of employment, unless either party terminates Mr. Ledermans employment in accordance with the terms of the Lederman Agreement. Pursuant to the Lederman Agreement, Mr. Lederman is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $300,000 (which has been increased to $309,600), is eligible to receive an annual bonus (targeted at 50% of his annual base salary and with a maximum of 100% of his annual base salary), based upon the achievement of predetermined performance metrics, and is eligible to participate in employee benefit plans made available to other senior executives. Under the Lederman Agreement, Mr. Lederman was paid a one-time, lump-sum signing bonus equal to $100,000 in fiscal year 2020. The Lederman Agreement also provides Mr. Lederman with the opportunity to participate in the incentive equity programs of Parent. Please see the section entitled Equity Incentives below for more details regarding the Incentive Units Mr. Lederman was granted.
Under the Lederman Agreement, Mr. Lederman is also entitled to receive a mutually agreed upon reasonable reimbursement amount for his out-of-pocket living expenses associated with commuting to the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area (consisting of monthly rent, a rental car, meals and the price of a first class airfare ticket associated with traveling to and from Wayne, New Jersey, to the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area) for as long as Mr. Lederman does not live in the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area. A separate restrictive covenant and confidentiality agreement entered into with Parent and Perimeter Solutions North America, Inc. also subjects Mr. Lederman to customary confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement covenants. As stated above, please also see the section entitled Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control below for more details regarding the severance benefits that Mr. Lederman may be eligible to receive under the Lederman Agreement upon certain separations from employment.
Horn Employment Agreement
Mr. Horn entered into an employment agreement with Parent and Perimeter Solutions North America, Inc., dated March 20, 2019 (the Horn Agreement). The Horn Agreement provides for an indefinite term of employment, unless either party terminates Mr. Horns employment in accordance with the terms of the Horn Agreement. Pursuant to the Horn Agreement, Mr. Horn is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $240,000 (which has been increased to $247,680), is eligible to receive an annual bonus (targeted at 40% of his annual base salary and with a maximum of 100% of his annual base salary), based upon the achievement of predetermined performance metrics, and is eligible to participate in employee benefit plans made available to other senior executives. A separate restrictive covenant and confidentiality agreement entered into with Parent and Perimeter Solutions North America, Inc. also subjects Mr. Horn to customary confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement covenants. As stated above, please also see the section entitled Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control below for more details regarding the severance benefits that Mr. Horn may be eligible to receive under the Horn Agreement upon certain separations from employment.
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Equity Incentives
Each Named Executive Officer has been granted Incentive Units pursuant to the Perimeter Solutions Incentive Equity Plan and an underlying grant agreement. During fiscal year 2020, Mr. Lederman was granted 18,510 Incentive Units. The Incentive Units are intended to qualify as profits interests for U.S. federal income tax purposes within the meaning of Revenue Procedures 93-27 and 2001-43 and provide significant alignment between our Named Executive Officers and our business. The number of Incentive Units granted to each of our Named Executive Officers was determined by the Parent Board in its sole discretion, after taking into account discussions with Perimeters management team and overall retention goals. As profits interests, the Incentive Units have no value for tax purposes on the date of grant, but instead are designed to gain value only after holders of certain other classes of equity in Parent have received a certain level of returns on their contributed capital. The Incentive Units are subject to performance-based vesting conditions and vest with respect to (a) 50% of the Incentive Units when the specified investors achieve a return of at least 2.0 times their investment in Parent; (b) an additional 25% of the Incentive Units when the specified investors achieve a return of at least 2.5 times their investment in Parent; and (c) an additional 25% of the Incentive Units when the specified investors achieve a return of at least 3.0 times their investment in Parent, in all cases, subject to the unitholders continued employment through the applicable vesting date.
In addition, with respect to the Incentive Units granted to each of the Named Executive Officers, if the Named Executive Officer is terminated without cause (as defined in the Incentive Unit grant agreement and set forth below) or resigns for good reason (as defined in the Incentive Unit grant agreement and set forth below), then a portion of the Incentive Units will become immediately vested upon such separation. The portion of the Incentive Units that will vest upon such separation is equal to: (a) the number of Incentive Units that would vest if there was a hypothetical sale for cash of 100% of the outstanding equity securities of Parent at fair market value, determined in accordance with the grant agreement, and the proceeds of such sale were subsequently distributed to the partners of Parent, multiplied by (b) a percentage equal to the result of (i) the number of full fiscal quarters that have elapsed from a specified date (April 1, 2018 for Mr. Goldberg, November 11, 2019 for Mr. Lederman and March 20, 2019 for Mr. Horn) through the date of the unitholders separation, divided by (ii) 20.
Pursuant to Mr. Ledermans Incentive Unit grant agreement, as of the grant date Mr. Lederman could receive distributions for his Incentive Units as provided in the Parent partnership agreement. However, upon a liquidity event (as defined in the Incentive Unit grant agreement), if the aggregate amount distributed after the grant date, together with the amount to be distributed or received in respect of all outstanding equity interests of Parent, is less than the aggregate amount that would be received by the holders of all Class A Unit and Class B Unit if Parent were liquidated immediately after the grant date and the net liquidation proceeds were distributed to all such unitholders, then Mr. Lederman would not be entitled to receive any amounts in connection with such liquidity event and would be required to pay Parent the sum of 100% of any distributions that he previously received in respect of his Incentive Units.
Upon the occurrence of a sale of the partnership (as defined in the Incentive Unit grant agreements and set forth below) if the acquiror in such transaction requests that the Named Executive Officer continue providing similar services to the acquiror, Parent or any of their affiliates following the sale of the partnership for comparable compensation and the Named Executive Officer declines to provide such services, then an amount of the consideration that would otherwise be payable to the Named Executive Officer in connection with the sale of the partnership in respect of 25% of the Named Executive Officers Incentive Units (the Continuing Incentive Amount) will be forfeited and paid pro rata to the other holders of Incentive Units as of immediately prior to the sale of the partnership. If the Named Executive Officer agrees to provide the services requested by the acquirer and does provide such services following the sale of the partnership, then the Continuing Incentive Amount will be held back and (a) paid to the Named Executive Officer within five business days of the earliest to occur of (v) the date on which the acquiror reduces the Named Executive Officers compensation; (w) the date on which the acquirer terminates the Named Executive Officer without cause (as defined in the Incentive Unit grant agreement); (x) the Named Executive Officers death or disability; (y) the date on which the Parent Board
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determines to terminate the obligations to provide such services; or (z) the first anniversary of the consummation of the sale of the partnership and (b) if the Named Executive Officer fails to provide the requested services until any of the aforementioned dates, then the Continuing Incentive Amount will be forfeited by the Named Executive Officer and paid pro rata to the other holders of Incentive Units as of immediately prior to the sale of the partnership.
For the purposes of the Incentive Units, sale of the partnership means any transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which any person or group of related persons (other than the specified investors and their controlled affiliates) in the aggregate acquire(s) (a) a majority of the Class B Units of Parent or a majority of the outstanding equity securities of Parent by vote or by value (in each case whether by merger, consolidation, reorganization, combination, asset sale or transfer of equity securities, securityholder or voting agreement, proxy, power of attorney or otherwise) or (b) all or substantially all of the assets of Parent determined on a consolidated basis. Unless otherwise determined by the Parent Board or certain equity holders, in no event will a public offering constitute a sale of the partnership for purposes of the Incentive Units.
For the purposes of Mr. Goldbergs and Mr. Horns Incentive Units, cause has the meaning assigned to the term in any written employment or services agreement between the Named Executive Officer and Parent, his employer or any of their subsidiaries or, in the absence of any such agreement, cause means (a) the commission of any felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or the commission of any other act or omission involving dishonesty, disloyalty or actual fraud; (b) any material act of theft, actual fraud or embezzlement with respect to Parent, the employer or their subsidiaries or any of their customers, vendors, suppliers, business relations or employees; (c) insubordination or failure to perform the duties of the office and/or position held by the Named Executive Officer as reasonably directed by Parent, the employer, their subsidiaries or the Parent Board; (d) gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to Parent, the employer or their subsidiaries or any of their customers, vendors or employees; (e) the Named Executive Officers willful engagement in conduct involving moral turpitude, which, in the reasonable judgment of the Parent Board, is injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of Parent, the employer or their subsidiaries; (f) a failure to observe policies or standards regarding employment practices (including nondiscrimination and sexual harassment policies) as approved by the Parent Board from time to time; and/or (g) any breach by the Named Executive Officer of the confidentiality or restrictive covenant obligations set forth in the Incentive Unit grant agreement.
For the purposes of Mr. Ledermans Incentive Units, cause means (a) the commission of a felony; (b) willful conduct tending to bring Parent, Mr. Ledermans employer or any of their respective subsidiaries into substantial public disgrace or disrepute; (c) substantial and repeated failure to perform the duties of the office held by Mr. Lederman as reasonably directed by the boards of directors or equivalent governing bodies of Parent or the employer; (d) gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to Parent, the employer or any of their respective subsidiaries, including any other act or omission involving significant and willful dishonesty or fraud with respect to Parent, the employer or any of their respective subsidiaries or any of their respective customers or suppliers; or (e) any material breach of a non-compete obligation or Mr. Ledermans obligation to devote his full business time and attention to the business and affairs of Parent, his employer and their respective subsidiaries.
For the purposes of the Incentive Units granted to the Named Executive Officers, good reason generally means (a) any action by Parent or the Named Executive Officers employer that results in a material reduction in the Named Executive Officers title or authority or (b) a reduction in the Named Executive Officers annual base salary, in each case, without the prior written consent of the Named Executive Officer.
The Incentive Unit grant agreements also subject the Named Executive Officers to customary non-competition, non-solicitation, no-hire, confidentiality and non-disparagement obligations.
In connection with the Business Combination, it is expected that the outstanding Incentive Units held by the Named Executive Officers will vest in full, subject to their continued service with us through the consummation of the Business Combination.
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Co-Invest Units
Each of our Named Executive Officers has also invested in Parent through the purchase of a combination of Class A Units of Parent (Class A Co-Invest Units) and Class B Units of Parent (Class B Co-Invest Units and, together with the Class A Co-Invest Units, the Co-Invest Units), pursuant to the Perimeter Solutions Incentive Equity Plan and a co-invest agreement. The Co-Invest Units were fully vested as of the date of purchase. With respect to the Co-Invest Units purchased by Messrs. Goldberg and Lederman, such Co-Invest Units were purchased in part with a promissory note (the Co-Invest Notes) secured by a pledge of all Co-Invest Units acquired by the Named Executive Officer at any time. Interest accrues on the unpaid principal amount of the Co-Invest Notes outstanding from time to time and becomes due and payable at the time the principal amount of each Co-Invest Note becomes due and payable. Pursuant to the terms of the Co-Invest Notes, outstanding principal and interest due on the Co-Invest Notes become payable (a) as and when the Named Executive Officer receives distributions, if any, from Parent in accordance with the Parent partnership agreement; (b) following the Named Executive Officers separation from employment, as and when the Named Executive Officer receives repurchase consideration, if any, if Parent or its investors repurchase the Co-Invest Units; and (c) immediately in the event the Parent Board determines that grounds for cause existed at the time of the Named Executive Officers separation from employment or that the Named Executive Officer (i) has breached his confidentiality or restrictive covenant obligations or (ii) has attempted to transfer any of the Co-Invest Units in violation of any applicable transfer restrictions, in each case, following the Named Executive Officers separation from employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all unpaid principal and interest owed upon the Co-Invest Notes will become due and payable on the earlier to occur of (x) the Named Executive Officers separation from employment and (y) a specified date set forth in the co-invest agreement. Upon payment of all principal and interest due on the Co-Invest Notes, the Co-Invest Notes will be automatically cancelled, and the Co-Invest Units pledged as security will be surrendered to the Named Executive Officer. The co-invest agreements also subject the Named Executive Officers to customary non-competition, non-solicitation, no-hire, confidentiality and non-disparagement obligations.
Other Compensation Elements
401(k) Plan
Our Named Executive Officers participate in a tax-qualified 401(k) retirement plan that is maintained by Questco Holdings, Inc., a third-party professional employer organization, and that provides eligible employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis. Under the 401(k) plan, participants may elect to defer a portion of their compensation on a pre- or post-tax basis and have it contributed to the plan subject to applicable annual limits under the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are allocated to each participants individual account and are then invested in selected investment alternatives according to the participants directions. Participant elective deferrals are 100% vested at all times. For fiscal year 2020, a safe harbor matching contribution was made under the plan on behalf of each participant in the 401(k) plan in an amount equal to 100% of the participants elective deferral up to the first 3% and 50% of the next 2% of the participants compensation for each payroll period. Safe harbor matching contributions are 100% vested at all times. The 401(k) plan also provides the ability to make discretionary matching and discretionary non-elective contributions to the 401(k) plan on behalf of each participant, and such contributions do not vest until the participant has completed at least 3 years of service with us. For fiscal year 2020, a discretionary non-elective contribution was made under the plan on behalf of each participant in the 401(k) plan in an amount equal to 3% of the participants eligible compensation for each payroll period. With respect to fiscal year 2020, the following contributions to the 401(k) plan were made on behalf of Mr. Goldberg, Mr. Lederman and Mr. Horn: $19,950, $19,950 and $17,446, respectively. As a U.S. tax-qualified retirement plan, pre-tax contributions to the 401(k) plan and earnings on those contributions are not taxable to the participants until distributed from the 401(k) plan and all contributions are deducted by us when made.
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Health and Welfare Plans
Our Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in employee benefit plans, including medical, life and disability benefits on the same basis as other eligible employees. These benefits include:
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health, dental and vision insurance; |
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vacation, paid holidays and sick days; |
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group term life insurance, voluntary life insurance and supplemental accident and critical illness insurance; and |
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short-term and long-term disability insurance. |
Pension Benefits
Our Named Executive Officers did not participate in or have account balances in qualified or nonqualified defined benefit plans sponsored or maintained by us. Our board of directors or Compensation Committee may elect to adopt qualified or nonqualified benefit plans in the future if it determines that doing so is in the Companys best interest.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Our Named Executive Officers did not participate in or have account balances in nonqualified defined contribution plans or other nonqualified deferred compensation plans maintained by us in fiscal year 2020. Our board of directors or Compensation Committee may elect to provide our executive officers and other employees with nonqualified defined contribution or other nonqualified deferred compensation benefits in the future if it determines that doing so is in the Companys best interest.
No Tax Gross-Ups
In 2020, the Company did not make gross-up payments to cover the Named Executive Officers personal income taxes that may pertain to any of the compensation or perquisites paid or provided by the Company.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The following table reflects information regarding outstanding equity-based awards held by our Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2020, which consist exclusively of Class B Units of Parent. Please see Equity Incentives above for additional information regarding the Incentive Units.
Name |
Option Awards(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Grant Date |
Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) |
Option
Exercise Price(2) ($) |
Option
Expiration Date(2) |
|||||||||||||||||||
Edward Goldberg(3) |
1/1/2019 | | | 22,619 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||
Barry Lederman(4) |
12/30/2020 | | | 18,510 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||
Shannon Horn(5) |
3/20/2019 | | | 15,365 | N/A | N/A |
(1) |
The equity awards disclosed in this table are Class B Units of Parent, which are referred to herein as Incentive Units and which are intended to qualify as profits interests for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Despite the fact that the Incentive Units do not require the payment of an exercise price or have an option expiration date, Perimeter believes that the Incentive Units are most similar economically to stock |
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options and, as such, they are classified as options under the definition provided in Item 402(a)(6)(i) of Regulation S-K as an instrument with an option-like feature. The number of Incentive Units set forth in this table are rounded to the nearest whole unit. For additional information on the Incentive Units, please see the section entitled, Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation TableEquity Incentives, above. |
(2) |
The Incentive Units are not traditional options, and, therefore, there is no exercise price or expiration date associated with the Incentive Units. Rather, the Incentive Units participate in profits of Parent above a certain threshold after their respective dates of grant. |
(3) |
Mr. Goldbergs Incentive Units granted in 2019 are subject to performance-vesting conditions and vest as follows: (a) 50% upon the specified investors achievement of a return equal to at least 2.0 times their investment in Parent; (b) an additional 25% upon the specified investors achievement of a return equal to at least 2.5 times their investment in Parent; and (c) an additional 25% upon the specified investors achievement of a return equal to at least 3.0 times their investment in Parent, in all cases, subject to Mr. Goldbergs continued employment with us through the applicable vesting date. Additionally, if Mr. Goldberg is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, then a portion of his Incentive Units will vest upon such separation. The portion of Mr. Goldbergs Incentive Units that will vest upon such separation is equal to: (a) the number of Incentive Units that would vest in accordance the terms set forth above if there was a hypothetical sale for cash of 100% of the outstanding equity securities of Parent at fair market value and the proceeds of such sale were subsequently distributed to its partners, multiplied by (b) a percentage equal to the result of (i) the number of full fiscal quarters that have elapsed from April 1, 2018 through the date of Mr. Goldbergs separation, divided by (ii) 20. For additional information with respect to Mr. Goldbergs Incentive Units, please see the section entitled, Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation TableEquity Incentives, above. |
(4) |
Mr. Ledermans Incentive Units granted in 2020 are subject to performance-vesting conditions and vest as follows: (a) 50% upon the specified investors achievement of a return equal to at least 2.0 times their investment in Parent; (b) an additional 25% upon the specified investors achievement of a return equal to at least 2.5 times their investment in Parent; and (c) an additional 25% upon the specified investors achievement of a return equal to at least 3.0 times their investment in Parent, in all cases, subject to Mr. Ledermans continued employment with us through the applicable vesting date. Additionally, if Mr. Lederman is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, then a portion of his Incentive Units will vest upon such separation. The portion of Mr. Ledermans Incentive Units that will vest upon such separation is equal to: (a) the number of Incentive Units that would vest in accordance the terms set forth above if there was a hypothetical sale for cash of 100% of the outstanding equity securities of Parent at fair market value and the proceeds of such sale were subsequently distributed to its partners, multiplied by (b) a percentage equal to the result of (i) the number of full fiscal quarters that have elapsed from November 11, 2019 through the date of Mr. Ledermans separation, divided by (ii) 20. For additional information with respect to Mr. Ledermans Incentive Units, please see the section entitled, Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation TableEquity Incentives, above. |
(5) |
Mr. Horns Incentive Units granted in 2019 are subject to performance-vesting conditions and vest as follows: (a) 50% upon the specified investors achievement of a return equal to at least 2.0 times their investment in Parent; (b) an additional 25% upon the specified investors achievement of a return equal to at least 2.5 times their investment in Parent; and (c) an additional 25% upon the specified investors achievement of a return equal to at least 3.0 times their investment in Parent, in all cases, subject to Mr. Horns continued employment with us through the applicable vesting date. Additionally, if Mr. Horn is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, then a portion of his Incentive Units will vest upon such separation. The portion of Mr. Horns Incentive Units that will vest upon such separation is equal to: (a) the number of Incentive Units that would vest in accordance the terms set forth above if there was a hypothetical sale for cash of 100% of the outstanding equity securities of Parent. at fair market value and the proceeds of such sale were subsequently distributed to its partners, multiplied by (b) a percentage equal to the result of (i) the number of full fiscal quarters that have elapsed from March 20, 2019 through the date of Mr. Horns separation, divided by (ii) 20. For additional information with respect to Mr. Horns Incentive Units, please see the section entitled, Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation TableEquity Incentives, above. |
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Emerging Growth Company Status
As an emerging growth company, we will be exempt from certain requirements related to executive compensation, including the requirements to hold a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and to provide information relating to the ratio of total compensation of Perimeters Chief Executive Officer to the median of the annual total compensation of all of Perimeters employees, each as required by the Investor Protection and Securities Reform Act of 2010, which is part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
The Goldberg Agreement provides that upon a termination of Mr. Goldbergs employment by Perimeter without cause or his resignation with good reason, as each term is defined therein and set forth below, Mr. Goldberg is eligible to receive the following severance benefits, subject to his timely execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of Perimeter and his continued compliance with applicable restrictive covenants: (a) continued base salary for 12 months following his termination of employment, payable in accordance with payroll practices; (b) any earned and declared but unpaid annual bonus for the fiscal year ending immediately prior to the date of Mr. Goldbergs termination of employment, payable when such annual bonus would have been paid had he remained employed through such payment date; (c) an amount equal to his annual bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurred (based on actual achievement of the predetermined performance metrics), pro-rated based upon the portion of the fiscal year (measured on a monthly basis) during which Mr. Goldberg was employed and payable when such annual bonus would have been paid had he remained employed through such payment date; and (d) subject to Mr. Goldbergs timely election of continuation coverage and his continued copayment of premiums at the same level and cost as if he were an employee, continued health care coverage (to the extent permitted by applicable law and the terms of the applicable benefit plan) until the earlier of (x) 12 months following his termination of employment and (y) the date he commences employment with any other person or entity and becomes eligible for alternative health insurance benefits.
The Lederman Agreement provides that upon a termination of Mr. Ledermans employment by Perimeter without cause, as defined therein and set forth below, Mr. Lederman is eligible to receive the following severance benefits, subject to his timely execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of Perimeter and his continued compliance with applicable restrictive covenants: (a) continued base salary for 12 months following his termination of employment, payable in accordance with payroll practices; (b) a pro-rata portion of his target annual bonus for the fiscal year in which his termination occurs, based on the number of completed days in such fiscal year through the date of termination and actual achievement of the predetermined performance metrics, payable when such annual bonus would have been paid had Mr. Lederman remained employed through such payment date; and (c) subject to Mr. Ledermans timely election of continuation coverage, reimbursement of Mr. Ledermans cost of health care coverage for himself and his family members under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (COBRA), at the same level of benefits as if Mr. Lederman were an employee of Perimeter until the earlier of (x) 12 months following his termination of employment and (y) the date he obtains other employment that offers group health benefits (such benefits, collectively, the Severance Benefits). Additionally, if Mr. Lederman terminates his employment within 6 months following a change of control of more than 50% of the ownership of Perimeter Solutions North America, Inc. and the acquiror in such change of control does not request Mr. Ledermans continued service for a period of at least 6 months following such change of control, then, subject to his timely execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of Perimeter and his continued compliance with applicable restrictive covenants, Mr. Lederman will be entitled to receive the Severance Benefits.
The Horn Agreement provides that upon a termination of Mr. Horns employment by Perimeter without cause, as defined therein and set forth below, Mr. Horn is eligible to receive the following severance benefits, subject to his timely execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of Perimeter and his continued compliance with applicable restrictive covenants: (a) continued base salary for 6 months following his
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termination of employment, payable in accordance with payroll practices; (b) a pro-rata portion of his annual bonus for the fiscal year in which his termination occurs, based on the number of completed months in such fiscal year through the date of termination and actual achievement of the predetermined performance metrics, payable when such annual bonus would have been paid had Mr. Lederman remained employed through such payment date; and (c) subject to Mr. Horns timely election of continuation coverage under COBRA and continued copayment of premiums at the same level and cost to Mr. Horn as if he were an employee, continued health care coverage until the earlier of (x) 6 months following his termination of employment and (y) the date he commences employment with any person or entity and becomes eligible for alternative health insurance benefits.
For purposes of the Goldberg Agreement and the Lederman Agreement, cause means (a) the commission of a felony; (b) willful conduct tending to bring Parent, the Named Executive Officers employer or any of their respective subsidiaries into substantial public disgrace or disrepute; (c) substantial and repeated failure to perform duties of the office held by the Named Executive Officer as reasonably directed by the employers board of directors or the Parent Board; (d) gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to Parent, the Named Executive Officers employer or any of their respective subsidiaries, including any other act or omission involving significant and willful dishonesty or fraud with respect to Parent, the Named Executive Officers employer or any of their respective subsidiaries or any of their respective customers or suppliers; or (e) any material breach of a non-compete obligation or the Named Executive Officers obligation to devote his full business time and attention to the business and affairs of Parent, his employer and their respective subsidiaries. Pursuant to the Goldberg Agreement, good reason means (a) any action by Parent or Perimeter Solutions North America, Inc. that results in a material reduction in Mr. Goldbergs title, status, authority or responsibility as Chief Executive Officer or (b) a reduction in Mr. Goldbergs annual base salary, in each case, without Mr. Goldbergs prior written consent.
For purposes of the Horn Agreement, cause means (a) the commission of a felony; (b) willful and continuous conduct which actually causes Parent, Mr. Horns employer or any of their respective subsidiaries to suffer substantial public disgrace or material disrepute, as demonstrated by Parent; (c) substantial and repeated failure to perform duties of the office held by Mr. Horn as reasonably directed by the employers board of directors or the Parent Board; (d) engaging in any act or omission involving significant and willful financial dishonesty or fraud with respect to Parent, Mr. Horns employer or any of their respective subsidiaries or any of their respective customers or suppliers; or (e) any material breach of the Horn Agreement or any other agreement by and between Mr. Horn and his employer (including the restrictive covenant and confidentiality agreement); provided that Mr. Horn shall have 30 days following his receipt of notice of his employers intention to terminate him for cause pursuant to either clause (d) or (e) to cure such failure, if curable (excluding any material breach of the restrictive covenant and confidentiality agreement).
In addition to the severance benefits described above, upon a change in control of Perimeter, each of the Named Executive Officers is entitled to receive payments in respect of his Incentive Units to the extent such Incentive Units have vested as of the time of the change in control. For a description of the terms of the Incentive Units, including with respect to vesting, please see the sections entitled, Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation TableEquity Incentives and the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End table, above. In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, the Incentive Units held by the Named Executive Officers will vest, and each Named Executive Officer will receive payments in respect of his vested Incentive Units in accordance with their terms.
Executive Compensation Arrangements to be Adopted in Connection with the Business Combination
Following the closing of the Business Combination, the Combined Company intends to develop an executive compensation program that is designed to align compensation with its business objectives and the creation of shareholder value, while enabling the Combined Company to attract, motivate and retain individuals who contribute to its long-term success.
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Director Compensation
None of our directors received compensation for their services as a director for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The Company does, however, pay a quarterly management fee to the Sponsor for board oversight, operational and strategic support and assistance with business development, and our directors are affiliated with the Sponsor.
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MANAGEMENT OF HOLDCO AFTER THE BUSINESS COMBINATION
References in this section to we, our, us, and the Company generally refer to Perimeter and its consolidated subsidiaries, prior to the Business Combination and Holdco and its consolidated subsidiaries after giving effect to the Business Combination.
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the persons EverArc and Perimeter anticipate will become the directors and executive officers of Holdco. The Holdco board of directors is expected to be comprised of 9 directors.
For biographical information concerning the executive officers, see Management of Perimeter. For biographical information concerning the directors, see below.
Name |
Age |
Title |
||
W. Nicholas Howley | 69 | Insider Director | ||
William N. Thorndike, Jr. | 57 | Insider Director | ||
Haitham Khouri | 41 | Insider Director | ||
Edward Goldberg | 58 | Insider Director, Chief Executive Officer | ||
Vivek Raj | 37 | Independent Director | ||
Tracy Britt Cool | 36 | Independent Director | ||
Kevin Stein | 55 | Independent Director | ||
Sean Hennessy |
63 |
Independent Director | ||
Robert S. Henderson | 65 | Independent Director | ||
Barry Lederman | 51 | Chief Financial Officer | ||
Noriko Yokozuka | 45 | General Counsel | ||
Stephen Cornwall | 57 | Chief Commercial Officer | ||
Ernest Kremling | 57 | Chief Operating Officer | ||
Shannon Horn | 47 | Business Director |
W. Nicholas Howley. Mr. Howley has served as Co-Chairman of our board of directors since our inception in November 2019. Mr. Howley co-founded TransDigm Group Inc. (TransDigm), an aerospace manufacturing company, in 1993 and has served as the Chairman of TransDigms board of directors since 2003. Mr. Howley served as Executive Chairman of Transdigm from 2018 to 2021, as President and/or Chief Executive Officer of TransDigm from 2003 through 2018 and as President and/or Chief Executive Officer of TransDigm Inc. from 1998 through 2018. Mr. Howley holds B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University and an M.B.A. degree from Harvard Business School.
Qualifications: We believe Mr. Howleys qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors include his executive leadership experience, experience as a member of other corporate boards, and his knowledge of public companies.
William N. Thorndike, Jr. Mr. Thorndike has served as Co-Chairman of our board of directors since our inception in November 2019. Mr. Thorndike founded Housatonic Partners, a leading middle market private equity firm with offices in Boston and San Francisco, in 1994 and has been a Managing Director since that time. Prior to founding Housatonic Partners, Mr. Thorndike worked with T. Rowe Price Associates, a global asset management firm, and Walker & Company, a publishing company, where he was named to its board of directors. Mr. Thorndike has served as a director of over 30 companies since founding Housatonic Partners. He is currently a director of CNX Resources Corporation, a natural gas company, and serves on various boards of directors of private companies. He also serves as a Trustee of WGBH, a public broadcaster serving southern New England, and the College of the Atlantic. Mr. Thorndike is the author of The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success, which has been translated into 12 languages. Mr. Thorndike
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holds an A.B. degree in English and American Literature from Harvard University and an M.B.A. degree from Stanford University.
Qualifications: We believe Mr. Thorndikes qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors include his extensive finance and investment experience, experience as a member of other corporate boards, and his knowledge of public companies.
Haitham Khouri. Mr. Khouri is an EverArc Founder. Prior to founding EverArc, Mr. Khouri was a Senior Analyst at Hound Partners from 2009 to 2018. Between 2005 and 2007 Mr. Khouri was a private equity Associate at Oak Hill Capital Partners. Between 2003 and 2005 Mr. Khouri was an investment banking analyst at Deutsche Bank. Mr. Khouri began his career in 2002 as an Analyst at JP Morgan. Mr. Khouri holds a BA in Economics from Cornell University and an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School.
Qualifications: We believe Mr. Khouris qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors include his experience as an investor in private and public companies.
Edward Goldberg. Upon the Closing of the Business Combination, Mr. Goldberg will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Holdco. He brings more than 18 years of executive leadership to fire safety products and operations. Before joining Perimeter, Mr. Goldberg was Business Director for ICL Performance Additives and Solutions, where he held general management responsibility for the companys global fire safety segment. Mr. Goldberg is credited with building ICLs global fire safety business, focusing on products for wildland fire management and municipal and industrial fire suppression. Mr. Goldberg holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University.
Qualifications: We believe Mr. Goldbergs qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors include his extensive knowledge of Perimeter and his years of executive leadership at Perimeter.
Vivek Raj. Mr. Raj is an EverArc Founder. Prior to founding EverArc, Mr. Raj founded Geneses Investments, a private investment firm, in 2018. Mr. Raj was a private equity investor between 2011 and 2018 and before that held operational roles in the energy industry. Mr. Raj holds a Bachelor of Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Qualifications: We believe Mr. Rajs qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors include his experience as an investor in private companies, experience as a member of other corporate boards, and his operating experience.
Tracy Britt Cool. Ms. Cool has served as a member of our board of directors since our inception in November 2019. In 2020, Ms. Cool co-founded Kanbrick, a long-term investment partnership focused on acquiring and building great companies in the consumer and industrial sectors. From 2009 to 2020, Ms. Cool worked at Berkshire Hathaway, where she spent five years at Berkshire Hathaways headquarters in Omaha as the Financial Assistant to the Chairman and five years as Chief Executive Officer of Pampered Chef, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary based in Chicago. At Pampered Chef, a provider of kitchenware products, Ms. Cool turned around a decade long decline and achieved meaningful growth in revenue and earnings. Additionally, Ms. Cool served on the boards of directors of several Berkshire Hathaway companies including Kraft Heinz, Benjamin Moore, Oriental Trading Company, Larson Juhl, and Johns Manville as well as Blue Apron. Ms. Cool combines her passion for long-term value investing with her experience as an entrepreneurial-minded operator to help take mid-size companies to the next level. Ms. Cool is the co-founder of Smart Woman Securities, an organization that provides personal finance and investment education to undergraduate women. Ms. Cool holds an A.B. degree in economics from Harvard College and an M.B.A. degree from Harvard Business School.
Qualifications: We believe Ms. Cools qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors include her executive leadership experience particularly in setting strategic direction and developing and executing financial and operating strategies, experience as an investor in private and public companies, and experience as a member of other corporate boards.
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Kevin Stein. Mr. Stein has been Chief Executive Officer of TransDigm since April 2018 and as its President since January 2017. He also served as TransDigms Chief Operating Officer from January 2017 to March 2018. Prior to that he was Chief Operating Officer of the TransDigms Power and Controls Segment from October 2014 to December 2016. Prior to that Mr. Stein was President of the Structurals Division and Executive Vice President of Precision Cast Parts from January 2009 to October 2014. Mr. Stein also serves on the board of directors of TransDigm. Mr. Stein holds a BS in Chemistry from Hobart and William Smith College, a MS in Inorganic Chemistry from Stanford University and a PHD in Inorganic/Polymer Chemistry from Stanford University.
Qualifications: We believe Mr. Steins qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors include his experience as Chief Executive Officer at TransDigm, his executive leadership experience, and his knowledge of public companies.
Sean Hennessy. Mr. Hennessy is the retired Senior Vice President, Corporate Planning, Development & Administration of The Sherwin Williams Company, a manufacturer and distributor of coatings and related products, serving in that role from January 2017 to March 2018 in connection with the companys integration of its Valspar acquisition. Prior to that Mr. Hennessy served as Chief Financial Officer of The Sherwin Williams Company from 2001 to 2016. He is a certified public accountant. Mr. Hennessy also serves on the board of directors of TransDigm. Mr. Hennessy holds a Bachelors degree from the University of Akron.
Qualifications: We believe Mr. Hennessy qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors include his experience as Chief Financial Officer at The Sherwin Williams Company, experience as a member of other corporate boards, and his knowledge of public companies.
Robert S. Henderson. Mr. Henderson has been the Vice Chairman at TransDigm since 2017. He also served as the COO of TransDigms Airframe Segment from 2014 to 2016 and as Executive Vice President from 2005 to 2014. From 1999 to 2008 he also served as President of AdelWiggins Group, a division of TransDigm. Mr. Henderson has significant experience integrating acquisitions and leading multiple operating units concurrently. Mr. Henderson holds a Bachelors degree in Mathematics from Brown University.
Qualifications: We believe Mr. Hendersons qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors include his experience as Vice Chairman at TransDigm, his executive leadership experience, and his knowledge of public companies.
Corporate Governance
We will structure our corporate governance in a manner EverArc and Perimeter believe will closely align our interests with those of our shareholders following the Business Combination. Notable features of this corporate governance include:
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we will have a majority of independent directors and independent director representation on our audit, compensation and nominating committees immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination, and our independent directors will meet regularly in executive sessions without the presence of our corporate officers or non-independent directors; and |
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at least one of our directors will qualify as an audit committee financial expert as defined by the SEC. |
Classified Board of Directors
In accordance with Holdcos articles of association, Holdcos Board is divided into three classes with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class (except for those directors initially appointed as Class A and Class B directors) serving a three-year term. The initial Class A directors term will expire at the
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annual general meeting approving the annual accounts for the financial year ended in 2021, the initial Class B directors term will expire at the annual general meeting approving the annual accounts for the financial year ended in 2022, and the initial Class C directors term will expire at the annual general meeting approving the annual accounts for the financial year ended in 2023.
Prior to the Closing, Holdco will determine which of its directors will serve as Class A, Class B and Class C directors.
Independence of our Board of Directors
Holdco currently expects that upon consummation of the Business Combination, a majority of its board will be independent directors and Holdcos Board will have an independent audit committee, nominating committee and compensation committee.
Board Committees
Audit Committee
Our audit committee will be responsible for, among other things:
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appointing, compensating, retaining, evaluating, terminating and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm; |
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discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management; |
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reviewing, with our independent registered public accounting firm, the scope and results of their audit; |
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approving all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm; |
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overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the annual financial statements that we file with the SEC; |
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overseeing our financial and accounting controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; |
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reviewing our policies on risk assessment and risk management; |
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reviewing related person transactions; and |
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establishing procedures for the confidential anonymous submission of concerns regarding questionable accounting, internal controls or auditing matters. |
Prior to the Closing, Holdco will determine which of its directors will serve on its audit committee, each of whom will qualify as independent directors according to the rules and regulations of the SEC and the Trading Market with respect to audit committee membership. In addition, all of the audit committee members will meet the requirements for financial literacy under applicable SEC and the Trading Market rules and at least one of the audit committee members will qualify as an audit committee financial expert, as such term is defined in Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K. Holdcos Board will adopt a new written charter for the audit committee, which will be available on Holdcos website after adoption. The reference to Holdcos website address in this prospectus does not include or incorporate by reference the information on Holdcos website into this prospectus.
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee will be responsible for, among other things:
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reviewing and approving the corporate goals and objectives, evaluating the performance of and reviewing and approving, (either alone or, if directed by the board of directors, in conjunction with a |
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majority of the independent members of the board of directors) the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer; |
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overseeing an evaluation of the performance of and reviewing and setting or making recommendations to our board of directors regarding the compensation of our other executive officers; |
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reviewing and approving or making recommendations to our board of directors regarding our incentive compensation and equity-based plans, policies and programs; |
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reviewing and approving all employment agreement and severance arrangements for our executive officers; |
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making recommendations to our board of directors regarding the compensation of our directors; and |
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retaining and overseeing any compensation consultants. |
Prior to the Closing, Holdco will determine which of its directors will serve on its compensation committee, each of whom will qualify as independent directors according to the rules and regulations of the SEC and the Trading Market with respect to compensation committee membership, including the heightened independence standards for members of a compensation committee. Holdcos Board will adopt a new written charter for the compensation committee, which will be available on Holdcos website after adoption. The reference to Holdcos website address in this prospectus does not include or incorporate by reference the information on Holdcos website into this prospectus.
Nominating Committee
Our nominating committee will be responsible for, among other things:
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identifying individuals qualified to become members of our board of directors, consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors; |
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overseeing succession planning for our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; |
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periodically reviewing our board of directors leadership structure and recommending any proposed changes to our board of directors; |
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overseeing an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of our board of directors and its committees; and |
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developing and recommending to our board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines. |
Prior to the Closing, Holdco will determine which of its directors will serve on its nominating committee, each of whom will qualify as independent directors according to the rules and regulations of the SEC and the Trading Market with respect to nominating committee membership. Holdcos Board will adopt a new written charter for the nominating committee, which will be available on Holdcos website after adoption. The reference to Holdcos website address in this prospectus does not include or incorporate by reference the information on Holdcos website into this prospectus.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee possesses the power of the Board of Directors during intervals between Board meetings.
Risk Oversight
Our board of directors is responsible for overseeing our risk management process. Our board of directors focuses on our general risk management strategy, the most significant risks facing us, and oversees the implementation of risk mitigation strategies by management. Our audit committee is also responsible for discussing our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management. Our board of directors believes its administration of its risk oversight function has not negatively affected our board of directors leadership structure.
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Code of Ethics
Holdcos Board will adopt a Code of Ethics applicable to our directors, executive officers and team members that complies with the rules and regulations of the Trading Market and the SEC. The Code of Ethics will be available on Holdcos website. In addition, Holdco intends to post on the Corporate Governance section of its website all disclosures that are required by law or the Trading Markets listing standards concerning any amendments to, or waivers from, any provision of the Code of Ethics. The reference to Holdcos website address in this prospectus does not include or incorporate by reference the information on Holdcos website into this prospectus.
Compensation of Officers
Following the Closing of the Business Combination, we expect Holdcos executive compensation program as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Holdco Board, to reflect Perimeters compensation policies and philosophies, as they may be modified and updated from time to time.
Employment Agreements
Following the Closing, each Named Executive Officer will be employed by Perimeter Solutions LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the Employer). On October 1, 2021, the Employer and Holdco entered into a new employment agreement with each Named Executive Officer that will become effective upon the closing of the Business Combination (each, a New Agreement). Once effective, the New Agreements will supersede all prior employment related agreements of the Named Executive Officers with the Employer or any of its affiliates, other than any new equity compensation agreements entered into with Holdco.
Each New Agreement provides for an indefinite term of employment that continues until terminated and sets forth the Named Executive Officers base salary, target annual bonus opportunity, severance payments, reimbursement of expenses and eligibility to participate in the 2021 Equity Plan and any other employee benefit plans in effect that are generally available to other senior officers. For fiscal year 2021, each Named Executive Officers annual bonus will be determined in accordance with the bonus plan in effect as of the date of the New Agreement. For subsequent years, the annual bonus for each Named Executive Officer will be determined in accordance with the annual cash bonus plan of Holdco or Employer, as applicable, in effect from time to time and the target bonus opportunity set forth in the New Agreement for that Named Executive Officer. The Named Executive Officers are subject to customary confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants under the New Agreements.
The New Agreement with: (i) Mr. Goldberg provides for an annual base salary of $575,000 and a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 100% of his annual base salary; (ii) Mr. Lederman provides for an annual base salary of $380,000 and a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 50% of his annual base salary; and (iii) Mr. Horn provides for an annual base salary of $247,680 and a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 40% of his annual base salary. Mr. Ledermans New Agreement also entitles Mr. Lederman to receive a mutually agreed upon reasonable reimbursement amount for his out-of-pocket living expenses associated with commuting to the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area (consisting of monthly rent, a rental car, meals and the price of a first class airfare ticket associated with traveling to and from Wayne, New Jersey, to the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area) for as long as Mr. Lederman does not live in the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area.
Each New Agreement also provides for severance payments upon a termination without Cause (as defined in the New Agreement), resignation for Good Reason (as defined in the New Agreement) or termination due to Disability (as defined in the New Agreement). In each case, the applicable Named Executive Officer will be entitled to a severance amount equal to: (i) 1.25 times the Named Executive Officers annual base salary; (ii) 1.0 times the Executives target bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs; and (iii) 15.0 times the difference of: (a) the Monthly COBRA Continuation Coverage Rate (as defined in the New Agreement) as of the date of termination; less (b) the monthly cost that is being charged to the Named Executive Officer for such coverage as of the date of termination. The severance amount will be payable in substantially equal installments over the 15-month period following the date of termination, subject to the Named Executive Officer executing a release of claims.
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Performance-Based Stock Options
Overview
Effective immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination, we intend to grant approximately 8,610,000 performance-based nonqualified stock options to our executive officers and other members of senior management under the 2021 Equity Plan. Each grant will be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the 2021 Equity Plan and a stock option agreement to be entered into between Holdco and the applicable recipient.
These options will have an exercise price of $10.00 per Holdco Ordinary Share and will consist of two types of vesting criteria. Of the aggregate number of options expected to be granted, approximately 210,000 will be eligible to vest based on the achievement of certain performance goals for fiscal year 2021 (the Bridge Option), and the remaining 8,400,000 will be eligible to vest based on the achievement of certain performance goals for fiscal years 2022-2026 (the 5-Year Option).
The Bridge Option will vest and become exercisable (i) if we achieve an EBITDA target for fiscal year 2021; and (ii) if the recipient remains in continuous service through the first anniversary of the grant date. No portion of the Bridge Option will be considered vested unless and until both conditions are met.
The 5-Year Option will be eligible to vest over a five-year period in equal annual tranches based on the achievement of annual operating performance per diluted share (AOP) targets to be set forth in the award agreements. The AOP targets will based on a compounded annual growth rate, and the actual AOP achieved for any given year will be calculated in accordance with a formula to be set forth in the award agreements. For each yearly tranche, we will need to achieve 15% compounded annual growth for minimum vesting (resulting in 25% of that tranche vesting) and 25% compounded annual growth for maximum vesting (resulting in 100% of that tranche vesting). If the actual AOP achieved for any given year exceeds the maximum target, such excess may be treated as having been achieved in the following two fiscal years and/or the prior two fiscal years (without duplication) if less than the full amount of options would otherwise have vested for such years.
In the event of a change of control, a percentage of the unvested options that remain eligible for vesting with respect to the then-current performance year and each remaining performance year will vest in an amount equal to the greater of (i) the average vesting percentage of the prior two performance years and (ii) the amount that would have vested for each applicable remaining year if such determination had been based on the price per share paid at the closing of such change of control transaction instead of AOP.
Grants to Named Executive Officers
We expect to grant our Named Executive Officers the following:
Name |
Bridge
Option |
5-Year
Option |
Total
Option Grant |
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Edward Goldberg |
75,000 | 3,000,000 | 3,075,000 | |||||||||
Barry Lederman |
25,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,025,000 | |||||||||
Shannon Horn |
21,250 | 850,000 | 871,250 |
Our executive officers will be required to hold a minimum level of personal investment in Holdco pursuant to stock retention guidelines attached to their option agreement. Mr. Goldberg is required to hold $2,200,000 in aggregate value, Mr. Lederman is required to hold $1,900,000 in aggregate value and Mr. Horn is required to hold $1,500,000 in aggregate value. The aggregate value may include the fair market value of shares underlying options over the exercise price, but half of the value must be attributable to shares held by the officer. Each officer will have five years after the date of the grant to comply with these requirements.
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2021 Equity Incentive Plan
Effective immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination, the board of directors of Holdco (the Board) will adopt, and its stockholders will approve, the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2021 Equity Plan), which provides for the grant of stock options (either incentive or non-qualified), stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance shares, performance share units and other stock-based awards with respect to the Holdco Ordinary Shares. The purpose of the 2021 Equity Plan is to promote the interests of Holdco and its stockholders by:
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providing us with a means to attract and retain employees, officers, consultants, advisors and directors who will contribute to our long-term growth and success; and |
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providing such individuals with incentives that will align with those of our shareholders. |
Eligibility
Employees, directors and certain consultants of Holdco or its subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards under the 2021 Equity Plan. Eligibility for options intended to be incentive stock options (ISOs) is limited to employees of Holdco or any of its subsidiaries. In certain circumstances, we may also grant substitute awards to holders of equity-based awards of a company that we acquire or combine with.
Administration
The 2021 Equity Plan will be administered by the compensation committee, or such other committee as may be designated by Holdcos board of directors, or by Holdcos full board of directors (the term committee will refer generally to the body with such authority for purposes of this description of the 2021 Equity Plan terms). Grants made to persons subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act will require the approval of a committee consisting of two or more members who are non-employee directors (as defined under Section 16) or Holdcos full board of directors.
The committee has the authority to, among other things, determine the employees, directors and consultants to whom awards may be granted, determine the number of shares subject to each award, determine the type and the terms and conditions of any award to be granted (including, but not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times at which the awards may be exercised, any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions and any restriction or limitation regarding any award or the shares relating thereto), approve forms of award agreements, interpret the terms of the 2021 Equity Plan and awards granted thereunder and adopt rules and regulations relating to the 2021 Equity Plan, including with respect to clawback policies and procedures. If a committee member has a direct or indirect financial interest conflicting with that of Holdco in either the issuance of awards to such member or any underlying shares, the conflicted member must advise the committee of the conflict and recuse himself or herself from any deliberations relating to such conflict.
However, other than in connection with certain corporate events, the committee cannot take any of the following actions without the approval of our shareholders: (i) lower the exercise or grant price per share of an outstanding option or SAR, (ii) cancel an option or SAR in exchange for cash or another award (other than in connection with a change in control) when the exercise or grant price per share of the option or SAR exceeds the fair market value of one Holdco Ordinary Share, or (iii) take any other action with respect to an option that would be treated as a repricing under the applicable stock exchange rules.
Term
Unless terminated earlier by Holdcos board of directors, the 2021 Equity Plan will terminate on the earlier of (i) the date all shares subject to the 2021 Equity Plan have been purchased or acquired according to its provisions and (ii) the tenth anniversary of its effective date. Upon termination of the 2021 Equity Plan, all outstanding awards will continue in effect in accordance with the provisions of the terminated 2021 Equity Plan and the applicable award agreement (or other documents evidencing such awards).
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Shares Available for Issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan
A total of 32,000,000 Holdco Ordinary Shares will be authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan. Any shares reserved and available for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan may be used for any type of award under the 2021 Equity Plan, including ISOs.
Shares underlying awards that are expired, forfeited, or otherwise terminated without the delivery of shares, or are settled in cash, and any shares tendered to or withheld by us for the payment of an exercise price or for tax withholding will again be available for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan.
In connection with a subdivision or consolidation of the Holdco Ordinary Shares or other capital adjustment or other material change in our capital structure, the number and kind of shares that may be issued under the 2021 Equity Plan, the individual award limits and the number and kind of shares that are subject to outstanding awards, and other terms and conditions thereof, will be equitably adjusted.
We may also assume awards previously granted under a compensatory plan of an acquired business and grant substitutes for such awards under the 2021 Equity Plan. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan will not be decreased by the number of shares subject to any such assumed awards and substitute awards. In addition, shares available for issuance under a compensatory plan of an acquired business (as appropriately adjusted, if necessary) may be used for awards under the 2021 Equity Plan, subject to applicable shareholder approval and stock exchange requirements.
Annual Individual Limits for Directors
The maximum aggregate number of shares subject to awards granted during a single fiscal year to any director who is not an employee, taken together with any cash fees paid to such director during the fiscal year, may not exceed $1,000,000 in total value (based on grant date fair value), in each case for service as a director and not as a bona fide consultant or advisor to Holdco or any of its subsidiaries.
Types of Awards
The 2021 Equity Plan permits the grant of the following types of awards:
Stock Options. Stock options may be either nonqualified stock options or ISOs. The holder of an option will be entitled to purchase a number of Holdco Ordinary Shares on the terms and conditions determined by the committee, including the vesting terms, exercise price and manner and timeframe in which it may be exercised. Except in the case of substitute awards, the exercise price will be at least the fair market value of one Holdco Ordinary Share on the grant date (or 110% of the fair market value if the option an ISO granted to a 10% or greater shareholder). Options will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the grant date, unless the committee establishes an earlier termination date or other circumstances cause earlier termination.
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs). The holder of a SAR will be entitled to receive, upon exercise of the SAR, an amount equal to the excess of (i) the fair market value of one Holdco Ordinary Share on the date the SAR is exercised, over (ii) the grant price of the SAR. The committee will determine the terms and conditions of the SAR, including the vesting terms, grant price and manner and timeframe in which it may be exercised. Except in the case of substitute awards, the grant price will be no less than the fair market value of one Holdco Ordinary Share on the grant date. The committee will also determine whether the payment received upon exercise of a SAR will be in cash, Holdco Ordinary Shares of equivalent value or a combination thereof. SARs will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the grant date, unless the committee establishes an earlier termination date or other circumstances cause earlier termination.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). A restricted stock award is an award of Holdco Ordinary Shares subject to vesting restrictions. An RSU is a right to receive cash, Holdco Ordinary Shares or a
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combination thereof based on the value of a Holdco Ordinary Share. The committee will determine the conditions and/or restrictions, vesting and delivery schedule and other terms of restricted stock and RSUs, including time-based restrictions and/or restrictions based upon the achievement of specific performance goals and the time and manner of payment of amounts earned. Unless provided otherwise by the committee, restricted stock and RSUs are forfeited to the extent that a recipient fails to satisfy the applicable conditions during the restricted period.
Performance Units and Performance Share Units. Performance units and performance share units are awards that will result in a payment to the holder of such award only if, and depending on the extent to which, performance goals or other conditions established by the committee are achieved or the awards otherwise vest. The committee may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals or any other basis determined by the committee in its discretion. Performance units and performance share units may be denominated as a cash amount, a number of Holdco Ordinary Shares, a number of units referencing a cash amount, a number of units referencing a number of Holdco Ordinary Shares or other property, or a combination thereof.
Other Awards. The committee may grant other awards that are denominated or valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based upon Holdco Ordinary Shares, either alone or in addition to other awards granted under the 2021 Equity Plan. Other awards may be settled in Holdco Ordinary Shares, cash or any other form of property, and have such other terms and conditions as determined by the committee.
Non-Transferability of Awards
Unless the committee provides otherwise, our 2021 Equity Plan generally does not allow for the transfer of awards and only the recipient of an award may exercise an award during his or her lifetime.
Repayment of Awards and Forfeiture
The committee may seek repayment or recovery of an award or the value received pursuant to an award, as appropriate, pursuant to any recovery, recoupment, clawback and/or other forfeiture policy maintained by us from time to time or any applicable law or regulation or the standards of any stock exchange on which the shares are then listed.
The committee may also provide that the holders rights under an award are subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon (i) breach of non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality or other restrictive covenants that are applicable to the holder, (ii) a termination of the holders employment for cause, or (iii) other conduct by the holder that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Holdco and/or its affiliates.
Change in Control
The 2021 Equity Plan provides that in the event of a merger or change in control, as defined under the 2021 Equity Plan, each outstanding award will be treated as the committee determines, either in the award agreement or in connection with the change in control.
The committee may cause an award to be canceled in exchange for a cash or other payment to the holder or cause an award to be assumed by a successor corporation. If the successor corporation does not assume or substitute an equivalent award for any outstanding award, then the committee may cause such award to fully vest, all restrictions on such award to lapse, all performance goals or other vesting criteria applicable to such award to be achieved and such award to become fully exercisable, if applicable, for a specified period prior to the transaction, unless specifically provided for otherwise under the applicable award agreement or other written agreement with the holder of such award.
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Amendments and Termination
Holdcos board of directors may amend, suspend, or terminate the 2021 Equity Plan at any time, subject to the prior approval of our shareholders to the extent required by applicable law or stock exchange requirement or, in any event, if the action would increase the number of shares available for awards under the 2021 Equity Plan. In addition, no termination, amendment or modification of the 2021 Equity Plan may be made that adversely affects in a material way any award previously granted under the 2021 Equity Plan, without the prior written consent of the award holder.
Governing Law
The 2021 Equity Plan and all awards will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
Compensation of Directors
Following the Closing of the Business Combination, we expect Holdco to pay a retainer of $75,000 per year to its non-employee independent directors, $15,000 per year to the chairperson of its audit committee, $5,000 per year to the chairperson of its compensation committee and $5,000 per year to the chairperson of its nominating committee.
In addition, every two years, we expect Holdco to make grant of stock options to each non-employee independent director covering compensation for two fiscal years, granted on the same terms and conditions as those granted to Company employees, which vests over five years.
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DESCRIPTION OF HOLDCOS SECURITIES
As a result of the Business Combination, EverArc shareholders who receive Holdco Ordinary Shares in the Business Combination will become Holdco shareholders. Your rights as Holdco shareholders will be governed by the laws of Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Holdcos articles of association. The following description of the material terms of Holdcos capital stock, including the Holdco Ordinary Shares to be issued in the Business Combination, reflects the anticipated state of affairs upon completion of the Business Combination. We urge you to read the applicable provisions of Luxembourg law and Holdcos forms of articles of association carefully and in their entirety because they describe your rights as a holder of Holdco Ordinary Shares.
Ordinary Shares
Share Capital
Holdco was incorporated on June 21, 2021 by EverArc, with an initial share capital of $40,000, represented by 40,000 Holdco Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of $1.00 per share.
Immediately prior to consummation of the Business Combination, Holdcos issued share capital will equal $49,337,600, represented by 49,337,600 Holdco Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of $1.00 per share. A shareholder in a Luxembourg société anonyme holding fully paid up shares is not liable, solely because of his, her or its shareholder status, for additional payments to Holdco or its creditors.
Share Issuances
Pursuant to Luxembourg law, the issuance of Holdco Ordinary Shares requires approval by the shareholders at the time of an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders to be held before a notary in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (subject to necessary quorum and majority requirements). The shareholders may approve an authorized capital and authorize the board of directors, for a period up to 5 years, to increase the share capital in one or several tranches with or without share premium, against payment in cash or in kind, by conversion of claims on Holdco or in any other manner for any reason whatsoever including (i) issue subscription and/or conversion rights in relation to new shares or instruments within the limits of the authorized capital under the terms and conditions of warrants (which may be separate or linked to shares, bonds, notes or similar instruments issued by Holdco), convertible bonds, notes or similar instruments; (ii) determine the place and date of the issue or successive issues, the issue price, the terms and conditions of the subscription of and paying up on the new shares and instruments and (iii) remove or limit the statutory preferential subscription right of the shareholders in case of issue against payment in cash or shares, warrants (which may be separate or attached to shares, bonds, notes or similar instruments), convertible bonds, notes or similar instruments up to the maximum amount of such authorized capital for a maximum period of five years after the date that the minutes of the relevant general meeting approving such authorization are published in the Luxembourg official gazette (Recueil Electronique des Sociétés, RESA). The shareholders may amend, renew (each time for a period up to 5 years) or extend such authorized capital and such authorization to the board of directors to increase the share capital and issue ordinary shares.
In addition, the general meeting of shareholders may authorize the board of directors to make an allotment of existing or newly issued shares without consideration to (a) employees of Holdco or certain categories amongst those; (b) employees of companies or economic interest grouping in which Holdco holds directly or indirectly at least ten per cent (10%) of the share capital or voting rights; (c) employees of companies or economic interest grouping which holds directly or indirectly at least ten per cent (10%) of the share capital or voting rights of Holdco; (d) employees of companies or economic interest grouping in which at least fifty per cent (50%) of the share capital or voting rights is held directly or indirectly by a company which holds directly or indirectly at least fifty per cent (50%) of the share capital of Holdco; and (e) members of the corporate bodies of Holdco or of the
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companies or economic interest grouping listed in point (b) to (d) above or certain categories amongst those, for a maximum period of five years after the date that the minutes of the relevant general meeting approving such authorization are published in the Luxembourg RESA.
Holdco recognizes only one holder per ordinary share. In case an ordinary share is owned by several persons, they shall appoint a single representative who shall represent them in respect of Holdco. Holdco has the right to suspend the exercise of all rights attached to that share, except for relevant information rights, until such representative has been appointed.
Upon the consummation of the Business Combination, the board of directors will resolve on the issuance of Holdco Ordinary Shares out of the authorized capital (capital autorisé) in accordance with applicable law. The board of directors also resolves on the applicable procedures and timelines to which such issuance will be subjected. If the proposal of the board of directors to issue new Holdco Ordinary Shares exceeds the limits of Holdcos authorized share capital, the board of directors must then convene the shareholders to an extraordinary general meeting to be held in front of a Luxembourg notary for the purpose of increasing the issued share capital. Such meeting will be subject to the quorum and majority requirements required for amending the articles of association. If the capital call proposed by the board of directors consists of an increase in the shareholders commitments, the board of directors must convene the shareholders to an extraordinary general meeting to be held in front of a Luxembourg notary for such purpose. Such meeting will be subject to the unanimous consent of the shareholders.
Preemptive Rights
Under Luxembourg law, existing shareholders benefit from a preemptive subscription right on the issuance of ordinary shares for cash consideration. However, Holdcos shareholders have, in accordance with Luxembourg law, authorized the board of directors to suppress, waive, or limit any preemptive subscription rights of shareholders provided by law to the extent that the board of directors deems such suppression, waiver, or limitation advisable for any issuance or issuances of ordinary shares within the scope of Holdcos authorized share capital. The general meeting of shareholders duly convened to consider an amendment to the articles of association also may, by two-thirds majority vote, limit, waive, or cancel such preemptive rights or renew, amend or extend them, in each case for a period not to exceed five years. Such ordinary shares may be issued above, at, or below market value, and, following a certain procedure, even below the nominal value or below the accounting par value per ordinary share. The ordinary shares also may be issued by way of incorporation of available reserves, including share premium.
Share Repurchases
Holdco cannot subscribe for its own ordinary shares. Holdco may, however, repurchase issued ordinary shares or have another person repurchase issued ordinary shares for its account, subject to the following conditions:
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prior authorization by a simple majority vote at an ordinary general meeting of shareholders, which authorization sets forth: |
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the terms and conditions of the proposed repurchase and in particular the maximum number of ordinary shares to be repurchased; |
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the duration of the period for which the authorization is given, which may not exceed five years; |
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in the case of repurchase for consideration, the minimum and maximum consideration per share, provided that the prior authorization shall not apply in the case of ordinary shares acquired by either Holdco, or by a person acting in his or her own name on its behalf, for the distribution thereof to its staff or to the staff of a company with which it is in a control relationship; |
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only fully paid-up ordinary shares may be repurchased; and |
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the voting and dividend rights attached to the repurchased shares will be suspended as long as the repurchased ordinary shares are held by Holdco; and the acquisition offer must be made on the same terms and conditions to all the shareholders who are in the same position, except for acquisitions which were unanimously decided by a general meeting at which all the shareholders were present or represented. In addition, listed companies may repurchase their own shares on the stock exchange without an acquisition offer having to be made to Holdcos shareholders. |
The authorization will be valid for a period ending on the earlier of five years from the date of such shareholder authorization and the date of its renewal by a subsequent general meeting of shareholders. Pursuant to such authorization, the board of directors is authorized to acquire and sell Holdcos ordinary shares under the conditions set forth in article 430-15 of the 1915 Law. Such purchases and sales may be carried out for any authorized purpose or any purpose that is authorized by the laws and regulations in force. The purchase price per ordinary share to be determined by the board of directors or its delegate shall represent not more than the fair market value of such ordinary share.
In addition, pursuant to Luxembourg law, Holdco may directly or indirectly repurchase ordinary shares by resolution of its board of directors without the prior approval of the general meeting of shareholders if such repurchase is deemed by the board of directors to be necessary to prevent serious and imminent harm to Holdco, or if the acquisition of ordinary shares has been made with the intent of distribution to its employees and/or the employees of any entity having a controlling relationship with it (i.e., its subsidiaries or controlling shareholder) or in any of the circumstances listed in article 430-16 of the 1915 Law.
Preferred Shares
As long as the Holdco Preferred Shares are in issue and outstanding, no shares ranking pari passu or senior to the Holdco Preferred Shares shall be issued by Holdco, other than additional Holdco Preferred Shares or other equity securities interest issued with the consent of a majority of holders of the Holdco Preferred Shares.
Each Holdco Preferred Share is entitled to a Preferential Dividend amounting to the applicable Regular Dividend Rate of its nominal value (i.e. $10.00 per share). The Preferential Dividend shall be paid each year within 3 business days following each Preferential Dividend Payment Date. On each Preferential Dividend Payment Date, 40% of the Preferential Dividend for such year (or 50% of the Preferential Dividend for such year if Holdco paid a dividend on the Holdco Ordinary Shares during period since the payment of the last Preferential Dividend Payment Date) shall be paid in cash and the remainder of the Preferential Dividend shall be paid in kind, unless Holdco elects to pay any additional portion of the Preferential Dividend in cash; provided, that, (x) Holdco shall not be required to pay any portion of such annual Preferential Dividends in cash on a Preferential Dividend Payment Date to the extent that Holdco or its subsidiaries are prohibited from paying such portion of the annual Preferential Dividend in cash under either (i) the Senior Credit Agreement or (ii) the Bridge Loan/Secured Notes, and (y) in the event that Holdco or its subsidiaries are so prohibited from paying all or a portion of such Preferential Dividends in cash as described in the foregoing clause (x), Holdco shall pay the maximum amount not prohibited by the Senior Credit Agreement or the Bridge Loan/Secured Notes in cash. If Holdco fails to pay any portion of the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend for any reason in a given year by the Preferential Dividend Payment Date (including due to clause (x) of the immediately preceding sentence), then (i) the Preferential Dividend rate for such year (i.e. the year in which Holdco fails to pay any portion of the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment), but not necessarily the subsequent year, will increase to the Increased Dividend Rate and (ii) the Preferential Dividend Rate for the following year will be reset at the Regular Dividend Rate and will be subject to increase to the Increased Dividend Rate for such year (but not necessarily the subsequent year) if Holdco fails to pay any portion of the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment by the Preferential Dividend Payment Date for such year.
If Holdco fails to redeem the Holdco Preferred Shares at the defined maturity date, the Preferential Dividend rate will permanently increase to the interest rate currently being paid (whether default or not) under the Senior Credit Agreement plus 10%.
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As long as Holdco Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding, Holdco and its subsidiaries shall not (a) enter into a credit agreement (except to the extent related to the issuance of senior secured notes as contemplated by the Bridge Loan/Secured Notes) or (b) amend the Senior Credit Agreement, in each case, in a manner that would adversely affect the redemption rights of the Holdco Preferred Shares by extending the maturity date under such credit facility beyond the defined maturity date or increase the restrictions on Holdcos ability to pay the cash portion of Preferential Dividends without the consent of holders owning a majority of the Holdco Preferred Shares. If, in any year, Holdco fails to make any portion of the cash portion of any Preferential Dividend by the Preferential Dividend Payment Date, then, during the following year, Holdco may not, without the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Holdco Preferred Shares, pay a cash dividend on the Holdco Ordinary Shares until such time as Holdco has paid the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment for such following year (which cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment may be paid by Holdco in advance of the Preferential Dividend Payment Date for, and at any time during, such following year); for the avoidance of doubt, the restrictions set forth in this sentence shall not apply to any non-pro rata purchase, repurchase or redemption of any equity securities of Holdco or any of its subsidiaries. As long as Holdco Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding, during the occurrence and continuance of a default by Holdco to pay any Preferential Dividend (for the avoidance of doubt, the payment of any cash portion of the Preferential Dividend in kind in accordance with the terms of Holdcos articles of association shall not constitute a default by Holdco), the approval of holders owning a majority of the outstanding Holdco Preferred Shares shall be required (i) for the declaration of dividends to the benefit of all other categories of Holdco shares issued and outstanding and (ii) for the purchase, repurchase or redemption of any equity securities of Holdco or any of its subsidiaries (other than pursuant to equity incentive agreements with employees).
Holdco Preferred Shares are not entitled to vote, save for the matters provided for by Luxembourg law, including any amendment, alteration or change to the rights attached to the Holdco Preferred Shares in a manner adverse to the Holdco Preferred Shares for which the consent of holders owning a majority of the Holdco Preferred Shares will be required.
Holdco Preferred Shares, being non-voting shares, shall not be included for the calculation of the quorum and majority at each general meeting of Holdco, save for the matters provided for by Luxembourg law and in the relevant provisions of the articles of association of Holdco.
In case of liquidation of Holdco, after payment of all the debts of and charges against Holdco and of the expenses of liquidation, the holders of Holdco Preferred Shares, if any, shall be entitled to a preferential right to repayment of the nominal value of the Holdco Preferred Shares plus any accrued but unpaid Preferential Dividends before repayment of the nominal value of the Holdco Ordinary Shares.
The rights attached to the Holdco Preferred Shares under Holdcos articles of association shall not be amended in a manner adverse to the Holdco Preferred Shares without the consent of holders owning a majority of the Holdco Preferred Shares.
Voting Rights
Each Holdco Ordinary Share entitles the holder thereof to one vote. Neither Luxembourg law nor Holdcos articles of association contain any restrictions as to the voting of Holdco Ordinary Shares by non-Luxembourg residents. The 1915 Law distinguishes general meetings of shareholders and extraordinary general meetings of shareholders with respect to quorum and majority requirements.
Meetings
Ordinary General Meeting
At an ordinary general meeting, there is no quorum requirement and resolutions are adopted by a simple majority of validly cast votes. Abstentions are not considered votes.
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Extraordinary General Meeting
Extraordinary resolutions are required for any of the following matters, among others: (i) an increase or decrease of the authorized or issued capital, (ii) a limitation or exclusion of preemptive rights, (iii) approval of a statutory merger or de-merger (scission), (iv) Holdcos dissolution and liquidation opening, (v) any and all amendments to Holdcos articles of association and (vi) change of nationality. Pursuant to Holdcos articles of association, for any resolutions to be considered at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, the quorum shall be at least one half of Holdcos issued share capital unless otherwise mandatorily required by law. If the said quorum is not present, a second meeting may be convened, for which the 1915 Law does not prescribe a quorum. Any extraordinary resolution shall be adopted at a quorate general meeting, except otherwise provided by law, by at least a two-thirds majority of the votes validly cast on such resolution by shareholders. Abstentions are not considered votes.
Annual Shareholders Meetings
An annual general meeting of shareholders shall be held in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg within six months of the end of the preceding financial year, except for the first annual general meeting of shareholders which may be held within 18 months from incorporation.
Warrants
Pursuant to the EverArc Warrant Amendment attached to the Business Combination Agreement as Exhibit B, EverArc will assign to Holdco all of EverArcs right, title and interest in and to the EverArc Warrant Instrument and Holdco will assume, and agree to pay, perform, satisfy and discharge in full, all of EverArcs liabilities and obligations under the EverArc Warrant Instrument arising from and after the Merger Effective Time.
Each Holdco Warrant is exercisable in multiples of four to purchase one Holdco Ordinary Share and only whole warrants are exercisable. The exercise price of the Holdco Warrants is $12.00 per share, subject to adjustment as described in the EverArc Warrant Instrument. A Holdco Warrant may be exercised only during the period commencing on the date that is 30 days after the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, and terminating at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the date that is three years after the date on which the Business Combination is completed, provided that if such day is not a trading day, the trading day immediately following such day, unless earlier redeemed in accordance with the EverArc Warrant Instrument as described below.
Redemptions of Warrants
Pursuant to the EverArc Warrant Instrument, once the warrants become exercisable, they may be redeemed (i) in whole and not in part, (ii) at a price of $0.01 per warrant, (iii) upon not less than 30 days prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder, and (iv) if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the Holdco Ordinary Shares equals or exceeds $18.00 per share for any 10 consecutive trading days.
Dividends
From the annual net profits of Holdco, at least 5% shall each year be allocated to the reserve required by applicable laws (the Legal Reserve). That allocation to the Legal Reserve will cease to be required as soon and as long as the Legal Reserve amounts to 10% of the amount of the share capital of Holdco. The general meeting of shareholders shall resolve how the remainder of the annual net profits, after allocation to the Legal Reserve, will be disposed of by allocating the whole or part of the remainder to a reserve or to a provision, by carrying it forward to the next following financial year or by distributing it, together with carried forward profits, distributable reserves or share premium to the shareholders, each Holdco Ordinary Share entitling to the same proportion in such distributions.
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The board of directors may resolve that Holdco pays out an interim dividend to the shareholders, subject to the conditions of article 461-3 of the 1915 Law and Holdcos articles of association, which includes, inter alia, a supervisory/statutory auditor report (as applicable). The board of directors shall set the amount and the date of payment of the interim dividend.
Any share premium, assimilated premium or other distributable reserve may be freely distributed to the shareholders subject to the provisions of the 1915 Law and Holdcos articles of association. In case of a dividend payment, each shareholder is entitled to receive a dividend right pro rata according to his, her or its respective shareholding. The dividend entitlement lapses upon the expiration of a five-year prescription period from the date of the dividend distribution. The unclaimed dividends return to Holdcos accounts.
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COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
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SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL OF BUSINESS COMBINATIONS |
Under BVI law and the articles of association, the board of directors has all the powers necessary for managing, and for directing and supervising, the business and affairs of the Company. The board of directors powers are limited only by law and EverArcs Articles.
A business combination that involves a merger (other than a parent-subsidiary merger) would require the approval of a resolution of shareholders passed in accordance with the articles of association.
Transactions such as a sale, lease or exchange of substantial company assets require only the approval of the board of directors. EverArcs Articles exclude any provision of law requiring the board of directors to obtain shareholder approval of a disposition of 50% or more of the assets of EverArc. |
Under Luxembourg law and the articles of association, the board of directors has the broadest powers to take any action necessary or useful to achieve the companys purpose. The board of directors powers are limited only by law and Holdcos articles of association.
Any type of business combination that would require an amendment to the articles of association, such as a merger, de-merger, dissolution, or voluntary liquidation, requires a resolution taken by the shareholders at the time of an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders.
Transactions such as a sale, lease or exchange of substantial company assets require only the approval of the board of directors. Neither Luxembourg law nor Holdcos articles of association contain any provision requiring the board of directors to obtain shareholder approval of a sale, lease or exchange of substantial assets of Holdco. |
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SPECIAL VOTE REQUIRED FOR COMBINATIONS WITH INTERESTED SHAREHOLDERS | Under BVI law, no restriction exists as to the transactions that a shareholder may engage in with EverArc. | Under Luxembourg law, no restriction exists as to the transactions that a shareholder may engage in with Holdco. The transaction must, however, be in Holdcos corporate interest, which for instance requires that the transactions are made on arms length terms. | ||
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN | Subject to the BVI Companies Act and to the companys memorandum or articles of association, shares in a company may be issued, and options to acquire shares in a company granted, at such times, to such persons, for such consideration and on such terms as the directors may determine. | Pursuant to Luxembourg law, the shareholders may create an authorized share capital which allows the board of directors to increase the share capital in one or several tranches with or without share premium, for a maximum period of five years (renewable) against payment in cash or in kind, |
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A statement of the maximum number of shares that the company is authorized to issue or that the company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares, and the classes of shares that the company is authorized to issue, and if the company is authorized to issue two or more classes of sharesthe rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to each class of shares, must be included in the companys memorandum of association.
Shares may be issued for consideration which is in whole or in part in any form, including money, a promissory note, or other written obligation to contribute money or property, real property, personal property (including goodwill and know-how), services rendered or a contract for future services. The consideration for the issuance of a share with par value shall not be less than the par value of the share.
If shares are to be issued by a company for a consideration which is in whole or in part other than money, then the directors are required to pass a resolution stating: (a) the amount to be credited for the issue of the shares; and (b) that, in their opinion, the present cash value of the non-money consideration and money consideration, if any, for the issue is not less than the amount to be credited for the issue of the shares.
Subject to the companys memorandum or articles of association, a company may issue bonus shares, partly paid shares and nil paid shares. Subject to the companys memorandum or articles of association, a bonus share issued by the company is deemed to have been fully paid for on issue. |
by conversion of claims on Holdco or in any other manner for any reason whatsoever including (i) issue subscription and/or conversion rights in relation to new shares or instruments within the limits of the authorized capital under the terms and conditions of warrants (which may be separate or linked to shares, bonds, notes or similar instruments issued by Holdco), convertible bonds, notes or similar instruments; (ii) determine the place and date of the issue or successive issues, the issue price, the terms and conditions of the subscription of and paying up on the new shares and instruments and (iii) remove or limit the statutory preferential subscription right of the shareholders in case of issue against payment in cash or shares, warrants (which may be separate or attached to shares, bonds, notes or similar instruments), convertible bonds, notes or similar instruments within the limits of such authorized share capital. The board of directors may be further authorized to, under certain conditions, limit, restrict, or waive preferential subscription rights of existing shareholders when issuing new shares within the authorized share capital. The rights attached to the new shares issued within the authorized share capital will be equal to those attached to existing shares and set forth in the articles of association.
In addition, the board of directors may be further authorized to make an allotment of existing or newly issued shares without consideration to (a) employees of Holdco or certain categories amongst those; (b) employees of companies or economic interest grouping in which Holdco holds directly or indirectly at least 10% of the share |
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capital or voting rights; (c) employees of companies or economic interest grouping which holds directly or indirectly at least 10% of the share capital or voting rights of Holdco; (d) employees of companies or economic interest grouping in which at least 50% of the share capital or voting rights is held directly or indirectly by a company which holds directly or indirectly at least 50% of the share capital of Holdco; and (e) members of the corporate bodies of Holdco or of the companies or economic interest grouping listed in point (b) to (d) above or certain categories amongst those.
The authorization to the board of directors to issue additional shares or other instruments as described above within the authorized share capital (and to limit, restrict or waive, as the case may be, preferential subscription rights) as well as the authorization to allot shares without consideration may be valid for a period of up to five years, starting from either the date of the minutes of the extraordinary general meeting resolving upon such authorization or starting from the date of the publication of the minutes of the extraordinary general meeting resolving upon such authorization in the Luxembourg official gazette (RESA). The authorization may be renewed, increased or reduced by a resolution of the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, with the quorum and majority rules set for the amendment of the articles of association.
Holdcos articles of association authorize its board of directors to issue Holdco Ordinary Shares within the limits of the authorized share capital at such times and on |
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such terms as the board of directors or its delegates may decide for a period ending five years after the date of the creation of the authorized share capital unless such period is extended, amended or renewed. Accordingly, the board of directors is authorized to issue Holdco Ordinary Shares up to the limits of authorized share capital until such date. Holdco currently intends to seek renewals and/or extensions as required from time to time. | ||||
APPRAISAL RIGHTS |
The BVI Companies Act provides that any member of a company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his, her or its shares upon dissenting from any of the following:
(a) a merger, unless the company is the surviving company of the merger and the member continues to hold the same or similar shares;
(b) a consolidation;
(c) any sale, transfer, lease, exchange or other disposition of more than 50% in value of the assets or business of the company if not made in the usual or regular course of the business carried on by the company but not including (i) a disposition pursuant to an order of the court having jurisdiction in the matter; (ii) a disposition for money on terms requiring all or substantially all net proceeds to be distributed to the members in accordance with their respective interest within one year after the date of disposition; or (iii) a transfer pursuant to the power of the directors to |
Neither Luxembourg law nor Holdcos articles of association provide for appraisal rights. |
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transfer assets for the protection thereof; |
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(d) a redemption of 10%, or fewer, of the issued shares of the company required by the holders of 90%, or more, of the shares of the company pursuant to the terms of the BVI Companies Act; and
(e) an arrangement, if permitted by the BVI High Court,
and the fair value of his, her or its shares is appraised by three appraisers in accordance with the BVI Companies |
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SHAREHOLDER CONSENT TO ACTION WITHOUT MEETING | Pursuant to British Virgin Islands law, subject to the memorandum or articles of a company, an action that may be taken by members of the company at a meeting of members may also be taken by a resolution of members consented to in writing or by telex, telegram, cable or other written electronic communication, without the need for any notice. The EverArc Articles provide for such consent in writing. |
Pursuant to Luxembourg law, in public company limited by shares (société anonyme) a shareholder meeting must always be called if the matter to be considered requires a shareholder resolution under Luxembourg law or Holdcos articles of association.
Pursuant to Luxembourg law, shareholders of a public limited liability company may not take actions by written consent. All shareholder actions must be approved at an actual meeting of shareholders held before a notary public or under private seal, depending on the nature of the matter. Shareholders may vote in person, by proxy or, if the articles of association provide for that possibility, by correspondence.
The articles of association of Holdco provide for the possibility of vote by correspondence. |
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MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS | The BVI Companies Act permits as few as seven days notice of meetings of shareholders to be | Pursuant to Luxembourg law, at least one general meeting of shareholders must be held each |
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provided to shareholders. Under the EverArc Articles, not less than 10 days notice is required; no maximum limit. Meetings of shareholders may be called by the directors and shall be called by the directors upon requisition by shareholders holding 30% of the voting rights in respect of the matter for which the meeting is requested. Pursuant to the EverArc Articles, a meeting of the shareholders may be called by shorter notice if shareholders holding at least 90% of total voting rights on all matters to be considered at the meeting have waived notice of the meeting. Pursuant to British Virgin Islands law, a quorum for a meeting of shareholders is as designated in the memorandum and articles of association. A quorum for a meeting of shareholders is designated in the EverArc Articles as one shareholder in person or by proxy and entitled to vote. Meetings of shareholders may be adjourned for such time as directors determine. The record date for determining the shareholders entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders is as fixed by the directors. |
year, within six months as from the close of the financial year. The purpose of such annual general meeting is to approve the annual accounts, allocate the results, proceed to statutory appointments and resolve on the discharge of the directors and the auditors. Other general meetings of shareholders may be convened. Luxembourg law distinguishes between ordinary resolutions to be adopted and extraordinary resolutions to be adopted by the general meeting of shareholders. Extraordinary resolutions relate to proposed amendments to the articles of association and other limited matters. All other resolutions are ordinary resolutions. Pursuant to Luxemburg law, there is no requirement of a quorum for any ordinary resolutions to be considered at a general meeting and such ordinary resolutions shall be adopted by a simple majority of votes validly cast on such resolution. Abstentions are not considered votes.
Extraordinary resolutions are required for any of the following matters, among others: (i) an increase or decrease of the authorized or issued share capital, (ii) a limitation or exclusion of preemptive rights, (iii) approval of a statutory merger or de-merger (scission), (iv) dissolution and liquidations opening, (v) an amendment of the articles of association and (vi) change of nationality.
Pursuant to Luxembourg law for any extraordinary resolutions to be considered at a general meeting, the quorum shall be at least one half |
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(50%) of the issued share capital. If the said quorum is not present, a second meeting may be convened at which Luxembourg law does not prescribe a quorum. Any extraordinary resolution shall be adopted at a quorate general meeting (except as otherwise provided by mandatory law) by a two-thirds majority of the votes validly cast on such resolution by shareholders. Abstentions are not considered votes. The 1915 Law provides that if, as a result of losses, net assets fall below half of the share capital of the company, the board of directors shall convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders so that it is held within a period not exceeding two months from the time at which the loss was or should have been ascertained by them and such meeting shall resolve on the possible dissolution of the company and possibly on other measures announced in the agenda. The board of directors shall, in such situation, draw up a special report which sets out the causes of that situation and justify its proposals eight days before the extraordinary general meeting. If it proposes to continue to conduct business, it shall set out in the report the measures it intends to take in order to remedy the financial situation of the company. The same rules apply if, as a result of losses, net assets fall below one-quarter of the share capital provided that in such case dissolution shall take place if approved by one-fourth of the votes casts at the extraordinary general meeting. |
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DISTRIBUTIONS AND DIVIDENDS; REPURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS | Shares may be repurchased as determined by the board subject to shareholder consent and to the solvency test. There are no capital | Under Luxembourg law, the amount and payment of dividends or other distributions is determined by a simple majority vote at a |
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limitations in the BVI Companies Act. EverArc may hold or sell treasury shares.
Each ordinary share has one vote for each share. Each Founder Preferred Share has one vote for each share.
Directors are elected by a resolution of directors to fill a vacancy or appoint an additional director or by a vote of shareholders. See Vacancies on Board of Directors below for information regarding the EverArc Founder Entitys right to nominate and have appointed up to three directors. |
general shareholders meeting based on the recommendation of the board of directors, except in certain limited circumstances. Pursuant to Holdcos articles of association, the board of directors has the power to pay interim dividends or make other distributions in accordance with applicable Luxembourg law. Distributions may be lawfully declared and paid if Holdcos net profits and/or distributable reserves are sufficient under Luxembourg law. All Holdco Ordinary Shares rank pari passu with respect to the payment of dividends or other distributions unless the right to dividends or other distributions has been suspended in accordance with Holdcos articles of association or applicable law.
Under Luxembourg law, at least 5% of Holdcos net profits per year must be allocated to the creation of a legal reserve until such reserve has reached an amount equal to 10% of Holdcos issued share capital. The allocation to the legal reserve becomes compulsory again when the legal reserve no longer represents 10% of Holdcos issued share capital. The legal reserve is not available for distribution.
Pursuant to Luxembourg law, Holdco (or any party acting on its behalf) may repurchase its own shares and hold them in treasury, provided that:
the shareholders at a general meeting have previously authorized the board of directors to acquire its ordinary shares. The general meeting shall determine the terms and conditions of the proposed acquisition and in particular the maximum number of shares to be acquired, the |
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period for which the authorization is given (which may not exceed five years), and, in the case of acquisition for value, the maximum and minimum consideration; |
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the acquisitions, including shares previously acquired by Holdco and held by it and shares acquired by a person acting in his, her or its own name but on Holdcos behalf, may not have the effect of reducing the net assets below the amount of the issued share capital plus the reserves (which may not be distributed by law or under the articles of association);
the shares repurchased are fully paid-up; and
the acquisition offer must be made on the same terms and
conditions to all the shareholders who are in the same position, except for acquisitions which were unanimously decided by a general meeting at which all the shareholders were present or represented. In addition, listed companies may repurchase their own shares on the stock exchange without an acquisition offer having to be made to Holdcos shareholders.
No prior authorization by shareholders is required (i) if the acquisition is made to prevent serious and imminent harm to Holdco, provided that the board of directors informs the next general meeting of the reasons for and the purpose of the acquisitions made, the number and nominal values or the accounting value of the shares acquired, the proportion of the subscribed capital which they |
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represent, and the consideration paid for them, and (ii) in the case of shares acquired by either Holdco or by a person acting on its behalf with a view to redistributing the shares to its staff or staff of its controlled subsidiaries, provided that the distribution of such shares is made within twelve months from their acquisition. | ||||
Luxembourg law provides for further situations in which the above conditions do not apply, including the acquisition of shares pursuant to a decision to reduce Holdcos share capital or the acquisition of shares issued as redeemable shares. Such acquisitions may not have the effect of reducing net assets below the aggregate of subscribed capital and reserves (which may not be distributed by law) and are subject to specific provisions on reductions in share capital and redeemable shares under Luxembourg law.
Any shares acquired in contravention of the above provisions must be resold within a period of one year after the acquisition or be cancelled at the expiration of the one-year period.
As long as shares are held in treasury, the voting rights attached thereto are suspended. Further, to the extent the treasury shares are reflected as assets on Holdcos balance sheet a non-distributable reserve of the same amount must be reflected as a liability. Holdcos articles of association provide that Holdco Ordinary Shares may be acquired in accordance with the law. |
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NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | Board must consist of at least one director. Maximum number of directors can be changed by | Pursuant to Luxembourg law, when the company has more than one shareholder, the board of directors |
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amendment to the EverArc Articles. The EverArc Articles provide that there shall be not less than one director, with no maximum. |
must be composed of at least three directors. They are appointed by the general meeting of shareholders (by proposal of the board of directors, the shareholders, or a spontaneous candidacy) by a simple majority of the votes cast. Directors may be reelected, but the term of their office may not exceed six years.
Holdcos articles of association will provide that the board of directors shall be composed of at least six directors, to be elected by a simple majority vote at a general meeting. Abstentions are not considered votes. |
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VACANCIES ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS | Vacancies and new directorships may be filled by a majority vote of shareholders or a majority of the directors, subject to the designation rights of the holder of Founder Preferred Share under the EverArc Articles. | Holdcos articles of association provide that in case of a vacancy the remaining members of the board of directors may elect a director to fill the vacancy, on a temporary basis and for a period of time not exceeding the initial mandate of the replaced member of the board of directors, until the next general meeting of shareholders, which shall resolve on the permanent appointment in compliance with the applicable legal provisions and the articles of association. | ||
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS; STAGGERED TERM OF DIRECTORS |
EverArc directors may be removed by resolution of the shareholders or a resolution of directors. Directors are elected by the shareholders as entitled by their terms, including the holders of ordinary shares. Directors may also appoint a director to fill vacancy or as an additional director. |
Under Luxembourg law, a director may be removed by the general meeting of shareholders (by proposal of the board of directors, the shareholders, or a spontaneous request) by a simple majority of the votes cast, with or without cause.
Holdcos articles of association will provide for three different classes of directors. The duration of their mandate will not exceed three years and the duration shall be |
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determined so as to ensure that the mandate of all the directors of the same class end on the same date and that a different full class of directors be fully renewed at each |
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annual general meeting of shareholders of Holdco. | ||||
COMMITTEES | EverArcs articles of association provide that the board of directors may set up committees and determine their composition, powers, and rules, save that the directors have no power to delegate to a committee any of the following powers: (a) to amend the Memorandum or the Articles; (b) to designate committees of directors; (c) to delegate powers to a committee of directors; (d) to appoint or remove directors; (e) to appoint or remove an agent; (f) to approve a plan of merger, consolidation or arrangement; (g) to make a declaration of solvency or to approve a liquidation plan; or (h) to make a determination that the company will immediately after a proposed distribution, satisfy the statutory solvency test. | Holdcos articles of association will provide that the board of directors may set up committees and determine their composition, powers, and rules. | ||
AMENDMENT OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS | Amendments to the EverArc Articles may be made by resolution of the directors (in limited circumstances) or by the shareholders (holders of ordinary shares and Founder Shares), provided that in the case of amendment by directors such amendment may only be made where the directors, in their discretion (acting in good faith) determine such amendment to be necessary or desirable in connection with or resulting from the Business Combination (including at any time after the Business Combination was consummated), including in connection with admission to listing on the NYSE or Nasdaq and provided such amendment doesnt |
Under Luxembourg law, amendments to Holdcos articles of association require an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held in front of a Luxembourg notary at which at least one half (50%) of the share capital is present or represented.
The notice of the extraordinary general meeting shall set out the proposed amendments to the articles of association.
If the aforementioned quorum is not reached, a second meeting may be convened by means of a notice published in the Luxembourg official electronic gazette (RESA) and in a Luxembourg newspaper 15 |
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have a materially adverse effect on the rights attaching to any class of shares as set out in the EverArc Articles, unless the shareholders of the affected class consent in | days before the meeting. The second meeting shall be validly constituted regardless of the proportion of the share capital present or represented. |
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British Virgin Islands |
Luxembourg |
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accordance with the EverArc Articles. |
At both meetings, resolutions will be adopted if approved by at least two-thirds of the votes cast by shareholders (unless otherwise required by Luxembourg law or the articles of association). Where classes of shares exist and the resolution to be adopted by the general meeting of shareholders changes the respective rights attaching to such shares, the resolution will be adopted only if the conditions as to quorum and majority set out above are fulfilled with respect to each class of shares.
An increase of the commitments of its shareholders requires the unanimous consent of the shareholders.
Holdcos articles of association provide that for any extraordinary resolutions to be considered at a general meeting, the quorum shall be at least one-half of Holdcos issued share capital. If the said quorum is not present, a second meeting may be convened at which Luxembourg law does not prescribe a quorum. Any extraordinary resolution shall be adopted at a quorate general meeting (save as otherwise provided by mandatory law) by a two-thirds majority of the votes validly cast on such resolution by shareholders. Abstentions are not considered votes.
In very limited circumstances, the board of directors may be authorized by the shareholders to amend the articles of association, albeit always within the limits set |
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forth by the shareholders at a duly convened shareholders meeting. This is the case in the context of Holdcos authorized share capital within which the board of directors is authorized to issue further Holdco Ordinary Shares. The board |
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British Virgin Islands |
Luxembourg |
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of directors is then authorized to appear in front of a Luxembourg notary to record the capital increase and to amend the share capital set forth in the articles of association. The above also applies in case of the transfer of Holdcos registered office outside the current municipality. | ||||
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS |
BVI law does not limit the extent to which a companys articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the BVI High Court to be contrary to public policy (e.g. for purporting to provide indemnification against the consequences of committing a crime). An indemnity will be void and of no effect and will not apply to a person unless the person acted honestly and in good faith and in what he believed to be in the best interests of the company and, in the case of criminal proceedings, the person had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
A British Virgin Islands company may purchase insurance in relation to any person who is or was a director or officer of the company, including a liquidator of the company. |
Luxembourg law permits Holdco to keep directors indemnified against any expenses, judgments,
fines and amounts paid in connection with liability of a director towards Holdco or a third party for management errors i.e., for wrongful acts committed during the execution of the mandate (mandat) granted to the director by Holdco, except in connection with criminal offences, gross negligence or fraud. |
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LIMITED LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS | BVI law does not provide for an ex ante limitation of liability but it permits EverArc to keep directors indemnified as set out above. | Luxembourg law does not provide for an ex ante limitation of liability but it permits Holdco to keep directors indemnified as set out above. | ||
ADVANCE NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS | To bring a matter before a meeting or to nominate a candidate for director, 10 days written notice must be given by EverArc to the shareholders. | One or several shareholders holding at least 10% of the share capital may request the addition of one or several items on the agenda of a general meeting. Such request must be addressed to the registered office of Holdco by registered mail at least |
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British Virgin Islands |
Luxembourg |
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five days before the general meeting.
If one or more shareholders representing at least 10% of the share capital request so in writing, with an indication of the agenda, the convening of a general meeting, the board of directors or the statutory auditor must convene a general meeting. The general meeting must be held within a period of one month from receipt of such request. |
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SHAREHOLDERS SUITS |
If the majority members have infringed a minority members rights, the minority may seek to enforce its rights either by derivative action or by personal action. A derivative action concerns the infringement of the companys rights where the wrongdoers are in control of the company and are preventing it from taking action, whereas a personal action concerns the infringement of a right that is personal to the particular member concerned.
The BVI Companies Act provides for a series of remedies available to members. Where a company conducts some activity which breaches the BVI Companies Act or the companys memorandum and articles of association, the BVI High Court can issue a restraining or compliance order. Members can now also bring derivative, personal and representative actions under certain circumstances.
The traditional English basis for members remedies have also been |
Under Luxembourg law, the board of directors has sole authority to decide whether to initiate legal action to enforce a companys rights (other than, in certain circumstances, an action against board members).
Shareholders generally do not have the authority to initiate legal action on a companys behalf unless the company fails abusively to exercise its legal rights. However, a companys shareholders may vote at a general meeting to initiate legal action against directors on grounds that the directors have failed to perform their duties.
Luxembourg law does not provide for class action lawsuits.
However, it is possible for plaintiffs who have similar but separate claims against the same defendant(s) to bring an action on a group basis by way of a joint action. It is also possible to ask the court, under article 206 of the Luxembourg New Civil Procedure |
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incorporated into the BVI Companies Act: where a member of a company considers that the affairs of the company have been, are being or are likely to be conducted in a manner likely to be oppressive, |
Code, to join claims which are closely related and to rule on them together.
In addition, minority shareholders holding an aggregate of 10% of the |
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British Virgin Islands |
Luxembourg |
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unfairly discriminating or unfairly prejudicial to him, he may apply to the BVI High Court for an order on such conduct.
Any member of a company may apply to the BVI High Court for the appointment of a liquidator for the company and the Court may appoint a liquidator for the company if it is of the opinion that it is just and equitable to do so.
Generally any other claims against a company by its members must be based on the general laws of contract or tort applicable in the BVI or their individual rights as members as established by the companys memorandum and articles of association.
The BVI Companies Act provides that if a company or a director of a company engages in, proposes to engage in or has engaged in, conduct that contravenes the BVI Companies Act or the memorandum or articles of association of the company, the BVI High Court may, on the application of a member or a director of the company, make an order directing the company or director to comply with, or restraining the company or director from engaging in conduct that contravenes the BVI Companies Act or the memorandum or articles of association. |
voting rights and who voted against the discharge to a director at the annual general meeting of the company can initiate legal action against the director on behalf of the company. |
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Upon the Closing, Holdco will have Holdco Ordinary Shares authorized and, based on the assumptions set out elsewhere in this prospectus, up to 156,932,812 Holdco Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding. In addition, Holdco is expected to have 34,020,000 warrants issued and outstanding, each warrant exercisable for one-fourth of a Holdco Ordinary Share at $12.00 per whole Holdco Ordinary Share. All of the Holdco Ordinary Shares issued to the EverArc shareholders in connection with the Business Combination will be freely transferable by persons other than by Holdco affiliates or EverArcs affiliates without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. Sales of substantial amounts of the Holdco Ordinary Shares in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices of the Holdco Ordinary Shares. Prior to the Business Combination, there has been no public market for Holdco Ordinary Shares. Holdco intends to apply for listing of the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants on the Trading Market, but Holdco cannot assure you that a regular trading market will develop in the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants.
Lock Up Arrangements
Pursuant to the Placing Agreement, the EverArc Founders, the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities, the EverArc Founder Entity and each of the Directors have agreed that they shall not, without the prior written consent of the Placing Agents offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any EverArc Ordinary Shares, Founder Shares or EverArc Warrants they hold directly or indirectly in EverArc (or acquire pursuant to the terms of the Founder Advisory Agreement or EverArc Warrants) or any interest in any entity other than EverArc which they may receive in connection with a Business Combination for their EverArc Ordinary Shares or EverArc Warrants, for a period commencing on the date of the Placing Agreement and ending one year after EverArc has completed the Business Combination or upon the passing of a resolution to voluntarily wind-up EverArc for failure to complete the Business Combination (whichever is earlier).
The restrictions on the ability of the Directors and the EverArc Founders to transfer their EverArc Ordinary Shares, Founder Shares or EverArc Warrants, as the case may be, are subject to certain usual and customary exceptions for: gifts; transfers for estate planning purposes; transfers to trusts (including any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of such trusts) for the benefit of the Directors, the EverArc Founders or their families or charitable organizations; transfers to the Directors, the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities or the Founders; transfers to affiliates or direct or indirect equity holders, holders of partnership interests or members of the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities or the EverArc Founder Entity, in each case, subject to certain conditions; transfers among the EverArc Founders, the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities or the EverArc Founder Entity (including any affiliates thereof or direct or indirect equity holders, holders of partnership interests or members of the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities or the EverArc Founder Entity); transfers to any direct or indirect subsidiary of EverArc, a target company or shareholders of a target company in connection with an Business Combination, provided that in each of the foregoing cases, the transferees enter into a lock up agreement for the remainder of the period referred to above which is subject to similar exceptions to those set out in this paragraph; transfers of any EverArc Ordinary Shares or EverArc Warrants acquired after the date of Admission in an open-market transaction, or the acceptance of, or provision of, an irrevocable undertaking to accept, a general offer made to all Shareholders on equal terms; and after the Business Combination, transfers to satisfy certain tax liabilities in connection with, or as a result of transactions related to, completion of the Business Combination, the exercise of EverArc Warrants, or the receipt of share dividends; and, after the Business Combination, transfers by a Director, a Founder, the EverArc Subscription Founder Entities or the EverArc Founder Entity (or certain connected or permitted transferees thereof) of up to 10 per cent. of such persons shares for purposes of charitable gifts.
Rule 144
All of Holdcos equity shares that will be outstanding upon the completion of the Business Combination, other than those equity shares issued to the EverArc shareholders in connection with the Business Combination, are
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restricted securities as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, including the shares issued to Perimeter shareholders in the Contribution and Sales and to the PIPE Subscribers, and may be sold publicly in the U.S. only if they are subject to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirement such as those provided by Rule 144 and Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act. In general, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who, at the time of a sale, is not, and has not been during the three months preceding the sale, an affiliate of Holdco and has beneficially owned Holdcos restricted securities for at least six months will be entitled to sell the restricted securities without registration under the Securities Act, subject only to the availability of current public information about Holdco. Persons who are affiliates of Holdco and have beneficially owned Holdcos restricted securities for at least six months may sell a number of restricted securities within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of the following:
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1% of the then outstanding equity shares of the same class; or |
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the average weekly trading volume of Holdco Ordinary Shares of the same class during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC. |
Sales by affiliates of Holdco under Rule 144 are also subject to certain requirements relating to manner of sale, notice and the availability of current public information about Holdco.
Restrictions on the Use of Rule 144 by Shell Companies or Former Shell Companies
Rule 144 is not available for the resale of securities initially issued by shell companies (other than business combination related shell companies) or issuers that have been at any time previously a shell company. However, Rule 144 also includes an important exception to this prohibition if the following conditions are met:
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the issuer of the securities that was formerly a shell company has ceased to be a shell company; |
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the issuer of the securities is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; |
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the issuer of the securities has filed all Exchange Act reports and material required to be filed, as applicable, during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports and materials); and |
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at least one year has elapsed from the time that the issuer filed Form 20-F type information with the SEC, which is expected to be filed promptly after completion of the Business Combination, reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company. |
Rule 701
In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act as currently in effect, each of Perimeters employees, consultants or advisors who purchases equity shares from Holdco in connection with a compensatory stock plan or other written agreement executed prior to the completion of the Business Combination is eligible to resell those equity shares in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with some of the restrictions, including the holding period, contained in Rule 144. However, certain of the Rule 701 shares would remain subject to lock-up arrangements and would only become eligible for sale when the lock-up period expires.
Registration Rights
The Company has agreed to provide at its own cost, such information and assistance as the EverArc Founder Entity may reasonably request to enable it to effect a disposal of all or part of their its Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants at any time after the completion of the Business Combination, including, without limitation, (a) the preparation, qualification and approval of a prospectus in respect of such Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants (b) the provision of all financial and other records to any underwriters and any attorneys,
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accountants or other professionals retained by the EverArc Founder Entity or the underwriters as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to conduct a reasonable investigation, and (c) all other steps reasonably necessary to effect the qualification, offering and sale of the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants, the entry into any customary agreements and such other actions, (including participating in roadshows), as are reasonably required in order to consummate or facilitate the disposition of the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants.
Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, Holdco agreed that (i) within 30 calendar days after the Closing Date, it will file with the SEC (at Holdcos sole cost and expense) a registration statement registering the resale of the PIPE Shares, and (ii) it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (x) the 60th calendar day (or 90th calendar day if the SEC notifies Holdco that it will review the registration statement) following the closing of the sale of the PIPE Shares and (y) the 5th business day after the date Holdco is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that such registration statement will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
EverArc
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of EverArc Ordinary Shares as of August 18, 2021, by:
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each person known by EverArc to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of EverArc Ordinary Shares; |
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each of EverArcs current executive officers and directors; and |
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all of EverArcs current executive officers and directors as a group. |
The EverArc Founder Entity and EverArcs directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares of EverArc Ordinary Shares in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following the completion of the Business Combination, although they are under no obligation to do so. Such a purchase may include a contractual acknowledgement that such shareholder, although still the record holder of such shares, is no longer the beneficial owner thereof.
In addition, if such purchases are made, the public float of EverArc Ordinary Shares and the number of beneficial holders of EverArcs securities may be reduced, possibly making it difficult for Holdco to obtain the quotation, listing or trading of its securities on a national securities exchange.
The SEC has defined beneficial ownership of a security to mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of voting power and/or investment power over such security. A stockholder is also deemed to be, as of any date, the beneficial owner of all securities that such stockholder has the right to acquire within 60 days after that date through (i) the exercise of any option, warrant or right, (ii) the conversion of a security, (iii) the power to revoke a trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement, or (iv) the automatic termination of a trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, ordinary shares subject to options or other rights (as set forth above) held by that person that are currently exercisable, or will become exercisable within 60 days thereafter, are deemed outstanding, while such shares are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing percentage ownership of any other person. Each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all of the ordinary shares shown as beneficially owned by such person, except as otherwise indicated in the table or footnotes below.
Unless otherwise indicated, EverArc believes that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned by them. The following table does not reflect record or beneficial ownership of the EverArc Warrants or the EverArc Ordinary Shares issuable thereunder. The calculation of the percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 40,832,500 shares of EverArc Ordinary Shares outstanding as of August 18, 2021.
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Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each beneficial owner is 55 Water Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11201.
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Amount and Nature
of Beneficial Ownership |
Approximate
Percentage of Outstanding Ordinary Shares of EverArc |
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Executive Officers and Directors: |
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W. Nicholas Howley |
595,239 | 1.46 | % | |||||
William N. Thorndike, Jr. |
500,000 | 1.22 | % | |||||
Tracy Britt Cool |
30,000 | * | ||||||
Michael Tobin OBE |
7,500 | * | ||||||
Bram Belzberg |
7,500 | * | ||||||
Adam Luke Hall |
7,500 | * | ||||||
John Staer |
7,500 | * | ||||||
All directors and executive officers as a group: |
1,155,239 | 2.68 | % | |||||
Five Percent or More Holders: |
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Select Equity Group L.P.(1) |
5,500,000 | 13.47 | % | |||||
Senator Investment Group LP(2) |
3,000,000 | 8.82 | % | |||||
Third Point LLC(3) |
4,600,000 | 11.27 | % |
* |
Less than 1% |
(1) |
Based solely on a Form TR-1 filed by Select Equity Group L.P. on March 9, 2020. The address of Select Equity Group L.P. is 380 Lafayette Street, New York, New York 10003. |
(2) |
Based solely on a Form TR-1 filed by Senator Investment Group LP on March 9, 2020. The address of Senator Investment Group LP is 510 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, New York 10022. |
(3) |
Based solely on a Form TR-1 filed by Third Point LLC on March 9, 2020. The address of Third Point LLC is 55 Hudson Yards, 51st Floor, New York, New York 10001. |
Combined Company
The following table shows the expected beneficial ownership of Holdco Ordinary Shares immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination and PIPE by:
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each person expected to beneficially own more than 5% of the Holdco Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding immediately after the consummation of the Business Combination and PIPE; |
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each EverArc Founder and each person who is expected to become an executive officer or a director of Holdco upon consummation of the Business Combination; and |
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all of the executive officers and directors of Holdco as a group upon consummation of the Business Combination. |
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The expected beneficial ownership of Holdco Ordinary Shares post-Business Combination has been determined based upon the following: (i) the EverArc Founder Entity exchanges all outstanding Founder Shares for shares of Holdco Ordinary Shares upon completion of the Business Combination, (ii) no additional equity securities of EverArc are issued at or prior to Closing, other than the 115,000,000 shares of EverArc Ordinary Shares currently subscribed for and to be issued in connection with the PIPE and (iii) 156,932,812 Holdco Ordinary Shares (excluding treasury shares) are outstanding following the Closing. The following table does not reflect record or beneficial ownership of the Holdco Warrants or the Holdco Ordinary Shares issuable thereunder. Based on current assumptions, we do not expect any Holdco shareholder to beneficially own five percent or more of the outstanding Holdco Ordinary Shares.
* |
Less than 1% |
(1) |
The business address of such beneficial owner is 55 Water Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11201. |
(2) |
The business address of such beneficial owner is 8000 Maryland Avenue, Suite 350, Clayton, Missouri 63105. |
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Transfer Agent; Warrant Agent and Registrar
The registrar and transfer agent for the shares of common stock of EverArc and Holdco and the warrant agent for the warrants of EverArc and Holdco is Computershare Inc. EverArc has agreed to indemnify Computershare Inc. in its roles as transfer agent and warrant agent against all liabilities, including judgments, costs and reasonable counsel fees that may arise out of acts performed or omitted for its activities in that capacity, except for any liability due to any gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the indemnified person or entity.
The validity of the Holdco Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the Business Combination will be passed upon by Maples and Calder (Luxembourg) SARL and the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Business Combination will be passed upon by Greenberg Traurig, P.A. Greenberg Traurig, P.A. has advised us as to matters relating to SEC and the Trading Markets listing requirements.
The audited financial statement of Holdco as of June 30, 2021 included in this prospectus and in the registration statement has been so included in reliance on the report of BDO USA, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein and in the registration statement, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The consolidated financial statements of Perimeter as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for the years then ended, included in this prospectus and in the registration statement have been so included in reliance on the report of BDO USA, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein and in the registration statement, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The audited financial statements of EverArc included in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so included in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton UK LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Holdco will be required to file its annual report on Form 10-K with the SEC no later than four months following its fiscal year end. EverArc releases annual and interim financial reports and certain other information via the regulatory news service operated by the London Stock Exchange. You can read EverArcs public filings, including this prospectus, over the Internet at the LSEs website at https://www.londonstockexchange.com or at EverArcs website at https://www.everarcholdings.com.
All information in this prospectus relating to EverArc has been supplied by EverArc, all information relating to Perimeter has been supplied by Perimeter and all information relating to Holdco has been supplied by Holdco. Information provided by either EverArc or Perimeter does not constitute any representation, estimate or projection of any other party.
Perimeter does not file any annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.
None of EverArc, Holdco or Perimeter has authorized anyone to give any information or make any representation about the Business Combination or their companies that is different from, or in addition to, that contained in this
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prospectus or in any of the materials that have been incorporated in this prospectus. Therefore, if anyone does give you information of this sort, you should not rely on it. If you are in a jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell, or solicitations of offers to exchange or purchase, the securities offered by this prospectus or the solicitation of proxies is unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this prospectus does not extend to you.
The information contained in this prospectus speaks only as of the date of this prospectus unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies.
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Page | ||||
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS, SA FINANCIAL STATEMENT |
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Audited Financial Statement |
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F-2 | ||||
F-3 | ||||
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE S.ÀR.L. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 |
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 |
F-5 | |||
F-6 | ||||
F-7 | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 |
F-8 | |||
Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements |
F-9 | |||
Audited Financial Statements |
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F-25 | ||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 |
F-26 | |||
F-27 | ||||
F-28 | ||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 |
F-29 | |||
F-30 | ||||
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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Unaudited Financial Statements |
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F-58 | ||||
F-59 | ||||
F-60 | ||||
F-61 | ||||
F-62 | ||||
Audited Financial Statements |
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F-67 | ||||
F-68 | ||||
F-69 | ||||
F-70 | ||||
F-71 |
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Perimeter Solutions S À
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Opinion on the Financial Statement
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Perimeter Solutions S À (the Company) as of June 30, 2021 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statement). In our opinion, the financial statement presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at June 30, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
This financial statement is the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys financial statement based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
We have served as the Companys auditor since 2021.
Houston, Texas
September 1, 2021
F-2
Balance Sheet
(expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise stated)
June 30, 2021 | ||||
Assets |
$ | | ||
Total assets |
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Liabilities |
| |||
Commitments and contingencies |
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Equity |
||||
Note receivable from EverArc Holdings Ltd. |
(40 | ) | ||
Share capital ($1.00 par value, 40,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding) |
40 | |||
|
|
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Total equity |
| |||
|
|
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Total liabilities and equity |
$ | | ||
|
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See accompanying notes to financial statement.
F-3
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA
Notes to Financial Statement
As of June 30, 2021
(expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise stated)
1. |
Overview |
General Information
Perimeter Solutions SA (the Company), was incorporated in Luxemburg on June 21, 2021. Pursuant to a reorganization into a holding company structure, the Company will be a holding company with its principal asset being a controlling ownership interest in SK Invictus Intermediate, S.à r.l. (Holdings) and its subsidiaries, doing business as Perimeter Solutions (Perimeter).
2. |
Basis of Presentation |
The accompanying financial statement has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP). Through June 30, 2021, the Company had not earned any revenue and had not incurred any expenses; therefore, the statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows have been omitted. There have been no other transactions involving the Company as of June 30, 2021.
3. |
Stockholders Equity |
On June 21, 2021, the Company issued 40,000 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, all of which are owned by our Parent, EverArc Holdings Ltd. Payment for the shares was received July 20, 2021.
4. |
Subsequent Events |
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through September 1, 2021, which is the date its financial statement was available to be issued.
F-4
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
As of
June 30, 2021 |
As of
December 31, 2020 |
|||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 4,041 | $ | 22,478 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,011 and $1,044 as of June 30, 2021 (unaudited) and December 31, 2020, respectively |
64,632 | 28,896 | ||||||
Inventories |
78,710 | 58,784 | ||||||
Income tax receivable |
17,305 | 11,457 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
6,430 | 11,406 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current assets |
171,118 | 133,021 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipmentnet |
49,194 | 48,235 | ||||||
Goodwill |
486,455 | 482,041 | ||||||
Customer listsnet |
283,061 | 304,308 | ||||||
Existing technology and patentsnet |
130,245 | 135,928 | ||||||
Other intangible assetsnet |
33,421 | 33,464 | ||||||
Other assets |
980 | 1,209 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets |
$ | 1,154,474 | $ | 1,138,206 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs |
$ | 5,610 | $ | 6,723 | ||||
Accounts payable |
36,132 | 9,869 | ||||||
Deferred revenue |
6,701 | 286 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
17,288 | 16,045 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current liabilities |
65,731 | 32,923 | ||||||
Long-term debt, less current portion, net of unamortized debt issuance costs |
684,746 | 680,548 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
114,404 | 112,162 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
20,952 | 21,151 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities |
$ | 885,833 | $ | 846,784 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) |
||||||||
Shareholders equity: |
||||||||
Common stock, $1 par value per share; 53,045,510 shares authorized as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020; 53,045,510 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 |
53,046 | 53,046 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
289,344 | 289,344 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(3,578 | ) | (3,174 | ) | ||||
Accumulated deficit |
(70,171 | ) | (47,794 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total shareholders equity |
268,641 | 291,422 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
$ | 1,154,474 | $ | 1,138,206 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-5
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 121,046 | $ | 109,499 | ||||
Cost of goods sold |
73,814 | 69,440 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross profit |
47,232 | 40,059 | ||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative |
27,211 | 17,734 | ||||||
Amortization expense |
26,542 | 25,428 | ||||||
Other operating expense |
753 | 691 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total operating expenses |
54,506 | 43,853 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating income (loss) |
(7,274 | ) | (3,794 | ) | ||||
Other expense: |
||||||||
Interest (income) expense |
15,886 | 24,250 | ||||||
Loss on contingent earnout |
2,763 | | ||||||
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss |
2,258 | (153 | ) | |||||
Other (income) expensenet |
(318 | ) | (80 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other expenses |
20,589 | 24,017 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Loss before income taxes |
(27,863 | ) | (27,811 | ) | ||||
Income tax benefit |
5,486 | 5,724 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net loss |
(22,377 | ) | (22,087 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other comprehensive loss: |
||||||||
Foreign translation adjustments |
(404 | ) | (3,443 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total comprehensive loss |
$ | (22,781 | ) | $ | (25,530 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net loss per share: |
||||||||
Basic |
$ | (0.42 | ) | $ | (0.42 | ) | ||
Diluted |
$ | (0.42 | ) | $ | (0.42 | ) | ||
Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share: |
||||||||
Basic |
53,045,510 | 53,045,510 | ||||||
Diluted |
53,045,510 | 53,045,510 |
See accompanying notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-6
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders Equity
(in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
Common Stock |
Additional
Paid-in Capital |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss |
Accumulated
Deficit |
Total
Shareholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2020 |
53,045,510 | $ | 53,046 | $ | 289,344 | $ | (7,961 | ) | $ | (72,043 | ) | $ | 262,386 | |||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | (22,087 | ) | (22,087 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign translation adjustments |
| | | (3,443 | ) | | (3,443 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2020 |
53,045,510 | $ | 53,046 | $ | 289,344 | $ | (11,404 | ) | $ | (94,130 | ) | $ | 236,856 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Common Stock |
Additional
Paid-in Capital |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss |
Accumulated
Deficit |
Total
Shareholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2021 |
53,045,510 | $ | 53,046 | $ | 289,344 | $ | (3,174 | ) | $ | (47,794 | ) | $ | 291,422 | |||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | (22,377 | ) | (22,377 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign translation adjustments |
| | | (404 | ) | | (404 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2021 |
53,045,510 | $ | 53,046 | $ | 289,344 | $ | (3,578 | ) | $ | (70,171 | ) | $ | 268,641 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-7
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Six Months Ended
June 30, |
||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (22,377 | ) | $ | (22,087 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense |
30,381 | 28,779 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
2,242 | 3,042 | ||||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs |
1,621 | 1,766 | ||||||
Loss on contingent earnout |
2,763 | | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
(35,736 | ) | (782 | ) | ||||
Inventories |
(19,472 | ) | (3,501 | ) | ||||
Income tax receivable |
(5,848 | ) | (9,226 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
4,761 | (5,567 | ) | |||||
Other assets |
229 | 969 | ||||||
Accounts payable |
26,263 | 1,370 | ||||||
Deferred revenue |
6,415 | 4,736 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
(1,559 | ) | 4,967 | |||||
Other liabilities |
(199 | ) | 158 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
(10,516 | ) | 4,624 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(3,507 | ) | (3,955 | ) | ||||
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired |
(6,264 | ) | (1,970 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(9,771 | ) | (5,925 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Proceeds from revolving credit facility |
7,500 | 45,800 | ||||||
Repayments of revolving credit facility |
(3,000 | ) | (45,600 | ) | ||||
Repayment of long-term debt |
(2,808 | ) | (2,805 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
1,692 | (2,605 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents |
158 | 546 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
(18,437 | ) | (3,360 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year |
22,478 | 9,822 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year |
$ | 4,041 | $ | 6,462 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
||||||||
Cash paid for interest |
$ | 14,266 | $ | 22,007 | ||||
Cash paid for income taxes |
$ | 946 | $ | 86 |
See accompanying notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-8
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
1. |
DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS |
Organization
SK Invictus Intermediate, S.à r.l. (Holdings) and its subsidiaries, doing business as Perimeter Solutions (collectively, the Company), is a global solutions provider for the Fire Safety and Oil Additives industries. Holdings is domiciled and organized under laws of Luxembourg, with subsidiaries further domiciled and organized within the respective operating jurisdictions. The Company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (USA) with global operations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Holdings was formed by SK Capital Partners IV-A, L.P. and SK Capital Partners IV-B, L.P (collectively, the Sponsor) on February 12, 2018, which is the same date when operations commenced. Holdings issued 53,045,510 shares of common stock to an indirect subsidiary of the Sponsor and used the proceeds from the Sponsor and issuance of third-party debt to purchase all the assets that form the business operations.
The U.S. dollar represents the functional currency for its Luxembourg entities.
Nature of Business
The Fire Safety business is a global producer of fire-fighting chemicals with a broad product offering, including phosphate-based fire retardant, Class A Foam and Class B Foam, across fire retardant and fire suppressant foam applications. Fire retardants are utilized to fight forest fires through aerial and ground applications. Class A Foam is utilized to fight structural fires, and Class B Foam is used to fight flammable liquid fires. Significant end markets are primarily government-related entities and are dependent on concessions, licenses, and permits granted by the respective governments.
The Oil Additives business is a producer of Phosphorus Pentasulfide, which is an intermediate commonly used in the production of lubricant additives and essential in the formulation of engine oils. Their main function is to provide anti-wear protection to engine components. In addition, they inhibit oxidation of the oil by scavenging free radicals that initiate oil breakdown and sludge formulation, resulting in better and longer engine function. Significant end markets are primarily producers of engine oil additives.
2. |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 was derived from amounts included in the Companys annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. Refer to this note for the full list of the Companys significant accounting policies. The details in those notes have not changed except as discussed below and as a result of normal adjustments in the interim periods.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S.
F-9
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
GAAP) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted in accordance with such rules and regulations.
Unaudited Interim Condensed Financial Statements
The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021, and condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, and condensed consolidated statements of changes in shareholders equity for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, are unaudited. The interim condensed financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited annual financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the Companys financial position as of June 30, 2021, and the condensed results of its operations and comprehensive income (loss) and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. The financial data and other information disclosed in these notes related to the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 are also unaudited. The condensed results of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2021 or any other period.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management in connection with the preparation of the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the fair value of purchase consideration and assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, the useful lives of long-lived assets, inventory valuations, the allocation of transaction price among various performance obligations, the allowance for doubtful accounts, the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, valuation of goodwill, indefinite life intangible assets, contingent earnout liability, and realizability of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Deferred Financing Fees
As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, unamortized original issue discount and other debt issuance costs of $12,029 and $13,422, respectively, for the Companys term loans are carried as a contra liability and are amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, unamortized deferred financing costs of $943 and $1,170, respectively, for the Companys revolving line of credit are carried as a long-term asset and are amortized straight-line into interest expense over the term of the facility. Amortization of deferred financing fees for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 for the term loans and revolving line of credit was $1,621 and $1,766, respectively, and is presented as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
F-10
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with high-quality financial institutions with investment-grade ratings. For accounts receivable, the Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonpayment by customers to the extent of the amounts recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.
One of the Companys customers in the Fire Safety business accounted for 30% of total sales during the six months ended June 30, 2021. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, one customer within Fire Safety and one within Oil Additives represented 33% (21% and 12%, respectively) of total sales. One customer within Fire Safety represented 47% of the total accounts receivable balance as of June 30, 2021. Two customers within Fire Safety and one within Oil Additives represented 44% (18%, 15% and 11%, respectively) of the total accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2020. No other customer represented greater than 10% of the Companys total sales or total accounts receivable.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740), which simplifies the accounting for income taxes. The ASUs amendments are based on changes that were suggested by stakeholders as part of the FASBs simplification initiative. The new standard has been adopted by Company as of January 1, 2021 and the Companys adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)-Accounting For Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entitys Own Equity. The ASU simplifies accounting for convertible instruments by removing major separation models required under current GAAP. Consequently, more convertible debt instruments will be reported as a single liability instrument with no separate accounting for embedded conversion features. The ASU removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception, which will permit more equity contracts to qualify for it. The ASU also simplifies the diluted net income per share calculation in certain areas. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has early adopted this as of January 1, 2021, the adoption does not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The new standard is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company expects to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2022 and continues to assess potential effects of the standard.
F-11
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
The FASB issued five ASUs related to ASC 326. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses. ASU 2019-11 provides codification updates to ASU 2016-13. In November 2019, the FASB also issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-10, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) and Leases (Topic 842)Effective Dates, an ASU modifying the effective dates of various previous pronouncements. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief. ASU 2019-05 provides entities with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option for eligible instruments. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging and Topic 825, Financial Instruments. ASU 2019-04 provides codification updates to ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2016-13. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 seeks to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments, including trade receivables and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments require an entity to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects current expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. The new standard is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company expects to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2023 and continues to assess potential effects of the standard
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (Topic 848). ASU 2020-04 provides practical expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The expedients and exceptions provided by ASU 2020-04 apply only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference the LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. These amendments are not applicable to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022. The new standard is effective for the Company as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company has long-term debt, as described in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively, which rely upon use of LIBOR, federal funds rate or the prime rate. However, the Company plans to extinguish their current credit agreement and enter into a new one during the latter part of 2021, which will not reference LIBOR, thus the Company anticipates that upon entering into the new credit agreement, this ASU will no longer be applicable to them.
3. |
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS |
Budenheim Acquisition
On March 2, 2021, the Company used proceeds from general business operations to purchase all of the wildfire retardant and foam assets of Budenheim Iberica, S.L.U. The asset purchase agreement provided for approximately $3,607 in cash to be paid at closing. The Budenheim Acquisition expands the Companys access to new markets and is expected to result in additional revenue within the Fire Safety segment. The Company has performed a preliminary purchase price allocation, where the Company allocated $3,214 to goodwill. Other amounts allocated to the individual assets and liabilities included within the balance sheet were not material.
F-12
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
PC Australasia Acquisition
On April 1, 2021, the Company used proceeds from general business operations to purchase all of the wildfire retardant and foam assets of PC Australasia Pty Ltd. The asset purchase agreement provided for approximately $2,657 in cash to be paid at closing. The PC Australasia Acquisition provides the Company direct access to existing markets within the Fire Safety service industry. The Company has performed a preliminary purchase price allocation, where the Company allocated $971 to goodwill. Other amounts allocated to the individual assets and liabilities included within the balance sheet were not material.
For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations and assets from these acquisitions have been included in the Companys Fire Safety segment since the respective acquisition dates. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, sales, earnings related to the operations consisting of the assets and liabilities and direct costs related to Budenheim and PC Australia were not material. Pro forma financial information has not been presented for these acquisitions as the net effects were neither significant nor material to the Companys results of operations or financial position.
LaderaTech Acquisition
On May 7, 2020, the Company used proceeds from general business operations to purchase all of the outstanding shares of LaderaTech, Inc. (LaderaTech Acquisition). The LaderaTech Acquisition expands the Companys access to the long-term retardant market and is expected to generate synergies within the Fire Safety service industry. Under the equity purchase agreement, the fair value of the consideration transferred was $21,832, which included an initial cash payment of $2,016 and $19,816 in estimated fair value of contingent future payments.
The future payments are contingent upon the acquired technology being listed on the U.S. Forest Services Qualified Product List (QPL) valued at $2,813 and an earn-out based on achieving certain thresholds of revenues through December 31, 2026 with an estimated fair value at $17,003. As of June 30, 2021, the estimated fair value of the QPL listing payment is $2,952 and the estimated fair value of contingent consideration was $19,627. Based on the purchase price allocation, the assets acquired principally comprise $20,200 of an identifiable intangible asset, $6,906 of goodwill, $46 of cash, $5,282 of deferred tax liability, and a net liability for other working capital items of $38. The identifiable intangible asset (in-process research and development) relates to a proprietary technology being used to develop its base product, and the Company expects immaterial remaining costs to achieve QPL approval and make the product ready for distribution within the year ending December 31, 2021.
The amount allocated to goodwill for the acquisitions is not deductible for income tax purposes. The goodwill is attributable primarily to strategic and synergistic opportunities, the assembled workforces acquired and other factors. The fair value of the contingent consideration was estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation approach. See Note 13 Fair Value Measurements for additional information related to the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration.
For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations and assets from LaderaTech acquisitions have been included in the Companys Fire Safety segment since the acquisition date. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, sales related to the LaderaTech Acquisition was $283. Sales for the six months ended June 30, 2020 related to Laderatech were not material. Loss related to the operations consisting of the assets and liabilities acquired from the LaderaTech Acquisition, Budenheim Acquisiton, and PC Australasia Acquisition for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $3,533. Direct costs of these acquisitions were not material and were expensed as incurred and are included in Other Operating Expenses in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) during the six months ended June 30, 2021.
The unaudited pro forma financial information is inclusive of results of operations for the Company and the LaderaTech Acquisition as if the companies were combined as of January 1, 2020. For the six months ended
F-13
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
June 30, 2020, pro forma net sales were $109,500. Pro forma net loss related to the operations for six months ending June 30, 2020 were $22,521. The unaudited pro forma financial information is for illustrative purposes and does not purport to represent what the results of operations would actually have been if the business combinations occurred as of the date indicated or what the results would be for any future periods.
Project Boundary
On June 15, 2021, the Companys Sponsor entered into a Definitive Agreement with EverArc Holdings Limited to acquire Perimeter Solutions in a transaction valued at approximately $2 billion. The transaction financing is fully committed and is not subject to shareholder approval. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.
4. |
REVENUE RECOGNITION |
Disaggregation of revenues
Amounts recognized at a point in time primarily relate to products sold whereas amounts recognized over time
primarily relate to services associated with the full-service retardant contracts. Revenues for six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Revenues from products |
$ | 117,571 | $ | 105,646 | ||||
Revenues from services |
3,168 | 2,467 | ||||||
Other revenues |
307 | 1,386 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total revenue |
$ | 121,046 | $ | 109,499 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Cost to obtain contract
Incremental costs of obtaining a contract include only those costs that are directly related to the acquisition of contracts, including sales commissions, and that would not have been incurred if the contract had not been obtained. The Company recognizes an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if it is expected that the economic benefit and amortization period will be longer than one year. Costs to obtain contracts were not material in the periods presented.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue represents billings under noncancelable contracts before the related product or service is transferred to the customer. The portion of deferred revenue that is anticipated to be recognized as revenue during the succeeding twelve-month period is recorded as deferred revenue and the remaining portion is recorded as deferred revenue, noncurrent.
The contracts entered by the company have duration of one year or more. Any billings made to the customer during the financial year for which the related product or service is yet to be delivered on cut off date, i.e. December 31, is recognized as deferred revenue. Deferred revenue was $6,701 and $286 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
For full-service fire retardant contracts, the Company identifies the fire retardant product and the services, as separate units of account. The Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. Due to the timing of performance obligations being satisfied during the year, the Company has accrued $6,663 for contract obligations related to full-service fire retardant contracts in deferred revenue as of June 30, 2021 and $0 as of December 31, 2020.
F-14
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
5. |
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS |
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2021 are as follows:
Fire Safety | Oil Additives | Total | ||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2020 |
$ | 362,767 | $ | 119,274 | $ | 482,041 | ||||||
Business acquired |
4,185 | | 4,185 | |||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
563 | (334 | ) | 229 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2021 |
$ | 367,515 | $ | 118,940 | $ | 486,455 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets and related accumulated amortization as of June 30, 2021 and December 30, 2020 are as follows:
June 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated
Useful Life (in years) |
Gross Value |
Foreign
Currency Translation |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net Book
Value |
||||||||||||||||
Definite lived intangible assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Existing technology |
15 | $ | 158,730 | $ | 1,557 | $ | (31,230 | ) | $ | 129,057 | ||||||||||
Customer lists |
10 | 419,900 | (268 | ) | (136,571 | ) | 283,061 | |||||||||||||
Patents |
7 | 1,759 | 89 | (660 | ) | 1,188 | ||||||||||||||
Tradenames |
10 | 900 | 17 | (229 | ) | 688 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total definite-lived intangible assets |
581,289 | 1,395 | (168,690 | ) | 413,994 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Indefinite-lived intangible assets |
||||||||||||||||||||
Tradenames |
Indefinite | 32,700 | 33 | | 32,733 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total intangible assets |
$ | 32,700 | $ | 33 | $ | | $ | 32,733 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated
Useful Life (in years) |
Gross Value |
Foreign
Currency Translation |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net Book
Value |
||||||||||||||||
Definite lived intangible assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Existing technology |
15 | $ | 158,730 | $ | 1,747 | $ | (25,903 | ) | $ | 134,574 | ||||||||||
Customer lists |
10 | 419,900 | 96 | (115,688 | ) | 304,308 | ||||||||||||||
Patents |
7 | 1,759 | 136 | (541 | ) | 1,354 | ||||||||||||||
Tradenames |
10 | 900 | 2 | (188 | ) | 714 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total definite-lived intangible assets |
581,289 | 1,981 | (142,320 | ) | 440,950 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Indefinite-lived intangible assets |
||||||||||||||||||||
Tradenames |
Indefinite | 32,700 | 50 | | 32,750 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total intangible assets |
$ | 32,700 | $ | 50 | $ | | $ | 32,750 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On May 7, 2020, the Company recorded an in-process research and development intangible asset associated with the LaderaTech Acquisition. The intangible asset was completed prior to December 31, 2020 and thus transferred out from indefinite-life intangible assets and into intangible assets subject to amortization. For this reason, the LaderaTech technology was presented as Existing technology as of December 31, 2020 along with the related foreign currency translation and accumulated amortization.
F-15
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets was $26,542 and $25,428 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Estimated annual amortization expense of intangible assets for the five years subsequent to June 30, 2021 and thereafter is as follows:
Amount | ||||
Years Ending December 31: |
||||
Remainder of 2021 |
$ | 26,451 | ||
2022 |
52,903 | |||
2023 |
52,903 | |||
2024 |
52,903 | |||
2025 |
52,903 | |||
Thereafter |
175,931 | |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 413,994 | ||
|
|
6. |
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, NET |
Property, plant, and equipment, net as of June 30, 2021 and December 30, 2020 consists of the following:
June 30,
2021 |
December 31,
2020 |
|||||||
Buildings |
$ | 6,714 | $ | 6,768 | ||||
Leasehold improvements |
1,156 | 1,146 | ||||||
Furniture and fixtures |
419 | 416 | ||||||
Machinery and equipment |
53,737 | 51,286 | ||||||
Vehicles |
4,886 | 4,311 | ||||||
Construction in progress |
6,670 | 5,069 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total property, plant and equipment, gross |
73,582 | 68,996 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(24,388 | ) | (20,761 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total property, plant and equipment, net |
$ | 49,194 | $ | 48,235 | ||||
|
|
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, depreciation expense was $3,840 and $3,351, respectively, of which substantially all was presented in cost of goods sold in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
7. |
INCOME TAXES |
For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $5,486 and $5,724, respectively. The effective tax rate was approximately 19.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to 20.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020 was lower than the statutory tax rate due to losses not expected to be benefited in certain jurisdictions which have a valuation allowance. In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES Act provides numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including
F-16
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
temporary changes to interest expense deductibility, and prior and future utilization of net operating losses. The CARES Act did not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The Company recognizes interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense (benefit). The Company does not expect the balance of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly over the next twelve months. The Company has not accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions as of June 30, 2021.
8. |
OTHER LIABILITIES |
Other non-current liabilities consist of the following as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
LaderaTech contingent earn out |
$ | 19,627 | $ | 19,816 | ||||
Other |
1,325 | 1,335 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 20,952 | $ | 21,151 | ||||
|
|
|
|
9. |
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following:
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
Advance to vendors |
$ | 3,746 | $ | 7,343 | ||||
Other |
2,684 | 4,063 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets |
$ | 6,430 | $ | 11,406 | ||||
|
|
|
|
10. |
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following:
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
Accrued bonus |
$ | 1,456 | $ | 4,653 | ||||
Accrued salaries |
2,035 | 2,779 | ||||||
Accrued employee benefits |
439 | 511 | ||||||
Accrued interest |
78 | 79 | ||||||
Accrued purchases |
5,081 | 2,347 | ||||||
Accrued taxes |
1,336 | 2,905 | ||||||
Accrued construction |
1,313 | 1,319 | ||||||
Contingent earnout payable |
2,952 | | ||||||
Other |
2,538 | 1,455 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
$ | 17,288 | $ | 16,045 | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-17
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
11. |
REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT |
(a) |
First and Second Lien Term Loans |
On March 28, 2018, Invictus U.S., LLC and SK Invictus Intermediate II, S.à r.l., two wholly owned subsidiaries of Holdings, entered into credit agreements providing for committed credit facilities of $815,000, a substantial portion of which was used to fund the initial acquisition of the Company.
The First Lien Credit Facility (the First Lien) consists of a $545,000 U.S. dollar term loan, a multicurrency revolving credit facility (the Revolver), and a $16,000 extension on the original term loan. The First Lien was issued with an original issue discount (OID) of 0.30%, to which net of amortization was $1,000 as of December 31, 2020. Principal and interest payments are due on a monthly basis. The First Lien matures on March 28, 2025, and any outstanding borrowings can be repaid without penalty. The First Lien is secured by substantially all of the assets to the Company. Interest is based on a floating rate indexed to either LIBOR plus an applicable margin, federal funds rate plus an applicable margin, or the prime rate plus an applicable margin. The average effective interest rate during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was 3.15% and 4.87%, respectively. The First Lien contains a series of restrictive financial and nonfinancial covenants which, among other things, limit the ability of the Company to: i) incur additional indebtedness, ii) create liens, iii) make investments or make other restricted payments, iv) sell assets, v) substantially change the nature of the Company, and vi) enter into certain transactions with affiliates.
On November 23, 2018, the Company executed the First Amendment to the First Lien (the Amendment) for an incremental term loan in the amount of $16,000. The liability was recorded when cash was received on February 13, 2019. Significant terms of this amendment (including maturity, principal payment frequency, interest rate, and covenants) are identical to the First Lien.
The Second Lien Credit Facility (the Second Lien) consists of a $155,000 U.S. dollar term loan with a maturity of March 28, 2026. There are no required principal payments on the Second Lien until maturity with interest payments due quarterly. The Second Lien is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and can be repaid without penalty. The Company made a principal payment of $15,000 during 2020. Interest is based on a floating rate indexed to either LIBOR plus an applicable margin, federal funds rate plus an applicable margin, or the prime rate plus an applicable margin. The average effective interest rate during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was 6.94% and 8.68%, respectively. The Second Lien contains a series of similar restrictive financial and nonfinancial covenants as the First Lien.
(b) |
Revolving Credit Facility |
The Revolver provides for maximum borrowings of $100,000. Interest is based on the same terms as the First Lien. The Company had $4,500 and $0 outstanding on the Revolver at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Available borrowings under the Revolver were $95,500 and $100,000 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Revolver matures on March 28, 2023 and has a 0.5% unused commitment fee. The Revolver also contains a $10,000 standby letter of credit sub-facility and a $10,000 swing line sub-facility. At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, no letters of credit were outstanding, $1,000 and $0 was outstanding on the swing line, respectively. The Revolver contains a series of restrictive financial and nonfinancial covenants similar to those of the First Lien plus a debt to EBITDA leverage ratio that is only applicable when the aggregate outstanding amount of the Revolver, any swing line loans, and letters of credit is greater than 35.0%, as of the last day of the fiscal quarter, of the commitment under the Revolver.
F-18
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
As of June 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
The Companys long-term debt was as follows as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
First Lien due in quarterly installments of $1,402.5 and a final payment of $523,250 at March 28, 2025 |
$ | 542,885 | $ | 545,693 | ||||
Second Lien due with final payment of $155,000 at March 28, 2026 |
155,000 | 155,000 | ||||||
Revolver |
4,500 | | ||||||
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs |
(12,029 | ) | (13,422 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
690,356 | 687,271 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Less: current maturities |
(5,610 | ) | (6,723 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Long-term debt, less current maturities |
$ | 684,746 | $ | 680,548 | ||||
|
|
|
|
In accordance with the provisions of the First Lien, Second Lien, and the Revolver, the Company is required to make an annual mandatory principal prepayment on the term loans to the extent the Company realizes consolidated excess cash flow, as defined, in a given fiscal year. This requirement commenced in 2020 and an excess cash payment of $932 was made on May 7, 2021.
As of June 30, 2021, the scheduled maturities, without consideration of potential mandatory prepayments, of the long-term debt were as follows:
Amount | ||||
Years Ending December 31: |
||||
Remainder of 2021 |
$ | 2,805 | ||
2022 |
5,610 | |||
2023 |
10,110 | |||
2024 |
5,610 | |||
2025 |
523,250 | |||
Thereafter |
155,000 | |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 702,385 | ||
|
|
12. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
(a) |
Commitments |
The Company has a supply agreement to purchase elemental phosphorus (P4) from a supplier through 2023. The contract price is tied to the contract year cost times a multiplier, subject to a market-driven benchmark price adjustment, which is generally settled once per year. The Company did not purchase the anticipated minimum pounds of P4 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. Further, the Company has no obligation to record, as there is no financial penalty owed to the vendor. Costs incurred under this supply agreement were $17,147 and $16,343 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
F-19
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
(b) |
Leases |
The Company leases facilities and other machinery and equipment under long-term noncancelable operating leases through August 31, 2037. As of June 30, 2021, the future minimum rental payments required by the long-term noncancelable operating leases are as follows:
Amount | ||||
Years Ending December 31: |
||||
Remainder of 2021 |
$ | 1,568 | ||
2022 |
2,898 | |||
2023 |
2,603 | |||
2024 |
1,824 | |||
2025 |
1,616 | |||
Thereafter |
4,106 | |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 14,615 | ||
|
|
Minimum rental payments under operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease including any periods of free rent. Rent expense for operating leases for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $1,832 and $1,569, respectively, of which, $1,602 and $1,404 was presented in cost of goods sold and $229 and $165 was presented in selling, general, and administrative in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(c) |
Legal Proceedings |
The Company is involved in various claims, actions, and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including a number of matters related to the aqueous film forming foam litigation consolidated in the District of South Carolina multi-district litigation and other similar matters pending in other jurisdictions in the United States. The Companys exposure to losses, if any, is not considered probable or reasonably estimable at this time.
13. |
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS |
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of their maturities.
The Company uses valuation approaches that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible. The Company determines fair value based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability in the principal or most advantageous market. When considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the following fair value hierarchy distinguishes between observable and unobservable inputs, which are categorized in one of the following levels:
|
Level 1 inputs: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible to the reporting entity at the measurement date. |
|
Level 2 inputs: Other than quoted prices in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. |
F-20
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
|
Level 3 inputs: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
The following tables set forth the Company liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period, by level, within the fair value hierarchy:
June 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
LaderaTech contingent earnout included in other liabilities, non-current |
| | $ | 19,627 | $ | 19,627 | ||||||||||
LaderaTech contingent earnout included in other liabilities, current |
| | 2,952 | 2,952 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| | $ | 22,579 | $ | 22,579 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
LaderaTech contingent earnout included in other liabilities, non-current |
| | $ | 19,816 | $ | 19,816 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The fair value of the contingent consideration for LaderaTech was $22,579 and $19,816 (see Note 3) as of June 30, 2021 and December 30, 2020, respectively. This consists of a Qualified Product List (QPL) payment and an earn out payment. These were both measured on a recurring basis using Level 3 fair value inputs. The QPL payment is contingent upon the acquired technology being listed on the U.S. Forest Services QPL and was valued using a scenario-based method with inputs based upon future estimated payments. This was valued at $2,952 and $2,813 as of June 30, 2021 and December 30, 2020, respectively. The earn-out is based on achieving certain thresholds of revenues through December 31, 2026 and was valued using a Monte Carlo simulation with inputs based upon future projected revenues, projected gross margins and a discount rate of 9.5% as of June 30, 2021 and 10% as of the acquisition date. The earn-out had an estimated fair value of $19,627 and $17,003 as of June 30, 2021 and December 30, 2020, respectively. Significant changes in the projected revenue, projected gross margin, or discount rate would have a material impact on the fair value of the contingent consideration.
A roll forward of Level 3 derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Balance, at beginning of period |
$ | 19,816 | $ | | ||||
Acquired |
| 19,816 | ||||||
Total losses included in earnings (1) |
2,763 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Balance, at end of period |
$ | 22,579 | $ | 19,816 | ||||
|
|
|
|
(1) |
There were no material adjustments to the Companys estimated fair value of contingent consideration as of June 30, 2020 as post-acquisition activity remained in line with the Companys initial projections for developing the technology and progressing the products registration on the QPL. |
F-21
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
14. |
SEGMENT AND REGIONAL SALES INFORMATION |
The Companys products and operations are managed and reported in two operating segments: Fire Safety and Oil Additives.
The Companys Fire Safety segment produces a range of firefighting chemicals with a broad product offering across fire retardant and firefighting foam applications.
The Companys Oil Additives segment develops, manufactures, blends, markets and supplies a range of high-quality lubricant additives used in the production of organophosphate insecticides, flotation chemicals, pharmaceutical cleaning applications and developing battery technology.
Certain operating expenses are allocated to the operating segments based upon internally established allocation methodologies. Interest income, interest expense, other income (expense) and certain corporate operating expenses are neither allocated to the segments nor included in the measures of segment performance by the chief operating decision-maker (CODM). The corporate category is not considered to be a segment. The CODM is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The Companys CODM uses net sales and adjusted EBITDA to assess the ongoing performance of the Companys business segments and to allocate resources. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted on a consistent basis for certain non-recurring or unusual items in a balanced manner and on a segment basis. These non-recurring or unusual items may include acquisition and integration related costs, management fees and other non-recurring items. In addition, management uses adjusted EBITDA for business planning purposes and as a significant component in the calculation of performance-based compensation for management and other employees. The Company has reported adjusted EBITDA because management believes it provides transparency to investors and enables period-to-period comparability of financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to Net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or any other financial measure reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following table presents net sales and Adjusted EBITDA for each reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Segment Net Sales by Product Line: |
||||||||
Fire Safety |
||||||||
Suppressants |
$ | 19,871 | $ | 23,188 | ||||
Retardants |
44,939 | 39,645 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total fire safety net sales |
64,810 | 62,833 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Oil additives |
56,235 | 46,666 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total net sales |
121,046 | 109,499 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total net sales as reported |
$ | 121,046 | $ | 109,499 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Adjusted EBITDA: |
||||||||
Fire Safety |
$ | 18,832 | $ | 16,165 | ||||
Oil additives |
15,423 | 11,645 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 34,255 | $ | 27,810 | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-22
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
See below for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, the non-GAAP financial measure, from Net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP:
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||
Fire Safety |
Oil
Additives |
Consolidated Total | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (23,416 | ) | $ | 1,039 | $ | (22,377 | ) | ||||
Income tax (benefit) expense |
(8,144 | ) | 2,658 | (5,486 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
(Loss) income before income taxes |
(31,560 | ) | 3,697 | (27,863 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
21,529 | 8,852 | 30,381 | |||||||||
Interest and financing expense |
14,578 | 1,313 | 15,891 | |||||||||
Restructuring charges |
8,950 | | 8,950 | |||||||||
Loss on contingent earnout |
2,763 | | 2,763 | |||||||||
Management fees |
625 | | 625 | |||||||||
Deferred future payments |
1,250 | | 1,250 | |||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency loss (gain) |
697 | 1,561 | 2,258 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 18,832 | $ | 15,423 | $ | 34,255 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||
Fire Safety |
Oil
Additives |
Consolidated Total | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (23,682 | ) | $ | 1,595 | $ | (22,087 | ) | ||||
Income tax benefit |
(5,724 | ) | (5,724 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
(Loss) income before income taxes |
(29,406 | ) | 1,595 | (27,811 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
20,410 | 8,369 | 28,779 | |||||||||
Interest and financing expense |
22,619 | 1,631 | 24,250 | |||||||||
Restructuring charges |
233 | 12 | 245 | |||||||||
Management fees |
625 | | 625 | |||||||||
Deferred future payments |
1,875 | | 1,875 | |||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency loss (gain) |
(191 | ) | 38 | (153 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 16,165 | $ | 11,645 | $ | 27,810 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Sales by geographical region is as follows:
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
United States |
80 | % | 82 | % | ||||
Germany |
11 | % | 8 | % | ||||
Other foreign countries |
9 | % | 10 | % | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total net sales |
100 | % | 100 | % | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-23
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Property, plant and equipment, net by geographical area consisted of the following:
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
United States |
$ | 29,543 | $ | 29,155 | ||||
Canada |
3,430 | 3,403 | ||||||
Germany |
12,438 | 13,487 | ||||||
Other foreign countries |
3,783 | 2,190 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total property, plant and equipment, net |
$ | 49,194 | $ | 48,235 | ||||
|
|
|
|
15. |
RELATED PARTIES |
The Company has had a purchase and sales agreement with the former owners of the original Invictus business (the Sellers) for specific raw materials. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company had raw material purchases of $430 and $1,541, respectively, in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company sold raw materials at cost of $3,414 and $3,695, respectively. Sales of raw materials are recorded net as the agent since the Company does not have the following: a) primary responsibility for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified good, b) inventory risk before the specified good is transferred to the customer, or c) discretion in establishing the prices for the specified good. This related party transaction is not at arms length.
When involved, the Sponsor charges a 1% fee on business acquisition transactions in addition to reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. The Company did not pay any transaction-related costs to the Sponsor for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. Additionally, the Sponsor provides board oversight, operational and strategic support, and assistance with business development in return for a quarterly management fee. Total management consulting fees and expenses were $625 for both the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and are presented in other operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
The Company entered into multiple lease arrangements for real property with the sellers of the Ironman Acquisition in 2019 that the Company continued to occupy post-acquisition. The Company paid $196 in rent and related expenses during both the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.
16. |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
Magnum Acquisition
On July 1, 2021, the Company used proceeds from general business operations to purchase all of the assets of Magnum Fire & Safety Systems. The asset purchase agreement provided for approximately $1,200 in cash to be paid at closing. The Magnum Acquisition expands the Companys access to new markets and is expected to result in additional revenue in firefighting foam equipment and systems. The initial accounting for the business combination has not been completed, including the identification and measurement of certain intangible assets and goodwill. Acquisition costs related to the purchase of Magnum for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were immaterial.
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, the Company has evaluated subsequent events through September 1, 2021 the date which the financial statements were available to be issued. No other reportable subsequent events have occurred through September 1, 2021, which would have a significant effect on the financial statements as of June 30, 2021 except as otherwise disclosed.
******
F-24
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Shareholders and Board of Directors
SK Invictus Intermediate, S À R.L.
Clayton, Missouri
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SK Invictus Intermediate, S À R.L. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
We have served as the Companys auditor since 2021.
Houston, Texas
September 1, 2021
F-25
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
As of December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 22,478 | $ | 9,822 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,044 and $721 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively |
28,896 | 34,990 | ||||||
Inventories |
56,297 | 63,524 | ||||||
Inventories-related party |
2,487 | 6,430 | ||||||
Income tax receivable |
11,457 | 6,528 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
11,406 | 1,913 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current assets |
133,021 | 123,207 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipmentnet |
48,235 | 46,287 | ||||||
Goodwill |
482,041 | 473,194 | ||||||
Customer listsnet |
304,308 | 342,880 | ||||||
Existing technology and patentsnet |
135,928 | 124,028 | ||||||
Other intangible assetsnet |
33,464 | 33,222 | ||||||
Other assets |
1,209 | 2,662 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets |
$ | 1,138,206 | $ | 1,145,480 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs |
$ | 6,723 | $ | 5,610 | ||||
Accounts payable |
9,869 | 19,477 | ||||||
Deferred revenue |
286 | 436 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
16,045 | 22,361 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current liabilities |
32,923 | 47,884 | ||||||
Long-term debt, less current portion, net of unamortized debt issuance costs |
680,548 | 724,255 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
112,162 | 110,214 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
21,151 | 741 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities |
846,784 | 883,094 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) |
||||||||
Shareholders equity: |
||||||||
Common stock, $1 par value per share; 53,045,510 shares authorized as of December 31, 2020 and 2019; 53,045,510 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 |
53,046 | 53,046 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
289,344 | 289,344 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(3,174 | ) | (7,961 | ) | ||||
Accumulated deficit |
(47,794 | ) | (72,043 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total shareholders equity |
291,422 | 262,386 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
$ | 1,138,206 | $ | 1,145,480 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-26
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Net sales |
$ | 339,577 | $ | 239,310 | ||||
Cost of goods sold |
177,532 | 155,427 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross profit |
162,045 | 83,883 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative |
37,747 | 36,198 | ||||||
Amortization expense |
51,458 | 51,100 | ||||||
Other operating expense |
1,364 | 2,362 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total operating expenses |
90,569 | 89,660 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating income (loss) |
71,476 | (5,777 | ) | |||||
Interest expense |
42,017 | 51,655 | ||||||
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss |
(5,640 | ) | 2,684 | |||||
Other (income) expensenet |
367 | (405 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other expenses |
36,744 | 53,934 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
34,732 | (59,711 | ) | |||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
(10,483 | ) | 17,674 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income (loss) |
24,249 | (42,037 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
||||||||
Foreign translation adjustments |
4,787 | (358 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
$ | 29,036 | $ | (42,395 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income (loss) per share |
||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.46 | $ | (0.79 | ) | |||
Diluted |
$ | 0.46 | $ | (0.79 | ) | |||
Weighted-average shares used in computing net income (loss) per share |
||||||||
Basic |
53,045,510 | 53,045,510 | ||||||
Diluted |
53,045,510 | 53,045,510 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-27
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders Equity
(in thousands, except share data)
Common Stock |
Additional
Paid-in |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive |
Accumulated |
Total
Shareholders |
||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Capital | Loss | Deficit | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2019 |
53,045,510 | $ | 53,046 | $ | 299,204 | $ | (7,603 | ) | $ | (30,006 | ) | $ | 314,641 | |||||||||||
Shareholders capital distributions |
| | (12,360 | ) | | | (12,360 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Capital issued in Ironman Acquisition |
| | 2,500 | | | 2,500 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | (42,037 | ) | (42,037 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign translation adjustments |
| | | (358 | ) | | (358 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2019 |
53,045,510 | 53,046 | 289,344 | (7,961 | ) | (72,043 | ) | 262,386 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | | 24,249 | 24,249 | ||||||||||||||||||
Foreign translation adjustments |
| | | 4,787 | | 4,787 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2020 |
53,045,510 | $ | 53,046 | $ | 289,344 | $ | (3,174 | ) | $ | (47,794 | ) | $ | 291,422 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-28
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 24,249 | $ | (42,037 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense |
58,117 | 58,025 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
(2,684 | ) | (22,188 | ) | ||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs |
3,471 | 3,555 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
6,094 | (9,566 | ) | |||||
Inventories |
11,170 | (10,146 | ) | |||||
Income tax receivable |
(4,929 | ) | (4,829 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(9,948 | ) | 10,755 | |||||
Other assets |
479 | 33 | ||||||
Accounts payable |
(9,608 | ) | 3,901 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
(6,503 | ) | 11,628 | |||||
Other liabilities |
918 | 564 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
70,826 | (305 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(7,497 | ) | (8,859 | ) | ||||
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired |
(1,970 | ) | (16,314 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(9,467 | ) | (25,173 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Proceeds from revolving credit facility |
72,100 | 83,300 | ||||||
Repayments of revolving credit facility |
(97,100 | ) | (60,300 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt |
| 16,000 | ||||||
Repayment of long-term debt |
(20,610 | ) | (5,610 | ) | ||||
Shareholders capital distributions |
| (12,360 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
(45,610 | ) | 21,030 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents |
(3,093 | ) | (1,689 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
12,656 | (6,137 | ) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year |
9,822 | 15,959 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year |
$ | 22,478 | $ | 9,822 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
||||||||
Cash paid for interest |
$ | 45,441 | $ | 44,746 | ||||
Cash paid for income taxes |
19,336 | 8,166 | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities: |
||||||||
Receipt of common shares as a shareholder contribution |
$ | | $ | 2,500 | ||||
Equity consideration in connection with purchase of business |
$ | | $ | (2,500 | ) |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-29
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share data and per share data)
1. |
DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS |
Organization
SK Invictus Intermediate, S.à r.l. (Holdings) and its subsidiaries, doing business as Perimeter Solutions (collectively, the Company), is a global solutions provider for the Fire Safety and Oil Additives industries. Holdings is domiciled and organized under laws of Luxembourg, with subsidiaries further domiciled and organized within the respective operating jurisdictions. The Company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (USA) with global operations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The Company has elected to use the U.S. dollar for its Luxembourg entities.
Holdings was formed by SK Capital Partners IV-A, L.P. and SK Capital Partners IV-B, L.P (collectively, the Sponsor) on February 12, 2018, which is the same date when operations commenced. Holdings issued 53,045,510 shares of common stock to an indirect subsidiary of the Sponsor and used the proceeds from the Sponsor and issuance of third-party debt to purchase all the assets that form the business operations discussed below. As part of the original transaction, the shareholders contributed $11,800 specifically for VAT payable in connection with the German asset acquisition. The German entity appealed to the German tax authority that the sale of assets represented a business combination, which is exempt from VAT. The German tax authority agreed with that conclusion and refunded the $11,800 for the VAT tax in March of 2019, which was distributed back to shareholders, plus interest of $560 on March 29, 2019.
Nature of Business
The Fire Safety business is a global producer of fire-fighting chemicals with a broad product offering, including phosphate-based fire retardant, Class A Foam and Class B Foam, across fire retardant and fire suppressant foam applications. Fire retardants are utilized to fight forest fires through aerial and ground applications. Class A Foam is utilized to fight structural fires, and Class B Foam is used to fight flammable liquid fires. Significant end markets are primarily government-related entities and are dependent on concessions, licenses, and permits granted by the respective governments.
The Oil Additives business is a producer of Phosphorus Pentasulfide, which is an intermediate commonly used in the production of lubricant additives and essential in the formulation of engine oils. Their main function is to provide anti-wear protection to engine components. In addition, they inhibit oxidation of the oil by scavenging free radicals that initiate oil breakdown and sludge formulation, resulting in better and longer engine function. Significant end markets are primarily producers of engine oil additives.
2. |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP).
F-30
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management in connection with the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the fair value of purchase consideration and assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, the useful lives of long-lived assets, inventory valuations, the allocation of transaction price among various performance obligations, the allowance for doubtful accounts, the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, valuation of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets, contingent earnout liability and realizability of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks. For purposes of reporting cash and cash equivalents, the Company considers all deposits with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at the amounts due from customers for products or services provided. The Company maintains an allowance for bad
debts for estimated losses inherent in its accounts receivable. The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based upon a number of factors, including historical experience, the likelihood of payment from its customers, and
any other known specific factors associated with its customers. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. There were
no recoveries made during the years ended December 31, 2020 or 2019.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the weighted-average cost method. Inventories consisted of the following:
December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Raw materials |
$ | 25,695 | $ | 36,241 | ||||
Work in process |
306 | 244 | ||||||
Finished goods |
32,783 | 33,469 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total inventories |
$ | 58,784 | $ | 69,954 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The Company evaluates inventories periodically during each reporting period for obsolete, excess, or slow-moving products and will record any adjustment, if necessary, to report these items at an estimated net realizable value. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the reserve for inventory obsolescence was insignificant.
F-31
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Property, plant, and equipment acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the consolidated balance sheets and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations in the period realized. Costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Years | ||
Buildings |
3040 years | |
Furniture and fixtures |
310 years | |
Machinery and equipment |
515 years | |
Vehicles |
512 years | |
Leasehold improvements |
Shorter of remaining lease term
or estimated useful life |
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition accounting method, which requires it to determine the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including any contingent consideration, to properly allocate the purchase price to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed and record any residual purchase price as goodwill in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 805, Business Combinations. The Company records assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair value at the date of acquisition. Management uses its best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Such estimates are inherently uncertain and may be subject to refinement. If the initial accounting for the business combination has not been completed by the end of the reporting period in which the business combination occurs, provisional amounts are reported to present information about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. During the measurement period of up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill, to the extent such information was not available to the Company at the acquisition date to determine such amounts.
Accounting for business combinations requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions at the acquisition date, including estimates of the fair value of acquired inventory, property and equipment, identifiable intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed, preacquisition contingencies, where applicable, and equity issued. Significant assumptions relevant to the determination of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows, discount rates, royalty rates, and other assumptions. The approach to valuing an initial contingent consideration associated with the purchase price also uses similar unobservable factors such as projected revenues and expenses over the term of the contingent earn-out period, discounted for the period over which the initial contingent consideration is measured, and relevant volatility rates. Based upon these assumptions, the initial contingent consideration is then valued using a Monte Carlo simulation.
F-32
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
All acquisition-related costs, other than the costs to issue debt or equity securities, are accounted for as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements that are not measurement period adjustments are recognized in earnings.
Goodwill
Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite life and is subject to at least annual impairment assessments at the reporting unit level or more frequently when events or circumstances occur that indicate that it is more likely than not that an impairment has occurred. The Company conducts an annual impairment test on October 1st each year.
The Company performs a qualitative assessment to
determine whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. Factors utilized in the qualitative assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and Company
specific events. If the qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the entity performs a quantitative assessment, which consists of a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying
amount.
The Companys reporting units are either its operating business segments or one level below its operating business segments for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by the business management. The Company estimates the fair value based on present value techniques involving future cash flows. Future cash flows for all reporting units include assumptions about revenue growth rates, adjusted EBITDA margins, discount rate as well as other economic or industry-related factors. Significant management judgment is involved in estimating these variables and they include inherent uncertainties since they are forecasting future events. The Company performs a sensitivity analysis by using a range of inputs to confirm the reasonableness of these estimates being used in the goodwill impairment analysis. The Company uses a Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) approach to determine its discount rate for goodwill recoverability testing. WACC calculation incorporates industry-weighted average returns on debt and equity from a market perspective. The factors in this calculation are largely external to the Company and, therefore, are beyond its control.
There was no impairment of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2020 or 2019.
Indefinite-Life Intangible Assets
Indefinite-life intangible assets primarily includes trade names. The Company evaluates the recoverability of indefinite-life intangible assets on an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that these assets might be impaired. The Company performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-life intangible asset is impaired. If the qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the indefinite-life intangible asset is impaired, the entity performs a quantitative assessment, which consists of a comparison of the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. The fair value techniques used require management judgment and estimates may include revenue growth rates, projected operating margins, changes in working capital, royalty rates and discount rates. If the carrying value of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, the Company will recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. The Company conducts an annual impairment test on October 1 each year. There were no impairments of indefinite-life intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2020 or 2019. Should there be any future adverse changes related to these underlying assumptions, the Company will evaluate whether potential impairment of the carrying value of these assets is warranted.
F-33
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Other Intangible Assets
Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which vary depending on the type of intangible assets. In determining the estimated useful lives of definite-lived intangibles, Company consider the nature, competitive position, life cycle position and historical and expected future operating cash flows of each acquired assets, as well as its commitment to support these assets through continued investment and legal infringement protection.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets include acquired property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization. The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets for possible impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Such events and changes may include significant changes in performance relative to expected operating results, significant changes in asset use, significant negative industry or economic trends, and changes in the Companys business strategy. The Company determines the recoverability of such assets by comparing an assets respective carrying value to estimates of the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from its asset group. If such review indicates that the carrying amount of long-lived assets is not recoverable, the carrying amount of such assets is reduced to fair value. There were no impairments of long-lived assets during the years ended December 31, 2020 or 2019.
Revenue Recognition
The Company follows the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires a company to recognize revenue when the company transfers control of promised goods and services to the customer. Revenue is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. A company also is required to disclose sufficient quantitative and qualitative information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.
The Company derives its revenue from contracts with customers, which comprise of following principal activities as described:
|
Full-service air base fire retardantincludes sales from the supply and service of fire retardant to designated air tanker bases. The Company provides fire retardant product, the related equipment, and service personnel who operate the related equipment at the designated air tanker bases for the period specified in the contract with respect to each designated air tanker base. Product revenues are recognized at the point in time when product is shipped and control is transferred to the customer, typically when the product is consumed by the customer. The component of service revenue is recognized ratably over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the services. The Company has entered into full service US Forest Service (USFS) contracts. These contracts are between Perimeter Solutions and the US Forest Service for supply and service of long-term fire retardant to the designated Air Tanker Bases of certain US Government agencies. The revenue derived from these contracts comprises of three performance obligations, namely product sales, providing operations and maintenance personnel services and leasing of specified equipment. The performance obligation for product sales is satisfied at a point in time, while for services and leases it is a stand-ready obligation and the revenue is recognized straight-line over the service period. Control of a product is deemed to be transferred to the customer upon shipment or delivery. |
F-34
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
|
Fire retardant, suppressant, and related equipmentincludes domestic and international sales of fire retardant and fire suppressant products. Product revenues are recognized at the point in time when control of the product is transferred to the customer which is upon shipment or delivery of the product to the customer, depending on the underlying contract terms. |
|
Oil additivesincludes domestic and international sales of oil additive products by the Company entities in the U.S. and Germany. Product revenues are recognized at the point in time when control of the product is transferred to the customer which is upon shipment or delivery of the product to the customer, depending on the underlying contract terms. |
The Company uses the policy election to account for the shipping and handling activities as activities to fulfill the Companys promise to transfer goods to the customer, rather than as a performance obligation. Accordingly, the costs of the shipping and handling activities are accrued for at the time of shipment.
The transaction price of a contract, or the amount we expect to receive upon satisfaction of all performance obligations, is determined by reference to the contracts terms and includes adjustments, if applicable, for any variable consideration, such as sales incentives, wherever these adjustments are material. The transaction price is variable and is based upon gallons of product consumed by the customer during the service period i.e. mobilization period, which typically lasts during May through September. The Company include the estimated amount of variable consideration in transaction price that they expect to receive to the extent it is probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur.
Sales and other taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, which are collected by the Company from a customer, are excluded from revenue.
Payment terms vary by contract and sales to customers are deemed collectible at the time of sale based on customer history, prior credit checks, and controls around customer credit limits. The Company does provide for the right to return; however, most of the product is used at the point of purchase and returns are minimal. Therefore, there is no estimated obligation for returns. Standard terms of delivery are generally included in our contracts of sale, order confirmation documents and invoices.
Cost to Obtain Contract
Incremental costs of obtaining a contract include only those costs that are directly related to the acquisition of contracts, including sales commissions, and that would not have been incurred if the contract had not been obtained. The Company recognizes an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if it is expected that the economic benefit and amortization period will be longer than one year. Costs to obtain contracts were not material in the periods presented.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue represents billings under noncancelable contracts before the related product or service is transferred to the customer. The portion of deferred revenue that is anticipated to be recognized as revenue during the succeeding twelve-month period is recorded as deferred revenue and the remaining portion is recorded as deferred revenue, noncurrent.
The contracts entered by the Company have duration of one year or more. Any billings made to the customer during the financial year for which the related product or service is yet to be delivered on the cut off date, i.e. December 31, is recognized as deferred revenue. Deferred revenue was $286 and $436 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
F-35
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
For full-service fire-retardant contracts, the Company identifies the fire-retardant product and the services as separate units of account. Substantially all performance obligations are satisfied by the end of the annual financial reporting period and the allocation of transaction price to each performance obligation does not have an impact on the recognition and measurement of revenues for the annual reporting period. There were no contract assets, contract obligations, or material rights as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset-and-liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, as well as loss and tax credit carryforwards and their respective tax bases measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
A valuation allowance is established if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, including historical levels of income, expectations and risks associated with estimates of future taxable income in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet.
The Companys tax positions are subject to income tax audits by multiple tax jurisdictions throughout the world. The Company recognizes the tax benefit of an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the position will be sustainable upon examination by the taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. This evaluation is based on all available evidence and assumes that the tax authorities have full knowledge of all relevant information concerning the tax position. The tax benefit recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit which is more likely than not (greater than 50% likely) to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the taxing authority. The Company recognizes interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense (benefit). The Company makes adjustments to these reserves in accordance with the income tax guidance when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on the Companys financial condition and operating results.
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. Under U.S. GAAP, companies are allowed to make an accounting policy election to either (i) account for GILTI as a period cost within income tax expense in the period in which it is incurred or (ii) account for GILTI in a companys measurement of deferred taxes. The Company elected to account for GILTI as a period cost.
Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When a single amount cannot be reasonably estimated but the cost can be estimated within a range, the Company accrues the minimum amount. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.
F-36
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Deferred Financing Fees
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, unamortized original issue discount and other debt issuance costs of $13,422 and $16,438, respectively, for the Companys term loans are carried as a contra liability and are amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, unamortized deferred financing costs of $1,170 and $1,626, respectively, for the Companys revolving line of credit are carried as a long-term asset and are amortized straight-line into interest expense over the term of the facility. Amortization of deferred financing fees for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 for the term loans and revolving line of credit was $3,471 and $3,555, respectively, and is presented as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Foreign Currencies
The functional and reporting currencies for all Luxembourg entities are in U.S. dollars. The functional currency for the Companys remaining non-U.S. subsidiaries is the local currency. The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect as of the balance sheet date except for non-monetary assets and liabilities, which are measured at historical exchange rates and revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for each respective reporting period. Adjustments resulting from translating local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders equity. The Company does not recognize deferred taxes on translation adjustments from its investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration.
Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are remeasured based on the exchange rates at the time of the transaction. Foreign currency gains and losses arising primarily from changes in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated intercompany loans and other intercompany transactions and balances between foreign locations are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Realized and unrealized gains (losses) resulting from transactions conducted in foreign currencies for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $5,787 and $(1,742), respectively.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with high-quality financial institutions with investment-grade ratings. For accounts receivable, the Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonpayment by customers to the extent of the amounts recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.
Three of the Companys customers in the Fire Safety business accounted for 53% of total sales during the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2019, one customer within Fire Safety represented 16% of sales. Two customers within Fire Safety and one within Oil Additives represent 44% (18%, 15%, and 11%, respectively) of the total accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2020. One customer within Fire Safety represents 35% of the total accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2019. No other customer represents greater than 10% of the Companys total sales or total accounts receivable.
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SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the Basic Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding plus all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. However, the Company does not have any dilutive common shares outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure FrameworkChanges to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This standard update modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements by removing, modifying, or adding certain disclosures. The ASU eliminates such disclosures as the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU adds new disclosure requirements for Level 3 measurements. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2020. The Companys disclosures related to its Level 3 financial instruments did not materially change for the periods presented. See Note 13, Fair Value Measurements, for more information.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-04, Intangibles Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a reporting unit to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit has been acquired in a business combination. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting units carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance will remain unchanged. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. The new standard is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests with a measurement date on or after January 1, 2017. The Company early adopted this standard on January 1, 2019, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The new standard is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company expects to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2022 and continues to assess potential effects of the standard.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740), which simplifies the accounting for income taxes. The ASUs amendments are based on changes that were suggested by
F-38
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
stakeholders as part of the FASBs simplification initiative. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company expects to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2021 and does not anticipate that the adoption will have a material impact on the financial statements.
The FASB issued five ASUs related to ASC 326. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses. ASU 2019-11 provides codification updates to ASU 2016-13. In November 2019, the FASB also issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) and Leases (Topic 842)Effective Dates, an ASU modifying the effective dates of various previous pronouncements. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief. ASU 2019-05 provides entities with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option for eligible instruments. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging and Topic 825, Financial Instruments. ASU 2019-04 provides codification updates to ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2016-13. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 seeks to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments, including trade receivables and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments require an entity to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects current expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. The new standard is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company expects to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2023 and continues to assess potential effects of the standard.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (Topic 848). ASU 2020-04 provides practical expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The expedients and exceptions provided by ASU 2020-04 apply only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference the LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. These amendments are not applicable to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022. The new standard is effective for the Company as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company has long-term debt, as described in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively, which rely upon use of LIBOR, federal funds rate or the prime rate. However, the Company plans to extinguish their current credit agreement and enter into a new one during the latter part of 2021, which will not reference LIBOR, thus the Company anticipates that upon entering into the new credit agreement, this ASU will no longer be applicable to them.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)-Accounting For Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entitys Own Equity. The ASU simplifies accounting for convertible instruments by removing major separation models required under current GAAP. Consequently, more convertible debt instruments will be reported as a single liability instrument with no separate accounting for embedded conversion features. The ASU removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception, which will permit more equity contracts to qualify for it. The ASU also simplifies the diluted net income per share calculation in certain
F-39
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
areas. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company intends to early adopt this as of January 1, 2021 and does not anticipate that the adoption will have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
Global Pandemic
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) surfaced and spread globally. COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020 and the President of the United States (U.S.) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency on March 13, 2020. This pandemic has negatively affected the U.S. and other global economies, disrupted global supply chains and financial markets, and led to significant travel and transportation restrictions. Due to COVID-19 stay-at-home and shutdown orders in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, the Company was forced to transition nonessential operations primarily relating to back-office functions to service clients with a remote workforce. On March 27, 2020 and December 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed and enacted into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the CAA), respectively. While the Company deferred payment of payroll tax withholdings to the U.S. federal government, the Company was not eligible for many other benefits under these aid provisions.
3. |
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS |
LaderaTech Acquisition
On May 7, 2020, the Company used proceeds from general business operations to purchase all of the outstanding shares of LaderaTech, Inc. (LaderaTech Acquisition). The equity purchase agreement provided for $2,016 in cash to be paid at closing and contingent future payments with an estimated fair value of $19,816. The future payments are contingent upon the acquired technology being listed on the U.S. Forest Services Qualified Product List (QPL) valued at $2,813 and an earn-out based on achieving certain thresholds of revenues through December 31, 2026 with an estimated fair value at $17,003. There were no material adjustments to the Companys estimated fair value of contingent consideration as of December 31, 2020 as post-acquisition activity remained in line with the Companys initial projections for developing the technology and progressing the products registration on the QPL. Transaction costs incurred and expensed during 2020 amounted to $83 and are presented in other operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The LaderaTech Acquisition expands the Companys access to the long-term retardant market and is expected to generate synergies within the Fire Safety service industry. The identifiable intangible asset (in-process research and development) relates to a proprietary technology being used to develop its base product, and the Company expects immaterial remaining costs to achieve QPL approval and make the product ready for distribution within the year ending December 31, 2021. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill recognized as a result of the acquisitions is attributable primarily to strategic and synergistic opportunities, the assembled workforces acquired and other factors.
F-40
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
The LaderaTech Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination, which requires an allocation of the total consideration to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed measured at fair value at the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred for the LaderaTech Acquisition and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
May 7, 2020 | ||||
Consideration: |
||||
Cash |
$ | 2,016 | ||
Contingent earnout |
19,816 | |||
|
|
|||
Total consideration transferred |
$ | 21,832 | ||
|
|
|||
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities assumed: |
||||
Cash |
$ | 46 | ||
Net working capital |
(38 | ) | ||
In-process research and development |
20,200 | |||
Deferred tax liability |
(5,282 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Total net assets recorded |
14,926 | |||
Goodwill |
6,906 | |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 21,832 | ||
|
|
The actual results of operations of the acquisition have been included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) from the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes LaderaTech Acquisition revenue and earnings included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) from May 7, 2020 through December 31, 2020:
May 7, 2020
December 31, 2020 |
||||
Net sales |
$ | 609 | ||
Net income (loss) |
(343 | ) |
The unaudited pro forma financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations for the Company and the LaderaTech Acquisition as if the companies were combined as of January 1, 2019. The unaudited pro forma financial information as presented below is for illustrative purposes and does not purport to represent what the results of operations would actually have been if the business combinations occurred as of the date indicated or what the results would be for any future periods.
(Unaudited)
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Pro forma net sales |
$ | 339,579 | $ | 239,418 | ||||
Pro forma net income (loss) |
23,815 | (42,335 | ) |
Ironman Acquisition
On March 20, 2019, the Company used proceeds from general business operations, debt from the Amendment discussed in Note 9, and equity to purchase all of the outstanding shares of First Response Fire
F-41
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Rescue, LLC, River City Fabrication, LLC, and H&S Transport, LLC (collectively, Ironman). The equity purchase agreement provided for $16,250 in cash to be paid at closing, subject to a final purchase price adjustment, contingent future payments of $11,250, and issuance of common equity for $2,500. The future payments are contingent upon continued employment at each anniversary date; and therefore, this portion does not represent purchase consideration but rather compensation expense recognized ratably over the service period. Transaction costs of $996 were incurred and expensed during 2019 and presented in other operating expense in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The Ironman Acquisition expands the Companys access to new markets and is expected to generate synergies within the Fire Safety service industry. Goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill recognized as a result of the acquisitions is attributable primarily to strategic and synergistic opportunities, the assembled workforces acquired and other factors.
The Ironman Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination, which requires an allocation of the total consideration to the identifiable assets and liabilities measured at fair value at the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred for the Ironman Acquisition and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
March 20, 2019 | ||||
Consideration: |
||||
Cash |
$ | 16,814 | ||
Equity |
2,500 | |||
|
|
|||
Total consideration transferred |
$ | 19,314 | ||
|
|
|||
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities assumed: |
||||
Cash |
$ | 500 | ||
Net working capital (accounts receivable and accounts payable) |
(262 | ) | ||
Inventory |
513 | |||
Property, plant and equipment |
1,900 | |||
|
|
|||
Total net assets recorded |
2,651 | |||
Goodwill |
16,663 | |||
|
|
|||
Total purchase consideration |
$ | 19,314 | ||
|
|
The actual results of operations of the acquisition has been included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) from the date of acquisition. Ironmans revenue and earnings included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) from March 20, 2019 through December 31, 2020 is immaterial as their primary customer was Perimeter.
F-42
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
4. |
DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUES |
Amounts recognized at a point in time primarily relate to products sold whereas amounts recognized over time primarily relate to services associated with the full-service retardant contracts. Revenues for year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Revenues from products |
$ | 320,681 | $ | 228,113 | ||||
Revenues from services |
17,137 | 9,295 | ||||||
Other revenues |
1,759 | 1,902 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total net sales |
$ | 339,577 | $ | 239,310 | ||||
|
|
|
|
5. |
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS |
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
Fire Safety | Oil Additives | Total | ||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2018 |
$ | 337,191 | $ | 118,567 | $ | 455,758 | ||||||
Business acquired |
16,663 | | 16,663 | |||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
973 | (200 | ) | 773 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2019 |
354,827 | 118,367 | 473,194 | |||||||||
Business acquired |
6,906 | | 6,906 | |||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
1,034 | 907 | 1,941 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2020 |
$ | 362,767 | $ | 119,274 | $ | 482,041 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
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SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Intangible assets and related accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
Estimated
Useful Life (in years) |
Gross Value |
Foreign
Currency Translation |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net Book
Value |
||||||||||||||
Definite lived intangible assets: |
||||||||||||||||||
Existing technology |
15 | $ | 158,730 | $ | 1,747 | $ | (25,903 | ) | $ | 134,574 | ||||||||
Customer lists |
10 | 419,900 | 96 | (115,688 | ) | 304,308 | ||||||||||||
Patents |
7 | 1,759 | 136 | (541 | ) | 1,354 | ||||||||||||
Tradenames |
10 | 900 | 2 | (188 | ) | 714 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total definite-lived intangible assets |
581,289 | 1,981 | (142,320 | ) | 440,950 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Indefinite-lived intangible assets |
||||||||||||||||||
Tradenames |
Indefinite | 32,700 | 50 | | 32,750 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total intangible assets |
$ | 32,700 | $ | 50 | $ | | $ | 32,750 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated
Useful Life (in years) |
Gross
Value |
Foreign
Currency Translation |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net Book
Value |
||||||||||||||||
Definite lived intangible assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Existing technology |
15 | $ | 138,435 | $ | 224 | $ | (16,123 | ) | $ | 122,536 | ||||||||||
Customer lists |
10 | 419,900 | (4,054 | ) | (72,966 | ) | 342,880 | |||||||||||||
Patents |
7 | 1,759 | (18 | ) | (249 | ) | 1,492 | |||||||||||||
Tradenames |
10 | 900 | (24 | ) | (89 | ) | 787 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total definite-lived intangible assets |
560,994 | (3,872 | ) | (89,427 | ) | 467,695 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Indefinite-lived intangible assets |
||||||||||||||||||||
Tradenames |
Indefinite | 32,700 | (265 | ) | | 32,435 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total intangible assets |
$ | 32,700 | $ | (265 | ) | $ | | $ | 32,435 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On May 7, 2020, the Company recorded an in-process research and development intangible asset associated with the LaderaTech Acquisition. The intangible asset was completed prior to December 31, 2020 and thus transferred out from indefinite-life intangible assets and into intangible assets subject to amortization. For this reason, the LaderaTech technology was presented as Existing technology as of December 31, 2020 along with the related foreign currency translation and accumulated amortization.
Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets was $51,458 and $51,100 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
F-44
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Estimated annual amortization expense of intangible assets for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2020 and thereafter is as follows:
Amount | ||||
Years Ending December 31: |
||||
2021 |
$ | 52,903 | ||
2022 |
52,903 | |||
2023 |
52,903 | |||
2024 |
52,903 | |||
2025 |
52,903 | |||
Thereafter |
176,435 | |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 440,950 | ||
|
|
6. |
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, NET |
Property, plant, and equipment, net as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 consists of the following:
December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Buildings |
$ | 6,768 | $ | 6,480 | ||||
Leasehold improvements |
1,146 | 1,051 | ||||||
Furniture and fixtures |
416 | 419 | ||||||
Machinery and equipment |
51,286 | 45,623 | ||||||
Vehicles |
4,311 | 3,101 | ||||||
Construction in progress |
5,069 | 3,223 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total property, plant and equipment, gross |
68,996 | 59,898 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(20,761 | ) | (13,611 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total property, plant and equipment, net |
$ | 48,235 | $ | 46,287 | ||||
|
|
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, depreciation expense was $6,659 and $6,925, respectively, of which substantially all was presented in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
7. |
INCOME TAXES |
The principal jurisdictions for which the Company files income tax returns are Luxembourg, U.S. federal and state, and other foreign jurisdictions where the Company has operations.
(a) |
Recent Tax Legislation |
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted and signed into law. Certain provisions of the CARES Act impact the 2020 income tax provision of the Company. Most notably, the enacted legislation allows for a 5-year carryback of net operating losses generated in 2018 through 2020 and suspends the 80% of taxable income limitation on net operating losses generated in 2018 through 2020. Further, the CARES Act contains modifications on the limitation of business interest expense for tax years beginning in 2019 and 2020. The modifications to Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code
F-45
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
increase the allowable business interest deduction from 30% of adjusted taxable income to 50% of adjusted taxable income. As a result of the CARES Act, the Company expects to fully utilize all interest expense accrued in 2020. Additionally, the CARES Act allows employers to defer deposits on the employers share of Social Security tax during the payroll tax deferral period from March 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020. During the deferral period, the Company deferred $443 of Social Security taxes, half of which will be due on December 31, 2021, while the remainder will be due on December 31, 2022.
In April 2019, the 2019 budget law was passed in Luxembourg which changed the Companys income tax rate from 26.01% to 24.94%.
A provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act established minimum tax on certain foreign earnings (i.e., global intangible low-taxed income or GILTI). The Company completed an analysis of the GILTI tax rules and, under the final regulations, has made the election to exclude from GILTI income from a controlled foreign corporation that incurs a foreign tax at a rate greater than 90% of the U.S. corporate rate.
(b) |
Income Taxes |
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, income (loss) before taxes consists of the following:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Luxembourg |
$ | (1,230 | ) | $ | 50 | |||
U.S. operations |
35,703 | (60,660 | ) | |||||
Other foreign operations |
259 | 899 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total income (loss) before taxes |
$ | 34,732 | $ | (59,711 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
Income tax (expense) benefit consists of the following for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Year Ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||
Current | Deferred | Total | ||||||||||
Luxembourg |
$ | (118 | ) | $ | (930 | ) | $ | (1,048 | ) | |||
U.S. federal |
(7,546 | ) | 1,966 | (5,580 | ) | |||||||
U.S. state, and local |
(4,091 | ) | (213 | ) | (4,304 | ) | ||||||
Other foreign jurisdiction |
(1,412 | ) | 1,861 | 449 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total income tax (expense) benefit |
$ | (13,167 | ) | $ | 2,684 | $ | (10,483 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||
Current | Deferred | Total | ||||||||||
Luxembourg |
$ | (120 | ) | $ | (16 | ) | $ | (136 | ) | |||
U.S. federal |
(1,933 | ) | 15,828 | 13,895 | ||||||||
U.S. state, and local |
(470 | ) | 5,477 | 5,007 | ||||||||
Other foreign jurisdiction |
(1,991 | ) | 899 | (1,092 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total income tax (expense) benefit |
$ | (4,514 | ) | $ | 22,188 | $ | 17,674 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-46
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
(c) |
Tax Rate Reconciliation |
Income tax (expense) benefit differed from the amounts computed by applying the Luxembourg statutory income tax rate of 24.94% for each of 2019 and 2020, for the reasons set forth in the following table:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Amount | % | Amount | % | |||||||||||||
Expected tax (expense) benefit at Luxembourg statutory income tax |
$ | (8,662 | ) | 24.94 | % | $ | 14,892 | 24.94 | % | |||||||
(Increase)/ reduction in income taxes resulting from: |
||||||||||||||||
State and local income taxes, net |
(2,171 | ) | 6.25 | 3,591 | 6.01 | |||||||||||
Effect of rates different from statutory |
1,314 | (3.78 | ) | (2,196 | ) | (3.68 | ) | |||||||||
Global intangible low-taxed income |
| | (818 | ) | (1.37 | ) | ||||||||||
Section 250 deduction |
472 | (1.36 | ) | 467 | 0.78 | |||||||||||
Tax rate changes |
(1,242 | ) | 3.57 | 2,680 | 4.49 | |||||||||||
Changes in prior year estimates |
947 | (2.73 | ) | 2,156 | 3.61 | |||||||||||
Change in valuation allowance |
(1,780 | ) | 5.12 | (3,170 | ) | (5.31 | ) | |||||||||
Other, net |
639 | (1.84 | ) | 72 | 0.12 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
$ | (10,483 | ) | 30.18 | % | $ | 17,674 | 29.60 | % | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company is subject to taxation in Luxembourg, the U.S., and other jurisdictions of its foreign subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2020, tax years 2017, 2018, and 2019 are subject to examination by the tax authorities in the U.S. The Company is currently under examination by tax authorities in Alberta, Canada.
F-47
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Significant |
Components of Deferred Taxes |
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented below:
December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets: |
||||||||
Net operating losses |
$ | 4,492 | $ | 2,965 | ||||
Inventory (Sec. 263A) |
58 | 242 | ||||||
Interest |
5,812 | 13,672 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities |
1,934 | 1,106 | ||||||
Goodwill and other intangibles |
545 | 401 | ||||||
Other, net |
546 | 2,200 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total deferred tax assets |
13,387 | 20,586 | ||||||
Less: Valuation allowance |
(5,060 | ) | (3,280 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance |
8,327 | 17,306 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Deferred tax liabilities: |
||||||||
Property, plant, and equipment |
(5,932 | ) | (5,539 | ) | ||||
Goodwill and other intangibles |
(114,514 | ) | (120,048 | ) | ||||
Other taxable temporary differences |
(43 | ) | (959 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total deferred tax liabilities |
(120,489 | ) | (126,546 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net deferred tax liability |
$ | (112,162 | ) | $ | (109,240 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2020, all jurisdictions were in a net deferred tax liability position. As of December 31, 2019, the Luxembourg jurisdiction was in a $974 net deferred tax asset position and the amount is presented within other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 primarily relates to net operating loss and interest deduction limitation carryforwards that, in the judgment of the Company, are not more-likely-than-not to be realized.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), projected future taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, the Company believes it is more-likely-than-not that it will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability of $3,319 related to its investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration. As of December 31, 2020, the total unrecognized temporary difference was $66,378 of unremitted foreign earnings that will be reinvested in the respective operations. Recognition of foreign withholding and any applicable income taxes on such earnings would be triggered by a Company decision to repatriate those earnings.
F-48
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
At December 31, 2020, the Company has tax effected net operating loss carryforwards in Luxembourg of $922 of which $731 will
expire starting in 2035 and the remainder $191 which can be carried forward indefinitely. The Company has U.S. state tax effected net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $323 that, if unused, will expire starting in 2039.
The Company has other foreign tax effected net operating loss carryforwards of $3,246, of which the majority can be carried forward indefinitely.
The Company did not have any uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2020 or 2019. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions and no amounts had been recognized in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
8. |
OTHER LIABILITIES |
Other non-current liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
LaderaTech contingent earn out |
$ | 19,816 | $ | | ||||
Other |
1,335 | 741 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other liabilities |
$ | 21,151 | $ | 741 | ||||
|
|
|
|
9. |
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:
December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Advance to vendors |
$ | 7,343 | $ | 1,039 | ||||
Other |
4,063 | 874 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets |
$ | 11,406 | $ | 1,913 | ||||
|
|
|
|
10. |
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:
December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Accrued bonus |
$ | 4,653 | $ | 180 | ||||
Accrued salaries |
2,779 | 4,851 | ||||||
Accrued employee benefits |
511 | 386 | ||||||
Accrued interest |
79 | 7,114 | ||||||
Accrued purchases |
2,347 | 3,929 | ||||||
Accrued taxes |
2,905 | 3,829 | ||||||
Accrued construction |
1,319 | 1,077 | ||||||
Other |
1,452 | 995 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
$ | 16,045 | $ | 22,361 | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-49
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
11. |
REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT |
(a) |
First and Second Lien Term Loans |
On March 28, 2018, Invictus U.S., LLC and SK Invictus Intermediate II, S.à r.l., two wholly owned subsidiaries of Holdings, entered into credit agreements providing for committed credit facilities of $815,000, a substantial portion of which was used to fund the acquisition of the Companys assets described in Note 1.
The First Lien Credit Facility (the First Lien) consists of a $545,000 U.S. dollar term loan, a multicurrency revolving credit facility (the Revolver), and a $16,000 extension on the original term loan. The First Lien was issued with an original issue discount (OID) of 0.30%, to which net of amortization was $1,000 as of December 31, 2020. Principal and interest payments are due on a monthly basis. The First Lien matures on March 28, 2025, and any outstanding borrowings can be repaid without penalty. The First Lien is secured by substantially all of the assets to the Company. Interest is based on a floating rate indexed to either LIBOR plus an applicable margin, federal funds rate plus an applicable margin, or the prime rate plus an applicable margin. The average effective interest rate during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 4.17% and 5.43%, respectively. The First Lien contains a series of restrictive financial and nonfinancial covenants which, among other things, limit the ability of the Company to: i) incur additional indebtedness, ii) create liens, iii) make investments or make other restricted payments, iv) sell assets, v) substantially change the nature of the Company, and vi) enter into certain transactions with affiliates.
On November 23, 2018, the Company executed the First Amendment to the First Lien (the Amendment) for an incremental term loan in the amount of $16,000. The liability was recorded when cash was received on February 13, 2019. Significant terms of this amendment (including maturity, principal payment frequency, interest rate, and covenants) are identical to the First Lien.
The Second Lien Credit Facility (the Second Lien) consists of a $155,000 U.S. dollar term loan with a maturity of March 28, 2026. There are no required principal payments on the Second Lien until maturity with interest payments due quarterly. The Second Lien is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and can be repaid without penalty. The Company made a principal payment of $15,000 during 2020. Interest is based on a floating rate indexed to either LIBOR plus an applicable margin, federal funds rate plus an applicable margin, or the prime rate plus an applicable margin. The average effective interest rate during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 7.97% and 9.24%, respectively. The Second Lien contains a series of similar restrictive financial and nonfinancial covenants as the First Lien.
(b) |
Revolving Credit Facility |
The Revolver provides for maximum borrowings of $100,000. Interest is based on the same terms as the First Lien. The Company had $0 and $25,000 outstanding on the Revolver at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Available borrowings under the Revolver were $100,000 and $75,000 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Revolver matures on March 28, 2023 and has a 0.5% unused commitment fee. The Revolver also contains a $10,000 standby letter of credit sub-facility and a $10,000 swing line sub-facility. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, no letters of credit were outstanding, and $0 and $1,500 was outstanding on the swing line, respectively. The Revolver contains a series of restrictive financial and nonfinancial covenants similar to those of the First Lien plus a debt to EBITDA leverage ratio that is only applicable when the aggregate outstanding amount of the Revolver, any swing line loans, and letters of credit is greater than 35.0%, as of the last day of the fiscal quarter, of the commitment under the Revolver.
F-50
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
The Companys long-term debt was as follows as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
First Lien due in quarterly installments of $1,402.5 and a final payment of $523,253 at March 28, 2025 |
$ | 545,693 | $ | 551,303 | ||||
Second Lien due with final payment of $155,000 at March 28, 2026 |
155,000 | 170,000 | ||||||
Revolver |
| 25,000 | ||||||
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs |
(13,422 | ) | (16,438 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
687,271 | 729,865 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Less: current maturities |
(6,723 | ) | (5,610 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Long-term debt, less current maturities |
$ | 680,548 | $ | 724,255 | ||||
|
|
|
|
In accordance with the provisions of the First Lien, Second Lien, and the Revolver, the Company is required to make an annual mandatory principal prepayment on the term loans to the extent the Company realizes consolidated excess cash flow, as defined, in a given fiscal year. This requirement commenced in 2020 and an excess cash payment of $1,113 has been recorded in the current portion of long-term debt as of December 31, 2020.
As of December 31, 2020, the scheduled maturities, without consideration of potential mandatory prepayments, of the long-term debt were as follows:
Amount | ||||
Years Ending December 31: |
||||
2021 |
$ | 6,723 | ||
2022 |
5,610 | |||
2023 |
5,610 | |||
2024 |
5,610 | |||
2025 |
522,140 | |||
Thereafter |
155,000 | |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 700,693 | ||
|
|
12. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
(a) |
Commitments |
The Company has a supply agreement to purchase elemental phosphorus (P4) from a supplier through 2023. The contract price is tied to the contract year cost times a multiplier, subject to a market-driven benchmark price adjustment, which is generally settled once per year. The Company did not purchase the anticipated minimum pounds of P4 during the year ended December 31, 2020 or 2019. Further, the Company has no obligation to record, as there is no financial penalty owed to the vendor. Costs incurred under this supply agreement were $31,841 and $30,500 during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
F-51
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
(b) |
Leases |
The Company leases facilities and other machinery and equipment under long-term noncancelable operating leases through August 31, 2037. As of December 31, 2020, the future minimum rental payments required by the long-term noncancelable operating leases are as follows:
Amount | ||||
Years Ending December 31: |
||||
2021 |
$ | 3,103 | ||
2022 |
2,898 | |||
2023 |
2,603 | |||
2024 |
1,824 | |||
2025 |
1,616 | |||
Thereafter |
4,106 | |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 16,150 | ||
|
|
Minimum rental payments under operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease including any periods of free rent. Rent expense for operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $3,529, and $3,050, respectively, of which $2,931 and $2,767 was presented in cost of goods sold and $328 and $283 presented in selling, general, and administrative in the consolidated statements of operations and comrehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(c) |
Legal Proceedings |
The Company is involved in various claims, actions, and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including a number of matters related to the aqueous film forming foam litigation consolidated in the District of South Carolina multi-district litigation and other similar matters pending in other jurisdictions in the United States. The Companys exposure to losses, if any, is not considered probable or reasonably estimable at this time.
13. |
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS |
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of their maturities. Borrowings under the Companys Revolving Credit Facility and First and Second Lien Term Loans accrue interest at a floating rate tied to a standard short-term borrowing index, selected at the Companys option, plus an applicable margin. The carrying amount of this floating rate debt approximates fair value based upon the respective interest rates adjusting with market rate adjustments.
The Company uses valuation approaches that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible. The Company determines fair value based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability in the principal or most advantageous market. When considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the following fair value hierarchy distinguishes between observable and unobservable inputs, which are categorized in one of the following levels:
|
Level 1 inputs: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible to the reporting entity at the measurement date. |
F-52
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
|
Level 2 inputs: Other than quoted prices in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. |
|
Level 3 inputs: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
The following tables set forth the Companys liabilities that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the period, by level, within the fair value hierarchy:
December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
LaderaTech contingent earnout included in other liabilities, non-current |
$ | | $ | | $ | 19,816 | $ | 19,816 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There was no contingent earnout as of December 31, 2019.
The fair value of the contingent consideration used for the acquisition of LaderaTech was $19,816 (see Note 3). This consists of a Qualified Product List (QPL) payment and an earn out payment. These were both measured on a recurring basis using Level 3 fair value inputs. The QPL payment is contingent upon the acquired technology being listed on the U.S. Forest Services QPL and was valued using a scenario-based method with inputs based upon future estimated payments. This was valued at $2,813 as of the acquisition date. The earn-out is based on achieving certain thresholds of revenues through December 31, 2026 and was valued using a Monte Carlo simulation with inputs based upon future projected revenues, projected gross margins and a discount rate of 10% as of the acquisition date. There were no material adjustments to the Companys estimated fair value of contingent consideration as of December 31, 2020 as post-acquisition activity remained in line with the Companys initial projections for developing the technology and progressing the products registration on the QPL. Significant changes in the projected revenue, projected gross margin, or discount rate would have a material impact on the fair value of the contingent consideration.
14. |
SEGMENT AND REGIONAL SALES INFORMATION |
The Companys products and operations are managed and reported in two operating segments: Fire Safety and Oil Additives.
The Companys Fire Safety segment produces a range of firefighting chemicals with a broad product offering across fire retardant and firefighting foam applications.
The Companys Oil Additives segment develops, manufactures, blends, markets and supplies a range of high-quality lubricant additives used in the production of organophosphate insecticides, flotation chemicals, pharmaceutical cleaning applications and developing battery technology.
Certain operating expenses are allocated to the operating segments based upon internally established allocation methodologies. Interest income, interest expense, other income (expense) and certain corporate operating expenses are neither allocated to the segments nor included in the measures of segment performance by the chief operating decision-maker (CODM). The corporate category is not considered to be a segment. The CODM is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
F-53
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
The Companys CODM uses sales and adjusted EBITDA to assess the ongoing performance of the Companys business segments and to allocate resources. The following table presents net sales and Adjusted EBITDA for each reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
Segment Net Sales by Product Line: |
||||||||
Fire Safety |
||||||||
Suppressants |
$ | 33,838 | $ | 34,865 | ||||
Retardants |
211,130 | 116,296 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total fire safety net sales |
244,968 | 151,161 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Oil additives |
94,609 | 88,149 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total net sales |
339,577 | 239,310 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total net sales as reported |
$ | 339,577 | $ | 239,310 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Adjusted EBITDA: |
||||||||
Fire Safety |
$ | 112,034 | $ | 44,748 | ||||
Oil additives |
23,977 | 16,841 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 136,011 | $ | 61,589 | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-54
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
See below for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA from Net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP:
Year Ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||
Fire Safety |
Oil
Additives |
Consolidated
Total |
||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 16,584 | $ | 7,665 | $ | 24,249 | ||||||
Income tax expense |
6,526 | 3,957 | 10,483 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
23,110 | 11,622 | 34,732 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
41,271 | 16,846 | 58,117 | |||||||||
Interest and financing expense |
41,879 | 138 | 42,017 | |||||||||
Restructuring charges |
2,300 | 79 | 2,379 | |||||||||
Management fees |
1,281 | | 1,281 | |||||||||
Contingent future payments |
3,125 | | 3,125 | |||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) |
(932 | ) | (4,708 | ) | (5,640 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 112,034 | $ | 23,977 | $ | 136,011 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||
Fire
Safety |
Oil
Additives |
Consolidated
Total |
||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (36,429 | ) | $ | (5,608 | ) | $ | (42,037 | ) | |||
Income tax expense |
(21,486 | ) | 3,812 | (17,674 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
(57,915 | ) | (1,796 | ) | (59,711 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
40,761 | 17,264 | 58,025 | |||||||||
Interest and financing expense |
51,642 | 13 | 51,655 | |||||||||
Restructuring charges |
3,821 | | 3,821 | |||||||||
Management fees |
1,366 | | 1,366 | |||||||||
Contingent future payments |
3,749 | | 3,749 | |||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) |
1,323 | 1,361 | 2,684 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 44,748 | $ | 16,841 | $ | 61,589 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Sales by geographical region is as follows. The Company has no operations in any individual international country that represented more than 10% of sales in 2020 or 2019.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
United States |
82 | % | 65 | % | ||||
International sales |
18 | % | 35 | % | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total net sales |
100 | % | 100 | % | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-55
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Property, plant and equipment, net by geographical area consisted of the following:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
United States |
$ | 29,155 | $ | 29,379 | ||||
Canada |
3,403 | 3,853 | ||||||
Germany |
13,487 | 11,061 | ||||||
Other foreign countries |
2,190 | 1,994 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total property, plant and equipment, net |
$ | 48,235 | $ | 46,287 | ||||
|
|
|
|
15. |
RELATED PARTIES |
The Company has had a purchase and sales agreement with the former owners of the original Invictus business (the Sellers) for specific raw materials. In 2020 and 2019, the Company had raw material purchases of $2,750 and $9,200, respectively, in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, in 2020 and 2019, the Company sold raw materials at cost of $6,400 and $6,650, respectively. Sales of raw materials are recorded net as the agent since the Company does not have the following: a) primary responsibility for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified good, b) inventory risk before the specified good is transferred to the customer, or c) discretion in establishing the prices for the specified good. This related party transaction is not at arms length.
The Company entered into a transition services agreement (TSA) during 2018 with the Sellers to provide certain functional and infrastructure support for supply chain, information technology, human resources, finance and accounting, and other miscellaneous services for a period of time until the Company transitioned over such services. The Company paid $250 in total fees under the TSA in 2019, which is presented in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The TSA arrangement ceased during 2019 and, as such, no further fees have been paid.
When involved, the Sponsor charges a 1% fee on business acquisition transactions in addition to reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. The Company paid transaction-related costs of $0 and $300, respectively, on behalf of its Sponsor for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, which are presented in other operating costs in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Additionally, the Sponsor provides board oversight, operational and strategic support, and assistance with business development in return for a quarterly management fee. Total management consulting fees and expenses were $1,281 and $1,366 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are presented in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
The Company entered into multiple lease arrangements for real property with the sellers of the Ironman Acquisition in 2019 that the Company continued to occupy post-acquisition. The Company paid $440 and $300 in rent and related expenses during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Additionally, in 2019, during the period prior to the acquisition, the Company purchased $1,700 in goods and services in the normal course of business from the sellers.
16. |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through September 1, 2021, the date at which the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.
F-56
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE, S. À R.L. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
Budenheim Acquisition
On March 2, 2021, the Company used proceeds from general business operations to purchase all of the wildfire retardant and foam assets of Budenheim Iberica, S.L.U. The asset purchase agreement provided for approximately $3,600 in cash to be paid at closing. The Budenheim Acquisition expands the Companys access to new markets and is expected to result in additional revenue within the Fire Safety segment. The Company has performed a preliminary purchase price allocation, where amounts allocated to the individual assets and liabilities included within the balance sheet were not material. Acquisition costs related to the purchase of Budenheim were also immaterial.
Project Boundary
On June 15, 2021, the Companys Sponsor entered into a Definitive Agreement with Everarc Holdings Limited to acquire Perimeter Solutions. The transaction financing is fully committed and is not subject to shareholder approval.
PC Australasia Acquisition
On April 1, 2021, the Company used proceeds from general business operations to purchase all of the wildfire retardant and foam assets of PC Australasia Pty Ltd. The asset purchase agreement provided for approximately $2,700 in cash to be paid at closing. The PC Australasia Acquisition provides the Company direct access to existing markets within the Fire Safety service industry. The Company has performed a preliminary purchase price allocation, where amounts allocated to the individual assets and liabilities included within the balance sheet were not material. Acquisition costs related to the purchase of PC Australasia were also immaterial.
Magnum Acquisition
On July 1, 2021, the Company used proceeds from general business operations to purchase all of the assets of Magnum Fire & Safety Systems. The asset purchase agreement provided for approximately $1,200 in cash to be paid at closing. The Magnum Acquisition expands the Companys access to new markets and is expected to result in additional revenue in firefighting foam equipment and systems. As of September 1, 2021, the initial accounting for the business combination has not been completed, including the identification and measurement of certain intangible assets and goodwill. Acquisition costs related to the purchase of Magnum for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were immaterial.
******
F-57
EverArc Holdings Limited
Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
April 30, 2021 |
November 8, 2019
(Inception) through April 30, 2020 |
|||||||
Expenses |
||||||||
Operating expenses |
$ | 934,348 | $ | 1,641,401 | ||||
Operating expenses related party (See Note 7) |
94,613 | 148,779 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating loss |
(1,028,961 | ) | (1,790,180 | ) | ||||
Other Income (Expense) |
||||||||
Gain on investments |
84,098 | 1,331,296 | ||||||
Other income |
| 6 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other income (expense) |
84,098 | 1,331,302 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Loss |
$ | (944,863 | ) | $ | (458,878 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments |
(9,381 | ) | 244,232 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Comprehensive Loss |
$ | (954,244 | ) | $ | (214,646 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Weighted average Ordinary Shares outstanding, basic and diluted |
40,832,500 | 31,537,529 | ||||||
Net loss per Ordinary Share, basic and diluted |
$ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed financial statements.
F-58
EverArc Holdings Limited
Condensed Statements of Financial Position
April 30, 2021 | October 31, 2020 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 803 | $ | 19,997 | ||||
Short-term investments |
398,872,620 | 399,986,263 | ||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
692,827 | 457,174 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current assets |
399,566,250 | 400,463,434 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets |
399,566,250 | 400,463,434 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Payables |
111,782 | 87,599 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current liabilities |
111,782 | 87,599 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities |
111,782 | 87,599 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8) |
||||||||
Equity |
||||||||
Founder Shares (100 shares issued and outstanding with no par value) |
| | ||||||
Ordinary Share (40,832,500 shares issued and outstanding with no par value) |
| | ||||||
Subscription receivable |
(1,000 | ) | (1,000 | ) | ||||
Additional paid in capital |
401,357,544 | 401,324,667 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
17,327 | 26,708 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(1,919,403 | ) | (974,540 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total equity |
$ | 399,454,468 | $ | 400,375,835 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed financial statements.
F-59
EverArc Holdings Limited
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
April 30, 2021 |
November 8, 2019
(Inception) through April 30, 2020 |
|||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (944,863 | ) | $ | (458,878 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
32,877 | 115,574 | ||||||
Realized gain on short-term investments |
(70,537 | ) | (245,357 | ) | ||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Increase in prepayments and other current assets |
(235,653 | ) | (593,784 | ) | ||||
Increase in payables |
24,183 | 23,550 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(1,193,993 | ) | (1,158,895 | ) | ||||
Investing activities |
||||||||
Purchase of short-term investments |
(340,846,644 | ) | (1,111,355,754 | ) | ||||
Sale of short-term investments |
342,021,443 | 711,458,105 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
1,174,799 | (399,897,649 | ) | |||||
Financing activities |
||||||||
Issuance of Ordinary Shares and Warrants |
| 411,430,000 | ||||||
Payments of share issuance costs |
| (10,373,456 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
| 401,056,544 | ||||||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(19,194 | ) | | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period |
19,997 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 803 | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed financial statements.
F-60
EverArc Holdings Limited
Condensed Statements of Changes in Shareholders Equity
(Unaudited)
Shares | Amounts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Founder
Shares |
Ordinary
Shares |
Founder
Shares |
Ordinary
Shares |
Subscription
Receivable |
Additional
Paid in Capital |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income |
Accumulated
Deficit |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of November 8, 2019 (Inception) |
| | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Founder Shares |
100 | | | | (1,000 | ) | 1,000 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Initial Public Offering |
| 34,000,000 | | | | 340,000,000 | | | 340,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subsequent Issuance |
| 6,800,000 | | | | 71,400,000 | | | 71,400,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance costs |
| | | | | (10,373,456 | ) | | | (10,373,456 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrant exercise |
| 2,500 | | | | 30,000 | | | 30,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | | (458,878 | ) | (458,878 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
| 30,000 | | | | 115,574 | | | 115,574 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
| | | | | | 244,232 | | 244,232 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 30, 2020 |
100 | 40,832,500 | $ | | $ | | $ | (1,000 | ) | $ | 401,173,118 | $ | 244,232 | $ | (458,878 | ) | $ | 400,957,472 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of November 1, 2020 |
100 | 40,832,500 | $ | | $ | | $ | (1,000 | ) | $ | 401,324,667 | $ | 26,708 | $ | (974,540 | ) | $ | 400,375,835 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | (944,863 | ) | (944,863 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
| | | | | 32,877 | | | 32,877 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
| | | | | | (9,381 | ) | | (9,381 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 30, 2021 |
100 | 40,832,500 | $ | | $ | | $ | (1,000 | ) | $ | 401,357,544 | $ | 17,327 | $ | (1,919,403 | ) | $ | 399,454,468 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed financial statements.
F-61
EverArc Holdings Limited
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
Note 1. Business Overview
EverArc Holdings Limited (the Company) was incorporated on November 8, 2019 with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) under the BVI Companies Act. The Company was formed to undertake an acquisition of one target company or business (the Acquisition). In accordance with the Companys Article of Incorporation (the Articles), the Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of ordinary shares (the Ordinary Shares) or founder shares (the Founder Shares) each with no par value.
On November 14, 2019, the Company issued 100 Founder Shares to EverArc Founders LLC (the Founder Entity) at $10 per share.
On December 17, 2019, the Company consummated its initial public offering (the Initial Public Offering or IPO), and its Ordinary Shares and accompanying warrants (the Warrants) were admitted for trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (the Admission).
The Company consists of a single operating segment. All activities for the period from November 8, 2019 (inception) through April 30, 2021 were related to the Companys formation, IPO and identifying a target company or business for the Acquisition.
On June 16, 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Perimeter Solutions (Perimeter Solutions), a leading global manufacturer of high-quality firefighting products and lubricant additives. The Acquisition is valued at approximately $2 billion, to be paid in cash and preferred shares. The boards of directors of the Company and Perimeter Solutions have each approved the proposed Acquisition. The Acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021 subject to customary closing conditions, including but are not limited to reorganization of the two entities and filing of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration statements in order to list the combined company on a U.S. based stock exchange. See Note 9. Subsequent Events for further discussion.
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
The unaudited condensed financial statements and the accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) and pursuant to the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC pertaining to interim financial information, although the Company itself is not an SEC registrant. As permitted under those rules, certain footnotes or other financial information that are normally required by GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Therefore, these unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Companys audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, and notes thereto, which are included elsewhere in this registration statement. The Companys functional and reporting currency is U.S. dollars.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. Although these estimates are based on managements best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from our estimates. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments unless otherwise specified) necessary for a fair statement of the Companys financial condition and results of operations as of and for the periods presented. The results and trends in these condensed financial statements may not be representative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2021.
The Company does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the unaudited condensed financial statements.
F-62
Net Income (Loss) Per Ordinary Share
The Company applies the two-class method in calculating income (loss) per share. Net income (loss) per Ordinary Share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding for the period. The Founder Shares do not carry any right to participate in any dividends or other distributions.
For the six months ended April 30, 2021 and the period of November 8, 2019 (Inception) through April 30, 2020, the Company excluded the effect of the Warrants in the calculation of diluted loss per share, since the conversion of the Warrants into Ordinary Shares would be anti-dilutive as the Company incurred net losses for the periods presented. As a result, diluted net loss per Ordinary Share is the same as basic net loss per Ordinary Share for the periods presented.
Note 3. Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents information about the Companys assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of April 30, 2021 and October 31, 2020 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques that the Company utilized to determine such fair value.
Description |
Level | April 30, 2021 | October 31, 2020 | |||||||||
Short-term Investments |
2 | $ | 398,872,620 | $ | 399,986,263 |
Level 2 instruments include short-term investments in zero coupon US Treasury Bills and US Treasury Liquidity Funds. The Company uses inputs such as actual trade data, benchmark yields, quoted market prices of similar instruments from dealers or brokers, and other similar sources to determine the fair value of its investments. The carrying value of the short-term investments was $398.9 million and $400.0 million as of April 30, 2021 and October 31, 2020, respectively.
There were no transfers between levels for the six months ended April 30, 2021 or during the period from November 8, 2019 (Inception) through April 30, 2020.
As of April 30, 2021 and October 31, 2020, the carrying values of cash, prepayments and other current assets, and payables approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of the instruments.
Note 4. Operating Expenses
The following table presents the Companys operating expenses for the periods presented:
Six Months Ended
April 30, 2021 |
November 8, 2019
(Inception) through April 30, 2020 |
|||||||
Listing expenses |
$ | | $ | 410,622 | ||||
Legal and professional fees |
360,727 | 900,991 | ||||||
Insurance |
293,355 | 183,082 | ||||||
Directors remuneration |
144,862 | 115,890 | ||||||
Administration fees |
16,406 | 74,102 | ||||||
Audit fee |
49,615 | | ||||||
General expenses |
163,996 | 105,493 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total operating expenses |
$ | 1,028,961 | $ | 1,790,180 | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-63
Note 5. Payables
The following table presents the Companys payables for the periods presented:
April 30, 2021 | October 31, 2020 | |||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | 59,842 | $ | 87,599 | ||||
Accrued compensation |
24,658 | | ||||||
Bank overdraft |
27,282 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total payables |
$ | 111,782 | $ | 87,599 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Note 6. Shareholders Equity
Ordinary Shares
There were no changes in Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding for the six months ended April 30, 2021.
The table below presents the Ordinary Share activities that occurred during the period from November 8, 2019 (Inception) through April 30, 2020:
Event |
Date of issuance | Quantity | Price | |||||||
IPO |
December 12, 2019 | 34,000,000 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||
Non-Founder Directors first-year remuneration, vested over one year from the date of issuance (1) |
December 12, 2019 | 30,000 | 10.00 | |||||||
Subsequent Issuance |
January 15, 2020 | 6,800,000 | 10.50 | |||||||
Exercise of 10,000 Warrants |
April 15, 2020 | 2,500 | 12.00 | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Issued and outstanding as of April 30, 2020 |
40,832,500 | |||||||||
|
|
(1) |
Each of the four non-founder directors on the Companys board (the Non-Founder Directors) opted to have their first years annual remuneration paid in 7,500 Ordinary Shares at fair value of $10 per Ordinary Share, resulting in total of 30,000 Ordinary Shares with accompanying Warrants issued to the Non-Founder Directors in connection with the IPO. Such Directors remuneration expense is calculated using the value of the Ordinary Shares at issuance prorated for the period of service and included within operating expenses on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. |
Ordinary Shares grant the following rights to the shareholders:
(a) |
the right to receive all amounts available for distribution and from time to time to be distributed by way of dividend or otherwise at such time as the members of the board of the directors of the Company (the Directors) shall determine; |
(b) |
pro rata distribution of the assets of the Company available for distribution upon a winding-up of the Company subject to the BVI Companies Act, provided there are sufficient assets available. Distribution will be made to the holders of Ordinary Shares and Founder Shares pro rata to the number of such fully paid up shares held by each holder relative to the total number of issued and fully paid up Ordinary Shares as if such fully paid up Founder Shares had been converted into Ordinary Shares immediately prior to the winding-up; and |
(c) |
the right to receive notice of, attend and vote as a member at any meeting of members except in relation to any resolution of members that the Directors, in their absolute discretion (acting in good faith) determine is: (i) necessary or desirable in connection with a merger or consolidation in relation to, in connection with or |
F-64
resulting from the Acquisition (including at any time after the Acquisition has been made); or (ii) to approve matters in relation to, in connection with or resulting from the Acquisition (whether before or after the Acquisition has been made). |
Founder Shares
There were no changes in Founder Shares issued and outstanding for the six months ended April 30, 2021.
During the period from November 8, 2019 (Inception) through April 30, 2020, the Company issued 100 Founder Shares to the Founder Entity on November 14, 2019 at $10.00 per share, which was reflected in subscription receivable and additional paid capital on the statements of changes in shareholders equity.
The Founder Shares will automatically convert into Ordinary Shares on a one-for-one basis, subject to such adjustments as the Directors in their absolute discretion determine to be fair and reasonable in the event of a consolidation or sub-division of the Ordinary Shares in issue after the date of Admission or otherwise as determined in accordance with the Articles, immediately following completion of the Acquisition (or if any such date is not a trading day of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, the first trading day immediately following such date).
The Founder Shares alone carry the right to vote on any resolution of members required, pursuant to BVI law, to approve any matter in connection with the Acquisition, or a merger or consolidation in connection with the Acquisition but otherwise have no right to receive notice of and to attend and vote at any meetings of members.
The Founder Shares do not carry any right to participate in any dividends or other distributions and have no cash settlement rights.
Warrants
The Company has issued an aggregate of 34,030,000 Warrants to the purchasers of Ordinary Shares in connection with the IPO and Non-Founder Directors remuneration in December 2019. Each Warrant, during the subscription period, entitles a holder to subscribe for one-fourth of an Ordinary Share upon exercise. Warrants are exercisable in multiples of four for one Ordinary Share at a price of $12.00 per whole Ordinary Share. The subscription period commenced on the date of Admission (December 17, 2019) and ends on the earlier of the third anniversary of the completion of the Acquisition and such earlier date as determined by the warrant instrument dated December 12, 2019 (the Warrant Instrument). The Warrants are classified within equity as management has determined that they are indexed to the Companys own equity and meet the criteria for equity classification, including the fact that there are no provisions that would require cash settlement of the Warrants.
The Warrants are also subject to mandatory redemption at $0.01 per Warrant if at any time the average price per Ordinary Share equals or exceeds $18.00 for a period of ten consecutive trading days subject to any prior adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Instrument. Management considers this feature to be an early exercise contingency.
On April 15, 2020, 10,000 Warrants held by an investor were exercised and exchanged for 2,500 Ordinary Shares at $12.00 per share.
As of April 30, 2021 and October 31, 2020, there were 34,020,000 Warrants issued and outstanding.
Note 7. Related Party Transactions
During the six months ended April 30, 2021, the Company reimbursed the Founder Entity for $94,613 in expenses related to the general operations of the Company.
F-65
During the period from November 8, 2019 (Inception) through April 30, 2020, the following related party transactions occurred:
1) |
Founder Shares the Company issued 100 Founder Shares at $10.00 per share in November 2019; |
2) |
Founder Entity Reimbursement The Company reimbursed the Founder Entity for $148,779 in expenses related to the general operations of the Company. |
3) |
Sales of Equity to Related Parties The founding members (the Founders) and Directors of the Company have purchased 1,500,000 Ordinary Shares and the accompanying Warrants at $10.00 per share upon the Initial Public Offering. A further 95,239 Ordinary Shares with no accompanying warrants were purchased by one of the Founders at $10.50 per share in January 2020. The Founders, the Founder Entity and the Directors of the Company have entered into lockup arrangements, which limit them from reselling the Founder Shares, Ordinary Shares and the Warrants that they own directly or indirectly starting from December 12, 2019 and ending the earlier of (i) one year after the Company has completed the Acquisition or (ii) upon the passing of a resolution to voluntarily wind up the Company for failure to complete the Acquisition. |
4) |
Founder Advisory Agreement The Company entered into the Founder Advisory Agreement with the Founder Entity to incentivize the Founders to achieve the Companys objectives by providing a return linked to the market value of the Ordinary Shares. The Founder Entity is entitled to fixed and variable compensation for the fiscal year the Acquisition is consummated and for each of the six and ten fiscal years thereafter, respectively. The compensation to the Founder Entity will be recognized when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. |
For the six months ended April 30, 2021 and the period from November 8, 2019 (Inception) through April 30, 2020, no costs or payables have been recognized in relation to the Agreement because the Acquisition has not been consummated.
Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies
In addition to the Founder Advisory Agreement discussed in Note 7 above, the Company does not have other commitments and contingencies as of April 30, 2021 or October 31, 2020. See Note 9. Subsequent Events for commitments and contingencies that occurred after April 2021.
Note 9. Subsequent Events
On June 16, 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l. (SK), an affiliate of funds advised by SK Capital Partners, to acquire 100% of SK Invictus Intermediate S.à.r.l., the ultimate parent company of Perimeter Solutions, a leading global manufacturer of high-quality firefighting products and lubricant additives valued at approximately $2 billion.
The purchase consideration payable in connection with the Acquisition is expected to be funded from a combination of: (i) the Companys existing cash balances raised at the time of its IPO and in a subsequent placing of approximately $400 million; (ii) additional proceeds of $1.15 billion which the Company has raised from an equity issuance to a limited group of institutional shareholders, which is conditional upon the closing of the acquisition; (iii) committed loan facilities in an aggregate amount of $600 million; and (iv) the issuance of $100 million of preferred equity to SK.
The boards of directors of the Company and Perimeter Solutions have each approved the proposed Acquisition. Closing of the Acquisition, which is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2021, is subject to customary conditions.
There have been no other circumstances or events subsequent to the period end which require adjustment of or additional disclosure in the unaudited condensed financial statements or the accompanying notes through the date of issuance of these financial statements on September 1, 2021.
F-66
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Everarc Holdings Limited
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying Statement of Financial Position of Everarc Holdings Limited (a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) under the BVI Companies Act) (the Company) as of October 31, 2020, the related Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, Statement of Changes in Shareholders Equity, and Statement of Cash Flows for the period from November 8, 2019 (inception) to October 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of October 31, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from November 8, 2019 (inception) to October 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
GRANT THORNTON UK LLP
We have served as the Companys auditor since 2020
London, United Kingdom
September 1, 2021
F-67
EverArc Holdings Limited
Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
November 8, 2019 (Inception)
through October 31, 2020 |
||||
Expenses |
||||
Operating expenses |
$ | 2,432,722 | ||
Operating expenses related party (See Note 6) |
187,990 | |||
|
|
|||
Operating loss |
(2,620,712 | ) | ||
Other Income (Expense) |
||||
Gain on investments |
1,646,166 | |||
Other income |
6 | |||
|
|
|||
Total other income (expense) |
1,646,172 | |||
|
|
|||
Net Loss |
$ | (974,540 | ) | |
|
|
|||
Unrealized gain on investments |
26,708 | |||
|
|
|||
Total Comprehensive Loss |
$ | (947,832 | ) | |
|
|
|||
Weighted average Ordinary Shares outstanding, basic and diluted |
36,301,525 | |||
Net loss per Ordinary Share, basic and diluted |
$ | (0.03 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-68
EverArc Holdings Limited
Statement of Financial Position
October 31, 2020 | ||||
Assets |
||||
Current assets |
||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 19,997 | ||
Short-term investments |
399,986,263 | |||
Prepayments and other current assets |
457,174 | |||
|
|
|||
Total current assets |
400,463,434 | |||
|
|
|||
Total assets |
400,463,434 | |||
|
|
|||
Liabilities |
||||
Current liabilities |
||||
Accounts payable |
87,599 | |||
|
|
|||
Total current liabilities |
87,599 | |||
|
|
|||
Total liabilities |
87,599 | |||
|
|
|||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7) |
||||
Equity |
||||
Founder Shares (100 shares issued and outstanding with no par value) |
| |||
Ordinary Share (40,832,500 shares issued and outstanding with no par value) |
| |||
Subscription receivable |
(1,000 | ) | ||
Additional paid in capital |
401,324,667 | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
26,708 | |||
Accumulated deficit |
(974,540 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Total equity |
$ | 400,375,835 | ||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-69
EverArc Holdings Limited
November 8, 2019 (Inception)
through October 31, 2020 |
||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||
Net loss |
$ | (974,540 | ) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
267,123 | |||
Realized gain on short-term investments |
(523,408 | ) | ||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||
Increase in prepayments and other current assets |
(457,174 | ) | ||
Increase in accounts payable |
87,599 | |||
|
|
|||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(1,600,400 | ) | ||
Investing activities |
||||
Purchase of short-term investments |
(1,890,534,473 | ) | ||
Sale of short-term investments |
1,491,098,326 | |||
|
|
|||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(399,436,147 | ) | ||
Financing activities |
||||
Issuance of Ordinary Shares and Warrants |
411,430,000 | |||
Payments of share issuance costs |
(10,373,456 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
401,056,544 | |||
Increase in cash and cash equivalents |
19,997 | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period |
| |||
|
|
|||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 19,997 | ||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-70
EverArc Holdings Limited
Statement of Changes in Shareholders Equity
Shares | Amounts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Founder
Shares |
Ordinary
Shares |
Founder
Shares |
Ordinary
Shares |
Subscription
Receivable |
Additional
Paid in Capital |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income |
Accumulated
Deficit |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of November 8, 2019 (Inception) |
| | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Founder Shares |
100 | | | | (1,000 | ) | 1,000 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Initial Public Offering |
| 34,000,000 | | | | 340,000,000 | | | 340,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subsequent Issuance |
| 6,800,000 | | | | 71,400,000 | | | 71,400,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance costs |
| | | | | (10,373,456 | ) | | | (10,373,456 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrant exercise |
| 2,500 | | | | 30,000 | | | 30,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | | (974,540 | ) | (974,540 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
| 30,000 | | | | 267,123 | | | 267,123 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
| | | | | | 26,708 | | 26,708 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of October 31, 2020 |
100 | 40,832,500 | $ | | $ | | $ | (1,000 | ) | $ | 401,324,667 | $ | 26,708 | $ | (974,540 | ) | $ | 400,375,835 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-71
EverArc Holdings Limited
Notes to Audited Financial Statements
Note 1. Business Overview
EverArc Holdings Limited (the Company) was incorporated on November 8, 2019 with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) under the BVI Companies Act. The Company was formed to undertake an acquisition of one target company or business (the Acquisition). In accordance with the Companys Article of Incorporation (the Articles), the Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of ordinary shares (the Ordinary Shares) or founder shares (the Founder Shares) each with no par value.
On November 14, 2019, the Company issued 100 Founder Shares at $10 per share to EverArc Founders LLC (the Founder Entity).
On December 17, 2019, the Company consummated its initial public offering (the Initial Public Offering or IPO), and its Ordinary Shares and accompanying warrants (the Warrants) were admitted for trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (the Admission), as further described below.
The Company consists of a single operating segment. All activities for the period from November 8, 2019 (inception) through October 31, 2020 were related to the Companys formation, its initial public offering, and identifying a target company or business for the Acquisition. The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of the Acquisition, at the earliest. The Company generates non-operating investment income from the proceeds derived from the Initial Public Offering. The Company may issue a substantial number of additional Ordinary Shares or may issue preferred shares, or a combination of both, including through convertible debt securities, or incur substantial indebtedness to complete the Acquisition.
On June 16, 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Perimeter Solutions (Perimeter Solutions), a leading global manufacturer of high-quality firefighting products and lubricant additives. The Acquisition is valued at approximately $2 billion, to be paid in cash and preferred shares. The boards of directors of the Company and Perimeter Solutions have each approved the proposed Acquisition. The Acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021 subject to customary closing conditions, including but are not limited to reorganization of the two entities and filing of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration statements in order to list the combined company on a U.S. based stock exchange. See Note 8. Subsequent Events for further discussion.
Initial Public Offering
On December 12, 2019, the Company placed 34,000,000 Ordinary Shares and accompanying Warrants at $10.00 per Ordinary Share for total gross proceeds of $340.0 million.
In addition, the Company also issued 30,000 Ordinary Shares and accompanying Warrants at $10.00 to non-founder directors on the Companys board (the Non-Founder Directors) in lieu of their first years annual remuneration. Each Ordinary Share was accompanied by one Warrant, which entitles a Warrant holder to subscribe for one-fourth of an Ordinary Share upon exercise. The Companys Ordinary Shares and Warrants were admitted for trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange on December 17, 2019.
On January 15, 2020, the Company further issued 6,800,000 Ordinary Shares with no accompanying Warrants at $10.50 per Ordinary Share for gross proceeds of $71.4 million (the Subsequent Issuance).
F-72
Transaction costs in connection with the issuance of equity amounted to $10.4 million, consisted of the following:
Placement fees |
$ | 9,578,337 | ||
Legal fees |
554,316 | |||
Other expenses |
240,803 | |||
|
|
|||
Total offering costs |
$ | 10,373,456 | ||
|
|
The net proceeds from the IPO were not placed in any trust or escrow account and are instead held in U.S. Treasuries or such money market fund instruments as approved by the independent Non-Founder Directors of the Company. As of October 31, 2020, the Company holds zero coupon US Treasury Bills and investments in US Treasury Liquidity Funds with a total fair market value of $400.0 million, which was presented as short-term investments on the statement of financial position.
The Companys management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering, although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be applied generally toward consummating the Acquisition. The remaining net proceeds (not held in the investment account) may be used to pay for business, legal and accounting due diligence on prospective acquisitions and continuing general and administrative expenses.
Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates, among other things, the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
As of October 31, 2020, the Company had $19,997 in its operating bank account, approximately $1.6 million income from investment for the fiscal year then ended, and a working capital excess of approximately $0.4 million, excluding the value of the short-term investments.
In connection with our assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Boards (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-15, Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entitys Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, management has determined that the Company has the ability to fund the working capital needs of the Company for a minimum of one year from the date of issuance of these financial statements. Refer above for discussion of the proposed Acquisition in the business overview and see also Note 8. Subsequent Events. If an Acquisition is not completed prior to the winding up of the Company, shareholders will receive a pro rata distribution of the assets of the Company available for distribution, provided there are sufficient assets available as further described in Note 5. Shareholders Equity.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and pursuant to the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, although the Company itself is not an SEC registrant. The Companys functional and reporting currency is U.S. dollars. The Company has an October 31 fiscal year end.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Companys management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
F-73
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the statement of financial position and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period.
While there are no estimates involved in the preparation of these financial statements that could vary by a material amount from an alternative estimate that could be formed, making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the statement of financial position, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change due to one or more future confirming events. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and demand deposits.
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments consist of highly liquid investments, including zero coupon US Treasury Bills and US Treasury Liquidity Funds. These have a three month maturity albeit with same day accessibility with any applicable interest penalties. Short-term investments are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income (loss) unless unrealized losses are determined to be unrecoverable. Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are determined by specific identification and reported as a part of net income (loss). The Company considers all short-term investments as available-for-sale securities to support current operational liquidity needs and to fund the Acquisition. Therefore, the Company classifies all of such investments as short-term on the statement of financial position.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Credit risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if counterparties failed to perform as contracted. The Company believes the likelihood of incurring material losses due to concentration of credit risk is minimal. The principal financial instruments subject to credit risk is the Companys short-term investments in zero coupon US Treasury Bills and US Treasury Liquidity Funds, which reside in a cash account at one financial institution. The Company has not experienced material losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such account.
Income Taxes
The Company is not subject to income tax or corporation tax in the British Virgin Islands.
Net Income (Loss) Per Ordinary Share
The Company applies the two-class method in calculating income (loss) per share. Net income (loss) per Ordinary Share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding for the period. The Founder Shares do not carry any right to participate in any dividends or other distributions.
For the period of November 8, 2019 (Inception) through October 31, 2020, the Company excluded the effect of the Warrants in the calculation of diluted loss per share, since the conversion of the Warrants into Ordinary Shares would be anti-dilutive as the Company incurred net losses for the period presented. As a result, diluted net loss per Ordinary Share is the same as basic net loss per Ordinary Share for the period presented.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company follows the guidance in FASBs Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, for its financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at each reporting period, and non-financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at least annually.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company may use various
F-74
methods including market, income and cost approaches. Based on these approaches, the Company often utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable inputs. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The following fair value hierarchy is used to classify assets and liabilities based on the observable inputs and unobservable inputs used:
Level 1 Observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange.
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active. Level 2 also includes derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with observable market inputs or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity for financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation; also includes observable inputs for nonbinding single dealer quotes not corroborated by observable market data.
The Company has various processes and controls in place to ensure that fair value is reasonably estimated. A model validation policy governs the use and control of valuation models used to estimate fair value. The Company performs due diligence procedures over third-party pricing service providers in order to support their use in the valuation process. Where market information is not available to support internal valuations, independent reviews of the valuations are performed and any material exposures are escalated through a management review process.
While the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.
Share-based payments
The Company measures compensation expense for share-based compensation or awards at fair value at the date of grant and recognizes compensation expense over the service period for awards expected to vest.
Each of the four Non-Founder Directors opted to have their first years annual remuneration paid in 7,500 Ordinary Shares at fair value of $10.00 per Ordinary Share, resulting in total of 30,000 Ordinary Shares with accompanying Warrants issued to the Non-Founder Directors in connection with the IPO. Such Directors remuneration expense is calculated using the value of the Ordinary Shares at issuance prorated for the period of service and included within operating expenses on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
Foreign Currency
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the statement of financial position. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from translation are included in the statement of operations.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
The Company does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.
F-75
Note 3. Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents information about the Companys assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2020 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques that the Company utilized to determine such fair value.
Description |
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets (Level 1) |
Significant Other
Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Significant Other
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
|||||||||
Short-term Investments |
$ | | $ | 399,986,263 | $ | |
Level 2 instruments include short-term investments in zero coupon US Treasury Bills and US Treasury Liquidity Funds. The Company uses inputs such as actual trade data, benchmark yields, quoted market prices of similar instruments from dealers or brokers, and other similar sources to determine the fair value of its investments. The carrying value of the short-term investments was $400.0 million as of October 31, 2020.
There were no transfers between levels during the period from November 8, 2019 (Inception) through October 31, 2020.
As of October 31, 2020, the carrying values of cash, prepayments and other current assets, and accounts payable approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of the instruments.
Note 4. Operating Expenses
The following table presents the Companys operating expenses for the period presented:
November 8, 2019 (Inception)
through October 31, 2020 |
||||
Listing expenses |
$ | 412,921 | ||
Legal and professional fees |
1,206,416 | |||
Insurance |
408,029 | |||
Directors remuneration |
267,123 | |||
Administration fees |
97,539 | |||
Audit fee |
77,599 | |||
General expenses |
151,085 | |||
|
|
|||
Total operating expenses |
$ | 2,620,712 | ||
|
|
Note 5. Shareholders Equity
Ordinary Shares
The table below presents the Ordinary Share activities occurred during the period from November 8, 2019 (Inception) through October 31, 2020:
Event |
Date of issuance | Quantity | Price | Value | ||||||||||
IPO |
December 12, 2019 | 34,000,000 | $ | 10.00 | $ | 340,000,000 | ||||||||
Non-Founder Directors first-year remuneration |
December 12, 2019 | 30,000 | 10.00 | 300,000 | ||||||||||
Subsequent Issuance |
January 15, 2020 | 6,800,000 | 10.50 | 71,400,000 | ||||||||||
Exercise of 10,000 Warrants |
April 15, 2020 | 2,500 | 12.00 | 30,000 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Issued and outstanding as of October 31, 2020 |
40,832,500 | $ | 411,730,000 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
F-76
Ordinary Shares grant the following rights to the shareholders:
(a) |
the right to receive all amounts available for distribution and from time to time to be distributed by way of dividend or otherwise at such time as the members of the board of directors of the Company (the Directors) shall determine; |
(b) |
pro rata distribution of the assets of the Company available for distribution upon a winding-up of the Company subject to the BVI Companies Act, provided there are sufficient assets available. Distribution will be made to the holders of Ordinary Shares and Founder Shares pro rata to the number of such fully paid up shares held by each holder relative to the total number of issued and fully paid up Ordinary Shares as if such fully paid up Founder Shares had been converted into Ordinary Shares immediately prior to the winding-up; and |
(c) |
the right to receive notice of, attend and vote as a member at any meeting of members except in relation to any resolution of members that the Directors, in their absolute discretion (acting in good faith) determine is: (i) necessary or desirable in connection with a merger or consolidation in relation to, in connection with or resulting from the Acquisition (including at any time after the Acquisition has been made); or (ii) to approve matters in relation to, in connection with or resulting from the Acquisition (whether before or after the Acquisition has been made). |
Founder Shares
The Company issued 100 Founder Shares to the Founder Entity on November 14, 2019 at $10.00 per share, reflected in subscription receivable and additional paid capital on the statements of changes in shareholders equity.
The Founder Shares will automatically convert into Ordinary Shares on a one-for-one basis, subject to such adjustments as the Directors in their absolute discretion determine to be fair and reasonable in the event of a consolidation or sub-division of the Ordinary Shares in issue after the date of Admission or otherwise as determined in accordance with the Articles, immediately following completion of the Acquisition (or if any such date is not a trading day of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, the first trading day immediately following such date).
The Founder Shares alone carry the right to vote on any resolution of members required, pursuant to BVI law, to approve any matter in connection with the Acquisition, or a merger or consolidation in connection with the Acquisition but otherwise have no right to receive notice of and to attend and vote at any meetings of members.
The Founder Shares do not carry any right to participate in any dividends or other distributions and have no cash settlement rights.
Warrants
The Company has issued an aggregate of 34,030,000 Warrants to the purchasers of Ordinary Shares in connection with the IPO and Non-Founder Directors remuneration in December 2019. Each Warrant, during the subscription period, entitles a holder to subscribe for one-fourth of an Ordinary Share upon exercise. Warrants are exercisable in multiples of four for one Ordinary Share at a price of $12.00 per whole Ordinary Share. The subscription period commenced on the date of Admission (December 17, 2019) and ends on the earlier of the third anniversary of the completion of the Acquisition and such earlier date as determined by the warrant instrument dated December 12, 2019 (the Warrant Instrument). The Warrants are classified within equity as management has determined that they are indexed to the Companys own equity and meet the criteria for equity classification, including the fact that there are no provisions that would require cash settlement of the Warrants.
The Warrants are also subject to mandatory redemption at $0.01 per Warrant if at any time the average price per Ordinary Share equals or exceeds $18.00 for a period of ten consecutive trading days subject to any prior adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Instrument. Management considers this feature to be an early exercise contingency.
F-77
On April 15, 2020, 10,000 Warrants held by an investor were exercised and exchanged for 2,500 Ordinary Shares at $12.00 per share.
As of October 31, 2020, there were 34,020,000 Warrants issued and outstanding.
Note 6. Related Party Transactions
Founder Shares
The Company issued 100 Founder Shares as discussed in Note 5 above.
Founder Entity Reimbursement
The Company reimbursed the Founder Entity for $187,990 in expenses related to the general operations of the Company. No payables to the Founder Entity were outstanding as of October 31, 2020.
Sales of Equity to Related Parties
The founding members (the Founders) and Directors of the Company have purchased 1,500,000 Ordinary Shares and the accompanying Warrants at $10.00 per share upon the Initial Public Offering. A further 95,239 Ordinary Shares with no accompanying warrants were purchased by one of the Founders at $10.50 per share in January 2020.
The Ordinary Shares owned by Directors and Founders, including the 30,000 Ordinary Shares and accompanying warrants paid to the Non-Founder Directors for their first years annual remuneration, represents 3.98% of total Ordinary Shares outstanding as of October 31, 2020.
The Founders, the Founder Entity and the Directors of the Company have entered into lockup arrangements, which limit them from reselling the Founder Shares, Ordinary Shares and the Warrants that they own directly or indirectly starting from December 12, 2019 and ending the earlier of (i) one year after the Company has completed the Acquisition or (ii) upon the passing of a resolution to voluntarily wind up the Company for failure to complete the Acquisition.
Founder Advisory Agreement
The Company entered into the Founder Advisory Agreement (the Agreement) with the Founder Entity to incentivize the Founders to achieve the Companys objectives by providing a return linked to the market value of the Ordinary Shares.
Subject to the terms of the Founder Advisory Agreement, the Founder Entity will, at the request of the Company: (i) prior to consummation of the Acquisition, assist with identifying target opportunities, due diligence, negotiation, documentation and investor relations with respect to the Acquisition; and (ii) following the Acquisition, provide strategic and capital allocation advice and such other services as may from time to time be agreed.
In accordance with the Agreement and assuming no early termination, Founder Entity is entitled to compensation as follows:
(i) |
a Fixed Annual Advisory Amount, equal to such number of Ordinary Shares as is equal to 1.5% of the Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately following the Acquisition (excluding Ordinary Shares issued to shareholders or other beneficial owners of a company or business acquired pursuant to or in connection with the Acquisition), for the fiscal year the Acquisition is consummated and for each of the six fiscal years thereafter, in Ordinary Shares or partly in cash, at the election of the Founder Entity provided that at least 50 percent of the amount payable is paid in Ordinary Shares; and |
F-78
(ii) |
a Variable Annual Advisory Amount, equal in value to 18% of the increase in the market value of one ordinary share, being the difference of $10.00 and the Payment Price, multiplied by such Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately following the Acquisition (excluding Ordinary Shares issued to shareholders or other beneficial owners of a company or business acquired pursuant to or in connection with the Acquisition), in the form of Ordinary Shares for the fiscal year the Acquisition is consummated and for each of the ten fiscal years thereafter, if certain pricing conditions of the Ordinary Share during the measurement period is met. |
The compensation to the Founder Entity will be recognized when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. Management has concluded that, due to the terms of the Agreement, particularly the fact that the Company has the ability to decide whether to accept the acquisition presented under the Agreement, and there is no penalty for the advisors specified in the contract in the event of no services being performed, the substance of the service provided is the consummation of the Acquisition. For the period from November 8, 2019 (Inception) through October 31, 2020, no costs have been recognized in relation to the Agreement because no Acquisition has been consummated.
Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies
In addition to the Founder Advisory Agreement discussed in Note 6 above, the Company does not have any commitments and contingencies as of October 31, 2020. See Note 8. Subsequent Events for commitments and contingencies that occurred after October 2020.
Note 8. Subsequent Events
On June 16, 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l. (SK), an affiliate of funds advised by SK Capital Partners, to acquire 100% of SK Invictus Intermediate S.à.r.l., the ultimate parent company of Perimeter Solutions, a leading global manufacturer of high-quality firefighting products and lubricant additives valued at approximately $2 billion.
The purchase consideration payable in connection with the Acquisition is expected to be funded from a combination of: (i) the Companys existing cash balances raised at the time of its IPO and in a subsequent placing of approximately $400 million; (ii) additional proceeds of $1.15 billion which the Company has raised from an equity issuance to a limited group of institutional shareholders, which is conditional upon the closing of the acquisition; (iii) committed loan facilities in an aggregate amount of $600 million; and (iv) the issuance of $100 million of preferred equity to SK.
The boards of directors of the Company and Perimeter Solutions have each approved the proposed Acquisition. Closing of the Acquisition, which is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2021, is subject to customary conditions.
There have been no other circumstances or events subsequent to the period end which require adjustment of or additional disclosure in the financial statements or the accompanying notes through the date of issuance of these financial statements on September 1, 2021.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
A-3 | |||||||||
Section |
1.01 | Certain Definitions | A-3 | |||||||
Section |
1.02 | Further Definitions | A-17 | |||||||
Section |
1.03 | Construction | A-20 | |||||||
ARTICLE II EXCHANGE; AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER |
A-21 | |||||||||
Section |
2.01 | Closing; Pre-Closing and Closing Actions | A-21 | |||||||
Section |
2.02 | The Merger | A-22 | |||||||
Section |
2.03 | Merger Effective Time | A-22 | |||||||
Section |
2.04 | Effect of the Merger | A-22 | |||||||
Section |
2.05 | Articles of Association; Organizational Documents | A-22 | |||||||
Section |
2.06 | Directors and Officers | A-22 | |||||||
Section |
2.07 | Register of Members | A-23 | |||||||
Section |
2.08 | Tax Treatment of the Exchange and the Merger | A-23 | |||||||
Section |
2.09 | Payment of PECs | A-23 | |||||||
Section |
2.10 | Withholding | A-23 | |||||||
ARTICLE III EXCHANGE CONSIDERATION; CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES |
A-23 | |||||||||
Section |
3.01 | Exchange Consideration | A-23 | |||||||
Section |
3.02 | Conversion of Securities | A-24 | |||||||
Section |
3.03 | Exchange of Certificates | A-25 | |||||||
Section |
3.04 | Stock Transfer Books | A-27 | |||||||
Section |
3.05 | EverArc Warrants | A-27 | |||||||
Section |
3.06 | Post-Closing Adjustment to Merger Consideration | A-28 | |||||||
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER AND THE COMPANY |
A-30 | |||||||||
Section |
4.01 | Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries | A-30 | |||||||
Section |
4.02 | Organizational Documents | A-31 | |||||||
Section |
4.03 | Capitalization | A-31 | |||||||
Section |
4.04 | Authority Relative to this Agreement | A-31 | |||||||
Section |
4.05 | No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents | A-32 | |||||||
Section |
4.06 | Permits; Compliance | A-32 | |||||||
Section |
4.07 | Financial Statements | A-33 | |||||||
Section |
4.08 | Absence of Certain Changes or Events | A-34 | |||||||
Section |
4.09 | Absence of Litigation | A-34 | |||||||
Section |
4.10 | Employee Benefit Plans | A-35 | |||||||
Section |
4.11 | Labor and Employment Matters | A-37 | |||||||
Section |
4.12 | Real Property; Title to Assets | A-39 | |||||||
Section |
4.13 | Intellectual Property | A-40 | |||||||
Section |
4.14 | Product Warranty/Recalls | A-43 | |||||||
Section |
4.15 | Taxes | A-43 | |||||||
Section |
4.16 | Environmental Matters | A-45 | |||||||
Section |
4.17 | Material Contracts | A-46 | |||||||
Section |
4.18 | Material Government Contracts | A-47 | |||||||
Section |
4.19 | Insurance | A-49 | |||||||
Section |
4.20 | Board Approval; Vote Required | A-49 | |||||||
Section |
4.21 | Certain Business Practices | A-49 |
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Page | ||||||||||
Section |
4.22 | Interested Party Transactions | A-50 | |||||||
Section |
4.23 | Exchange Act; Registration Statement | A-50 | |||||||
Section |
4.24 | Brokers | A-50 | |||||||
Section |
4.25 | Sanctions, Import Control, and Export Control Laws | A-50 | |||||||
Section |
4.26 | Exclusivity of Representations and Warranties | A-51 | |||||||
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EVERARC |
A-51 | |||||||||
Section |
5.01 | Corporate Organization | A-52 | |||||||
Section |
5.02 | Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws | A-52 | |||||||
Section |
5.03 | Capitalization | A-52 | |||||||
Section |
5.04 | Authority Relative to this Agreement | A-53 | |||||||
Section |
5.05 | No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents | A-53 | |||||||
Section |
5.06 | Compliance | A-53 | |||||||
Section |
5.07 | FCA Reports; Financial Statements | A-54 | |||||||
Section |
5.08 | Absence of Certain Changes or Events | A-54 | |||||||
Section |
5.09 | Absence of Litigation | A-54 | |||||||
Section |
5.10 | Board Approval; EverArc Founder Shareholder Vote | A-55 | |||||||
Section |
5.11 | Brokers | A-55 | |||||||
Section |
5.12 |
EverArc Financial Capacity; Signing Date EverArc Funds; EverArc PIPE Investment |
A-55 | |||||||
Section |
5.13 | Employees | A-57 | |||||||
Section |
5.14 | Listing | A-57 | |||||||
Section |
5.15 | Taxes | A-57 | |||||||
Section |
5.16 | Prior Business Operation | A-57 | |||||||
Section |
5.17 | Investment Company Act | A-57 | |||||||
Section |
5.18 | Related Party Transactions | A-57 | |||||||
Section |
5.19 | Registration Statement | A-57 | |||||||
Section |
5.20 | EverArcs Investigation and Reliance | A-58 | |||||||
Section |
5.21 | Real Property | A-58 | |||||||
ARTICLE VI REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HOLDCO AND MERGER SUB |
A-58 | |||||||||
Section |
6.01 | Corporate Organization | A-58 | |||||||
Section |
6.02 | Organizational Documents | A-58 | |||||||
Section |
6.03 | Capitalization | A-58 | |||||||
Section |
6.04 | Authority Relative to this Agreement | A-59 | |||||||
Section |
6.05 | No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents | A-59 | |||||||
Section |
6.06 | Compliance | A-60 | |||||||
Section |
6.07 | Board Approval; Vote Required | A-60 | |||||||
Section |
6.08 | No Prior Operations of Holdco or Merger Sub; Post-Closing Operations | A-61 | |||||||
Section |
6.09 | Brokers | A-61 | |||||||
Section |
6.10 | Registration Statement | A-61 | |||||||
ARTICLE VII CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER |
A-61 | |||||||||
Section |
7.01 | Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Exchange | A-61 | |||||||
Section |
7.02 | Conduct of Business by EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub Pending the Merger | A-64 | |||||||
Section |
7.03 | EverArc Public Filings and BVI Companies Act Compliance | A-64 | |||||||
ARTICLE VIII ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS |
A-65 | |||||||||
Section |
8.01 | Registration Statement . | A-65 | |||||||
Section |
8.02 | Access to Information; Confidentiality | A-66 | |||||||
Section |
8.03 | Employee Benefits Matters | A-67 |
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Page | ||||||||||
Section |
8.04 | Directors and Officers Indemnification | A-68 | |||||||
Section |
8.05 | Notification of Certain Matters | A-69 | |||||||
Section |
8.06 | Further Action; Reasonable Best Efforts | A-69 | |||||||
Section |
8.07 | Public Announcements | A-69 | |||||||
Section |
8.08 | Tax Matters | A-70 | |||||||
Section |
8.09 | Stock Exchange Listing | A-70 | |||||||
Section |
8.10 | London Stock Exchange Delisting | A-71 | |||||||
Section |
8.11 | Antitrust | A-71 | |||||||
Section |
8.12 | PCAOB Financials | A-72 | |||||||
Section |
8.13 | PIPE Investment; PIPE Documents; Cooperation | A-72 | |||||||
Section |
8.14 | Exclusivity | A-73 | |||||||
Section |
8.15 | Companys Financing Covenants | A-73 | |||||||
Section |
8.16 | EverArcs Financing Covenants | A-75 | |||||||
Section |
8.17 | R&W Policy | A-77 | |||||||
Section |
8.18 | Adjustments to Net Working Capital | A-77 | |||||||
Section |
8.19 | Section 280 Cleanse | A-78 | |||||||
Section |
8.20 | Assignment and Assumption of Agreements | A-78 | |||||||
Section |
8.21 | Dividends Under 1915 Law | A-78 | |||||||
ARTICLE IX CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER |
A-79 | |||||||||
Section |
9.01 | Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party | A-79 | |||||||
Section |
9.02 | Conditions to the Obligations of EverArc | A-79 | |||||||
Section |
9.03 | Conditions to the Obligations of the Company | A-80 | |||||||
ARTICLE X TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER |
A-81 | |||||||||
Section |
10.01 | Termination | A-81 | |||||||
Section |
10.02 | Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination | A-83 | |||||||
Section |
10.03 | Expenses | A-84 | |||||||
Section |
10.04 | Amendment | A-84 | |||||||
Section |
10.05 | Waiver | A-85 | |||||||
Section |
10.06 | Third-Party Beneficiaries | A-85 | |||||||
ARTICLE XI GENERAL PROVISIONS |
A-85 | |||||||||
Section |
11.01 | Notices | A-85 | |||||||
Section |
11.02 | Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants | A-86 | |||||||
Section |
11.03 | Severability | A-86 | |||||||
Section |
11.04 | Entire Agreement; Assignment | A-86 | |||||||
Section |
11.05 | Parties in Interest | A-86 | |||||||
Section |
11.06 | Governing Law | A-87 | |||||||
Section |
11.07 | Waiver of Jury Trial | A-88 | |||||||
Section |
11.08 | Headings | A-88 | |||||||
Section |
11.09 | Counterparts | A-88 | |||||||
Section |
11.10 | Specific Performance | A-88 | |||||||
Schedule A |
A-90 |
A-iii
EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT A | Amended and Restated Holdco Organizational Documents | |
EXHIBIT B | EverArc Warrant Amendment | |
EXHIBIT C | Escrow Agreement | |
EXHIBIT D | Working Capital Illustrative Calculation | |
EXHIBIT E | Representations and Warranties Insurance Policy | |
EXHIBIT F | Plan and Articles of Merger |
SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE A | Company Knowledge Parties |
A-iv
This BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of June 15, 2021 (this Agreement), by and among EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (EverArc), SK Invictus Holdings S.à r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with its registered office at 6, rue Eugène Ruppert, L-2453 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) under number B221.541 (Seller), SK Invictus Intermediate S.à r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with its registered office at 6, rue Eugène Ruppert, L-2453 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) under number B 221.545 (the Company), EverArc acting as sole founding shareholder in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions, SA, a public company limited by shares (société anonyme) to be incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to have its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to be registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) (Hold co), and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited , a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (Merger Sub). Each of EverArc, Seller, the Company, Holdco and Merger Sub shall individually be referred to herein as a Party and, collectively, the Parties.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, EverArc was formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses;
WHEREAS, Merger Sub is an entity newly formed for the purposes of the transactions proposed herein and Holdco will be an entity newly formed for the purposes of the transactions proposed herein;
WHEREAS, Merger Sub is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of EverArc and Holdco will be a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of EverArc;
WHEREAS, EverArc will transfer, as soon as Holdco has been incorporated, all of the shares of Merger Sub to Holdco at nominal value so that Merger Sub will be prior to the Closing Date a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco;
WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with the Luxembourg Law of 10 August 1915 on commercial companies, as amended (the 1915 Law) and the BVI Companies Act, the Parties will enter into a business combination transaction pursuant to which, among other things, (a) on the Business Day prior to the Closing Date, Merger Sub will merge with and into EverArc, with EverArc surviving such merger as a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco (the Merger) and, in the context of such Merger, all EverArc Shares (other than Excluded Shares) outstanding immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time shall be exchanged for the right to receive the Merger Consideration in the form of Holdco Ordinary Shares pursuant to a share capital increase of Holdco, as set forth in this Agreement, (b) on the Closing Date, Seller will (i) contribute part of its Company Ordinary Shares to Holdco in exchange for Holdco Preferred Shares and (ii) sell its remaining Company Ordinary Shares to Holdco for cash (the contribution, exchange and sale specified in this (b) are collectively referred to as the Exchange), (c) in connection with the Exchange, the nominal Holdco Ordinary Share held by EverArc will be cancelled via a share capital reduction without any consideration for EverArc (the Hold co Share Cancellation), (d) as a result of the Exchange, the Company will become a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco and (e) on the Closing Date, immediately following the Exchange, Seller shall cause the full redemption of the PECs;
WHEREAS, in connection with the Exchange and the Merger, the Parties desire for Holdco to register with the SEC to become a publicly traded company;
WHEREAS, the Board of Managers of Seller (the Seller Board ) has unanimously (a) determined that the Transactions are in the best interests of Seller and (b) approved this Agreement and the Transactions;
WHEREAS, the Board of Managers of the Company (the Company Board ) has unanimously (a) determined that the Transactions are in the best interests of the Company and (b) approved this Agreement and the Transactions;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of EverArc (the EverArc Board ) has (a) determined that the Merger and the other Transactions are fair to, and in the best interests of, EverArc and its shareholders, (b) adopted a resolution approving this Agreement and declaring its advisability and approving the Merger and the other Transactions, and (c) recommended the approval and adoption of this Agreement, the Merger and the other Transactions by the EverArc Founder Shareholders;
WHEREAS, the EverArc Founder Shareholders have unanimously approved and adopted this Agreement, the Merger, and the other Transactions;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Merger Sub (the Merger Sub Board ) has (a) determined that this Agreement, the Merger and the other Transactions are fair to, and in the best interests of, Merger Sub and EverArc (as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub), (b) adopted a resolution approving this Agreement and declaring its advisability and approving the Merger and the other Transactions, and (c) recommended the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by Holdco (as the future sole shareholder of Merger Sub);
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, and as an inducement for the Company to enter this Agreement, EverArc has delivered to the Company the Founder Voting Agreement, duly executed by each of the EverArc Founder Shareholders;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, each of EverArc, the Company and EverArc, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Holdo, are entering into Subscription Agreements with (a) the PIPE Investors pursuant to which among other things, such PIPE Investors, have agreed to subscribe for and EverArc has agreed to sell upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Subscription Agreements dated as of the date hereof, an aggregate number of EverArc Ordinary Shares (which shall become Holdco Ordinary Shares in the Merger) in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of One Billion One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($1,150,000,000) (the PIPE Investment Amount), at the PIPE Share Price (the PIPE Investment), immediately prior to the Closing Date and (b) certain members of management pursuant to which among other things, such members of management, have agreed to subscribe for and Holdco and EverArc have agreed to sell (following the Closing) upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Subscription Agreements dated as of the date hereof, an aggregate number of Holdco Ordinary Shares in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of up to Eleven Million Forty-Eight Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($11,048,100), at the PIPE Share Price;
WHEREAS, in connection with the Merger, EverArc will file an election with the IRS to be classified as a disregarded entity for United States federal income Tax purposes (the Tax Election), which shall be effective on the Closing Date; and
WHEREAS, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Merger and the Tax Election are intended to be treated as a single integrated transaction that qualifies as a reorganization under Code Section 368(a)(1)(F) and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder;
A-2
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:
Accounts Receivable means all accounts receivable, notes receivable and other monies due for sales and deliveries of goods or performance of services by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, whether billed or unbilled, recorded or unrecorded, accrued and existing, whether or not written off.
affiliate of a specified person means a person who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person.
Aggregate Cash Consideration means an amount of cash equal to the Company Value minus the Aggregate Preferred Share Stock Value.
Aggregate Stock Consideration means a number of Holdco Preferred Shares equal to the quotient of (a) One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000) (the Aggregate Preferred Share Stock Value), divided by (b) the stated value of a Holdco Preferred Share.
Aggregate Transaction Consideration means the Aggregate Cash Consideration and the Aggregate Stock Consideration.
Ancillary Agreements means the EverArc Warrant Amendment, the Assignment and Assumption of the Founder Advisory Services Agreement, the Assignment and Assumption of the ICL Purchase Agreement and all other agreements, certificates and instruments executed and delivered by EverArc, Holdco, Merger Sub or the Company in connection with the Transactions and specifically contemplated by this Agreement.
Anti-Corruption Laws means the UK Bribery Act 2010, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 1977, as amended, and other similar laws, regulations, rules and guidance (having the force of law) of any jurisdiction applicable to EverArc, Holdco, Merger Sub or the Company concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.
Anti-Money Laundering Laws means all laws, rules, regulations, and guidance (having the force of law) of any jurisdiction applicable to EverArc, Holdco, Merger Sub or the Company concerning terrorist financing or Money Laundering, including, without limitation, the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986, the USA PATRIOT Act, and the Bank Secrecy Act.
Business Data means all confidential business information and confidential business data, including Personal Information (whether of employees, contractors, consultants, customers, consumers, or other persons and whether in electronic or any other form or medium) that is accessed, collected, used, processed, stored, shared, distributed, transferred, disclosed, destroyed, or disposed of by any of the Business Systems or otherwise by the Company or any Company Subsidiary in the course of the conduct of the business of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
Business Day means any day, except Saturday or Sunday, on which banks are not required or authorized to close in Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, New York, NY, London, United Kingdom, or the British Virgin Islands.
Business Systems means all Software, computer hardware (whether general or special purpose), electronic data processing, information, record keeping, communications, telecommunications, networks, interfaces, platforms, servers, peripherals, and computer systems, including any outsourced systems and processes, that are owned by, or used in the conduct of the business of the Company or any Company Subsidiaries.
A-3
BVI Companies Act means the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 (as amended) of the British Virgin Islands.
CARES Act means the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Pub. L. 116-136) and any administrative or other guidance published with respect thereto by any Governmental Authority.
Cash means all cash and cash equivalents, all restricted cash (including all cash posted to support letters of credit, performance bonds or other similar obligations) and marketable securities, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP. For the avoidance of doubt, Cash will be calculated net of issued but uncleared checks and drafts and will include checks, inbound ACH transmissions, other wire transfers and drafts deposited or available for deposit for the account of the Company or any Company Subsidiary. Cash shall exclude all (i) deposits with third parties (including landlords) of the Company and its subsidiaries and (ii) Trapped Cash in excess of the Trapped Cash Cap.
Closing Net Working Capital means Net Working Capital as of the Reference Time.
Code means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Company IP means, collectively, all Company-Owned IP and Company-Licensed IP.
Company-Licensed IP means all Intellectual Property rights owned or purported to be owned by a third party and licensed to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary otherwise has a right to use.
Company Material Adverse Effect means any event, circumstance, change or effect (collectively Effects) that, individually or in the aggregate with all other events, circumstances, changes and effects, (a) is or would reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the business, condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities or operations of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (b) does or would prevent, materially delay or materially impede the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange, the Merger or any of the other Transactions; provided, however, that none of the following shall be deemed to constitute, alone or in combination, or be taken into account in the determination of whether there has been or will be, a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) any enactment of, change or proposed change in or change in the interpretation of any Law or Accounting Principles; (ii) Effects generally affecting the industries or geographic areas in which the Company and the Company Subsidiaries operate; (iii) any downturn in general economic conditions, including changes in the credit, debt, securities, financial or capital markets (including changes in interest or exchange rates, prices of any security or market index or commodity or any disruption of such markets); (iv) acts of war (whether or not declared), sabotage, civil unrest, terrorism, curfews, riots, demonstrations or public disorders, or any escalation or worsening of any such acts of war, sabotage, civil unrest, terrorism, curfews, riots, demonstrations or public disorders, or changes in global, national, regional, state or local political or social conditions; (v) any hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, natural disaster, or other acts of God; (vi) Effects arising from or relating to epidemics, pandemics, or disease outbreaks, including COVID-19 or any COVID-19 Measures; (vii) any actions taken or not taken by the Company or the Company Subsidiaries as specifically required or permitted by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, (viii) the announcement or execution, pendency, negotiation or consummation of the Merger or any of the other Transactions (including the impact thereof on relationships with customers, suppliers, employees or Governmental Authorities); (ix) any failure by the Company and the Company Subsidiaries to meet any projections, forecasts, guidance, estimates, milestones, budgets or financial or operating predictions of revenue, earnings, cash flow or cash position, provided that this clause (ix) shall not prevent a determination that any change, event, or occurrence underlying such failure has resulted in a Company Material Adverse Effect; (x) any pending or initiated Action against the Company, any of the Company Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers or directors, in each case, arising out of or relating to the execution of this Agreement or the Transactions (other than any Action commenced by any Party hereto to
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enforce its rights under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party); (xi) any action taken or not taken by EverArc; or (xii) any actions taken, or failures to take action, or such other changes or events, in each case, which EverArc has specifically requested or to which it has specifically consented or which actions are specifically contemplated by this Agreement, in each case, except in the cases of clauses (i) through (vi), to the extent that the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are disproportionately affected thereby as compared with other participants in the industries or geographic areas in which the Company and the Company Subsidiaries operate.
Company Ordinary Shares means all the Companys ordinary shares, with a par value of USD 1.00 per share, including the Company Treasury Shares.
Company Organizational Documents means the Articles of Association of the Company, dated as of January 5, 2018, as amended on March 26, 2018, and as amend ed, modified or supplemented from time to time.
Company-Owned IP means all Intellectual Property rights owned or purported to be owned by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries.
Company Transaction Expenses means the reasonable and documented unpaid Transaction Expenses of the Company or any of its affiliates (including Seller), including, without limitation, unpaid Transaction Expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Exchange (including the structuring, negotiation and documentation of the Exchange) and specifically including (i) fifty percent (50%) of the premiums, commissions and other fees paid or payable in connection with obtaining the D&O Tail Policy and (ii) fifty percent (50%) of the Transfer Taxes; provided, however, that Company Transaction Expenses shall not include (x) PCAOB Financials Expenses (except as set forth in Section 10.03) and (y) Financing Cooperation Expenses. For the avoidance of doubt, Company Transaction Expenses shall exclude any amounts included in Indebtedness or Net Working Capital.
Company Treasury Shares means the Company Ordinary Shares held by the Company.
Company Value means an amount equal to Two Billion Dollars ($2,000,000,000) minus (a) the aggregate amount (if any) by which Estimated Company Transaction Expenses exceeds $500,000, plus (b) the Estimated Cash, minus (c) the Estimated Indebtedness, plus (d) the aggregate amount (if any) by which the Estimated Closing Net Working Capital is greater than Target Net Working Capital, minus (e) the aggregate amount (if any) by which Estimated Closing Net Working Capital is less than Target Net Working Capital, minus (f) the Escrow Amount.
Competing EverArc Transaction means any merger, consolidation, amalgamation, scheme or plan of arrangement or other business combination between EverArc, on the one hand, and a Competing Seller, on the other hand.
Competing Seller means a person (including any financial investor or group of financial investors) actively engaged, directly or indirectly, in any one or more of the development, production, marketing, distribution and/or exploitation of any products and/or services, in each case other than the Company, Seller and indirect equityholders or any Company Subsidiary.
Competing Transaction means any (a) sale or transfer of all or a substantial portion of the assets or equity (directly or indirectly) of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to any person or (b) any merger, consolidation, amalgamation, scheme or plan of arrangement or other business combination between the Company or any Company Subsidiary, on the one hand, and any other person, on the other hand.
Confidential Information means any information, knowledge or data concerning (a) the Products (including the manufacture and formulation thereof) or the businesses and affairs of the Company or any
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Company Subsidiary, or (b) any of the suppliers or customers of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or EverArc or its subsidiaries (as applicable), in each case, that is not already generally available to the public, including any Intellectual Property rights.
control (including the terms controlled by and under common control with) means the possession, directly or indirectly, or as trustee or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise.
COVID-19 means the novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, and any evolutions, mutations thereof or related or associated epidemics, pandemic or disease outbreaks.
COVID-19 Measures means any quarantine, shelter in place, stay at home, workforce reduction, social distancing, delay, shut down (including the shutdown of air cargo routes), closure, sequester, safety or similar Law, directive, guideline or recommendation promulgated by any Governmental Authority, including but not limited to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, in each case with or in response to COVID-19 including the CARES Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, as signed into law by the President of the United States on March 18, 2020, and amendments and regulations thereto.
Dataroom means that certain electronic dataroom titled Project Boundary hosted by Intralinks.
Debt Financing Sources means the agents, arrangers, lenders, initial purchasers, financial institutions or other persons that have committed to provide or are arranging the Debt Financing in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, including the parties to the Debt Commitment Letters and the parties to any commitment letters, engagement letters, joinder agreements, amendment agreements, purchase agreements, indentures or credit agreements entered pursuant thereto or relating thereto, together with their respective affiliates and their and their respective affiliates current, former or future officers, directors, employees, partners, trustees, shareholders, equityholders, managers, members, limited partners, controlling persons, agents and representatives and respective successors and assigns of the foregoing persons, in each case, excluding the PIPE Investors in their capacity as such.
Disabling Devices means undisclosed Software viruses, time bombs, logic bombs, trojan horses, trap doors, back doors, or other computer instructions, intentional devices or techniques that are designed to threaten, infect, assault, vandalize, defraud, disrupt, damage, disable, maliciously encumber, hack into, incapacitate, infiltrate or slow or shut down a computer system or any component of such computer system, including any such device affecting system security or compromising or disclosing user data in an unauthorized manner.
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules means the disclosure guidance and transparency rules produced by the FCA and forming part of the FCA Handbook of rules and guidance, as from time to time amended.
Dissenting Shares means EverArc Shares with respect to which holders thereof have duly and validly exercised their right of dissent in relation to the Merger and in accordance with the provisions of Section 179 of the BVI Companies Act.
Employee means any person employed by the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
Environmental Laws means any Law relating to: (a) Releases or threatened Releases of Hazardous Substances or materials containing Hazardous Substances; (b) the presence, manufacture, refining, production, generation, handling, transport, use. treatment, recycling, storage, importing, labeling, testing, disposal, cleanup or control of Hazardous Substances or materials containing Hazardous Substances; (c) pollution or protection of the environment or natural resources; or (d) public health and safety or, as it relates to the handling of or exposure to Hazardous Substances, worker/occupational health and safety.
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Equipment means all machinery, motor vehicles, trucks, rolling stock, equipment, furniture, training materials, tools, computers, terminals, computer equipment, office equipment, business machines, telephones and telephone systems, parts, accessories, and the like, wherever located, and any and all assignable warranties of third parties with respect thereto.
Escrow Account means the adjustment escrow account established pursuant to the Escrow Agreement.
Escrow Agent means Wilmington Trust, National Association, a national association.
Escrow Agreement means that certain Escrow Agreement with the Escrow Agent, Seller and EverArc substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereof.
Escrow Amount means $7,600,000.
Escrow Fund means, as of any date, the amount of funds then held by the Escrow Agent in the Escrow Account pursuant to the Escrow Agreement.
EverArc Articles of Association means the Memorandum and Articles of Association of EverArc, dated as of November 8, 2019, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
EverArc Founder Shareholders means EverArc Founders LLC (the Sponsor) and any other person holding EverArc Founder Shares as of the relevant date of determination.
EverArc Founder Shares means EverArcs founder shares of no par value having the rights, privileges and designations set out in the EverArc Articles of Association.
EverArc Material Adverse Effect means any Effects that, individually or in the aggregate with all other events, circumstances, changes and effects, (a) is or would reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the business, condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities or operations of EverArc or (b) does or would prevent, materially delay or materially impede the performance by EverArc of its obligations under this Agreement or the consummation of the Merger or any of the other Transactions; provided, however, that none of the following shall be deemed to constitute, alone or in combination, or be taken into account in the determination of whether there has been or will be, a EverArc Material Adverse Effect: (i) any enactment of, change or proposed change in or change in the interpretation of any Law or Accounting Principles; (ii) any downturn in general economic conditions, including changes in the credit, debt, securities, financial or capital markets (including changes in interest or exchange rates, prices of any security or market index or commodity or any disruption of such markets); (iii) acts of war (whether or not declared), sabotage, civil unrest, terrorism, curfews, riots, demonstrations or public disorders, or any escalation or worsening of any such acts of war, sabotage, civil unrest, terrorism, curfews, riots, demonstrations or public disorders, or changes in global, national, regional, state or local political or social conditions; (iv) any hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, natural disaster, or other acts of God; (v) Effects arising from or relating to epidemics, pandemics, or disease outbreaks, including COVID-19 or any COVID-19 Measures; (vi) any actions taken or not taken by EverArc as specifically required or permitted by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; (vii) the announcement or execution, pendency, negotiation or consummation of the Merger or any of the other Transactions (including the impact thereof on relationships with Governmental Authorities); (viii) any pending or initiated Action against EverArc or any of its officers or directors, in each case, arising out of or relating to the execution of this Agreement or the Transactions (other than any Action commenced by any Party hereto to enforce its rights under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party); (ix) any action taken or not taken by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries; or (x) any actions taken, or failures to take action, or such other changes or events, in each case, which the Company has specifically requested or to which it has specifically consented or which actions are specifically contemplated by this Agreement, in each case, except in the cases of clauses (i) through (v), to the extent that EverArc is disproportionately affected thereby as compared with other participants in the industries or geographic areas in which EverArc operates.
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EverArc Ordinary Shareholders means the holders of EverArc Ordinary Shares.
EverArc Ordinary Shares means the ordinary shares of no par value in EverArc having the rights, privileges and designations set out in the EverArc Articles of Association.
EverArc Organizational Documents means the certificate of incorporation and the EverArc Articles of Association, in each case as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
EverArc Shareholders means the EverArc Founder Shareholders and the EverArc Ordinary Shareholders.
EverArc Shares means EverArc Founder Shares and EverArc Ordinary Shares.
EverArc Transaction Expenses means the PCAOB Financials Expenses (except as set forth in Section 10.03), the Financing Cooperation Expenses and the reasonable and documented Transaction Expenses of EverArc or any of its affiliates (excluding the Company or any Company Subsidiary), including (i) any and all Transaction Expenses incurred in the negotiation or consummation of the PIPE Investment, including advisory fees and placement fees, (ii) one hundred percent (100%) of the premiums, commissions and other fees paid or payable in connection with obtaining the R&W Policy, (iii) fifty percent (50%) of the Transfer Taxes, (iv) fifty percent (50%) of the premiums, commissions and other fees paid or payable in connection with obtaining the D&O Tail Policy, (v) all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with any filing under the HSR Act or other applicable Antitrust Laws and (vi) all out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses of EverArc and its affiliates (including Merger Sub and Holdco) (including all due diligence, legal, accounting, advisory, and any other third-party and consultant fees, costs and expenses of outside counsel, accountants, investment bankers, experts and consultants) in connection with the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the Transactions.
EverArc Warrant Instrument means the instrument constituting the Warrants executed by EverArc on December 12, 2019.
EverArc Warrants means the warrants to subscribe for EverArc Ordinary Shares issued or to be issued pursuant to the EverArc Warrant Instrument.
Export Control Laws means export control laws and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to EverArc, Holdco, Merger Sub or the Company including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 C.F.R. §§ 730, et seq., as amended, and any other equivalent or comparable export control laws and regulations of other countries.
FCA means the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority.
FCA Hand book means the handbook of the FCA.
Final Company Value means an amount equal to Two Billion Dollars ($2,000,000,000) minus (a) the aggregate amount (if any) by which the Company Transaction Expenses as finally determined pursuant to Section 3.06 exceeds $500,000, plus (b) Cash as finally determined pursuant to Section 3.06, minus (c) Indebtedness of the Company as finally determined pursuant to Section 3.06, plus (d) the aggregate amount (if any) by which Closing Net Working Capital as finally determined pursuant to Section 3.06 is greater than Target Net Working Capital, minus (e) the aggregate amount (if any) by which Closing Net Working Capital as finally determined pursuant to Section 3.06 is less than Target Net Working Capital, minus (f) the Escrow Amount.
Financing Sources means the Debt Financing Sources and the PIPE Investors.
Founder Advisory Services Agreement means that certain Advisory Services Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2019, by and between EverArc and Sponsor.
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Founder Voting Agreement means the irrevocable voting undertaking dated the date hereof by each of the EverArc Founder Shareholders pursuant to which they have confirmed they have approved this Agreement, the Plan and Articles of Merger and the Transactions by a Resolution of Members (as defined in and in accordance with article 41 of the EverArc Articles of Association ) and have irrevocably agreed to approve and adopt such further resolutions as may be necessary to approve and implement this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements, the Plan and Articles of Merger and the Transactions.
Fraud means, with respect to any person, (a) an intentional false representation of fact by such person, (b) with knowledge that such representation is false, (c) with an intention to induce another person to act or refrain from acting in reliance upon it and (d) causing such other person, in justifiable reliance upon such false representation and with ignorance to the falsity of such representation, to take or refrain from taking action. For the avoidance of doubt, Fraud shall not include any type of constructive or equitable fraud.
GAAP means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied by the Company and its subsidiaries.
Government Bid means any bid, proposal or offer made by the Company or any Company Subsidiary prior to the date hereof which, if accepted, would result in a Government Contract.
Government Contract means any contract, including any prime contract, subcontract, letter contract, purchase order or delivery order, (a) by or between the Company or any Company Subsidiary and any Governmental Authority or (b) by or between the Company or any Company Subsidiary, as a subcontractor at any tier, and any other Person in connection with any contract with a Governmental Authority currently in performance and for which final payment has not yet been received by the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
Government Sponsor means any (a) Governmental Authority or (b) university, college, other educational institution, research center, nonprofit organization, or private foundation.
Hazardous Substance(s) means: (a) any substance, material or waste which is regulated by, or for which liability or standards of conduct may be imposed under, any Environmental Law, including any substance, material or waste which is defined as a hazardous substance, hazardous material, hazardous waste, solid waste, pollutant, contaminant, toxic substance, toxic waste or other similar term or phrase under any Environmental Law; (b) petroleum and petroleum products, including crude oil and any fractions thereof; (c) natural gas, natural gas liquids, synthetic gas, and any mixtures thereof; (d) polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos and asbestos-containing materials, urea formaldehyde, toxic mold, and radon; and (e) per-or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Holdco Board means the board of directors of Holdco.
Holdco Board Approval means, as applicable, (a) the Holdco Board resolutions with respect to the Holdco Shares Exchange Issuance, (b) confirmation of the issuance of Holdco Preferred Shares which form the Holdco Shares Exchange Issuance by the delegate of the Holdco Board, (c) the Holdco Board resolutions with respect to the Holdco Ordinary Shares Merger Issuance and (d) confirmation of the Holdco Ordinary Shares Merger Issuance by the delegate of the Holdco Board.
Holdco Ordinary Shares means the ordinary shares of Holdco, with a par value of USD 1.00 per share, as provided for in the Amended and Restated Holdco Organizational Documents.
Holdco Preferred Shares means the preferred shares of Holdco, with a par value of USD 10.00 per share, as provided for in the Amended and Restated Holdco Organizational Documents.
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Holdco Organizational Documents means the Articles of Association of Holdco as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
Holdco Requisite Approvals means the Holdco Board Approval and the Holdco Shareholder Approval, as applicable.
Holdco Shareholder Approval means approval of the shareholders of Holdco at an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Holdco, to be held in front of a Luxembourg notary on or around the day of the Exchange to implement the Holdco Share Cancellation and the approval of the restated Holdco Organizational Documents as contemplated by Section 2.01(b).
HSR Act means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.
H&S Acquisition Agreement means that certain Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2019, by and among Perimeter Solutions LP, a Delaware limited partnership, Shannon Horn, Laura Horn and Shannon Horn, in his capacity as representative of the Sellers (as defined therein).
ICL Purchase Agreement means that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated December 6, 2017, by and among Amsterdam Fertilizers B.V., a corporation organized under the Laws of the Netherlands, BK Giulini, GmbH, a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung organized under the Laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, ICL Germany Food and Chemical Specialties GmbH, a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung organized under the Laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, ICL Iberia Limited, SCA, a Sociedad Comanditaria por Acciones organized under the Laws of Spain, and Israel Chemicals Ltd., a limited liability company organized under the Laws of Israel, and SK Invictus Holdings, L.P.
IFRS means International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Import Control Laws means import control laws and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to EverArc, Holdco, Merger Sub or the Company, including those administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (19 U.S.C. §§ 1-4454 and 19 C.F.R. §§ 1-199), and any other equivalent or comparable import control laws and regulations of other countries.
Income Tax means any Tax imposed or determined with reference to gross or net income or profits.
Income Tax Return means any Tax Return with respect to Income Taxes.
Indebtedness means for any person and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, an amount equal to, without duplication, (a) indebtedness for borrowed money of such person or its subsidiaries, including indebtedness evidenced by any note, bond, debenture, mortgage or other debt instrument or debt security, (b) net obligations of such person and its subsidiaries in respect of interest rate swaps, hedges or similar arrangements, including any swaps, hedges or similar arrangements related to foreign exchange, (c) obligations of such person and its subsidiaries under capitalized leases, (d) any deferred purchase price liabilities of such person and its subsidiaries; provided that, with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries, only (i) the unpaid amount of the Third Deferred Payment and Fourth Deferred Payment (each as defined in the H&S Acquisition Agreement) and (ii) 50% of the unpaid amount of the QPL Listing Payment (as defined in the LaderaTECH Acquisition Agreement) shall be included in Indebtedness, (e) any management fee payable to SK Capital Partners, LP or any of its affiliates to the extent unpaid, (f) the Tax Liability Amount, (g) all applicable employment taxes (as defined in Section 2302(d)(1) of the CARES Act) of the Company or any Company Subsidiary for the Pre-Closing Tax Period that have been deferred and are unpaid, (h) all amounts (including for the avoidance of doubt, the principal amounts, plus any related accrued and unpaid interest, fees and prepayment premiums or penalties) and obligations of the type referred to in the foregoing clauses of this definition of other persons for the payment
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of which such person or any of its subsidiaries is responsible or liable, as obligor, guarantor, surety or otherwise, including any guarantee of such obligations, (i) with respect to the Company, all Cash used between the Reference Time and the Closing to make any payments of Company Transaction Expenses, distributions, dividends or other payments to Seller or any of its Affiliates and (j) obligations to any person under any deferred compensation arrangements, defined benefit plans, pension plans or asset retirement plans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries, Indebtedness shall not include (i) obligations in respect of German pension plans that do not exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000), (ii) any restructuring accruals, (iii) any litigation accruals, (iv) any intercompany payables or receivables solely among the Company and its subsidiaries, (v) any obligations for any bonuses or other incentive compensation, (vi) any amounts deposited by a customer with the Company or its subsidiaries or pre-paid by a customer to the Company or its subsidiaries in respect of goods or services to be provided by the Company or its subsidiaries, (vii) any royalty payments and (viii) any earnout or similar payments other than as specifically provided in clauses (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this definition. For the avoidance of doubt, Indebtedness shall exclude any amounts included in Net Working Capital or Company Transaction Expenses.
Intellectual Property means: (a) patents, patent applications and patent disclosures, together with all reissues, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, revisions, extensions or reexaminations thereof; (b) trademarks and service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names, corporate names, brands, slogans, and other source identifiers, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, together with all of the goodwill associated with the foregoing; (c) copyrights, and other works of authorship (whether or not copyrightable), and moral rights, and registrations and applications for registration, renewals and extensions thereof; (d) trade secrets and know-how (including ideas, formulas, compositions, inventions (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice)), customer and supplier lists, improvements, protocols, processes, methods and techniques, research and development information, industry analyses, algorithms, architectures, layouts, drawings, specifications, designs, plans, methodologies, proposals, industrial models, technical data, financial and accounting data (including pricing and cost information), and all other data, databases and database rights; (e) Internet domain names and social media accounts; (f) rights of privacy and publicity and all other intellectual property or proprietary rights of any kind or description recognized under applicable Laws; (g) copies and tangible embodiments of any of the foregoing, in whatever form or medium; and (h) all legal rights arising from items (a) through (f), including the right to prosecute and perfect such interests and rights to sue, oppose, cancel, interfere, and enjoin based upon such interests, including such rights based on past infringement, if any, in connection with any of the foregoing.
Inventory means all raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods, goods held for resale, spare parts, waste materials, scrap, samples, promotional literature, and supplies, including office supplies and forms, wherever located.
knowledge or to the knowledge of a person means in the case of the Company, the actual knowledge of the persons listed on Schedule A (each, a Company Knowledge Party) after reasonable inquiry, and in the case of EverArc, the actual knowledge of Vivek Raj, Haitham Khouri or David Scott after reasonable inquiry.
LaderaTECH Acquisition Agreement means that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2020, by and among Perimeter Solutions LP, a Delaware limited partnership, the sellers party thereto, and Wesley Bolsen, as the Sellers Representative (as defined therein).
Leased Real Property means all real property leased, subleased, licensed or sublicensed by the Company or Company Subsidiaries as tenant, subtenant, licensee or sublicensee together with, to the extent leased, subleased, licensed, or sublicensed by the Company or Company Subsidiaries, all buildings and other structures, facilities or improvements located thereon and all easements, licenses, rights and appurtenances of the Company or Company Subsidiaries relating to the foregoing.
Lien means any lien, security interest, mortgage, deeds of trust, pledge, adverse claim, reservation, lease, sublease, license, covenants, easements, right-of-way, servitudes, collateral assignments, conditional sale or other
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sale agreements, title retention agreements, hypothecations, preemptive right, community property interest, collateral assignment, infringement, charge, option, warrant, rights of first refusal, proxies, voting trusts or similar agreements, or title or transfer restrictions under any equity holder or similar agreement (including, without limitation, any restriction on the voting of any security, any restriction on the transfer of any security or other asset, any restriction on the possession, exercise or transfer or any other restriction attributable of ownership of any asset), or any other encumbrance, restriction or limitation of any kind whatsoever (other than those created under applicable securities Laws, and not including any license of Intellectual Property).
Magnum Transaction means the transaction contemplated by that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2021, between Magnum Fabrications, Inc. and Perimeter Solutions LP.
Material Government Contract means each Government Contract with revenue for the Company or any Company Subsidiarys current fiscal year expected to exceed Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000).
Merger Sub Organizational Documents means the certificate of incorporation and memorandum and articles of association of Merger Sub, in each case, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
Money Laundering means the acquisition, possession, use, conversion, transfer or concealment of the true nature of property of any description, and legal documents or instruments evidencing title to, or interest in, such property, knowing that such property is an economic advantage from criminal offences, for the purpose of (a) concealing or disguising the illicit origin of the property or (b) assisting any person who is involved in the commission of the criminal offense as a result of which such property is generated, to evade the legal consequences of such actions.
Nasdaq means the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, as may be applicable.
Net Working Capital means (a) the consolidated current assets (excluding Cash and any Income Tax assets, any deferred Tax assets (including Income Tax assets) and any deferred finance fees) of the Company and its subsidiaries, minus (b) the consolidated current liabilities (excluding Indebtedness and Transaction Expenses and any Income Tax liabilities, deferred Tax liabilities (including Income Tax liabilities) and asset retirement obligations) of the Company and its subsidiaries (it being understood that accrued bonuses shall be included in the determination of Net Working Capital whether such bonuses are short term or long term liabilities), in each case, determined in accordance with the Companys accounting policies, practices, estimation methodologies, procedures and classifications; provided, that, the effect of the following shall not be taken into account in determining Net Working Capital: (i) the impact of any acquisition made by the Company or any Company Subsidiary after May 31, 2021 (for the avoidance of doubt, Net Working Capital shall include the results of the PC Australasia Acquisition but shall not include any subsequent completed acquisitions); (ii) the impact of any revisions to purchase price allocations; and (iii) any intercompany payables or receivables among the Company and its subsidiaries or among the subsidiaries of the Company. Exhibit D sets forth an illustrative calculation of Net Working Capital as of March 31, 2021. For the avoidance of doubt, Net Working Capital shall exclude any amounts included in Indebtedness or Company Transaction Expenses.
NYSE means the New York Stock Exchange.
Official List means the list maintained by the FCA.
Payment Spreadsheet means a spreadsheet that shall be delivered by the Company to EverArc pursuant to Section 3.01(b), which shall set forth (i) the Aggregate Transaction Consideration (including the Aggregate Cash Consideration and the Aggregate Stock Consideration) and (ii) the allocation of the Aggregate Cash Consideration and the Aggregate Stock Consideration among the Company Ordinary Shares being contributed and sold to Holdco.
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PC Australasia Acquisition means the acquisition contemplated by that certain Business Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated February 22, 2021, by and among Solberg Asia Pacific Pty Ltd., a limited company formed under the laws of Australia and an indirect subsidiary of the Company, PC Australasia Pty Ltd., a limited company formed under the laws of Australia, Darren Robert Webb and Nora Mary Webb.
PCAOB means the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and any division or subdivision thereof.
PCAOB Financials Expenses means all costs, fees and expenses incurred by the Company and its affiliates in connection with the preparation and delivery of the PCAOB Financials.
PECs means the series 1 preferred equity certificates, each of par value and face amount $1.00, issued by Seller pursuant to the PECs Agreement.
PECs Agreement means the Securityholders Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2018, by and between Seller, SK Capital Partners IV-A, L.P., SKCP Invictus Co-Invest, L.P., SK Invictus Holdings, L.P., and ICL Germany Food and Chemical Specialties GmbH, and the Terms and Conditions of Preferred Equity Certificates attached as Exhibit C thereto.
Permitted Liens means: (a) such imperfections of title, easements, encumbrances, Liens or restrictions that, individually or in the aggregate, do not materially affect, impair or interfere with the use, ownership, value and maintenance of, or the access to any property affected thereby or the conduct of the business of the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries; (b) materialmens, mechanics, carriers, workmens, warehousemens, repairmens, landlords and other similar Liens arising or incurred in the ordinary course of business to the extent relating to amounts not yet due and payable, or deposits to obtain the release of such Liens; (c) Liens for Taxes, not yet due and payable, or being contested in good faith; (d) zoning, entitlement, conservation restriction and other land use and environmental regulations promulgated by Governmental Authorities that individually or in the aggregate, do not materially affect, impair or interfere with the use, ownership, value and maintenance of or the access to any property affected thereby or the conduct of the business of the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries; (e) Liens not created by the Company that affect the underlying fee interest of any leased real property, including master leases or ground leases and any set of facts that an accurate up-to-date survey would show, in each case, to the extent that such Liens are not material to the Company; (f) non-exclusive licenses, sublicenses or other rights to Intellectual Property owned by or licensed to the Company or the Company Subsidiaries granted to any licensee in the ordinary course of business; (g) non-monetary Liens, encumbrances and restrictions on real property (including easements, covenants, rights of way and similar restrictions of record) that individually or in the aggregate, do not materially affect, impair or interfere with the use, ownership, value and maintenance of or the access to any real property affected thereby or the conduct of the business of the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries; (h) Liens identified in the Audited Financial Statements; and (i) Liens on leases, subleases, easements, licenses, rights of use, rights to access and rights of way arising from the provisions of such agreements or benefiting or created by any superior estate, right or interest.
person means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, syndicate, person (including, without limitation, a person as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), trust, association or entity or government, political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of a government.
Personal Information means (a) information related to an identified or identifiable individual (e.g., name, address telephone number, email address, financial account number, government-issued identifier), (b) any other data used or intended to be used or which reasonably allows one to identify, contact, or precisely locate an individual, including any internet protocol address or other persistent identifier, and (c) any other, similar information or data regulated by Privacy/Data Security Laws.
PIPE means any private placement or placements of EverArc Ordinary Shares which shall become Holdco Ordinary Shares in connection with the consummation of the Transactions.
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PIPE Investors means persons that have entered into Subscription Agreements to purchase for cash EverArc Ordinary Shares which shall become Holdco Ordinary Shares in connection with the consummation of the Transactions pursuant to the PIPE Investment on or prior to the Closing Date.
PIPE Share Price means the price per EverArc Ordinary Share at which EverArc Ordinary Shares are being sold in the PIPE.
Post-Closing Tax Period means any taxable period beginning after the Closing Date and, with respect to any Straddle Period, the portion of such Straddle Period beginning on the day after the Closing Date.
Pre-Closing Tax Period means any taxable period ending on or before the Closing Date and, with respect to any Straddle Period, the portion of such Straddle Period through the end of the Closing Date.
Privacy/Data Security Laws means all laws governing the receipt, collection, use, storage, processing, sharing, security, disclosure, or transfer of Personal Information or the security of Companys Business Systems or Business Data.
Products mean any products or services, developed, manufactured, performed, out-licensed, sold, distributed or otherwise made available by or on behalf of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, from which the Company or any Company Subsidiary has derived previously, is currently deriving or is scheduled to derive revenue from the sale or provision thereof.
Reference Time means 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the day immediately prior to the Closing Date.
Release means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, migrating, dumping, disposing, or other release into or through the environment, and any abandonment or discarding of barrels, containers, or other closed receptacles containing any Hazardous Substance.
Restricted Person means: (a) any individual or entity that is a citizen or resident of, located in, or organized under the laws of, or acting for or on behalf of, a Sanctioned Country; (b) the government of any Sanctioned Country; (c) any government that is the subject or target of restrictions under Sanctions Law; or (d) any individual or entity that is, and/or any entity that is owned or controlled directly or indirectly by, or acts for or on behalf of individuals or entities that are designated on any of the following lists, as updated, substituted, or replaced from time to time:
(i) |
the United Nations Security Councils Consolidated United Nations Security Council Sanctions List; |
(ii) |
the lists of persons subject to Sanctions Laws, as administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) including, but not limited to, OFACs Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, the Foreign Sanctions Evaders, and the Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List; |
(iii) |
the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Securitys Entity List, Denied Persons List, or Unverified List; |
(iv) |
the U.S. Department of States list of debarred parties and lists of individuals and entities that have been designated pursuant to sanctions and/or non-proliferation statutes that it administers and related executive orders; |
(v) |
the European Union Commissions Consolidated list of persons, groups and entities subject to EU financial sanctions or individuals or entities that are listed in any Annex to EU Council Regulation 833/2014 (as amended); |
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(vi) |
Her Majestys Treasury of United Kingdoms Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets in the UK; and |
(vii) |
any additional list promulgated, designated, or enforced by a Sanctions Authority. |
R&W Policy means a buyer-side representation and warranty insurance policy or policies obtained by EverArc in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E.
Sanctionable Activity means any condition or activity specifically identified under any Sanctions Laws that serves as a basis to designate any person described by such condition or engaged in such activity as a Restricted Person.
Sanctioned Country means at any time, a country or territory that is the target of comprehensive economic or trade sanctions under Sanctions Laws. As of the date of this Agreement, Sanctioned Countries include the Crimea Region, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria.
Sanctions Authority means the United Nations Security Council; U.S. Department of the Treasury; the U.S. Department of Commerce; the U.S. Department of State; the European Union Council and/or Commission (including any present or future member state of the European Union); Her Majestys Treasury of the United Kingdom; and any other government or regulatory body, institution or agency with authority to enact Sanctions Laws in any country and/or territory with jurisdiction over any Party.
Sanctions Laws means all economic, trade, or financial sanctions statutes, regulations, executive orders, decrees, judicial decisions, restrictive measures, or other acts having the force of law enacted, adopted, administered, imposed, or enforced from time to time by any Sanctions Authority.
SEC means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Software means all computer software (in object code or source code format), data and databases, and related documentation and materials.
Straddle Period means any taxable period that includes, but does not end on, the Closing Date.
Subscription Agreements means the contracts executed by the PIPE Investors on or before the date hereof in connection with the PIPE Investment.
subsidiary or subsidiaries of the Company, the Surviving Entity, EverArc or any other person means an affiliate controlled by such person, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries.
Target Net Working Capital means Seventy Six Million One Hundred Sixty Three Thousand Dollars ($76,163,000) if the Magnum Transaction is consummated prior to the Closing Date or Seventy Seven Million Six Hundred Sixty Three Thousand Dollars ($77,663,000) if the Magnum Transaction is not consummated prior to the Closing Date.
Tax or Taxes means any federal, state, provincial, local and foreign income, profits, franchise, gross receipts, environmental, capital stock, severances, stamp, payroll, sales, employment, unemployment, disability, use, real property, personal property, withholding, excise, production, value added, occupancy and other taxes, duties or assessments in the nature of a Tax imposed by a Governmental Authority, together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect to such amounts and any interest in respect of such penalties and additions.
Tax Liability Amount means an amount equal to the sum of the aggregate amount of any accrued and unpaid Income Taxes of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries for any Pre- Closing Tax Period ending
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after December 31, 2020 and prior to the Closing Date and the Pre- Closing Tax Period (or portion thereof) that ends on the Closing Date for which Tax Returns have not yet been filed and in respect of solely those jurisdictions in which the Company or its applicable subsidiary is currently filing Tax Returns, less the aggregate current Income Tax assets of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries for any Pre-Closing Tax Period (or portion thereof), determined (i) by including the Transaction Tax Deductions and assuming such Transaction Tax Deductions are accrued and deductible in the Pre-Closing Tax Period (or the portion of any Straddle Period) that ends on the Closing Date, (ii) by excluding any liabilities for accruals or reserves established or required to be established under GAAP or otherwise under the Accounting Principles, methodologies for contingent Income Taxes, or with respect to uncertain Tax positions, (iii) by excluding any Taxes attributable to any action taken by Holdco or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates after the Closing outside the ordinary course of business, (iv) in accordance with the past practices (including reporting positions, elections and accounting methods) of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries in preparing their Income Tax Returns, and (v) excluding any deferred Income Tax assets and liabilities (including any such assets or liabilities within the meaning of GAAP or otherwise within the meaning of the Accounting Principles).
Tax Return means any returns and reports (including elections, declarations, disclosures, schedules, estimates and information returns, as well as attachments thereto and amendments thereof) required to be filed or supplied to a Tax authority relating to Taxes.
Technology means all designs, formulas, procedures, techniques, methods, processes, concepts, ideas, know-how, programs, models, data, databases, tools, inventions, creations, improvements and all recordings, graphs, drawings, reports, analyses, other writings, and any other embodiment of the above, in any form, whether or not specifically listed herein.
Transaction Documents means this Agreement, including all Schedules and Exhibits hereto, the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Ancillary Agreements, the Plan and Articles of Merger, and all other agreements, certificates and instruments executed and delivered by EverArc, Holdco, Merger Sub or the Company in connection with the Transactions and specifically contemplated by this Agreement.
Transaction Expenses means (a) all out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses (including all fees, costs and expenses of outside counsel, accountants, investment bankers, experts and consultants to a party hereto and its affiliates and all fees, costs and expenses in connection with newly issued equity and/or debt financing in connection with the Transactions) incurred by a party or on its behalf in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation, review, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and consummation of the Transactions and the preparation of any required filings or notices under applicable Antitrust Laws or with the SEC and any stock exchange (including the Registration Statement and applicable listing application), (b) all bonuses, change-of-control, success, retention or similar payments which vest or become payable to any current or former employees, directors, officers or other service providers of EverArc, Holdco, the Company or any Company Subsidiary as a result of the Transactions, and the employer share of any payroll, social security, unemployment or other Taxes with respect thereto (for this purpose including such Taxes solely to the extent such Taxes would not have been payable but for the payments of the amounts described in this clause (b), taking into account any limitations on such Taxes), (c) any accrued or payable transaction, management, monitoring or similar fees payable to any affiliate of EverArc, Holdco, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (d) the premiums, commissions and other fees paid or payable in connection with obtaining the D&O Tail Policy, (e) the premiums, commissions and other fees paid or payable in connection with obtaining the R&W Policy, (f) Transfer Taxes and (g) severance due and payable in connection with any termination of employment prior to the Closing Date of any employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any terminations of employment made at the request of EverArc, Holdco or any of their respective affiliates) that is unpaid as of the Closing Date.
Transaction Tax Deductions means the aggregate amount of any Tax deductions relating to: (A) the pay down or satisfaction of any Indebtedness at the Closing; (B) any Company Transaction Expenses; (C) the
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payment of any costs or expenses included as liabilities in Net Working Capital; (D) the payment prior to the Reference Time of any other costs or expenses incurred by the Company or its subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any amounts that would be Company Transaction Expenses but for the fact that they are not unpaid as of the Reference Time); and (E) any other items deductible for Tax purposes by either Company and/or any of the Company Subsidiaries attributable to the Transactions that are economically borne by Seller; provided, that, with respect to success-based fees, seventy percent (70%) of success fees shall be treated as deductible in accordance with Revenue Procedure 2011-29, to the extent applicable.
Transactions means the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, including the Exchange and the Merger.
Transfer Tax means any sales, use, value-added, business, goods and services, transfer (including any stamp duty or other similar Tax chargeable in respect of any instrument transferring property), documentary, conveyancing or similar Tax or expense or any recording fee, in each case that is imposed as a result of the Transactions, together with any penalty, interest and addition to any such item with respect to such item; provided, however, for the avoidance of doubt, the term Transfer Tax shall not include any income Tax or similar Tax imposed on any direct or indirect equity holder of EverArc, the Company, any Company Subsidiary or Holdco.
Trapped Cash means all cash held by the Company or any Company Subsidiary outside of the United States.
Trapped Cash Cap means $7,500,000.
Treasury Regulations means the United States Treasury regulations issued pursuant to the Code.
UK MAR means Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
Worker means any person who personally performs work for the Company but who is not in business on their own account or in a client/customer relationship.
Section 1.02 Further Definitions. The following terms have the meaning set forth in the Sections set forth below:
Defined Term |
Location of Definition |
|
1915 Law |
Recitals | |
2021 Balance Sheet |
§4.07(b) | |
Accounting Principles |
§4.07(a) | |
Action |
§4.09 | |
Additional FCA Reports |
§7.03(a) | |
Aggregate Preferred Share Stock Value |
Definition of Aggregate Stock Consideration | |
Agreement |
Preamble | |
Amended and Restated Holdco Organizational Documents |
§2.01(a) | |
Antitrust Laws |
§8.11(a) | |
Alternative Debt Commitment Letters |
§8.16(b) | |
Alternative Debt Financing |
§8.16(b) |
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Defined Term |
Location of Definition |
|
Assignment and Assumption of the Founder Advisory Services Agreement | §8.20 | |
Assignment and Assumption of the ICL Purchase Agreement |
§8.20 | |
Audited Financial Statements |
§4.07(a) | |
Blue Sky Laws |
§4.05(b) | |
CARES Act |
§4.10(i) | |
CBP |
Definition of Import Control Laws | |
Certificates |
§3.03(b) | |
Closing |
§2.01(b) | |
Closing Date |
§2.01(b) | |
Company |
Preamble | |
Company Board |
Recitals | |
Company Disclosure Schedule |
Article IV | |
Company Permits |
§4.06 | |
Company Plan |
§4.10(a) | |
Company Subsidiary |
§4.01(a) | |
Confidentiality Agreements |
§8.02(b) | |
Continuing Employees |
§8.03(a) | |
D&O Indemnified Party |
§8.04(a) | |
D&O Tail Policy |
§8.04(b) | |
Data Security Requirements |
§4.13(i) | |
Debt Commitment Letters |
§5.12(e) | |
Debt Financing |
§5.12(e) | |
Depository Account |
§5.12(b) | |
Dissenting Notice Period |
§3.02(d) | |
Environmental Permits |
§4.16 | |
ERISA |
§4.10(a) | |
ERISA Affiliate |
§4.10(c) | |
EverArc |
Preamble | |
EverArc Board |
Recitals | |
EverArc Disclosure Schedule |
Article V | |
EverArc FCA Reports |
§5.07(a) | |
EverArc Parties |
§8.17 | |
EverArc Related Parties |
§10.02(c) | |
EverArc Warrant Amendment |
§3.05 | |
Excess Amount |
§3.06(c) |
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Defined Term |
Location of Definition |
|
Exchange |
Recitals | |
Exchange Agent |
§3.03(a) | |
Exchange Effective Time |
§2.01(c) | |
Exchange Fund |
§3.03(a) | |
Excluded Shares |
§3.02(a) | |
Financing Cooperation Expenses |
§8.16(c) | |
Fee Letters |
§5.12(e) | |
First Holdco Auditor Report |
§9.01(b) | |
Governmental Authority |
§4.05(b) | |
Holdco |
Preamble | |
Holdco Ordinary Shares Merger Issuance |
§3.02(a) | |
Holdco Share Cancellation |
Recitals | |
Holdco Shares Exchange Issuance |
§2.01(c)(ii) | |
Holdco Warrant(s) |
§3.05 | |
Intended Tax Treatment |
§2.08 | |
ICC Rules |
§11.06(a) | |
ICE |
Definition of Import Control | |
Laws IRS |
§4.10(b) | |
Law |
§4.05(a) | |
Lease |
§4.12(b) | |
Lease Documents |
§4.12(b) | |
Letter of Transmittal |
§3.03(b) | |
Material Contracts |
§4.17 | |
Merger |
Recitals | |
Merger Consideration |
§3.02(a) | |
Merger Effective Time |
§2.03 | |
Merger Sub |
Preamble | |
Merger Sub Board |
Recitals | |
Merger Sub Ordinary Shares |
§3.02(e) | |
Outside Date |
§10.01(b) | |
Owned Real Property |
§4.12(a) | |
Party or Parties |
Preamble | |
PCAOB Financials |
§8.12 | |
PEO Plan |
§4.10(a) | |
PIPE Documents |
§8.13(b) | |
PIPE Investment |
Recitals | |
PIPE Investment Amount |
Recitals |
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Defined Term |
Location of Definition |
|
Plan and Articles of Merger |
§2.03 | |
Post-Signing Returns |
§8.08(c)(ii)(A) | |
Registrar |
§2.03 | |
Registration Statement |
§8.01(a) | |
Remedies Exceptions |
§4.04 | |
Representatives |
§8.02(a) | |
Second Holdco Auditor Report |
§9.01(b) | |
Securities Act |
§4.05(b) | |
Seller |
Preamble | |
Seller Board |
Recital | |
Signing Date EverArc Funds |
§5.12(b) | |
Sponsor |
Definition of EverArc Founder Shareholders | |
Surviving Entity |
§2.02 | |
Tail Period |
§8.04(b) | |
Tax Contest |
§8.08(d) | |
Tax Election |
Recitals | |
Terminating Company Breach |
§10.01(d) | |
Terminating EverArc Breach |
§10.01(e) |
Section 1.03 Construction.
(i) Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (i) words of any gender include each other gender, (ii) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively, (iii) the terms hereof, herein, hereby, hereto and derivative or words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole, including the schedules and exhibits, and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph or clause contained in this Agreement, (iv) the terms Article, Section, Schedule and Exhibit refer to the specified Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit of or to this Agreement, (v) the words include, includes or including shall be deemed to be followed by the words without limitation, (vi) the word or shall be disjunctive but not exclusive, (vii) references to agreements and other documents shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments and other modifications thereto, (viii) references to statutes shall include all regulations promulgated thereunder and references to statutes or regulations shall be construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending or replacing the statute or regulation, (ix) the word extent in the phrase to the extent shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply if, (x) references to dollar, dollars or shall be to the lawful currency of the United States and (xi) the word shall and the word will indicate a mandatory obligation.
(ii) The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the Parties to express their mutual intent and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any Party.
(iii) Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified. If any action is to be taken or given on or by a particular calendar day, and such calendar day is not a Business Day, then such action may be deferred until the next Business Day.
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(iv) All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings given to them under the applicable Accounting Principles.
(v) Whenever this Agreement states that documents or other information have been made available or provided to EverArc (including words of similar import), such words shall mean that such documents or information referenced shall have been posted in the Dataroom, or otherwise provided in writing to EverArc and its Representatives, at least two (2) days prior to the date hereof.
ARTICLE II
EXCHANGE; AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
Section 2.01 Closing; Pre-Closing and Closing Actions.
(a) On the Business Day immediately prior to the Closing Date (and upon acknowledgement by all Parties that the Closing shall take place on the following Business Day), upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, EverArc and Holdco shall cause Holdco to amend and restate the Holdco Organizational Documents by way of Holdco Shareholder Approval such that the Holdco Organizational Documents are in the form set forth on Exhibit A (the Amended and Restated Holdco Organizational Documents), which Amended and Restated Holdco Organizational Documents shall remain in effect and shall otherwise not be amended, restated, modified or waived, in whole or in part, through the Exchange Effective Time and thereafter shall be the organizational documents of Holdco until amended as provided by applicable Law.
(b) As promptly as practicable, but in no event later than three (3) Business Days after the satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver of the conditions set forth in Article IX (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at a closing, it being understood that the occurrence of the Closing shall remain subject to the satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver of such conditions at the Closing), a closing (the Closing) shall take place remotely by electronic exchange of executed documents and for the purpose of confirming the satisfaction or waiver, as the case may be, of the conditions set forth in Article IX. The date on which the Closing shall occur is referred to herein as the Closing Date.
(c) On the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, subject to (y) the Holdco Requisite Approvals, and (z) the Second Holdco Auditor Report, (A) each issued Company Ordinary Share held by Seller shall be contributed in kind or sold to Holdco, as applicable, free and clear of all Liens, and, in exchange therefor, Seller shall receive from Holdco the Aggregate Cash Consideration and the Aggregate Stock Consideration allocated among the Company Ordinary Shares as set forth on the Payment Spreadsheet (the issuance of the Aggregate Stock Consideration pursuant to this Section 2.01(c) being the Holdco Shares Exchange Issuance), and shall subscribe for the Holdco Shares Exchange Issuance, and (B) Seller shall cease to be the holder of such Company Ordinary Shares and Holdco will be recorded as the registered holder of all of the Company Ordinary Shares so exchanged and contributed in kind or sold, as applicable, and will be the legal and beneficial owner thereof; provided, however, that no fractional Holdco Preferred Shares shall be issued pursuant to the Exchange (the effective time of the Exchange being the Exchange Effective Time)
(d) On the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the Parties shall cause the Holdco Share Cancellation.
(e) Immediately prior to the Merger, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and the Subscription Agreements, Holdco and EverArc shall consummate the transactions contemplated by the PIPE Documents, including the issuance of EverArc Ordinary Shares contemplated thereby.
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(f) On the Closing Date, EverArc shall deposit the Escrow Amount with the Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement.
Section 2.02 The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and in accordance with BVI Companies Act, at the Merger Effective Time, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into EverArc. As a result of the Merger, the separate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and EverArc shall continue as the surviving entity of the Merger (the Surviving Entity). The consummation of the Merger shall be a condition precedent to the consummation of the Exchange.
Section 2.03 Merger Effective Time. On the Business Day immediately prior to the Closing Date (and upon acknowledgement by all Parties that the Closing shall take place on the following Business Day), upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub shall execute and file articles of merger and a plan of merger in substantially the form set out in Exhibit F (the Plan and Articles of Merger) with the Registrar of Corporate Affairs of the British Virgin Islands (the Registrar), as is required by, and executed in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the BVI Companies Act, together with all other filings or recordings required under the BVI Companies Act in connection with the Merger (including the filing by the Merger Subs registered agent of a letter confirming it has no objections to the Merger). The Plan and Articles of Merger shall specify that the Merger shall become effective at such time as the Plan and Articles of Merger are duly registered by the Registrar, or at such later time as the Parties agree in writing (subject to the requirements of the BVI Companies Act) (the Merger Effective Time).
Section 2.04 Effect of the Merger. At the Merger Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be as provided in the applicable provisions of the BVI Companies Act, the Plan and Articles or Merger, and as set forth in this Agreement, including Article III. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Merger Effective Time, pursuant to the Merger, (a) all the property, assets, rights, privileges, immunities, powers, franchises, licenses and authority of EverArc and Merger Sub shall vest in the Surviving Entity, (b) all debts, liabilities, obligations, restrictions, disabilities and duties of each of EverArc and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities, obligations, restrictions, disabilities and duties of the Surviving Entity and (c) for purposes of the 1915 Law a contribution-in-kind of the EverArc Ordinary Shares (other than the Excluded Shares) shall be made to Holdco by the EverArc Shareholders against issue of the Merger Consideration following a share capital increase realized by Holdco by virtue of the foregoing.
Section 2.05 Articles of Association; Organizational Documents.
(a) At the Merger Effective Time, the EverArc Articles of Association, as in effect immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time shall be the articles of association of the Surviving Entity, until thereafter amended as provided by applicable Law.
(b) Immediately following the consummation of the Exchange, the Parties shall cause Holdco and the Company to take such actions and make such filings as are necessary under the 1915 Law to amend and restate the Company Organizational Documents such that the Company Organizational Documents are in the form agreed to by EverArc and Holdco and thereafter shall be the organizational documents of the Company until amended as provided by applicable Law.
Section 2.06 Directors and Officers.
(a) At the Merger Effective Time, the Holdco Board shall be comprised of the directors designated by EverArc, each to hold office in accordance with the Holdco Organizational Documents.
(b) The Parties shall cause the initial directors of the Surviving Entity and the officers of Surviving Entity as of immediately following the Merger Effective Time to be comprised of the individuals designated by EverArc, each to hold office in accordance with the articles of association of the Surviving Entity. The Parties shall procure that, prior to or at the Effective Time, each person to be appointed as a director of the Surviving Entity shall provide a written consent to so act. The register of
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directors of the Surviving Entity shall be updated at or with effect from the Merger Effective Time to record the appointments and resignations (if applicable) required by this Section 2.06(b).
(c) The Parties shall cause the initial managers of the Company Board and the initial managers of the Company at the Exchange Effective Time to be comprised of the individuals designated by EverArc, each to hold office in accordance with the Company Organizational Documents.
Section 2.07 Register of Members. At the Merger Effective Time, the register of members of the Surviving Entity shall be updated to record the conversions and cancellations set out in Section 3.02 and the Surviving Entity shall deliver to the Companys legal counsel a copy of the updated register of members of the Surviving Entity, duly certified by a director or officer thereof.
Section 2.08 Tax Treatment of the Exchange and the Merger. The Parties agree that for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and, to the extent applicable, for state and local tax purposes), the Merger and the Tax Election are intended to be treated as a single integrated transaction that qualifies as a reorganization under Code Section 368(a)(1)(F) and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and the acquisition of Company Ordinary Shares by Holdco in exchange for the Aggregate Cash Consideration and the Aggregate Stock Consideration shall be treated as a taxable sale pursuant to Code Section 1001 (the Intended Tax Treatment).
Section 2.09 Payment of PECs. On the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and the applicable PEC Agreement, immediately following the Merger Effective Time, Seller shall cause the full redemption of the PECs.
Section 2.10 Withholding. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (a) Holdco shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the Aggregate Transaction Consideration paid and/or issued as consideration in the Exchange, from the Merger Consideration issued in the Merger, and from any other consideration it issues in connection with this Agreement, such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the issuance of such consideration under the Code or any applicable provision of state, local or foreign Tax law, and (b) any other party making payments pursuant to this Agreement and the Transactions shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from such payments such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold pursuant to any applicable provision of U.S. federal, state, local or foreign Tax law; provided as of the date hereof each of Holdco and EverArc represent that to its knowledge no deduction or withholding is required in respect of any such consideration payable to Seller under applicable Law and in any event shall use reasonable best efforts to provide written notification to Seller prior to undertaking any deduction or withholding in respect of any such consideration payable to Seller at least five (5) Business Days prior to undertaking any such deduction or withholding and shall cooperate and use reasonable best efforts to reduce, minimize or eliminate any such withholding to the extent permitted under applicable Tax law. To the extent that amounts are deducted or withheld under this Section 2.10 and duly paid to the appropriate Governmental Authority, such deducted or withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been issued or paid to the person in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made.
ARTICLE III
EXCHANGE CONSIDERATION; CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
Section 3.01 Exchange Consideration.
(a) As set forth in this Agreements:
(i) The valuation of the Company Ordinary Shares contributed and sold to Holdco by Seller against the Aggregate Transaction Consideration pursuant to the Exchange shall be deemed to be, as of the Exchange Effective Time, equal to the Company Value.
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(ii) The Aggregate Preferred Share Stock Value subscribed for by Seller shall be paid in Holdco Preferred Shares that shall be valued at the stated value of a Holdco Preferred Share. The new Holdco Preferred Shares making up the Aggregate Preferred Share Stock Value shall be allocated by Seller to a portion of the Company Ordinary Shares being contributed and sold by Seller pursuant to the Payment Spreadsheet and the Aggregate Cash Consideration shall be allocated to the remaining Company Ordinary Shares pursuant to the Payment Spreadsheet.
(b) At least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, EverArc shall cause an appropriate director or officer of EverArc, solely in his or her capacity as such, to deliver to the Company a certificate certifying EverArcs good faith estimate of the EverArc Transaction Expenses, including reasonable supporting materials for the amount of each item included in EverArc Transaction Expenses. At least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, Seller and the Company shall cause the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, solely in his or her capacity as such, to deliver to EverArc a certificate certified by such Chief Financial Officer (solely in his or her capacity as such) (the Estimated Closing Statement) setting forth: (i) the Companys good faith estimate of (A) the Company Transaction Expenses (the Estimated Company Transaction Expenses), (B) Cash as of the Reference Time (the Estimated Cash), (C) Indebtedness of the Company as of the Reference Time (the Estimated Indebtedness) and (D) Closing Net Working Capital (the Estimated Closing Net Working Capital), including reasonable supporting materials for the amounts of each item included in the Estimated Closing Statement. Promptly following delivery by the Company of the certificate of its Chief Financial Officer and, in any event, not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date and based upon such certificate, EverArc, Seller and the Company shall calculate the Company Value, Aggregate Cash Consideration and Aggregate Stock Consideration and, based upon such calculations, Seller and the Company shall deliver to EverArc and Holdco the Payment Spreadsheet. As promptly as practicable following delivery of the Payment Spreadsheet, the Parties shall work together in good faith to finalize the Payment Spreadsheet. The allocation of the Aggregate Transaction Consideration set forth in the Payment Spreadsheet shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, be final and binding on all Parties and shall be used by EverArc and Holdco for purposes of paying and issuing the Aggregate Transaction Consideration pursuant to this Agreement, absent manifest error. In paying and issuing the Aggregate Transaction Consideration, EverArc and Holdco shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, be entitled to rely fully on the information set forth in the Payment Spreadsheet, absent manifest error.
Section 3.02 Conversion of Securities. At the Merger Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and the Holdco Requisite Approvals, subject to the First Holdco Auditor Report, and without any further action on the part of EverArc, Merger Sub, Holdco or the Company or the holders of any of the following securities:
(a) each EverArc Share (other than EverArc Shares held in treasury by EverArc (each, an Excluded Share and, collectively, Excluded Shares) and any Dissenting Shares to the extent provided in Section 3.02(d)) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time shall automatically be exchanged with Holdco for one Holdco Ordinary Share, in accordance with the BVI Companies Act and the 1915 Law (which exchange for purposes of the 1915 Law shall include, for the avoidance of doubt, a contribution-in-kind of such EverArc Shares from the holders of EverArc Shares to Holdco), against issue of an equal number of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Holdco Ordinary Shares (the Holdco Ordinary Shares Merger Issuance), following a share capital increase realized by Holdco by virtue of the Merger, to be subscribed by the contributing holders of EverArc Shares (the Merger Consideration), which Holdco Ordinary Shares Holdco shall cause to be delivered in accordance with its obligations set forth in Section 3.03;
(b) upon the Holdco Ordinary Shares Merger Issuance, all EverArc Shares (other than the Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares) shall cease to be outstanding, shall be cancelled and shall cease to exist and (A) each share certificate formerly representing EverArc Shares (other than Excluded Shares) and (B) each book-entry account formerly representing any uncertificated EverArc Shares
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(other than Excluded Shares) shall thereafter, in case of both (A) and (B), only represent the Merger Consideration and the right, if any, to receive pursuant to Section 3.03(e) cash in lieu of fractional shares into which such EverArc Shares have been exchanged (and contributed-in-kind) pursuant to this Section 3.02 and any distribution or dividend pursuant to Section 3.03(c);
(c) each Excluded Share shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any further action on the part of EverArc, Merger Sub, Holdco or the Company or the holder thereof, cease to be outstanding, shall be cancelled without payment of any consideration therefor and shall cease to exist;
(d) all Dissenting Shares shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist or be outstanding, and each holder of Dissenting Shares shall cease to be a member of EverArc (and shall not be a member of the Surviving Entity) and shall cease to have any rights thereto (including any right to receive such holders portion of the aggregate Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 3.02(a), subject to and except for such rights as are granted under Section 179 of the BVI Companies Act. If any holder of EverArc Shares fails to give written notice of its election to dissent from the Merger under Section 179 of the BVI Companies Act within twenty (20) days immediately following the date on which the copy of the Plan and Articles of Merger or an outline thereof is given to him in accordance with Section 179 of the BVI Companies Act (such twenty (20)-day period, the Dissenting Notice Period) or otherwise fails validly to dissent in accordance with the terms of Section 179 of the BVI Act, then the rights of such holder under Section 179 of the BVI Companies Act shall cease to exist, and the underlying EverArc Shares shall be cancelled in accordance with Section 3.02(b), and shall entitle the holder thereof only to receive compensation in accordance with such Section 3.02(b). EverArc shall give the Company prompt notice of any notice or purported notice received by EverArc of any shareholders intent to exercise and/or exercise of rights pursuant to Section 179 of the BVI Companies Act, the withdrawal of any such notice and any other documents served upon EverArc pursuant to or in connection with Section 179 of the BVI Companies Act or a shareholders dissent or appraisal rights. Prior to the Merger Effective Time, EverArc shall not, except with the prior written consent of the Company (not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) or as otherwise required by an order, decree, ruling or injunction of a court of competent jurisdiction, make any payment with respect to any such exercise of dissenters rights or offer to settle or settle any such rights; and
(e) each ordinary share of Merger Sub (the Merger Sub Ordinary Shares) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time shall be converted into and exchanged for one (1) validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable ordinary share of the Surviving Entity.
Section 3.03 Exchange of Certificates.
(a) Exchange Agent. On the Closing Date (and not later than the Merger Effective Time and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by Section 3.02(a), Section 3.02(b) and Section 3.02(c)), Holdco shall provide authorizations and/or instructions with a bank or trust company that shall be designated by EverArc and is reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the Exchange Agent) as are necessary to enable the Exchange Agent to issue the number of Holdco Ordinary Shares (in uncertificated or book-entry form) constituting the Merger Consideration, it being agreed that Computershare shall be an acceptable Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the holders of EverArc Shares, for exchange in accordance with this Article III, the number of Holdco Ordinary Shares (in uncertificated form or book-entry form) sufficient to deliver the Merger Consideration consisting of the Holdco Ordinary Shares to be issued to the holders of EverArc Shares (other than Excluded Shares or Dissenting Shares) in the Merger pursuant to this Agreement. In addition, Holdco shall provide the Exchange Agent with authorizations and/or instructions, as necessary from time to time after the Merger Effective Time, to issue (i) any dividends or other distributions payable pursuant to Section 3.03(c) with respect to the EverArc Shares issued pursuant to the Merger for any EverArc Shares with a record and payment date after the Merger Effective Time and prior to the surrender of such shares and (ii) cash in lieu of any fractional shares payable pursuant to Section 3.03(h) (all such
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Holdco Ordinary Shares and cash, together with the amount any dividends or distributions contemplated pursuant to Section 3.03(c), being hereinafter referred to, collectively, as the Exchange Fund). Holdco shall cause the Exchange Agent pursuant to irrevocable instructions, to deliver the Merger Consideration out of the Exchange Fund in accordance with this Agreement. Except as contemplated by this Section 3.03 hereof, the Exchange Fund shall not be used for any other purpose. The Exchange Agent shall invest the cash portion of the Exchange Fund as directed by Holdco; provided that such investments shall be in obligations, funds or accounts typical for (including having liquidity typical for) transactions of this nature. To the extent that there are losses or any diminution of value with respect to such investments, or the Exchange Fund diminishes for any other reason below the level required to make prompt cash payment of any dividends or other distributions payable pursuant to Section 3.03(c) and any cash in lieu of any fractional shares payable pursuant to Section 3.03(h), Holdco shall promptly replace or restore the cash in the Exchange Fund lost through such investments or other events so as to ensure that the Exchange Fund is at all times maintained at a level sufficient to make such cash payments. Any interest and other income resulting from such investment shall become a part of the Exchange Fund, and any amounts in excess of the amounts payable under this Section 3.03(a) shall be promptly returned to Holdco.
(b) Exchange Procedures. As promptly as practicable after the Merger Effective Time, Holdco shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of EverArc Shares entitled to receive the Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 3.02 a letter of transmittal, which shall be in a form reasonably acceptable to EverArc and the Company (the Letter of Transmittal) and shall specify (i) that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the certificates evidencing such EverArc Shares (collectively, the Certificates) shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent; and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates pursuant to the Letter of Transmittal. Within five (5) Business Days after the surrender to the Exchange Agent of all Certificates held by such holder for cancellation, together with a Letter of Transmittal, duly completed and validly executed in accordance with the instructions thereto and such other documents as may be required pursuant to such instructions, the holder of such Certificates shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor, and Holdco shall cause the Exchange Agent to deliver (i) the Merger Consideration and (ii) an amount in immediately available funds (or, if no wire transfer instructions are provided, a check) equal to (A) any cash in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to Section 3.03(h) plus (B) any unpaid non-stock dividends and any other dividends or other distributions that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to Section 3.03(c) in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.03, and the Certificates so surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled. No interest will be paid or accrued on any amount payable upon due surrender of the Certificates. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 3.03, each Certificate entitled to receive a portion of the Merger Consideration in accordance with Section 3.02 shall be deemed at all times after the Merger Effective Time, as the case may be, to represent only the right to receive upon such surrender the Merger Consideration that such holder is entitled to receive in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.02.
(c) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged EverArc Shares. No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Merger Effective Time with respect to the EverArc Shares with a record date after the Merger Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the EverArc Shares represented thereby until the holder of such Certificate shall surrender such Certificate in accordance with this Section 3.03. Subject to the effect of escheat, tax or other applicable Laws, following surrender of any such Certificate, EverArc shall pay or cause to be paid to the holder of the certificates representing EverArc Shares issued in exchange therefor, without interest, (i) promptly, but in any event within five (5) Business Days of such surrender, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Merger Effective Time and theretofore paid with respect to such EverArc Shares, and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions, with a record date after the Merger Effective Time but prior to surrender and a payment date occurring after surrender, payable with respect to such EverArc Shares.
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(d) Deemed Payment. The Merger Consideration payable upon conversion of the EverArc Shares in accordance with the terms hereof, shall be deemed to have been paid and issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such EverArc Shares.
(e) Adjustments to Merger Consideration. The Merger Consideration shall be adjusted to reflect appropriately the effect of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change with respect to the EverArc Shares occurring on or after the date hereof and prior to the Merger Effective Time.
(f) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains undistributed to the holders of EverArc Shares with respect to the Merger Consideration for one (1) year after the Merger Effective Time shall be delivered to Holdco, and any holders of EverArc Shares who have not theretofore complied with this Section 3.03 shall thereafter look only to Holdco and the Surviving Entity for the Merger Consideration. Any portion of the Exchange Fund with respect to the Merger Consideration remaining unclaimed by holders of EverArc Shares as of a date which is immediately prior to such time as such amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property of any government entity shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, become the property of Holdco free and clear of any claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto.
(g) No Liability. None of the Exchange Agent, EverArc, Holdco, the Surviving Entity or any of their respective affiliates shall be liable to any holder of EverArc Shares for any such EverArc Shares (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto) or cash delivered to a public official pursuant to any abandoned property, escheat or similar Law in accordance with this Section 3.03.
(h) Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no fractional Holdco Ordinary Shares will be issued, and any holder of EverArc Shares entitled to receive a fractional share of Holdco Ordinary Shares but for this Section 3.03(h)) shall be entitled to receive a cash payment in lieu thereof, which payment shall be calculated by the Exchange Agent and shall represent such holders proportionate interest in a share of Holdco Ordinary Shares based on the PIPE Share Price.
(i) Lost Certificates. If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and execution of an indemnity in customary form, the Exchange Agent will deliver in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate, the Merger Consideration, as the case may be, that such holder is otherwise entitled to receive pursuant to, and in accordance with, the provisions of Section 3.02.
Section 3.04 Stock Transfer Books. At the Merger Effective Time, following the recordation of the Transactions in the share records of Holdco, the register of members of EverArc shall be closed and there shall be no further registration of transfers of EverArc Shares thereafter on the records of EverArc. From and after the Merger Effective Time, the holders of EverArc Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to such EverArc Shares and any rights as members of EverArc, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or by applicable Law. On or after the Merger Effective Time, any Certificates presented to the Exchange Agent or Holdco for any reason shall be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.02.
Section 3.05 EverArc Warrants. At the Merger Effective Time, each EverArc Warrant that is outstanding immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time shall, pursuant to the EverArc Warrant Instrument, cease to represent a right to acquire the number of EverArc Shares set forth in such EverArc Warrant and shall be replaced in accordance with the terms of such EverArc Warrant Instrument, including clauses 8.2 and 11.1 of such EverArc Warrant Instrument, at the Merger Effective Time, into a right to acquire one (1) Holdco Ordinary Share (a Holdco Warrant and collectively, the Holdco Warrants) on substantially the same terms as were in effect immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time under the terms of the EverArc Warrant Instrument. The Parties shall take all lawful action to effect the aforesaid provisions of this Section 3.05, including causing the
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EverArc Warrant Instrument to be amended or amended and restated to the extent necessary to give effect to this Section 3.05, including adding Holdco as a party thereto, such amendment to be in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the EverArc Warrant Amendment).
Section 3.06 Post-Closing Adjustment to Merger Consideration.
(a) Within seventy-five (75) days after the Closing Date, EverArc shall prepare and deliver to Seller (i) a statement setting forth EverArcs good faith calculation of (A) the Closing Net Working Capital, (B) Cash as of the Reference Time, (C) Indebtedness of the Company as of the Reference Time, (D) the Company Transaction Expenses and (E) based on the amounts set forth in clauses (A) through (D), the Final Company Value (the Closing Statement) and (ii) all records and work papers necessary to compute and verify the information set forth in the Closing Statement. If EverArc does not deliver the Closing Statement to Seller within seventy five (75) days after the Closing Date, then, at the election of Seller, either (x) Seller may prepare and present the Closing Statement within an additional thirty (30) days thereafter or (y) the Estimated Closing Statement will be deemed to be the final Closing Statement in accordance with this Section 3.06(a). If Seller elects to prepare the Closing Statement in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, then all subsequent references in this Section 3.06(a) to EverArc, on the one hand, and Seller, on the other hand, will be deemed to be references to Seller, on the one hand, and EverArc, on the other hand, respectively. After delivery of the Closing Statement, Seller and its accountants and other representatives shall be permitted to make inquiries of EverArc and the Company and their accountants and other representatives regarding questions concerning or disagreements with the Closing Statement arising in the course of their review thereof. If Seller has any objections to the Closing Statement, then Seller shall deliver to EverArc a statement (an Objection Statement) setting forth its disputes or objections (the Objection Disputes) to the Closing Statement and, to the extent practical, Sellers proposed resolution of each such Objection Dispute. If an Objection Statement is not delivered to EverArc within sixty (60) days after receipt of the Closing Statement by Seller, then the Closing Statement as originally received by Seller shall be final, binding and non-appealable by the Parties. If an Objection Statement is timely delivered, then EverArc and Seller may negotiate in good faith to resolve any Objection Disputes, but if they do not reach a final resolution within thirty (30) days after the delivery of the Objection Statement, Seller and EverArc shall submit each unresolved Objection Dispute to a mutually agreed upon international accounting or valuation firm (the Firm) to resolve such Objection Disputes. The Parties acknowledge and agree that all discussions related to the Objection Statement and any Objection Dispute are without prejudice communications made in confidence with the intent of attempting to resolve a litigious dispute and are subject to settlement privilege. The Firm shall be requested to render a written determination of the unresolved Objection Disputes (acting as an expert and not as an arbitrator) within forty-five (45) days following its retention, which determination must be in writing and must set forth, in reasonable detail, the basis therefore and must be based solely on (i) the definitions and other applicable provisions of this Agreement, (ii) a single presentation (which presentations shall be limited to the unresolved Objection Disputes) submitted by each of EverArc and Seller to the Firm within fifteen (15) days after its retention (which the Firm shall forward to the other Party) and (iii) one written response submitted to the Firm within fifteen (15) days after receipt of each presentation (which the Firm shall forward to the other Party) and not on independent review. EverArc and Seller will instruct the Firm to, and the Firm will, make a final determination of the items included in the Objection Statement (to the extent such amounts are in dispute) by selecting either EverArcs position in its entirety or Sellers position in its entirety. The Firms determination of such Objection Disputes shall be final and binding upon the Parties and not subject to review by a court or other tribunal. The terms of appointment and engagement of the Firm shall be as reasonably agreed upon between EverArc and Seller. That fees and expenses of the Firm shall be borne by the party whose position is not selected by the Firm. Except as provided in this Section 3.06(a), all other costs and expenses incurred by the parties in connection with resolving any dispute hereunder before the Firm shall be borne by the party incurring such costs and expense. The final Closing Statement, however determined pursuant to
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this Section 3.06(a), will produce the final Company Transaction Expenses, Closing Net Working Capital, Cash and Indebtedness figures, in each case to be used to determine the Final Company Value. The process set forth in this Section 3.06(a) shall be the exclusive remedy of the Parties for any disputes related to items required to be reflected on the Closing Statement or included in the calculation of Company Transaction Expenses, Closing Net Working Capital, Cash and Indebtedness, whether or not the underlying facts and circumstances constitute a breach of any representations or warranties; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 3.06(a) shall limit EverArcs ability to recover under the R&W Policy.
(b) If after the final determination pursuant to Section 3.06(a), the Final Company Value is greater than the Company Value, then (i) EverArc shall promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days of the final determination thereof) pay to Seller such difference by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such accounts designated by Seller and (ii) EverArc and Seller shall promptly (and in any event within five (5) Business Days of such final determination thereof) deliver to the Escrow Agent a joint written instruction instructing the Escrow Agent to release the entire Escrow Fund to Seller by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such accounts designated by Seller.
(c) If after the final determination pursuant to Section 3.06(a), the Company Value is greater than the Final Company Value, then EverArc and Seller shall promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days of the final determination thereof) jointly instruct the Escrow Agent to release to EverArc by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such accounts designated by EverArc, the lesser of (x) the amount by which the Company Value is greater than the Final Company Value, and (y) the amount of the Escrow Fund. Except as set forth in this Section 3.06(c), the Escrow Fund shall be EverArcs sole source of recovery for any adjustments to the Company Value or the Final Company Value, even if the Company Value exceeds the Final Company Value by an amount that is greater than the amount of the Escrow Fund. If the amount payable to EverArc pursuant to this Section 3.06(c) is less than the Escrow Fund, then EverArc and Seller shall (at the same time that the Escrow Agent is instructed to release funds to EverArc pursuant to this Section 3.06(c)), execute and deliver to the Escrow Agent a joint written instruction directing the Escrow Agent to pay the balance of the Escrow Fund to Seller by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such accounts designated by Seller. If the amount payable to EverArc pursuant to this Section 3.06(c) exceeds the Escrow Fund (such excess amount, the Excess Amount), then Holdco Preferred Shares held by Seller with an Aggregate Preferred Stock Value equal to the Excess Amount shall be cancelled.
(d) The Estimated Closing Statement and the Closing Statement shall be prepared and calculated in accordance with the same accounting methodologies, principles and procedures used in, and on a basis consistent with, those applied in preparing the 2021 Balance Sheet (including calculating reserves in accordance with the same methodology used to calculate such reserves in preparation of the 2021 Balance Sheet), except that the Estimated Closing Statement and the Closing Statement shall (i) not include any purchase accounting or other adjustment arising out of the consummation of the Transactions, (ii) be based on facts and circumstances as they exist prior to the Closing and shall exclude the effect of any act, decision or event occurring on or after the Closing, and (iii) not reflect, directly or indirectly, any additional reserve or accrual that is not reflected on the 2021 Balance Sheet, except those that (A) result from material developments occurring after the date of the 2021 Balance Sheet and (B) would be required to be reflected on the face of a balance sheet prepared in accordance with the accounting methodologies, principles and procedures used in, and on a basis consistent with, those applied in preparing the 2021 Balance Sheet or, in the event there was no applicable methodology, principle or procedure used in the preparation of the 2021 Balance Sheet, would be required to be reflected on the face of a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.
(e) The Parties agree that the purpose of preparing the Closing Statement and calculating the Final Company Value and the components thereof is solely to assess the accuracy of the amounts depicted in the Estimated Closing Statement and the calculation of the Company Value derived therefrom, and such processes are not intended to permit the introduction of different judgments, accounting methods,
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policies, principles, practices, procedures, reserves classifications or estimation methodologies for the purpose of calculating the Final Company Value than were used in the calculation of the Company Value.
(f) Following the Closing, EverArc shall, and shall cause Holdco, its subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees, consultants, accountants and agents to (i) cooperate fully with Seller and its accountants and other representatives in connection with their review or preparation (as applicable) of the Closing Statement and/or the Objection Statement (including by providing Seller with reasonable access to the employees of the EverArc, Holdco and their subsidiaries who are knowledgeable about the information contained in, and the preparation of, the Closing Statement) and (ii) provide any books, records and other information reasonably requested by Seller and its accountants or other representatives in connection therewith or in connection with resolving any Objection Dispute, including during the period while any unresolved Objection Disputes are being reviewed by the Firm and until a final determination has been issued by the Firm.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER AND THE COMPANY
Except as set forth in the Companys disclosure schedule (it being understood and agreed that information disclosed in any section of the Company Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to be disclosed with respect to any other section of the Company Disclosure Schedule to which such disclosure would reasonably pertain or if its relevance to such other section is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure) delivered by Company in connection with this Agreement (the Company Disclosure Schedule), each of Seller (solely as to the representations and warranties made with respect to Seller) and the Company (solely as to the representations and warranties made with respect to Company and the Company Subsidiaries) hereby represents and warrants to EverArc as follows:
Section 4.01 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.
(a) Each of Seller and the Company and each subsidiary of the Company (each a Company Subsidiary) is a corporation or other organization duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization (insofar as such concept exists in such jurisdiction) and has the requisite corporate or other organizational power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Each of Seller, the Company and each Company Subsidiary (i) has all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, (ii) is duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation or other organization to do business and (iii) is in good standing, in each jurisdiction (insofar as such concept exists in such jurisdiction) where the character of the properties or assets owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its business makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except where the failure to have such governmental approval or be so qualified or licensed and in good standing would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) A true and complete list of all the Company Subsidiaries, together with the jurisdiction of organization or incorporation of each Company Subsidiary and the percentage of the outstanding capital stock of each Company Subsidiary owned by the Company and each other Company Subsidiary, in each case, as of the date hereof, is set forth in Section 4.01(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule. Except with respect to the Company Subsidiaries, the Company does not directly or indirectly own any equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any equity or similar interest in, any other corporation, partnership, joint venture or business association or other entity.
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Section 4.02 Organizational Documents. The Company has prior to the date of this Agreement made available a complete and correct copy of the memorandums of association, articles of association, certificates of incorporation, certificates of formation, by-laws, operating agreements, registration statements and equivalent organizational documents, each as amended to date, of the Company and each Company Subsidiary. Such memorandums of association, articles of association, certificates of incorporation, certificates of formation, by-laws, operating agreements, registration statements and equivalent organizational documents are in full force and effect. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is in violation of any of the provisions of its memorandum of association, articles of association, certificates of incorporation, certificates of formation, by-laws, operating agreements, registration statements or equivalent organizational documents.
Section 4.03 Capitalization.
(a) As of the date hereof, the outstanding capitalization of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries is set forth on Section 4.03(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule (including each equityholder and the number and type of shares held by each such equityholder). There are no other options, warrants, preemptive rights, calls, convertible securities, conversion rights or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or obligating the Company or any Company Subsidiary to issue or sell any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a party to, or otherwise bound by, and neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has granted, any equity appreciation rights, participations, phantom equity or similar rights. Other than the Ancillary Agreements, and there are no voting trusts, voting agreements, proxies, shareholder agreements or other similar agreements with respect to the voting or transfer of the Company Ordinary Shares or any of the equity interests or other securities of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries. The Company does not own any equity interests in any person, other than the Company Subsidiaries.
(b) Other than pursuant to the Company Organizational Documents or as set forth on Section 4.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Company Ordinary Shares or any capital stock of any Company Subsidiary or to provide funds to or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any person other than a Company Subsidiary.
(c) Each outstanding share of capital stock of each Company Subsidiary is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and each such share is owned by the Company or another Company Subsidiary free and clear of all Liens (other than any Permitted Liens), options, rights of first refusal and limitations on the Companys or any Company Subsidiarys voting rights, other than transfer restrictions under applicable securities laws and their respective organizational documents.
(d) Seller owns directly and beneficially and of record, all of the equity of the Company (which are represented by the issued Company Ordinary Shares). Except as set forth in Section 4.03(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and except for the shares of the Company held by shareholders of the Company, no shares or other equity or voting interest of the Company, or options, warrants or other rights to acquire any such shares or other equity or voting interest, of the Company is authorized or issued.
(e) All issued Company Ordinary Shares and all issued shares of capital stock or other equity securities (as applicable) of each Company Subsidiary have been issued and granted in compliance with (i) applicable securities Laws and other applicable Laws and (ii) any preemptive rights and other similar requirements set forth in applicable contracts to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party.
Section 4.04 Authority Relative to this Agreement. Each of Seller and the Company has all necessary power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party, to
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perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery by each of Seller and the Company of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party and the consummation by the Company of the Transactions have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, including approval by the Seller Board and the Company Board and the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of either Seller or the Company are necessary to authorize this Agreement, each such Ancillary Agreement or to consummate the Transactions (other than the approval of the Exchange and the filing and recordation of appropriate documents as required by the 1915 Law). This Agreement and each such Ancillary Agreement have been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Seller and the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Seller and the Company, enforceable against each of Seller and the Company in accordance with its terms, except as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors rights generally, by general equitable principles (the Remedies Exceptions). To the knowledge of the Company, no state, provincial, federal, domestic or foreign takeover statute is applicable to the Transactions, except as otherwise contemplated herein.
Section 4.05 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) The execution and delivery by each of Seller and the Company of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party does not, and subject to receipt of the filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by the BVI Companies Act or the 1915 Law and of the consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, filings and notifications contemplated by Section 4.05(b), the performance of this Agreement and each such Ancillary Agreement by either Seller or the Company will not (i) conflict with or violate the memorandum of association, articles of association, registration statement, certificate of incorporation or by-laws or any equivalent organizational documents of Seller, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (ii) conflict with or violate any United States or non-United States constitution, treaty, convention, statute, law, common law principle, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, executive order, injunction, judgment, decree or other order (Law) applicable to Seller, the Company or any Company Subsidiary or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Company Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (iii) result in any breach of or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien (other than any Permitted Lien) on any property or asset of the Company or any Company Subsidiary pursuant to, any Material Contract, except for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences which would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The execution and delivery by each of Seller and the Company of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party does not, and the performance of this Agreement by each of Seller and the Company will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any international, national, federal, state, provincial or local governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, agency, commission, court, tribunal, arbitral body (a Governmental Authority), except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), the Exchange Act, state securities or blue sky laws (Blue Sky Laws) and state takeover Laws, rules and regulations of Nasdaq or the NYSE, the notification requirements of applicable Antitrust Laws, if any, and filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents or other documents as required by the BVI Companies Act or the 1915 Law, and (ii) as and where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or notifications, would not, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially delay consummation of any of the Transactions or otherwise prevent Seller or the Company from performing its material obligations under this Agreement and each such Ancillary Agreement.
Section 4.06 Permits; Compliance. Since March 28, 2018, each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have been in possession of all material franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits,
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easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals and orders of any Governmental Authority necessary for each of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries to own, lease and operate its properties or to carry on its business as it is now being conducted (the Company Permits). No suspension or cancellation of any of the Company Permits is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is in conflict with, or in default, breach or violation of, (a) any Law applicable to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Company Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (b) any Company Permit. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any written notices from any Governmental Authority alleging violation of any applicable Laws.
Section 4.07 Financial Statements.
(a) The Company has made available to EverArc true and complete copies of the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, and the related audited consolidated statements of operations and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries for each of the years then ended (collectively, the Audited Financial Statements), which are attached as Section 4.07(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule. Each of the Audited Financial Statements (including the notes thereto) (i) was prepared in accordance with GAAP (the Accounting Principles) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and (ii) fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as at the date thereof and for the period indicated therein, except as otherwise noted therein.
(b) The Company has made available to EverArc a true and complete copy of the consolidated unaudited balance sheet of the Company and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2021 (the 2021 Balance Sheet), and the related unaudited consolidated statements of operations and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries for the three (3)-month period then ended, each of which are attached as Section 4.07(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule. Such unaudited financial statements were prepared in accordance with the Accounting Principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated (except for the omission of footnotes and subject to year-end adjustments) and fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries as at the date thereof and for the period indicated therein, except as otherwise noted therein and subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments and the absence of notes.
(c) Except as and to the extent set forth on the Audited Financial Statements or the 2021 Balance Sheet, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any liability or obligation of a nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) required to be reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with the Accounting Principles except for (i) liabilities that were incurred in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the Transactions since the date of such 2021 Balance Sheet, (ii) obligations for future performance under any contract to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or (iii) any other liabilities and obligations which are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(d) (i) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary nor, to the Companys knowledge, any director, officer, employee, auditor, accountant or Representative of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, whether written or, to the knowledge of the Company, oral, regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or their respective internal accounting controls, including any such complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that the Company or any Company Subsidiary has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices and (ii) there have been no internal investigations regarding accounting or revenue recognition discussed with, reviewed by or initiated at the direction of the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, general counsel, the Company Board or any committee thereof.
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(e) To the knowledge of the Company, no employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary has provided or is providing information to any law enforcement agency regarding the commission or possible commission of any crime or the violation or possible violation of any applicable Law. None of the Company, any Company Subsidiary or, to the knowledge of the Company, any officer, employee, contractor, subcontractor or agent of the Company or any such Company Subsidiary has discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed or in any other manner discriminated against an employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary in the terms and conditions of employment because of any act of such employee described in 18 U.S.C. sec. 1514A(a).
(f) The Company and each Company Subsidiary maintains systems of internal control over financial reporting that are sufficient to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the Accounting Principles, including policies and procedures sufficient to provide reasonable assurance: (i) that the Company and each Company Subsidiary maintains records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect, in all material respects, its transactions and dispositions of assets; (ii) that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in conformity with the Accounting Principles; (iii) that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and its board of directors; and (iv) regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of its assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements. The Company has delivered to EverArc a true and complete copy of any disclosure (or, if unwritten, a summary thereof) by any representative of the Company to the Companys independent auditors relating to any material weaknesses in internal controls and any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls that would adversely affect the ability of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to record, process, summarize and report financial data. The Company has no knowledge of any fraud or whistle-blower allegations, whether or not material, that involve management or other employees or consultants who have or had a significant role in the internal control over financial reporting of the Company or any Company Subsidiaries. Since December 31, 2020, there have been no material changes in the Companys or any of Company Subsidiarys internal control over financial reporting.
(g) Except as and to the extent set forth on the Audited Financial Statements or the 2021 Balance Sheet, all Accounts Receivable of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (i) are valid receivables arising from the bona fide sale of Products, goods, services and/or Inventory actually made or performed or sold by the Company or any Company Subsidiary and invoiced in the ordinary course of business, (ii) are not subject to be subject to any defenses, counterclaims or rights of setoff relating to the amount or validity of such Account Receivable, and (iii) are not subject to any Lien or any agreement for deduction, free goods, discount or other deferred price or quantity adjustment made by the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
Section 4.08 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since the date of the 2021 Balance Sheet and prior to the execution of this Agreement, except as otherwise reflected in the Audited Financial Statements, actions or omissions taken as a result of COVID-19 and COVID-19 Measures, or as expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement, (a) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice in all material respects, (b) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have not sold, assigned or otherwise transferred any right, title, or interest in or to any of their material assets (including Intellectual Property and Business Systems) other than non-exclusive licenses or assignments or transfers in the ordinary course of business, (c) there has not been any Company Material Adverse Effect, and (d) none of the Company or any Company Subsidiary has taken any action that, if taken after the date of this Agreement, would constitute a material breach of any of the covenants set forth in Section 7.01.
Section 4.09 Absence of Litigation. Except as set forth on Section 4.09 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, since March 28, 2018, there has been no material litigation, proceeding, cause of action, lawsuit, audit, assessment or reassessment, petition, complaint, charge, grievance, prosecution, demand, hearing, written or, to
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the knowledge of the Company, oral notice, inquiry, investigation, subpoena, summons, inspection, or administrative or other similar proceeding, mediation or arbitration (including any appeal or application for review) of any kind or nature, in law or in equity (an Action), pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened orally or in writing against the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or any property or asset of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, before any Governmental Authority. As of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary nor any material property or asset of the Company or any Company Subsidiary is subject to any continuing order of, consent decree, settlement agreement or other similar written agreement with, or, to the knowledge of the Company, continuing investigation by, any Governmental Authority, or any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award of any Governmental Authority.
Section 4.10 Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) Section 4.10(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (ERISA)) and all other bonus, stock option, stock purchase, restricted stock, equity or equity-based, incentive, deferred compensation, retiree medical or life insurance, retirement, supplemental retirement, severance, retention, separation, change in control, health, welfare, fringe benefit, sick pay and vacation plans or arrangements or other material employee benefit plans, programs, policies, agreements or arrangements, whether or not subject to ERISA, whether formal or informal, whether written or oral, in each case, which are (i) maintained by a professional employer organization for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer, director, individual independent contractor and/or individual consultant of the Company and any Company Subsidiary (each, a PEO Plan), or (ii) sponsored by, or contributed to by (or for which there is an obligation to contribution to by) the Company or any Company Subsidiary for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer, director, individual independent contractor and/or individual consultant, or with respect to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary has any liability (contingent or otherwise) (collectively, but excluding all PEO Plans, the Company Plans), but in each case excluding any arrangement to which contributions are mandated by applicable Law or that is sponsored, maintained or administered by a Governmental Authority.
(b) With respect to each material Company Plan and, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) below, the PEO Plan, the Company has made available to EverArc, if applicable, (i) a true and complete copy of the current plan document and all amendments thereto and each trust or other funding arrangement, (ii) copies of the most recent summary plan description and any summaries of material modifications, (iii) a copy of the most recent filed Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 5500 annual report and accompanying schedules, (iv) copies of the most recently received IRS determination or opinion letter for each such Company Plan, and (v) any material non-routine correspondence from any Governmental Authority with respect to any Company Plan within the past three (3) years.
(c) None of the Company Plans is or was within the past five (5) years, nor does the Company nor any Company Subsidiary have any liability or obligation (including on account of an ERISA Affiliate) under (i) a multiemployer plan (as defined in Sections 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA), (ii) an employee pension benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) subject to Title IV of ERISA, Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA or any other plan that is subject to Title IV of ERISA, (iii) a multiple employer plan subject to Section 413(c) of the Code (other than a PEO Plan), or (iv) a multiple employer welfare arrangement within the meaning of Section 3(40) of ERISA (other than a PEO Plan). For purposes of this Agreement, ERISA Affiliate shall mean any trade, business or any person that, together with the Company or any Company Subsidiary, is treated as a single employer for purposes of Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA and/or Section 414 of the Code.
(d) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the other Ancillary Agreements nor the consummation of the Transactions will or could reasonably be expected to (alone or in combination with any other event) (i) result in (A) an increase in the amount of compensation or benefits to or in
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respect of any current or former employee, officer, director, individual independent contractor or consultant; (B) any payment or benefit becoming due to or in respect of any current or former employee, officer, director, individual independent contractor and/or consultant; (C) the acceleration of the vesting, funding or timing of payment of any compensation or benefits payable to or in respect of any current or former employee, officer, director, individual independent contractor or consultant; or (D) any increased or accelerated funding obligation with respect to any Company Plan or PEO Plan; (ii) limit the right to merge, amend or terminate any Company Plan; or (iii) give rise to any excess parachute payment within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any indemnity or gross-up obligation for any Taxes imposed under Section 4999 or Section 409A of the Code or otherwise.
(e) None of the Company Plans nor PEO Plans provide for, nor does the Company nor any Company Subsidiary have or reasonably expect to have any liability or obligation to provide any, post-employment or post-service health or welfare benefits or retiree medical or life insurance to any current or former employee, officer, director, individual independent contractor or individual consultant of the Company or any Company Subsidiary after termination of employment or service except (i) as set forth in any existing employment or severance agreement as of the date hereof or (ii) as may be required under Section 4980B of the Code and Parts 6 and 7 of Title I of ERISA or similar applicable Law for which the covered individual pays the full premium cost of coverage (except as required by applicable Law).
(f) In all material respects, (i) each Company Plan and, to the knowledge of the Company with respect to its participation in the PEO Plans, each PEO Plan has been established, maintained and administered in accordance with its terms and in compliance with the requirements of all applicable Laws including, without limitation, ERISA and the Code and (ii) other than routine claims for benefits in the ordinary course of business, no actions, litigation, claims, lawsuits, audits, inquiries, arbitrations, investigations, or proceedings are pending or, to the knowledge of Company, threatened orally or in writing, from any Governmental Authority in connection with any Company Plan or, to the knowledge of the Company with respect to its participation in the PEO Plans, any PEO or by or on behalf of any participant in any Company Plan or, to the knowledge of the Company with respect to its participation in the PEO Plans, any PEO Plan, or otherwise involving or relating to any Company Plan or, to the knowledge of the Company with respect to its participation in the PEO Plans, the PEO Plans or the assets of any Company Plan or PEO Plan or any trust thereunder or the plan sponsor or plan administrator of any Company Plan or, to the knowledge of the Company with respect to its participation in the PEO Plans, any PEO Plan (acting in such individuals capacity as plan sponsor or plan administrator) and, to the knowledge of the Company, no facts or circumstances exist that could reasonably be expected to give rise to any such action, litigation, claim, lawsuit, audit, inquiry, arbitration, investigation or proceeding.
(g) Each Company Plan and, to the knowledge of the Company with respect to its participation in the PEO Plans, each PEO Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code, has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS or is entitled to rely on a favorable opinion letter from the IRS, and to the knowledge of Company, nothing has occurred, and there are no circumstances or events that would reasonably be expected to result in any revocation of, or an adverse change to, such determination or opinion letter or otherwise adversely affect the qualified status of such Company Plan or PEO Plan.
(h) Except as would not result in material liability to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, either individually or in the aggregate, (i) there has not been any non-exempt prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) nor any reportable events (within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA) with respect to any Plan, and (ii) there have been no acts or omissions by the Company or Company Subsidiary with respect to any Company Plan or PEO Plan that have given or could reasonably be expected to give rise to any fines, penalties, taxes or related charges under ERISA, the Code or other applicable Law.
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(i) All material liabilities or expenses of the Company or any Company Subsidiary in respect of any Plan which have not been paid have been properly accrued on the Companys or any Company Subsidiarys most recent financial statements in compliance with the Accounting Principles. With respect to each Company Plan and PEO Plan, all material contributions or payments (including all employer contributions, employee salary reduction contributions, defined benefit plan contributions deferred under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020, Pub. L. 116-136 (the CARES Act) and premium or benefit payments) that are due or are required to be made under the terms of any Company Plan or PEO Plan or in accordance with applicable Laws have been made within the time periods prescribed by the terms of each such Plan, ERISA, the Code and applicable Laws, as the case may be, except as would not result in material liability to the Company, and all such contributions or payments that are not yet due or required to be made under the terms of any Company Plan or PEO Plan or in accordance with applicable Laws have been properly accrued in accordance with the Accounting Principles, applied on a consistent basis, and reflected on the Companys or any Company Subsidiarys audited financial statements.
(j) No employee or former employee or officer or director has come into employment with the Company or any Company Subsidiary by a transfer to which the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations of 2006 apply such that they have an entitlement to any pension or retirement benefits that are not money purchase benefits as defined in the Pension Schemes Act of 1993.
Section 4.11 Labor and Employment Matters.
(a) To the extent permitted to be disclosed pursuant to applicable Law, the Company has furnished or made available to EverArc a correct and complete list of all Employees with base compensation in excess of $100,000 as of the date hereof and individual independent contractors of the Company and any Company Subsidiary who receive total nonemployee compensation in excess of $50,000 as of the date hereof, setting forth for each such individual the following: (i) name; (ii) title or position (including whether full or part time); (iii) location; (iv) hire date or date the contract of employment began; (v) current annual base compensation rate; (vi) commission, bonus or other incentive based compensation; and (vii) details of which company employs or engages each Employee or independent contractor. As of the date hereof, all compensation, including wages, commissions and bonuses, due and payable to all Employees of the Company and any Company Subsidiary for services performed on or prior to the date hereof have been paid in full (or accrued in full in the Companys financial statements).
(b) (i) There are no Actions pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened orally or in writing against the Company or any Company Subsidiary by any of their respective current or former Employees, independent contractors, applicants for employment, or any class of the foregoing, which Actions would be material to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (ii) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is, nor have been for the past three (3) years, a party to, bound by, or negotiating any collective bargaining agreement or other contract with a union, works council or labor organization applicable to persons employed by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, are there any activities or proceedings of any labor union to organize any such employees; (iii) there are no material unfair labor practice complaints pending against the Company or any Company Subsidiary before the National Labor Relations Board; (iv) there has never been, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, has there been any threat of any strike, slowdown, work stoppage, lockout, or concerted refusal to work overtime or other similar labor disruption or dispute affecting, or, to the knowledge of the Company, by or with respect to any employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary; and (v) the Company has not incurred any actual or contingent liability in connection with any termination of employment of its Employees or former Employees (including redundancy payments or failure to comply with any order for reinstatement or re-engagement of any Employee).
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(c) (i) The Company and the Company Subsidiaries are and have been in compliance in all respects with all applicable Laws relating to the employment, employment practices, employment discrimination, terms and conditions of employment, mass layoffs and plant closings (including the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended, or any similar state or local Laws), immigration, pay equity, workers compensation, family and medical leave, and occupational safety and health requirements, including those related to wages, hours, collective bargaining and the payment and withholding of taxes and other sums as required by the appropriate Governmental Authority and where required, maintain adequate and up to date records which will be available on Closing and are not liable for any arrears of wages, taxes, penalties or other sums for failure to comply with any of the foregoing; (ii) the Company has performed all obligations and duties it is required to perform (and settled all outstanding claims), whether or not legally binding and whether arising under contract, statute, at common law or in equity or under any treaties including the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union or laws of the European Union or otherwise (iii) to the knowledge of the Company, no employee of the Company has been or is being investigated in connection with any misconduct, nor subject to any disciplinary action in connection with such misconduct, that could reasonably be expected to cause any material damage to the reputation or business of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries; and (iv) to the knowledge of the Company, no employee of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries has engaged in any conduct or cover-up of such conduct, or aided or assisted any other person or entity to engage in any conduct, or aided or assisted any other person or entity to engage in any conduct that could cause or has caused any material damage to the reputation or business of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries or their employees, including but not limited to any conduct constituting sexual misconduct, harassment (including sexual harassment), discrimination or retaliation.
(d) The Company and the Company Subsidiaries are in all material respects in compliance with any Laws, recommendations or guidance issued by any applicable Governmental Authority relating in any way to the work of Employees and/or procedures for returning to work for Employees with respect to COVID-19.
(e) No Employee or other individual is or has been offered the opportunity or has agreed to become, an employee shareholder (within the meaning of section 205A Employment Rights Act 1996).
(f) No notice to terminate the contract of employment of any Employee or Worker of the Company (whether given by the relevant employer or by the Employee or Worker) is pending, outstanding or threatened.
(g) All contracts between the Company and its Employees and Workers are terminable at any time on three (3) months notice or less without compensation (other than for unfair dismissal or a statutory redundancy payment) or any liability other than wages, commission or pension.
(h) The Company is not a party to, bound by, or proposing to introduce in respect of any of its directors, Employees or Workers any share option, profit sharing, bonus commission or any other scheme relating to the profit or sales of the Company.
(i) The Company has not made or agreed to make a payment or provided or agreed to provide a benefit to a present or former executive officer who was or is entitled to receive total annual compensation in excess of $300,000, or to their dependents, in connection with the actual or proposed termination or suspension of employment or variation of an employment contract outside of any applicable legal requirements.
(j) True, complete and accurate copies of all form contracts, and any contracts that contain material deviations from such form contracts, which apply to Employees and Workers have been provided and the Company has not offered, promised or agreed to any future variation in the contract of any Employee or Worker.
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Section 4.12 Real Property; Title to Assets.
(a) Section 4.12(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of all (i) fee simple title to any real property or (ii) any ground lease interest under or pursuant to a ground lease that the Company or any Company Subsidiary has owned or presently owns (collectively, the Owned Real Property). Each Company and Company Subsidiary has good valid fee simple title to its Owned Real Property, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has leased or otherwise granted to any person the right to use or occupy such Owned Real Property or any portion thereof. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has granted any outstanding options, rights of first offer or rights of first refusal to purchase any Owned Real Property or any portion thereof or interest therein.
(b) Section 4.12(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists the street address of each parcel of Leased Real Property, and also identifies with respect to each Leased Real Property, each lease, sublease, license or other contractual arrangement under which such Leased Real Property is occupied or used (each, a Lease), including the date of and legal name of each of the parties to such Lease, and each guaranty, amendment, restatement, modification or supplement thereto (collectively, the Lease Documents). True, correct and materially complete copies of all Lease Documents have been made available to EverArc.
(c) The Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property constitute all material interests in real property currently used, occupied or held for use in connection with the business of the Company and/or Company Subsidiaries and necessary for the continued operation of the business of the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries, as applicable. The Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property, including all buildings, fixtures and other improvements constituting a part thereof, is in good operating condition, except for ordinary wear and tear, without structural defects and is suitable, sufficient and appropriate for its current and contemplated uses. All mechanical and other systems located at the Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property are in good operating condition, except for ordinary wear and tear, and no condition exists requiring material repairs (other than routine maintenance) or material alterations thereof. Except as listed on Section 4.12(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no Leased Real Property is subject to any sublease, license or right of occupancy in favor of any third party.
(d) The Company and/or the applicable Company Subsidiary has a valid, binding and enforceable, subject to the Remedies Exceptions, leasehold interest under each of the Leases, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens. Each Lease is in full force and effect and is the valid, binding and enforceable, subject to the Remedies Exceptions, obligation of each party thereto in accordance with its terms. The Company and/or the applicable Company Subsidiary has accepted full possession of each individual Leased Real Property and is currently occupying and using same pursuant to the terms of the applicable Lease. No security deposit or portion thereof deposited with respect to any Lease has been applied in respect of a breach or default under such Lease, which has not been re deposited in full. Except as set forth in Section 4.12(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, all landlord work and tenant work or other improvements or construction required or contemplated by each Lease has been completed in accordance with the applicable Lease and accepted by the Company and/or the applicable Company Subsidiary. None of the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries, nor to the Companys knowledge, any other person is in material breach or material violation of, or default under, any Lease and no event has occurred and no circumstance exists which, if not remedied, would result in such a breach, violation or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both). No party to any material Lease has exercised any termination rights with respect thereto, and no such party has given written notice of any outstanding material dispute with respect to any Lease. Following the consummation of the Transactions, the Company and/or the applicable Company Subsidiary will have a valid, binding and enforceable, subject to the Remedies Exceptions, leasehold interest under each of the Leases, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, and full right to possess and use the Leased Real Property in accordance with the Leases.
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(e) The Company and/or the applicable Company Subsidiary has all certificates of occupancy, permits, licenses, certificates of authority, authorizations, approvals, registrations, and other similar consents issued by or obtained from any Governmental Authority necessary for the current use and operation of the Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property. The Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws, including, without limitation, fire, health, building, use, occupancy, subdivision and zoning laws.
(f) There do not exist any actual or, to the Companys knowledge, threatened condemnation or eminent domain proceedings that affect any Owned Real Property, Leased Real Property or any part thereof, and none of the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has received any written notice of the intention of any Governmental Authority or other person to take or use any Leased Real Property or any part thereof or interest therein.
(g) The Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries, as applicable, have not received any written notice from any insurance company that has issued a policy with respect to any Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property (i) requiring performance of any structural or other repairs or alterations to such Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property that have not been completed, (ii) increasing the premiums payable under such insurance policy as a result of the current or proposed use of the Owned Real Property or the Leased Real Property insured under such insurance policy or (iii) cancelling such insurance policy.
(h) Except as listed on Section 4.12(h) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, none of the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries, nor any of their respective affiliates owns or holds, or is obligated under or is a party to, any option, right of first refusal or other contractual (or other) right or obligation to purchase, acquire, sell, assign or dispose of any portion of or interest in the Owned Real Property, Leased Real Property or the Leases.
(i) The Equipment and Inventory of the Company and each Company Subsidiary and the improvements on the Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property are (i) free from material defects, (ii) in good operating condition and repair and (iii) in adequate condition to conduct the respective businesses of the Company and each Company Subsidiary in all material respects, in each case, except for such inventories which have been written down pursuant to the Accounting Principles and normal wear, tear and maintenance excepted.
Section 4.13 Intellectual Property.
(a) Section 4.13(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule contains a true, correct and complete list of all of the following: (i) registered Intellectual Property rights and applications for registrations of Intellectual Property rights that are owned or purported to be owned by the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries (showing in each, as applicable, the filing date, date of issuance, expiration date and registration or application number, and registrar); (ii) all contracts or agreements to use any Company-Licensed IP, including for the Software, Technology or Business Systems of any other person, that are material to the business of the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries as currently conducted (other than unmodified, commercially available, off-the-shelf Software with a replacement cost and/or aggregate annual license and maintenance fees of less than $75,000; (iii) to the extent not covered in clause (ii), any contract for the license of Software, Technology or Business Systems, owned or purported to be owned or licensed by the Company or any Company Subsidiary that is material to the business of the Company or any Company Subsidiary as currently conducted that would have a replacement cost of more than $75,000; and (iv) unregistered Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by the Company or any Company Subsidiary that is material to the Business. The Company IP specified (or to which rights are granted pursuant to an agreement specified) on Section 4.13(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule constitutes all material Intellectual Property rights used in the operation of the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (x) impair any rights under,
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or cause the Company or any Company Subsidiary to be in violation of or default under, any license or other agreement to use any Company-Licensed IP or under which it grants any person rights to use any Company-Owned IP, (y) give rise to any termination or modification of, or entitle any other party to terminate or modify, any such licenses or other agreements, or (z) require the payment of (or increase the amount of) any royalties, fees, or other consideration with respect to any use or exploitation of any Company-Licensed IP that would not have been paid but for such consummation.
(b) The Company or any one of the Company Subsidiaries solely and exclusively owns and possesses, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), all right, title and interest in and to the Company-Owned IP and has the right to use, pursuant to a written, valid and enforceable license or other valid right, all Company-Licensed IP and Business Systems, including Software. All Company-Owned IP is subsisting and, to the knowledge of the Company, valid and enforceable. No loss or expiration of any of the Company-Owned IP, or, to the Companys knowledge, any of the Company-Licensed IP, is threatened in writing, or, other than upon expiration of its statutory term in the ordinary course, pending.
(c) The Company and each of its applicable Company Subsidiaries have taken and take reasonable actions to maintain, protect, and enforce Intellectual Property rights, including the secrecy, confidentiality and value of its trade secrets and other Confidential Information in all material respects. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiaries have disclosed any trade secrets or other Confidential Information that is material to the business of the Company and any applicable Company Subsidiaries to any other person other than pursuant to a written confidentiality agreement under which such other person agrees to maintain the confidentiality and protect such Confidential Information.
(d) (i) Since March 28, 2018, there have been no claims properly filed and served, or threatened in writing (including email) to be filed, against the Company or any Company Subsidiary in any forum, by any person (A) contesting the validity, use, ownership, enforceability, patentability or registrability of any of the Company IP, or (B) alleging any infringement or misappropriation of, or other conflict with, any Intellectual Property rights of other persons (including any material demands or offers to license any Intellectual Property rights from any other person) or any third party that has alleged that the Company or any Company Subsidiary are required to indemnify or defend any such claim; (ii) the operation of the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (including the Products) has not and does not infringe, misappropriate or violate, any Intellectual Property rights of other persons; (iii) to the Companys knowledge, no other person has infringed, misappropriated or violated any of the Company-Owned IP; and (iv) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has received any formal written opinions of counsel regarding any of the foregoing.
(e) All persons who have contributed, created, conceived, or otherwise developed any material Company-Owned IP for the Company or any Company Subsidiary have executed valid, written agreements with the Company or one of the Company Subsidiaries, pursuant to which such persons agreed to provisions to maintain in confidence all confidential or proprietary information acquired by them in the course of their relationship with the Company or the applicable Company Subsidiary (where the confidentiality protections afforded by such provisions are generally consistent in the aggregate with the confidentiality protections afforded by any form agreement made available to EverArc prior to the date hereof in the Dataroom (or any agreement made so made available that is substantially in the form of any form agreement of the Company or any Company Subsidiary) and agreed to assign to the Company or the applicable Company Subsidiary all of their entire right, title, and interest in and to any Intellectual Property contributed, created, conceived or otherwise developed by such person in the course of and related to his, her or its relationship with the Company or the applicable Company Subsidiary. There are no outstanding Actions, and, to the Companys knowledge, no circumstances that exist that are likely to give rise to any Action, for any compensation or other payments to such person in relation to any Company IP that such person has contributed, created, conceived or otherwise developed. To the Companys knowledge, no employee, independent contractor, or agent of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries has misappropriated any material
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trade secrets of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries in the course of his or her performance as an employee, independent contractor, or agent, and no employee, independent contractor, or agent of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries is in material default or material breach of any material term of any employment agreement, nondisclosure agreement, assignment of invention agreement, or similar agreement or contract to the extent relating to the protection, ownership, development, use or transfer of Company IP.
(f) Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries or, to the Companys knowledge, any other person is in breach or in default of any agreement specified in Section 4.13(a)(ii) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.
(g) Except as listed on Section 4.13(g) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no Company-Owned IP was (in whole or in part) authored, created, conceived, or developed, or first reduced to practice by or on behalf of, or with or using any personnel, grants, funds, facilities, Intellectual Property or other resources of, a Government Sponsor, and no person who was involved in, or who contributed to, the authorship, creation, conception, development, or reduction to practice of any Company-Owned IP was employed by, under contract to, or performed services for any Government Sponsor during a period of time during which such person was also performing services for the Company or any Company Subsidiary related to the development of such Company-Owned IP. No Government Sponsor has any claim or right regarding ownership of any Company-Owned IP. To the extent the use of Company Intellectual Property is restricted in any way under a Government Contract, the Company and each Company Subsidiary have complied in all material respects with the restrictions in any such Government Contract.
(h) The Company and/or one of the Company Subsidiaries owns, leases, licenses, or otherwise has the legal right to use all Business Systems, and such Business Systems are sufficient for the immediate and anticipated future needs of the business of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries as currently conducted by the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries. The Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries maintain commercially reasonable disaster recovery and business continuity plans, procedures and facilities, and since March 28, 2018, there has not been any material failure with respect to any of the Business Systems that has not been remedied or replaced in all material respects. The Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries have purchased a sufficient number of seat licenses for their Business Systems.
(i) The Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries comply in all material respects with (i) all applicable Privacy/Data Security Laws (including any data collected in connection with COVID-19 screening), (ii) any applicable privacy or other policies of the Company and/or the Company Subsidiary, respectively, concerning the collection, dissemination, storage or use of Personal Information, and (iii) all contractual commitments that the Company or any Company Subsidiary has entered into or is otherwise bound with respect to privacy and/or data security (collectively, the Data Security Requirements). The Company and the Company Subsidiaries have each implemented reasonable data security safeguards designed to protect the security and integrity of its Business Systems and any Business Data, including utilizing industry standard tools designed to prevent unauthorized access and the introduction of Disabling Devices. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiaries has inserted and, to the knowledge of the Company, no other person has inserted or alleged to have inserted any Disabling Device in any of the Business Systems or Product components. Since March 28, 2018, neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has (x) experienced any data security breaches that were required to be reported under applicable Privacy/Data Security Laws or customer contracts; or (y) been subject to or received written or, to the knowledge of the Company, oral notice of any audits, proceedings or investigations by any Governmental Authority or any customer, or received any material claims or complaints regarding the collection, dissemination, storage or use of Personal Information, or the violation of any applicable Data Security Requirements, and, to the Companys knowledge, there is no reasonable basis for the same.
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(j) The Company and/or one of the Company Subsidiaries either has all rights to use the Business Data, in whole or in part, in the manner in which the Company and the Company Subsidiaries receive and use such Business Data prior to the Closing Date. The Company and the Company Subsidiaries are not subject to any contractual requirements, privacy policies, or other legal obligations, including based on the Transactions, that would prohibit the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries from receiving or using Personal Information or other Business Data, in the manner in which the Company and the Company Subsidiaries receive and use such Personal Information and other Business Data prior to the Closing Date or result in liabilities in connection with Data Security Requirements. No employee, officer, director or agent of Merger Sub or EverArc has been debarred or otherwise forbidden by any applicable Law or any Governmental Authority (including judicial or agency order) from involvement in the operations in a business similar to the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries.
Section 4.14 Product Warranty/Recalls.
(a) Since March 28, 2018, each of the Products sold or produced by or on behalf of Company or any Company Subsidiary was (i) produced, manufactured, packaged, labeled, transported, stored and otherwise handled in material compliance with applicable Laws, and (ii) produced, manufactured, packaged and labeled using materials, which, used alone or in combination with other applicable materials in such products conform in all material respects to applicable Laws.
(b) Since March 28, 2018, (i) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any written or, to the knowledge of the Company, oral notices, demands or inquiries relating to any claim involving any Product resulting primarily from an alleged material defect in design, manufacture, materials or workmanship, performance, or any alleged failure to warn, or from any alleged breach of any express or implied warranties or representations, or any alleged material noncompliance with any applicable Laws and (ii) there has been no product recall (a Recall) conducted by or on behalf of the Company or any Company Subsidiary with respect to any Product.
(c) No Products have been offered by the Company or any Company Subsidiary under any product warranty other than as specified in the Companys and each Company Subsidiarys standard customer or distributor contracts as have been provided to EverArc prior to the date hereof in the Dataroom or as specified in the Companys and each Company Subsidiarys standard terms and conditions.
Section 4.15 Taxes.
(a) The Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries: (i) have duly and timely filed (taking into account any extension of time within which to file) all material Tax Returns required to be filed by any of them as of the date hereof and all such filed Tax Returns are complete and accurate in all material respects; (ii) have timely paid all Taxes that are shown as due on such filed Tax Returns and any other material Taxes that the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries are otherwise obligated to pay, except with respect to Taxes that are not yet due and payable (whether or not such Taxes have been reported on any Tax returns) or being contested in good faith and are disclosed in Section 4.15(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and no material penalties or charges are due with respect to the late filing of any Tax Return required to be filed by or with respect to any of them on or before the Closing; (iii) with respect to all material Tax Returns filed by or with respect to any of them, have not waived any statute of limitations with respect to Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency (other than extensions obtained in the ordinary course of business); and (iv) do not have any deficiency, audit, examination, investigation or other proceeding in respect of a material amount of Taxes or material Tax matters pending or proposed or threatened in writing, for a Tax period which the statute of limitations for assessments remains open, which is still pending or unresolved.
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(b) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a party to, is bound by or has an obligation under any Tax sharing agreement, Tax indemnification agreement, Tax allocation agreement or similar contract or arrangement (including any agreement, contract or arrangement providing for the sharing or ceding of credits or losses) or has a potential liability or obligation to any person as a result of or pursuant to any such agreement, contract, arrangement or commitment other than an agreement, contract, arrangement or commitment the primary purpose of which does not relate to Taxes or any agreement solely amongst the Company and the Company Subsidiaries.
(c) None of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries will be required to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any: (i) change in method of accounting for a taxable period or portion thereof ending on or prior to the Closing Date under Section 481(c) of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax law); (ii) closing agreement as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax law) executed on or prior to the Closing Date; (iii) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date; (iv) prepaid amount received or deferred revenue accrued on or prior to the Closing Date; (v) intercompany transaction or excess loss account described in Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or non-United States income Tax law) in existence on or prior to the Closing Date; (vi) any use of an improper method of accounting use for any tax period or portion thereof ending or ended on or prior to the Closing Date; or (vii) income arising or accruing prior to the Closing and includable after the Closing under Subchapter K, Section 951, 951A or 956 of the Code.
(d) The Company and the Company Subsidiaries are not and shall not be required to pay any material Tax after the Closing as a result of an election made pursuant to Section 965(h) of the Code prior to the Closing Date.
(e) The Company has not, pursuant to COVID-19 Measures deferred until after the Closing the payment of any material payroll Taxes the due date for the original payment of which was at or prior to the Closing.
(f) Each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has withheld and paid to the appropriate Tax authority all material Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any current or former employee, independent contractor, creditor, shareholder or other third party and has complied in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the payment and withholding of Taxes, including all reporting and record keeping requirements related thereto.
(g) Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated, combined or unitary U.S. federal, state, local or foreign income Tax Return (other than a group consisting only of the Company and/or Company Subsidiaries).
(h) Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has any material liability for the Taxes of any person (other than the Company and the Company Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise.
(i) Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has any request for a material ruling in respect of Taxes pending between the Company or any Company Subsidiary and any Tax authority.
(j) Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has within the last two (2) years distributed stock of another person, or has had its stock distributed by another person, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 or Section 361 of the Code.
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(k) Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has engaged in or entered into a listed transaction within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(2), or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or non-United States Law.
(l) Neither the IRS nor any other United States or non-United States taxing authority or agency has asserted in writing or, to the knowledge of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries, orally, or, to the knowledge of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries, has threatened to assert against the Company or any Company Subsidiary any deficiency or claim for any Taxes or interest thereon or penalties in connection therewith, which is still pending or unresolved.
(m) There are no Tax liens upon any assets of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries except for Permitted Liens.
(n) For all United States federal tax purposes, the Company is classified as a foreign corporation. The tax classification for United States federal tax purposes and jurisdiction of organization of each of the Company Subsidiaries is as set forth in Schedule 4.14(n) hereto.
(o) None of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries: (i) has received written notice from a non-United States taxing authority in a jurisdiction in which it does not file Tax Returns that it has a permanent establishment (within the meaning of an applicable Tax treaty) or otherwise has an office or fixed place of business in a country other than the country in which it is organized, or (ii) has received written notice from a jurisdiction where it does not file Tax Returns that it is subject to Tax in that jurisdiction.
Section 4.16 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth on Section 4.16 of the Company Disclosure Schedule: (a) each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries is and has been since March 28, 2018 in material compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws; (b) each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has obtained and is in compliance with all permits, licenses, exemptions, registrations, and other authorizations required under Environmental Laws (Environmental Permits) to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business, and each such Environmental Permit is in full force and effect, free from material breach, and will not be adversely affected by the Transactions; (c) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received written notice from any person asserting any actual or alleged material violation of, or material liability under, any Environmental Law, the subject of which has not been fully resolved; (d) except for regulatory orders, writs, judgments, injunctions, decrees, determinations or awards of general applicability, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is subject to any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award applicable to it or with respect to its assets arising under Environmental Law under which any material obligation remains unsatisfied; (e) to the knowledge of the Company, none of the properties currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by the Company or any Company Subsidiary are contaminated with any Hazardous Substance in material violation of applicable Environmental Laws or in a manner that requires or would reasonably be expected to require any material investigation, remediation, or corrective action by the Company or any Company Subsidiary pursuant to applicable Environmental Laws; (f) other than with respect to the Products and the ordinary course manufacture, sale, distribution, handling, storage, transport, disposal, application, and Release of the Products for their intended uses, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has manufactured, sold, distributed, handled, stored, transported, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of, or Released any Hazardous Substances, or owned or operated any property or facility, in a manner that has given or would reasonably be expected to give rise to material liability of the Company or any Company Subsidiary under any Environmental Law; (g) to the knowledge of the Company, the Transactions will not result in any material liabilities for site investigation or cleanup under, or require the consent of any Person pursuant to any so-called transaction-triggered or responsible property transfer requirements in any Environmental Laws; (h) other than pursuant to any ordinary course leases or other contractual agreements, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has expressly assumed any material liability or obligation for corrective or remedial action of any other Person relating to Environmental Laws or exposure to Hazardous Materials; (i) the Companys Products are and have been formulated using six carbon chain polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemistry and the Company has not
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and does not intentionally add perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), or any eight carbon chain PFAS to its Product formulations; and (j) none of the Products require warning notification or labeling under the State of Californias Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (a/k/a Proposition 65).
Section 4.17 Material Contracts. Section 4.17 of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists, as of the date of this Agreement, the following types of contracts and agreements to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party, excluding for this purpose, any purchase orders submitted by customers (such contracts and agreements as are required to be set forth Section 4.17 of the Company Disclosure Schedule along with any Plan listed on Section 4.10(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule being the Material Contracts):
(i) each contract and agreement with consideration paid or payable to the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries of more than $2,000,000, in the aggregate, in the prior or current fiscal year;
(ii) each contract and agreement with suppliers to the Company or any Company Subsidiary for expenditures paid or payable by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, including those relating to the design, development, manufacture or sale of any Products of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, of more than $2,500,000, in the aggregate, in the prior or current fiscal year;
(iii) all broker, distributor, dealer, manufacturers representative, franchise, agency, sales promotion, market research, marketing consulting and advertising contracts and agreements to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party that are material to the business of the Company;
(iv) all management contracts (excluding contracts for employment) and contracts with other consultants, including any contracts involving the payment of royalties or other amounts calculated based upon the revenues or income of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or income or revenues related to any Product of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party;
(v) all (A) employment agreements pursuant to which an employee is entitled to receive base annual compensation in excess of $200,000; and (B) consulting agreements pursuant to which an independent contractor is entitled to receive annual payments in excess of $200,000; and (C) severance agreements that provide for mandatory or potential severance payments in excess of $200,000;
(vi) all contracts and agreements evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money in an amount greater than $250,000;
(vii) all material definitive partnership, joint venture or similar agreements;
(viii) all contracts and agreements with any Governmental Authority to which the
Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party, other than any Company Permits;
(ix) all collective bargaining agreements or other contracts with any union, works council or labor organization;
(x) all contracts and agreements that limit, or purport to limit, the ability of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to compete in any material respect in any line of business or with any person or entity or in any geographic area or during any period of time, excluding customary confidentiality agreements and agreements that contain customary confidentiality clauses;
(xi) all leases or master leases of personal property reasonably likely to result in annual payments of $250,000 or more in a 12-month period;
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(xii) all contracts involving use of any Company-Licensed IP required to be listed in Section 4.13(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule;
(xiii) all contracts or agreements under which the Company has agreed to purchase goods or services from a vendor, supplier or other person on a preferred supplier or most favored supplier basis; or
(xiv) contracts which involve the license or grant of rights to Company-Owned IP by the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries, but excluding any nonexclusive licenses (or sublicenses) of Company-Owned IP granted to customers in the ordinary course of business.
Section 4.18 Material Government Contracts.
(a) Section 4.18(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists all Material Government Contracts, the period of performance of which has not yet expired or terminated or for which final payment has not been received by the name and number of the Government Contract as well as each Government Bid which has not expired and for which an award has not been issued.
(b) Each Material Government Contract (i) was legally awarded, (ii) is binding on, and (iii) is enforceable against the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforceability may be subject to, and limited by, applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership and similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally and general equitable principles. Since March 28, 2018: (i) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with all terms and conditions of their Government Contracts, (ii) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws pertaining to each Government Contract or Government Bid, including, where applicable, the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002, 44 U.S.C. § 3541 (and its implementing regulations), the Truth in Negotiations Act of 1962, as amended, the Service Contract Act of 1965, as amended, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act, 41 USC 423, as amended, the federal criminal bribery and gratuity laws, 18 USC 201, as amended, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation, 48 CFR Parts 1-53, (iii) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received written notice from a Governmental Authority of a cancellation, termination for convenience, termination for default, suspension, stop work order, cure notice, material violation of Law, material violation of a Government Contract or show cause notice and, to the knowledge of the Company, no such notice is currently proposed or threatened, pertaining to such Government Contract, (iv) no material cost incurred by the Company or any Company Subsidiary pertaining to such Government Contract has been formally challenged, disallowed or, to the knowledge of the Company, is the subject of any ongoing audit or investigation, (v) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received written notice from a Governmental Authority that any option with respect to such Government Contract will not be exercised or that any Government Contract will be terminated, cancelled, subject to a material reduction or will otherwise come to an end prior to the end of its current period of performance and (vi) the submissions, representations, certifications, and warranties made, acknowledged or set forth by the Company or the Company Subsidiaries with respect to the Government Contracts and Government Bids were true, complete and correct in all material respects as of their effective date, the Company and any Company Subsidiary, as applicable, has materially complied with all such certifications, and all such representations and certifications have continued to be current and materially accurate and complete to the extent required by the terms of a Government Contract or applicable Law.
(c) Neither the Company, any Company Subsidiary nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of their respective directors, officers, employees, consultants or agents is or has, since March 28, 2018, been under administrative, civil or criminal investigation, indictment or information by any Governmental Authority or subject to any investigation by the Company or any Company Subsidiary with respect to any alleged act or omission arising under or relating to performance of any Government
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Contract identified on Section 4.18(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule. Since March 28, 2018, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has conducted or initiated any internal investigation or made a voluntary disclosure to any Governmental Authority with respect to any alleged irregularity, misstatement or omission arising under or relating to a Material Government Contract identified on Section 4.18(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.
(d) There exists (i) no outstanding material disputes between the Company or any Company Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority, on the other hand, or between the Company or any Company Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any prime contractor, subcontractor, vendor, or other person where the ultimate contracting party is a Governmental Authority, on the other hand, arising under or relating to any Material Government Contract identified on Section 4.18(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (ii) no circumstances in which the Company, any of the Company Subsidiaries or any other party to a Government Contract has terminated, cancelled or waived any material term or condition of any Material Government Contract identified on Section 4.18(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (iii) no projected cost overruns on any of the Material Government Contracts identified on Section 4.18(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and (iv) no circumstances in which the Company or any Company Subsidiary has an interest in any pending or potential material claim against any Governmental Authority or any prime contractor, subcontractor or vendor arising under or relating to any Material Government Contract identified on Section 4.18(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.
(e) Neither the Company, any Company Subsidiary, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of their respective owners, directors, suppliers, subcontractors or officers has been disqualified, debarred, or suspended from participation in the award of contracts with the United States Government or any other Governmental Authority (excluding for this purpose ineligibility to bid on certain contracts due to generally applicable bidding requirements) nor, to the Companys knowledge, are there facts or circumstances that would warrant the institution of disqualification, suspension, or debarment proceedings or the finding of nonresponsibility or ineligibility on the part of the Company, any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective directors, officers, or employees; and neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has had no formal communications with the office of any suspending and debarring official or inspector general since March 28, 2018.
(f) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary (i) has outstanding Government Bids that, if accepted or a contract relating thereto is awarded to the Company or a Company Subsidiary, is expected to result in a loss to the Company or any Company Subsidiary at the conclusion of the awarded contract or (ii) has any Government Contract that is expected to result in a loss to the Company or a Company Subsidiary at the conclusion of that Government Contract.
(g) There exists no Government Contract or Government Bid listed or required to be listed Section 4.18(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule in connection with which the Company or any Company Subsidiary identified itself or was required to identify itself as a small business (including, a small disadvantaged business, a woman-owned small business, a service disabled veteran owned small business or a Small Business Administration Section 8(a) program participant), minority owned business enterprise or similar classification. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has submitted a Government Bid or been awarded a Government Contract which it was ineligible to be awarded at the time such Government Bid was submitted in connection with a procurement reserved or set-aside for companies having any of the above business categories.
(h) There are no Government Contracts or Government Bids (or mitigation plans under such Government Contracts or Government Bids) that include one or more terms or provisions that restrict the Company or any Company Subsidiarys ability to bid on or perform work on specific future contracts or programs or for specific periods of time based upon organizational conflicts of interest, as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 9.5 or other applicable law, regulation, or contract term. To the Companys knowledge, no organizational conflicts of interest will arise as a consequence of this transaction.
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(i) Since March 28, 2018, no customer has issued a negative written past performance evaluation or review with regard to the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
(j) To the knowledge of the Company, all amounts charged to the Government Contracts were charged in amounts consistent in all material respects with the requirements of such Government Contracts and applicable Law. The Company, the Company Subsidiaries and their employees have complied in all material respects with all timekeeping/time recordation requirements of the applicable Government Contracts.
(k) To the knowledge of the Company, no employee, officer, or director of any Company or any Company Subsidiary has been, since March 28, 2018, convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for: (i) commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with the obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a Government Contract; (ii) violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes relating to submission of offers; or (iii) commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, tax evasion, violating Federal criminal tax laws, or receiving stolen property, or been notified by any cognizant Governmental Authority of any material delinquent Federal taxes for which the liability remains unsatisfied.
(l) There are no financing arrangements, profit sharing agreements or assignments of proceeds with respect to any Government Contract other than in connection with the existing credit facilities of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries.
Section 4.19 Insurance. Except as would not be material to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole: (a) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries hold policies of insurance in amounts providing reasonably adequate coverage against risks customarily insured against by companies of similar nature and size operating in similar lines of business as the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, including any insurance required to be maintained by Material Contracts; (b) each policy is legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to the Remedies Exceptions), there are no known coverage or contract defenses, and, except for policies that have expired under their terms in the ordinary course, is in full force and effect; and (c) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is in breach or default, and no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time, would constitute such a breach or default, or permit termination, limitation or modification, under the policy.
Section 4.20 Board Approval; Vote Required. The Company Board, by resolutions duly adopted by unanimous vote of the full Company Board at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, or by unanimous written consent, has duly approved this Agreement and the Transactions. The Seller Board, by resolutions duly adopted by unanimous vote of the full Seller Board at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, or by unanimous written consent, has duly approved this Agreement and the Transactions.
Section 4.21 Certain Business Practices.
(a) None of the Company, any Company Subsidiary or, to the Companys knowledge, any directors, officers, agents or employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, has:
(i) used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses related to political activity;
(ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns or violated any applicable Anti-Corruption Laws; or
(iii) made any payment in the nature of bribery.
(b) The Company, any Company Subsidiary and, to the Companys knowledge, their respective directors, officers, agents and employees, are and have been in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws
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and Anti-Money Laundering Laws, including with regard to financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements in all jurisdictions in which the Company and any Company Subsidiary conducts business.
(c) None of the Company, any Company Subsidiary, nor, to the Companys knowledge, any of their respective directors, officers, agents or employees: (i) is or has been subject to any action, suit, claim, proceeding, prosecution, settlement, formal or informal notice, or investigation with respect to Anti-Corruption Laws or Anti-Money Laundering Laws; or (ii) made a voluntary, directed, or involuntary disclosure to any governmental authority or similar agency with respect to any alleged act or omission arising under or relating to any alleged noncompliance with Anti-Corruption Laws or Anti-Money Laundering Laws.
(d) The Company as well as its respective affiliates have instituted and maintain in effect policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and Anti-Money Laundering Laws.
Section 4.22 Interested Party Transactions. Except for employment relationships and the payment of compensation, benefits and expense reimbursements and advances in the ordinary course of business and pursuant to any Company Plan or PEO Plan, no director, officer or other affiliate of the Company or any Company Subsidiary (including Seller), to the Companys knowledge, has or has had, directly or indirectly: (a) an economic interest in any person that has furnished or sold, or furnishes or sells, services or Products that the Company or any Company Subsidiary furnishes or sells, or proposes to furnish or sell; (b) an economic interest in any person that purchases from or sells or furnishes to, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, any goods or services; (c) a beneficial interest in any contract or agreement disclosed in Section 4.17 of the Company Disclosure Schedule; or (d) any contractual or other arrangement with the Company or any Company Subsidiary, other than customary indemnity arrangements; provided, however, that ownership of no more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding voting stock of a publicly traded corporation shall not be deemed an economic interest in any person for purposes of this Section 4.22. Except as set forth in Section 4.22 of the Company Disclosure Schedules, as of the date of this Agreement, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have not (i) extended or maintained credit, arranged for the extension of credit or renewed an extension of credit in the form of a personal loan to or for any director or executive officer (or equivalent thereof) of the Company, or (ii) materially modified any term of any such extension or maintenance of credit.
Section 4.23 Exchange Act; Registration Statement.
(a) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is currently (or has previously been) subject to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)
(b) None of the information relating to the Company supplied by the Company in writing for inclusion in the Registration Statement will, as of the date the Registration Statement is declared effective or at the Merger Effective Time, contain any misstatement of a material fact or omission of any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representation with respect to any forward-looking statements supplied by or on behalf of the Company for inclusion in, or relating to information to be included in the Registration Statement.
Section 4.24 Brokers. Except as set forth in Section 4.24 of the Company Disclosure Schedules, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finders or other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
Section 4.25 Sanctions, Import Control, and Export Control Laws.
(a) None of the Company, any Company Subsidiary, nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents was or is a Restricted Person.
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(b) None of the Company, any Company Subsidiary, nor, to the Companys knowledge, any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents, is in violation of, or has violated, Sanctions Laws, Import Controls Laws, or Export Control Laws.
(c) None of the Company, any Company Subsidiary, nor to the Companys knowledge, any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents:
(i) is or has been subject to any action, suit, claim, proceeding, prosecution, settlement, formal or informal notice, or investigation with respect to Sanctions Laws, Import Control Laws, or Export Control Laws; or
(ii) made a voluntary, directed, or involuntary disclosure to any Governmental Authority or similar agency with respect to any alleged act or omission arising under or relating to any alleged noncompliance with Sanctions Laws, Import Control Laws, or Export Control Laws.
(d) Any provision of this Section 4.25 (Sanctions, Import Control and Export Control Laws) shall not apply to any person if and to the extent that it is or would be unenforceable by or in respect of that person by reason of breach of any provision of Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/1996 of 22 November 1996 (or any law or regulation implementing such Regulation in any member state of the European Union or the United Kingdom).
Section 4.26 Exclusivity of Representations and Warranties. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article IV (as modified by the Company Disclosure Schedule), neither Seller, the Company, any Company Subsidiary or any other person makes and the Company hereby expressly disclaims and negates, any other express or implied representation or warranty whatsoever (whether at Law or in equity) with respect to Seller, the Company, the Company Subsidiaries, their respective affiliates, and any matter relating to any of them, including their affairs, the condition, value or quality of the assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of operations, or with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any other information made available to EverArc, its affiliates or any of their respective Representatives by, or on behalf of, Seller, the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective affiliates or representatives, and any such representations or warranties are expressly disclaimed and no such representation or warranty shall be deemed to be relied upon by EverArc in executing, delivering and performing this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, neither Seller, the Company, any Company Subsidiary nor any other person has made or makes, any representation or warranty, whether express or implied, with respect to any projections, forecasts, estimates or budgets made available to EverArc, its affiliates or any of their respective Representatives of future revenues, future results of operations (or any component thereof), future cash flows or future financial condition (or any component thereof) of the Company (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing), whether or not included in any management presentation or in any other information made available to EverArc, its affiliates or any of their respective Representatives or any other person, and that any such representations or warranties are expressly disclaimed and no such representation or warranty shall be deemed to be relied upon by EverArc in executing, delivering and performing this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EVERARC
Except as set forth in (a) the EverArc FCA Reports (to the extent the qualifying nature of such disclosure is readily apparent from the content of such EverArc FCA Reports, but excluding any disclosures contained or referenced therein under the captions Risk Factors, ForwardLooking Statements, and any other disclosures contained or referenced in such EverArc FCA Reports of information, factors, or risks that are predictive, cautionary, or forward-looking in nature) (it being acknowledged that nothing disclosed in such an FCA Report will be deemed to modify or qualify the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.01 (Corporate
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Organization) and Section 5.04 (Authority Relative to this Agreement)), and (b) EverArcs disclosure schedule (it being understood and agreed that information disclosed in any section of the EverArc Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to be disclosed with respect to any other section of the EverArc Disclosure Schedule to which such disclosure would reasonably pertain or if its relevance to such other section is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure) delivered by EverArc in connection with this Agreement (the EverArc Disclosure Schedule), EverArc hereby represents and warrants to Seller and the Company as follows:
Section 5.01 Corporate Organization.
(a) EverArc is duly incorporated or organized, as the case may be, and validly existing and in good standing under the laws its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, as the case may be, and has all requisite corporate or other entity power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on and operate its business as it is now being conducted. EverArc has all necessary governmental or other approvals, qualifications or licenses to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on and operate its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to have such governmental approval or be so qualified or licensed and in good standing would not have a EverArc Material Adverse Effect.
(b) EverArc does not and, as of the Closing Date shall not, directly or indirectly own any equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any equity or similar interest in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, business association or other person.
Section 5.02 Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws. EverArc has heretofore furnished to the Company complete and correct copies of the EverArc Organizational Documents. The EverArc Organizational Documents are in full force and effect. EverArc is not in violation of any of the provisions of the EverArc Organizational Documents.
Section 5.03 Capitalization.
(a) As of the date hereof, EverArc is authorized to issue an unlimited number of EverArc Ordinary Shares and of EverArc Founder Shares, each of no par value. As of the date of this Agreement, (A) 40,832,500 EverArc Ordinary Shares are issued and outstanding, (B) 100 EverArc Founder Shares are issued and outstanding, (C) no EverArc Ordinary shares are held in the treasury of EverArc, and (D) 34,020,000 EverArc Warrants are issued and outstanding. Each EverArc Warrant entitles the holder thereof to subscribe for one-fourth of a EverArc Ordinary Share upon exercise (subject to any prior adjustment in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the EverArc Warrant Instrument) and so, any holder of EverArc Warrants will be required (subject to any prior adjustment) to hold four EverArc Warrants, which four EverArc Warrants are exercisable for one EverArc Ordinary Share at an exercise price of $12.00 per whole EverArc Ordinary Shares.
(b) All outstanding EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants (i) are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, (ii) are not subject to any preemptive rights, (iii) have been issued and granted in compliance with all applicable securities Laws and other applicable Laws and (iv) were issued free and clear of all Liens other than transfer restrictions under applicable securities Laws and the EverArc Organizational Documents.
(c) Other than the EverArc Warrants, there are no, and have been no issuances of, options, warrants, preemptive rights, calls, bonds, debentures, notes or other Indebtedness of EverArc having voting rights, convertible or exchangeable securities, conversion rights or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued shares or other equity interests in EverArc or obligating EverArc to issue, deliver or sell any shares or other equity interests in, EverArc, EverArc is not a party to, or otherwise bound by, and has not granted, any equity appreciation rights, participations, phantom equity or similar rights. There are no voting trusts, voting agreements, proxies, shareholder agreements or other agreements with respect to the voting or transfer
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of EverArc Ordinary Shares or any of the equity interests or other securities of EverArc. EverArc does not own any equity interests in any person.
(d) There are no outstanding contractual obligations of EverArc to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any EverArc Ordinary Shares or to provide funds to or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any persons.
Section 5.04 Authority Relative to this Agreement. EverArc has all necessary corporate or other entity power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery by EverArc of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party and the consummation by EverArc of the Transactions (including, without limitation, the execution and filing of the Plan and Articles of Merger in accordance with this Agreement) have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, including approval by the EverArc Board and Resolution of Members (as defined in and adopted by the holders of the EverArc Founder Shares in accordance with article 41 of the EverArc Articles of Association), which has been obtained, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of EverArc is necessary to authorize this Agreement, each such Ancillary Agreement or to consummate the Transactions. The EverArc Board has duly determined that only the holders of EverArc Founder Shares shall be entitled to vote on the Resolution of Members approving the Merger and other Transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with article 41 of the EverArc Articles of Association. This Agreement and each such Ancillary Agreement have been (or, as applicable with respect to any Ancillary Agreement to be executed from and after the date hereof, will be) duly and validly executed and delivered by EverArc and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of EverArc, enforceable against EverArc, in accordance with its terms subject to the Remedies Exceptions.
Section 5.05 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) The execution and delivery by EverArc of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party does not, and the performance of this Agreement and each such Ancillary Agreement and the Transactions by EverArc will not, (i) conflict with or violate the EverArc Organizational Documents, (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 5.05(b) have been obtained and all filings and obligations described in Section 5.05(b) have been made, conflict with or violate any Law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to EverArc or by which any of its property or assets is bound or affected, or result in any breach of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien on any property or asset of EverArc pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which EverArc is a party or by which EverArc or any of its property or assets is bound or affected, except, in each case as would not have a EverArc Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The execution and delivery by EverArc of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party does not, and the performance of this Agreement and each such Ancillary Agreement and the Transactions by EverArc will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority, except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, Exchange Act, Blue Sky Laws, stock exchange and state takeover laws, the premerger notification requirements of the HSR Act, and filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by the BVI Companies Act and (ii) where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or notifications, would not, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially delay consummation of any of the Transactions or otherwise prevent EverArc from performing its material obligations under this Agreement and each such Ancillary Agreement.
Section 5.06 Compliance. EverArc is not or has not been in conflict with, or in default, breach or violation of, (a) any Law applicable to EverArc or by which any property or asset of EverArc is bound or affected, or
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(b) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which EverArc is a party or by which EverArc or any property or asset of EverArc is bound. EverArc and is in possession of all material franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals and orders of any Governmental Authority necessary for EverArc to own, lease and operate its properties or to carry on its business as it is now being conducted.
Section 5.07 FCA Reports; Financial Statements; No Undisclosed liabilities.
(a) EverArc has filed all forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents, including any exhibits thereto, required to be filed by EverArc with the FCA pursuant to the Listing Rules or the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and since the date the EverArc Ordinary Shares and the EverArc Warrants were admitted to the Official List and began trading on the London Stock Exchanges main market for listed securities (collectively, the EverArc FCA Reports). The EverArc FCA Reports (i) were, and in the case of the EverArc FCA Reports filed after the date hereof, will be prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the FCA, FSMA, the Listing Rules and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, and (ii) did not at the time they were filed, and in the case of such forms, reports and documents filed by Holdco or the Company with the FCA after the date of this Agreement, will not as of the time they are filed, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated in such EverArc FCA Reports or necessary in order to make the statements made in such EverArc FCA Reports, in light of the circumstances under which they were and will be made, not misleading. To the knowledge of EverArc, as of the date hereof, none of the EverArc FCA Reports is the subject of ongoing review or outstanding investigation by the FCA.
(b) EverArc is, and has been since the date the EverArc Ordinary Shares were admitted to the Official List and began trading on the London Stock Exchanges main market for listed securities, in compliance, in all material respects, with the Listing Rules, UK MAR, and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.
(c) The audited report of EverArc for the period from incorporation on November 8, 2019 and ended October 31, 2020, and the related audited statements of income, retained earnings, shareholders equity and changes in financial position of EverArc, together with all related notes and schedules thereto, accompanied by the reports thereon of EverArcs accountants, have been prepared in accordance with IFRS applied on a consistent basis during the period involved and fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial position of EverArc as of the date thereof and the results of its operations and changes in financial position for the period then ended. A true and complete copy of such audited report has been delivered by EverArc to the Company.
(d) EverArc does not have any liabilities (including liabilities for income taxes), except for liabilities (i) disclosed in, provided for, adequately reflected in, reserved against, or otherwise described in the audited consolidated balance sheet of EverArc for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 (including in any note thereto), (ii) that have arisen in the ordinary course of business of EverArc since October 31, 2020, (iii) under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or otherwise in connection with the transactions contemplated herein or therein, or (iv) that would not be a EverArc Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.08 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 12, 2019, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (a) EverArc has conducted its business in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice in all material respects and (b) there has not been any EverArc Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.09 Absence of Litigation. There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of EverArc, threatened against EverArc, or any property or asset of EverArc, before any Governmental Authority. Neither EverArc nor any material property or asset of EverArc is subject to any continuing order of, consent decree, settlement agreement or other similar written agreement with, or, to the knowledge of EverArc, continuing investigation by,
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any Governmental Authority, or any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award of any Governmental Authority.
Section 5.10 Board Approval; EverArc Founder Shareholder Vote.
(a) The EverArc Board, by resolutions duly adopted by majority vote of those voting at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has duly (i) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions are fair to and in the best interests of EverArc and the EverArc Shareholders; (ii) determined that only the holders of EverArc Founder Shares shall be entitled to vote on any Resolution of Members (as defined in the EverArc Articles of Association) approving the Agreement, the Plan and Articles of Merger and the Transactions for the purposes of article 41 of the EverArc Articles of Association; and (iii) approved this Agreement, the Plan and Articles of Merger and the Transactions and declared their advisability.
(b) The holders of the EverArc Founder Shares have adopted (and have not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way) a Resolution of Members (as defined in and adopted by the holders of the EverArc Founder Shares in accordance with article 41 of the EverArc Articles of Association) approving this Agreement, the Plan and Articles of Merger and the Transactions.
(c) Except for the Resolution of Members referred to in Section 5.10(b), no vote of the holders of any class or series of shares of EverArc is necessary to approve the Transactions.
Section 5.11 Brokers. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.11 of the EverArc Disclosure Schedule, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finders or other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of EverArc.
Section 5.12 EverArc Financial Capacity; Signing Date EverArc Funds; EverArc PIPE Investment
(a) Subject to successful completion of the PIPE Investment raising the PIPE Investment Amount and the consummation of the Debt Financing in accordance with the Debt Commitment Letters, EverArc will have available to it on the Closing Date all funds necessary to consummate the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder, and has received the consent of those lender parties set forth on Schedule 5.12(a) of the EverArc Disclosure Letter.
(b) As of the date of this Agreement, EverArc has on deposit in onshore and offshore accounts with Morgan Stanley (collectively, the Depository Account) an amount of cash and cash equivalents, in the aggregate, of not less than $398,000,000 (the Signing Date EverArc Funds) and, has made available to the Company copies of documentation evidencing that, as of June 11, 2021, the Signing Date EverArc Funds are held in United States dollars in the Depository Account. In the event the Termination Fee is payable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, EverArc has, and will have, the ability to pay the Termination Fee from the Signing Date EverArc Funds.
(c) EverArc has delivered to the Company true, correct and complete copies of each of the Subscription Agreements entered into by EverArc with the applicable PIPE Investors named therein, pursuant to which the PIPE Investors have committed to provide equity financing to EverArc solely for purposes of consummating the Transactions in the aggregate amount of $1,150,000,000 (the PIPE Investment Amount). To the knowledge of EverArc, with respect to each PIPE Investor, the Subscription Agreement with such PIPE Investor is in full force and effect and has not been withdrawn or terminated, or otherwise amended or modified, in any respect (other than as has been consented to in writing by the Company), and no withdrawal, termination, amendment or modification is contemplated by EverArc as of the date hereof. Each Subscription Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of EverArc and, to the knowledge of EverArc, each PIPE Investor, and neither the execution or delivery by any party thereto nor the performance of EverArcs or, to the knowledge of EverArc, any other persons obligations under any such Subscription Agreement violates any Laws. The Subscription
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Agreements provide that EverArc, the Company, and Holdco are entitled to rely on the applicable provisions specified thereon and EverArc and Holdco are entitled to enforce the applicable provisions specified therein. There are no other agreements, side letters, or arrangements between EverArc and any PIPE Investor relating to any Subscription Agreement that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to affect the obligation of such PIPE Investors to contribute to EverArc the applicable portion of the PIPE Investment Amount set forth in the Subscription Agreement of such PIPE Investors, and, as of the date hereof, EverArc does not know of any facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in any of the conditions set forth in any Subscription Agreement not being satisfied, or the PIPE Investment Amount not being available to EverArc, on the Closing Date. No event has occurred that, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or breach on the part of EverArc under any material term or condition of any Subscription Agreement and, as of the date hereof, EverArc has no reason to believe that it will be unable to satisfy in all material respects on a timely basis any term or condition of closing to be satisfied by it contained in any Subscription Agreement. The Subscription Agreements contain all of the conditions precedent (other than the conditions contained in the other Transaction Documents) to the obligations of the PIPE Investors to contribute to EverArc the applicable portion of the PIPE Investment Amount set forth in the Subscription Agreements on the terms therein.
(d) Except as set forth in the Subscription Agreements, no fees, consideration or other discounts are payable or have been agreed by EverArc or any of its subsidiaries (including, from and after the Closing, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries) to any PIPE Investor in respect of its PIPE Investment.
(e) EverArc has delivered to the Company true, correct and complete copies of executed commitment letters (including all exhibits, annexes, schedules, term sheets and executed fee letters (which may be redacted to (i) omit fee amounts, (ii) economic terms, and (iii) economic flex provisions and so long as, in each case, no such redaction covers terms and provisions that would adversely affect the conditionality, enforceability, availability, termination or aggregate principal amount of the Debt Financing on the Closing Date) (collectively, the Fee Letters) attached thereto or contemplated thereby), each dated as of the date hereof, from Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., Barclays Bank PLC and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, (collectively, the Debt Commitment Letters), pursuant to which such financial institutions have committed to provide debt financing to EverArc in the amounts set forth therein (collectively, together with any debt securities issued in lieu of commitments as contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letters, the Debt Financing), subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein. As of the date of this Agreement, each of the Debt Commitment Letters (including each of the Fee Letters) is a legal, valid and binding obligation of EverArc and, to the knowledge of EverArc, each other party thereto, and enforceable against EverArc and, to the knowledge of EverArc, each other party thereto in accordance with its terms, except to the extent enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally and principles of equity. As of the date of this Agreement, no event or circumstance has occurred which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would constitute a default on the part of EverArc or, to the knowledge of EverArc, any of the other parties to any of the Debt Commitment Letters under any of the Debt Commitment Letters. Each of the Debt Commitment Letters (including each of the Fee Letters) is in full force and effect as of the date hereof and none of the Debt Commitment Letters (or any of the Fee Letters) have been amended or modified in any respect prior to, or as of, the date hereof and, as of the date hereof, (a) no such amendment or modification is contemplated and (b) none of the respective commitments contained in the Debt Commitment Letters have been withdrawn, rescinded or terminated. As of the date of this Agreement, EverArc has no reasonable reason to believe that it will be unable to satisfy on a timely basis (in light of the contemplated timing of Closing) any condition of closing set forth in the Debt Commitment Letters; provided, that, EverArc is not making any representation regarding the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement or the compliance by the Company with its obligations under this Agreement. There
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are (i) no conditions precedent related to the funding of the full amounts of the Debt Financing and (ii) to the knowledge of EverArc, no other contingencies or rights that would permit the parties thereto to reduce the total amount of the Debt Financing, contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letters to be funded on the Closing Date, other than as set forth in the Debt Commitment Letters (including the Fee Letters). Except for the Debt Commitment Letters (including the Fee Letters), as of the date hereof, there are no other contracts, agreements, side letters or other arrangements to which EverArc or any of its affiliates is a party relating to the Debt Commitment Letters or the Debt Financing that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the conditionality, enforceability, availability, termination or aggregate principal amount of the Debt Financing on the Closing Date. EverArc has fully paid or caused to be fully paid any and all commitment fees and any other amounts required by any of the Debt Commitment Letters to be paid on or before the date hereof. In no event shall the receipt by, or the availability of any funds or financing to, EverArc or any of its affiliates or any other financing be a condition to EverArcs obligation to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 5.13 Employees. Other than any officers of EverArc as described in the EverArc FCA Reports, EverArc has never employed any employees. Other than consultants and advisors retained in the ordinary course of business (including in connection with the Transactions) or as described in the EverArc FCA Reports, EverArc has never retained any contractors.
Section 5.14 Listing. The issued and outstanding EverArc Ordinary Shares are admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol EVRA. The issued and outstanding EverArc Warrants are admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol EVWA. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of EverArc, threatened in writing against EverArc by the London Stock Exchange or the FCA with respect to any intention by such entity to cancel the listing of the EverArc Ordinary Shares or EverArc Warrants from the Official List or from trading on the London Stock Exchange. None of EverArc or any of its affiliates has taken any action in an attempt to cancel the listing of the EverArc Ordinary Shares or the EverArc Warrants from the Official List or from trading on the London Stock Exchange. Since December 17, 2019, EverArc has complied in all material respects with the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of the London Stock Exchange.
Section 5.15 Taxes. For all United States federal tax purposes, EverArc (up until it is treated as a disregarded entity pursuant to the Tax Election) is, and Holdco shall be once duly incorporated, classified as a foreign corporation.
Section 5.16 Prior Business Operation. EverArc has limited its activities in all material respects to those activities (a) contemplated in the prospectus of EverArc, dated as of December 12, 2019, or (b) otherwise necessary to consummate the Transactions.
Section 5.17 Investment Company Act. EverArc is not an investment company or a person directly or indirectly controlled by or acting on behalf of an investment company, or required to register as an investment company, in each case within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Section 5.18 Related Party Transactions. Except as described in the EverArc FCA Reports or in connection with the PIPE Investment, there are no transactions, contracts, side letters, arrangements or understandings between any of EverArc, Holdco or Merger Sub, on the one hand, and any director, officer, employee, stockholder, shareholder, warrant holder or affiliate of any of EverArc, Holdco or Merger Sub, on the other hand.
Section 5.19 Registration Statement. None of the information relating to EverArc supplied, or to be supplied, by EverArc, its affiliates and their respective Representatives in writing for inclusion in the Registration Statement will, as of the date the Registration Statement is made effective or at the Merger Effective Time, contain any misstatement of a material fact or omission of any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; provided, however,
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that EverArc makes no representation with respect to any forward-looking statements supplied by or on behalf of EverArc for inclusion in, or relating to information to be included in the Registration Statement.
Section 5.20 EverArcs Investigation and Reliance. EverArc is a sophisticated purchaser and has made its own independent investigation, review and analysis regarding the Company and the Company Subsidiaries and the Transactions, which investigation, review and analysis were conducted by EverArc together with expert advisors, including legal counsel, that it has engaged for such purpose. EverArc and its Representatives have been provided with full and complete access to the Representatives, books and records of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries and other information that they have requested in connection with their investigation of the Company, the Company Subsidiaries and the Transactions, EverArc is not relying on any statement, representation or warranty, oral or written, express or implied, made by the Company, any of the Company Subsidiaries or their Representatives (including Seller), except as expressly set forth in Article IV (as modified by the Company Disclosure Schedule). Neither the Company nor any of its shareholders, affiliates or Representatives shall have any liability to EverArc or any of its stockholders, affiliates or Representatives resulting from the use of any information, documents or materials made available to EverArc, whether orally or in writing, in any confidential information memoranda, the Dataroom or other datarooms, management presentations, due diligence discussions or in any other form in expectation of the Transactions. Neither the Company nor any of its shareholders, affiliates or Representatives is making, directly or indirectly, any representation or warranty with respect to any estimates, projections or forecasts involving the Company and the Company Subsidiaries.
Section 5.21 Real Property. EverArc is not, and has never been, a land owning company as defined in section 242(5) of the Companies Act.
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HOLDCO AND MERGER SUB
Each of Holdco and Merger Sub hereby represents and warrants to Seller and the Company as follows:
Section 6.01 Corporate Organization. Merger Sub is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (insofar as such concept exists in the relevant jurisdiction) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has the requisite corporate power and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Once duly incorporated, Holdco will be an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (insofar as such concept exists in the relevant jurisdiction) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and will have the requisite corporate power and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business.
Section 6.02 Organizational Documents. Merger Sub has heretofore furnished to Seller and the Company complete and correct copies of the Merger Sub Organizational Documents. The Merger Sub Organizational Documents are in full force and effect and Merger Sub is not in violation of any of the provisions of such organizational documents. Once Holdco has been duly incorporated, the Holdco Organizational Documents will be in full force and effect and Holdco will not be in violation of any of the provisions of such organizational documents.
Section 6.03 Capitalization.
(a) Once duly incorporated, the share capital of Holdco will consist of 40,000 Holdco Ordinary Shares. Once duly incorporated, EverArc will be the sole shareholder of Holdco and will solely hold the Holdco Ordinary Shares.
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(b) As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 100 Merger Sub Ordinary Shares. As of the date hereof, EverArc is the sole shareholder of Merger Sub. Once duly incorporated, Holdco will acquire from EverArc the share of Merger Sub and will, thereafter, become the sole shareholder of Merger Sub.
(c) Once Holdco is duly incorporated, the Holdco Ordinary Shares will be issued and granted in compliance with all applicable securities Laws and other applicable Laws and will issue such shares free and clear of all Liens other than transfer restrictions under applicable securities Laws and the Holdco Organizational Documents. No Holdco Preferred Shares will be issued prior to the Exchange.
(d) The shares constituting the Aggregate Stock Consideration being delivered by Holdco hereunder shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and each such share or other security shall be issued free and clear of preemptive rights and all Liens, other than transfer restrictions under applicable securities Laws and the Holdco Organizational Documents. The Holdco Preferred Shares constituting the Aggregate Stock Consideration being delivered by Holdco hereunder will be issued in compliance with all applicable securities Laws and other applicable Laws and will not be subject to or give rise to any preemptive rights or rights of first refusal.
(e) Except as contemplated by this Agreement, (i) there are no other options, warrants, preemptive rights, calls, convertible securities, conversion rights or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of Holdco or obligating Holdco to issue or sell any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, Holdco, (ii) Holdco is not a party to, or otherwise bound by, and Holdco has not granted, any equity appreciation rights, participations, phantom equity or similar rights and (iii) there are no voting trusts, voting agreements, proxies, shareholder agreements or other similar agreements with respect to the voting or transfer of the Holdco Ordinary Shares or any of the equity interests or other securities of Holdco.
Section 6.04 Authority Relative to this Agreement. Each of Merger Sub and EverArc, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Holdco, have all necessary power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and such Ancillary Agreements by each of Merger Sub and EverArc, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Holdco, and the consummation by each of Holdco (once duly incorporated) and Merger Sub of the Transactions have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of Holdco or Merger Sub are necessary to authorize this Agreement, each such Ancillary Agreement or to consummate the Transactions (other than (a) with respect to the Transactions, the approval and adoption of this Agreement by the holders of a relevant majority of the then-outstanding Holdco Ordinary Shares and by Holdco (as the holder of all of the then outstanding Merger Sub Ordinary Shares), and the filing and recordation of appropriate merger or other documents as required by the BVI Companies Act and the 1915 Law as the case may be. and (b) with respect to the issuance of Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Preferred Shares and the amendment and restatement of the Holdco Organizational Documents pursuant to this Agreement, the approval of a relevant majority of the then-outstanding Holdco Ordinary Shares). This Agreement and each such Ancillary Agreement have been duly and validly executed and delivered by Merger Sub and EverArc, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Holdco, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Holdco or Merger Sub, enforceable against Holdco or Merger Sub in accordance with its terms subject to the Remedies Exceptions.
Section 6.05 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) The execution and delivery by Merger Sub and EverArc, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Holdco, of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party does not, and the performance of this Agreement and each such Ancillary Agreement by Holdco and Merger Sub will not, (i) conflict with or violate the Holdco Organizational Documents or
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Merger Sub Organizational Documents (as the case may be), (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 5.05(b) have been obtained and all filings and obligations described in Section 5.05(b) have been made, conflict with or violate any Law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to Holdco or Merger Sub or by which any of their respective property or assets is bound or affected or (iii) result in any breach of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien on any property or asset of Holdco or Merger Sub pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which each of Holdco or Merger Sub is a party or by which Holdco or Merger Sub or any of their respective property or assets is bound or affected, except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences which would not have or reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect.
(b) The execution and delivery by Merger Sub and EverArc, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Holdco, of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party does not, and the performance of this Agreement and each such Ancillary Agreement by Holdco or Merger Sub, as applicable, will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority, except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Exchange Act, Blue Sky Laws and state takeover laws, the premerger notification requirements of the HSR Act, the Antitrust Laws, and filing and recordation of appropriate merger or other documents as required by the BVI Companies Act and the 1915 Law as the case may be and (ii) where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or notifications, would not, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially delay consummation of any of the Transactions or otherwise prevent Holdco and Merger Sub from performing their respective material obligations under this Agreement and each such Ancillary Agreement.
Section 6.06 Compliance. Merger Sub is not or has not been in conflict with, or in default, breach or violation of, (a) any Law applicable to Merger Sub or by which any property or asset of Merger Sub is bound or affected, or (b) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which Merger Sub is a party or by which Merger Sub or any property or asset of Merger Sub is bound, and Merger Sub is in possession of all material franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals and orders of any Governmental Authority necessary for Merger Sub to own, lease and operate its properties or to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Once Holdco has been duly incorporated, it will not be in conflict with, or in default, breach or violation of, (a) any Law applicable to Holdco or by which any property or asset of Holdco will be bound or affected, or (b) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which Holdco will be a party or by which Holdco or any property or asset of Holdco will be bound and Holdco will be in possession of all material franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals and orders of any Governmental Authority necessary for Holdco to own, lease and operate its properties or to carry on its businesses as it is now being conducted.
Section 6.07 Board Approval; Vote Required.
(a) Once Holdco has been duly incorporated, the Holdco Board will, by resolutions duly adopted at the time of a board meeting and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, (i) duly determine that this Agreement and the Transactions are in the best interests of Holdco, (ii) approve this Agreement and the Transactions and (iii) assume all the actions taken in connection with the incorporation, inter alia by EverArc as sole founding shareholder of Holdco, pursuant to article 100-17 of the 1915 Law.
(b) The only vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of Holdco that is necessary to approve this Agreement, the Exchange and the Transactions is the Holdco Requisite Approval.
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(c) Merger Sub Board has, by resolutions duly adopted by written consent and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has duly (i) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions are fair to and in the best interests of Merger Sub and EverArc (as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub), (ii) approved this Agreement and the Transactions and declared their advisability and (iii) recommended that EverArc (as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub) approve and adopt this Agreement and approve the Transactions and directed that this Agreement and the Transactions be submitted for consideration by EverArc (as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub).
(d) The only vote of the holders of any class or series of shares of Merger Sub that is necessary to approve this Agreement and the Transactions is the affirmative vote of EverArc as sole shareholder of all outstanding Merger Sub Ordinary Shares.
Section 6.08 No Prior Operations of Holdco or Merger Sub; Post-Closing Operations. Merger Sub is a newly formed entity and Holdco will be a newly formed entity, which are each formed for the sole purposes of entering into this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which they are party and engaging in the Transactions. Since the date of the Merger Sub Organizational Documents Merger Sub has not engaged in any business operations or activities whatsoever, nor has held, holds, or will hold prior to the Closing, any assets, incurred or will incur prior to the Closing, any liabilities. Merger Sub has no employees or liabilities under any benefit plan. Merger Sub is not a land owning company as defined in section 242(5) of the BVI Companies Act. As of its date of incorporation, Holdco will not engage in any business operations or activities whatsoever, nor has held, holds, or will hold prior to the Closing, any assets, incurred or will incur prior to the Closing, any liabilities. As of its date of incorporation, Holdco will not have any employees or liabilities under any benefit plan. As of its date of incorporation, Holdco will not be a land owning company as defined in section 242(5) of the BVI Companies Act.
Section 6.09 Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finders or other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Holdco or Merger Sub.
Section 6.10 Registration Statement. None of the information relating to Holdco or Merger Sub supplied by Holdco or Merger Sub in writing for inclusion in the Registration Statement will, as of the date the Registration Statement is declared effective or at the Exchange Effective Time, contain any misstatement of a material fact or omission of any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; provided, however, that Holdco and Merger Sub make no representation with respect to any forward-looking statements supplied by or on behalf of Holdco or Merger Sub for inclusion in, or relating to information to be included in the Registration Statement.
ARTICLE VII
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
Section 7.01 Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Exchange.
(a) Seller and the Company agree that, between the date of this Agreement and the Merger Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement, except as (i) expressly contemplated or permitted by any other provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, (ii) as set forth in Section 7.01 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and (iii) as required by applicable Law (including as may be requested or compelled by any Governmental Authority), unless EverArc shall otherwise consent in writing, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned: (A) the Company shall, and shall cause the Company Subsidiaries to, conduct their business in all material respects in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice; provided that,
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in the case of actions that are taken (or omitted to be taken) reasonably in response to an emergency or urgent condition or conditions arising from COVID-19, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be acting outside the ordinary course of business, so long as such actions or omissions are reasonably designed to (1) protect the health or welfare of the Companys employees, directors, officers or agents or (2) comply with clause (B) of this Section 7.01(a), and in each case, the Company promptly notifies EverArc of such actions and reasonably takes into account the reasonable requests of EverArc in further acts or omissions of the Company with respect to such condition or conditions arising from COVID-19; and (B) the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to preserve substantially intact the business organization of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep available the services of the current officers, key employees and consultants of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries and to preserve the current relationships of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries with customers, suppliers and other persons with which the Company or any Company Subsidiary has significant business relations.
(b) By way of amplification and not limitation, except as (x) expressly contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, (y) set forth in Section 7.01 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, or (z) required by applicable Law (including COVID-19 Measures or as may be requested or compelled by any Governmental Authority), the Company shall not, and shall cause each Company Subsidiary not to, between the date of this Agreement and the Merger Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement, directly or indirectly, do any of the following without the prior written consent of EverArc, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned:
(i) amend or otherwise change its memorandum of association, articles of association, certificate of incorporation, by-laws or equivalent organizational documents;
(ii) issue, sell, pledge, dispose of, grant or encumber, solicit, propose, negotiate with respect to, or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition, grant or encumbrance of, (A) any shares of any class of capital stock of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or (B) any options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of such capital stock, or any other ownership interest (including any phantom interest), or (C) except in the ordinary course of business, any assets of the Company or any Company Subsidiary;
(iii) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect to any of its capital stock;
(iv) reclassify, combine, split, subdivide or redeem, or purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its capital stock, other than redemptions of equity securities from former employees upon the terms set forth in the underlying agreements governing such equity securities;
(v) merge or consolidate with any other person or restructure, reorganize, dissolve or completely or partially liquidate; or otherwise enter into any agreements or arrangements imposing material changes or restrictions on its assets, operations or businesses;
(vi) acquire (including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation, or acquisition of stock or assets or any other business combination) any corporate partnership, other business organization, or any division thereof, in each case, for an aggregate purchase price that exceeds one million dollars ($1,000,000);
(vii) incur any Indebtedness;
(viii) transfer, sell, lease, license, mortgage, pledge, surrender, encumber, divest, cancel abandon or allow to lapse or expire or otherwise dispose of any of its material assets, properties, licenses, operations, rights, production lines, businesses or interests therein, except for sales, licenses, or other dispositions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or expirations in accordance with the applicable statutory term;
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(ix) (A) increase the compensation or benefit payable to any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, other than (1) health and welfare plan renewals in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or (2) increases in base salary or wage of employees in the ordinary course of business whose annual base salary or wage is not in excess of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000); (B) pay or promise to pay any bonus to any such current or former director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company or any Company Subsidiary; (C) take any action to accelerate or commit to accelerate the funding, payment, or vesting of any compensation or benefits to any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant; (D) hire or otherwise enter into any employment or consulting agreement or arrangement with any person or terminate (other than for cause) any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant provider whose annual base salary or wage would exceed three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000); or (E) enter into any new, or materially amend any existing employment or severance or termination agreement with any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant;
(x) adopt, enter into, amend and/or terminate any Company Plan or PEO Plan or any plan, program, agreement, arrangement or policy for the current or future benefit of any current or former director, officer, employee, consultant or individual independent contractor that would be a Company Plan or PEO Plan if it were in existence on the date hereof (including any existing employment or severance or termination agreement with any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant), except as may be required by applicable Law or in connection with health and welfare plan renewals in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;
(xi) materially amend any accounting policy or procedure, other than reasonable and usual amendments in the ordinary course of business and other than as required by the Accounting Principles or GAAP (as the case may be);
(xii) make, change or revoke any material Tax election, change any annual Tax accounting period, adopt or change any method of Tax accounting, amend any material Tax Returns or file claims for Tax refunds, enter into any closing agreement in respect of a material amount of Taxes, waive or extend any statute of limitations period in respect of a material amount of Taxes, settle any Tax claim, audit or assessment, or surrender any right to claim a material Tax refund, in each case outside the ordinary course of business;
(xiii) materially amend or modify, or consent to the termination (excluding any expiration in accordance with its terms) of, any Material Contract, or amend, waive, modify or consent to the termination (excluding any expiration in accordance with its terms) of the Companys or any Company Subsidiarys material rights thereunder, in each case in a manner that is adverse to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except in the ordinary course of business;
(xiv) other than pursuant to the expiration of Company IP in accordance with its statutory term, intentionally permit any material item of Company-Owned IP to lapse or to be abandoned, invalidated, dedicated to the public, or disclaimed, or otherwise become unenforceable or fail to perform or make any applicable filings, recordings or other similar actions or filings, or fail to pay all required fees and taxes required to maintain and protect its interest in each and every material item of Company-Owned IP;
(xv) create or incur any Lien material to the Company, any Company Subsidiary, Holdco or Merger Sub other than Permitted Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(xvi) make any loans, advances, guarantees or capital contributions to or investments in any person (other than the Company or any Company Subsidiaries) that exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) in the aggregate at any time outstanding;
(xvii) fail to make or authorize any budgeted capital expenditures or make or authorize any unbudgeted capital expenditures in excess of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) in the aggregate;
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(xviii) fail to pay or satisfy when due any material account payable or other material liability, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or any such liability that is being contested in good faith by the Company or any Company Subsidiary;
(xix) fail to keep current and in full force and effect, or comply in all material respects with the requirements of any Company Permit issued to the Company or any Company Subsidiary by any Governmental Authority;
(xx) take any steps for liquidation, winding-up, freeze of proceedings, arrangements with creditors or similar action or proceeding by or in respect of the Company or any Company Subsidiary;
(xxi) take any action or fail to take any action, which action or failure to act would reasonably be expected to prevent or impede the Exchange and the Merger from qualifying for the Intended Tax Treatment;
(xxii) take any actions or omit to take any actions that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in any of the conditions set forth in Article IX not being satisfied;
(xxiii) engage in any dealings or transactions (i) with any Restricted Person in violation of applicable laws; (ii) involving any Sanctionable Activity; or (iii) otherwise in violation of Sanction Laws, Export Control Laws or Import Control Laws;
(xxiv) amend, or permit the amendment of, any agreement related to the Exchange; or
(xxv) enter into any formal or informal agreement or otherwise make a binding commitment to do any of the foregoing.
Section 7.02 Conduct of Business by EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub Pending the Merger. Each of EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub agrees that, between the date of this Agreement and the Merger Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement, except as expressly contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, and except as set forth on Section 7.02 of the EverArc Disclosure Schedule or as required by applicable Law (including as may be requested or compelled by any Governmental Authority), unless the Company shall otherwise consent in writing, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned, the business of EverArc shall be conducted in the ordinary course of business and in any manner consistent with past practice and none of EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub shall, directly or indirectly, take any action that would reasonably be likely to materially delay or prevent the Transactions.
Section 7.03 EverArc Public Filings and BVI Companies Act Compliance.
(a) Between the date of this Agreement and the Merger Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement, EverArc will keep current and timely file all of the forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents required to be filed by EverArc with the FCA pursuant to the Listing Rules or the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (collectively, the Additional FCA Reports). All such Additional FCA Reports (including any financial statements or schedules included therein) (i) shall be prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the FCA, FSMA, the Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, and the IFRS, and (ii) will not, as of the time they are filed, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated in such Additional FCA Reports or necessary in order to make the statements in such Additional FCA Reports, in light of the circumstances under which they were and will be made, not misleading. As used in this Section 7.03, the term file shall be broadly construed to include any manner in which a document or information is furnished, supplied or otherwise made available to the FCA. Any Additional FCA Reports which discuss or refer to this Agreement or the Transactions shall be subject to the prior review and approval of the Company (not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned).
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(b) Between the date of this Agreement and the Merger Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement, EverArc shall use its reasonable best efforts prior to the Merger to maintain the listing of the EverArc Ordinary Shares and the EverArc Warrants on the London Stock Exchanges main market for listed securities.
(c) As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, a copy of the Plan and Articles of Merger shall be sent to each of the EverArc Shareholders in accordance with the provisions of Section 170 of the Companies Act. Subject always to Section 3.02(d), EverArc shall comply with each of its obligations (including meeting each deadline for notification) under section 179 of the Act.
(d) If any further resolution of EverArc shareholders is necessary or desirable to approve this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements, the Plan and Articles and the Transactions, the EverArc Board shall duly determine that only the holders of EverArc Founder Shares shall be entitled to vote on such Resolution of Members approving the Merger and other Transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with article 41 and/or Article 42 of the EverArc Articles of Association.
ARTICLE VIII
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
Section 8.01 Registration Statement.
(a) As promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement and delivery of the PCAOB Financials, Holdco, the Company and EverArc shall prepare and Holdco shall file (and the Company and EverArc shall cause Holdco to file) with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 or such other applicable form as the Company and EverArc may agree (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Registration Statement) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants to be issued in the Merger (which Registration Statement shall contain the Plan and Articles of Merger). Each Party shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to comply in all material respects with the applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, including providing any necessary opinions of counsel, to have the Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing, and to keep the Registration Statement effective as long as is necessary to consummate the Transactions. Each of Holdco, the Company and EverArc shall furnish all information as may be reasonably requested by the others in connection with any such action and the preparation, filing and distribution of the Registration Statement; provided, however, that no Party shall use any such information for any purposes other than those contemplated by this Agreement unless such party obtains the prior written consent of the other. EverArc also agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all necessary state securities law or Blue Sky permits and approvals required to carry out the Transactions, and the Company shall promptly furnish all information concerning the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action; provided that, without the prior written consent of the Company, EverArc shall not use any such information for any purposes other than to obtain necessary state securities law or Blue Sky permits and approvals.
(b) Each of EverArc, the Company and Holdco will be given a reasonable opportunity to participate in the response to any SEC comments and to provide comments on that response (to which reasonable and good faith consideration shall be given), including by participating with EverArc, the Company or Holdco or their counsel in any discussions or meetings with the SEC. EverArc shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, any applicable rules and regulations of Nasdaq or the NYSE, as applicable, EverArc Organizational Documents, and this Agreement.
(c) If at any time prior to the Merger Effective Time, any information relating to EverArc, the Company or Holdco or any of their respective affiliates, directors or officers, should be discovered by
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EverArc, the Company or Holdco which should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to either the Registration Statement, so that either such document would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading, the party that discovers such information shall promptly notify the other Parties and an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information shall be promptly filed with the SEC and, to the extent required by Law, disseminated to the EverArc Shareholders.
(d) Each of EverArc, the Company and Holdco will advise the other Parties promptly after it receives any oral or written request by the SEC for amendment of the Registration Statement or comments thereon and responses thereto, or requests by the SEC for additional information and each party will promptly provide the other with copies of any written communication between it or any of its Representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC, any state securities commission or their respective staffs, on the other hand, with respect to the Registration Statement, the Exchange and the Merger. EverArc, the Company and Holdco shall use their respective reasonable best efforts, after consultation with each other, to resolve all such requests or comments with respect to the Registration Statement, as applicable, as promptly as reasonably practicable after receipt thereof.
(e) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of EverArc, the Company and Holdco shall cooperate with each other in the preparation of each of the Registration Statement, and each of the Company and EverArc shall furnish Holdco with all information concerning it and its affiliates as the providing party (after consulting with counsel) may deem reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement.
(f) EverArc, the Company and Holdco shall notify each other promptly of the time when the Registration Statement has become effective, of the issuance of any stop order or suspension of the qualification of the Holdco Ordinary Shares or Holdco Warrants issuable in connection with the Merger for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the receipt of any comments from the SEC or the staff of the SEC and of any request by the SEC or the staff of the SEC for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or for additional information.
Section 8.02 Access to Information; Confidentiality.
(a) From the date of this Agreement until the Merger Effective Time, the Company and EverArc shall (and shall cause their respective subsidiaries to): (i) provide to the other party (and the other partys officers, directors, employees, accountants, consultants, legal counsel, agents and other representatives, collectively, Representatives) reasonable access at reasonable times upon prior notice to the officers, employees, agents, properties, offices and other facilities of such party and its subsidiaries and to the books and records thereof; provided, that such access shall not unreasonably interfere with the business and operations of EverArc and the Company; and (ii) furnish promptly to the other party such information concerning the business, properties, contracts, assets, liabilities, personnel and other aspects of such party and its subsidiaries as the other party or its Representatives may reasonably request, including information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries to enable EverArc to comply with its obligations under article 17(1) of UK MAR on the basis that the Company and its subsidiaries were already subsidiaries of EverArc during this time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor EverArc shall be required to provide access to or disclose information where the access or disclosure would jeopardize the protection of attorney-client privilege or contravene applicable Law or involve a trade secret (it being agreed that the Parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause such information to be provided in a manner that would not result in such jeopardy, contravention or involvement).
(b) All information obtained by the Parties pursuant to this Section 8.02 shall be kept confidential in accordance with the confidentiality agreements, dated March 18, 2021 (the Confidentiality Agreements), between EverArc and the Company.
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(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, each party (and its Representatives) may consult any tax advisor regarding the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transactions and may disclose to any other person, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transactions and all materials (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided relating to such treatment or structure, in each case in accordance with the Confidentiality Agreements.
Section 8.03 Employee Benefits Matters.
(a) Holdco shall, or shall cause the Company, the Surviving Entity and each of their respective subsidiaries, as applicable, to provide the employees of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries who remain employed immediately after the Closing (the Continuing Employees) with credit for purposes of eligibility to participate, vesting and, with respect to vacation, sick pay or paid time off and severance benefits, determining the level of benefits, under any employee benefit plan, program or arrangement established or maintained by Holdco, the Company or the Surviving Entity or any of their respective subsidiaries, other than any qualified or nonqualified defined benefit plan, for service accrued or deemed accrued prior to the Closing with the Company or any Company Subsidiary (and any predecessor thereto); provided, however, that such crediting of service shall not operate to duplicate any benefit or the funding of any such benefit. In addition, Holdco shall, or shall cause the Company, the Surviving Entity and each of their respective subsidiaries, as applicable, to use reasonable best efforts to (i) cause to be waived any eligibility waiting periods, any evidence of insurability requirements and the application of any pre-existing condition limitations under each of the employee benefit plans established or maintained by Holdco, the Company, the Surviving Entity or any of their respective subsidiaries that cover the Continuing Employees or their dependents following the Closing and (ii) cause any eligible expenses incurred by any Continuing Employee and his or her covered dependents, during the portion of the plan year prior to the Closing Date, under those health and welfare plans in which such Continuing Employee participates immediately prior to the Closing to be taken into account under those health and welfare benefit plans of Holdco, the Company, the Surviving Entity or any of their respective subsidiaries in which such Continuing Employee participates following the Closing for purposes of satisfying all deductible, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket requirements applicable to such Continuing Employee and his or her covered dependents for the applicable plan year. Following the Closing, Holdco shall, or shall cause the Company, the Surviving Entity and each of their respective subsidiaries, as applicable, to honor all accrued but unused vacation and other paid time off of the Continuing Employees that existed immediately prior to the Closing.
(b) The Parties shall cooperate to establish an equity incentive plan, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company and EverArc, for service providers of Holdco and its subsidiaries to be effective as of the Closing.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 8.03 to the contrary, nothing contained herein, whether express or implied, is or will be deemed to be an establishment, amendment or other modification of any Company Plan or PEO Plan or any employee benefit plan, program, policy, agreement or arrangement of Holdco, the Company, the Surviving Entity and each of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, or shall prohibit or limit the right of Holdco, the Company, the Surviving Entity and each of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to amend, terminate or otherwise modify any Company Plan or PEO Plan or other employee benefit plan, program, policy, agreement or arrangement. The Parties acknowledge and agree that all provisions contained in this Section 8.03 are included for their sole benefit, and that nothing in this Section 8.03, whether express or implied, shall (i) create any third party beneficiary or other rights in any other person, including any Continuing Employee, any participant in any Company Plan or PEO Plan or employee benefit plan, program, policy, agreement or arrangement of Holdco, the Company, the Surviving Entity and each of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, or any dependent or beneficiary thereof, or (ii) any rights in such
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person to continued employment with Holdco, the Company, the Surviving Entity and each of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates or to any particular term or condition of employment.
Section 8.04 Directors and Officers Indemnification.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, the Holdco Organizational Documents shall contain provisions no less favorable with respect to indemnification, advancement or expense reimbursement than are set forth in the Company Organizational Documents and the EverArc Organizational Documents, which provisions shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified for a period of six (6) years from the Closing Date in any manner that would affect adversely the rights thereunder of individuals who, at or prior to the Merger Effective Time, were directors, officers, employees, fiduciaries or agents of the Company or any Company Subsidiary (each such individual, a D&O Indemnified Party and collectively, the D&O Indemnified Parties) or EverArc, unless such modification shall be required by applicable Law. Holdco and the Company agree that with respect to the provisions of the articles, bylaws, limited liability company agreements or other equivalent organizational documents of the Company Subsidiaries relating to indemnification, advancement or expense reimbursement, such provisions shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified for a period of six (6) years from the Merger Effective Time in any manner that would affect adversely the rights thereunder of individuals who, at or prior to the Closing Date, were directors, managers, officers, employees, fiduciaries or agents of such Company Subsidiary, unless such modification shall be required by applicable Law.
(b) The Company shall obtain and maintain prior to the Closing a fully-paid tail insurance policy for a term of six (6) years from the Closing Date (the D&O Tail Policy, and the period for the D&O Tail Policy, the Tail Period) with terms and scope of coverage at least as favorable as the Companys directors and officers insurance policy; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 8.04(b) shall relieve Holdco or the Company of its other obligations under this Section 8.04, or allow Holdco or the Company to delay its performance of its obligations under this Section 8.04 and otherwise to provide indemnification for or make any expense advances with respect to the expenses of any claim for indemnification by a D&O Indemnified Party. Holdco shall cause the Company to maintain the D&O Tail Policy in full force and effect, for the full term, and cause all obligations thereunder to be honored by the Company. Such D&O Tail Policy shall be non-cancellable and placed with the incumbent insurers using the policies that were in place as of the date of this Agreement (unless the incumbent insurers will not offer such policies in which case coverage for the Tail Period shall be placed with a substantially comparable insurer with the same or better terms, conditions, exclusions, retentions and limits of the expiring policies). The Company will instruct the insurers and their brokers that they may communicate directly with the D&O Indemnified Party(ies) regarding such claim, and Holdco and the Company will provide the D&O Indemnified Party(ies) a copy of all insurance policies and coverage correspondence relating to any proceeding involving any D&O Indemnified Party upon request. The D&O Indemnified Parties are express and intended third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of this Section 8.04(b) and shall be entitled to independently enforce the terms hereof as if they were each a party to this Agreement. EverArc and the Company shall each bear fifty percent (50%) of the premiums, commissions and other fees paid or payable in connection with obtaining the D&O Tail Policy.
(c) Prior to the Closing Date, Holdco shall purchase and maintain, for such periods as the Holdco Board shall in good faith determine, at its expense, insurance reasonable for Holdco, given its size and activities in an amount of coverage which is mutually agreed to by EverArc and the Company or, on an aggregate basis, a premium not to exceed an amount mutually agreed to by EverArc and the Company on behalf of any person who after the Closing is or was a director or officer of Holdco, or is or was serving at the request of Holdco as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including any direct or indirect subsidiary of Holdco, against any expense, liability or loss asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such persons status as such, subject to customary exclusions.
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(d) In the event Holdco, the Company, the Surviving Entity or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity in such consolidation or merger, or (ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, then and in any such case proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Holdco, the Company, the Surviving Entity, as the case may be, shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 8.04.
Section 8.05 Notification of Certain Matters. Seller and the Company shall give prompt notice to EverArc, and EverArc shall give prompt notice to Seller and the Company, of any event which a party becomes aware of between the date of this Agreement and the Closing (or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article X), the occurrence, or non-occurrence of which causes or would reasonably be expected to cause any of the conditions set forth in Article IX to fail. The failure by the Company or EverArc to give notice under this Section 8.05 shall not be deemed to be a breach under this Section 8.05, unless such breach is knowing and in any event shall not give rise to any additional damages above and beyond the breach of the underlying representation, warranty, covenant, condition or agreement, as the case may be.
Section 8.06 Further Action; Reasonable Best Efforts.
(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, each of the Parties shall use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, appropriate action, and to do, or cause to be done, such things as are necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws or otherwise to consummate and make effective the Transactions as soon as practicable, including, without limitation, using its reasonable best efforts to obtain all permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders of Governmental Authorities and parties to contracts with the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as set forth in Section 4.05 necessary for the consummation of the Transactions and to fulfill the conditions to the Merger. In case, at any time after the Merger Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the proper officers and directors of each party shall use their reasonable best efforts to take all such action.
(b) Each of the Parties shall keep each other apprised of the status of matters relating to the Transactions, including promptly notifying the other Parties of any communication it or any of its affiliates receives from any Governmental Authority relating to the matters that are the subject of this Agreement and permitting the other Parties to review in advance, and to the extent practicable consult about, any proposed communication by such party to any Governmental Authority in connection with the Transactions. No Party shall agree to participate in any meeting with any Governmental Authority in respect of any filings, investigation or other inquiry unless it consults with the other Parties in advance and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Authority, gives the other Parties the opportunity to attend and participate at such meeting. Subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreements, the Parties will use reasonable best efforts to coordinate and cooperate fully with each other in exchanging such information and providing such assistance as the other Parties may reasonably request in connection with the foregoing. Subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreements, the Parties will provide each other with copies of all material correspondence, filings or communications, including any documents, information and data contained therewith, between them or any of their Representatives, on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority or members of its staff, on the other hand, with respect to this Agreement and the Transactions. No party shall take or cause to be taken any action before any Governmental Authority that is inconsistent with or intended to delay its action on requests for a consent or the consummation of the Transactions.
Section 8.07 Public Announcements. The initial press release relating to this Agreement shall be a joint press release the text of which has been agreed to by each of EverArc, Seller and the Company. Thereafter, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date (or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX), each of EverArc, Seller and the Company shall not, and shall cause each of its affiliates not to, issue any press release or otherwise make any public statements (including through social media
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platforms) with respect to this Agreement, the Merger or any of the other Transactions contemplated herein without the prior written consent of the other party (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), other than as required by applicable Law or any rule or regulation of the London Stock Exchange in which case the party required to issue the press release or otherwise make the public statement shall use its reasonable best efforts to allow the other party reasonable time to provide comments in advance of such issuance or publication and shall consider in good faith the views and comments made by such other party. Furthermore, nothing contained in this Section 8.07 shall prevent EverArc, Seller or the Company and/or their respective affiliates from making internal communications to their respective employees and investors that are not inconsistent in any material respects with prior public disclosures regarding this Agreement, the Merger or any of the other Transactions contemplated herein.
Section 8.08 Tax Matters.
(a) Each Party agrees to act in good faith, consistent with the Intended Tax Treatment and will not take any position on any U.S. Tax Return (including any applicable state or local tax Tax Return) or otherwise take any U.S. Tax reporting position (including any applicable state or local Tax reporting position), or any position during the course of any U.S. (including any applicable state or local) audit, litigation, or other Tax Contest with respect to Taxes, inconsistent with the Intended Tax Treatment, unless otherwise required by a determination within the meaning of Section 1313 of the Code that the Intended Tax Treatment is not correct.
(b) Plan of Reorganization. Holdco and EverArc agree that this Agreement is a plan of reorganization within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a) with respect to the Merger.
(c) Transfer Taxes. Any Transfer Taxes incurred in connection with the Transactions shall be paid by the Company and shall constitute a Company Transaction Expense with respect to fifty percent (50%) of the Transfer Taxes and an EverArc Transaction Expense with respect to fifty percent (50%) of the Transfer Taxes. The Company shall file (or cause to be filed) all necessary Tax Returns with respect to all such Transfer Taxes, and, if required by applicable Law, the Parties shall, and shall cause their respective affiliates to, join in the execution of any such Tax Returns.
(d) From and after the Closing and the Exchange each Party shall reasonably cooperate (and cause its affiliates to reasonably cooperate), as and to the extent reasonably requested by each other Party, in connection with the preparation and filing of Tax Returns or any Tax audit, investigation or other proceeding (each, a Tax Contest). Such cooperation shall include the provision of available records and information solely to the extent reasonably relevant to any such matter and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation with respect thereto provided, however, that subject to the immediately following sentence, Seller (or any affiliate thereof) shall not be required to share any records and information with respect to Tax matters other than books and records relating solely to the Company or the Company Subsidiaries and Holdco shall (and shall cause each of its respective affiliates to) retain all books and records with respect to Tax matters pertinent to each of the Company, the Company Subsidiaries, or EverArc, relating to any taxable period beginning before the Closing Date until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. In addition to the foregoing, the Seller agrees to comply with the covenants set forth in Schedule 8.08(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.
(e) As of the date hereof, Seller has provided to EverArc and Holdco a completed and duly executed IRS Form W-8BEN-E of Seller, which is in form and substance reasonably acceptable to EverArc.
Section 8.09 Stock Exchange Listing. Holdco and EverArc shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants issuable in the Merger or the Exchange and the Holdco Ordinary Shares that will become issuable upon the exercise of the Holdco Warrants to be approved for listing on Nasdaq
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or NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, as promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement, and in any event prior to the Merger Effective Time.
Section 8.10 London Stock Exchange Delisting. EverArc shall request the cancellation of the listing of the EverArc Shares and the EverArc Warrants on the Official List and from trading on the London Stock Exchanges market for listed securities prior to the Merger Effective Time, such cancellation to take effect concurrently with the listing on Nasdaq or NYSE of the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants issuable in the Merger or the Exchange and the Holdco Ordinary Shares that will become issuable upon the exercise of the Holdco Warrants.
Section 8.11 Antitrust.
(a) To the extent required under any Laws that are designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade or lessening of competition or creation or strengthening of a dominant position through merger or acquisition, including the HSR Act and the Laws of any jurisdiction or Governmental Authority outside of the United States (Antitrust Laws), each party hereto agrees to promptly (but in no event later than fifteen (15) days after the date hereof) make any required filing or application under Antitrust Laws, as applicable. The Parties agree to supply as promptly as reasonably practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be requested pursuant to Antitrust Laws and to take all other actions necessary, proper or advisable to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods or obtain required approvals, as applicable under Antitrust Laws as soon as practicable, including by requesting early termination of the waiting period provided for under the HSR Act.
(b) Each Party shall, in connection with its efforts to obtain all requisite approvals and authorizations for the Transactions under any Antitrust Law, use its reasonable best efforts to: (i) cooperate in all respects with each other party or its affiliates in connection with any filing or submission and in connection with any investigation or other inquiry, including any proceeding initiated by a private person; (ii) keep the other Parties reasonably informed of any communication received by such party or its Representatives from, or given by such party or its Representatives to, any Governmental Authority and of any communication received or given in connection with any proceeding by a private person, in each case regarding any of the Transactions; (iii) permit a Representative of the other Parties and their respective outside counsel to review any communication given by it to, and consult with each other in advance of any meeting or conference with, any Governmental Authority or, in connection with any proceeding by a private person, with any other person, and to the extent permitted by such Governmental Authority or other person, give a Representative or Representatives of the other Parties the opportunity to attend and participate in such meetings and conferences; (iv) in the event a partys Representative is prohibited from participating in or attending any meetings or conferences, the other Parties shall keep such party promptly and reasonably apprised with respect thereto; and (v) use reasonable best efforts to cooperate in the filing of any memoranda, white papers, filings, correspondence or other written communications explaining or defending the Transactions, articulating any regulatory or competitive argument, and/or responding to requests or objections made by any Governmental Authority.
(c) No Party shall take any action that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect or materially delay the approval of any Governmental Authority of any required filings or applications under Antitrust Laws. The Parties further covenant and agree, with respect to a threatened or pending preliminary or permanent injunction or other order, decree or ruling or statute, rule, regulation or executive order that would adversely affect the ability of the Parties to consummate the Transactions, to use reasonable best efforts to prevent or lift the entry, enactment or promulgation thereof, as the case may be. No party hereto shall permit any of its officers or any other Representatives or agents to participate in any pre-scheduled meeting with any Governmental Authority in respect of any filing, investigation or other inquiry relating to the Transactions unless it consults with the other part in advance and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Authority, gives the other party to attend and participate thereat.
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(d) Nothing in this Agreement shall require EverArc or any of its affiliates to (i) proffer to, agree to or implement any sale, divestment, hold separate, or other disposal of any assets of EverArc, the Company or any of their respective affiliates or EverArcs ability to vote, transfer, receive dividends or otherwise exercise full ownership rights with respect to the capital stock of the Company and equity and debt securities held directly or indirectly by the Company or (ii) take any action to overturn, defend against or oppose any Governmental Authority to prohibit the Transactions or prevent consummation of the Transactions prior to the Outside Date.
Section 8.12 PCAOB Financials. The Company shall, at EverArcs sole cost and expense (except as set forth in Section 10.03), use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver true and complete copies of the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and the consolidated Company Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, and the related audited consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Company and the consolidated Company Subsidiaries for such years, each audited in accordance with the auditing standards of the PCAOB (collectively, the PCAOB Financials) as promptly as practicable. Subject to Section 10.03, EverArc promptly shall reimburse the Company for all PCAOB Financials Expenses incurred by the Company and its affiliates upon demand made by the Company following the delivery of such PCAOB Financials.
Section 8.13 PIPE Investment; PIPE Documents; Cooperation.
(a) From and after the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Closing and the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01, each of EverArc, the Company and Holdco shall take, or cause to be taken, all reasonable actions and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Subscription Agreements, including maintaining in effect such Subscription Agreements and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to: (i) satisfy in all material respects on a timely basis all conditions and covenants applicable to such Party in such Subscription Agreements and otherwise comply with its obligations thereunder and (ii) in the event that all conditions in such Subscription Agreements (other than conditions that such Party or any of its affiliates waive the satisfaction of and other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing) have been satisfied, consummate the transactions contemplated by such Subscription Agreements at or prior to Closing. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of EverArc, the Company and Holdco shall give the other such Party, prompt written notice: (A) of any breach or default (or any event or circumstance that, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, could give rise to any breach or default) by any party to any Subscription Agreement known to such Party; (B) of the receipt of any written notice or other written communication from any party to any Subscription Agreement (other than written notices or other written communication from such other Party) with respect to any actual, potential, threatened or claimed expiration, lapse, withdrawal, breach, default, termination or repudiation by any party to any Subscription Agreement or any provisions of any Subscription Agreement and (C) if such Party does not expect to receive all or any portion of the PIPE Investment Amount on the terms, in the manner or from the PIPE Investors contemplated by the Subscription Agreements. EverArc, the Company or Holdco, as applicable, shall deliver all notices it is required to deliver under the Subscription Agreements on a timely basis in order to cause the PIPE Investors to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Subscription Agreements at or prior to the Closing. EverArc shall not amend, modify, waive or otherwise change any executed PIPE Documents without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. Notwithstanding the foregoing, EverArc shall not be required to enforce any Subscription Agreement against any party that shall fail to fund under such Subscription Agreement to the extent EverArc shall otherwise have all funds (from whatever sources, including additional equity or debt financing sources) necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) Following the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date, on completion of any PIPE Investment, EverArc shall transfer the proceeds of such PIPE Investment, net of applicable
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EverArc Transaction Expenses, in case and cash equivalents to the Depository Account to be held in accordance with Section 5.12(b).
Section 8.14 Exclusivity.
(a) From and after the date hereof until the Merger Effective Time or, if earlier, the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01, (i) EverArc will not, and will direct its Representatives acting on its behalf not to, directly or indirectly, (A) initiate, seek, solicit, knowingly facilitate or encourage, submit an indication of interest for, any inquiries, proposals or offer to a Competing Seller relating to a Competing EverArc Transaction or (B) participate in any negotiations with a Competing Seller relating to a Competing EverArc Transaction; (ii) EverArc will, and will cause its Representatives to, (A) terminate immediately any negotiations with any Competing Seller relating to a Competing EverArc Transaction and (B) promptly advise the Company in writing of any proposal regarding a Competing EverArc Transaction involving a Competing Seller that it may receive (it being understood that EverArc will not be required to inform the Company of the identity of the person making such proposal or the material terms thereof);
(b) From and after the date hereof until the Merger Effective Time or, if earlier, the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01, Seller, the Company and each Company Subsidiary will not, and will direct their respective Representatives acting on their behalf not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, seek, solicit, knowingly facilitate or encourage, submit an indication of interest for, any inquiries, proposals or offer from any person relating to a Competing Transaction, (ii) participate in any discussions or negotiations with any person regarding, or furnish or make available to any person any information relating to the Company or any Company Subsidiary with respect to, a Competing Transaction, other than to make such person aware of the provisions of this Section 8.14(b) or (iii) enter into any understanding, arrangement, agreement, agreement in principle or other commitment (whether or not legally binding) with any person relating to a Competing Transaction.
Section 8.15 Companys Financing Covenants.
(a) From and after the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Closing and the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01, the Company shall, shall cause its subsidiaries to, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause their respective Representatives to, at EverArcs sole cost and expense and at EverArcs reasonable request, use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with EverArc in connection with the arrangement of the Debt Financing and use commercially reasonably efforts to assist EverArc in causing the conditions to the Debt Commitment Letters to be satisfied, including by (i) instructing the Companys and its subsidiaries senior officers with appropriate expertise, at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice, to participate in (including by preparing for) a reasonable number of road shows, bank meetings, drafting sessions, due diligence sessions and similar presentations to and with prospective lenders, financing sources and rating agencies, (ii) assisting with the preparation of customary materials for rating agency presentations, bank information memoranda, offering memorandum and other customary marketing and syndication materials required in connection with the Debt Financing (including customary authorization letters to the prospective lenders and financing sources authorizing the distribution of information to prospective lenders or investors and containing a customary representation that such information does not contain a material misstatement or omission and containing a statement that the lenders may treat the public side versions of such documents, if any, as not including material nonpublic information about the Company, its subsidiaries or their securities), (iii) assisting with the preparation of definitive financing documentation and the schedules and exhibits thereto, in each case, customarily required to be delivered under such definitive financing documentation for financings of the type contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letters, (iv) to the extent requested at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, providing to EverArc and its financing sources all documentation and other information
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required by regulatory authorities under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the PATRIOT Act, (v) preparing and furnishing EverArc and its prospective lenders and financing sources as promptly as practicable the financial statements and other financial data required to satisfy the conditions set forth in clauses 10 and 11 of Exhibit D to the Debt Commitment Letters, (vi) using commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Companys external auditors to provide assistance and cooperation to EverArc, including participating in accounting due diligence sessions and providing any necessary and customary comfort letters, (vii) taking all corporate and other actions, subject to the occurrence of the Closing, to permit the consummation of the Debt Financing at the Closing; (viii) furnishing to EverArc and its financing sources documents reasonably required by EverArc or its financing sources relating to the repayment of any existing indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries, and the release of guarantees incurred, and liens granted, by the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries in respect of the indebtedness for borrowed money listed on Section 8.15(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule; (ix) (A) assisting in the preparation of, and at (but subject to) Closing executing, any pledge and security documents, credit agreements, indentures, guarantees, ancillary documents and instruments, closing certificates and other documents related to the Debt Financing (including delivery of a certificate of the chief financial officer (or other officer with reasonably equivalent responsibilities) of the Company with respect to solvency matters in the form set forth as an annex to the Debt Commitment Letters), in each case, subject to the occurrence of the Closing, (B) providing information required by, and otherwise assist in the preparation of, schedules thereto as may be reasonably requested by EverArc and (C) otherwise to facilitate the pledging of collateral and the granting of security interests in respect of the Debt Financing, and (x) taking customary ministerial company actions, subject to and only effective upon the occurrence of the Closing, reasonably requested by EverArc to permit the consummation of the Debt Financing. The Company consents to the customary and reasonable use of the Companys logos solely in connection with any Debt Financing; provided, that such logos are used solely in a manner that is not intended, or reasonably likely, to harm or disparage the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or the reputation or goodwill of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. The condition in Section 9.02(b) as it applies to the Companys obligations under this Section 8.15 will be deemed satisfied unless the Company has willfully and materially breached its obligations under this Section 8.15, which breach has not been cured within ten (10) Business Days from receipt of written notice from EverArc specifying in reasonable detail such breach, and such breach has been a material cause of the Debt Financing not being obtained on the Closing Date.
(b) All information provided pursuant to this Section 8.15 shall constitute Evaluation Material under the Confidentiality Agreements and shall be kept confidential in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreements, except that EverArc shall be permitted to disclose such information to the Debt Financing Sources and other lenders or potential lenders in accordance with the terms of the Debt Commitment Letters, subject to customary confidentiality undertakings by the Debt Financing Sources and other lenders and potential lenders which are, in all material respects, the same as those in the Confidentiality Agreements; provided, that EverArc shall be responsible for any acts or omissions of the Debt Financing Sources or other lenders or potential lenders with respect to such information.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) none of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents shall be required to execute or enter into any certificate, instrument, agreement or other document in connection with the Debt Financing which will be effective prior to the Closing, (ii) nothing herein shall require cooperation or other actions or efforts on the part of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents in connection with the Debt Financing to the extent it would interfere unreasonably or materially with the business or operations of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or any of its affiliates, (iii) none of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents will be required to pay any commitment or other similar fee, to incur any other liability or obligation that is not subject to the occurrence of the Closing or, with the exception of the authorization letters referred to in
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clause (a)(ii) above, to enter into any agreement effective in connection with the Debt Financing prior to the Closing and (iv) nothing herein shall require the board of directors or similar governing body of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, prior to the Closing, to adopt resolutions approving or to otherwise approve the agreements, documents or instruments pursuant to which the Debt Financing is made. Nothing in this Section 8.15 shall require the cooperation contemplated in Section 8.15(a) to the extent that it would (x) cause or be reasonably likely to cause any condition to Closing set forth in Article IX to fail to be satisfied or otherwise cause any breach of this Agreement or (y) require the Company or any of its subsidiaries to take any action that will conflict with or violate the Companys or any of its subsidiaries organizational documents or any applicable Laws, or result in the material contravention of, or would reasonably be expected to result in a material violation of, or material default under, any contract to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party as of the date hereof.
Section 8.16 EverArcs Financing Covenants.
(a) EverArc shall use, and cause each of its affiliates to use, its commercially reasonable efforts to arrange, consummate and obtain the Debt Financing contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letters on the terms set forth therein, including by using EverArcs commercially reasonable efforts to (i) maintain in full force and effect the Debt Commitment Letters (and any definitive agreements entered into in connection therewith) in accordance with the terms thereof, (ii) negotiate and enter into definitive agreements with respect to the Debt Financing on the terms and conditions not materially less favorable to EverArc, taken as a whole (including with respect to the conditionality thereof), than the terms and conditions contained in the Debt Commitment Letters (including the Fee Letters) as of the date hereof; provided, that, there shall be no new or additional conditions or any amendment, waiver, modification or expansion of existing conditions to receipt of the Debt Financing from those set forth in Debt Commitment Letters (including the Fee Letters) as of the date hereof, in any case, in a manner that would reasonably be expected to (A) prevent, impede or materially delay the ability of EverArc to consummate the Closing, (B) make any portion of the Debt Financing required to be funded on the Closing Date (or satisfaction of the conditions to obtaining the Debt Financing on the Closing Date) less likely to be obtained or prevent, impede or materially delay the funding of the Debt Financing or (C) adversely impact the ability of EverArc or any of its affiliates, as applicable, to enforce its rights against the other parties to the Debt Commitment Letters, (iii) satisfy (or obtain a waiver of) on a timely basis at or prior to the Closing all representations, warranties and conditions to obtaining the Debt Financing set forth in the Debt Commitment Letters (and any definitive agreements entered into in connection therewith), in each case, to the extent within the control of EverArc and to comply with EverArcs and any of its affiliates, as applicable, obligations thereunder, and (iv) upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Debt Commitment Letters and in Section 9.02 (other than those to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions at Closing) and in Section 9.01, (x) consummate the Debt Financing at or prior to the Closing, and (y) seek to cause the counterparties to the Debt Commitment Letters to fulfill their obligations under the Debt Commitment Letters in the event of a breach thereof by the financing sources under the Debt Financing; provided, that, in no event shall this clause (y) require EverArc to institute any litigation or any other action against such counterparties. EverArc shall give the Company prompt written notice (and, in any event, within one (1) Business Day) upon (A) becoming aware of any breach or default by any party to the Debt Commitment Letters or any definitive agreements relating to the Debt Financing or (B) receipt by it or any of its affiliates of any notice or other communication from any person with respect to (i) any failure to comply with the terms of the Debt Commitment Letters or any such definitive agreements by any party thereto, (ii) any actual or threatened termination or repudiation (whether in whole or in part) of any of the Debt Commitment Letters or any such definitive agreements by any party thereto or (iii) any material dispute or disagreement between or among any of the parties to any of the Debt Commitment Letters or any such definitive agreements solely to the extent such disagreement or dispute relates to the obligation (including with respect to the conditions, flex
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provisions or termination provisions thereto) of the parties thereto to fund their commitments thereunder or the availability of the Debt Financing. EverArc shall inform the Company on a current basis and in reasonable detail of the status of EverArcs efforts to arrange the Debt Financing and to satisfy the conditions thereof and of material developments concerning the timing of the closing of the Debt Financing contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letters; provided, however, that nothing in this sentence or the immediately preceding sentence shall require EverArc to disclose any information that is subject to the attorney-client privilege or the disclosure of which would result in the breach of any of EverArcs confidentiality obligations set forth in any of the Debt Commitment Letters (as in effect on the date hereof). Without the prior written consent of the Company, EverArc shall not permit any amendment or modification (other than amendments or modifications necessary to implement the flex provisions included in the related Fee Letters (if any) as in effect on the date hereof) to be made to, or any waiver of any provision or remedy under, any of the Debt Commitment Letters (including the Fee Letters), or release or consent to the termination of the obligations of the sources of the Debt Financing under any of the Debt Commitment Letters if such amendment, modification, waiver, consent or termination or release (i) reduces the aggregate amount of the Debt Financing to be funded on the Closing Date without a corresponding increase in the PIPE Investment Amount or other cash available to EverArc at Closing (provided that EverArc will promptly notify the Company regarding any other source of cash expected to be provided at Closing) or (ii) imposes additional conditions precedent or contingencies to the availability of the Debt Financing or amends or modifies any of the existing conditions to the funding of the Debt Financing, or otherwise amends or modifies any Debt Commitment Letter, in a manner that would reasonably be expected to (A) prevent, impede, or materially delay the funding of the Debt Financing on the Closing Date or the ability of EverArc to consummate the Closing, (B) make any portion of the Debt Financing required to be funded on the Closing Date (or satisfaction of the conditions to obtaining the Debt Financing on the Closing Date) less likely to be obtained or (C) adversely impact the ability of EverArc or any of its affiliates, as applicable, to enforce its rights against the other parties to the Debt Commitment Letters.
(b) If the Debt Financing contemplated by any of the Debt Commitment Letters becomes unavailable on the terms and conditions contemplated therein, in whole or in part, for any or no reason, EverArc shall (i) promptly (and, in any event, within one (1) Business Day thereof) notify the Company thereof and (ii) use, and cause its affiliates to use, commercially reasonable efforts to, as promptly as practicable following the occurrence of such event, arrange for and obtain alternative financing from other sources (which alternative financing shall be in an amount at least equal to the Debt Financing or such unavailable portion thereof) (or such lower amount that, when aggregated with other cash available to EverArc at Closing, would be sufficient to permit EverArc to consummate the Closing) on terms and conditions to funding and availability that are not (unless otherwise consented to in writing by the Company) materially less favorable, in the aggregate, to EverArc than those in the Debt Commitment Letters in respect of the Debt Financing which has become unavailable (taking into account any flex provisions included in the related Fee Letters) (it being acknowledged and agreed that any alternative financing that provides for any interest rates, margins, fees, original issue discount or other yield, in each case, in excess of that contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letters shall be deemed materially less favorable, in the aggregate, to EverArc) and, in any event, without adding new or additional conditions precedent or contingencies, or amending, modifying or expanding existing conditions, to receipt of the Debt Financing from those set forth in the Debt Commitment Letters (including the Fee Letters) as of the date hereof that would reasonably be expected to (A) prevent, impede or materially delay the funding of the Debt Financing or the ability of EverArc to consummate the Closing, (B) make any portion of the Debt Financing required to be funded on the Closing Date (or satisfaction of the conditions to obtaining the Debt Financing on the Closing Date) less likely to be obtained or (C) adversely impact the ability of EverArc or any of its affiliates, as applicable, to enforce its rights against the other parties to the Debt Commitment Letters (any such alternative financing, the Alternative Debt Financing) to replace such unavailable Debt Financing and to obtain new financing commitment letters with respect to such Alternative Debt Financing (the Alternative Debt
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Commitment Letters). EverArc shall promptly provide to the Company copies of the Alternative Debt Commitment Letters (it being agreed and understood that any fee letters included in the Alternative Debt Commitment Letters may be redacted to omit (i) fee amounts, (ii) economic terms, and (iii) economic flex provisions so long as, in each case, no such redaction covers terms and provisions that would adversely affect the conditionality, enforceability, availability, termination or aggregate principal amount of the Alternative Debt Financing on the Closing Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the failure to arrange for any such Alternative Debt Financing does not relieve EverArc of any of its obligations under this agreement on the Closing Date. In the event any Alternative Debt Commitment Letters are obtained, (x) any reference in this Agreement to the Debt Financing shall include the debt financing contemplated by such Alternative Debt Commitment Letters and (y) any reference in this Agreement to the Debt Commitment Letters shall be deemed to include the Debt Commitment Letters to the extent not superseded by an Alternative Debt Commitment Letter at the time in question and any Alternative Debt Commitment Letters to the extent then in effect.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, none of the arrangement, consummation or obtaining of the Debt Financing or any alternative financing (including any Alternative Debt Financing) by EverArc is a condition to Closing and the obligations of EverArc to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are not subject to the availability of the Debt Financing or any Alternative Debt Financing, EverArc shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its subsidiaries, their respective equityholders, and each of their respective affiliates, officers, directors, employees or agents from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) suffered or incurred by any of them in connection with any of their cooperation or assistance with respect to the Debt Financing or the provision of any information utilized in connection therewith or otherwise arising from the Debt Financing, in each case, except to the extent such losses, liabilities, damages or expenses are suffered or incurred as a result of the bad faith or willful misconduct by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. EverArc shall from time to time, promptly upon request by the Company and in any event prior to the Closing, reimburse the Company and its subsidiaries, their respective equityholders, and each of their respective affiliates, officers, directors, employees or agents for any and all reasonable out-of-pocket fees, costs or expenses (including fees, costs and expenses of counsel, accountants and other advisors) incurred by any of them in connection with any of their cooperation or assistance with respect to the Debt Financing or the provision of any information utilized in connection therewith or otherwise arising from the Debt Financing (such out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses, the Financing Cooperation Expenses).
Section 8.17 R&W Policy. EverArc acknowledges and agrees that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, and except in instances of Fraud, following the Closing, the R&W Policy (whether or not it is ultimately bound) shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of EverArc and its affiliates and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, members, employees, successors and permitted assigns (collectively, the EverArc Parties) of whatever kind and nature, in law, equity or otherwise, known or unknown, which such persons have now or may have in the future, with respect to any claim based on any inaccuracy or breach of any representation or warranty of the Company contained in this Agreement, or any Ancillary Agreement, and no EverArc Party nor any other party (including, without limitation, the insurer(s) under the R&W Policy), subject to the penultimate sentence of this Section 8.17, shall have any recourse against Seller or its affiliates with respect thereto. The insurer(s) under the R&W Policy will not have, and EverArc agrees that it shall cause the R&W Policy to exclude (among other rights), rights of subrogation against Seller and its affiliates, other than against certain persons solely in instances of Fraud in connection with this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement and/or the transactions contemplated hereby. EverArc covenants and agrees that it will not execute and deliver an amendment to the R&W Policy in any manner that is adverse to Seller or any of its affiliates and each of their Representatives without the express written consent of Seller.
Section 8.18 Adjustments to Net Working Capital. To the extent the Company consummates an acquisition (other than the Magnum Transaction) with the consent of EverArc following the date of this Agreement and prior
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to the Closing Date, the Parties shall work together, in good faith, to include the effects of such acquisition in the Net Working Capital calculation and to appropriately adjust the Target Net Working Capital to account for such acquisition.
Section 8.19 Section 280 Cleanse. If required to avoid the imposition of Taxes under Section 4999 of the Code or the loss of deduction under Section 280G of the Code with respect to any payments or benefits owed to any disqualified individual (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) in connection with the Transactions, the Company will, or will cause one of its subsidiaries or affiliates to, prior to Closing, (a) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from each disqualified individual who may receive any payment or benefit that could constitute a parachute payment (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A) of the Code) a waiver of such disqualified individuals rights to some or all of such payments or benefits (the Waived 280G Benefits and, each such waiver, a 280G Waiver) so that all remaining payments and/or benefits, if any, shall not be parachute payments and (b) solicit, with respect to each disqualified individual who provides a duly executed 280G Waiver, equity holder approval (in a manner satisfying the requirements of Section 280G(b)(5)(A)(ii) and Section 280G(b)(5)(B) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, in particular, Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-7) of the rights of any such disqualified individual to receive the Waived 280G Benefits. As promptly as practicable prior to soliciting the 280G Waivers from the disqualified individuals, the Company shall provide drafts of such 280G Waivers and disclosure materials to EverArc for its review and approval (which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). To the extent that any contract, agreement or plan is entered into by EverArc, Holdco or any of their respective affiliates and a disqualified individual prior to the Closing Date in connection with the Transactions (the EverArc Arrangements), EverArc shall provide a copy of such contract, agreement or plan to the Company and Seller at least seven (7) Business Days prior to the Closing Date and shall cooperate with the Company in good faith in order to calculate or determine the value (for purposes of Section 280G of the Code) of any payments or benefits granted or contemplated therein that may be paid or granted in connection with the Transactions that could, individually or in the aggregate with other payments and/or benefits, constitute parachute payments; provided that, in any event, the failure of the Company, or its applicable subsidiary or affiliate, to include the EverArc Arrangements in the equity holder approval materials described herein, due to the failure of EverArc, Holdco or their Affiliate, as applicable, to comply with its obligations set forth herein, will not result in a breach of the covenants set forth in this Section 8.19. If any of the Waived 280G Benefits fail to be approved by the equity holders of the Company or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates, as applicable, as contemplated above, such Waived 280G Benefits shall not be made or provided. The Company shall deliver to EverArc evidence reasonably acceptable to EverArc that a vote of the equity holders of the Company or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates, as applicable, was solicited in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section and that either (i) the requisite number of votes of the equity holders of the Company or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates, as applicable, was obtained with respect to any Waived 280G Benefits (the 280G Approval) or (ii) the 280G Approval was not obtained, and, as a consequence, any Waived 280G Benefits shall not be made or provided.
Section 8.20 Assignment and Assumption of Agreements. Prior to the Closing, Holdco, the Company and Seller shall cause the ICL Purchase Agreement to be assigned to, and assumed by, the Company and all references to, and rights of, the Buyer Indemnified Parties (as defined in the ICL Purchase Agreement) shall thereafter refer to, and be the rights of, the Company (the Assignment and Assumption of the ICL Purchase Agreement). Prior to the Closing, Holdco and EverArc shall cause the Founder Advisory Services Agreement to be assigned to, and assumed by, Holdco (the Assignment and Assumption of the Founder Advisory Services Agreement).
Section 8.21 Dividends Under 1915 Law. Seller agrees that, to the extent permitted by Article 30 of the Amended and Restated Holdco Organizational Documents, Holdco may pay interim dividends on the Holdco Ordinary Shares in a given year in advance of any Preferential Dividends (as defined in the Amended and Restated Holdco Organizational Documents) notwithstanding any provision in the 1915 Law to the contrary. This Section 8.21 shall be binding on any transferee of Holdco Preferred Shares and, as a condition to any transfer of Holdco Preferred Shares, such transferee shall acknowledge and agree to be bound by this Section 8.21.
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ARTICLE IX
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
Section 9.01 Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party. The obligations of Seller, the Company, EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub to consummate the Transactions, including the Exchange and the Merger, are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) at or prior to the Exchange Effective Time and at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:
(a) Holdco Requisite Approval. The Holdco Requisite Approval shall have been obtained and delivered to EverArc in a form and substance reasonably acceptable to EverArc.
(b) Holdco Auditor Reports. A Luxembourg independent statutory auditor (reviseur dentreprises agree) of Holdco shall have issued (i) at or before the Merger Effective Time a report on the contributions in kind relating the Holdco Ordinary Shares Merger Issuance prepared in accordance with article 420-10 of the 1915 Law (the First Holdco Auditor Report) and (ii) at or before the Exchange Effective Time a report on the contributions in kind relating to the Holdco Shares Exchange Issuance with respect to the Company Ordinary Shares prepared in accordance with article 420-10 of the 1915 Law (the Second Holdco Auditor Report).
(c) No Order. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, executive order or award which is then in effect and has the effect of making the Transactions, including the Merger, illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Transactions, including the Merger.
(d) Antitrust Approvals and Waiting Periods. All waiting periods applicable to the consummation of the Transactions under the HSR Act (or any extension thereof) shall have expired or been terminated and all required filings shall have been made and all required approvals obtained (or waiting periods expired or terminated) under applicable Antitrust Laws.
Section 9.02 Conditions to the Obligations of EverArc. The obligations of EverArc to consummate the Transactions, including the Merger, are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) at or prior to the Exchange Effective Time and at or prior to the Closing of the following additional conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of Seller and the Company contained in Section 4.01 (Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries), Section 4.02 (Organizational Documents), Section 4.03 (Capitalization), Section 4.04 (Authority Relative to this Agreement), Section 4.05 (No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents) and Section 4.24 (Brokers) shall each be true and correct in all material respects as of the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date as though made on the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date (as applicable) (without giving effect to any limitation as to materiality or Company Material Adverse Effect or any similar limitation set forth therein), except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date. All other representations and warranties of Seller and the Company contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving any effect to any limitation as to materiality or Company Material Adverse Effect or any similar limitation set forth therein) in all respects as of the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date (as applicable), except (A) to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date and (B) where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct (whether as of the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date (as applicable) or such earlier date), taken as a whole, does not result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. Seller and the Company shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or
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complied with by it on or prior to the Exchange Effective Time (except for those relating to the Merger) and the Merger Effective Time (including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, Section 4.07(b) and Section 8.12).
(c) Officer Certificate, (i) Each of Seller and the Company shall have delivered to EverArc a certificate, dated the date of the Exchange Effective Time, signed by an officer of Seller or the Company (as applicable), certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 9.02(a), Section 9.02(b) and Section 9.02(d) and (ii) each of Seller or the Company shall have delivered to EverArc a certificate, dated the date of the Closing Date, signed by an officer of Seller or the Company (as applicable), certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 9.02(a), Section 9.02(b) and Section 9.02(d).
(d) Material Adverse Effect. No Company Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date.
(e) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective under the Securities Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect, and no proceedings for purposes of suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been initiated by the SEC and not withdrawn.
(f) Stock Exchange Listing. The Holdco Ordinary Shares shall have been approved for listing on Nasdaq or the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
Section 9.03 Conditions to the Obligations of the Company. The obligations of the Company to consummate the Transactions, including the Merger, are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) at or prior to the Closing of the following additional conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties.
(i) The representations and warranties of EverArc contained in Section 5.01 (Corporation Organization), Section 5.03 (Capitalization), Section 5.04 (Authority Relative to this Agreement) and Section 5.11 (Brokers) shall each be true and correct in all material respects as of the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date as though made on the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date (as applicable) (without giving effect to any limitation as to materiality or EverArc Material Adverse Effect or any similar limitation set forth therein), except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date. All other representations and warranties of EverArc contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving any effect to any limitation as to materiality or EverArc Material Adverse Effect or any similar limitation set forth therein) in all respects as of the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date (as applicable), except (i) to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date and (ii) where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct (whether as of the Exchange Effective Time and Closing Date (as applicable) or such earlier date), taken as a whole, does not result in an EverArc Material Adverse Effect.
(ii) The representations and warranties of each of Holdco and Merger Sub in Section 6.01 (Corporate Organization), Section 6.03 (Capitalization), Section 6.04 (Authority Relative to this Agreement), Section 6.08 (No Prior Obligations of Holdco or Merger Sub; Post-Closing Operations) and Section 6.09 (Brokers) shall each be true and correct in all material respects as of the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date as though made on the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date (as applicable) (without giving effect to any limitation as to materiality or any similar limitation set forth therein), except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date. All other representations and warranties of Merger Sub
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and Holdco contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving any effect to any limitation as to materiality or any similar limitation set forth therein) in all respects as of the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date (as applicable), except (A) to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date and (B) where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct (whether as of the Exchange Effective Time and the Closing Date (as applicable) or such earlier date), taken as a whole, would be materially adverse to Holdco or Merger Sub.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. Each of EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Exchange Effective Time (except those relating to the Merger) and the Closing Date.
(c) Officer Certificate, (i) Each of EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated the date of the Exchange Effective Time, signed by an appropriate officer, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 9.03(a), Section 9.03(b) and Section 9.03(d) and (ii) each of EverArc, Holdco and Merger Sub shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated the date of the Closing, signed by an appropriate officer, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 9.03(a), Section 9.03(b) and Section 9.03(d).
(d) Material Adverse Effect. No EverArc Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date.
ARTICLE X
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Section 10.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger and the other Transactions may be abandoned at any time prior to the Merger Effective Time, notwithstanding any requisite approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Transactions by the stockholders of the Company or EverArc, as follows:
(a) by mutual written consent of EverArc and Seller;
(b) by either EverArc or Seller if the Merger Effective Time shall not have occurred prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on March 31, 2022 (the Outside Date); provided, however, that this Agreement may not be terminated under this Section 10.01(b) by or on behalf of any Party that either directly or indirectly through its affiliates is in breach or violation of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation contained herein and such breach or violation is the principal cause of the failure of a condition set forth in Article IX on or prior to the Outside Date (and, if this Agreement is so terminated, then, except as expressly provided in Section 10.02(c), EverArc shall have no obligation to pay the Termination Fee);
(c) by either EverArc or Seller if any Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any injunction, order, decree or ruling (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which has become final and non-appealable and has the effect of making consummation of the Transactions, including the Merger, illegal or otherwise preventing or prohibiting consummation of the Transactions or the Merger;
(d) by EverArc upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Seller or the Company set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Seller or the Company shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section 9.02(a) and Section 9.02(b) would not be satisfied (Terminating Company Breach); provided that EverArc has not waived such Terminating Company Breach and EverArc is not then in material
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breach of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in this Agreement; provided further that, if such Terminating Company Breach is curable by Seller or the Company, EverArc may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 10.01(d) for so long as each of Seller and the Company continues to exercise its reasonable best efforts to cure such breach, unless such breach is not cured by the earlier of (i) the date that is thirty (30) days after written notice of such breach is provided by EverArc to the Company and (ii) December 31, 2021, if such written notice of such breach is provided prior to December 31, 2021, or March 31, 2022, if such written notice of such breach is provided after December 31, 2021;
(e) by Seller upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of EverArc or Holdco set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of EverArc or Holdco shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section 9.03(a) or Section 9.03(b) would not be satisfied (Terminating EverArc Breach); provided that Seller or the Company has not waived such Terminating EverArc Breach and neither Seller nor the Company is then in material breach of their representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in this Agreement; provided, however, that, if such Terminating EverArc Breach is curable by EverArc or Holdco, Seller may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 10.01(e) for so long as EverArc or Holdco continue to exercise their reasonable best efforts to cure such breach, unless such breach is not cured by the earlier of (i) the date that is thirty (30) days after written notice of such breach is provided by Seller to EverArc and (ii) December 31, 2021, if such written notice of such breach is provided prior to December 31, 2021, or March 31, 2022, if such written notice of such breach is provided after December 31, 2021;
(f) by EverArc on and after September 8, 2021 if the Company shall have failed to deliver the PCAOB Financials by 11:59 EST on September 7, 2021; provided that the right of EverArc to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(f) shall cease upon the Companys delivery of the PCAOB Financials to EverArc prior to EverArcs termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(f);
(g) by either EverArc or Seller on January 1, 2022 if the Merger Effective Time shall not have occurred prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on December 31, 2021; provided, however, that this Agreement may not be terminated under this Section 10.01(g) (i) after January 1, 2022 or (ii) by or on behalf of any Party that either directly or indirectly through its affiliates is in breach or violation of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation contained herein and such breach or violation is the principal cause of the failure of a condition set forth in Article IX on or prior to December 31, 2021 (and, if this Agreement is so terminated, then, except as expressly provided in Section 10.02(c), EverArc shall have no obligation to pay the Termination Fee);
(h) by Seller if: (A)(i) all the conditions set forth in Section 9.01 and Section 9.02 have been satisfied (and continue to be satisfied) or waived by EverArc (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, each of which shall be capable of being satisfied if the Closing Date were the date that notice of termination is delivered by the Company to EverArc), (ii) Seller confirms to EverArc in writing that (y) all of the conditions to the obligations of EverArc to consummate the Closing have been satisfied or waived by EverArc (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied by Seller or the Company at the Closing, each of which shall be capable of being satisfied if the Closing Date were the date that notice of termination is delivered by the Company to EverArc) and (z) Seller and the Company are ready, willing and able to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to cause to be satisfied or waived those conditions which by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing and (iii) EverArc shall not have consummated the Closing within three (3) Business Days following the occurrence of clauses (i) and (ii) above or (B)(i) EverArc shall be in material breach of its covenants under this Agreement and such material breach results in EverArc being incapable of consummating the Transactions and (ii) Seller notifies EverArc, in writing, of such material breach pursuant to this Section 10.01(h)(B)(i) and EverArc does not cure such breach by the earlier of (i) the date that is thirty (30) days after written notice of such
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breach is provided by Seller to EverArc and (ii) December 31, 2021, if such written notice of such breach is provided prior to December 31, 2021, or March 31, 2022, if such written notice of such breach is provided after December 31, 2021 (or, alternatively, notify Seller, in writing, that it is able to consummate the Transactions within such time period and consummate the Transactions within such time period); or
(i) by EverArc, on or after December 31, 2021, if, as of December 31, 2021, (i) all the conditions set forth in Sections 9.01 and 9.02 have been satisfied (and continue to be satisfied) or waived by the applicable Party (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, each of which shall be capable of being satisfied if the Closing Date were the date that notice of termination is delivered by EverArc to the Company) and (ii) EverArc shall be unable to consummate the Closing solely due to the unavailability of sufficient funds available to EverArc under the PIPE Financing, the Debt Financing and Alternative Debt Financing.
Section 10.02 Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination.
(a) The Party seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01 shall provide written notice of termination to the other Parties in accordance with Section 11.01 specifying the reason for such valid termination, and any such termination in accordance with Section 10.01 shall be effective immediately upon delivery of such written notice to the other Parties.
(b) In the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, and there shall be no liability under this Agreement on the part of any party hereto (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any obligation on the part of EverArc to pay the Termination Fee), except (i) as expressly set forth in Section 10.02 (including, for the avoidance of doubt, EverArcs obligation for payment of the Termination Fee pursuant to Section 10.02(c), if, and only if, applicable) and (ii) for Article XI, and any corresponding definitions set forth in Article I, which provisions shall survive such termination; provided, however, that, subject to Section 10.02(c), nothing herein shall relieve any Party from any liability for any willful and material breach of this Agreement.
(c) In the event of a termination of this Agreement (i) by Seller pursuant Section 10.01(e) or Section 10.01(h), (ii) by EverArc at a time that Seller could have terminated pursuant to Section 10.01(e) or Section 10.01(h) or (iii) by EverArc pursuant to Section 10.01(i), EverArc shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable (and, in any event, within two (2) Business Days) following such termination, pay to Seller or its designee (as directed by Seller in writing) an amount equal to (x) $50,000,000 less (y) the amount of the PCAOB Financials Expenses and the Financing Cooperation Expenses actually reimbursed by EverArc to the Company pursuant to Section 8.12 and Section 8.16(c), respectively, at the time of such termination (the Termination Fee) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Seller or such designee; it being understood that in no event shall EverArc be required to pay the Termination Fee on more than one (1) occasion. The agreements contained in this Section 10.02(c) are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and without these agreements, Seller would not enter into this Agreement. Accordingly, in the event that EverArc fails to pay the Termination Fee when due, and, in order to obtain such payment, Seller commences a suit that results in a final, non-appealable judgment against EverArc for the Termination Fee or any portion thereof, EverArc shall pay to Seller costs and expenses (including attorneys fees) in connection with such suit, together with interest on the amount of such Termination Fee or portion thereof at a rate equal to ten percent (10%) per annum commencing on the date such payment was required to be made through the date of payment.
(d) If Seller (or its designee(s)) receives full payment of the Termination Fee pursuant to Section 10.02(c), together with any costs, expenses interest described in Section 10.02(c), the receipt of the Termination Fee, together with any such costs, expenses and interest, will be the sole and exclusive remedy for any and all liabilities, losses, damages, obligations, costs or expenses suffered or incurred
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by Seller or any of its affiliates in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, that nothing in this Section 10.02(d) will limit the right of Seller or any of its affiliates (i) to bring or maintain any action, suit, claim, investigation or proceeding for injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief as expressly provided in, and subject to the limitation set forth in, Section 11.10 for so long as this Agreement shall not otherwise have been properly terminated by any Party in accordance with Section 10.01 or (ii) to bring or maintain, or receive damages in, any action, suit, claim, investigation or proceeding arising out of or in connection with any breach of the Confidentiality Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, while Seller and any of its affiliates, as applicable, may pursue both a grant of specific performance and the payment of the Termination Fee, under no circumstances will Seller or any of its affiliates be permitted or entitled to receive both a grant of specific performance and the Termination Fee. If the Termination Fee is payable, the actual receipt by Seller (or its designee(s)) of the Termination Fee, together with any costs, expenses and interest described in Section 10.02(c), shall be deemed to be liquidated damages, which amounts constitute a reasonable estimate of the damages that will be suffered by reason of any such termination of this Agreement (and not a penalty).
(e) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Agreement to the contrary, no Financing Source shall have any liability to Seller, the Company or any of their respective affiliates for any obligations or liabilities of EverArc or for any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise), based on, in respect of, or by reason of, this Agreement, the Transactions or in respect of any oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith. In no event shall the Company, Seller or any of their respective affiliates, and each of Seller and the Company agrees not to and to cause its affiliates not to, (i) seek to enforce this Agreement against, make any claims for breach of this Agreement against, or seek to recover monetary damages from, any Financing Source or (ii) seek to enforce the commitments against, or make any claims for breach of, the Debt Commitment Letters (including the Alternative Debt Commitment Letters) or the Subscription Agreements, or seek to recover monetary damages from, or otherwise sue, the Financing Sources for any reason. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, EverArc shall have no obligation whatsoever to initiate, or threaten to initiate, any claim, action, litigation or proceeding (including the sending of any default notices) against any Financing Source to enforce any obligations under the Debt Commitment Letters (including the Alternative Debt Commitment Letters) or the Subscription Agreements, which claim, action, litigation or proceeding may be brought in EverArcs sole and absolute discretion.
Section 10.03 Expenses. In the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 10.01 above, all Transaction Expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and the Transactions shall be paid by the Party incurring such Transaction Expenses; provided, that, subject to Section 10.02(c), EverArc shall pay and/or reimburse the Company and its affiliates for (a) the Financing Cooperation Expenses, (b) all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with any filing under the HSR Act or other applicable Antitrust Laws and (c) the PCAOB Financials Expenses, unless, in the case of clause (c), this Agreement is terminated by EverArc pursuant to Section 10.01(d), in which case EverArc shall not be responsible for reimbursing the Company and its affiliates for the PCAOB Financials Expenses, or this Agreement is terminated by EverArc pursuant to Section 10.01(f), in which case EverArc shall be responsible for reimbursing the Company and its affiliates for 50% of the PCAOB Financials Expenses up to a maximum reimbursement amount of $5 million. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Termination Fee is paid by EverArc pursuant to Section 10.02(c), then EverArc shall not be responsible for any Financing Cooperation Expenses or the PCAOB Financials Expenses not previously reimbursed by EverArc pursuant to Section 8.12 or Section 8.16(c). If the Transactions are consummated, Holdco shall (i) bear the reasonable and documented EverArc Transaction Expenses and (ii) pay the Company Transaction Expenses.
Section 10.04 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended in writing by all Parties at any time prior to the Merger Effective Time. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the Parties. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, this Section 10.04,
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Section 10.02(d), Section 10.02(e), Section 10.06, Section 11.06(d), Section 11.07 and Section 11.10 (and the related definitions and other provisions of this Agreement to the extent a modification or waiver thereof would serve to modify the substance or provisions of such sections) may not be amended, waived or otherwise modified in a manner that impacts or is adverse in any respect to any Debt Financing Source without the prior written consent of such Debt Financing Source.
Section 10.05 Waiver. At any time prior to the Exchange Effective Time, (a) EverArc may (i) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of Seller or the Company, (ii) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of Seller or the Company contained herein or in any document delivered by the Company pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance with any agreement of Seller or the Company or any condition to its own obligations contained herein and (b) the Company may (i) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of EverArc, Holdco or Merger Sub, (ii) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of EverArc, Holdco or Merger Sub contained herein or in any document delivered by EverArc, Holdco or Merger Sub pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance with any agreement of EverArc, Holdco or Merger Sub or any condition to its own obligations contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound thereby.
Section 10.06 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the Debt Financing Sources are express and intended third-party beneficiaries as to, and may rely upon and enforce, Section 10.02(d), Section 10.02(e), Section 10.04, this Section 10.06, Section 11.06(d), Section 11.07 and Section 11.10.
ARTICLE XI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 11.01 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by email or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 11.01):
if to EverArc, Holdco or Merger Sub:
EverArc Holdings Limited
Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Attention: | Vivek Raj; Haitham Khouri | |
Email: | vr@everarcholdings.com; hk@everarcholdings.com |
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice or service of process) to:
Greenberg Traurig, P.A.
333 S.E. 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
Attention: | Alan I. Annex | |
Email: | annexa@gtlaw.com |
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if to Seller or the Company:
c/o SK Capital Partners, LP
430 Park Avenue, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Attention: | Jerome Truzzolino | |
Email: | jtruzzolino@skcapitalpartners.com |
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice or service of process) to:
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
300 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Attention: |
Jeremy S. Liss, P.C., Jeffrey A. Fine, P.C., Matthew S. Arenson, P.C., and David Holdsworth |
|
Email: |
jeremy.liss@kirkland.com, jeffrey.fine@kirkland.com, matthew.arenson@kirkland.com, david.holdsworth@kirkland.com |
Section 11.02 Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The representations, warranties, agreements and covenants in this Agreement or in any certificate, statement or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate at the Merger Effective Time, except that (a) this Article XI shall survive the Merger Effective Time and (b) this Section 11.02 shall not limit any covenant or agreement of the Parties that by its terms requires performance after the Closing. Effective as of the Closing, there are no remedies available to the Parties with respect to any breach of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the Parties to this Agreement, except, with respect to those covenants and agreements contained herein that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Closing. The Parties specifically and unambiguously intend that the survival periods that are set forth in this Section 11.02 shall replace any statute of limitations that would otherwise be applicable but shall not apply with respect to the R&W Policy and claims made and remedies available thereunder, which shall, in all instances, be governed by the terms of the R&W Policy.
Section 11.03 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the Transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the Transactions be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
Section 11.04 Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements constitute the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede, except as set forth in Section 8.03(b), all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the Parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except for the Confidentiality Agreements. This Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of law or otherwise) by any party without the prior express written consent of the other Parties; provided, however, that Holdco may assign any of its rights and interests hereunder to the underwriter pursuant to the R&W Policy.
Section 11.05 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party hereto, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, other than Section 8.05 (which is intended to be for the benefit of the persons covered thereby and may be enforced by such persons).
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Section 11.06 Governing Law; Choice of Law; Dispute Resolution.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State, except to the extent mandatorily governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, including the provisions relating to the Exchange. Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, any dispute arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with, this Agreement, or any of the exhibits or schedules hereto (except as otherwise expressly provided therein), including any question regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination, and any tort or other extra-contractual or statutory claims arising out of or relating to its negotiation, execution or performance, shall be exclusively and finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ICC Rules); provided, that nothing in this Section 11.06 shall prohibit a party from instituting litigation to enforce any final award in any court of competent jurisdiction. The seat of the arbitration shall be in New York, New York. The language of the arbitration shall be English. The Parties undertake to carry out any award of the tribunal without delay, and waive their right to refer any question of law and any right of appeal on the law or merits to a court of law or other judicial authority, insofar as such waiver may be validly made. The Parties agree that an arbitral tribunal appointed under this Agreement may exercise jurisdiction with respect to both this Agreement and any of the exhibits or schedules hereto (except as otherwise expressly provided therein), and that any disputes involving more than one of such agreements, exhibits or schedules shall proceed as a consolidated arbitration in accordance with Article 10 of the ICC Rules.
(b) The arbitrator selected pursuant to Section 11.06(a) shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and, if the arbitrator determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the arbitrator may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and the enforcement of its rights under this Agreement.
(c) If any party shall fail to pay the amount of any damages, if any, assessed against it within five (5) days after the delivery to such party of a final result, determination, finding, judgment or award, the unpaid amount shall bear interest from the date of such delivery at the lesser of (i) twelve percent (12%) per annum and (ii) the maximum rate permitted by applicable Law. Interest on any such unpaid amount shall be compounded monthly, computed on the basis of a 365 day year and shall be payable on demand. In addition, such party shall promptly reimburse the other party for any and all costs or expenses of any nature or kind whatsoever (including all attorneys fees and expenses) incurred in seeking to collect such damages or to enforce any such final result, determination, finding, judgment or award.
(d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) Seller, the Company and Holdco agree that any claim, controversy or dispute any kind or nature (whether based upon contract, tort or otherwise) involving a Debt Financing Source that is in any way related to this Agreement or any of the Transactions, including any dispute arising out of or relating in any way to the Debt Financing or the performance thereof or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of law principles (other than sections 5-1401 and 5- 1402 of the New York General Obligations Law) and (y) each of Seller, the Company and Holdco (a) agrees, subject to Section 10.02(e), that it will not bring or support any action, cause of action, claim, cross-claim or third-party claim of any kind or description, whether in Law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Debt Financing Sources in any way relating to this Agreement or any of the Transactions, including any dispute arising out of or relating in any way to the Debt Financing or the performance thereof or the transactions contemplated hereby, in any forum other than exclusively in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of
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New York, or, if under applicable law exclusive jurisdiction is vested in the federal courts, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (and appellate courts thereof) (b) submits for itself and its property with respect to any such action to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts, (c) agrees that service of process, summons, notice or document by registered mail addressed to it at its address provided in Section 11.01 shall be effective service of process against it for any such action brought in any such court, (d) waives and hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of, and the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of, any such action in any such court and (e) agrees that a final judgment in any such action shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.
Section 11.07 Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the Parties hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law any right it may have to a trial by jury with respect to any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions (including any such litigation against any Debt Financing Source). Each of the Parties (a) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other party would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce that foregoing waiver and (b) acknowledges that it and the other hereto have been induced to enter into this Agreement and the Transactions, as applicable, by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this Section 11.07.
Section 11.08 Headings. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Section 11.09 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or portable document format (pdf) transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different Parties in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
Section 11.10 Specific Performance. The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof, and, accordingly, that, subject to Section 10.02(e) with respect to Financing Sources and the following sentence of this Section 11.10, the Parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof (including the parties obligation to consummate the Transactions) in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, any court of the United States located in the State of Delaware without proof of actual damages or otherwise, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity as expressly permitted in this Agreement; provided, that the remedy of specific performance shall not include requiring EverArc to consummate the Transactions if EverArc shall not have the funds necessary to consummate the Transactions solely due to the unavailability of sufficient funds to EverArc under the PIPE Investment, the Debt Financing and the Alternative Debt Financing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be entitled to specifically enforce EverArcs obligations to consummate the Transactions in the event Seller (or its designee) was entitled to receive the Termination Fee and has actually received the Termination Fee and all other amounts that Seller and its representatives are entitled to receive pursuant to Section 10.02(c). Each of the Parties hereby further waives (a) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any requirement under any Law to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.
[Signature Page Follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, EverArc, the Company, Holdco and Merger Sub have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED | ||
By: | /s/ Nicholas Howley | |
Name: | Nicholas Howley | |
Title: | Director |
SK INVICTUS HOLDINGS S.À R.L | ||
By: | /s/ Edward Goldberg | |
Name: | Edward Goldberg | |
Title: | Class A Director | |
By: | /s/ Nikola Kalezic | |
Name: | Nikola Kalezic | |
Title: | Class B Director |
SK INVICTUS INTERMEDIATE S.À R.L | ||
By: | /s/ Edward Goldberg | |
Name: | Edward Goldberg | |
Title: | Class A Director | |
By: | /s/ Nikola Kalezic | |
Name: | Nikola Kalezic | |
Title: | Class B Director | |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA (represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Holdco in process of incorporation) | ||
By: | /s/ Nicholas Howley | |
Name: | Nicholas Howley | |
Title: | Director | |
EVERARC (BVI) MERGER SUB LIMITED | ||
By: | /s/ Vivek Raj | |
Name: | Vivek Raj | |
Title: | Director |
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Schedule A
Company Knowledge Parties
1. |
Edward Goldberg |
2. |
Barry Lederman |
3. |
Noriko Yokozuka |
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Exhibit A
Amended and Restated Holdco Organizational Documents
Perimeter Solutions
Société anonyme
Siège social: 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg |
TITLE I FORM NAME PURPOSE DURATION REGISTERED OFFICE
Article 1 |
Form |
There is hereby formed a société anonyme (the Company) governed by Luxembourg law, in particular the law of August 10, 1915 concerning commercial companies, as amended from time to time (the Law) as well as by the present articles of association (the Articles).
Article 2 |
Name |
The Companys name is Perimeter Solutions.
Article 3 |
Registered Office |
The registered office of the Company is established in the municipality of Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
The registered office may be transferred to any other place within the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg by a resolution of the Board of Directors (as defined below). The Board of Directors is authorised to amend the Articles to reflect such transfer. The Company may have branches and offices, both in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or abroad that can established by a resolution of the Board of Directors.
In the event that in the view of the Board of Directors extraordinary political, economic or social developments occur or are imminent that would interfere with the normal activities of the Company at its registered office or with the ease of communications with such office or between such office and persons abroad, it may temporarily transfer the registered office of the Company abroad, until the complete cessation of these abnormal circumstances. Such temporary measures will have no effect on the nationality of the Company, which, notwithstanding the temporary transfer of the registered office, will remain a company governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Article 4 |
Purpose |
The object of the Company is the holding of participations in any form whatsoever in Luxembourg and foreign companies and in any other form of investment, the acquisition by purchase, subscription or in any other manner as well as the transfer by sale, exchange or otherwise of securities of any kind and the administration, management, control and development of its portfolio.
The Company may provide any financial assistance to subsidiaries, affiliated companies or other companies forming part of the group of which the Company belongs, such as, among others, the providing of loans and the granting of guarantees or securities in any kind or form.
The Company may also invest in real estate, in intellectual property rights or any other movable or immovable assets in any kind or form.
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The Company may borrow in any kind or form and issue bonds, notes or any other debt instruments as well as warrants or other share subscription rights.
In a general fashion the Company may carry out any commercial, industrial or financial operation, which it may deem useful in the accomplishment and development of its purpose.
Article 5 |
Duration |
The Company is formed for an unlimited duration.
TITLE II CAPITAL SHARES
Article 6 |
Capital |
The Companys share capital is set at USD [●] ([●] Dollars) 1divided into [●] ([●]) ordinary shares with a nominal value of USD 1 (one Dollar) each, fully paid-up (the Ordinary Shares) and 10,000,000 (ten million) redeemable preferred shares with a nominal value of USD 10 (ten Dollars) each fully paid up (the Preferred Shares, and together with the Ordinary Shares, the Shares).
The Preferred Shares will be entitled to the rights provided for under Article 30 and are redeemable shares in accordance with Article 10. As long as the Preferred Shares are in issue and outstanding, no shares ranking pari passu or senior to the Preferred Shares shall be issued by the Company, other than additional Preferred Shares or other equity securities interest issued with the consent of a majority of holders of the Preferred Shares.
The rights attached to the Preferred Shares under these Articles shall not be amended in a manner adverse to the Preferred Shares without the consent of holders owning a majority of the Preferred Shares.
In addition to the share capital, a premium account may be established to record any premium paid on any Share in addition to its nominal value. The premium account shall constitute a distributable reserve and may notably be used for the payment of the price of any Shares which the Company may repurchase from its shareholder(s), to offset any net realised losses, to make distributions to the 1 Final amount of share capital including issuance of new ordinary shares and preferred shares to be resolved by the board of directors at closing shareholder(s) or to allocate funds to the legal reserve.
Distributable reserve accounts may be established to record contributions to the Company made by existing shareholders without issuance of Shares. Any such reserve shall constitute a distributable reserve and may notably be used to provide for the payment of the price of any Shares which the Company may repurchase from its shareholder(s), to offset any net realised losses, to make distributions to the shareholder(s) or to allocate funds to the legal reserve.
Article 7 |
Authorised capital |
The Companys authorized share capital is fixed at USD 4,000,000,000 (four billion Dollars).
The Board of Directors is authorised, up to the maximum amount of the authorised capital, to (i) increase the issued share capital in one or several tranches by way of issuance of ordinary or preferred shares with such rights as freely determined by the Board of Directors at its discretion, with or without share premium, against payment in cash or in kind, by conversion of claims on the Company or in any other manner (ii) issue subscription and/or conversion rights in relation to new shares or instruments within the limits of the authorised capital under the terms and conditions of warrants (which may be separate or linked to Shares), bonds, notes or similar instruments
1 |
Final amount of share capital including issuance of new ordinary shares and preferred shares to be resolved by the board of directors at closing |
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issued by the Company, (iii) determine the place and date of the issue or successive issues, the issue price, the terms and conditions of the subscription of and paying up on the new shares and instruments and (iv) remove or limit the statutory preferential subscription right of the shareholders and of the holders of instruments issued by the Company that entitle them to a preferential subscription right.
The Board of Directors may authorise any person to accept on behalf of the Company subscriptions and receive payment for Shares or instruments issued under the authorised capital.
The Board of Directors is further authorised to make an allotment of existing or newly issued shares without consideration to the following persons (the Employee Shares):
(a) |
employees of the Company or certain categories amongst those; |
(b) |
employees of companies or economic interest grouping in which the Company holds directly or indirectly at least ten per cent (10%) of the share capital or voting rights; |
(c) |
employees of companies or economic interest grouping which hold directly or indirectly at least ten per cent (10%) of the share capital or voting rights of the Company; |
(d) |
employees of companies or economic interest grouping in which at least fifty per cent (50%) of the share capital or voting rights is held directly or indirectly by a company which holds directly or indirectly at least fifty per cent (50%) of the share capital of the Company; and |
(e) |
members of the corporate bodies of the Company or of the companies or economic interest grouping listed in point (b) to (d) above or certain categories amongst those. |
The Board of Directors sets the terms and conditions of the allocation of the Employee Shares including the period for the final allocation and any period during which such Employee Shares cannot be transferred by their holders. The preferential subscription right of existing shareholders is automatically cancelled in case of the issuance of Employee Shares.
The above authorisation is valid for a period ending five (5) years after the date of the deed of incorporation of the Company.
The above authorisation may be renewed, increased or reduced by a resolution of the General Meeting voting with the quorum and majority rules set for the amendment of the Articles. The right granted to the Board of Directors in the preceding paragraphs, does not deprive the sole shareholder, or as the case may be the general meeting of the shareholders from the right to increase the share capital of the Company. However, the authorized capital is not reduced by the amounts by which the sole shareholder, or as the case may be, the general meeting of the shareholders, has increased the share capital of the Company.
Following each increase of the issued share capital in accordance with this Article 7, Article 6 will be amended so as to reflect the capital increase. Any such amendment will be recorded in a notarial deed upon the instructions of the Board of Directors or of any person duly authorised by the Board of Directors for this purpose.
Article 8 |
Increase and reduction of capital |
The authorized capital and the subscribed capital of the Company may be increased, and the subscribed capital may be reduced, in one or several times by a resolution of the shareholders voting with the quorum and majority rules set by these Articles or, as the case may be, by the Law for any amendment of these Articles.
However no reduction of the share capital by redemption of shares shall be carried out if the rights attached to the Preferred Shares under article 30 have not been complied with by the Company (save for redemption of shares pursuant to equity incentive agreements with employees up to a maximum amount of []).
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The new Shares to be subscribed for by contribution in cash will be offered by preference to the existing shareholders holding the category of shares to be issued and in proportion to the part of the capital which those shareholders are holding. The Board of Directors shall determine the period within which the preferred subscription right (PSRs) shall be exercised (the Subscription Period). This period may not be less than fourteen (14) days from the date of dispatch of a registered mail or any other means of communication individually accepted by the addressees and ensuring access to the information sent to the shareholders announcing the opening of the Subscription Period.
The PSRs shall be freely negotiable during the Subscription Period.
If after the end of the Subscription Period not all of the PSRs offered to the existing shareholder(s) have been subscribed by the latter, third parties may be allowed to participate in the share capital increase, except if the Board of Directors decides that the PSRs shall be offered to the existing shareholders who have already exercised their rights during the Subscription Period, in proportion to the portion their Shares represent in the share capital; the modalities for the subscription are determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may also decide in such case that the share capital shall only be increased by the amount of subscriptions received by the shareholder(s) of the Company. Notwithstanding the above, the Board of Directors may limit or cancel the preferential subscription right of the existing shareholders in accordance with Article 7 hereof.
Article 9 |
Shares |
The Shares are and shall remain in registered form only.
No fractional Share shall be issued or exist at any time.
The Board of Directors shall however be authorized to provide at its discretion for the payment in cash in lieu of any fraction of a Share of the Company.
Shares may be held in trust by one or several shareholders.
The Shares are freely transferable in accordance with the provisions of the Law, subject to any trading related restrictions to which the Shares are subject.
A register of Shares will be kept by the Company at its registered office, where it will be available for inspection by any shareholder. This register will contain the precise designation of each shareholder and the indication of the number of Shares held, the indication of the payments made on the Shares as well as the transfers of Shares and the dates thereof. Ownership of Shares will be established by inscription in the said register or in the event separate registrars have been appointed pursuant to the present article, in such separate register(s).
The Company may appoint registrars in different jurisdictions who may each maintain a separate register for the Shares entered therein. Shareholders may elect to be entered into one of these registers and to transfer their Shares to another register so maintained. The Board of Directors may however impose transfer restrictions for Shares that are registered, listed, quoted, dealt in or have been placed in certain jurisdictions in compliance with the requirements applicable therein. A transfer to the register kept at the Companys registered office may always be requested.
Subject to the provisions of these above paragraphs of the present article, the Company may consider the person in whose name the Shares are registered in the register of Shares as the full owner of such Shares. In the event that a holder of Shares does not provide an address in writing to which all notices or announcements from the Company may be sent, the Company may permit a notice to this effect to be entered into the register of Shares and such holders address will be deemed to be at the registered office of the Company or such other address as may be so entered by the Company from time to time, until a different address shall be provided to the Company by such holder in writing. The holder may, at any time, change his address as entered in the register of Shares by means of written notification to the Company.
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The Shares may be held by a holder (the Holder) through a securities settlement system or a Depositary (as this term is defined below). The Holder of Shares held in such fungible securities accounts has the same rights and obligations as if such Holder held the Shares directly. The Shares held through a securities settlement system or a Depositary shall be recorded in an account opened in the name of the Holder and may be transferred from one account to another in accordance with customary procedures for the transfer of securities in book-entry form. However, the Company will make dividend payments, if any, and any other payments in cash, shares or other securities, if any, only to the securities settlement system or Depositary recorded in the register of Shares or in accordance with the instructions of such securities settlement system or Depositary. Such payment will grant full discharge of the Companys obligations in this respect.
In connection with a general meeting of shareholders, the Board of Directors may decide that no entry shall be made in the register of Shares and no notice of a transfer shall be recognized by the Company and the registrar(s) during the period starting on the Record Date (as hereinafter defined) and ending on the closing of such general meeting.
All communications and notices to be given to a registered shareholder shall be deemed validly made if made to the latest address communicated by the shareholder to the Company or, if no address has been communicated by the shareholder, the registered office of the Company or such other address as may be so entered by the Company in the register from time to time.
Where Shares are recorded in the register of Shares in the name of or on behalf of a securities settlement system or the operator of such system and recorded as book-entry interests in the accounts of a professional depositary or any sub-depositary (any depositary and any sub-depositary being referred to hereinafter as a Depositary), the Companysubject to having received from the Depositary a certificate in proper formwill permit the Depositary of such book-entry interests to exercise the rights attaching to the Shares corresponding to the book-entry interests of the relevant Holder, including receiving notices of general meetings, admission to and voting at general meetings, and shall consider the Depositary to be the holder of the Shares corresponding to the book-entry interests for purposes of this Article 10 of the present Articles. The Board of Directors may determine the formal requirements with which such certificates must comply.
Any person who is required to report ownership of Shares on Schedule 13D or 13G pursuant to Rule 13d-1 or changes in such ownership pursuant to Rule 13d-2, each as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, must notify the Board of Directors promptly following any reportable acquisition or disposition, and in no event later than the filing date of such Schedule 13D or 13G, of the proportion of Shares held by the relevant person as a result of the acquisition or disposal.
Article 10 |
Redeemable shares |
The Company may issue redeemable shares in accordance with article 430-22 of the Law, and in accordance with the following conditions:
(a) |
the redemption must be carried out mandatorily at the earliest of: |
(i) |
[DATE]2; or |
(ii) |
9 years after the date of issuance of the redeemable shares; or |
(iii) |
upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below), any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company (whether voluntary or involuntary) or the voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy of the Company. The term Change of Control means (i) the sale of all or |
2 |
To be the date that is 6 months following the latest maturity date of the Senior Credit Facility and the Bridge Loan/Secured Notes as of Closing. The latest maturity date in respect of the Senior Credit Facility and the Bridge Loan/Secured Notes will be 8 years. |
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substantially all the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries (taken as a whole); or (ii) any merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization of the Company, unless following such merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization, the holders of the Companys securities prior to such merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization continue to hold (directly or indirectly) at least 50% of the voting rights in the surviving entity (or the parent company of the surviving entity). |
(the |
Maturity Date). |
(b) |
the redemption can be carried out at any time prior to the Maturity Date at the sole option of the Company, without suffering or supporting any prepayment fee or penalty; |
(c) |
the redemption must be carried out by a resolution of the Board of Directors who may fix the number of redeemable shares to be redeemed if the redemption is carried out prior to the Maturity Date; if the redemption is carried out at Maturity Date, it shall apply pro rata amongst the holders of redeemable shares; and |
(d) |
the redemption price per share shall be equal to the nominal value of the redeemed share plus any accrued and unpaid Preferred Dividend (as defined under article 30) if any; |
(e) |
If the redeemed shares are not immediately cancelled and the issued share capital decreased accordingly, an amount equal to the aggregate nominal value of the redeemed shares must be allocated to a special undistributable reserve until the share capital is decreased by the same amount or increased by incorporation of that special reserve. |
TITLE III BOARD OF DIRECTORS, STATUTORY AUDITORS
Article 11 |
Board of directors |
The Company will be managed and administered by a board of directors (the Board of Directors).
The Board of Directors shall be composed of not less than three (3) members (the Directors), who need not be shareholders themselves.
The General Meeting may decide to qualify the Directors as class A Director (the Class A Director), class B Director (the Class B Director) or class C Director (the Class C Director). Each class of Director shall serve for a term of three years, provided the initial term for for the Class A Directors shall be one year, the initial term for the Class B Directors shall be two years and the initial term for the Class C Directors shall be three years.
The Directors will be elected by the shareholders meeting which will determine the duration of their mandate, and they will hold office until their successors are elected. They may be re-elected for successive terms and they may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by a resolution of the shareholders meeting.
Article 12 |
Vacancy in the office of the Board of Directors |
In the event of a vacancy in the office of a member of the Board of Directors because of death, legal incapacity, bankruptcy, resignation or otherwise, this vacancy may be filled on a temporary basis and for a period of time not exceeding the initial mandate of the replaced member of the Board of Directors by the remaining members of the Board of Directors until the next general meetings of the shareholders of the Company which shall resolve on the permanent appointment in compliance with the applicable legal provisions and present Articles.
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Article 13 |
Powers of the Board of Directors |
The Board of Directors is vested with the broadest powers (except for those powers which are expressly reserved by law to the sole shareholder or the general meeting of shareholders) to perform all acts necessary or useful for accomplishing the Companys object. All powers not expressly reserved by law or by the Articles to the sole shareholder or the general meeting of shareholders are in the competence of the Board of Directors.
According to article 441-10 of the Law, the daily management of the Company as well as the representation of the Company in relation with this management may be delegated to one or more Directors (the Managing Director(s)), officers, managers or other agents, associate or not, acting alone or jointly. Their nomination, revocation and powers shall be settled by a resolution of the Board of Directors. The delegation to a member of the Board of Directors shall entail the obligation for the Board of Directors to report each year to the ordinary general meeting on the salary, fees and any advantages granted to the delegate. The Company may also grant special powers by authentic proxy or power of attorney by private instrument.
Article 14 |
Representation of the Company |
In accordance with article 441-11 of the Law, the Board of Directors may delegate its management powers to a chief executive officer (directeur général). His nomination, revocation, remuneration and the duration of his appointment shall be settled by a resolution of the Board of Directors.
The Company will be bound towards third parties by the signature of any Director, or by the sole signature of the person to whom the daily management of the Company has been delegated, within such daily management or by the joint signatures or sole signature of any persons to whom such signatory power has been delegated by the Board of Directors, but only within the limits of such power.
Where a chief executive officer has been appointed by the Board of Directors, the Company will be bound towards third parties by its sole signature, notwithstanding the power of signature of the Directors under this Article 15.
Article 15 |
Meetings of the Board of Directors |
The Board of Directors may appoint from among its members a chairperson (the Chairperson). It may also appoint a secretary, who need not be a Director and who will be responsible for keeping the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the shareholders.
The Board of Directors will meet upon call by the Chairperson. A meeting of the Board of Directors must be convened if any of two Directors so require.
The Chairperson will preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the shareholders (if required), except that in his absence the Board of Directors may appoint another Director and the general meeting of shareholders may appoint any other person as chairperson pro tempore by vote of the majority present or represented at such meeting.
Except in cases of urgency or with the prior consent of all those entitled to attend, at least twenty-four hours written notice of board meetings shall be given in writing, by fax, by mail, by e-mail or by any other mean of written communication. Any such notice shall specify the time and place of the meeting as well as the agenda and the nature of the business to be transacted. The notice may be waived by the consent in writing, by fax, by mail or by e-mail of each Director. No separate notice is required for meetings held at times and places specified in a schedule previously adopted by resolution of the Board of Directors.
Every Board meeting shall be held in Luxembourg or such other place as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
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A quorum of the Board of Directors shall be at least half of the Directors present at the meeting. When the Section 303A.03 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual requires that, at least once a year, only independent directors of the Company may hold a meeting, the quorum required for a meeting of the Board of Directors can be disregarded and the independent directors must all be present or represented at this meeting.
Resolutions of the Board of Directors in a meeting will be taken by a majority of the votes of the Directors present or represented at such meeting. The Chairperson shall have no casting vote in case of a tie.
One or more Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference call, by videoconference or by any similar means of communication enabling thus several persons participating therein to simultaneously communicate with each other. Such participation shall be deemed equivalent to a physical presence at the meeting.
A written decision, signed by all the Directors, is proper and valid as though it had been adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors which was duly convened and held. Such a decision can be documented in a single document or in several separate documents having the same content and each of them signed by one or several Directors.
The minutes of any meeting of the Board of Directors will be signed by the Chairperson of the meeting and by the secretary (if any). Any proxies will remain attached thereto.
Copies or extracts of such minutes which may be produced in judicial proceedings or otherwise will be signed by the Chairperson and by the secretary (if any) or by any two members of the Board of Directors.
Article 16 |
Management fees and expenses |
Subject to approval by the General Meeting, Directors may receive a management fee for their management of the Company and may, in addition, be reimbursed for all other expenses whatsoever incurred by the relevant Director in relation to the management of the Company.
Article 17 |
Conflict of interest |
Save as otherwise provided by the Law, any member of the Board of Directors who has, directly or indirectly, a financial interest conflicting with the interest of the Company in connection with a transaction falling within the competence of the Board of Directors, must inform the Board of Directors of such conflict of interest and must have his declaration recorded in the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Directors. The relevant member of the Board of Directors may not take part in the discussions relating to such transaction nor vote on such transaction. Any such conflict of interest must be reported to the next general meeting of shareholders of the Company prior to such meeting taking any resolution on any other item.
Where, by reason of conflicting interests, the number of members of the Board of Directors required in order to validly deliberate is not met, the Board of Directors may decide to submit the decision on this specific item to the general meeting of shareholders.
The conflict of interest rules shall not apply where the decision of the Board of Directors relates to day-to-day transactions entered into under normal conditions.
The daily manager(s) of the Company, if any, are subject to the above paragraphs of the present article of these Articles provided that if only one daily manager has been appointed and is in a situation of conflicting interests, the relevant decision shall be adopted by the Board of Directors.
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Article 18 |
Committees of the Board of Directors |
The Board of Directors may establish one or more committees. The composition and the powers of such committee(s), the terms of the appointment, removal, remuneration and duration of the mandate of its/their members, as well as its/their rules of procedure are determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall be in charge of the supervision of the activities of the committee(s). For the avoidance of doubt, such committees shall not constitute management committee in the sense of article 441-11 of the Law.
Article 19 |
Liability of the Directors |
The members of the Board of Directors are not held personally liable for the indebtedness or other obligations of the Company. As agents of the Company, they are responsible for the performance of their duties. Subject to the exceptions and limitations listed in Article 20 and mandatory provisions of the Law, every person who is, or has been, a member of the Board of Directors or officer (mandataire) of the Company shall be indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been a director or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof. The words claim, action, suit or proceeding shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or otherwise including appeals) actual or threatened and the words liability and expenses shall include without limitation attorneys fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement and other liabilities.
No indemnification shall be provided to any director or officer (i) against any liability by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office (ii) with respect to any matter as to which he or she shall have been finally adjudicated to have acted in bad faith and not in the interest of the Company or (iii) in the event of a settlement, unless the settlement has been approved by a court of competent jurisdiction or by the Board of Directors.
The right of indemnification herein provided shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any director or officer may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect or limit any rights to indemnification to which corporate personnel, including directors and officers, may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law. The Company shall specifically be entitled to provide contractual indemnification to and may purchase and maintain insurance for any corporate personnel, including directors and officers of the Company, as the Company may decide upon from time to time.
Article 20 |
Confidentiality |
Even after cessation of their mandate or function, any Director, as well as any person who is invited to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors, shall not disclose information on the Company, the disclosure of which may have adverse consequences for the Company, unless such divulgation is required (i) by a legal or regulatory provision applicable to sociétés anonymes or (ii) for the public benefit.
Article 21 |
Audit of the Company |
The supervision of the Company shall be entrusted to a supervisory auditor (commissaire) or, as the case may be, to a supervisory board constituted by several supervisory auditors.
No supervisory auditor needs to be a shareholder of the Company.
Supervisory auditor(s) shall be appointed by resolution of the shareholders taken in accordance with articles Article 26 and Article 27 of the Articles and will serve for a term ending on the date of the annual general meeting of shareholders following his/her/their appointment. However his/her/their appointment can be renewed by the general meeting of shareholders.
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A supervisory auditor may be removed at any time, without notice and with or without cause by the general meeting of shareholders.
If the general meeting of shareholders of the Company appoints one or more statutory auditors (réviseurs dentreprises agréés) in accordance with article 69 of the law of 19 December 2002 regarding the trade and companies register and the accounting and annual accounts of undertakings, as amended, the institution of statutory auditors is no longer required.
A statutory auditor may only be removed by the general meeting of shareholders for cause or with his approval.
TITLE IV SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS
Article 22 |
Power of the Meeting of Shareholders |
The general meeting of shareholders shall represent all the shareholders of the Company (the General Meeting). It has the powers conferred upon it by the Law.
Article 23 |
Change of nationality |
The shareholders may change the nationality of the Company by a resolution of the general meeting of shareholders adopted in the manner required for an amendment of these articles of association.
Article 24 |
Annual General Meeting |
The annual General Meeting shall be held within six (6) months of the end of each financial year in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg at the registered office of the Company or at such other place in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as may be specified in the convening notice of such meeting. Other General Meetings may be held at such place and time as may be specified in the respective convening notices. Holders of bonds are not entitled to attend General Meetings.
Article 25 |
Other General Meetings |
The Board of Directors may convene other General Meetings. Such meetings must be convened if shareholders representing at least ten percent (10%) of the Companys capital so require.
General Meetings, including the annual General Meeting, may be held abroad if, in judgment of the Board of Directors, which is final, circumstances of force majeure so require.
General Meetings shall be convened in accordance with the provisions of the Law and if the Shares of the Company are listed on a foreign stock exchange, in accordance with the requirements of such foreign stock exchange applicable to the Company.
If the Shares of the Company are listed on a foreign stock exchange, all shareholders recorded in any register of Shares of the Company, the Holder or the Depositary as case may be, are entitled to be admitted to the General Meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may determine a date and time preceding the General Meeting as the record date for admission to the general meeting of shareholders (the Record Date), which may not be less than five (5) days before the date of such meeting.
Any shareholder of the Company, Holder or Depositary, as the case may be, may attend the General Meeting by appointing another person as his or her proxy, the appointment of which shall be in writing, in a manner to be determined by the Board of Directors in the convening notice. In case of Shares held through the operator of a
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securities settlement system or with a Depositary designated by such Depositary, a holder of Shares wishing to attend a General Meeting should receive from such operator or Depositary a certificate certifying the number of Shares recorded in the relevant account on the Record Date and that such Shares are blocked until the closing of the General Meeting to which it relates. The certificate should be submitted to the Company no later than three (3) business days prior to the date of such general meeting. If the shareholder votes by means of a proxy, the proxy shall be deposited at the registered office of the Company or with any agent of the Company, duly authorized to receive such proxies, at the same time. The Board of Directors may set a shorter period for the submission of the certificate or the proxy.
Article 26 |
Procedure, vote |
Shareholders will meet upon call by the Board of Directors or the auditor(s) made in compliance with the Law. The notice sent to the shareholders in accordance with the Law will specify the time and place of the meeting as well as the agenda and the nature of the business to be transacted.
If all the shareholders are present or represented at a General Meeting and if they state that they have been informed of the agenda of the meeting, the General Meeting may be held without prior notice.
Shareholders taking part in a meeting by conference call, through video conference or by any other means of communication allowing for their identification, allowing all persons taking part in the meeting to hear one another on a continuous basis and allowing for an effective participation of all such persons in the meeting, are deemed to be present for the computation of the quorums and votes, subject to such means of communication being made available at the place of the meeting.
Shareholders may act at any General Meeting by appointing in writing, by fax, mail, email or by any other mean of written communication, as his proxy another person who need not be a shareholder.
The Board of Directors may in its sole discretion authorize each shareholder to vote at a general meeting through a signed voting form sent by post, electronic mail, facsimile or any other means of communication to the Companys registered office or to the address specified in the convening notice. Subject to such authorization by the Board of Directors, the shareholders may only use voting forms provided by the Company or a Depositary which contain at least the place, date and time of the meeting, the agenda of the meeting, the proposals submitted to the shareholders, as well as for each proposal three boxes allowing the shareholder to vote in favour thereof , against, or abstain from voting by ticking the appropriate box. For the avoidance of doubt, shareholders may not vote by voting forms where the Board of Directors has not authorized such voting method for a given general meeting. The Company will only take into account voting forms received no later than three (3) business days prior to the date of the General Meeting to which they relate. The Board of Directors may set a shorter period for the submission of the voting forms.
In connection with each General Meeting, the Board of Directors may determine such rules of deliberations and such conditions for allowing shareholders to take part in the meeting as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
Except to the extent inconsistent with the rules and conditions as adopted by the Board of Directors, the person presiding over the General Meeting shall have the power and authority to prescribe such additional rules and conditions and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such person, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules and conditions, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the person presiding over the meeting, may include, in each case to the extent permitted by applicable law:
(a) |
determining the order of business for the meeting subject to compliance with the agenda for the meeting; |
(b) |
rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; |
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(c) |
limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to shareholders of record, their duly authorized and constituted attorneys or such other persons as the person presiding over the meeting shall determine; |
(d) |
restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof ; and |
(e) |
limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. |
For resolutions the adoption of which is not subject to the quorum and the majority requirements for an amendment of the Articles, the quorum shall be at least one half (1/2) of all the Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding and the resolutions shall be adopted by a simple majority of votes cast. If the said quorum is not reached at a first meeting, a second meeting may be convened and resolutions shall be adopted, irrespective of the number of Shares represented by a simple majority of votes cast.
For resolutions the adoption of which is subject to the quorum and majority requirements for an amendment of the Articles, the quorum shall be at least one half (1/2) of all the Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding and the resolutions shall be adopted by a two thirds (2/3rds) majority of the votes cast. If the said quorum is not reached at a first meeting, a second meeting may be convened and resolutions shall be adopted, irrespective of the number of Ordinary Shares represented, by a two thirds (2/3rds) majority of the votes cast.
One (1) vote is attached to each outstanding Ordinary Share.
Preferred Shares are not entitled to vote, save for the matters provided for by the Law, including any amendment, alteration or change to the rights attached to the Preferred Shares in a manner adverse to the Preferred Shares for which the consent of holders owning a majority of the Preferred Shares will be required.
Preferred Shares, being non-voting shares, shall not be included for the calculation of the quorum and majority at each General Meetings, save for the matters provided for by the Law and in this Article.
Copies of extracts of the minutes of the meeting to be produced in judicial proceedings or otherwise will be signed by any two members of the Board of Directors or by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
Article 27 |
Adjournment |
The Board of Directors may forthwith adjourn any General Meeting by four (4) weeks. The Board of Directors must adjourn a meeting if so required by one or more shareholders representing at least ten per cent (10%) of the Companys share capital.
Such adjournment automatically cancels any resolution already adopted prior thereto.
The adjourned General Meeting has the same agenda as the first one. Shares and proxies regularly deposited in view of the first meeting remain validly deposited for the second one.
TITLE V FINANCIAL YEAR BALANCE SHEET PROFITS AUDIT
Article 28 |
Financial year |
The financial year of the Company starts on January 1st and ends on December 31st.
Article 29 |
Annual accounts |
Each year, as at the end of the financial year, the Board of Directors shall draw up a balance sheet and a profit and loss account in accordance with the Law, to which an inventory will be annexed, constituting altogether the annual accounts that will then be submitted to the shareholders in accordance with Article 25 and Article 27 of the Articles.
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Article 30 |
Profits |
The credit balance of the profit and loss account, after deduction of the expenses, costs, amortizations, charges and provisions, such as approved by a resolution of the shareholders taken in accordance with Article 25 and Article 27 of the Articles, represents the net profit of the Company.
Each year, 5% (five percent) of the net profit shall be allocated to the legal reserve account of the Company. This allocation ceases to be compulsory when the legal reserve amounts to 1/10 (one tenth) of the share capital of the Company, but must be resumed at any time when the legal reserve falls below this level.
The remaining profit shall be allocated by a resolution of the shareholders taken in accordance with Article 25 and Article 27 of the Articles, subject to the paragraph and priority order below.
Where Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding, each Preferred Share is entitled to a preferred annual cumulative right to a dividend amounting to 6.5% (the Regular Dividend Rate) of its nominal value (the Preferential Dividend). The Preferential Dividend shall be paid each year within 3 business days following the holding of the annual General Meeting provided for under article 24 (each, a Preferential Dividend Payment Date). On each Preferential Dividend Payment Date, 40% of the Preferential Dividend for such year (or 50% of the Preferential Dividend for such year if the Company paid a dividend on the Ordinary Shares during period since the payment of the last Preferential Dividend Payment Date) shall be paid in cash and the remainder of the Preferential Dividend shall be paid in kind, unless the Company elects to pay any additional portion of the Preferential Dividend in cash; provided, that, (x) the Company shall not be required to pay any portion of such annual Preferential Dividends in cash on a Preferential Dividend Payment Date to the extent that the Company or its subsidiaries are prohibited from paying such portion of the annual Preferential Dividend in cash under either (i) that certain senior credit facility agreement to which the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries is a party (the Senior Credit Agreement) or (ii) that certain bridge term loan credit facility to which the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries is a party or any senior secured notes issued by the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries (as applicable, the Bridge Loan/Secured Notes), and (y) in the event that the Company or its subsidiaries are so prohibited from paying all or a portion of such Preferential Dividends in cash as described in the foregoing clause (x), the Company shall pay the maximum amount not prohibited by the Senior Credit Agreement or the Bridge Loan/Secured Notes in cash. If the Company fails to pay any portion of the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend for any reason in a given year by the Preferential Dividend Payment Date (including due to clause (x) of the immediately preceding sentence or as a result of the Companys failure to hold an annual General Meeting provided for under article 24), then (i) the Preferential Dividend rate for such year (i.e. the year in which the Company fails to pay any portion of the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment), but not necessarily the subsequent year, will increase to the interest rate being paid (whether def ault or not) at such time under the Senior Credit Agreement plus 5% (the Increased Dividend Rate) and (ii) the Preferential Dividend Rate f or the following year will be reset at the Regular Dividend Rate and will be subject to increase to the Increased Dividend Rate for such year (but not necessarily the subsequent year) if the Company fails to pay any portion of the cash portion of the Pref erential Dividend Payment by the Preferential Dividend Payment Date f or such year.
If the Company fails to redeem the Preferred Shares at the Maturity Date, the Preferential Dividend rate will permanently increase to the interest rate currently being paid (whether def ault or not) under the Senior Credit Agreement plus 10%.
As long as Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding, the Company and its subsidiaries shall not (a) enter into a credit agreement (except to the extent related to the issuance of senior secured notes as contemplated by the Bridge Loan/Secured Notes) or (b) amend the Senior Credit Agreement, in each case, in a manner that would adversely affect the redemption rights of the Preferred Shares by extending the maturity date under such credit facility beyond the Maturity Date or increase the restrictions on the Companys ability to pay the cash portion of Preferential Dividends without the consent of holders owning a majority of the Preferred Shares. If , in any year, the Company fails to make any portion of the cash portion of any Preferential Dividend by the Preferential
13
Dividend Payment Date, then, during the following year, the Company may not, without the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Preferred Shares, (i) pay a cash dividend on the Ordinary Shares until such time as the Company has paid the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment for such following year (which cash portion of the Pref erential Dividend Payment may be paid by the Company in advance of the Pref erential Dividend Payment Date for, and at any time during, such following year) or (ii) purchase, repurchase or redeem any equity securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than pursuant to the repurchase of management incentive equity at cost upon termination of employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries) until such time as the Company has paid fifty percent (50%) of the cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment f or such following year (which such cash portion of the Preferential Dividend Payment may be paid by the Company in advance of the Preferential Dividend Payment Date for, and at any time during, such following year). As long as Pref erred Shares are issued and outstanding, during the occurrence and continuance of a def ault by the Company to pay any Preferential Dividend (for the avoidance of doubt, the payment of any cash portion of the Preferential Dividend in kind in accordance with the terms of these Articles shall not constitute a def ault by the Company), the approval of holders owning a majority of the outstanding Preferred Shares shall be required (i) for the declaration of dividends to the benefit of all other categories of Shares issued and outstanding and (ii) for the purchase, repurchase or redemption of any equity securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than pursuant to equity incentive agreements with employees).
Article 31 |
Interim dividends |
Subject to the above provision, the Board of Directors may, in accordance with the provisions of article 461-3 of the Law, decide to pay interim dividends (that may include the payment of the Preferential Dividend before payment of any other dividend) before the end of the current financial year, on the basis of a statement of accounts not older than 2 (two) months of the date of the decision and prepared by the Board of Directors, and showing that suf ficient funds are available for distribution, it being understood that the amount to be distributed may not exceed total profits made since the end of the last financial year for which the annual accounts have been approved, plus any profits carried forward and sums drawn from reserves available for this purpose, less losses carried forward and any sums to be placed to reserve pursuant to the requirements of the Law or of the Articles.
The supervisory auditor or the statutory auditor, as applicable, shall verif y that the conditions laid out above have been complied with.
TITLE VI DISSOLUTION LIQUIDATION
Article 32 |
Dissolution, liquidation |
The Company may be dissolved by a decision of the General Meeting voting with the same quorum and majority as for the amendment of these Articles, unless otherwise provided by the Law.
Should the Company be dissolved, the liquidation will be carried out by one or more liquidators appointed by the General Meeting, which will determine their powers and their compensation.
Af ter payment of all the debts of and charges against the Company and of the expenses of liquidation, the holders of Preferred Shares, if any, shall be entitled to a preferential right to repayment of the nominal value of the Preferred Shares plus any accrued but unpaid Preferential Dividends before repayment of the nominal value of the Ordinary Shares. Thereaf ter, the net liquidation proceeds shall be distributed equally to the holders of the Ordinary Shares pro rata to the number of Ordinary Shares held by them.
14
TITLE VIII APPLICABLE LAW
Article 33 |
Applicable law |
All matters not governed by these Articles shall be determined in accordance with the Law. If the Shares of the Company are listed on a foreign stock exchange or the Company is subject to the rules and regulations of the Commission, to the extent any provision of these Articles conf licts with applicable rules and regulations of such foreign stock exchange or the Commission, such rules and regulations shall govern, unless compliance with such rules and regulations will violate the Law.
15
Exhibit F
Plan and Articles of Merger
TERRITORY OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
THE BVI BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (AS AMENDED)
ARTICLES OF MERGER
Between
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED
(as the surviving company)
and
EVERARC (BVI) MERGER SUB LIMITED
(as the merging company)
TERRITORY OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
THE BVI BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (AS AMENDED)
ARTICLES OF MERGER
These Articles of Merger are made on [ ] 2021.
Between:
(1) |
EverArc Holdings Limited a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with company number 2025707 (the Surviving Company or BVI Co); and |
(2) |
EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with company number 2065980 (the Merging Company and together with the Surviving Company, the Constituent Companies). |
Whereas the directors of each of the Constituent Companies have determined that it is desirable and in the best interests of the relevant Constituent Company and its members that pursuant to the provisions of section 170 of the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004, as amended (the Act), the Surviving Company be merged with the Merging Company, with the Surviving Company being the surviving company (the Merger).
Now therefore these Articles of Merger provide as follows:
1 |
For the purposes of section 171(1) of the Act: |
(a) |
Each Constituent Company hereby adopts the Plan of Merger, a copy of which is annexed hereto as the Annex, to the intent that the Merger shall be effective on the date these Articles of Merger are registered by the Registrar of Corporate Affairs in the British Virgin Islands (the Effective Date). |
(b) |
BVI Co was incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands as a BVI business company incorporated under the Act on 8 November 2019 with company number 2025707. |
(c) |
The Merging Company was incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands as a BVI business company incorporated under the Act on 10 June 2021 with company number 2065980. |
(d) |
The Memorandum and Articles of Association of BVI Co were first registered on by the Registrar of Corporate Affairs on 8 November 2019 and have not since been amended and/or restated. |
(e) |
The Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Merging Company were first registered on by the Registrar of Corporate Affairs on 10 June 2021 and have not since been amended and/or restated. |
(f) |
The memorandum of association and articles of association of BVI Co shall be the memorandum of association and articles of association of the Surviving Company. |
(g) |
The Merger and Plan of Merger were approved by the directors of the Surviving Company on [insert date] 2021 and authorised by the members of BVI Co on [insert date] 2021. |
(h) |
The Merger and Plan of Merger were approved by the directors of the Merging Company on [insert date] 2021 and authorised by the members of the Merging Company on [insert date] 2021. |
2 |
Each of the Constituent Companies has complied with all the provisions of the laws of the British Virgin Islands to enable them to merge on the Effective Date. |
3 |
The name of the Surviving Company upon the consummation and effectiveness of this Merger shall remain unchanged. |
4 |
These Articles of Merger shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the British Virgin Islands. |
5 |
These Articles of Merger may be executed in counterparts. |
In witness whereof the parties hereto have caused the Articles of Merger to be executed on the day and year first above written.
SIGNED by ________________________ | ) | |||
Duly authorised for | ) | |||
and on behalf of | ) | Director | ||
EverArc Holdings Limited | ) | |||
SIGNED by ________________________ | ) | |||
Duly authorised for | ) | |||
and on behalf of | ) | Director | ||
EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited | ) |
Annex
Plan of Merger
TERRITORY OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
THE BVI BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (AS AMENDED)
PLAN OF MERGER
Between
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED
(as the surviving company)
and
EVERARC (BVI) MERGER SUB LIMITED
(as the merging company)
TERRITORY OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
THE BVI BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (AS AMENDED)
PLAN OF MERGER
This Plan of Merger is made on [ ] 2021.
Between:
(1) |
EverArc Holdings Limited a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with company number 2025707 (the Surviving Company or BVI Co); and |
(2) |
EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with company number 2065980 (the Merging Company and together with the Surviving Company, the Constituent Companies). |
Whereas:
(A) |
The Surviving Company is a BVI business company incorporated and existing under the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004, as amended (the Act). |
(B) |
The Merging Company is a BVI business company incorporated and existing under the Act. |
(C) |
The directors of each of the Constituent Companies have determined that it is desirable and in the best interests of the relevant Constituent Company and its members that pursuant to the provisions of section 170 of the Act, the Surviving Company be merged with the Merging Company, with the Surviving Company being the surviving company (the Merger). |
Now therefore this Plan of Merger provides as follows:
1 |
For the purposes of section 170(2) of the Act: |
1.1 |
the constituent companies to the Merger are the Surviving Company and the Merging Company; |
1.2 |
the surviving company is BVI Co; |
1.3 |
the Surviving Company is authorised to issue an unlimited number of shares in two classes of which there are [100] Founder Shares and [40,832,500] Ordinary Shares in issue. In accordance with the provisions Clause 6.1(b) of the Surviving Companys Memorandum and Article 41 of the Surviving Companys Memorandum and Articles of Association, only the holders of the Founder Shares shall be entitled to vote on the Merger; and |
1.4 |
the Merging Company is authorised to issue a maximum of 1,000 shares of one class of no par value of which there are [insert number and name of class] shares in issue, all of which are entitled to vote on the Merger as one class. |
2 |
As soon as the Merger becomes effective (the Effective Date): |
2.1 |
the separate corporate existence of the Merging Company shall cease; |
2.2 |
the Surviving Company has all the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, objects and purposes of each of the Constituent Companies; |
2.3 |
assets of every description, including choses in action, and the business of each of the Constituent Companies vest in the Surviving Company; and |
2.4 |
the Surviving Company is liable for all claims, debts, liabilities and obligations of each of the Constituent Companies. |
3 |
The terms and conditions of the Merger, including the manner and basis of cancelling, reclassifying or converting shares in each Constituent Company into shares, debt obligations or other securities in the Surviving Company are set out below. |
On the Effective Date:
3.1 |
each ordinary share issued and outstanding in the Merging Company on the Effective Date shall be converted into one Ordinary share in the Surviving Company; |
3.2 |
each Ordinary Share issued and outstanding in BVI Co on the Effective Date, other than any Cancelled Shares and any Dissenting Shares (as each such term is defined below), shall be converted into one Ordinary share in Perimeter Solutions, SA (ParentCo) (the Merger Consideration). It is noted that pursuant to the terms of a business combination agreement dated [] between, among others, BVI Co, ParentCo and the Merging Company, the parties to this Plan of Merger have the right for such Ordinary shares in ParentCo to be so issued; |
3.3 |
each Founder Share issued and outstanding in the Surviving Company on the Effective Date shall be converted into one Ordinary share in ParentCo; |
3.4 |
each Ordinary Share issued and outstanding in the Surviving Company held by the Surviving Company as a treasury share immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the Cancelled Shares) will be cancelled and will cease to exist at the effective time of the Merger, and no consideration will be delivered in exchange therefor; and |
3.5 |
each Ordinary Share issued and outstanding in the Surviving Company in respect of which the holder thereof has duly and validly exercised a right of dissent in accordance with section 179 of the Act (Dissenting Shares) shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist and be outstanding in accordance with the Act, and each holder of a Dissenting Share shall cease to be a member of BVI Co (and shall not be a member of the Surviving Company) and shall cease to have any rights thereto (including any right to receive such holders portion of the aggregate Merger Consideration), subject to and except for such rights as are granted under Section 179 of the Act. |
4 |
The memorandum of association and articles of association of BVI Co in effect on the Effective Date shall be the memorandum of association and articles of association of the Surviving Company. |
5 |
This Plan of Merger shall be submitted to the holder of the Founder Shares of the Surviving Company and members of Merging Company for their approval by a resolution of members. |
6 |
The Merger shall, pursuant to section 173 of the Act, be effective on date that the articles of merger are registered by the Registrar of Corporate Affairs. |
7 |
This Plan of Merger shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the British Virgin Islands. |
8 |
This Plan of Merger may be executed in counterparts. |
In witness whereof the parties hereto have caused this Plan of Merger to be executed on the day and year first above written.
SIGNED by ________________________ | ) | |||
Duly authorised for | ) | |||
and on behalf of | ) | Director | ||
EverArc Holdings Limited | ) | |||
SIGNED by ________________________ | ) | |||
Duly authorised for | ) | |||
and on behalf of | ) | Director | ||
EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited | ) |
Execution Version
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
This SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this Subscription Agreement) is entered into on June 14, 2021 by and among EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the Company), SK Invictus Intermediate, S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with its registered office at 6, rue Eugene Ruppert, L-2453 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) (Target), EverArc, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions S.A., a joint stock company (societe anonyme) to be incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to have its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to be registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Societes, Luxembourg) (Holdco), and the subscriber party set forth on the signature page hereto (Subscriber).
WHEREAS, the Company is concurrently with the execution and delivery hereof entering into that certain Business Combination Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, by and among SK Invictus Holdings, S.a.r.l (the Seller), the Company, Target, Holdco, and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability in the British Virgin Islands (Merger Sub) (the Business Combination Agreement), pursuant to which, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Merger Sub, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco, is expected to merge with and into the Company, with the Company surviving such merger as a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco (the Merger);
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, effective on the Transaction Closing Date (as defined herein) but subsequent to the Merger, the Seller is expected to contribute and sell its ordinary shares of Target to Holdco in exchange for cash and preferred shares of Holdco, with Target becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco (together with the Merger, the Transactions);
WHEREAS, to finance a portion of the Transactions, Subscriber desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Company that number of the Companys ordinary shares, no par value (the Ordinary Shares), which will be exchanged with Holdco in the Merger for the right to receive one Holdco Share for each Ordinary Share upon consummation of the Transactions, as set forth on the signature page hereto (the Acquired Shares) for a purchase price of $10.00 per share and an aggregate purchase price set forth on the signature page hereto (the Purchase Price), and the Company desires to issue and sell to Subscriber the Acquired Shares in consideration of the payment of the Purchase Price by or on behalf of Subscriber to the Company on or prior to the Transaction Closing Date (as defined below);
WHEREAS, to finance a portion of the Transactions, certain other (i) qualified institutional buyers (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act)) (ii) institutional accredited investors (as such term is defined in Rule 501 under the Securities Act), (iii) if in member states of the European Economic Area, persons who qualify as a qualified investor (a EEA Qualified Investor) (as defined in the EU Prospectus Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/1129) (the Prospectus Regulation)) or (iv) if in the United Kingdom, persons who qualify as a UK qualified investor (a UK Qualified Investors) (as defined in the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the EUWA) and as amended (the UK Prospectus Regulation)) and who (A) is an investment professional within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Order, (B) falls within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order; or (C) is a person to whom this offer may otherwise lawfully be communicated (together, the Other Subscribers) have, severally and not jointly, entered into separate subscription agreements with the Company (the Other Subscription Agreements), pursuant to which such investors have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase Ordinary Shares on the Transaction Closing Date (as defined herein) at the Purchase Price (the Offering); and
B-1
WHEREAS, the aggregate amount of Ordinary Shares to be sold by the Company pursuant to this Subscription Agreement and the Other Subscription Agreements is expected to equal up to Ordinary Shares, it being acknowledged and understood that the Ordinary Shares sold pursuant to this Subscription Agreement and the Other Subscription Agreements will be exchanged with Holdco for Holdco Shares upon consummation of the Transactions.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties and covenants, and subject to the conditions, herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Subscription. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Subscriber severally and not jointly with any Other Subscribers hereby subscribes for and agrees to purchase, and the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to Subscriber, upon the payment of the Purchase Price, the Acquired Shares (such subscription and issuance, the Subscription).
2. Closing.
(a) The closing of the Subscription contemplated hereby (the Subscription Closing) is contingent upon the substantially concurrent consummation of the Transactions (the Transaction Closing) and, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2(b) hereof, shall occur immediately prior to, the Transaction Closing (the Transaction Closing Date). Not less than five (5) business days prior to the scheduled or anticipated Transaction Closing Date, the Company shall provide written notice to Subscriber (the Closing Notice) of such Closing Date (i) setting forth the scheduled or anticipated Transaction Closing Date, (ii) stating that the Company reasonably expects all conditions to the Transaction Closing to be satisfied or waived on or prior to the Transaction Closing Date, and (iii) including wire instructions for delivery of the Purchase Price to the Company. At least two (2) business days prior to the Transaction Closing Date specified in the Closing Notice, Subscriber shall deliver to the Company (i) any information that is reasonably requested in the Closing Notice that is required in order to enable the Company to issue the Acquired Shares, including, without limitation, the legal name of the person (or nominee) in whose name such Acquired Shares are to be issued, details relating to the Subscribers CREST (as defined herein) Participant ID and Member Designation and related instructions relating to the delivery of the Acquired Shares to Subscriber and a duly executed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 or W-8, as applicable and (ii) the Purchase Price for the Acquired Shares by wire transfer of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds to the account specified by the Company in the Closing Notice. Upon satisfaction of the foregoing, the Company shall, at the Subscription Closing, (i) deliver (or cause the delivery of) Depositary Interests representing the Acquired Shares in CREST to the Subscriber or to a CREST participant designated by the Subscriber, as applicable, as indicated in the instructions provided to the Company by Subscriber and (ii) immediately thereafter, cancel the Acquired Shares and Holdco shall issue the Holdco Shares in book-entry form, free and clear of any liens or other restrictions whatsoever (other than those arising under this Subscription Agreement or applicable securities laws), in the name of the Subscriber (or its nominee in accordance with its delivery instructions) or to a CREST participant designated by the Subscriber, as applicable.
In the event the closing of the Transactions does not occur within two (2) business days of the Transaction Closing Date specified in the Closing Notice, unless otherwise instructed by the Subscriber, the Company shall promptly (but not later than one (1) business day thereafter) return the Purchase Price to Subscriber by wire transfer of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds to the account specified by Subscriber without any deduction for or on account of any tax withholding, charges or set-off, and any Depositary Interests, book entries or share certificates shall be deemed cancelled and any share certificates shall be promptly (but not later than one (1) business day thereafter) returned to the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 2, if the Subscriber informs the Company (1) that it is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (2) that it is advised by
B-2
an investment adviser subject to regulation under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or (3) that its internal compliance policies and procedures so require it, then, in lieu of the settlement procedures provided above, the following shall apply: the Subscriber shall deliver at 8:00 a.m. New York City time on the Transaction Closing Date (or as soon as practicable prior to the Transaction Closing on the Transaction Closing Date, following receipt of evidence from the Companys transfer agent of the issuance to the Subscriber of the Depositary Interests representing the Acquired Shares in CREST on and as of the Transaction Closing Date) the Purchase Price for the Acquired Shares by wire transfer of United States dollars in immediately available funds to the account specified by the Company in the Closing Notice against delivery by the Company to the Subscriber of the Depositary Interests representing the Acquired Shares in CREST to the Subscriber or to a custodian designated by the Subscriber, as applicable, as indicated in the instructions provided to the Company by Subscriber, free and clear of any liens or other restrictions (other than those arising under this Subscription Agreement or applicable securities laws), in the name of the Subscriber (or its nominee in accordance with its delivery instructions).
For purposes of this Subscription Agreement, CREST means the system for the paperless settlement of trades in securities and the holding of securities in uncertificated form of which Euroclear is the Operator (as defined in the CREST Regulations) and CREST Regulations means the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (SI 2001 No 3755), as amended.
(b) The Closing shall be subject to the conditions that, as of the Subscription Closing:
(i) solely with respect to Subscriber, the representations and warranties made by the Company in this Subscription Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Subscription Closing (other than those representations and warranties expressly made as of an earlier date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date, and other than those representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect (as defined herein), which shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Subscription Closing or such other date as applicable), in each case without giving effect to the consummation of the Transactions;
(ii) solely with respect to the Company, the representations and warranties made by the Subscriber in this Subscription Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Subscription Closing (other than those representations and warranties expressly made as of an earlier date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date, and other than those representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect, which shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Subscription Closing or such other date, as applicable), in each case without giving effect to the consummation of the Transactions;
(iii) solely with respect to Subscriber, the Company and Holdco shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Subscription Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company or Holdco, respectively, at or prior to the Subscription Closing;
(iv) solely with respect to the Company, the Subscriber shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Subscription Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by it at or prior to the Subscription Closing;
(v) no governmental authority having jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any material judgment, order, law, rule or regulation (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is then in effect and has the effect of restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement;
(vi) solely with respect to Subscriber, no amendment, modification or waiver of the Business Combination Agreement (as the same exists in the date hereof as provided, or made available, to the Subscriber)
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shall have occurred that would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the economic benefits that the Subscriber would reasonably expect to receive under this Subscription Agreement, unless the Subscriber has consented in writing to such amendment, modification or waiver;
(vii) solely with respect to Subscriber, no Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred relating to Target or its subsidiaries, takes as a whole, provided that, the parties acknowledge and agree that no Material Adverse Effect will have occurred based solely as a result of any action, transaction, change or activity permitted or contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement;
(viii) Holdco Shares shall have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market (the Stock Exchange), subject to official notice of issuance; and
(ix) all conditions precedent to the Transaction Closing, as set forth in the Business Combination Agreement, shall have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that may only be satisfied at the closing of the Transactions, but subject to satisfaction of such conditions as of the closing of the Transactions).
(c) At the Subscription Closing, the parties hereto shall execute and deliver or cause to be executed or delivered such additional documents and take such additional actions as may be reasonably necessary in order to consummate the Subscription as contemplated by this Subscription Agreement.
3. Company Representations and Warranties. The Company and Holdco represent and warrant to the Subscriber and the Placement Agents that:
(a) The Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing and is in good standing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, with corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its business as presently conducted and to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Subscription Agreement. Holdco has been duly incorporated, is validly existing and is in good standing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its business as presently conducted and to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Subscription Agreement.
(b) As of the Closing Date, the Acquired Shares will be duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to Subscriber against full payment for the Acquired Shares in accordance with the terms of this Subscription Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable free and clear of any liens, charges or encumbrances (other than restrictions under applicable securities laws) and will not have been issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive or similar rights created under the Companys Memorandum and Articles of Association (the Articles of Association) or under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. The Holdco Shares, when delivered to Subscriber in exchange for the Acquired Shares, will be duly authorized and delivered and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable free and clear of any liens, charges or encumbrances (other than restrictions under applicable securities laws) and will not have been issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive or similar rights created under Holdcos Articles of Association or under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
(c) This Subscription Agreement and the Business Combination Agreement (collectively, the Transaction Documents) have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming that the Transaction Documents constitute the valid and binding agreement of the Subscriber, are valid and binding obligations of the Company and Holdco, and are enforceable against each of them in accordance with their terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, and (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.
(d) The execution, delivery and performance of this Subscription Agreement, including the issuance and sale of the Acquired Shares and the consummation of the other transactions contemplated hereby, will not
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conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the property or assets of the Company or Holdco pursuant to the terms of (i) any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease, license or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or Holdco is a party or by which the Company or Holdco is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or Holdco is subject; (ii) the organizational documents of the Company or Holdco; or (iii) any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency, taxing authority or regulatory body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company, Holdco or any of their properties that, in the case of clauses (i) and (iii), would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, properties, assets, liabilities, operations, condition (including financial condition), stockholders equity or results of operations of the Company or Holdco or materially affect the validity of the Acquired Shares or the legal authority or ability of the Company or Holdco to perform in any material respects its obligations hereunder (a Material Adverse Effect).
(e) Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Subscriber set forth in Section 4 of this Subscription Agreement, neither the Company nor Holdco is required to obtain any consent, waiver, authorization or order of, give any notice to, or make any filing or registration with, any court or other federal, state, local or other governmental authority, self-regulatory organization or other person in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Subscription Agreement (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Acquired Shares or Holdco Shares), other than (i) filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission), (ii) filings required by applicable state securities laws, (iii) filings required by the Stock Exchange, the London Stock Exchange plc and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), (iv) filings required to consummate the Transaction as provided under the definitive documents relating to the Transaction, and (v) where the failure of which to obtain would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or have a material adverse effect on the Companys or Holdcos ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including the issuance and sale of the Acquired Shares or Holdco Shares.
(f) The Company is not in default or violation (and no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or violation) of any term, condition or provision of (i) the organizational documents of the Company, (ii) any loan or credit agreement, guarantee, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement, permit, franchise or license to which, as of the date of this Subscription Agreement, the Company is a party or by which the Companys properties or assets are bound or (iii) any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency, taxing authority or regulatory body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties, except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), for defaults or violations that have not had and would not be reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
(g) As of the date of this Subscription Agreement, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 40,832,500 Ordinary Shares, no par value, (ii) 100 Founder Shares, no par value (the Founder Shares, together with the Ordinary Shares, the Shares) and (iii) 34,020,000 redeemable warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares (the Warrants). All issued and outstanding shares have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and are non-assessable and are not subject to preemptive or other similar rights. Except as set forth above and pursuant to the Other Subscription Agreements and the Transaction Documents, there are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for, purchase or acquire from the Company any Shares or other equity interests in the Company, or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such equity interests. As of the date hereof, other than Holdco and Merger Sub, the Company has no subsidiaries and does not own, directly or indirectly, interests or investments (whether equity or debt) in any person, whether incorporated or unincorporated. There are no stockholder agreements, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound relating to the voting of any securities of the Company, other than (A) as set forth in the Companys public filings and (B) as contemplated by the Transactions.
(h) The Ordinary Shares and Warrants are currently listed on the Official List by way of a Standard Listing under Chapter 14 of the listing rules published by the U.K. Listing Authority under section 73A of
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Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the Listing Rules) and such Ordinary Shares and Warrants are admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plcs main market for listed securities.
(i) Assuming the accuracy of the Subscribers representations and warranties in Section 4, no registration under the Securities Act is required for the sale of the Acquired Shares by the Company to Subscriber in the manner contemplated by this Subscription Agreement. Neither the Company nor any person acting on its behalf has engaged in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D of the Securities Act) in connection with the offer and sale of the Acquired Shares.
(j) The Company has not entered into any Other Subscription Agreement (and will not enter into any amendments to the Other Subscription Agreements) or other agreement to sell equity securities (or, in any case, any side letter or similar agreement in respect thereof), other than agreements relating to the sale or issuance of equity securities in connection with the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby including equity issuances in connection with the listing of the Holdco Shares on the Stock Exchange (as defined below), provided such sales or issuances are made on terms (economic or otherwise) no more favorable to such subscriber or investor than as set forth in this Subscription Agreement.
(k) Except for such matters as have not had and would not be reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, there is no (i) action, suit, claim or other proceeding, in each case by or before any governmental authority pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company or Holdco, threatened against the Company or Holdco or (ii) judgment, decree, injunction, ruling or order of any governmental entity outstanding against the Company or Holdco.
(l) Except for placement fees payable to Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc and UBS Securities LLC (each, a Placement Agent and collectively, the Placement Agents), neither the Company nor Holdco has paid, nor are they obligated to pay, any brokerage, finders or other fee or commission in connection with its issuance and sale of the Acquired Shares or Holdco Shares, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any fee or commission payable to any stockholder or affiliate of the Company or Holdco.
(m) Neither the Company nor Holdco is, and immediately after receipt of payment for the Acquired Shares neither will be, an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(n) The Company and Holdco acknowledge and agree that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Acquired Shares and Holdco Shares may be pledged by Subscriber in connection with a bona fide margin agreement, which shall not be deemed to be a transfer, sale or assignment of the Acquired Shares or Holdco Shares hereunder, and Subscriber effecting a pledge of Acquired Shares or Holdco Shares shall not be required to provide the Company with any notice thereof or otherwise make any delivery to the Company pursuant to this Subscription Agreement. The Company hereby agrees to execute and deliver such documentation as a pledgee of the Acquired Shares or Holdco Shares may reasonably request in connection with a pledge of the Acquired Shares or Holdco Shares to such pledgee by Subscriber.
(o) The Company and Holdco is each in compliance with all applicable law, except where such noncompliance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor Holdco has received any written communication from a governmental authority that alleges that it is not in compliance with or is in default or violation of any applicable law.
4. Subscriber Representations and Warranties. Subscriber represents and warrants to the Company and the Placement Agents that:
(a) Subscriber has been duly formed or incorporated and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, with power and authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Subscription Agreement.
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(b) This Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Subscriber and, assuming that this Subscription Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of the Company, Target and Holdco, this Subscription Agreement is the valid and binding obligation of Subscriber, enforceable against Subscriber in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, or (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.
(c) The execution, delivery and performance by Subscriber of this Subscription Agreement, including the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the property or assets of Subscriber or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of (i) any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease, license or other agreement or instrument to which Subscriber or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which Subscriber or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of Subscriber or any of its subsidiaries is subject; (ii) the organizational documents of Subscriber; or (iii) any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over Subscriber or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties that, in the case of clauses (i) and (iii), would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the legal authority or ability of Subscriber to perform its obligations hereunder.
(d) Subscriber is
(i) if in the United States, (x) a qualified institutional buyer (as defined under the Securities Act) or (y) an institutional accredited investor (within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (9), (12) or (13) under the Securities Act), in each case, satisfying the requirements set forth on Schedule A, and is acquiring the Acquired Shares and Holdco Shares only for his, her or its own account and not for the account of others, or if the Subscriber is acquiring the Acquired Shares or Holdco Shares as a fiduciary or agent for one or more investor accounts, each owner of such account is a qualified institutional buyer or an institutional accredited investor and the Subscriber has full investment discretion with respect to each such account, and the full power and authority to make the acknowledgements, representations and agreements herein on behalf of each owner of each such account, and not on behalf of any other account or person or with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution thereof in violation of the Securities Act (and shall provide the requested information on Schedule A following the signature page hereto). Accordingly, the Subscriber understands that the offering of the Acquired Shares meets the exemptions from filing under FINRA Rule 5123(b)(1)(C) or (J);
(ii) (A) an institutional account as defined in FINRA Rule 4512(c), (B) a sophisticated investor, experienced in investing in private equity transactions and capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities and (C) has exercised independent judgment in evaluating its participation in the purchase of the Acquired Shares. Accordingly, the Subscriber understands that the offering of the Acquired Shares meets (x) the exemptions from filing under FINRA Rule 5123(b)(1)(A) and (y) the institutional customer exemption under FINRA Rule 2111(b); and
(iii) if in member states of the European Economic Area, an EEA Qualified Investor or if in the United Kingdom, a UK Qualified Investor who also (A) is an investment professional within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the Order), (B) falls within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order; or (C) is a person to whom this offer may otherwise lawfully be communicated.
(e) Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that the Acquired Shares and Holdco Shares are being offered in a transaction not involving any public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act or any offer of securities to the public within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation or the UK Prospectus Regulation and
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that the Acquired Shares and Holdco Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act , except as required by Section 5 herein. Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that the Acquired Shares and Holdco Shares may not be offered, resold, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of by Subscriber absent an effective registration statement under the Securities Act except (i) to the Company, Holdco or a subsidiary thereof, (ii) to non-U.S. persons pursuant to offers and sales that occur in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (Rule 144), provided that all of the applicable conditions thereof (including those set out in Rule 144(i) which are applicable to the Company or Holdco, as applicable) have been met or (iv) pursuant to another applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and in each of clauses (i), (iii) and (iv) in accordance with any applicable securities laws of the states and other jurisdictions of the United States, and that any certificates or book-entry records representing the Acquired Shares and Holdco Shares shall contain a restrictive legend to such effect.
(f) The Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that the Acquired Shares and Holdco Shares will not be immediately eligible for resale or transfer pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, that Rule 144 will not be available until 12 months following the closing and, as a result, the Subscriber may not be able to readily resell or transfer the Acquired Shares or Holdco Shares and may be required to bear the financial risk of an investment in the Acquired Shares or Holdco Shares for an indefinite period of time. The Subscriber understands that it has been advised to consult legal counsel prior to making any offer, resale, pledge or transfer of any of the Acquired Shares or Holdco Shares.
(g) Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that Subscriber is purchasing the Acquired Shares directly from the Company. Subscriber further acknowledges and agrees that there have been no representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made to Subscriber by or on behalf of the Company, Target, Holdco, any of their respective affiliates or any control persons, officers, directors, employees, partners, agents or representatives of any of the foregoing or any other person or entity, expressly or by implication, other than those representations, warranties, covenants and agreements expressly set forth in this Subscription Agreement.
(h) Subscriber represents and warrants that its acquisition and holding of the Acquired Shares will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under section 406 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), or any applicable similar law.
(i) In making its decision to purchase the Acquired Shares, Subscriber represents and warrants that it has relied solely upon independent investigation made by Subscriber and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by the Company herein. Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that Subscriber has received such information as Subscriber deems necessary in order to make an investment decision with respect to the Acquired Shares, including with respect to the Company, Target, Holdco, the Transactions and the business of the Company, Target, Holdco and each of their subsidiaries. Subscriber represents, acknowledges and agrees that Subscriber and Subscribers professional advisor(s), if any, have had the full opportunity to ask such questions, receive such answers and obtain such information as Subscriber and such Subscribers professional advisor(s), if any, have deemed necessary to make an investment decision with respect to the Acquired Shares and Holdco Shares. Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that it has not relied on any statements, representations, warranties or other information provided by the Company, Target, Holdco or the Placement Agent or any of their respective affiliates or any control persons, officers, directors, employees, partners, agents or representatives of any of the foregoing with respect to the Company, Target, Holdco, the Transactions and the business of the Company, Target, Holdco and each of their subsidiaries or its decision to purchase the Acquired Shares other than the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements expressly made by the Company, Holdco and Target herein. Subscriber further acknowledges and agrees that the information provided to the Subscriber (other than the information reflected in the representations and warranties made herein) is preliminary and subject to change, and that any changes to such information, including, without limitation, any changes based on updated information, shall in no way affect the Subscribers obligation to purchase the Acquired Shares hereunder.
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(j) Subscriber became aware of this offering of the Acquired Shares solely by means of direct contact between Subscriber and the Company, Target or by means of contact from the Placement Agents, and the Acquired Shares were offered to Subscriber solely by direct contact between Subscriber and the Company, Target or by means of contact between Subscriber and the Placement Agents. Subscriber did not become aware of this offering of the Acquired Shares, nor were the Acquired Shares offered to Subscriber, by any other means. Subscriber acknowledges that the Company represents and warrants that the Acquired Shares (i) were not offered by any form of general solicitation or general advertising, and (ii) are not being offered in a manner involving a public offering under, or in a distribution in violation of, the Securities Act, or any state securities laws.
(k) Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that it is aware that there are substantial risks incident to the purchase and ownership of the Acquired Shares, including those set forth in the Companys public filings. Subscriber has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Acquired Shares and the Holdco Shares, and Subscriber has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Subscriber has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision and the Subscriber has made its own assessment and has satisfied itself concerning relevant tax and other economic considerations relative to its purchase of the Acquired Shares.
(l) Subscriber represents, acknowledges and agrees that Subscriber, alone or together with any professional advisor(s), has adequately analyzed and fully considered the risks of an investment in the Acquired Shares and the Holdco Shares and determined that the Acquired Shares and Holdco Shares are a suitable investment for Subscriber and that Subscriber is able at this time and in the foreseeable future to bear the economic risk of a total loss of Subscribers investment in the Company and Holdco, and will not look to the Placement Agents for all or part of any such loss or losses the Subscriber may suffer. Subscriber acknowledges specifically that a possibility of total loss exists.
(m) Subscriber understands and agrees that no federal or state agency has passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Acquired Shares or made any findings or determination as to the fairness of this investment.
(n) Subscriber is not (i) a person or entity named on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons administered by the U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or in any Executive Order issued by the President of the United States and administered by OFAC (OFAC List), or a person or entity prohibited by any OFAC sanctions program, (ii) owned, directly or indirectly, or controlled by, or acting on behalf of, a person, that is named on an OFAC List; (iii) organized, incorporated, established, located, resident or born in, or a citizen, national, or the government, including any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, of, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, the Crimea region of Ukraine, or any other country or territory embargoed or subject to substantial trade restrictions by the United States, (iv) a Designated National as defined in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 515, or (v) a non-U.S. shell bank or providing banking services indirectly to a non-U.S. shell bank (each, a Prohibited Investor). Subscriber agrees to provide law enforcement agencies, if requested thereby, such records as required by applicable law, provided that Subscriber is permitted to do so under applicable law. Subscriber represents that if it is a financial institution subject to the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. section 5311 et seq.) (the BSA), as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the PATRIOT Act), and its implementing regulations (collectively, the BSA/PATRIOT Act), that, to the extent required, Subscriber, directly or, if permitted by law, through a third party administrator, maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with applicable obligations under the BSA/PATRIOT Act. Subscriber also represents that, to the extent required, it , directly or, if permitted by law, through a third-party administrator, maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with OFAB-administered sanctions programs, including for the screening of its investors against the OFAC Lists. Subscriber further represents and warrants that, to the extent required, Subscriber, directly or, if permitted by law, through a third party administrator, maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the funds held by Subscriber and used to purchase the Acquired Shares were legally derived and were not obtained, directly or indirectly, from a Prohibited Investor.
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(o) If Subscriber is an employee benefit plan that is subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), a plan, an individual retirement account or other arrangement that is subject to section 4975 of the Code or an employee benefit plan that is a governmental plan (as defined in section 3(32) of ERISA), a church plan (as defined in section 3(33) of ERISA), a non-U.S. plan (as described in section 4(b)(4) of ERISA) or other plan that is not subject to the foregoing but may be subject to provisions under any other federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws or regulations that are similar to such provisions of ERISA or the Code, or an entity whose underlying assets are considered to include plan assets of any such plan, account or arrangement (each, a Plan) subject to the fiduciary or prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA or section 4975 of the Code, Subscriber represents and warrants that, to its knowledge, none of the Company, Target, Holdco or any of their respective affiliates (the Transaction Parties) has acted as the Plans fiduciary, or has been relied on for advice, with respect to its decision to acquire and hold the Acquired Shares, and none of the Transaction Parties shall at any time be relied upon as the Plans fiduciary with respect to any decision to acquire, continue to hold or transfer the Acquired Shares.
(p) As of the date of this Subscription Agreement the Subscriber does not have, and during the thirty (30) day period immediately prior to the date of this Subscription Agreement the Subscriber has not entered into, any put equivalent position as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act or Short Sale positions with respect to the securities of the Company. For purposes of this Section 4(p) and Section 7, Short Sales shall include, without limitation, all short sales as defined in Rule 200 promulgated under Regulation SHO under the Exchange Act, and all types of direct and indirect stock pledges (other than pledges in the ordinary course of business as part of prime brokerage arrangements), forward sale contracts, options, puts, calls, swaps and similar arrangements (including on a total return basis), and sales and other transactions through non-U.S. broker dealers or foreign regulated brokers.
(q) Subscriber will have sufficient available funds to pay the Purchase Price pursuant to and accordance with Section 2(a).
(r) The Subscriber hereby acknowledges and agrees that (i) each of the Placement Agents is acting solely as Placement Agent in connection with the Transactions and is not acting as an underwriter or in any other capacity and is not and shall not be construed as a fiduciary for the Subscriber in connection with the Transactions, (ii) the Placement Agents have not made and will not make any representation or warranty, whether express or implied, of any kind or character to Subscriber and have not provided any advice or recommendation to Subscriber in connection with the Transactions, (iii) the Placement Agents will have no responsibility to Subscriber with respect to (x) any representations, warranties or agreements made by any person or entity to Subscriber under or in connection with the Transactions or any of the documents furnished pursuant thereto or in connection therewith, or the execution, legality, validity or enforceability (with respect to any person) of any provision thereof, or (y) the business, affairs, financial condition, operations, properties or prospects of, or any other matter concerning the Company or the Transactions, (iv) the Placement Agents shall have no liability or obligation (including without limitation, for or with respect to any losses, claims, damages, obligations, penalties, judgments, awards, liabilities, costs, expenses or disbursements incurred by the Subscriber, the Company or any other person or entity), whether in contract, tort or otherwise, to the Subscriber, or to any person claiming through the Subscriber, in respect of the Transactions, and (v) each Placement Agent or its affiliate is acting as a capital markets advisor and financial advisor to the Company.
(s) The Subscriber acknowledges that none of the Placement Agents nor any of their respective affiliates nor any control persons, officers, directors, employees, partners, agents or representatives of any of the foregoing have made any independent investigation with respect to the Company, Target, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses, or the Acquired Shares or the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of any information supplied to the Subscriber by the Company, Target or Holdco.
(t) UBS Securities LLC (together with its affiliates) is a full service financial institution engaged in various activities, which may include sales and trading, commercial and investment banking, advisory,
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investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services. UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates have engaged in investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with the Company and its affiliates. They have received customary fees and commissions for these transactions.
5. Registration Rights.
(a) Holdco agrees that, within 30 calendar days after the Transaction Closing (the Filing Deadline), Holdco will file with the Commission (at Holdcos sole cost and expense) a registration statement (the Registration Statement) registering the resale or transfer of the Holdco Shares (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include Subscribers Holdco Shares) naming the Subscriber as a selling shareholder thereunder, and Holdco shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (i) the 60th calendar day following the Filing Deadline (or the 90th calendar day following the Filing Deadline if the Commission notifies Holdco that it will review the Registration Statement), and (ii) the 5th business day after the date Holdco is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the Commission that the Registration Statement will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review or requirements (such earlier date, the Effectiveness Date); provided, however, that Holdcos obligations to include the Holdco Shares in the Registration Statement are contingent upon the Subscriber furnishing in writing to Holdco such information regarding the Subscriber and its affiliates, the securities of Holdco held by the Subscriber and the intended method of disposition of the Holdco Shares as shall be reasonably requested by Holdco to effect the registration of the Holdco Shares, and shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as Holdco may reasonably request that are customary of a selling stockholder in similar situations; provided, however, that Subscriber shall not in connection with the foregoing be required to execute any lock-up or similar agreement or otherwise be subject to any contractual restriction on the ability to transfer the Holdco Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Commission prevents Holdco from including in the Registration Statement any or all of the Holdco Shares due to limitations on the use of Rule 415 of the Securities Act for the resale or transfer of the Holdco Shares by the applicable stockholders or otherwise, the Registration Statement shall register for resale or transfer such number of Holdco Shares which is equal to the maximum number of Holdco Shares as is permitted by the Commission. In such event, the number of Holdco Shares to be registered for each selling stockholder named in the Registration Statement shall be reduced pro rata among all such selling stockholders and, during the Effectiveness Period (as defined below), as promptly as practicable after being permitted to register additional Holdco Shares under Rule 415 under the Securities Act, Holdco shall amend the Registration Statement or file a new Registration Statement to register such additional Holdco Shares and cause such amendment or Registration Statement to become effective as promptly as practicable. In no event shall Subscriber be identified as a statutory underwriter in the Registration Statement unless requested by the Commission. If the Commission requests that the Subscriber be identified as a statutory underwriter in the Registration Statement, the Subscriber will have an opportunity to withdraw from the Registration Statement. Holdco will use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the continuous effectiveness of the Registration Statement until the earliest of (i) the date on which the Holdco Shares may be resold without volume or manner of sale limitations pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, (ii) the date on which such Holdco Shares have actually been sold and (iii) the date which is three years after the Subscription Closing. The period commencing on the date on which the Registration Statement is actually filed and ending on the earliest of the dates referenced in the immediately preceding sentence is referred to herein as the Effectiveness Period. For purposes of clarification, any failure by Holdco to file the Registration Statement by the Filing Deadline or to effect such Registration Statement by the Effectiveness Date shall not otherwise relieve Holdco of its obligations to file the Registration Statement or use its commercially reasonable efforts to have it declared effective set forth in this Section 5. Holdco will provide a draft Registration Statement to Subscriber for review at least two (2) days prior to filing the Registration Statement for purposes of confirming the information regarding the Subscriber and its affiliates included therein including the securities of Holdco held by the Subscriber and the intended method of disposition of the Holdco Shares by Subscriber.
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(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Subscription Agreement, Holdco shall be entitled to delay or postpone the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and from time to time to require the Subscriber not to sell under the Registration Statement or to suspend the effectiveness thereof, if the negotiation or consummation of a transaction by Holdco or its subsidiaries is pending, an event has occurred or circumstances exist, which negotiation, consummation, event or circumstances, Holdco reasonably believes, upon advice of outside legal counsel, would require additional disclosure by Holdco in the Registration Statement of material information that Holdco has a bona fide business purpose for keeping confidential and the non-disclosure of which in the Registration Statement would be expected, in the reasonable determination of Holdco, upon advice of outside legal counsel, to cause the Registration Statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements (each such circumstance, a Suspension Event); provided, however, that Holdco may not delay or suspend the Registration Statement on more than 2 occasions or for more than 60 consecutive calendar days, or more than 90 total calendar days, in each case during any twelve-month period. Upon receipt of any written notice from Holdco of the happening of any Suspension Event (which notice shall not contain material non-public information or subject Subscriber to any duty of confidentiality) during the period that the Registration Statement is effective or if as a result of a Suspension Event the Registration Statement or related prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made (in the case of the prospectus) not misleading, the Subscriber agrees that (i) it will immediately discontinue offers and sales of the Holdco Shares under the Registration Statement (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, sales conducted pursuant to Rule 144) until the Subscriber receives copies of a supplemental or amended prospectus (which Holdco agrees to promptly prepare) that corrects the misstatement(s) or omission(s) referred to above and receives notice (which notice shall not contain material non-public information or subject Subscriber to any duty of confidentiality) that any post-effective amendment has become effective or unless otherwise notified by Holdco that it may resume such offers and sales. If so directed by Holdco, the Subscriber will deliver to Holdco or, in the Subscribers sole discretion destroy, all copies of the prospectus covering the Holdco Shares in the Subscribers possession; provided, however, that this obligation to deliver or destroy all copies of the prospectus covering the Holdco Shares shall not apply (i) to the extent the Subscriber is required to retain a copy of such prospectus (a) in order to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, self-regulatory or professional requirements or (b) in accordance with a bona fide pre-existing document retention policy or (ii) to copies stored electronically on archival servers as a result of automatic data back-up. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Holdco shall cause its transfer agent to deliver unlegended Holdco Shares to a transferee of the Subscriber in connection with any sale of Holdco Shares with respect to which the Subscriber has entered into a contract for sale, prior to the Subscribers receipt of the notice of a Suspension Event and for which the Subscriber has not yet settled.
(c) In the case of the registration, qualification, exemption or compliance effected by Holdco pursuant to this Subscription Agreement, Holdco shall, upon reasonable request, inform the Subscriber as to the status of such registration, qualification, exemption and compliance. At its expense Holdco shall:
(i) Advise the Subscriber within 2 business days:
(A) when a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto has been filed with the Commission and when such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has become effective;
(B) of any written request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to any Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or for additional information;
(C) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for such purpose;
(D) of the receipt by Holdco of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Holdco Shares included therein for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and
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(E) subject to the provisions in this Subscription Agreement, of the occurrence of any event that requires the making of any changes in any Registration Statement or prospectus so that, as of such date, the statements therein are not misleading and do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading (provided that any such notice pursuant to this Section 5(c)(i)(E) shall solely provide that the use of the Registration Statement or prospectus has been suspended without setting forth the reason for such suspension).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Holdco shall not, when so advising the Subscriber of such events, provide the Subscriber with any material, nonpublic information regarding Holdco or subject Subscriber to any duty of confidentiality (other than to the extent that providing notice to the Subscriber of the occurrence of the events listed in (A) through (E) above constitutes material, nonpublic information regarding Holdco);
(ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement as soon as reasonably practicable;
(iii) upon the occurrence of any Suspension Event, except for such times as Holdco is permitted hereunder to suspend, and has suspended, the use of a prospectus forming part of a Registration Statement, Holdco shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to as soon as reasonably practicable prepare a post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Holdco Shares included therein, such prospectus will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
(iv) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Holdco Shares held by the Subscriber to be listed on each securities exchange or market, if any, on which the Holdco Shares have been listed;
(v) use its commercially reasonable efforts to take all other steps necessary to effect the registration of the Holdco Shares contemplated hereby and to enable Subscriber to sell the Holdco Shares under Rule 144 (when available); and
(vi) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Transfer Agent to remove any restrictive legend set at the Subscribers request, when the Holdco Shares are sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or the Registration Statement. In connection therewith, if required by Holdcos Transfer Agent, Holdco will promptly cause an opinion of counsel to be delivered to its Transfer Agent, together with any other authorizations, certificates and directions reasonably required by the transfer agent that authorize and direct the Transfer Agent to issue such Shares without any such legend.
(d) The Subscriber may deliver written notice (an Opt-Out Notice) to Holdco requesting that the Subscriber not receive notices from Holdco otherwise required by this Section 5; provided, however, that the Subscriber may later revoke any such Opt-Out Notice in writing. Following receipt of an Opt-Out Notice from the Subscriber (unless subsequently revoked), (i) Holdco shall not deliver any such notices to the Subscriber and the Subscriber shall no longer be entitled to the rights associated with any such notice and (ii) each time prior to the Subscribers intended use of an effective Registration Statement, the Subscriber will notify Holdco in writing at least two business days in advance of such intended use, and if a notice of a Suspension Event was previously delivered (or would have been delivered but for the provisions of this Section 5(d)) and the related suspension period remains in effect, Holdco will so notify the Subscriber, within one business day of the Subscribers notification to Holdco, by delivering to the Subscriber a copy of such previous notice of Suspension Event, and thereafter will provide the Subscriber with the related notice of the conclusion of such Suspension Event immediately upon its availability (which notices shall not contain any material, nonpublic information or subject the Subscriber to any duty of confidentiality).
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(e) Holdco shall, notwithstanding any termination of this Subscription Agreement, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Subscriber (if the Subscriber is named as a selling shareholder under the Registration Statement), its officers, directors, partners, members, trustees, managers, stockholders, affiliates, employees, investment advisers and agents, and each person who controls the Subscriber (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the officers, directors, partners, members, managers, stockholders, affiliates, employees, investment advisers and agents of each such controlling person to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs (including, without limitation, reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys fees) and expenses (collectively, Losses), resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any prospectus included in the Registration Statement or any form of prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any prospectus or form of prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, except to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statements, alleged untrue statements, omissions or alleged omissions are based upon information furnished in writing to Holdco by or on behalf of the Subscriber expressly for use therein or the Subscriber has omitted a material fact from such information; provided, however, that the indemnification contained in this Section 5 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Losses if such settlement is effected by Subscriber without the consent of Holdco (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), nor shall Holdco be liable for any Losses to the extent they arise out of or are based upon a violation which occurs (A) in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of a Subscriber expressly for use in the Registration Statement, (B) in connection with any failure of Subscriber to deliver or cause to be delivered (to the extent required) a prospectus made available by Holdco in a timely manner, (C) as a result of offers or sales effected by or on behalf of any person by means of a freewriting prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act) that was not authorized in writing by Holdco, or (D) in connection with any offers, sales or transfers effected by or on behalf of a Subscriber in violation of Section 4(e) hereof. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of an indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of the Holdco Shares by the Subscriber.
(f) The Subscriber shall, severally and not jointly with any Other Subscribers or other persons, indemnify and hold harmless Holdco, its directors, officers, agents and employees, and each person who controls Holdco (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Losses, resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any prospectus included in the Registration Statement, or any form of prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any prospectus, or any form of prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statements, alleged untrue statements or omissions or alleged omissions are based upon information regarding the Subscriber furnished in writing to Holdco by the Subscriber expressly for use therein; provided, however, that the indemnification contained in this Section 5 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Losses if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Subscriber (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). In no event shall the liability of any Subscriber be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by the Subscriber upon the sale of the Holdco Shares giving rise to such indemnification obligation. The Subscriber shall notify Holdco promptly of the institution, threat or assertion of any proceeding arising from or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Section 5 of which the Subscriber is aware. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of an indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of the Holdco Shares by the Subscriber.
6. Termination. This Subscription Agreement shall terminate and be void and of no further force and effect, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate without any further liability on the
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part of any party in respect thereof, upon the earlier to occur of (a) such date and time as the Business Combination Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, (b) upon the mutual written agreement of each of the parties hereto to terminate this Subscription Agreement, (c) if any of the conditions to Subscription Closing set forth in Section 2 of this Subscription Agreement are not satisfied on or prior to the Subscription Closing and, as a result thereof, the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement are not consummated at the Subscription Closing or (d) at the election of the Subscriber, if the Transaction Closing shall not have occurred by March 31, 2022; provided, that nothing herein will relieve any party from liability for any willful breach hereof prior to the time of termination, and each party will be entitled to any remedies at law or in equity to recover losses, liabilities or damages arising from such breach. The Company shall promptly notify Subscriber in writing of the termination of the Business Combination Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, if any termination hereof occurs after the delivery by the Subscriber of the Purchase Price for the Acquired Shares, the Company shall promptly (but not later than one business day thereafter) return the Purchase Price to the Subscriber without any deduction for or on account of any tax, withholding, charges, or set-off.
7. Short Sales. Subscriber hereby agrees that neither it, nor any person or entity acting on its behalf or pursuant to any understanding with it, shall execute any Short Sales or engage in other hedging transactions of any kind with respect to the Acquired Shares during the period from the date of this Subscription Agreement through the Subscription Closing or termination of this Subscription Agreement in accordance with its terms. Nothing in this Section 7 shall prohibit such persons from engaging in hedging transactions with respect to other securities of the Company, including Ordinary Shares acquired in open market purchases, so long as such person does not create any put equivalent position, as such term is defined in Rule 16a- 1 under the Exchange Act, or short sale positions, with respect to the Acquired Shares, nor shall this Section 7 prohibit any person or entity that is an investment portfolio of Subscriber from entering into any Short Sales or engaging in other hedging transactions so long as such person or entity is not acting on behalf of the Subscriber and has no knowledge of this Subscription Agreement or of Subscribers participation in this transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement or (y) any person or entity under common management (including Subscribers controlled affiliates and/or affiliates) from entering into any Short Sales or other hedging transactions.
8. Miscellaneous.
(a) Each party hereto acknowledges that the other parties hereto and others will rely on the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties contained in this Subscription Agreement; provided, however, the Subscription Closing may only be enforced against the Subscriber by the Company or Holdco. Prior to the Closing, each party hereto agrees to promptly notify the other parties hereto if any of the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein with respect to it are no longer accurate in all material respects. Each of the Company and Subscriber further acknowledges and agrees that the Placement Agents are third-party beneficiaries with the right to enforce Section 3, Section 4 and Section 8 on their own behalf against the Company and Subscriber, as applicable.
(b) Each of the Company, Target, Holdco and the Subscriber is entitled to rely upon this Subscription Agreement and is irrevocably authorized to produce this Subscription Agreement or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceeding or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby. The Placement Agents are entitled to rely upon the representations and warranties made by Subscriber and the Company in this Subscription Agreement.
(c) Neither this Subscription Agreement nor any rights that may accrue to the Subscriber hereunder (other than the Ordinary Shares acquired hereunder, if any) may be transferred or assigned without the prior written consent of each of the other parties hereto; provided that this Subscription Agreement and any of Subscribers rights and obligations hereunder may be assigned to any fund or account managed by the same investment adviser as Subscriber, or by an affiliate of such investment adviser, without the prior consent of the other parties hereto, provided further that such assignee(s) agrees in writing to be bound by the terms hereof. Upon such assignment by Subscriber, the assignee(s) shall become Subscriber hereunder and have the rights and
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obligations provided for herein to the extent of such assignment; provided further that, no assignment without the prior consent of the other parties hereto shall relieve the assigning party of any of its obligations hereunder, including any assignment to any fund or account managed by the same investment adviser as Subscriber, or by an affiliate of such investment adviser. Neither this Subscription Agreement nor any rights that may accrue to the Company or Holdco hereunder or any of the Companys or Holdcos obligations may be transferred or assigned other than pursuant to the Transactions.
(d) All the representations and warranties made by each party hereto in this Subscription Agreement shall survive until Closing; provided, however, the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 3(a), Section 3(b), Section 3(c) and Section 3(i) and the representations and warranties of the Subscriber contained in Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) shall each survive the Closing for a period of six (6) months. All covenants made by each party hereto in this Subscription Agreement required to be performed after the Closing shall expire upon performance. All other agreements made by each party hereto in this Subscription Agreement shall expire at the Closing.
(e) The Company may request from Subscriber such additional information as the Company may deem reasonably necessary to evaluate the eligibility of Subscriber to acquire the Acquired Shares, and Subscriber shall promptly provide such information as may be reasonably requested, to the extent readily available and to the extent consistent with the Subscribers internal policies and procedures; provided, that, the Company agrees to keep any such information provided by Subscriber confidential. The Subscriber acknowledges that a copy of a form of this Subscription Agreement may be filed with the Commission as an exhibit to a periodic report or registration statement.
(f) This Subscription Agreement may not be amended, modified or waived except by an instrument in writing, signed by each party.
(g) This Subscription Agreement (including Schedule A and Schedule B hereto) constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes all other prior agreements, understandings, representations and warranties, both written and oral, among the parties, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(h) Except as otherwise provided herein, this Subscription Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives, and permitted assigns, and the agreements, representations, warranties, covenants and acknowledgments contained herein shall be deemed to be made by, and be binding upon, such heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.
(i) If any provision of this Subscription Agreement shall be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Subscription Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall continue in full force and effect.
(j) This Subscription Agreement may be executed and delivered in one or more counterparts (including by electronic mail, in .pdf or any other form of electronic delivery (including any electronic signature complying with U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000)) and by different parties in separate counterparts, with the same effect as if all parties hereto had signed the same document. All counterparts so executed and delivered shall be construed together and shall constitute one and the same agreement.
(k) Each party shall pay all of its own expenses in connection with this Subscription Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement.
(l) The Company (and with respect to any fees incurred after the consummation of the Transactions, Holdco) shall be responsible for the fees of its transfer agent, the Escrow Agent, stamp taxes and all of DTCs and CRESTs fees associated with the issuance of the Acquired Shares and the Holdco Shares.
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(m) Subscriber understands and agrees that (i) no disclosure or offering document has been prepared by the Placement Agents or any of their affiliates in connection with the offer and sale of the Acquired Shares; (ii) the Placement Agents and their directors, officers, employees, representatives and controlling persons have made no independent investigation with respect to the Company, Target, Holdco, the Transactions or the Acquired Shares or the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of any information supplied to Subscriber by the Company, Target or Holdco; and (iii) in connection with the issue and purchase of the Acquired Shares, the Placement Agents have not acted as the Subscribers financial advisor, tax or fiduciary. Subscriber agrees to complete, sign and deliver to the parties hereto, and the Placement Agent, at the Subscription Closing, the investor representation letter attached hereto as Schedule B.
(n) Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and either delivered personally, emailed or telecopied, sent by overnight mail via a reputable overnight carrier, or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, and shall be deemed to be given and received (a) when so delivered personally, (b) upon receipt of an appropriate electronic answerback or confirmation when so delivered by telecopy (to such number specified below or another number or numbers as such person may subsequently designate by notice given hereunder), (c) when sent, with no mail undeliverable or other rejection notice, if sent by email, or (d) five (5) business days after the date of mailing to the address below or to such other address or addresses as such person may hereafter designate by notice given hereunder:
(i) if to Subscriber, to such address or addresses set forth on the signature page hereto;
(ii) if to the Company or Holdco, to:
EverArc Holdings Company
c/o: EverArc Holdings LLC
55 Water Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Attention: Vivek Raj
E-mail: [***]
with a required copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice):
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
333 SE 2nd Avenue, Suite 4400
Miami, FL 33131
Attention: Alan I. Annex
Facsimile: +1 (305) 579-0717
E-mail:annexa@gtlaw.com
(iii) if to Target, to:
c/o SK Capital Partners, LP
[***]
Attention: [***]
Email: [***]
with a required copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice):
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
300 North LaSalle
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Attn: Jeremy S. Liss, P.C., Jeffrey A. Fine, P.C., Timothy
Cruickshank, P.C.
Facsimile: (312) 862 2200
Email: jeremy.liss@kirkland.com; jeffrey.fine@kirkland.com; tim.cruickshank@kirkland.com
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(o) The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Subscription Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached and that money damages or other legal remedies would not be an adequate remedy for any such damage. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this Subscription Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Subscription Agreement, this being in addition to any other remedy to which such party is entitled at law, in equity, in contract, in tort or otherwise. The right to specific enforcement shall include the right of the parties hereto to cause the other parties hereto to cause the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated on the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in this Subscription Agreement. The parties hereto further agree, solely with respect to Section 5, (i) for Holdco to waive any requirement for the security or posting of any bond in connection with any such equitable remedy, (ii) for Holdco to not assert that a remedy of specific enforcement pursuant to this Section 8(o) is unenforceable, invalid, contrary to applicable law or inequitable for any reason and (iii) for Holdco to waive any defenses in any action for specific performance, including the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Section 8(o) is an integral part of the transactions contemplated hereby and without that right, the parties hereto would not have entered into this Subscription Agreement.
(p) This Subscription Agreement, and any claim or cause of action hereunder based upon, arising out of or related to this Subscription Agreement (whether based on law, in equity, in contract, in tort or any other theory) or the negotiation, execution, performance or enforcement of this Subscription Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LOCATED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK SOLELY IN RESPECT OF THE INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, AND HEREBY WAIVE, AND AGREE NOT TO ASSERT, AS A DEFENSE IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING FOR INTERPRETATION OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF OR THAT SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING MAY NOT BE BROUGHT OR IS NOT MAINTAINABLE IN SAID COURTS OR THAT VENUE THEREOF MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE OR THAT THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT MAY NOT BE ENFORCED IN OR BY SUCH COURTS, AND THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AGREE THAT ALL CLAIMS WITH RESPECT TO SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED BY SUCH A NEW YORK STATE OR FEDERAL COURT. THE PARTIES HEREBY CONSENT TO AND GRANT ANY SUCH COURT JURISDICTION OVER THE PERSON OF SUCH PARTIES AND OVER THE SUBJECT MATTER OF SUCH DISPUTE AND AGREE THAT MAILING OF PROCESS OR OTHER PAPERS IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN SECTION 8(n) OR IN SUCH OTHER MANNER AS MAY BE PERMITTED BY LAW SHALL BE VALID AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE THEREOF.
EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, PLACEMENT AGENT OR ATTORNEY
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OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER; (II) SUCH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE FOREGOING WAIVER; (III) SUCH PARTY MAKES THE FOREGOING WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (IV) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVER AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 8(p).
(q) If, any change in the Ordinary Shares shall occur between the date hereof and immediately prior to the Closing by reason of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including reverse stock split) or combination, exchange or readjustment of shares, or any stock dividend, the number and type of Acquired Shares issued to Subscriber shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect such change, it being understood that Holdco Shares will be issued with respect to any Ordinary Shares that constitute Acquired Shares in connection with the consummation of the Transactions.
(r) The Company shall, by 7:00 a.m., New York City time, on the first (1st) business day immediately following the date of this Subscription Agreement, issue one or more press releases via regulatory news service (RNS) (the Press Release) disclosing all material terms of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Other Subscription Agreements, the Transactions and any other inside information that the Company has provided to Subscriber at any time prior to the issuance of the Press Release. Upon the issuance of the Press Release, to the Companys knowledge, Subscriber shall not be in possession of any inside information (including, without limitation, any material non-public information) received from the Company or any of its officers, directors or employees or agents (including the Placement Agents) and Subscriber shall no longer be subject to any confidentiality or similar obligations under any current agreement, whether written or oral with the Company, the Placement Agents or any of their affiliates. Notwithstanding anything in this Subscription Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not publicly disclose the name of Subscriber, its investment adviser, if applicable, or any of their affiliates, or include the name of Subscriber, its investment adviser, if applicable, or any of their affiliates in any press release or in any filing with the Commission or any regulatory agency or trading market, without the prior written consent of Subscriber, except (i) as required by the federal securities law and (ii) to the extent such disclosure is required by law, at the request of the Staff of the Commission, the FCA or another regulatory agency or under the regulations of the London Stock Exchange plc, in which case the Company shall provide Subscriber with prior written notice of such disclosure to the extent permitted under the preceding subclauses (i) and (ii).
(s) The obligations of the Subscriber under this Subscription Agreement are several and not joint with the obligations of any Other Subscriber or any other investor under the Other Subscription Agreements, and the Subscriber shall not be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any Other Subscriber under the Other Subscription Agreements. The decision of the Subscriber to purchase the Shares pursuant to this Subscription Agreement has been made by the Subscriber independently of any Other Subscriber or any other investor and independently of any information, materials, statements or opinions as to the business, affairs, operations, assets, properties, liabilities, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company. Holdco or Target or any of their subsidiaries which may have been made or given by any Other Subscriber or other investor or by any agent or employee of any Other Subscriber or other investor, and neither the Subscriber nor any of its agents or employees shall have any liability to any Other Subscriber or other investor (or any other person) relating to or arising from any such information, materials, statements or opinions. Nothing contained herein or in any Other Subscription Agreement, and no action taken by the Subscriber or any Other Subscriber or other investor pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Subscriber, on the one hand, and any Other Subscriber or other investor, on the other hand, as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Subscriber and any Other Subscriber or other investor are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement and the Other Subscription Agreements; provided, that it is acknowledged that the Subscriber may be under common management with one or more Other Subscribers.
B-19
Subscriber acknowledges that no Other Subscriber has acted as agent for the Subscriber in connection with making its investment hereunder and no Other Subscriber will be acting as agent of the Subscriber in connection with monitoring its investment in the Shares or enforcing its rights under this Subscription Agreement. Subscriber shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including without limitation the rights arising out of this Subscription Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any Other Subscriber or investor to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.
[Signature pages follow.]
B-20
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Company, Target, Holdco and Subscriber has executed or caused this Subscription Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the date set forth below.
EVERARC HOLDINGS LTD. |
By: |
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
SK INVICTUS HOLDINGS S.À.R.L. | ||
By: | ||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS, S.A. | ||
(Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions S.A. which in process of incorporation) |
||
By: | ||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Subscription Agreement]
B-21
B-22
Aggregate Number of Acquired Shares
subscribed for: |
|
|
Aggregate Purchase Price: CREST Participant ID No. |
$ |
|
CREST Member Designation |
|
|
CREST Member Contact Person Name: |
|
|
CREST Member Contact Person Tel No: |
|
You must pay the Purchase Price by wire transfer of United States dollars in immediately available funds to the account specified by the Company in the Subscription Closing Notice.
Number of Acquired Shares subscribed for and aggregate Purchase Price as of $ , accepted and agreed to as of this day of , 2021 by:
EVERARC HOLDINGS LTD. |
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
SK INVICTUS HOLDINGS S.À.R.L. | ||
By:
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS S.A. (Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions S.A. which is in process of incorporation) |
||
By:
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
B-23
SCHEDULE A
ELIGIBILITY REPRESENTATIONS OF SUBSCRIBER
FOR SUBSCRIBERS IN THE UNITED STATES: | ||
A. | QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER STATUS |
(Please check the applicable subparagraphs):
1. | ☐ | We are a qualified institutional buyer (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act (a QIB)). | ||
2. | ☐ | We are subscribing for the Acquired Shares as a fiduciary or agent for one or more investor accounts, and each owner of such account is a QIB. |
*** OR ***
B. | INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR STATUS |
(Please check each of the following subparagraphs):
1. | ☐ | We are an accredited investor (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) or an entity in which all of the equity holders are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act, and have marked and initialed the appropriate box on the following page indicating the provision under which we qualify as an accredited investor. | ||
2. | ☐ | We are not a natural person. |
*** AND ***
C. | AFFILIATE STATUS |
(Please check the applicable box)
SUBSCRIBER:
☐ | is: | |||
☐ | is not: |
an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) of the Company, Target or Holdco or acting on behalf of an affiliate of the Company, Target or Holdco.
Rule 501(a), in relevant part, states that an accredited investor shall mean any person who comes within any of the below listed categories, or who the Company reasonably believes comes within any of the below listed categories, at the time of the sale of the securities to that person. Subscriber has indicated, by marking and initialing the appropriate box below, the provision(s) below which apply to Subscriber and under which Subscriber accordingly qualifies as an accredited investor.
☐ Any bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or any savings and loan association or other institution as defined in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act whether acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity;
☐ Any broker or dealer registered pursuant to section 15 of the Exchange Act;
☐ Any insurance company as defined in section 2(a)(13) of the Securities Act;
☐ Any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or a business development company as defined in section 2(a)(48) of the Securities Act;
☐ Any Small Business Investment Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration under section 301(c) or (d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958;
This page should be completed by Subscriber
and constitutes a part of the Subscription Agreement.
B-24
☐ Any plan established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees, if such plan has total assets in excess of $5,000,000;
☐ Any employee benefit plan within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 if the investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary, as defined in section 3(21) of such Act, which is either a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or registered investment adviser, or if the employee benefit plan has total assets in excess of $5,000,000 or, if a self-directed plan, with investment decisions made solely by persons that are accredited investors;
☐ Any private business development company as defined in section 202(a)(22) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940;
☐ Any organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, corporation, Massachusetts or similar business trust, limited liability company or partnership, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000; or
☐ Any trust, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, whose purchase is directed by a sophisticated person as described in Rule 506(b)(2)(ii) of the Securities Act.
☐ Any natural person whose individual net worth, or joint net worth with that persons spouse, at the time of his purchase exceeds $1,000,000. For purposes of calculating a natural persons net worth: (a) the persons primary residence must not be included as an asset; (b) indebtedness secured by the persons primary residence up to the estimated fair market value of the primary residence must not be included as a liability (except that if the amount of such indebtedness outstanding at the time of calculation exceeds the amount outstanding 60 days before such time, other than as a result of the acquisition of the primary residence, the amount of such excess must be included as a liability); and (c) indebtedness that is secured by the persons primary residence in excess of the estimated fair market value of the residence must be included as a liability;
☐ Any natural person who had an individual income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years or joint income with that persons spouse in excess of $300,000 in each of those years and has a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year; or
☐ Any entity in which all of the equity owners are accredited investors meeting one or more of the above tests.
B. |
FOR SUBSCRIBERS IN MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA, AN EEA QUALIFIED INVESTOR OR IF IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: |
(Please check the applicable subparagraphs):
☐We are an EEA Qualified Investor |
☐We are a UK Qualified Investor who also (A) is an investment professional within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the Order), (B) falls within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order; or (C) is a person to whom this offer may otherwise lawfully be communicated. |
This page should be completed by Subscriber
and constitutes a part of the Subscription Agreement.
B-25
SCHEDULE B
INVESTOR REPRESENTATION LETTER
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc
25 Cabot Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 4QA
United Kingdom
UBS Securities LLC
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
United States
Re: Purchase of Ordinary Shares of no par value (the Securities) issued by EverArc Holdings Limited (the Company)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with the offer and sale of the Securities to be issued by the Company, we represent, warrant, agree and acknowledge as follows:
1. No disclosure or offering document has been prepared in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities by either Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc, UBS Securities LLC or any of their respective affiliates (each a Placement Agent and collectively, the Placement Agents).
2. (a) We have conducted our own investigation of the Company and the Securities and we have not relied on any statements or other information provided by the Placement Agents concerning the Company or the Securities or the offer and sale of the Securities, (b) we have had access to, and an adequate opportunity to review, financial and other information as we deem necessary to make our decision to purchase the Securities, (c) we have been offered the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and received answers thereto, as we deemed necessary in connection with our decision to purchase the Securities; and (d) we have made our own assessment and have satisfied ourselves concerning the relevant tax and other economic considerations relevant to our investment in the Securities.
3. Neither of the Placement Agents nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and controlling persons have made any independent investigation with respect to the Company or the Securities or the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of any information supplied to us by the Company.
4. In connection with the issue and purchase of the Securities, neither Placement Agent has acted as our financial advisor or fiduciary.
5. We are (x) a qualified institutional buyer (as defined in Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the Securities Act)), or (y) an accredited investor (as defined in Rule 501 (a)(1), (2), (3), or (7) of the Securities Act). Accordingly, we understand that the offering meets the exemptions from filing under FINRA Rule 5123(b)(1)(C) or (J).
6. We (i) are an institutional account as defined in FINRA Rule 4512(c), (ii) are a sophisticated investor, experienced in investing in private equity transactions and capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities and (iii) have exercised independent judgment in evaluating our participation in the purchase of the Securities. Accordingly, we understand that the offering meets (i) the exemptions from filing under FINRA Rule 5123(b)(1)(A) and (ii) the institutional customer exemption under FINRA Rule 2111(b).
B-26
7. We are aware that the sale to us is being made in reliance on a private placement exemption from registration under the Securities Act and are acquiring the Securities for our own account or for an account over which we exercise sole discretion for another qualified institutional buyer or accredited investor.
8. We are able to fend for ourselves in the transactions contemplated herein; have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our prospective investment in the Securities; and have the ability to bear the economic risks of our prospective investment and can afford the complete loss of such investment.
9. The Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities laws, are being offered for resale in transactions not requiring registration under the Securities Act, and unless so registered, may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred except in compliance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities laws, pursuant to any exemption therefrom or in a transaction not subject thereto
10. We acknowledge that (i) the Company and the Placement Agents currently may have, and later may come into possession of, information regarding the Company that is not known to us and that may be material to a decision to enter into this transaction to purchase the Securities (Excluded Information), (ii) we have determined to enter into the this transaction to purchase the Securities notwithstanding our lack of knowledge of the Excluded Information, and (iii) neither the Company nor the Placement Agents shall have liability to us, and we hereby to the extent permitted by law waive and releases any claims we may have against the Company and either of the Placement Agents, with respect to the nondisclosure of the Excluded Information.
11. We acknowledge that certain information provided to us was based on projections, and such projections were prepared based on assumptions and estimates that are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the projections. We acknowledge that such information and projections were prepared without the participation of the Placement Agents and that the Placement Agents do not assume responsibility for independent verification of, or the accuracy or completeness of, such information or projections.
B-27
Very truly yours,
[NAME OF INVESTOR]
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
Date:
B-28
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Article 441-8 of the 1915 Law provides that the directors shall not incur any personal obligation by reason of the commitments of the company.
Article 441-9 of the 1915 Law provides that the directors, the members of the management committee and the managing executive officer shall be liable to the company in accordance with general law for the execution of the mandate given to them and for any misconduct in the management of the companys affairs. The directors and members of the management committee shall be jointly and severally liable towards either the company or any third parties for damages resulting from this violation of the 1915 Law or the companys articles of association. The directors and members of the management committee shall be discharged from such liability in the case of a violation to which they were not a party provided no misconduct is attributable to them and they have reported such violation, as regards members of the board of directors, to the first general meeting and, as regards members of the management committee, during the first meeting of the board of directors after they had acquired knowledge thereof.
Holdcos articles of association, which will become effective upon completion of the Business Combination, will provide that directors of Holdco are not held personally liable for the indebtedness or other obligations of Holdco. As agents of Holdco, they are responsible for the performance of their duties. Subject to the exceptions and limitations listed in Holdcos articles of association and mandatory provisions of law, every person who is, or has been, a director or officer of Holdco (and his or her heirs, executors and administrators) shall be indemnified by Holdco to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by such person in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been a director or officer of Holdco, or, at the request of Holdco, of any other company of which Holdco is a shareholder or creditor and by which he is not entitled to be indemnified, and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof. The words claim, action, suit or proceeding shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or otherwise including appeals) actual or threatened and the words liability and expenses shall include without limitation attorneys fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement and other liabilities. However, no indemnification shall be provided to any director, officer or shareholder of Holdco (i) against any liability by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office (ii) with respect to any matter as to which he or she shall have been finally adjudicated to have acted in bad faith and not in the interest of Holdco or (iii) in the event of a settlement, unless the settlement has been approved by a court of competent jurisdiction or by the board of directors of Holdco.
Holdcos articles of association will provide that the right of indemnification provided by such articles of association shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any director or officer may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Nothing contained in such articles of association shall affect or limit any rights to indemnification to which corporate personnel, including directors and officers, may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law. Holdco shall specifically be entitled to provide contractual indemnification to and may purchase and maintain insurance for any corporate personnel, including directors and officers of Holdco, as Holdco may decide upon from time to time.
In connection with the Business Combination, Holdco will enter into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. These agreements will provide that Holdco will indemnify each of its directors and such officers to the fullest extent permitted by law and its charter and its bylaws.
Holdco will also maintain a general liability insurance policy, which will cover certain liabilities of directors and officers of Holdco arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers.
Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) |
The following exhibits are filed as part of this prospectus. |
Exhibit Index
# |
Certain exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5). Perimeter Solutions, SA agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted exhibit or schedule to the SEC upon its request; however, Perimeter Solutions, SA may request confidential treatment of omitted items. |
* |
To be filed by amendment. |
^ |
Previously filed. |
Item 22. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
A. |
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: |
(i) |
To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; |
(ii) |
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the Calculation of Registration Fee table in the effective registration statement; and |
(iii) |
To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement. |
B. |
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
C. |
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. |
D. |
That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use. |
E. |
That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: |
(i) |
Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
(ii) |
Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; |
(iii) |
The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and |
(iv) |
Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
F. |
That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form. |
G. |
That every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (F) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
H. |
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the |
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
I. |
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request. |
J. |
To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Brooklyn, New York, on October 7, 2021.
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS, SA | ||
By: | /s/ Haitham Khouri | |
Name: |
Haitham Khouri | |
Title: |
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on behalf of Perimeter Solutions, SA:
Signature |
Title |
Date |
||
/s/ Haitham Khouri Haitham Khouri |
Principal Executive Officer and Director |
October 7, 2021 | ||
/s/ Vivek Raj Vivek Raj |
Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Director |
October 7, 2021 |
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 6(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement on Form S-4 has been signed on behalf of the registrant by the undersigned, solely in his capacity as the duly authorized representative of the registrant in the United States, on October 7, 2021.
By: |
/s/ Barry Lederman |
|
Name: |
Barry Lederman |
Exhibit 5.1
Our ref: MJA/761080-000003/30105894v4
To the Addressee named in Schedule 1 (the Addressee)
7 October 2021
Perimeter Solutions SA
We have been requested to give this opinion (the Opinion) to the Addressee as Luxembourg law counsel in connection with the registration statement on form S-4, registration n°333-259237, initially filed by the Addressee with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on 1st September 2021 (the Registration Statement) relating to the Business Combination provided in the Business Combination Agreement. Capitalised terms used in this Opinion shall, unless otherwise defined in the present Opinion, have the meaning ascribed to them in the Registration Statement and/or the Business Combination Agreement.
1 |
Documents Reviewed |
We have reviewed originals, copies or executed copies (as the case may be) of the following documents:
1.1 |
The documents listed in Schedule 2 of this Opinion (the Transaction Documents). |
1.2 |
The corporate documents of the Addressee (the Corporate Documents) including: |
(a) |
a copy of the deed of incorporation including the articles of association of the Addressee dated 21 June 2021 (the Constitutional Documents); |
(b) |
an excerpt issued by the R.C.S. in relation to the Addressee dated []; and |
(c) |
a negative certificate (certificat de non-inscription dune décision judiciaire) of the Addressee issued by the R.C.S. dated [] with respect to the status of the Addressee as at [] (the R.C.S. Certificate). |
1.3 |
We have not examined any other document not listed above. |
2 |
Opinions |
Based upon, and subject to, the assumptions set out in Schedule 3 and the qualifications set out in Schedule 4, and having regard to such legal considerations as we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that:
Corporate MattersIncorporation, Capacity and Execution No Conflict
2.1 |
The Addressee has been duly incorporated before a Luxembourg notary for an unlimited duration and exists as a public limited liability company (société anonyme) under Luxembourg law. |
2.2 |
Based on the R.C.S. Certificate, no judicial decisions, judgments or court orders have been recorded with the R.C.S. concerning the Addressee in relation to: |
(a) |
the opening of an insolvency proceeding (procédure de faillite); |
(b) |
a controlled management (gestion contrôlée); |
(c) |
a voluntary arrangement, general settlement or composition with its creditors (concordat préventif de la faillite); |
(d) |
a suspension of payments (sursis de paiement); |
(e) |
a judicial liquidation in accordance with Article 1200-1 of the Luxembourg law of 10 August 1915 on commercial companies, as amended (the Law on Commercial Companies); |
(f) |
the appointment of an ad hoc manager (administrateur provisoire) of the Addressee; or |
(g) |
any similar foreign law proceedings in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2015/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on insolvency proceedings, recast)s (the EU Insolvency Regulation). |
2.3 |
The Holdco Ordinary Shares and the Holdco Preferred Shares have been or will be authorized for issuance and upon effectiveness of the Merger and the Exchange (as applicable) in accordance with the Holdco Requisite Approvals and the Business Combination Agreement, will be validly issued and fully paid-up (libérées), and non-assessable. |
2.4 |
Upon effectiveness of the Merger and the Holdco Warrant Instrument, the Holdco Ordinary Shares subscribed and issued in accordance with the Holdco Warrant Instrument and the Business Combination Agreement following exercise of the Holdco Warrants (if and when exercised in accordance with their terms under the Holdco Warrant Instrument), will be validly issued and fully paid-up (libérées), and the holder of such Holdco Ordinary Shares will not be liable, solely because of his or her or its shareholder status, for additional payments to the Addressee or the Addressees creditors. |
Legal Validity
2.5 |
The Holdco Warrant Instrument is legal, valid and binding as a matter of Luxembourg law and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Addressee enforceable against the Addressee in accordance with its terms. |
Authorisations and Filings
2.6 |
No authorisations, consents, approvals, licenses, validations or exemptions are required by Luxembourg law from any governmental authorities or agencies or other official bodies in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in connection with: |
(a) |
the enforcement of the Holdco Warrant Instrument against the Addressee; |
(b) |
the performance by the Addressee of its obligations under the Holdco Warrant Instrument; or |
(c) |
the admissibility into evidence of the Holdco Warrant Instrument. |
3 |
Benefit of Opinion |
3.1 |
This Opinion is issued solely for the purposes of the filing of the Registration Statement and the issuance of the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Preferred Shares by the Addressee, the assignment and assumption of the Holdco Warrants by the Addressee and the enforceability of the Holdco Warrant Instrument toward the Addressee (the Transaction). It may not be used, circulated, quoted, referred to or relied upon for any other purpose without our written consent in each instance. We hereby consent to filing of this Opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference of our name under the caption Legal Matters in the prospectus forming part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This Opinion is strictly limited to the matters stated in it. |
The Luxembourg courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute, action, suit or proceeding that may arise out of or be in connection with this Opinion.
Yours faithfully
Marjorie Allo
Partner
For and on behalf of
Maples and Calder (Luxembourg) SARL
Société davocats inscrite au Barreau de Luxembourg
Law firm admitted to practice in Luxembourg and registered on the list V of lawyers of the Luxembourg bar association
Schedule 1
The Addressee
1 |
The board of directors of Perimeters Solutions SA, a public limited liability company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg (Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register) under number B 256.548. |
Schedule 2
The Transaction Documents
1 |
An executed copy of the business combination agreement dated 15 June 2021 governed by the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State, except to the extent mandatorily governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, including the provisions relating to the Exchange, between EverArc Holdings Limited, SK Invictus Holdings S.à r.l., SK Invictus Intermediate S.à r.l., Perimeter Solutions SA and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited (the Business Combination Agreement). |
2 |
An e-mailed copy of an executed version of the unanimous consent of the members of the board of directors of the Addressee dated 28 June 2021 approving inter alia the Business Combination and the entry into and execution of Business Combination Agreement(the Transaction Approval); |
3 |
A draft of the minutes of the meeting of the board of directors of the Addressee approving inter alia the Transaction and the assignment and assumption of the Holdco Warrants by the Addressee, on the Closing Date and conditional on Closing (the Closing Approval). |
4 |
Drafts of (i) the notarial acknowledgment (acte de constat daugmentation de capital) regarding the issuance of (a) Holdco Ordinary Shares following the Merger and (b) Holdco Preferred Shares in the context of the Exchange, as well as (ii) the notarial deed regarding the Holdco Share Cancellation (the Notarial Documents). |
5 |
A draft of confirmations by a delegate of the board of directors of the Addressee pursuant to the Transaction Approval and Closing Approval regarding (i) the issuance of (a) Holdco Ordinary Shares following the Merger and (b) Holdco Preferred Shares in the context of the Exchange, both under the authorized share capital of the Addressee and (ii) the assumption of the Holdco Warrants by the Addressee following the Merger (the Delegate of the Board Confirmations). |
6 |
A copy of the Registration Statement. |
7 |
A draft of the Holdco Warrant Instrument. |
For the purposes of issuing this Opinion, the Business Combination Agreement, the Transaction Approval, the Closing Approval, the Notarial Documents, the Delegate of the Board Confirmations, the Registration Statement and the Holdco Warrant Instrument are collectively referred to as the Transaction Documents.
Schedule 3
Assumptions
This Opinion is given only as to and is based on circumstances and matters of fact existing and known to us on the date of this Opinion. We are a member of the Luxembourg Bar and accordingly this Opinion only relates to the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as currently upheld by the Luxembourg courts and is given on the basis that it is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance therewith. The statements of this Opinion are valid under Luxembourg law as at the date of this Opinion, but as such are subject to changes in Luxembourg law. We assume no obligation to inform you or any other party or to revise or supplement this Opinion if Luxembourg law be amended or replaced by legislative action, judicial decision or otherwise. We express no opinion with regard to any other laws (including foreign laws applied in Luxembourg courts under Luxembourg private international law rules). We express no opinion on the law of the European Union as it affects any jurisdiction other than the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
We have made no investigation of, and express no opinion as to, the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which would or might affect our Opinion as stated herein.
This Opinion is strictly limited to the matters stated herein and is not to be read as extending, by implication or otherwise, to any other matter.
In giving this Opinion we have relied upon the following assumptions which we have not independently reviewed or verified:
General
1 |
That copy documents, conformed copies or drafts of documents provided to us are true and complete copies of, or in the final forms of, the originals, and translations of documents provided to us are complete and accurate. |
2 |
Where a Transaction Documents has been provided to us in draft or undated form, it will be duly executed, dated and unconditionally delivered by all parties thereto in materially the same form as the last version provided to us. |
3 |
That all signatures, initials and seals are genuine and the persons (other than [each of the Companies/the Company]) purported to have signed the Corporate Documents and the Transaction Documents have the legal capacity to sign them and have in fact signed them and as the case may be, the electronic signatures are compliant with the legal requirements of articles 1322-1 and 1322-2 of the Luxembourg Civil Code and the conditions set out in article 26 of Regulation (EU) n°910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC (the eIDAS Regulation). |
4 |
That the Corporate Documents and the Transaction Documents have not been amended, supplemented, replaced, varied or revoked at the date of this Opinion. |
5 |
That each of the Transaction Documents (and the other documents, notices, instruments and deeds contemplated by the terms of the Transaction Documents) represents and contains the entirety of the transactions entered into by the Addressee in connection with the Transaction. |
6 |
The truth, accuracy and completeness at all relevant times of each of the statements of matters of fact contained in the Corporate Documents and in the Transaction Documents on the date of this Opinion (save for those matters and statements covered by this Opinion). |
7 |
That there are no agreements or arrangements in existence which in any way amend or vary the terms of the Transaction as disclosed by the Transaction Documents or in any way bear upon or are inconsistent with the opinions set out in this Opinion. |
8 |
The lack of bad faith and absence of fraud, coercion, duress, undue influence or mistake on the part of any of the parties to the Transaction Documents, their respective directors and managers, employees, agents and advisers (excluding Maples and Calder). |
9 |
That the Addressee has entered into the Transaction in good faith, at arms length, for its legitimate business purposes, for good consideration, and that it derives commercial benefit from the Transaction commensurate with the risks undertaken by it in the Transaction, and that the Transaction Documents is in the corporate interest (intérêt social) of the Addressee. |
10 |
That the representations and warranties by any of the parties to the Transaction Documents are true and accurate. |
11 |
That no transaction contemplated by the Transaction Documents nor any transaction to be carried out in connection with any transaction contemplated by the Transaction Documents meets any hallmark set out in Annex IV of the Council Directive of 25 May 2018 (2018/822/EU) amending Directive 2011/16/EU. |
Corporate Matters Capacity and Execution
12 |
That, with respect to the Addressee , all the legal requirements of the Luxembourg law of 31 May 1999 regarding the domiciliation of companies, as amended, and as construed and supplemented by the criteria set out by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier in its circulars, have been complied with. |
13 |
That the Transaction Documents have been duly and validly authorised and duly executed by or on behalf of all relevant parties (other than the Addressee) in accordance with all relevant laws (other than, with respect to the Addressee, the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg). |
14 |
That the board minutes passed were duly adopted, have not been revoked or varied and remain in full force and effect as at the date of this Opinion. |
15 |
That each of the parties to the Transaction Documents (other than the Addressee) has been duly incorporated, formed or established and is validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its registered office, seat of central administration, principal place of business or place of incorporation. |
16 |
That each of the parties to the Transaction Documents (other than the Addressee) has a corporate existence, no steps having been taken pursuant to any administration, bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, receivership or equivalent or analogous proceedings or to appoint an administrator, bankruptcy receiver, insolvency practitioner, liquidator or receiver of each of the parties to the Transaction Documents (other than the Addressee) or over their assets and that no voluntary or judicial winding-up of such parties has been commenced or recorded at the date of this Opinion. |
17 |
The power, authority and legal right of all parties under all relevant laws and regulations (other than, with respect of the Companies, the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) to enter into, execute, deliver and perform their respective obligations under the Transaction Documents. |
Solvency and Insolvency
18 |
That the Addressee has and, upon the opening of any insolvency proceedings pursuant to the EU Insolvency Regulation, will have its central administration (administration centrale), its place of effective management (siège de direction effective) and its centre of main interests (centre des intérêts principaux) (as that term is used in Article 3(1) of the EU Insolvency Regulation) at the place of its registered office (siège statutaire) in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg being the jurisdiction in which the Addressee conducts the administration of its interests on a regular basis and which is ascertainable by third parties (there being a rebuttable presumption that a companys centre of main interests is in the jurisdiction in which it has its registered office) and will not have an establishment (being any place of operations where a company carries out or has carried out in the three month period prior to the request to open main insolvency proceedings a non-transitory economic activity with human means and assets), as defined in Article 2(10) of the EU Insolvency Regulation, outside the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. |
Governing Law
19 |
Without having made any investigation, that the Transaction Documents is legal, valid, binding and enforceable against all relevant parties in accordance with their terms under other relevant laws (other than the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg). |
20 |
That there is nothing under any law (other than the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg), which would or might affect the opinions expressed herein. Specifically, we have made no independent investigation of the laws of the State of Delaware. |
21 |
Without prejudice to opinion paragraph 2.6, that all relevant authorisations, approvals, consents and licences required in any jurisdiction (other than the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) and all formalities and requirements of the laws of any relevant jurisdictions (other than the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) and any regulatory authority (other than any Luxembourg regulatory authority) therein applicable to the execution, performance, enforceability and admissibility in evidence of the Transaction Documents: |
(a) |
have been made, done or obtained, as the case may be; and |
(b) |
have been and will be complied with, |
(and in each case (where applicable) (i) they are in full force and effect; and (ii) were made, done and obtained or complied with within any applicable time period).
22 |
That there are no provisions of the laws of any jurisdiction outside the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg which would be contravened by the execution or delivery of the Holdco Warrant Instrument and that none of the opinions expressed herein will be affected by the laws (including the public policy) of any jurisdiction outside the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. |
23 |
Insofar as any obligation or right of a party pursuant to the Holdco Warrant Instrument is to be performed or, as the case may be, exercised in any jurisdiction outside the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, that its performance or, as the case may be, exercise will not be illegal or ineffective by virtue of the laws of that jurisdiction. |
Submission to foreign jurisdiction
24 |
That the submission by the Addressee in the Holdco Warrant Instrument to the jurisdiction of the Delaware Court will be valid under the laws of the State of Delaware and under the laws of any other relevant jurisdiction (other than the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg). |
Schedule 4
Qualifications
Our Opinion is subject to the following qualifications:
Insolvency EU
1 |
Without prejudice to opinion paragraph 2.2 above, the respective rights of the parties to the Transaction Documents may be affected or limited by, the provisions of any applicable bankruptcy (faillite), insolvency, liquidation (liquidation), reprieve from payment (sursis de paiement), controlled management (gestion contrôlée), fraudulent conveyance (actio pauliana), general settlement or composition with creditors (concordat préventif de la faillite), reorganisation or similar Luxembourg or foreign laws affecting the rights of creditors generally. |
2 |
Pursuant to Luxembourg law, certain creditors enjoy, in the framework of insolvency proceedings, preferred rights to payments arising by operation of law that may rank prior to those of secured creditors (including, but not limited to, legal fees and costs, employees unpaid salaries, claims of the Treasury or social security organisms). |
General
3 |
Documents produced before a court or a public body of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg might have to be translated into the French or German languages. Luxembourg legal concepts are expressed in English terms and not in their original French terms. The concepts in question may not be identical to the concepts described by the same English terms as they exist in the laws, rules and regulations of other jurisdictions. Therefore, legal concepts expressed in English in this Opinion will be construed and applied by Luxembourg courts in accordance with Luxembourg law. |
4 |
The terms valid, binding and enforceable as used in this Opinion mean that the obligations assumed by the Addressee under the Holdco Warrant Instrument are of a type which the Luxembourg courts will generally enforce. It does not mean that those obligations will necessarily be enforced by the Luxembourg courts in all circumstances in accordance with their terms. Any specific case will be treated with regard to the actual facts and circumstances particular to this case and accordingly we express no opinion on the outcome of any legal dispute that may arise in connection with the Holdco Warrant Instrument. In particular: |
(a) |
enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws; |
(b) |
certain obligations, other than payment obligations, might not be subject of specific performance pursuant to Luxembourg court orders and result only in damages; |
(c) |
claims may be barred by statutes of limitations or may be subject to defences of set-off or counterclaims; |
(d) |
even though monetary judgments may be expressed in a foreign currency, any obligation to pay a sum of money in a currency other than euro will be enforceable in Luxembourg in terms of euros only and for such purpose, all claims and debts shall be converted into euro at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of payment; |
(e) |
a severability provision may be ineffective if a Luxembourg court considers that the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision is a substantial or material one; |
(f) |
where obligations are to be performed in a jurisdiction outside the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, they may not be enforceable in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the extent that performance would be illegal under the laws of that jurisdiction; |
(g) |
any provision in the Holdco Warrant Instrument that provides for indemnification resulting from loss suffered pursuant to the conversion of any amount of a claim made in any other currency than euro into euro in a liquidation may not be enforceable; |
(h) |
a Luxembourg court may not give effect to a clause purporting to determine the date on which notice is deemed to have been made; |
(i) |
any provision stating that any rights and obligations shall bind successors and assigns of any party thereto may not be enforceable in Luxembourg in the absence of any further agreements to that effect from such successors and assigns in case such successors and assigns are Luxembourg individuals/entities; Indeed, under Luxembourg law, pursuant to the principle of privity, a contract will only, as a matter of principle, confer rights to, or be binding upon, the parties thereto save (i) where the assignee has expressly agreed to assume the transferred or assigned obligations or (ii) in accordance with limited provisions of Luxembourg law providing to the contrary, such as, for instance, in case of merger; |
(j) |
notwithstanding any provisions pursuant to which a party may unilaterally make determinations that are deemed to be conclusive and binding towards any other party, Luxembourg courts may examine whether such determinations were made in good faith; |
(k) |
any provision providing for interest being payable in specified circumstances on due and payable interest may be construed by Luxembourg courts as a penalty and not be recoverable; |
(l) |
a Luxembourg court may construe a contractual provision conferring or imposing a remedy or a penalty upon default as constituting an excessive pecuniary remedy and decide on such ground to decrease the amount thereof; |
(m) |
the validity of non-petition clauses is doubtful under Luxembourg law; |
(n) |
contractual legal provisions according to which a party should indemnify another party and/or bear costs and expenses may not be enforceable to the extent that the Luxembourg courts may fix at their own discretion the amount of legal fees and costs; and |
(o) |
a contractual provision allowing the service of process against a party to a service agent could be overridden by Luxembourg statutory provisions allowing the valid securing of process against a party in accordance with applicable laws at the domicile of the party. |
5 |
The expressions duly incorporated and validly existing as used in this Opinion are intended to be construed according to Luxembourg legal concepts relating to the legal existence of the Addressee and its valid incorporation and do not imply a particular financial situation (including in respect of the criteria for the opening of any insolvency proceedings) save for the matters stated under opinion paragraph 2.2 of this Opinion. |
6 |
As a matter of Luxembourg law, to the extent applicable, the respective rights and obligations of the parties to the Transaction Documents may be affected or limited by: |
(a) |
principles of criminal law, including but not limited to freezing orders; or |
(b) |
the general defences that could become available to a contracting party in the framework of a potential future litigation in respect of the validity and enforceability of agreements in general (including, but not limited to fraud, lack of consent, duress, undue influence, material error, illegal consideration, uncertainty of the object, mistake, misrepresentation, incapacity, breach of public order and force majeure). |
7 |
Documents relating to the Addressee (including, but not limited to, a notice of a winding-up order or resolution, or a notice of the appointment of an administrator, bankruptcy receiver, insolvency practitioner, liquidator, receiver or director) might not be published on the R.E.S.A/Recueil Électronique des Sociétés et Associations (the R.E.S.A.) or filed with the R.C.S. or with the court clerk of the Luxembourg District Court (Tribunal dArrondissement de et à Luxembourg) immediately and there might be a delay in the relevant document appearing in the files of the Addressee. |
8 |
Deeds (actes) or extracts of deeds (extraits dactes) relating to the Addressee and which, by virtue of the Law on Commercial Companies must be published in the R.E.S.A. (and which concern essentially acts relating to the incorporation, the functioning, appointment of directors, liquidation/insolvency of the Addressee or subsequent amendments to its Constitutional Documents) will only be enforceable against third parties after they have been published in the R.E.S.A., except where such third parties have knowledge thereof, whereas third parties may however rely thereon prior to such publication. For the fifteen days following the publication, these deeds or extracts of deeds are not enforceable against third parties who prove that it was impossible for them to have knowledge thereof within that time. |
9 |
The registration of some or all of the Transaction Documents with the Administration de lEnregistrement et des Domaines in Luxembourg will be required if they are appended to a public deed voluntarily or to any other document subject to mandatory registration, in which case a registration duty will be payable depending on the nature of the document to be registered. The same registration duties will be payable in the case of voluntary registration of the Transaction Documents. |
10 |
No opinion is expressed or implied in relation to the accuracy of any statement of fact, opinion, representation or warranty made in the Transaction Documents (save for those matters and statements covered by this Opinion) or given by or concerning any of the parties to the Transaction Documents, or whether such parties are bound by any representation or warranty given. |
11 |
A receiver may be limited in the exercise of its rights and powers (i) pursuant to the Law on Commercial Companies and (ii), in the case of insolvency of a Luxembourg company, by the rights and powers of the insolvency receiver appointed by a Luxembourg court pursuant to Luxembourg insolvency laws. Further, the rights and powers of a receiver may not cover or extend to actions which, pursuant to the Law on Commercial Companies or the Constitutional Documents, require a decision of the shareholders of a Luxembourg company rather than the Luxembourg company itself. |
12 |
We express no view as to the commercial terms of the Transaction Documents or whether such terms represent the intentions of the parties and make no comment with respect to any representations which may be made by the Addressee. |
13 |
We express no opinion on the contractual terms of the relevant documents other than by reference to the legal character thereof. |
Governing Law
14 |
As a matter of principle and notwithstanding any foreign jurisdiction clause, Luxembourg courts have jurisdiction over any conservatory or provisional measures concerning assets or persons located in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and any action relating thereto may be governed by Luxembourg law. |
15 |
When applying a foreign law, the courts of competent jurisdiction of Luxembourg, if any, by virtue of the Rome I Regulation and as appropriate: |
(a) |
may give effect to the mandatory rules of law of another country or of provisions of Community law where all of the other elements of the situation but the choice of law are located at the time of choice in another country or in another Member State, if and insofar as, under the law of that country, those rules must be applied whatever is the law applicable to the Holdco Warrant Instrument (Article 3(3) and 3(4) of the Rome I Regulation); |
(b) |
will apply Luxembourg law in a situation where it is mandatory irrespective of the law otherwise applicable to the Holdco Warrant Instrument (Article 9(2) of the Rome I Regulation); |
(c) |
may refuse to apply the foreign law if such application is manifestly incompatible with the public policy of Luxembourg (Article 21 of the Rome I Regulation) but our reading of the Holdco Warrant Instrument does not lead us to believe that the Luxembourg courts would refuse the foreign law on that basis; and |
(d) |
shall have regard to the law of the country in which performance takes place in relation to the manner of performance and the steps to be taken in the event of defective performance (Article 12(2) of the Rome I Regulation). |
16 |
When applying a foreign law, the courts of competent jurisdiction of Luxembourg, if any, by virtue of the Rome II Regulation and as appropriate: |
(a) |
may give effect to the mandatory rules of law of another country where all elements relevant to a tort are located in that other country at the time when the tort occurs if and insofar as, under the law of that country, those rules must be applied irrespective of the law applicable to the Holdco Warrant Instrument (Article 14 (2) of the Rome II Regulation); |
(b) |
may give effect to the mandatory rules of E.U. law that cannot be derogated from by agreement when all the elements relevant to a tort are located in one or more of the Member States at the time when the tort occurs (Article 14 (3) of the Rome II Regulation); |
(c) |
will apply Luxembourg law in a situation where it is mandatory, irrespective of the law otherwise applicable to the Holdco Warrant Instrument (Article 16 of the Rome II Regulation); |
(d) |
may refuse to apply the foreign law if such application is manifestly incompatible with the public policy of Luxembourg (Article 26 of the Rome II Regulation), although our reading of the Holdco Warrant Instrument does not lead us to believe that the Luxembourg courts would refuse to apply the foreign law on that basis; |
(e) |
may apply, with respect to non-contractual obligations arising out of an act of unfair competition, the law of the country where competitive relations or the collective interests of consumers are, or are likely to be, affected (Article 6 of the Rome II Regulation); |
(f) |
will apply the law of the country for which protection is claimed when a tort arises from an infringement of an intellectual property right, notwithstanding the choice of law made by the parties (Article 8 of the Rome II Regulation); and |
(g) |
the choice of the law shall not prejudice the rights of third parties (Article 14 (1) of the Rome II Regulation). |
Electronic Signatures
17 |
While an electronic signature may not be dismissed in court or deprived from any legal effect merely on the grounds that it is an electronic signature, only electronic signatures that meet the conditions and comply with the requirements set out in Article 1322-1 of the Luxembourg Civil Code and under the eIDAS Regulation, have an equivalent effect to handwritten wet ink signatures when used for the purpose of the execution of an agreement under private seal (acte sous seing privé). Electronic signatures that fail to satisfy such requirements will however not benefit from a presumption of equivalence to handwritten signatures and of reverse burden of proof but will be prima facie admissible in evidence (commencement de preuve) before Luxembourg courts that will have full discretion to determine on a case by case basis whether they validly evidence the consent of the purported signatory. Additional means of evidence may be needed to be produced in court for such purpose and such electronic signatures bear the risk of being declared invalid absent convincing evidence. In case the Transaction Documents has been signed by way of electronic signatures, no opinion is expressed herein on the legal qualification of any signature in electronic form. |
Exhibit 8.1
October 7, 2021
EverArc Holdings Limited
Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (EverArc), in connection with the transactions (the Business Combination) contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2021 (as may be amended, the Business Combination Agreement), that EverArc has entered into with Perimeter Solutions, SA, a newly formed public company limited by shares (société anonyme) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Holdco), SK Invictus Holdings S.à r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, SK Invictus Intermediate S.à r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Perimeter), and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability in the British Virgin Islands.
EverArc has requested that we render our opinion as to certain tax matters relating to the Business Combination in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the Registration Statement), relating to the registration by Holdco of its common stock to be issued in connection with the Business Combination, filed by Holdco with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Registration Statement.
In rendering our opinion, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such agreements and other documents as we have deemed relevant and necessary and we have made such investigations of law as we have deemed appropriate as a basis for the opinion expressed below. In our examination, we have assumed, without independent verification, (i) the authenticity of original documents, (ii) the accuracy of copies and the genuineness of signatures, (iii) that the execution and delivery by each party to a document and the performance by such party of its obligations thereunder have been authorized by all necessary measures and do not violate or result in a breach of or default under such partys certificate or instrument of formation and by-laws or the laws of such partys jurisdiction of organization, (iv) that each agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter thereof, (v) that the parties to each agreement have complied, and will comply, with all of their respective covenants, agreements and undertakings contained therein, (vi) that the transactions provided for by each agreement were and will be carried out in accordance with their terms, and (vii) that all factual representations, warranties and statements made in the representation letter provided to us by EverArc and in the Business Combination Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and the Registration Statement are true, correct and complete, in each case without regard to any qualification as to knowledge, belief, materiality, or otherwise. In rendering our opinion, we have made no independent investigation of the facts referred to herein and have relied for the purpose of rendering this opinion exclusively upon those facts that have been provided to us by you and your agents, which we assume have been, and will continue to be, true.
October 7, 2021
Page 2
The opinion set forth below is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, administrative rulings, judicial decisions, Treasury regulations and other applicable authorities, all as in effect on the effective date of the Registration Statement. The statutory provisions, regulations, and interpretations upon which our opinion is based are subject to change, and such changes could apply retroactively. Any change in law or the facts regarding the Business Combination or any of the transactions related thereto, or any inaccuracy in the facts or assumptions upon which we relied, could affect the continuing validity of the opinion set forth below. We assume no responsibility to inform you of any such changes or inaccuracy that may occur or come to our attention.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and subject to the limitations and qualifications set forth herein and in the Registration Statement, the discussion set forth under the caption Material U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsTax Consequences of the Business Combination in the Registration Statement, insofar as it expresses conclusions as to the application of United States federal income tax law, is our opinion as to the material United States federal income tax consequences of the Business Combination to U.S. Holders of EverArc Ordinary Shares and EverArc Warrants.
We hereby consent to use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name therein. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of the Registration Statement within the meaning of the term experts as used in the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
This opinion is being delivered prior to the consummation of the Business Combination and therefore is prospective and dependent on future events. This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof, and we are under no obligation to supplement or revise our opinion to reflect any legal developments, any factual matters arising subsequent to the date hereof, or the impact of any information, document, certificate, record, statement, representation, covenant, or assumption relied upon herein that becomes incorrect or untrue.
We express our opinion herein only as to those matters specifically set forth above and no opinion should be inferred as to the tax consequences of the Business Combination under any state, local or foreign law, or with respect to other areas of United States federal taxation. We do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the federal income tax law of the United States.
Very truly yours, |
GREENBERG TRAURIG, P.A. |
Exhibit 10.3
ADVISORY SERVICES AGREEMENT
This ADVISORY SERVICES AGREEMENT (this Agreement), dated and effective as of 12 December, 2019 (the Effective Date), is entered into by and between EverArc Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (the Company), and EverArc Founders LLC, a limited liability company (Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Company requires the services of Advisor, among other reasons, to advise the Company in connection with fulfilling its objectives, as set forth in the Prospectus (defined below), in identifying potential acquisition opportunities and in executing the Acquisition (defined below);
WHEREAS, the Company will also benefit from the Services (as defined below) provided by Advisor following such Acquisition; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to receive from Advisor, and Advisor desires to provide to the Company, the Services pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Agreement; Term.
(a) The Company hereby retains Advisor to perform, and Advisor agrees to render to the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries from time to time (Subsidiaries), on the terms herein set forth, the following services (collectively, the Services):
(i) |
from Admission until the consummation of the Acquisition (Phase 1), the following services: |
(A) |
advise with respect to identifying target opportunities and the due diligence and other review of target business opportunities; |
(B) |
advise with the negotiation and documentation of the Acquisition; and |
(C) |
advise regarding investor relations with respect to the Acquisition. |
(ii) |
From and after the consummation of the Acquisition (Phase 2), the following services: |
(A) |
provide strategic and capital allocation advice; and |
(B) |
such other advisory services relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries as may from time to time be mutually agreed to among the parties. |
(b) It is expressly understood and agreed that Advisor shall devote only so much time, and shall consult with and advise the officers and directors of the Company only to
such extent and, at such times and places, as may be mutually convenient to the Company and Advisor. Advisor shall be free to provide similar services to such other business enterprises or activities as Advisor may deem fit without any limitation or restriction whatsoever.
(c) The Services shall be provided by Advisor through one or more of the following officers of Advisor: W. Nicholas Howley, William N. Thorndike and Tracy Britt Cool (the Providers). In the event of the resignation, death or disability of all of such Providers, the Advisor may, with the consent of the Company (which may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), provide substitute Providers.
2. Term; Termination and Termination Payment.
(a) The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall terminate on the expiration of the tenth (10th) full fiscal year following the closing of the Acquisition. This Agreement may be terminated by the Company at any time if Advisor engages in any criminal conduct or in any willful misconduct which is harmful to the Company (in each case, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of New York). Additionally, this Agreement may be terminated at any time during Phase 2 (i) by Advisor if the Company ceases to be traded on the London Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq or (ii) by Advisor or the Company if there is (A) a consummation of a Sale of the Company or (B) a liquidation of the Company pursuant to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws.
(b) Upon termination in (a)(i) or (a)(ii)(A) above, in each case, the Company shall pay to Advisor an amount in cash equal to (i) the Fixed Annual Advisory Amount for the year in which termination occurs and for each remaining year of the term of this Agreement and (ii) the Variable Annual Advisory Amount that would have been payable to Advisor for the year of such termination and for each remaining year of the term of this Agreement, in each case using the Payment Price as determined in (c) below.
(c) For the purposes of calculating the amount due in (b) above, in each case the Payment Price in the year of termination will be calculated on the basis of a shortened Payment Year ending on the Trading Day immediately prior to the date of termination, save that in the event of (i) a Sale of the Company, as described in subsection (b) or (c) of such defined term, the Payment Price will be the price per Ordinary Share paid by the relevant third party (if such payment is not made in cash, the Payment Price will be the cash equivalent of the price per Ordinary Share paid by the relevant third party) and (ii) a Sale of the Company, as described in subsection (a) of such defined term, the Payment Price will be the amount paid by the relevant third party (or cash equivalent if such payment is not made in cash) divided by the Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number. For each remaining year of the term of this Agreement the Payment Price in each case will then increase by 15% each year. No account shall be taken of any Payment Price in any year preceding the termination when calculating amounts due on termination.
(d) The amount payable in (b) will be immediately due and payable in cash on the date of termination, which, in the event of a Sale of the Company shall, be the date of the consummation thereof.
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3. Variable Annual Advisory Amount; Fixed Annual Advisory Amount and Expenses.
(a) Commencing from consummation of the Acquisition, and provided that the Payment Price per Ordinary Share is at least $10.00, Advisor will be entitled to receive a variable annual advisory amount (the Variable Annual Advisory Amount) for the financial year in which the Acquisition is completed and for a further ten (10) full financial years. In the first Payment Year in which such amount becomes payable, such amount will be equal in value to (i) eighteen percent (18%) of the increase in the market value of one Ordinary Share, being the difference between $10.00 and the Payment Price, multiplied by (ii) the Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number. Thereafter, the Variable Annual Advisory Amount will only become payable if the Payment Price during any subsequent Payment Year is greater than the highest Payment Price in any preceding Payment Year in which an amount was paid in respect of this Agreement. Such Variable Annual Advisory Amount will be equal in value to eighteen percent (18%) of the increase in the Payment Price over the highest Payment Price in any preceding Payment Year multiplied by the Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number. The Variable Annual Advisory Amount, if any, will be paid on the relevant Payment Date by the issue to Advisor of such number of whole Ordinary Shares as is equal to the Variable Annual Advisory Amount to which it is entitled divided by the Payment Price (provided that any fractional Ordinary Shares due to a holder resulting from such calculation shall not be issued and such holder shall be entitled to be paid the nearest lower whole number of Ordinary Shares) or partly in cash, at the election of Advisor provided that at least fifty percent (50%) of the amount payable is paid in Ordinary Shares. Any such cash election by Advisor shall be made by January 30th following the Payment Year.
(b) In addition to the right to receive the Variable Annual Advisory Amount, commencing from consummation of the Acquisition, for the financial year in which the Acquisition is completed and for a further six (6) full financial years, Advisor shall be entitled to an amount equal to such number of Ordinary Shares as is equal to one and a half percent (1.5%) of the Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number payable on the relevant Payment Date in Ordinary Shares or partly in cash at the Payment Price for the relevant Payment Year, at the election of Advisor provided that at least fifty percent (50%) of the amount payable is paid in Ordinary Shares (the Fixed Annual Advisory Amount). Any such cash election by Advisor shall be made by January 30th following the Payment Year.
(c) The amounts used for the purposes of calculating the Variable Annual Advisory Amount or the Fixed Annual Advisory Amount and the relevant numbers of Ordinary Shares shall be adjusted to reflect any split or reverse split of the Ordinary Shares in issue after the date of Admission.
(d) In the event of the Company entering liquidation, the Payment Date for the relevant Payment Year shall be the Trading Day immediately prior to the date of commencement of liquidation and accordingly a Variable Annual Advisory Amount and Fixed Annual Advisory Amount shall be calculated as of such Payment Date and be payable on the relevant Payment Date.
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(e) In the event a Variable Annual Advisory Amount or Fixed Annual Advisory Amount is payable in Ordinary Shares, where the Ordinary Shares (or any interests therein) are listed or traded on any stock exchange or securities market the Company shall use reasonable efforts, including the issue of any prospectus, listing document or similar as may be required, to procure that, upon the payment of the Variable Annual Advisory Amount or Fixed Annual Advisory Amount, the Ordinary Shares arising from such payment (or any interests therein) are promptly admitted to such stock exchange or securities market (or where more than one, all of them) and that any interests in the Ordinary Shares (including depositary interests) be capable of being freely transferred in a Relevant System.
(f) The Company shall reimburse Advisor for the cost of all reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by Advisor and its affiliates in the performance of the Services hereunder and all matters related thereto. The aforementioned expenses will be payable by the Company to Advisor or its designee promptly following presentation by Advisor of invoices for such expenses.
(g) For the avoidance of doubt, the payments made to the Advisor pursuant to this Section 3 shall be made in addition to any fees, payments or other compensation paid to any Provider by the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries, such as any fees for service on the board of directors of the Company (the Board) on terms similar to the independent directors.
4. Board Composition. During the term of this Agreement, Advisor shall have the right to nominate for election to the Board six (6) directors (the Designees) and, subject to any such Designee having consented in writing to such appointment pursuant to section 112 of the Act and not being disqualified for appointment pursuant to section Ill of the Act, the Company shall cause each Designee to be appointed as a director of the Board. If the Advisor notifies the Company in writing to remove any Designee, the Company shall cause the Designee to be removed as a director of the Board and the Advisor shall have the right to nominate another Designee to fill the vacancy (and to subsequently nominate any further Designee and subsequently request their removal from time to time).
5. Relationship of the Parties. Advisor is providing the Services hereunder as an independent contractor. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute the parties hereto as joint venturers, alter egos, partners or participants in an unincorporated business or other separate entity, nor in any manner create any employer-employee or principal-agent relationship between the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries on the one hand, and Advisor or any of Advisors members. Advisors, officers or employees on the other hand (notwithstanding the fact that the Company and Advisor may have in common any officers, directors, shareholders, members, managers, employees, or other personnel).
6. Directors and Officers. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to relieve the directors or officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries from the performance of their respective duties or limit the exercise of their powers in accordance with the Companys and its Subsidiaries memorandum and articles of association, charter, bylaws, operating agreement, other constituent documents, applicable law, or otherwise. The activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of their respective directors and officers. The Company and its Subsidiaries reserve the right to make all decisions with
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regard to any matter upon which Advisor has rendered its advice and consultation. The Company, its Subsidiaries and Advisor expressly acknowledge and agree that Advisor is being engaged by the Company and its Subsidiaries to provide the Services to the Company and its Subsidiaries, for which Advisor will be compensated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Advisor shall not, and shall have no authority to, control the Company or its Subsidiaries or the Companys or its Subsidiaries day-to-day operations, whether through the performance of Advisors duties hereunder or otherwise. The Companys and its Subsidiaries directors, officers and employees shall retain all responsibility for the Company, its Subsidiaries and their operations as and to the extent required by the Companys and its Subsidiaries memorandum and articles of association, charter, bylaws, operating agreement, other constituent documents, and applicable law.
7. Limitation of Liability. Neither Advisor nor any of its affiliates, nor any of their respective members, managers, partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and/or controlling persons, nor any successor by operation of law (including by merger) of any such person, nor any entity that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of any such person in a single transaction or series of related transactions (all of the foregoing, collectively, the Advisor Indemnitees) shall be liable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates or any of the security holders or creditors of the Company or any of its affiliates for (i) any damage, loss, liability, deficiency, diminution in value, action, suit, claim, proceeding, investigation, audit, demand, assessment, fine, judgment, cost or other expense (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses) (collectively Liabilities) directly or indirectly (whether direct or indirect, in contract or tort or otherwise) arising out of, related to, caused by, based upon or in connection with the performance of the Services contemplated by this Agreement unless such Liability shall be proven to result directly and primarily from the willful misconduct of such person or (ii) any Outside Activities (as defined below). Advisor makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, in respect of the Services provided by any Advisor Indemnitee. In no event will any Advisor Indemnitee be liable to the Company (x) for any special, indirect, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, including, without limitation, loss of profits or savings or lost business, whether or not such damages are foreseeable or such Advisor Indemnitee has been advised of the possibility of such damages or (y) in respect of any Liabilities relating to any third party claims (whether based in contract, tort or otherwise), except as set forth in Section 8 below. Under no circumstances will the aggregate of any and all Liabilities of Advisor Indemnitees exceed, in the aggregate, the fees actually paid to Advisor hereunder.
8. Indemnification. The Company and its Subsidiaries shall jointly and severally reimburse, defend, indemnify and hold Advisor Indemnitees, and each of them, harmless from and against any Liabilities arising out of, related to, caused by, based upon or in connection with (a) any act or omission of, or on behalf of, the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, Advisor or any of Advisor Indemnitees, except to the extent proven to result directly and primarily from the willful misconduct of the person seeking indemnification, or (b) any act or omission made at the direction of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, Claims). The Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates shall jointly and severally defend at their own cost and expense any and all suits or actions (just or unjust) which may be brought against the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates, or any Advisor Indemnitee or in which any Advisor Indemnitee may be impleaded with others upon any Claims, or upon any matter, directly or indirectly arising out of, related to, caused by, based upon or in connection with this Agreement or the performance (or failure of performance) hereof by any Advisor Indemnitee.
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9. Notices. All notices, requests, demands or other communications permitted or required to be given hereunder shall be given or made in writing and shall be (i) delivered personally (including delivery by commercial courier) or (ii) sent by registered or certified airmail, postage prepaid, addressed to the party to whom they are directed at the following addresses, or at such other address as ay be designated by notice from such party hereunder:
To the Company:
EverArc Holdings Limited
C/O Oak Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited
Attention: C/O Mark Woodall
To Advisor:
EverArc Founders LLC
160 Greentree Drive, Suite 101, the City of Dover, County of Kent, Delaware 19904
Attention: The Managers
Any notice, request, demand or other communication permitted or required to be given hereunder shall be deemed conclusively to have been given: (a) on the first business day following the day timely deposited with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service with an order for next-day delivery, with the cost of delivery prepaid for the account of the sender; (b) on the fifth business day following the day duly sent by certified or registered United States mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested; or (c) if delivered by other means, when actually received by the addressee on a business day (or on the next business day if received after the close of normal business hours or on any non-business day).
10. Assignment; Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by the Company or its Subsidiaries without the prior written consent of Advisor. This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of Advisor hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by Advisor, other than to an affiliate of Advisor, without the prior written consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, following the Acquisition, the Company is not the publicly traded entity (i.e., Companys parent company or affiliate is publicly traded), the Company shall cause the rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement to be assigned to and assumed by (upon consummation of the Acquisition) such publicly traded parent company or affiliate. All covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of the parties contained in this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.
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11. Amendments. No amendment, supplement or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Advisor and the Company (in the case of an amendment or supplement) or by the waiving party (in the case of a waiver).
12. Applicable Law; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law or choice of law that would compel the application of the substantive laws of any other jurisdiction. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION IN ANY COURT WITH RESPECT TO, IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE VALIDITY, PROTECTION, INTERPRETATION, COLLECTION OR ENFORCEMENT THEREOF.
13. Section Headings. The headings of each section are contained herein for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces all prior agreements, understandings and representations, oral or written, with regard to such matters.
15. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or application thereof under any circumstances is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or application of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid or unenforceable provision or application and shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision or application in any other jurisdiction. If any provision is held void, invalid or unenforceable with respect to particular circumstances, it shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect in all other circumstances.
16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and both of which together shall constitute one and the same document. Any counterpart may be executed by PDF or facsimile signature and such PDF or facsimile signature shall be deemed an original.
17. Further Assurances. Each party hereto agrees to use all reasonable efforts to obtain all consents and approvals, and to do all other things, necessary for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The parties agree to take such further action and to deliver or cause to be delivered any additional agreements or instruments as any of them may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out this Agreement and the agreements and transactions contemplated hereby. The parties agree to amend this Agreement as required under the laws of any jurisdiction applicable to the Company and/or Advisor (including, those in which the Company or Advisor may be subject to in the future) in order to carry out the intentions and agreements of the parties under this Agreement.
18. Attorneys Fees. If any action at law or in equity is necessary or desirable to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, to protect the rights obtained hereunder, or
7
where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, then Advisor shall be entitled to recover from the Company its reasonable attorneys fees incurred in connection therewith, including attorneys fees on appeal, and all costs and disbursements, in addition to any other available relief or remedy to which it may be entitled.
19. Outside Activities. The Company hereby acknowledges and agrees that one or more of Advisor Indemnitees have had, and from time to time may have, outside activities or interests that conflict or may conflict with the best interests of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates (collectively, Outside Activities), including (without limitation) investment opportunities or investments in, ownership of, or participation in entities that are or could be complementary to, or competitive with, the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates. The Company hereby consents to all such Outside Activities, and no Advisor Indemnitee shall be liable to the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates for breach of any duty (contractual or otherwise), including without limitation any fiduciary duties, by reason of any such activities or of such persons participation therein. In the event that any Advisor Indemnitee acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity for both the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates, on the one hand, and any Advisor Indemnitee, on the other hand, or any other person, no Advisor Indemnitee shall have any duty (contractual or otherwise), including without limitation any fiduciary duties, to communicate, present or offer such corporate opportunity to the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates and, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, shall not be liable to the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates for breach of any duty (contractual or otherwise), including without limitation any fiduciary duties, by reason of the fact that any Advisor Indemnitee directly or indirectly pursues or acquires such opportunity for itself, directs such opportunity to another person, or does not present or communicate such opportunity to the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates, even though such corporate opportunity may be of a character that, if presented to the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates, could be taken by the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates, as applicable. The Company hereby renounces any interest, right, or expectancy in any such opportunity not offered to it by Advisor Indemnitees to the fullest extent permitted by law. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this Section 19 shall not limit in any respect the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during Phase 1, Advisor shall present to the Company any potential transaction (which a Provider acquires knowledge of) that may be a suitable opportunity for the Company and/or its Subsidiaries (as determined by such Provider in its reasonable discretion), provided that the Advisor (and such Provider) shall not be required to present such potential transaction if there is a conflict of interest due to such Providers duties to a third party, including fiduciary duties, duties under corporate opportunity principles or contractual obligations.
20. Construction. The construction of this Agreement shall not take into consideration the party who drafted or whose representative drafted any portion of this Agreement, and no canon of construction shall be applied that resolves ambiguities against the drafter of a document.
21. Survival. The provisions contained in Sections 5 through 16 and 18 through 21 (except for the last sentence of Section 19) shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the obligations of the Company to pay amounts owed to Advisor as provided herein shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
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22. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following defined terms shall have the meaning indicated below:
Act means the BVI Business Companies Act (as amended), and includes the regulations made under the Act.
Acquisition means the initial acquisition by the Company or by any subsidiary thereof (which may be in the form of a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, scheme of arrangement, reorganization or similar business combination) of an interest in an operating company or business, as contemplated by the Prospectus.
Admission means admission of the Ordinary Shares to the standard listing segment of the Official List and to trading on the Main Market.
Average Price means for any security, as of any date (or relevant period, as applicable): (i) in respect of Ordinary Shares or any other security, the volume weighted average price for such security on the London Stock Exchange as reported by Bloomberg through its Volume at Price functions; (ii) if the directors of the Company determine in their discretion that the London Stock Exchange is not the principal securities exchange or trading market for that security, the volume weighted average price of that security on the principal securities exchange or trading market on which that security is listed or traded as reported by Bloomberg through its Volume at Price functions; (iii) if the foregoing do not apply, the last closing trade price of that security in the over-the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for that security as reported by Bloomberg; or (iv) if no last closing trade price is reported for that security by Bloomberg, the last closing ask price of that security as reported by Bloomberg. If the Average Price cannot be calculated for that security on that date on any of the foregoing bases, the Average Price of that security on such date shall be the fair market value as mutually determined by the Company and the Advisor (each acting reasonably).
Company shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term Company shall include any successor entity (by merger or otherwise).
Founder Advisory Agreement Calculation Number means such number of Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately following the Acquisition, including any Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of Warrants, but excluding any Ordinary Shares issued to shareholders or other beneficial owners of a company or business acquired pursuant to or in connection with the Acquisition.
Main Market means the London Stock Exchanges main market for listed securities (or, if the Ordinary Shares are not at the relevant time admitted to trading on such market, the principal stock exchange or securities market on which the Ordinary Shares are then listed or traded or if the Ordinary Shares are at the relevant time listed or traded (at the request of the Company) on more than one stock exchange or securities market, the stock exchange or securities market on which the directors of the Company, in their discretion, determine that Ordinary Shares have the greatest liquidity).
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Official List means the Official List maintained by the Financial Conduct Authority of the United Kingdom or any successor.
Ordinary Share means an ordinary share of no par value in the Company.
Payment Date means the February 15th following the Payment Year (or the next succeeding business day if that day is not a business day), except in respect of any Variable Annual Advisory Amount or Fixed Annual Advisory Amount becoming due on the Trading Day immediately prior to the date of commencement of the Companys liquidation, in which case the Payment Date shall be such Trading Day immediately prior to the date of commencement of the Companys liquidation.
Payment Price means the Average Price per Ordinary Share for the last ten consecutive Trading Days in the relevant Payment Year or as otherwise determined in accordance with the terms of this Agreement in the event that this Agreement is terminated in certain circumstances, including if there is a Sale of the Company.
Payment Year means the period commencing on the date of Admission and ending on the last day of the Companys first financial year (as of the date of Admission the first financial year ends on 31 October 2020), and thereafter each financial year of the Company, except that in the event of (i) the Companys entry into liquidation or (ii) a termination under Section 2(a)(i) or Section 2(a)(ii)(A), the relevant Payment Year shall be shortened so as to end on the Trading Day immediately prior to the date of commencement of liquidation.
Prospectus means the prospectus issued by the Company in connection with Admission on or around the date of this Agreement.
Relevant System means a computer-based system and procedures which enable title to units of a security (including depositary interests) to be evidenced and transferred without a written instrument, and which facilitate supplementary and incidental matters.
Sale of the Company means: (a) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (determined on a consolidated basis with any then-existing subsidiaries of the Company) to a third party; (b) a sale of capital stock of the Company resulting in no less than a majority of the Ordinary Shares (or other voting stock of the Company) on a fully diluted basis being held by a third party; or (c) a merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or other business combination of the Company with or into a third party that results in the inability of the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation thereof to designate or elect a majority of the board of directors (or its equivalent) of the resulting entity or its parent company.
Trading Day means any day on which the Main Market is open for business (other than a day on which the Main Market is scheduled to or does close prior to its regular weekday closing time).
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Warrants means the warrants to subscribe for Ordinary Shares issued or, to be issued pursuant to the Warrant Instrument executed by the Company on 12 December 2019.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Advisory Services Agreement as of the date first above written.
COMPANY:
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED |
||
By: | /s/ Tracy Britt Cool | |
Name: Tracy Britt Cool Title: Director |
ADVISOR:
EVERARC FOUNDERS LLC |
||
By: |
||
Name: Title: |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Advisory Services Agreement as of the date first above written.
COMPANY:
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED |
||
By: | ||
Name: Title: |
ADVISOR:
EVERARC FOUNDERS LLC |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: Haitham Khouri Title: Founder |
Exhibit 10.4
EXECUTION VERSION
Dated 12 DECEMBER 2019
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED
THE DIRECTORS
THE FOUNDERS
THE FOUNDER ENTITIES
THE BANKS
PLACING AGREEMENT
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Contents
Clause | Page | |||||
1 | Definitions and interpretation | 4 | ||||
2 | Appointment of the Banks | 6 | ||||
3 | Applications for Admission | 7 | ||||
4 | The Offer | 8 | ||||
5 | Subscription for Units by the Founders and Independent Non-Founder Directors | 9 | ||||
6 | Subscription for Units by the AI Placees | 10 | ||||
7 | Settlement | 11 | ||||
8 | Commissions, fees and expenses | 14 | ||||
9 | Representations, warranties and undertakings | 17 | ||||
10 | Indemnities | 19 | ||||
11 | Exclusions of liability and arms length transactions | 25 | ||||
12 | Contribution | 27 | ||||
13 | Withholding and gross up | 29 | ||||
14 | Limits on liability | 30 | ||||
15 | Conditions to the Offer and Termination | 30 | ||||
16 | Default by one or more of the Banks | 35 | ||||
17 | Notices | 36 | ||||
18 | General | 38 | ||||
19 | Law and jurisdiction | 44 | ||||
Schedule 1 Liability caps | 47 | |||||
Schedule 2 Warranties | 48 | |||||
Schedule 3 Undertakings | 74 | |||||
Schedule 4 Selling Restrictions | 86 | |||||
Schedule 5 Documents for delivery | 88 | |||||
Schedule 6 Form of certificate | 98 | |||||
Schedule 7 Definitions | 104 | |||||
Appendix 1 Form of Accredited Investor Letter | 116 |
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THIS AGREEMENT is dated 12 DECEMBER 2019
PARTIES:
(1) |
EverArc Holdings Limited, registered in the British Virgin Islands with No. 2025707, whose registered office is at Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173, Road Town, Tortola (the Company); |
(2) |
William N. Thorndike, Jr., a US citizen, residing at [***] (Mr. Thorndike); |
(3) |
W. Nicholas Howley, a US citizen, residing at [***] (Mr. Howley); |
(4) |
Tracy Britt Cool, a US citizen, residing at [***] (Ms. Britt Cool); |
(5) |
Vivek Raj, a citizen of India, residing at [***] (Mr Raj); |
(6) |
Haitham Khouri, a US citizen, residing at [***] (Mr Khouri and, together with Mr. Thorndike, Mr. Howley, Ms. Britt Cool and Mr Raj, the Founders); |
(7) |
The Directors named in column (1) of the table set out in Part B of Schedule 1 (the Independent Non-Founder Directors); |
(8) |
Llanerch Everarc LLC, registered in Ohio with No. 4408544, whose registered office is at 700 W. St. Clair Ave., Suite 414, Cleveland, Ohio 44113-1274, United States of America (Llanerch Everarc); |
(9) |
TVR Everarc LLC, registered in Texas with No. 803478510, whose registered office is at 5900 Balcones Drive, STE 100, Austin, TX 78731, United States of America (TVR Everarc); |
(10) |
EverArc Founders, LLC, registered in Delaware with No. 7485581, whose registered office is at 160 Greentree Drive, Suite 101, City of Dover, County of Kent, Delaware 19904, United States of America (EverArc Founders, together with Llanerch Everarc and TVR Everarc the Founder Entities); |
(11) |
UBS AG, London Branch, a company incorporated under the laws of Switzerland acting through its London branch (registered Branch number BR004507) with its principal place of business at 5 Broadgate, London EC2M 2QS, United Kingdom (UBS); and |
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(12) |
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc, incorporated in England and Wales with No. 02068222, whose registered office is at 25 Cabot Square, London E14 4QA, United Kingdom (Morgan Stanley and, together with UBS, the Banks). |
WHEREAS
(A) |
The Company was incorporated with limited liability and indefinite life under the laws of the British Virgin Islands under the BVI Companies Act on 8 November 2019, with number 2025707, under the name EverArc Holdings Limited. |
(B) |
On 14 November 2019, the Company issued 100 Founder Shares to EverArc Founders. |
(C) |
The Company will apply to the FCA for approval of the Final Prospectus and to the FCA and the London Stock Exchange for the whole of its Ordinary Share capital and all of the Warrants, issued and to be issued under the arrangements referred to in this Agreement (including, without limitation, any Ordinary Shares to be issued upon exercise of any of the Warrants), to be admitted to the standard listing segment of the Official List and to trading on the London Stock Exchanges main market for listed securities. |
(D) |
The Company proposes to issue 34,000,000 New Shares in aggregate pursuant to the arrangements referred to in this Agreement, with matching Warrants being issued to subscribers for New Shares in the Offer on the basis of one matching Warrant per New Share (with each New Share and matching Warrant being hereinafter referred to as a Unit). |
(E) |
In connection with the Offer, the Company proposes to issue 1,500,000 Units in aggregate to the Founders, Llanerch Everarc and TVR Everarc. |
(F) |
Outside the Offer, the Company proposes to issue 30,000 Units in aggregate to the Independent Non-Founder Directors. |
(G) |
It is proposed that the Banks will severally, and not jointly or jointly and severally, agree to use their reasonable endeavours to procure subscribers for the (i) Units not being subscribed for by the Founders or the Independent Non-Founder Directors under clause 5 of this Agreement and (ii) Default AI Placee Units (such Units and Default AI Placee Units being hereinafter referred to as the Underwritten Units) or, failing which, themselves to subscribe for such Underwritten Units, in each case at the Offer Price and pursuant to the arrangements referred to in this Agreement and on the terms and subject to the conditions set out herein. For the avoidance of doubt, the Banks shall not be obliged to procure subscribers for, or to themselves subscribe or pay for, any Units being subscribed for by the Founders or the Independent Non-Founder Directors. |
(H) |
It is proposed that, in connection with the Offer, the Company will issue 1,183,500 Units in aggregate to the AI Placees, and the Banks will subscribe for any Units that an AI Placee defaults on its subscription for, at the Offer Price and pursuant to the arrangements referred to in this Agreement and on the terms and subject to the conditions set out herein. |
3
(I) |
On Admission, the share capital of the Company will be USD 340,300,000 divided into 34,030,000 Ordinary Shares of no par value and 100 Founder Shares. In addition, the Company will have 34,030,000 Warrants in issue. |
(J) |
Insofar as any Units are to be made available in the United States in connection with these arrangements, they are to be made available to Qualified Institutional Buyers and Accredited Investors in reliance on Rule 144A or another exemption from, or pursuant to a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and, in the case of Accredited Investors, subject to the delivery of an Accredited Investor Letter. Any offers or sales of Units to be made pursuant to these arrangements outside the United States will be made in offshore transactions within the meaning of and in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The detailed terms and conditions governing the offering arrangements are set out in full in the Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus. |
(K) |
In connection with the Offer and the Applications for Admission, the Company has prepared and delivered copies of the Disclosure Package and has prepared and will deliver copies of the Final Prospectus dated the date of this Agreement, each for use in connection with the Offer. |
THE PARTIES AGREE as follows:
1 |
Definitions and interpretation |
1.1 |
Words defined in Schedule 7 have, where used in this Agreement (including in the Schedules and the Recitals), the meanings given to them in that Schedule. |
1.2 |
In this Agreement: |
(a) |
the table of contents and the headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of this Agreement; |
(b) |
references in this Agreement to clauses, Schedules and Recitals are to clauses of, and Schedules and Recitals to, this Agreement (except where the context otherwise requires) and references to this Agreement include the Schedules and Recitals; |
(c) |
references to a statutory provision are references to it as from time to time amended, consolidated or re-enacted (with or without modification), provided that no modification subsequent to the date of this Agreement shall extend or increase the liability of any party under this Agreement, and shall include all instruments, orders, regulations or other subordinate legislation made under it; |
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(d) |
references to a person include an individual, body corporate (wherever incorporated), unincorporated association or partnership (including a limited partnership) wherever formed or organised and any government entity, in each case wherever formed or organised; |
(e) |
references to a person include its successors in title; |
(f) |
references to any gender shall include the other genders; |
(g) |
words importing the plural include the singular and vice versa; and |
(h) |
references to dates and times are to London dates and times. |
1.3 |
References to any document in the agreed form mean that document in the form of the draft or proof agreed by Companys Counsel and Banks Counsel and initialled on their behalf for the purposes of identification only or as otherwise evidenced as being in agreed form by communications between Companys Counsel and Banks Counsel, with such alterations as may subsequently be agreed by or on behalf of the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities and/or the Banks (as the context may require). No such initialling shall imply approval of all or any part of its contents by or on behalf of the person initialling it or any of the parties to this Agreement. |
1.4 |
Each reference in this Agreement to any or all of the Banks or the Settlement Bank by any description or in any capacity includes a reference to it in each other capacity in which it may act pursuant to this Agreement (or otherwise with the agreement of the Company) in connection with the Offer. |
1.5 |
Except where the context otherwise requires, material and materially mean material in the context of the Company and/or the Offer and/or the underwriting of the Underwritten Units and/or Admission and/or dealings in the Ordinary Shares and Warrants following Admission. |
1.6 |
Each reference in this Agreement to a breach of any of its provisions includes a reference to any of the representations, warranties, undertakings or covenants given in this Agreement being or becoming untrue, inaccurate or misleading. |
1.7 |
Each reference to the terms and conditions of the Offer are to those terms and conditions as set out in the relevant Offer Documents and as implied by law, regulation and any applicable market usage. |
1.8 |
Each reference to includes or including shall mean includes without limitation or including without limitation. |
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2 |
Appointment of the Banks |
2.1 |
The Company confirms its appointment of: |
(a) |
each of the Banks as joint bookrunners to the Offer; |
(b) |
each of the Banks as joint global co-ordinators for the purpose of co-ordinating the Offer; and |
(c) |
each of the Banks as its agent in procuring Placees for the Underwritten Units on its behalf and in connection with its role as underwriter to the Offer, |
and each Bank confirms its acceptance of such appointment, on and subject to the terms of this Agreement.
2.2 |
The Company agrees that each of the Banks will be authorised to enter into contracts for sale and subscription in respect of the Underwritten Units on their behalf, in each case on the terms of this Agreement. |
2.3 |
The appointments of the Banks contained in this clause 2 confer on each of the Banks (as applicable) on behalf of the Company all powers, authorities and discretions which are necessary for, or reasonably incidental to, such appointments or the performance of their respective functions. In particular, they include the power to appoint sub-agents or to delegate, with power to sub delegate, the exercise of any powers, authorities and discretions to third parties, provided always that (unless such person is a member of the relevant Banks Group) each of the Banks agrees that it will not appoint a person as sub-agent or delegate the exercise of its powers, authorities or discretions to a person without the Companys prior consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). |
2.4 |
The Company agrees to ratify and confirm everything lawfully done by any of the Banks or any of their agents or delegates in the exercise of the powers, authorities and discretions conferred by this Agreement. |
2.5 |
The Company, the Founder Entities and the Founders acknowledge that the duties of the Banks to the FCA cannot be overridden by its duties to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement shall oblige any Bank to take (or omit from taking) any action where such Bank believes that taking such action (or failing to take such action) would likely result in a breach of its legal or regulatory responsibilities, duties or obligations (including, without limitation, any obligations it may have to the FCA). |
2.6 |
The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders acknowledges and agrees that none of the Banks (or any other Indemnified Person) is responsible for, or has authorised or will authorise the contents of, the Disclosure Package and the Final |
6
Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to any of them), the Presentation Materials or any other Offer Document (except to the extent, if any, authorised by any Bank for the purposes of Section 21 of FSMA) and that none of the Banks (or any other Indemnified Person) has been requested to verify (or is or shall be responsible for verifying), the accuracy, completeness or fairness of any information in any of the Offer Documents (or any supplement or amendment to any of the foregoing) or any other information published in connection with the Offer. |
2.7 |
The Company authorises each of the Banks to give to the Registrar and/or to Euroclear any instructions consistent with this Agreement and/or the Offer Documents that it reasonably considers to be necessary for, or incidental to, the performance of its functions as a joint global coordinator and joint bookrunner in connection with the Offer, Admission and the applications for the Depositary Interests to be transferred through and held in dematerialised form through CREST (including, without limitation, delivery to Euroclear of the letter referred to in clause 15.1(h)). |
2.8 |
The Company, the Founder Entities, the Founders and the Directors each undertake to the Banks not to revoke the appointments, authorities or instructions contained in this clause 2 before the earlier of (i) the termination of this Agreement and (ii) the Closing Date. |
3 |
Applications for Admission |
3.1 |
The Company will make or procure the making of the Applications for Admission. The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders severally undertakes to the Banks to use its or their best endeavours to secure Admission by no later than 8.00 a.m. on the Closing Date, or such other time and/or date as the Company and the Banks agree (in the case of each of the Founders and the Directors, to the extent it is within their respective powers to do so). |
3.2 |
The Company and the Directors undertake to apply to the FCA for formal approval of the Final Prospectus for the purposes of, and in accordance with, the Listing Rules and the Prospectus Regulation Rules and shall use all reasonable endeavours to obtain such approval as soon as practicable and in any event before publishing the Final Prospectus. |
3.3 |
The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders severally undertakes to the Banks that it or he will, at all times, cooperate with, and provide to, the Banks all information and assistance and do or procure anything to be done (including, without limitation, executing any documents, providing any information and (in the case of the Company only) paying all relevant fees) that may be reasonably requested by the Banks or that may be required by the Banks to satisfy their respective obligations under, or in connection with, this Agreement, the Offer, the Applications for Admission, the Listing Rules, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the DTRs, the Admission and Disclosure Standards, the rules and regulations of the London Stock Exchange and Euroclear, MAR and/or all applicable laws and regulations in connection with the Offer and/or the Applications for Admission and to provide to the FCA any |
7
information or explanation that the FCA may require for the purpose of verifying whether the Listing Rules, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the DTRs, MAR and/or all applicable laws and regulations in connection with the Offer and/or the Applications for Admission are being, and have been, complied with by the Company. |
4 |
The Offer |
4.1 |
In carrying out their obligations under this Agreement, the Banks are relying on the indemnities, representations, warranties and undertakings contained in this Agreement. |
4.2 |
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver (in accordance with clause 15.2) of the Conditions and to this Agreement not having been terminated under clause 15.6 or clause 16 and to the Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities, each of the Founders and each of the Independent Non-Founder Directors complying with their respective obligations under clause 7, each of the Banks agrees severally, and not jointly or jointly and severally: |
(a) |
to use its reasonable endeavours to procure, as agent for the Company, subscribers for its Relevant Proportion of the Underwritten Units; and |
(b) |
to the extent that Placees are not procured to subscribe for all of the Underwritten Units pursuant to clause 4.2(a), subject at all times to clause 4.5, itself to subscribe (or procure the subscription by one or more nominated subscribers) for its Relevant Proportion of such unplaced Underwritten Units. |
4.3 |
The execution of this Agreement by the Banks constitutes their irrevocable application for those Underwritten Units for which they are required to subscribe for pursuant to clause 4.2(b). |
4.4 |
Subscriptions by the Banks for Underwritten Units under clause 4.2 will be made in cash at the Offer Price on the Closing Date and otherwise on the terms of this Agreement and the terms set out in the Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus. |
4.5 |
The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders confirms, acknowledges and agrees that none of the Banks shall be obliged to subscribe for or pay for the Founder Committed Units or the Independent Non-Founder Director Committed Units. |
4.6 |
The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders acknowledges and agrees that any information it or he receives or has received regarding the identity of persons expressing interest in acquiring Underwritten Units in the Offer and the prices at which they may be willing to do so will be based on non-binding indications of interest from those persons, implying no assurance or obligation that such persons will subsequently acquire Underwritten Units at the prices indicated or otherwise. The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders agrees that any such information obtained or received by it or him or any of such persons officers or employees will, save as required by law |
8
or regulation or any governmental or regulatory body, be held in confidence and recognises that such information may constitute inside information in relation to the Company and/or its securities for the purposes of MAR and/or the CJA and that use of such information may constitute insider dealing, unlawful disclosure of inside information or market manipulation under Articles 14 or 15 of MAR. The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders severally agrees to conduct itself or himself (and, where relevant, direct its officers and employees to conduct themselves) in compliance with the CJA and MAR by reference to such information. |
5 |
Subscription for Units by the Founders and Independent Non-Founder Directors |
5.1 |
Each of the Founders confirms, represents, warrants, undertakes and agrees that it shall subscribe for Units in the following proportions (the Founder Committed Units): |
Founder / Founder Entities |
Number of Units | USD Amount | ||||||
William N. Thorndike, Jr. |
500,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | |||||
Llanerch Everarc (W. Nicholas Howley) |
500,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | |||||
Tracy Britt Cool |
30,000 | $ | 300,000 | |||||
TVR Everarc (Vivek Raj) |
100,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | |||||
Haitham Khouri |
370,000 | $ | 3,700,000 |
5.2 |
Subscriptions by the Founders for the Founder Committed Units under clause 5.1 will be made in cash at the Offer Price on the Closing Date and otherwise on the terms of this Agreement and the Offer Documents. |
5.3 |
Each of the Independent Non-Founder Directors confirms, represents, warrants, undertakes and agrees that he shall subscribe for Units in the following proportions (the Independent Non-Founder Director Committed Units): |
Independent Non-Founder Director |
Number of Units | USD Amount | ||||||
Adam L Hall |
7,500 | $ | 75,000 | |||||
Bram Belzberg |
7,500 | $ | 75,000 | |||||
John Staer |
7,500 | $ | 75,000 | |||||
Michael Tobin OBE |
7,500 | $ | 75,000 |
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5.4 |
Subscriptions by the Independent Non-Founder Directors for the Independent Non-Founder Directors Committed Units under clause 5.3 will be made in cash at the Offer Price on the Closing Date and otherwise on the terms of their letters of appointment and will be satisfied by way of set- off by the Company against the lump sum amount payable by the Company to the Independent Non-Founder Directors on Admission in respect of each Independent Non-Founder Directors directors fees for his first year of appointment. |
6 |
Subscription for Units by the AI Placees |
6.1 |
Each of the AI Placees listed below has agreed to subscribe for Units (the AI Placee Units) in the following proportions: |
AI Placee |
Number of AI Placee
Units |
USD Amount | ||||||
Bob and Kathleen Henderson Family Trust |
325,000 | 3,250,000 | ||||||
Bratenahl Capital Partners, LTD. |
250,000 | 2,500,000 | ||||||
James Skulina |
250,000 | 2,500,000 | ||||||
Bernie Iversen |
125,000 | 1,250,000 | ||||||
Meadowbrook Compounding Company LLC |
50,000 | 500,000 | ||||||
Ardaugh Partners |
50,000 | 500,000 | ||||||
Arthur Joseph Lika |
40,000 | 400,000 | ||||||
Robert Wagman |
30,000 | 300,000 | ||||||
Scott Smith |
25,000 | 250,000 | ||||||
Kian Ghazi |
20,000 | 200,000 | ||||||
Adrienne Snyder |
10,000 | 100,000 | ||||||
Sean Loren |
7,500 | 75,000 | ||||||
Jonathan Salinas |
1,000 | 10,000 |
6.2 |
Subscriptions by the AI Placees for the AI Placee Units under clause 6.1 will be made in cash at the Offer Price by no later than 8.00 a.m. on the Closing Date. |
6.3 |
The Company shall arrange to settle directly with AI Placees in respect of AI Placee Units, and such arrangements shall include the requirement that no AI Placee Units shall be allotted or issued to an AI Placee unless and until cleared funds in respect of the AI Placee Units to be subscribed for by such AI Placee, as set forth against his or her name in clause 6.1, and a letter in the form of Appendix 1 duly executed by the AI Placee have been received. |
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6.4 |
The Company shall notify the Banks by no later than 10.00 a.m. on the Closing Date of any AI Placee who has defaulted on his or her obligation to pay the subscription price due from him or her or to provide a letter in the form of Appendix 1 (the aggregate of all such AI Placee Units in relation to which such default has occurred being the Default AI Placee Units) with full supporting information. |
6.5 |
In the event that any AI Placee fails to pay any amount due from it in respect of any AI Placee Units in accordance with clause 6.3 above, or fails to provide a duly executed letter in the form of Appendix 1 on a timely basis (or the contents of such letter are inaccurate) or otherwise fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the Offer, the Banks may re-allocate and sell to other investors such Units or exercise such other rights or take such other actions as the Banks deem appropriate in their sole discretion. |
7 |
Settlement |
Registrar
7.1 |
The Company will provide the Registrar with all necessary authorisations and information to enable the Registrar to perform its duties in connection with the Offer and as contemplated by this Agreement, the Offer Documents and any agreements between the Company and the Registrar. |
CREST
7.2 |
The Company will, through the Depositary, submit: |
(a) |
the CREST Application Form (and any legal opinions required by Euroclear) to Euroclear prior to Admission; and |
(b) |
the CREST Enablement Letter to Euroclear immediately following Admission. |
7.3 |
The Company will supply all such information, give all such undertakings, execute all such documents, pay all such fees and do or procure to be done all such other things as may be required in connection with the application for the admission of the Depositary Interests to, and their enablement for settlement in, CREST. |
7.4 |
The Company will procure that the Depositary Interests are (with effect from Admission) and remain a participating security (as defined in the CREST Rules) within CREST. |
11
Allotment of Units and issue of Depositary Interests
7.5 |
Subject to clause 7.6, the Company shall, prior to and conditional only on Admission, allot the New Shares and the Warrants comprising the Units (other than any Certificated Units), fully paid up in cash and free from all Encumbrances, to the Depositary (or its nominated custodian) and shall procure that: |
(a) |
the Registrar shall promptly (and without registration fee) enter the name of the Depositary (or its nominated custodian) in the register of members of the Company and the register of Warrant holders, in each case held and maintained in the BVI, as the holder of the New Shares and the Warrants comprising the Units (other than any Certificated Units); |
(b) |
the Depositary shall issue the Depositary Interests: |
(i) |
in respect of the New Shares and the Warrants comprising the Underwritten Units (other than any Certificated Units), to the Settlement Bank or to the Placees as the Banks may in their absolute discretion direct (on behalf of themselves and the other Banks), including to the Settlement Bank as nominee for all or any of the Placees; |
(ii) |
in respect of the New Shares and the Warrants comprising the Founder Committed Units, to the Founders in the proportions set out in clause 5.1; and |
(iii) |
in respect of the New Shares and the Warrants comprising the Independent Non-Founder Director Committed Units in the proportions set out in clause 5.3; and |
(c) |
the Depositary shall issue instructions to Euroclear to credit, prior to and conditionally only on Admission, Depositary Interests in respect of the New Shares and the Warrants: |
(i) |
comprising the Underwritten Units (other than any Certificated Units) to the CREST stock accounts of the Settlement Bank and/or Placees as the Banks may in their absolute discretion direct (on behalf of themselves and the other Banks); |
(ii) |
comprising the Founder Committed Units to the CREST stock accounts of the Founders; and |
(iii) |
comprising the Independent Non-Founder Director Committed Units to the CREST stock accounts of the Independent Non-Founder Directors, |
so that they are enabled for settlement as at and from Admission.
7.6 |
The Company shall, prior to and conditional only on Admission, allot the New Shares and the Warrants comprising the Certificated Units, fully paid up in cash and free from all Encumbrances, to, and shall procure that the Registrar shall despatch definitive share certificates to, such persons (if any) as subscribe for Certificated Units: |
(i) |
if requested by any of the Banks, to the Settlement Bank or to Placees as the Banks may in their absolute discretion direct (on behalf of themselves and the other Banks) in respect of any Underwritten Units; |
12
(ii) |
if requested by any of the Founders, to the relevant Founder in respect of any Founder Committed Units; |
(iii) |
if requested by any of the AI Placees, to the relevant AI Placee in respect of any AI Placee Units; or |
(iv) |
if requested by any of the Independent Non-Founder Directors, to the relevant Independent Non-Founder Directors in respect of any Independent Non-Founder Director Committed Units, |
as soon as practicable after Admission.
7.7 |
The Company confirms that it has instructed the Depositary to issue Depositary Interests in respect of New Shares and Warrants to the Settlement Bank or to the Placees as the Banks may in their absolute discretion direct (on behalf of themselves and the other Banks), including to the Settlement Bank as nominee for all or any of the Placees (in respect of the Underwritten Units), to the Founders (in respect of the Founder Committed Units) and to the Independent Non-Founder Directors (in respect of the Independent Non-Founder Director Committed Units) as required in connection with the Offer and to perform the obligations and actions attributed to it under the Prospectus, the Depositary Interest Deed Poll, the Depositary Agreement and this Agreement in its capacity as depositary. |
7.8 |
The Company undertakes to the Banks, the Founders, and the Independent Non-Founder Directors that the New Shares and Warrants comprising the Underwritten Units, the Founder Committed Units and the Independent Non-Founder Director Committed Units will be allotted and issued fully paid: |
(a) |
subject to the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the terms and conditions set out in the Offer Documents; and |
(b) |
on terms that the New Shares (and any Ordinary Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of any of the Warrants) will, when issued, rank pari passu in all respects with the Ordinary Shares then in issue, including with respect to the right to receive all dividends and other distributions declared, paid or made after Admission on the Ordinary Share capital of the Company, |
together with all rights attaching to them and free from all Encumbrances.
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Payment by the Banks
7.9 |
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver (in accordance with clause 15.2) of the Conditions and to this Agreement not having been terminated under clause 15.6 or clause 16 and to the Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founders, and each of the Independent Non-Founder Directors complying with their obligations under this clause 6, the Settlement Bank (on behalf of the Banks) will pay to the Company a sum representing the aggregate subscription price of the Underwritten Units subscribed by Placees and/or the Banks pursuant to clause 4.2 less the amounts deducted in accordance with clause 8.7, on the Closing Date. |
7.10 |
The payment referred to in clause 7.9 will be made in cleared funds available on the same day to the accounts notified by the Company to the Settlement Bank in writing by not later than 2.00 p.m. on the second Business Day prior to Admission. Each Banks obligation is to pay its Relevant Proportion of the sums payable by the Settlement Bank pursuant to clause 7.9. Without prejudice to this obligation, the Settlement Bank shall only be obliged to make payment under clause 7.9 on behalf of another Bank to the extent that the Settlement Bank has received payment from such Bank. |
7.11 |
Payment under clause 7.9 will constitute a complete discharge for the Banks of their obligations under this Agreement. |
Payment by the Founders and the Independent Non-Founder Directors
7.12 |
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver (in accordance with clause 15.2) of the Conditions and to this Agreement not having been terminated under clause 15.6 or clause 16 and to the Company and each of the Directors complying with their obligations under this clause 6, each of the Founders will pay to the Company a sum representing the subscription price of the Founder Committed Units subscribed for by such Founder under clause 5.1 as soon as practicable after the date of Admission (and in any event within 2 Business Days of the date of Admission. |
7.13 |
The payment referred to in clause 7.12 will be made in cleared funds available on the same day to the accounts notified by the Company to the Founders in writing by not later than 2.00 p.m. on the second Business Day prior to Admission. |
8 |
Commissions, fees and expenses |
Commissions and fees
8.1 |
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver (in accordance with clause 15.2) of the Conditions and to this Agreement not having been terminated under clause 15.6 or clause 16: |
(a) |
the Company undertakes to pay to the Settlement Bank (on behalf of the Banks) on the Closing Date an underwriting commission of an amount equal to 1.9 per cent of the gross proceeds of the sale of Underwritten Units, to be divided between the Banks in equal proportions; and |
14
(b) |
in addition to the amount payable under clause 8.1(a) the Company shall on the Closing Date pay an additional commission of 0.6 per cent of the gross proceeds of the sale of Underwritten Units, to be divided between the Banks by the Company in its absolute discretion. |
8.2 |
Payment of commission in accordance with clause 8.1 (including any VAT chargeable thereon in accordance with clause 8.11) shall be made in cleared funds on the Closing Date by deduction of the amount of such commission (including any VAT chargeable thereon in accordance with clause 8.11) from the payment to be made by the Settlement Bank pursuant to clause 7.9. |
Expenses
8.3 |
Subject to clauses 8.4, 8.5, 8.6 and 8.7, whether or not the obligations of the Banks under this Agreement become unconditional or are terminated, the Company, EverArc Founders or the Founders, as the context may require, shall promptly upon the request of any Bank reimburse such Bank the amount of any Offer Expenses which such Bank may have paid or incurred. |
8.4 |
A request by a Bank for reimbursement of Offer Expenses under this clause 8 shall be in writing and shall itemise the Offer Expenses (by type) paid or incurred by the relevant Bank and for which it is requesting reimbursement. For the avoidance of doubt, however, subject to the provisions of clause 8.11 the Banks shall not be required to provide VAT receipts in respect of any Offer Expenses for which they may request reimbursement under clause 8.3. |
8.5 |
In the event that this Agreement becomes unconditional, each Banks Offer Expenses shall be paid by the Company. |
8.6 |
In the event that this Agreement does not become unconditional and/or otherwise is terminated, each Banks Offer Expenses shall be paid by EverArc Founders or the Founders. |
Payment of commissions, fees and expenses
8.7 |
The Settlement Bank (on behalf of the Banks) will be entitled and is authorised to deduct from the amount payable by it to the Company pursuant to clause 7.9 all commissions, fees, expenses and other amounts payable by the Company under this clause 8 (other than those Offer Expenses which are being met directly by the Company). |
8.8 |
Deduction of amounts under clause 8.7 will discharge the Companys obligations (as applicable) to pay those amounts but only to the extent of the amounts deducted and any further amounts payable by the Company shall be paid promptly on demand therefor under clause 8.3. |
15
8.9 |
Notwithstanding that any or all of the Banks may, for certain purposes, be acting (as agents or otherwise) for the Company in connection with the Offer and any arrangements contemplated by this Agreement, each of them may retain any commissions, fees or other amounts payable to it by the Company and any other commissions or benefits it receives in connection with the Offer, or with any other arrangements contemplated by this Agreement for its own account; and any Underwritten Units which a Bank is obliged to subscribe for may be retained or dealt with by it for its own account in its absolute discretion (subject to any separate arrangements which may be agreed among the Banks). |
Stamp duty/stamp duty reserve tax
8.10 |
The Company will pay any stamp duty, stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT) or similar tax or duty payable to ensure that those persons becoming entitled to be registered as holders of any Units (or any New Share or Warrant) or Depositary Interests are so registered and any stamp duty SDRT or similar tax or duty payable in connection with such persons acquisition of (or agreement to acquire), or the issue of any of the Units (or any New Share or Warrant) or Depositary Interest, under the arrangements contemplated in this Agreement in each case together with any interest or penalties payable in respect thereof, save to the extent that such interest or penalty is attributable to any unreasonable delay on behalf of the Banks in remitting to any Tax Authority any amount deducted pursuant to clause 8.7 or paid by the Company pursuant to this clause 8.10. |
VAT
8.11 |
Where a sum is payable under this Agreement to any of the Banks or any other Indemnified Person (for the purposes of this clause 8.11 only, each a Payee), the Company will, in addition, pay, or cause to be paid, to such Payee (or, in the case of any amounts referred to in clause 8.7, the Settlement Bank may deduct (in accordance with clause 8.7)) in respect of VAT: |
(a) |
where the payment (or any part of it) constitutes the consideration (or any part thereof) for any supply of services, such amount as equals any VAT properly payable thereon (against delivery to the Company of a valid VAT invoice in respect thereof); |
(b) |
where the payment is to reimburse the Payee for any cost, fee, charge or expense incurred by it or them (except where the payment falls within clause 8.11(c) below), such amount as equals any VAT charged to or incurred by the Payee in respect of any cost, fee, charge or expense which gives rise to or is reflected in the payment and which the Payee certifies is not recoverable by it (taken together with the other members of any group of which the Payee is a member for VAT purposes) by repayment or credit (such certificate to be conclusive in the absence of manifest error); and |
(c) |
where the payment is in respect of costs or expenses incurred by the Payee as agent for the Company and except where section 47(2A) or section 47(3) of the Value Added Tax |
16
Act 1994 applies, such amount as equals the amount included in the costs or expenses in respect of VAT, provided that in such a case the Payee will use reasonable endeavours to procure that the actual supplier of the goods or services which the Payee received as agent issues its own VAT invoice directly to the Company. |
Save to the extent otherwise provided in this Agreement, sums payable by the Company to a Payee shall be paid in pounds sterling in immediately available funds to such bank account as the Payee shall notify in writing to the party making the payment.
9 |
Representations, warranties and undertakings |
Representations and warranties
9.1 |
The Company represents, warrants and undertakes to each of the Banks in the terms of the Warranties set out in Part A of Schedule 2. |
9.2 |
Each of the Founder Directors severally represents, warrants and undertakes to each of the Banks in the terms of the Warranties set out in Parts A and B of Schedule 2. |
9.3 |
Each of the Independent Non-Founder Directors severally represents, warrants and undertakes to each of the Banks in the terms of the Warranties set out in paragraphs 1, 7 and 8 of Part A of Schedule 2 and the entirety of Part B of Schedule 2. |
9.4 |
Each of the Founders and each of the Founder Entities severally represents, warrants and undertakes to each of the Banks in the terms of the Warranties set out in Part C of Schedule 2, save that the Warranties set out in paragraph 1.3 of Part C of Schedule 2 shall not apply to the Founders. |
9.5 |
The Warranties given pursuant to clauses 9.1 to 9.4 (inclusive) are given as at the date of this Agreement and are repeated and given as at: |
(a) |
the Applicable Time; |
(b) |
the date of the Final Prospectus; |
(c) |
the date of any Supplementary Prospectus published by the Company; and |
(d) |
the Closing Date, |
in each case by reference to the facts and circumstances subsisting at such time.
9.6 |
Each certificate to be delivered pursuant to paragraphs 7 to 10 (inclusive) of Part B and paragraphs 8 to 11 (inclusive) of Part C of Schedule 5 will have effect as a representation and warranty, as of its date, by the Company, the Directors, the Founder Entities and/or the Founders (as applicable) to each of the Banks as to the matters contained therein. |
17
9.7 |
Each Director, each of the Founder Entities and each Founder agrees that, if and to the extent he or it incurs any liability under the Warranties or in connection with the Offer, he or it will not seek any contribution or seek to recover any sum from the Company in respect of such liability. For the avoidance of doubt, however, this clause 9.7 shall not preclude a Director from making a claim under any insurance policy maintained by the Company. |
9.8 |
Subject to clause 9.9, where any Warranty is expressed to be qualified by reference to the awareness and/or knowledge and/or information and/or belief of any person or words to similar effect, it is deemed to include a statement to the effect that the Warranty has been made after due and careful enquiry. |
9.9 |
Each Independent Non-Founder Director shall only be liable in respect of those Warranties set out in paragraphs 1, 7 and 8 of Part A of Schedule 2 to the extent he had knowledge of the subject matter giving rise to the claim having made due and careful enquiry. |
9.10 |
Without prejudice to any of their rights under this Agreement, if, at any time prior to Admission, any Bank becomes aware that any of the Warranties was, is, has become or is reasonably likely to become, untrue, inaccurate, misleading or breached in any respect, the Banks may (without prejudice to their right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to clause 15.6 or clause 16) require the Company at its own expense to amend, update or supplement any of the Offer Documents (and, if requested by the Banks, such amendment, update or supplement to be in a form approved by the Banks) and/or require the Company, at the Companys own expense, to make such announcements and/or despatch such communications and/or take such other steps as the Banks consider necessary or desirable in connection with the untruth, inaccuracy or misleading nature of the Warranty concerned. If the Company fails to comply with any such requirement, the Banks may require that the Company shall: |
(a) |
cease to communicate any Offer Document which contains any reference to the Banks; and/or |
(b) |
notify any person to whom any Offer Document has been despatched and any other person known to be relying on any Offer Document, of the relevant circumstances which render such Offer Document untrue, inaccurate or misleading or not in compliance with applicable legal or regulatory requirements. |
9.11 |
Each of the Company, each of the Founder Entities and the Founders acknowledges that each of the Banks is entering into this Agreement in reliance on the Warranties and that each Warranty shall be separately construed and shall not be limited by reference (express or implied) to the terms of any other Warranty or any other term of this Agreement. |
18
9.12 |
Each party giving a Warranty under this Agreement severally undertakes to each Bank: |
(a) |
not to do, or omit to do, anything which would or might cause any Warranty given by it to become untrue, inaccurate, misleading or breached at any time (by reference to the facts and circumstances existing at that time) between the date of this Agreement and the closing on the Closing Date (Completion); and |
(b) |
promptly to give notice to each of the Banks if it becomes aware of a fact or circumstance which constitutes a breach of any of the Warranties given by it or has caused or would or might cause any Warranty given by it to become untrue, inaccurate or misleading at any time (by reference to the facts and circumstances existing at that time) before the Completion or if it becomes aware, before Completion, of a fact or circumstance which would or might give rise to a claim under any of the indemnities as contained in, or given pursuant to, clause 10 or any other provision of this Agreement. |
Undertakings
9.13 |
The provisions of Schedule 3 shall have effect as undertakings on the part of the persons specified in the relevant paragraphs of Schedule 3 to each of the Banks. |
9.14 |
In connection with the Offer, each of the Banks severally agrees to the terms of the selling restrictions set out in Schedule 4. |
10 |
Indemnities |
General indemnity
10.1 |
The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person against all or any claims, actions, judgments, liabilities, awards, demands, investigations or proceedings (in each case whether or not successful, compromised or settled) (each a Claim) threatened, brought, alleged, asserted, established, made or instituted against or which otherwise involve any Indemnified Person in any jurisdiction by any person whatsoever (including any regulatory or government agency), and against all losses, damages, liabilities, costs, charges, or expenses (including properly incurred fees, disbursements and expenses of legal counsel) and any Tax (other than in respect of any stamp duty, SDRT or similar tax or duty in respect of which an amount has: (i) been deducted by the Settlement Bank pursuant to clause 8.7; (ii) been paid by the Company in accordance with clause 8.10, or (iii) not been paid under clause 8.10 solely because the exception relating to certain interest and penalties expressly set out therein applied, or in relation to VAT in respect of which an amount: (a) has been deducted by the Settlement Bank pursuant to clause 8.7; (b) has been paid by the Company under clause 8.11; or (c) is recoverable by the relevant Indemnified Person from a Tax Authority and would have been payable under clause 8.11(b) had it not been recoverable) (each a Loss), on demand, whether joint or several, which any Indemnified Person may suffer or incur (including, but not limited to, all Losses suffered |
19
or incurred in investigating, preparing for or disputing, providing evidence in connection with or defending any Claim and/or in establishing its right to be indemnified pursuant to this clause 10.1 or to receive contribution pursuant to clause 12 and/or in seeking advice regarding any Claim (whether or not such Indemnified Person is an actual or potential party to such Claim or such Claim is defended or disputed successfully) or mitigating any Loss on its part or otherwise enforcing its rights under this Agreement or in any way related to or in connection with this indemnity, clause 12 or settling any Claim), which in each case shall be additional and without prejudice to any rights which an Indemnified Person may have at common law or otherwise, if the Claim or Loss arises, directly or indirectly, out of, or is attributable to, or connected with, anything done or omitted to be done by any person (including the relevant Indemnified Person) in connection with the Offer, Admission or the arrangements contemplated by the Offer Documents (or any amendment or supplement to any of them), or any of them, or this Agreement or any other agreement relating to the Offer or Admission, prior to, on or after the date of this Agreement including, but not limited to any and all Losses or Claims whatsoever, as incurred in connection with or arising out of: |
(a) |
the Offer Documents (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or any of them, not containing or fairly presenting, or being alleged not to contain or not to fairly present all information required to be contained therein or any statement in such document being, or being alleged to be in any respect, untrue, inaccurate, incomplete or misleading or not based on reasonable grounds or the omission or alleged omission in any Offer Document (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or any of them, to state a fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading; and/or |
(b) |
the issue, publication, distribution, approval or content of the Offer Documents (or any amendments or supplements thereto), or any of them, or any other documents or materials in connection with the offer or Admission; and/or |
(c) |
the breach, or alleged breach, by the Company and/or any Director of any of the Warranties, covenants or undertakings, or any other obligation of the Company or any of the Directors contained in this Agreement or any other agreement to be entered into by any of them in connection with the Offer, Admission or the arrangements contemplated by the Offer Documents (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or any of them, or this Agreement; and/or |
(d) |
the failure, or alleged failure, by the Company and/or any Director and/or any of the Companys agents, employees or advisers (in each case other than the relevant Indemnified Person) to comply with FSMA, the FS Act, the BVI Companies Act, MAR, the Listing Rules, the DTRs, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the Prospectus Regulation, the Admission and Disclosure Standards, the rules and regulations of the London Stock Exchange, the CREST Regulations or any other laws, requirements or regulations (whether |
20
of governmental or regulatory bodies or otherwise) of any jurisdiction which are relevant or applicable to the Offer, Admission, the arrangements contemplated by the Offer Documents (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or any of them, or this Agreement or any other agreement relating to the Offer; and/or |
(e) |
the allotment and issue of the New Shares and Warrants comprising the Units; and/or |
(f) |
the performance by an Indemnified Person of services to the Company in connection with the Offer including, without limitation: |
(i) |
acting as a person who has authorised (or being alleged to have authorised) the contents of the Offer Document (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or any of them, or any part thereof for any purpose; and/or |
(ii) |
acting as a person who has communicated or approved (or being alleged to have communicated or approved) the contents of any financial promotion made in connection with the Offer or the Applications for Admission for the purpose of section 21 FSMA; and/or |
(iii) |
(to the extent not otherwise covered by this Clause 10) the performance of any of its obligations or services (including, without limitation, advisory services) under or in connection with this Agreement or the Offer or Admission or any other agreement relating to the Offer, either before, on or after the date of this Agreement; and/or |
(g) |
the Applications for Admission; and/or |
(h) |
the making or implementation of the Offer and the subscription for Units by the AI Placees. |
10.2 |
No UBS Indemnified Person shall be entitled to any indemnity from the Company under clause 10.1 in relation to any Claim or Loss if, and only to the extent that, the Claim or Loss concerned is (in relation to clauses 10.1(b) and 10.1(f) only) determined in a final judgment by a court or arbitral tribunal of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from a UBS Indemnified Persons: fraud; gross negligence; or breach of its duties owed under the rules of the FCA or the regulatory system (as defined in the FCA Handbook), provided always that the finally and judicially determined fraud, gross negligence or breach of regulatory duty will only negate the indemnification of it and each other UBS Indemnified Person and will not negate the indemnification of any Morgan Stanley Indemnified Person. |
10.3 |
No Morgan Stanley Indemnified Person shall be entitled to any indemnity from the Company under clause 10.1 in relation to any Claim or Loss if, and only to the extent that, the Claim or Loss concerned is (in relation to clauses 10.1(b) and 10.1(f) only) determined in a final judgment by a court or arbitral tribunal of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from a Morgan Stanley Indemnified Persons: fraud; gross negligence; or breach of its duties owed under the rules of the |
21
FCA or the regulatory system (as defined in the FCA Handbook), provided always that the finally and judicially determined fraud, gross negligence or breach of regulatory duty will only negate the indemnification of it and each other Morgan Stanley Indemnified Person and will not negate the indemnification of any UBS Indemnified Person. |
10.4 |
No Indemnified Person shall be entitled to any indemnity from the Company under clause 10: |
(a) |
in respect of any corporation or similar tax payable in respect of any fees or commissions payable to it pursuant to this Agreement or on its net income, profits or gains arising in respect of the acquisition, holding or disposal of any Underwritten Units for which the Banks have subscribed pursuant to this Agreement; or |
(b) |
in relation to any Losses to the extent that such Losses are attributable directly or indirectly to a decline in the market value of the Underwritten Units and are suffered or incurred by an Indemnified Person as a result of it having been required to subscribe for Underwritten Units pursuant to clause 4.2 unless (but only to the extent that) such Losses are attributable to, caused by, result from or would not have arisen, in each case either directly or indirectly, but for the neglect or default of the Company, the Founder Entities and/or the Founders, a breach by the Company, any of the Founder Entities and/or any of the Founders of any of its or their obligations under this Agreement or any other agreement relating to the Offer (or any amendment or supplement to any of them) or any breach of any Warranties, undertakings or covenants given by the Company, any of the Founder Entities and/or any of the Founders contained in this Agreement. |
Conduct and settlement
10.5 |
The Company will inform the relevant Indemnified Person promptly if it becomes aware of any Claim or potential Claim against such Indemnified Person arising out of or in connection with the Offer, this Agreement or any other agreements or arrangements relating to the Offer. The Company will not, without the prior written consent of the relevant Indemnified Person(s), settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any Claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought by an Indemnified Person under clause 10 or clause 12, unless such settlement, judgement, compromise or consent (i) includes an express and unconditional release of each Indemnified Person from all Losses arising out of or in connection with such Claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to, or an admission of, fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person. |
10.6 |
The Company shall not be liable under this Clause 10 for any settlement by an Indemnified Person of any Claim effected without its prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) but if any Claim is settled with such consent or if there is a final judgment for the claimant, the Company shall indemnify the Indemnified Person from and against any Losses incurred in connection with such settlement or judgment as aforesaid. Notwithstanding the |
22
foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Person shall have requested the Company to reimburse such Indemnified Person for fees and expenses of its legal advisers, the Company agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the Loss or Claim effected without its prior written consent if: (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by the Company of the aforesaid request; and (ii) the Company shall not have reimbursed such Indemnified Person in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. |
10.7 |
Each Indemnified Person shall give written notice promptly to the Company of any action commenced against it after receipt of a written notice of any Claim or the commencement of any action or proceeding in respect of which a Claim for indemnification may be sought under this clause 10, insofar as may be consistent with the terms of any relevant insurance policy and provided that to do so would not, in such Indemnified Persons view, be materially prejudicial to it (or to any Indemnified Person connected to it) or to any obligation of confidentiality or other legal or regulatory obligation which that Indemnified Person owes to any third party or to any regulatory request that has been made of it, but failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company from any liability hereunder to the extent it is not, in such Indemnified Persons view, materially prejudiced as a result thereof and in any event shall not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of the indemnity set out in this clause 10. |
10.8 |
In case any such Claim shall be brought against any Indemnified Person, the Company shall be entitled to assume control of the conduct of the defence of any such Claim with legal advisers approved by such Indemnified Person (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and, after notice from the Company to such Indemnified Person of its election so to assume the control of the conduct of the defence thereof, the Company shall not be liable to such Indemnified Person under this clause 10 for any legal expenses of any other legal advisers or any other legal expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Person, in connection with the defence thereof (other than costs of investigation) save in circumstances where such Indemnified Person has elected to reassume control of the conduct of the Claim pursuant to clause 10.9. |
10.9 |
Notwithstanding the provisions of clause 10.8, the relevant Indemnified Person may elect to re-assume control of the conduct of such Claim and the Company shall bear the fees and expenses of such separate legal advisers to the Indemnified Person, if: |
(a) |
the Company has failed to assume conduct of such Claim in a reasonably timely manner; |
(b) |
the continued use of the legal advisers chosen by the Company to represent the Indemnified Person would in the opinion of the Indemnified Person present such legal advisers with a conflict of interest; |
23
(c) |
in the opinion of the relevant Indemnified Person(s), there may be legal defences available to it and/or other Indemnified Persons which are different from or additional to those available to the Company; |
(d) |
the Indemnified Person is required to appoint its own counsel to comply with the terms of its or his insurance policy; or |
(e) |
the Company and the relevant Indemnified Person otherwise agree that the relevant Indemnified Person may re-assume control. |
In any such circumstances, the Company shall take all such actions as may be requested by the relevant Indemnified Person to ensure that the relevant Indemnified Person has conduct of the Claim (or any particular element thereof as notified by such Indemnified Person to the Company) passed to it. To the extent an Indemnified Person has re-assumed control of the conduct of a Claim pursuant to this Clause 10.9, and to the extent to do so would not, in such Indemnified Persons view, be materially prejudicial to an Indemnified Persons interests and subject to being indemnified to its satisfaction by the Company against any additional or increased Losses it may suffer or incur as a result of so doing, it undertakes to keep the Company reasonably informed of all material developments (in such Indemnified Persons view) in respect of such Claim and to consult with the Company in respect of such material developments, provided that the relevant Indemnified Person shall not be under any obligation to provide the Company with a copy of any document which is or may be legally privileged.
10.10 |
In circumstances where the Company has, in accordance with clause 10.8, so elected to assume control of the conduct of the defence of any Claim brought against any Indemnified Person: |
(a) |
the relevant Indemnified Person retains the right to appoint their own legal advisers to represent such Indemnified Person in relation to such Claim; and |
(b) |
the Company agrees that: |
(i) |
the relevant Indemnified Person(s) shall be entitled to be consulted about the conduct of the defence of any Claim; |
(ii) |
it shall provide the relevant Indemnified Person with such information and copies of such documents relating to the Claim as the Indemnified Person may reasonably request, provided that the Company shall not be under any obligation to provide any Indemnified Person with a copy of any such document which is or may be legally privileged; and |
(iii) |
it will consider the representations and views of the relevant Indemnified Person(s) in the conduct of such Claim. |
24
10.11 |
In the absence of a conflict of interest, in no event shall the Company be liable for fees, costs and expenses of more than one legal adviser (in addition to its own legal advisers, if any) in any jurisdiction, for all Indemnified Persons in connection with any one Claim or separate but similar or related Claims in the same jurisdiction. |
10.12 |
The provisions of this clause 10 will remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the completion of all matters and arrangements referred to in or contemplated by this Agreement |
11 |
Exclusions of liability and arms length transactions |
11.1 |
No Claim shall be made by any of the Company, any of the Directors, any of the Founder Entities, any of the Founders or any of their respective Affiliates or associates (or any of the directors, officers or employees of any of them) in any jurisdiction against any Indemnified Person to recover any Losses which any person may suffer or incur arising out of or in connection with the Offer or this Agreement or any other agreements or arrangements relating to the Offer unless (in relation to clauses 10.1(b) and 10.1(g) only) such Losses are determined in a final judgment by a court or arbitral tribunal of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Indemnified Persons: fraud; gross negligence; or breach of its duties owed under the rules of the FCA or the regulatory system (as defined in the FCA Handbook). |
11.2 |
Notwithstanding any rights or claims which any of the Company, any of the Directors, any of the Founder Entities, any of the Founders or any of their respective Affiliates or associates (or any of the directors, officers or employees of any of them) may have or assert against any of the Banks in connection with the Offer, this Agreement, Admission or any other agreements or arrangements relating to the Offer or Admission, no claim shall be made by the Company or any Director, any of the Founder Entities, any of the Founders or by any of their respective Affiliates or associates (or any of the directors, officers or employees of any of them) against any director or any other officer and/or employee of any Indemnified Person in respect of any conduct, action or omission by the individual concerned in connection with the Offer, this Agreement, Admission, or any other agreements or arrangements relating to the Offer or Admission. |
11.3 |
Each of the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities and the Directors agrees and acknowledges that each Indemnified Person is acting solely pursuant to a contractual relationship with the Company on an arms length basis with respect to the Offer (including in connection with determining the terms of the Offer), and on the terms, and with the obligations and duties expressly stated in this Agreement and that such person is not acting as a financial adviser or fiduciary to the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities, the Directors or any of their respective Affiliates or associates (or any of the directors, officer or employees of any of them) or any other person in respect of the Offer. It is acknowledged by all parties that: |
(a) |
the Indemnified Persons may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities, the |
25
Directors or any of their respective Affiliates or associates (or any of the directors, officer or employees of any of them) or any other person and the Indemnified Persons may take into account any factors (including those solely in its interest) they consider appropriate in performing duties or exercising rights under this Agreement; and |
(b) |
no Indemnified Person has advised as to, or is required to give, the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities, the Directors or any other person, any general financial or strategic advice or any legal, tax, investment, accounting, regulatory or other specialist or technical advice in connection with the Offer in any jurisdiction, and the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities, the Directors and any such other person have consulted their own, and will rely on their own expertise and that of, specialist legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory advisers to the extent they deem appropriate, and in respect of the due diligence investigations in connection with the Offer and no Indemnified Person shall have any responsibility to the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities, the Directors or any other person with respect thereto. |
11.4 |
No Indemnified Person shall have any liability for any claims brought by or against any person (and the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities and the Directors or any of their respective Affiliates or associates (or any of the directors, officer or employees of any of them) confirm they will not make any claim against any Indemnified Person) in respect of the timing, terms and structure of the Offer, or that the Offer Price was set at a level that is too high or too low, or with respect to any sales of any New Shares or Warrants by investors following allocation to them of such New Shares or Warrants. |
11.5 |
The parties further agree that it is not their intention to create a fiduciary relationship between the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities and the Directors on the one hand and either of the Banks on the other. |
11.6 |
The Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities and the Directors acknowledge and agree: |
(a) |
each of the Banks is and has been acting for the Company and no one else in connection with the Offer and the Admission and will not regard, and have not regarded, any other person as their client and have not been and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to clients of each of the Banks nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer, the Admission or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; |
(b) |
any advice, whether written or oral, given by a Bank to the Company, or any communications between a Bank and the Company, may not be used or relied upon by any third party and may not be disclosed to any third party without the prior written approval of the relevant Bank (other than the Companys professional advisers who may place no reliance on such advice); |
26
(c) |
each of the Banks is a full service securities firm and they, along with their respective Affiliates, are engaged in various activities, including securities trading, investment management, financing and brokerage activities and financial planning and benefits counselling for both companies and individuals; |
(d) |
in the ordinary course of the activities referred to in clause (c), each of the Banks and their respective Affiliates may actively trade the debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) of the Company and its related bodies corporate for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may at any time hold long and short positions in such securities; |
(e) |
no Bank is obliged to disclose to the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities or the Directors or utilise for the benefit of the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities or the Directors any non-public information which a Bank obtains in the course of its business; and |
(f) |
each of the Banks will use and rely on information provided by or on behalf of the Company in performing their obligations under this Agreement, without having independently verified the information, and the Banks do not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information or any other information on which it may rely in connection with this Agreement. |
11.7 |
Nothing in this Agreement, including this clause 11, shall exclude or restrict any duty or liability of any Indemnified Person which it has under FSMA or under the regulatory system (as defined in the FCA Handbook) to the extent such exclusion or restriction is prohibited by the FCA Handbook. |
12 |
Contribution |
12.1 |
If the indemnification provided for in clause 10 is for any legal reason (including because such indemnification would be contrary to public policy) unavailable to, or insufficient to, hold harmless an Indemnified Person in respect of any Claims and/or Losses referred to therein, then the Company shall contribute to the aggregate amount of such Claims or Losses incurred by such Indemnified Person, as incurred: |
(a) |
in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Banks, on the other hand, from the offering of the Units pursuant to this Agreement; or |
(b) |
if the allocation provided by clause 12.1(a) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause 12.1(a) but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and of the Banks, on the other hand, in connection with the acts or statements or omissions which resulted in such Claims or Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. |
27
The relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Banks, on the other hand, in connection with the offering of the Units pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as, with respect to the Company, the total net proceeds from the offering of the Units pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company and with respect to the Banks, the total fees and commissions received by the Banks, bear to the total gross proceeds from the offering of the Units. |
12.2 |
The relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Banks, on the other hand, will be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any such act or alleged act or untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Banks and the parties relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such act, statement or omission. |
12.3 |
The Company and the Banks agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this clause 12 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Banks were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this clause 12. The aggregate amount of Claims and Losses incurred by an Indemnified Person and referred to above in this clause 12 will be deemed to include (but not be limited to) all Losses suffered or incurred in investigating, preparing for, disputing, providing evidence in connection with or defending any Claim and/or in establishing its right to be indemnified pursuant to clause 10 or to receive contribution pursuant to this clause 12 and/or in seeking advice regarding any Claim (whether or not such Indemnified Person is an actual or potential party to such Claim or such Claim is defended or disputed successfully) or mitigating any Loss on its part or otherwise enforcing its rights under this Agreement or in any way related to or in connection with the indemnity contained in clause 10 or this clause 12 or settling any Claim). |
12.4 |
Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause 12: |
(a) |
no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to recover more by way of a contribution under this clause 12 than it would have been able to recover had the indemnities in clause 10 been available to such Indemnified Person; and |
(b) |
the Company shall not be liable to pay any amount pursuant to this clause 12 in excess of the amount it would have been liable to pay had the indemnities in clause 10 been available to such Indemnified Person. |
12.5 |
Notwithstanding the provisions of this clause 12, none of the Banks will be required to contribute any amount in excess of the commission received by it (and which it is not liable to pay to any other underwriter or intermediary under this Agreement or otherwise) in relation to the Underwritten Units placed, underwritten or subscribed for by such Bank pursuant to this Agreement. |
28
12.6 |
No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (whether within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act or otherwise) will be entitled to contribution in respect of Losses and/or Claims that have resulted from such fraudulent misrepresentation from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. |
12.7 |
For the purposes of this clause 12, each UBS Indemnified Person shall have the same rights to contribution as UBS, and each Morgan Stanley Indemnified Person shall have the same rights to contribution as Morgan Stanley. |
12.8 |
The Banks respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this clause 12 are several in proportion to their Relevant Proportions and are not joint or joint and several. |
13 |
Withholding and gross up |
13.1 |
All sums payable to any Bank or any other Indemnified Person under this Agreement (for the purposes of this clause 13 only, each a Payee) shall be paid free and clear of all deductions or withholdings unless the deduction or withholding is required by law, in which event (and except in the case of interest) the relevant person making the payment shall pay such additional amount as shall be required to ensure that the net amount received by the Payee will equal the full amount which would have been received by it had no such deduction or withholding been made. |
13.2 |
If ) any sum payable to a Payee under this Agreement or any sum withheld in accordance with this Agreement from any payment made to the Payee (other than, in either case, any fees or commissions payable or paid pursuant to this Agreement) is subject to Tax (or would be subject to Tax but for the availability of any Relief) or is required to be brought into any computation of income, profit or gains for the purposes of any charge to Tax, the person liable under this Agreement to make such payment (or that would have been so liable, but for the amount withheld) shall pay such additional amount as shall be required to ensure that the total amount received by the Payee, less the Tax chargeable thereon (or that would be so chargeable but for the availability of Relief in respect of that charge to Tax), is equal to the amount that would otherwise be so received (additional payments being made promptly following demand by the Payee or, if later, when the sum so payable to the Payee under this Agreement is paid). |
29
14 |
Limits on liability |
Financial amount
14.1 |
The liability of each of the Founders (whether in their capacity either as Founders or Founder Directors), each of the Founder Entities and each of the Independent Non-Founder Directors under this Agreement shall not exceed the amounts set out opposite their respective names in column (2) of the tables set out in Schedule 1, provided always that: |
(a) |
the aggregate liability of Mr Howley and Llanerch Everarc shall not exceed an aggregate amount of US$2,500,000; and |
(b) |
the aggregate liability of Mr Raj and TVR Everarc shall not exceed an aggregate amount of US$500,000. |
Time
14.2 |
No Claim may be brought against any of the Independent Non-Founder Directors, any of the Founder Entities or the Founders under this Agreement unless notice has been given of such claim in the period ending on the day falling 180 days after the publication of the Companys audited, consolidated annual report and accounts for the financial year ending 31 October 2020 (or if the Companys accounting reference date has changed, the Companys annual report and accounts for the first accounting period of 12 months (or more) ending after the Closing Date). |
14.3 |
The limitations in this clause 14 shall not apply in relation to: |
(a) |
any breach of this Agreement resulting from fraud, bad faith, dishonesty or gross negligence on the part of the person for whose benefit the limitation would otherwise have applied; or |
(b) |
any breach of the Warranties set out in paragraph 1 of Part C of Schedule 2. |
14.4 |
The limitations in clause 14 shall not apply in relation to any claim arising from a breach or default by: |
(a) |
the relevant Founder in relation to its obligations to subscribe for Founder Committed Units under clause 5; or |
(b) |
the relevant Independent Non-Founder Director in relation to its obligations to subscribe for Independent Non-Founder Director Committed Units under clause 5. |
15 |
Conditions to the Offer and Termination |
Conditions to the Offer
15.1 |
The obligations of the Banks under this Agreement are conditional upon: |
(a) |
the Final Prospectus being formally approved by the FCA pursuant to the Listing Rules and the Prospectus Regulation Rules and being published and made available in the manner specified in the Prospectus Regulation Rules, in each case not later than 3.00 p.m. on the date of this Agreement (or such later time or date as the Banks may agree with the Company); |
30
(b) |
each condition (other than Admission) to the Depositary Interests being admitted to CREST as a participating security in accordance with the CREST Rules being satisfied on or before Admission; |
(c) |
no matter referred to in section 87G of FSMA arising or being noted between the date of publication of the Final Prospectus and Admission; |
(d) |
any Supplementary Prospectus (as approved by the Banks in their absolute discretion) being formally approved by the FCA in accordance with FSMA and the Prospectus Regulation Rules and published and made available in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation Rules, in each case before Admission; |
(e) |
the Company, each Director, each of the Founders, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Independent Non-Founder Directors having complied with all their respective obligations and having satisfied all Conditions to be satisfied by any of them, in each case under this Agreement or under the terms and conditions of the Offer which fall to be performed or satisfied on or prior to Admission; |
(f) |
the Warranties being true and accurate in all respects and not misleading in any respect at the date of this Agreement, the date of the Final Prospectus, the Applicable Time, the date of any Supplementary Prospectus and the Closing Date, as though, in each case, they had been given and made on such dates and times by reference to the facts and circumstances then subsisting; |
(g) |
no matter having arisen prior to Admission which in the good faith opinion of the Banks might reasonably be expected to give rise to a Claim under clause 10; |
(h) |
the delivery to the Banks on or before at least one day before Admission of a letter or letters from the Depositary addressed to Euroclear dated the date of Admission confirming to Euroclear that all the outstanding conditions for the admission of all of the Depositary Interests to CREST have been satisfied; |
(i) |
in the opinion of the Banks, acting in good faith, there having been no Material Adverse Change, whether or not foreseeable at the date of this Agreement; |
(j) |
the Company and the relevant counterparty (as applicable) entering into the Warrant Instrument, the Corporate Administration Agreement, the Registrar Agreement and the Depositary Agreement and those agreements becoming unconditional in accordance with their terms (save in respect of any condition relating to this Agreement becoming unconditional) and remaining in full force and effect and having not lapsed or been amended or terminated prior to Admission; |
31
(k) |
each of the Insider Letters having been entered into by the relevant parties and having become unconditional in accordance with its terms and the obligations in such letters being legal, valid, binding and enforceable; |
(l) |
the Depositary entering into the Depositary Interest Deed Poll; |
(m) |
the Company, the Founders and the Founder Entities (as the context may require) delivering to the Banks the documents listed in Schedule 5 by not later than the times and dates specified therein; |
(n) |
delivery, on the date of any Supplementary Prospectus and on the date of (and prior to) Admission, to the Banks of: |
(i) |
a certificate in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 6 by the Company; |
(ii) |
a certificate in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 6 by each of the Founders and the Founder Entities; |
(o) |
the Company allotting the New Shares and Warrants, prior to and conditional only on Admission, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and |
(p) |
Admission taking place by not later than 8.00 a.m. on the Closing Date (or such later time and/or date as the Company and the Banks may agree). |
15.2 |
The Banks will be entitled (acting jointly), in their absolute discretion and on such terms as they think appropriate, to waive fulfilment, in whole or in part, of any or all of the Conditions (to the extent permitted by law or regulation) by giving notice in writing to the Company. |
15.3 |
The Company and the Banks may agree in writing to extend the time and/or date by which any of the Conditions are required to be fulfilled to no later than 3.00 p.m. on the Long Stop Date. If the time for fulfilment or waiver of any of the Conditions is so extended, references in this Agreement to the time and/or date specified for the fulfilment of a Condition are to the time as so extended. |
15.4 |
The Company, the Directors, each of the Founders and each of the Founder Entities will use their respective best endeavours to procure that each of the Conditions is fulfilled by the time and/or date referred to therein (or, if no time or date is specified, by 8:00 a.m. on the Closing Date) or by such later time and/or date (if any) as may be agreed by the Banks pursuant to clause 15.3. |
15.5 |
In the event of the publication of any Supplementary Prospectus referred to in clause 15.1(d), the Banks shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date for such period, not exceeding five Business Days, as the Banks may in their absolute discretion determine. |
32
Termination of this Agreement
15.6 |
If, at any time before Admission, any Bank becomes aware that any of the events described in clause 15.7 have occurred, it may in its absolute discretion (on behalf of the Banks): |
(a) |
allow the Offer to proceed on the basis of the Final Prospectus subject (if the relevant Bank so requests) to the publication by the Company of a Supplementary Prospectus, provided that the Company shall not publish or cause to be published any such Supplementary Prospectus without the prior written consent of the relevant Bank; or |
(b) |
terminate this Agreement, notice of such termination to be then communicated as soon as is practicable to any Director orally or by email or otherwise, and the provisions of clause 15.8 will apply. |
15.7 |
The events which will entitle any of the Banks to terminate this Agreement under clause 15.6 are: |
(a) |
any of the Warranties being untrue, inaccurate or misleading in any respect when made or becoming untrue, inaccurate or misleading in any respect by reference to the facts and circumstances existing from time to time or any matter arising which in the opinion of the Banks (acting in good faith) might reasonably be expected to give rise to a Claim under clause 10; or |
(b) |
any Condition has not been satisfied by the time and date it is required to have been satisfied or waived (if capable of waiver) by the Banks or if any matter or circumstance arises as a result of which it is reasonable to expect that any of the Conditions will not be satisfied at the required time(s) (if any) and continue to be satisfied at Admission; |
(c) |
it shall come to the notice of any of the Banks that any statement contained in any Offer Document (or any amendment or supplement thereto) is or has become untrue, inaccurate or misleading in any respect or any matter has arisen, which would, if the Offer were made at that time, constitute an omission from the Offer Documents, or any of them (or any amendment or supplement to any of them); or |
(d) |
any matter referred to in section 87G of FSMA having arisen or been noted between publication of the Final Prospectus and Admission; or |
(e) |
a breach by the Company, a Director, a Founder, a Founder Entity or an Independent Non-Founder Director of any of their respective obligations under this Agreement (to the extent such obligations fall to be performed prior to Admission); or |
(f) |
in the opinion of the Banks, any Material Adverse Change having occurred (whether or not foreseeable at the date of this Agreement); or |
33
(g) |
the Applications for Admission are refused by the FCA and/or the London Stock Exchange and/or Euroclear (as applicable) and/or are withdrawn by the Company; or |
(h) |
if: |
(i) |
there has occurred any change in the financial markets in the United States, the United Kingdom, the British Virgin Islands, any member state of the EEA or the international financial markets, any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof, any act of terrorism or war or other calamity or crisis or any change or development involving a prospective change in national or international political, financial or economic conditions, exchange rates or exchange controls; or |
(ii) |
trading generally on the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Stock Market or the London Stock Exchange has been suspended or limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices have been required, by any of such exchanges or by such system or by order of the SEC, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or any governmental authority, or a material disruption has occurred in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services in the United States or in the United Kingdom or in the British Virgin Islands or in any member state of the EEA; or |
(iii) |
a banking moratorium has been declared by the United States, the United Kingdom, the British Virgin Islands, a member state of the EEA or New York State authorities; or |
(iv) |
there has occurred an adverse change or a prospective adverse change in United States or United Kingdom or British Virgin Islands taxation affecting the Units or Depositary Interests or in each case the transfer thereof or exchange controls have been imposed by the United States, the United Kingdom, the British Virgin Islands or a member state of the EEA, |
in each case the effect of which (either singly or together with any other event referred to in this clause 15.7(h)) is such as to make it, in the sole opinion of the Banks, acting in good faith, impracticable or inadvisable to market the Underwritten Units and/or to proceed with Admission and/or to enforce contracts for the sale of the Underwritten Units and/or which may prejudice the success of the Offer and/or dealing in the Depositary Interests representing the New Shares and/or Warrants in the secondary market.
Consequences of failure to complete
15.8 |
If any of the Conditions have not been fulfilled (or waived by the Banks pursuant to clause 15.2) in all respects on or before the time and/or date specified in clause 15.1(p) (or such later time |
34
and/or date for fulfilment of such Condition as may be agreed pursuant to clause 15.3) or become incapable of being satisfied, or this Agreement is terminated pursuant to clause 15.6 or clause 16, then the obligations of the Banks under this Agreement will immediately cease and determine and: |
(a) |
no party to this Agreement will have any Claim against any other party, except for accrued rights or obligations under this Agreement; |
(b) |
such termination shall be without prejudice to any obligations of the Company, any of the Directors, any of the Founders or any of the Founder Entities in respect of Units which have already been issued, subscribed and paid for, or sold and paid for, at the time of such termination; |
(c) |
the Company will forthwith pay to the Settlement Bank (on behalf of itself and on behalf of the other Banks) the Offer Expenses payable by it in accordance with clause 8 and shall, for the avoidance of doubt, remain liable to pay any further fees, commissions or expenses that may be due, or subsequently become due, under and in accordance with the terms of the Indemnity Letter; |
(d) |
the Applications for Admission will be withdrawn and the parties will procure that Admission will not become effective; and |
(e) |
the provisions of clauses 1 and 8 to 19 (inclusive) will remain in full force and effect. |
16 |
Default by one or more of the Banks |
16.1 |
If one or more of the Banks (a Defaulting Bank) fails (or, in the opinion of any of the Banks, excluding any Defaulting Bank, is likely to fail) to subscribe for the Underwritten Units which it or they are obliged to subscribe for under this Agreement (the Defaulted Underwritten Units), the Banks (excluding any Defaulting Bank) will (on behalf of themselves and the other Banks) have the right but not the obligation, within 48 hours thereafter (or such longer period as the Banks (excluding any Defaulting Bank) may agree with the Company), to make arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting Banks, or any other underwriters, to procure subscribers for or, failing which, to subscribe for, all, but not less than all, of the Defaulted Underwritten Units in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the terms herein set forth. |
16.2 |
If the Banks (excluding any Defaulting Bank) have not completed arrangements of the type described in clause 16.1 within the 48-hour (or other agreed) period referred to in that clause, then: |
(a) |
if the number of Defaulted Underwritten Units does not exceed ten per cent of the number of Underwritten Units to be subscribed for on such date, each of the non-defaulting Banks will be obliged, severally and not jointly or jointly and severally, to procure subscribers for, |
35
or to subscribe for, the full amount thereof in the proportions that their respective underwriting obligations under this Agreement bear to the underwriting obligations of all non-defaulting Banks; or |
(b) |
if the number of Defaulted Underwritten Units exceeds ten per cent of the number of Underwritten Units to be subscribed for on such date, this Agreement will terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Bank and the provisions of clause 15.8 will apply. |
16.3 |
Neither termination of this Agreement nor any other action taken under this clause 16 will relieve any Defaulting Bank from liability in respect of its default. |
16.4 |
In the event of any such default or likely default which does not result in a termination of this Agreement, the Banks (excluding any Defaulting Bank), on behalf of themselves and the other Banks, will have the right to postpone the Closing Date for a period not exceeding ten Business Days as the Banks (excluding any Defaulting Bank), on behalf of themselves and the other Banks, shall determine in order to prepare any necessary Supplementary Prospectus and/or to effect any required changes in any other documents or arrangements. The term Bank as used in this Agreement will include any person substituted under this clause 16 with like effect as if such person had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such Underwritten Units. |
17 |
Notices |
17.1 |
Any notice to be given by one party to another party in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing in English and signed by or on behalf of the party giving it. It shall be delivered by hand, fax, registered post or courier using an internationally recognised courier company. |
17.2 |
A notice shall be effective upon receipt and shall be deemed to have been received (i) at the time of delivery, if delivered by hand, registered post or courier or (ii) upon confirmed completion of transmission if delivered by fax (subject to the sender not receiving a notification from its systems administrator that the fax was undeliverable). Where delivery occurs outside Working Hours, notice shall be deemed to have been received at the start of Working Hours on the next following Business Day. |
17.3 |
The addresses and, where applicable, fax numbers of the parties for the purpose of clause 17.1 are as follows: |
(a) if to the Company: |
||
Address: |
C/o Oak Fund Services, Regency Court, Glategny | |
Esplanade, St. Peter Port, Guernsey | ||
Marked for the attention of: |
Mark Woodall | |
(b) if to Mr. Thorndike: |
||
Address: |
[***] |
|
36
(c) if to Mr. Howley: |
||
Address: |
[***] |
|
(d) if to Ms. Britt Cool: |
||
Address: |
[***] |
|
(e) if to Mr. Khouri: |
||
Address: |
[***] |
|
(f) if to Mr. Raj: |
||
Address: |
[***] |
|
(g) if to EverArc Founders: |
||
Address: |
160 Greentree Drive, Suite 101, City of Dover, | |
County of Kent, Delaware 19904, United States of | ||
America | ||
Marked for the attention of: |
The Managers | |
(h) if to Llanerch Everarc: |
||
Address: |
700 W. St. Clair Ave., Suite 414, Cleveland, Ohio | |
44113-1274, United States of America | ||
Marked for the attention of : |
Nick Howley and Dominic Perry | |
(i) if to TVR Everarc: |
||
Address: |
5900 Balcones Drive, STE 100, Austin, | |
TX 78731, United States of America | ||
Marked for the attention of : |
The Managers | |
(j) if to Mr. Bram Belzberg: |
||
Address: |
[***] |
|
37
(k) if to Mr. John Staer: |
||
Address: |
[***] |
|
(l) if to Mr. Michael Tobin OBE: |
||
Address: |
[***] |
|
(m) if to Mr. Adam L. Hall: |
||
Address: |
[***] |
|
(n) if to UBS: |
||
Address: |
5 Broadgate, London EC2M 2QS, United Kingdom | |
Fax number: |
+44 (0) 207 336 2074 | |
Marked for the attention of: |
Thomas Raynsford | |
(o) if to Morgan Stanley: |
||
Address: |
25 Cabot Square, London E14 4QA, United | |
Kingdom |
||
Fax number: |
+44 (0) 207 425 8990 | |
Marked for the attention of: |
Head of Equity Capital Markets |
17.4 |
Each party shall notify the other parties in writing of a change to its details in clause 17.3 from time to time. |
18 |
General |
18.1 |
This Agreement may be entered into in any number of counterparts and by the parties to it on separate counterparts, and each of the executed counterparts, when duly exchanged or delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, but taken together, they shall constitute one and the same instrument. |
18.2 |
Any counterpart may take the form of an electronic copy of this Agreement and that counterpart: |
38
(a) |
will be treated as an original counterpart; |
(b) |
is sufficient evidence of execution of the original; and |
(c) |
may be produced in evidence for all purposes in place of the original. |
Any party delivering the electronic counterpart will, within seven days of electronic exchange, deliver the wet ink original of that counterpart to the Banks Counsel by express courier.
18.3 |
This Agreement is binding on and enures for the benefit of the successors, assignees or legal personal representatives of the parties and each Indemnified Person. No purchaser of Underwritten Units from any Bank shall be deemed to be a successor or assignee by reason merely of such purchase. |
18.4 |
No party may assign any of its rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties. |
18.5 |
Each Indemnified Person that is not a party to this Agreement will have the right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce its rights against the Company under clauses 10 and 12 provided that, save to the extent notified in writing to the relevant Indemnified Person, the relevant Bank (without obligation) will have the sole conduct of any action to enforce or otherwise deal with such rights on behalf of its Indemnified Persons. |
18.6 |
Save as provided in clause 18.5 and in paragraph 3.2 of Schedule 3, a person who is not a party to this Agreement has no rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Agreement but this does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists or is available apart from that Act. Under no circumstances shall any consent be required from any Indemnified Person that is not a party to this Agreement (or any other third party) for the termination, rescission, amendment or variation of this Agreement, whether or not such termination, rescission, amendment or variation effects or extinguishes any benefit or right conferred on such Indemnified Person or other third party. The Banks will not have responsibility to any Indemnified Person or any other third party under or as a result of this Agreement. |
18.7 |
The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement or any Indemnified Person shall not be affected by any failure to exercise or delay in exercising any right or remedy or by the giving of any indulgence by any other party or by anything whatsoever except a specific waiver or release in writing and any such waiver or release shall not prejudice or affect any other rights or remedies of the parties or any Indemnified Person. No single or partial exercise of any right or remedy shall prevent any further or other exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or remedy. |
18.8 |
Notwithstanding any other rule of law or equity, any release, waiver or compromise or any other arrangement of any kind whatsoever which any Bank may adopt or effect in connection with this Agreement will not affect any right or privilege of any other party to this Agreement nor any other rights or privileges of any such party at law, in equity or otherwise. |
39
18.9 |
No amendment of this Agreement or of any of the documents referred to in this Agreement will be effective unless it is in writing (which for this purpose does not include email), refers specifically to this Agreement and is duly executed by each party hereto, and shall include any variation, supplement, deletion or replacement however effected. No third party shall be required to agree any modification or amendment. |
18.10 |
Each provision of this Agreement is severable and distinct from the others and, if any provision is, or at any time becomes, to any extent or in any circumstances invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason, that provision shall to that extent be deemed not to form part of this Agreement but the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired, it being the parties intention that every provision of this Agreement shall be and remain valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. |
18.11 |
At any time after the date of this Agreement the Company shall, and shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure (so far as it is within its power to do so) that any necessary third party shall, at the cost of the Company, execute such documents and do such acts and things as the Banks may reasonably require for the purpose of giving full effect to all the provisions of this Agreement by which he, she or it is bound |
18.12 |
Each party acknowledges and agrees that: |
(a) |
this Agreement, the other documents referred to in this Agreement (including, without limitation, the Indemnity Letter) and any other agreement entered into pursuant to this Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede any previous agreement, understanding, undertaking or arrangement between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement; |
(b) |
in entering into this Agreement it does not rely on any statement, representation, assurance or warranty of any person (whether a party to this Agreement or not and whether made in writing or not) other than as expressly set out in this Agreement; and |
(c) |
nothing in this clause, and no other limitation in this Agreement, shall exclude or limit any liability for fraud. |
18.13 |
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Indemnity Letter, each of the Founders, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Banks agrees that the Indemnity Letter shall remain in full force and effect (and that the indemnification contained in that letter shall continue to apply for the benefit of the Banks) until this Agreement becomes wholly unconditional in accordance with its terms, save that, to the extent that there is a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the Indemnity Letter, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail. Each Bank agrees that compensation in respect of the same Losses may only be recovered once under the terms of this Agreement and the Indemnity Letter. |
40
18.14 |
The rights, powers, indemnities, representations, warranties and undertakings in this Agreement are in addition to and are not to be construed to limit, affect or prejudice, any other right or remedy available to any Indemnified Person against any person (whether or not a party to this Agreement). |
18.15 |
Each of the representations, warranties, agreements, undertakings and indemnities set out in this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Bank and notwithstanding the issue, sale, transfer or delivery of and payment for the New Shares or Warrants or completion of the Offer. |
18.16 |
If the Company has entered into or enters into any agreement or arrangement with any adviser for the purpose of, or in connection with, the Offer and the terms of which provide that the liability of the adviser to the Company or any other person is excluded or limited in any manner and the Banks or any other Indemnified Person may have joint and/or several liability with such adviser to the Company or to any other person arising out of the performance of its duties under this Agreement then the Company will: |
(a) |
not be entitled to recover any amounts from the Banks or any other Indemnified Person in excess of what would have been the net amount of such persons liability in the absence of such exclusion or limitation; |
(b) |
indemnify the Banks and/or any other Indemnified Person in respect of any increased liability to any third party which would not have arisen in the absence of such exclusion or limitation; and |
(c) |
take such other action as any of the Banks and/or such other Indemnified Person may require to ensure that none of the Banks are prejudiced as a consequence of such agreement or arrangement. |
18.17 |
The degree to which any Indemnified Person shall be entitled to rely on the work of any adviser to the Company, the Directors, the Founders or any of them or any other third party will be unaffected by any exclusion or limitation referred to in clause 18.15 which the Company, the Directors, the Founders or any of them may have agreed with the third party. |
18.18 |
The Banks will not be required to place or to procure that there are placed on deposit any sums of money received by it or any of its agents for the Underwritten Units. All amounts payable to the Company under this Agreement will not be treated as client money subject to any regulations made under or pursuant to FSMA and/or the FS Act. |
41
18.19 |
The obligations of each of the Banks under this Agreement are several and not joint or joint and several and no Bank shall be liable to any other person for any failure of or default by another party to comply with its obligations hereunder or in connection with the Offer. Other than as expressly set out in this Agreement, nothing contained or implied in this Agreement constitutes a Bank the partner, agent or representative of the other Bank for any purpose or creates any partnership, agency or trust between them and neither of them has the authority to bind the other in any way. |
18.20 |
Any agreement, covenant, representation, warranty or undertaking pursuant to this Agreement on the part of two or more parties shall, save where the contrary is expressly provided, be deemed to be made on a several basis. Other than where joint action is expressly provided for, each of the Banks and the Indemnified Persons shall (except as otherwise agreed among them) have the right to protect and enforce each of its rights without joining any of the others in any proceedings. |
18.21 |
Each of the Banks and each Indemnified Person shall (except as otherwise agreed among them) have the right to protect and enforce each of its rights without joining any of the others in any proceedings. |
18.22 |
Any liability to a Bank, Director or the Company under this Agreement may in whole or in part be released, compounded or compromised and time or indulgence may be given by such Bank, Director or the Company in its absolute discretion as regards any person under such liability without in any way prejudicing or affecting the rights of such Bank the Company against any other person under the same or a similar liability, whether joint and several or otherwise. |
18.23 |
Any date or period specified in this Agreement may be postponed or extended by mutual agreement in writing between the Company (for itself and on behalf of the Directors) and the Banks. Time shall be of the essence in this Agreement, both in relation to the times, dates and periods specified in it and any time, dates and period which may, by agreement in writing between the parties, be substituted for them. |
18.24 |
The provisions of this Agreement are without prejudice to any liabilities which any of the parties may have under any rule of law or equity (including, without limitation, the BVI Companies Act, FSMA, the FS Act, the Exchange Act and the Securities Act) to the extent they cannot be excluded or restricted as provided under this Agreement. |
18.25 |
Subject to Admission, each of the Founders irrevocably and unconditionally waives for the benefit of the Company, each of the Banks and each person who agrees to acquire Units pursuant to the Offer any failure, prior to the date of this Agreement, by any person at any time duly and properly to comply with the pre-emption provisions of, or any provisions imposing restrictions on transfer under, the BVI Companies Act or the Memorandum and Articles of Association (or any other agreement as to pre-emption or restrictions on transfer in existence at any time to which they were party) in respect of any allotment, issue, sale or transfer of any shares of any class in the |
42
capital of the Company at that or any other time and any allotment, issue, sale or transfer to be made pursuant to the Offer and each of the Founders consents to the issue and transfer of the Units pursuant to the Offer. |
18.26 |
It is acknowledged that the Company has discussed with the Banks their principles for allocation, the factors all parties believe to be relevant to the allocation of the Underwritten Units and have agreed the objectives and process for the allocation. |
18.27 |
The Company acknowledges and agrees that the subscription for the Units pursuant to this Agreement, including the determination of the Offer Price and any related discounts and commissions, is an arms length commercial transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and each of the Banks, on the other hand. |
18.28 |
Any document, opinion or analysis (including any valuation analysis) provided by any Bank in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will be solely for the use of the board of directors of the Company and the Founders and, except as required by law, applicable regulation or requirement of an applicable regulatory authority, may not be disclosed, quoted, reproduced, summarised, described or referred to (other than to the Companys and the Founders professional advisers or insurers) without the relevant Banks prior written consent. |
18.29 |
In connection with the Offer, each Bank and any of its respective Affiliates acting as an investor for its own account may acquire Units, New Shares and/or Warrants and in that capacity may retain, purchase or sell for its own account such Units, New Shares and/or Warrants and any securities of the Company or related investments and may offer or sell such securities or other investments otherwise than in connection with the Offer. Accordingly, references in this Agreement or the Offer Documents to the Units, New Shares and/or Warrants being issued, offered, sold or placed should be read as including any issue, offering, sale or placement of such Units, New Shares and/or Warrants to the Banks and any relevant Affiliates acting in such capacity. The Banks do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligation to do so. |
18.30 |
The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders acknowledges that none of the Banks or any other Indemnified Person is advising the Company or any other person as to any general financial or strategic advice or any legal, tax, investment or accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction. The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders shall consult with its own advisers concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby, and no Bank shall have any responsibility or liability to the Company, any of the Directors, any of the Founder Entities or any of the Founders with respect thereto. The Company, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders further acknowledges and agrees that any review by any Banks of the Company, the Offer and other matters relating thereto will be performed solely for the benefit of the Banks and shall not be performed on behalf of the Company, any of the Founder Entities, any of the Founders or any other person. |
43
18.31 |
Interest shall run (before and after judgment) on any sums due and payable hereunder from the due date for payment thereof until the date of actual payment at the Agreed Rate. |
18.32 |
The Company, the Founder Entities and the Founders agree to indemnify each Bank against any loss incurred by such Bank as a result of any judgment or order being given or made for any amount due hereunder and such judgment or order being expressed and paid in a currency (the Judgment Currency) other than pounds sterling and as a result of any variation between: (i) the rate of exchange at which the pounds sterling amount is converted into Judgment Currency for the purpose of such judgment or order; and (ii) the rate of exchange at which such Bank is able to purchase pounds sterling, at the business day nearest the date of judgment, with the amount of the Judgment Currency actually received by the relevant Bank. The foregoing indemnity shall constitute a separate and independent obligation of the Company, the Founder Entities and the Founders and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any such judgment or order as aforesaid. The term rate of exchange shall include any premium and costs of exchange payable in connection with the purchase of or conversions into the relevant currency. |
18.33 |
The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders severally acknowledge, and agree, that the Banks may provide their services under this Agreement and earn (and retain) all fees payable under this Agreement notwithstanding the existence of material interests within the Banks and their associates and/or Affiliates. |
19 |
Law and jurisdiction |
19.1 |
This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter, existence, negotiation, validity, termination or enforceability (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law. |
19.2 |
Subject to clause 19.3, the parties irrevocably agree for the benefit of each of the Banks that the courts of England are to have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any action or proceedings and/or settle any disputes which arise out of or in connection with this Agreement, its subject matter, existence, negotiation, validity, termination or enforceability, or any non contractual obligations arising out of or connected with it and irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of such courts. |
19.3 |
Notwithstanding the provisions of clause 19.2, in the event that any Bank or any of such Banks Indemnified Persons becomes subject to proceedings relating to or in connection with this Agreement, or arising in connection with the Offer and/or Admission, brought by a third party (the Foreign Proceedings) in the courts of any country other than England (the Foreign Jurisdiction), such Indemnified Person shall be entitled, without objection by the Company, the Directors, the Founder Entities or the Founders either: |
44
(a) |
to join the Company, the Directors, the Founder Entities, the Founders and/or any other person to the Foreign Proceedings; and/or |
(b) |
to bring separate proceedings for any breach of this Agreement and/or for a contribution or an indemnity under this Agreement against the Company, the Directors, the Founder Entities, the Founders, and/or any other person in the Foreign Jurisdiction, provided that such separate proceedings arise out of or are in connection with the subject matter of the Foreign Proceedings. |
19.4 |
Regardless of whether the courts of any country other than England have jurisdiction to consider a dispute falling within this clause 19, the Company irrevocably undertakes that it will neither issue nor cause to be issued originating or other process in respect to such a dispute in any jurisdiction other than England. |
19.5 |
The Company, the Directors, the Founder Entities and the Founders each irrevocably waive their right to raise any objection to the jurisdiction of any courts referred to in this clause 19 on the ground of forum non conveniens, public policy or otherwise, and further irrevocably agrees that a judgment or order of any such court in connection with this Agreement shall be conclusive and binding on it and may be enforced against it in the courts of any other jurisdiction. |
19.6 |
The taking of proceedings by the Banks under this clause 19 in any one or more jurisdictions will not (and will not be construed so as to) limit the right of the Banks to bring proceedings in any other jurisdiction(s), if and to the extent permitted by law, including, without limitation, the courts having jurisdiction by reason of any other partys domicile. Legal proceedings by the Banks in any one or more jurisdictions shall not preclude legal proceedings by either of them in any other jurisdiction, whether by way of substantive action, ancillary relief, enforcement or otherwise. |
19.7 |
The parties agree that the documents which commence any proceedings under this clause 19 and any other documents required to be served in relation to such proceedings may be served on any party in accordance with clause 17. These documents may, however, be served in any other manner permitted by law. |
19.8 |
Each of the Company, the Directors (except Mike Tobin OBE), the Founder Entities and the Founders hereby irrevocably authorises and appoints Law Debenture Corporate Services Limited of Fifth Floor, 100 Wood Street, London EC2V 7EX, United Kingdom to accept on its behalf service of all legal process arising out of or in connection with this Agreement. Further, each of the Company, the Directors (except Mike Tobin OBE), the Founder Entities and the Founders agrees: |
(a) |
to maintain an agent for service of process in England; |
45
(b) |
to procure that the agent will, prior to Admission on the Closing Date, confirm in writing to the Banks its acceptance of such appointment; |
(c) |
that failure by Law Debenture Corporate Services Limited to notify their appointor of the process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned; and |
(d) |
that if this appointment is terminated for any reason, their appointer will appoint a replacement agent having an address in England and will ensure that the new agent notifies the Banks of its acceptance of appointment within 10 Business Days of such appointment,. If any of the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities and the Directors do not make such an appointment within 10 Business Days of such cessation, then the Banks, acting reasonably, may do so on behalf of the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities and the Directors and at the cost of the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities and the Directors and shall notify the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities and the Directors if it does so, |
(such agent as appointed from time to time, the Agent)
19.9 |
Each party agrees that, without preventing any other mode of service, any document in an action (including, but not limited to, a claim form or any other document to be served under the Civil Procedure Rules) may be served on any party by being delivered to or left for that party at its address for service of notices under clause 17 or, in the case of each of the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities and the Directors by being delivered to the Agent. For the avoidance of doubt, all correspondence with the agent shall be delivered in accordance with clause 17. |
This Agreement has been executed by each of the parties or their duly authorised attorneys on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.
46
Schedule 1
Liability caps
Part A Founders
(1) Name |
(2) Liability cap |
|
William N. Thorndike, Jr. |
$2,500,000 |
|
W. Nicholas Howley |
$2,500,000 |
|
Tracy Britt Cool |
$150,000 |
|
Vivek Raj |
$500,000 |
|
Haitham Khouri |
$1,850,000 |
Part B Independent Non-Founder Directors
(1) Name |
(2) Liability cap |
|
Adam L. Hall |
$75,000 |
|
Bram Belzberg |
$75,000 |
|
John Staer |
$75,000 |
|
Michael Tobin OBE |
$75,000 |
Part C Founder Entities
(1) Name |
(2) Liability cap |
|
EverArc Founders, LLC |
$200,000 |
|
Llanerch Everarc LLC |
$2,500,000 |
|
TVR Everarc LLC |
$500,000 |
47
Schedule 2
Warranties
Part A Warranties given by the Company, the Founder Directors and (in certain cases) the Independent Non-Founder Directors
1 |
Offer Documents |
1.1 |
Each of the Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them) did not and will not as of its date (and, if amended or supplemented, as of the date of such amendment or supplement) and will not as of the Applicable Time or the Closing Date contain any untrue, inaccurate, incomplete or misleading statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. |
1.2 |
Each of the Offer Documents (other than the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus) or any amendment or supplement to any of them did not and will not as of its date (and, if amended or supplemented, as at the date of such amendment or supplement) and will not as of the Applicable Time or the Closing Date contain any untrue, inaccurate, incomplete or misleading statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading. |
1.3 |
Without prejudice to the generality of paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2 above, each of the Offer Documents (and any amendment or supplement to any of them) contain, or will when published contain, all particulars and information required by (and comply with) the BVI Companies Act, FSMA, the FS Act, the CJA, the Listing Rules, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the Prospectus Regulation, MAR, the rules and regulations of the London Stock Exchange, the CREST Regulations and all other relevant statutes and regulations in any jurisdiction and all such information as, having regard to the matters referred to in section 87A FSMA, investors and their professional advisers would reasonably require, and reasonably expect to find therein, for the purpose of making an informed assessment of the assets and liabilities, financial position, profits and losses, and prospects of the Company and of the rights attaching to the New Shares and/or Warrants comprising the Units and that information is presented in a form which is comprehensible and easy to analyse. |
1.4 |
The Pathfinder Prospectus (other than in respect of the number of Units and information derived therefrom which is subsequently included in the Final Prospectus), as of its date of issue (and, if amended or supplemented, as of the date of such amendment or supplement), did not contain any untrue, inaccurate, incomplete or misleading statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and the Pathfinder Prospectus, as of its date of issue, complied with the requirements of Prospectus Regulation Rule 3.3. |
48
1.5 |
All forecasts, estimates, elaborations of market data, expressions of opinion, intention, belief or expectation contained in the Offer Documents (and any amendment or supplement to any of them) are, or when made, will be, truly and honestly held and have been made, or when made will be made, on reasonable grounds after due and careful consideration and enquiry. |
1.6 |
There are no facts or matters known to the Warrantor omitted from any of the Offer Documents as at their respective dates (following publication, if applicable), the omission of which would make any statement of a material fact or expression of opinion, intention or expectation contained in any of the Offer Documents misleading in any respect. |
1.7 |
The section in the Final Prospectus entitled Summary is written in a clear, concise and comprehensible manner and in non-technical language and its content (i) provides the key information that investors need in order to understand the nature and risks of the Company and of the securities concerned and (ii) provides, in conjunction with the Final Prospectus, appropriate information about essential elements of the securities concerned, in each case in order to aid investors when considering whether to invest in such securities. |
1.8 |
There are no matters other than those disclosed in the Final Prospectus or otherwise in writing to the FCA or the London Stock Exchange or Euroclear (copies of such letters have been provided to each of the Banks) which the Warrantor considers should be taken into account by the FCA or the London Stock Exchange or Euroclear in considering the Applications for Admission. |
1.9 |
The statements set forth in Part VII (Taxation), Part VIII (Additional Information) (under the headings Share Capital, Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, Founders Preferred Shares, Directors Letters of Appointment, City Code, Material Contracts and BVI Law), Part IX (Terms & Conditions of the Warrants), and Part XI (Depositary Interests) of the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, insofar as they purport to constitute a summary of the laws and documents referred to therein, and subject to any limitations or exclusions expressly referred to therein, are true, accurate, complete and fair in all material respects and not misleading in any material respect. |
1.10 |
The Company and the Directors will use the net proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Units in the manner and for the purpose(s) specified in the Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus. |
1.11 |
Prior to the date hereof, the Company has not selected any specific Acquisition targets and the Company has not, nor has anyone on its behalf, initiated any substantive discussions, directly or indirectly, with any prospective Acquisition targets. |
49
1.12 |
The description appearing in Part I of the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (Investment Opportunity and Strategy) does not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which the statements are made, not misleading and fairly summarises (i) the process of Acquisition to be implemented by the Company, (ii) the Companys objective in effecting an Acquisition and (ii) the type of business that the Company intends to acquire in the context of the Acquisition. |
1.13 |
The statistical, industry and market related data and information included in the Offer Documents is based on, or derived from, sources which are, so far as the Warrantor is aware, reputable and accurate industry sources and all such data and information has been accurately reproduced and, so far as the Warrantor is aware and is able to ascertain from the relevant sources, no facts have been omitted which would render such data or information inaccurate or misleading. |
1.14 |
The Presentation Materials have been accurately compiled and were (as at the dates thereof or if subsequently amended, as at the date of such amendment) true and accurate in all material respects and not misleading. The information contained in the Presentation Materials is consistent with the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus and there is no material information disclosed in the Presentation Materials that is not disclosed in the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus. |
1.15 |
There has been no distribution by the Warrantor of, and prior to the Closing Date the Warrantor shall not distribute, any offering material in connection with the offer and sale of the Units other than the Offer Documents (or any amendment or supplement to them) other than with the approval of the Banks. |
2 |
Verification Notes |
2.1 |
The Verification Notes have been read by the Directors and approved by them. The information, materials and assertions expressed in the Verification Notes have been provided with due care and attention and in good faith and have been prepared and given by persons reasonably believed by the Warrantor to have the knowledge and responsibility to enable them properly to provide such information, materials and assertions. |
2.2 |
All statements of fact in the Verification Notes are true and accurate in all material respects and none is by itself or by omission misleading in any material respect. There are no facts which are known to any of the Directors which materially adversely affect (whether by omission or otherwise) the accuracy or completeness of any of the statements contained in the Verification Notes. All expressions of opinion, belief, intention or expectation contained in the Verification Notes are truly and honestly held and have been made on reasonable grounds after due and careful enquiry. |
50
3 |
Disclosure |
3.1 |
All statements made or factual information supplied by (or on behalf of and with the knowledge of) the Warrantor to the Banks, the FCA and/or the London Stock Exchange was when given (and remains), or when made will be, true and accurate in all material respects and not (or, when made, will not be) incomplete in any material respect or misleading and all statements, forecasts, estimates and expressions of opinion, belief, intention and expectation so supplied were when given (and remain) fairly and honestly given, expressed or held and have been made on reasonable grounds after due and careful consideration and enquiry and are reasonably based. There are no facts which have not been disclosed to the FCA which by their omission make any statements made misleading or which are otherwise material for disclosure to the FCA. |
3.2 |
All information provided by or on behalf of the Company to any of the Banks in connection with their due diligence enquiries or similar requests for information in connection with the Offer has been supplied in good faith. |
3.3 |
So far as the Warrantor is aware there is no information other than that contained in the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (all such matters having been disclosed with sufficient prominence) which the Company is required by MAR, the CJA, the Listing Rules, the DTRs, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the Prospectus Regulation, FSMA or the FS Act to publish, whether to correct a misleading impression as to the market in or the price or value of the New Shares and/or Warrants or to avoid behaviour which could constitute insider dealing, unlawful disclosure of inside information or market manipulation under Articles 14 or 15 of MAR or the CJA or which is otherwise relevant to the London Stock Exchange or the FCA or Euroclear in considering the Applications for Admission. |
3.4 |
The Warrantor is not aware of any facts or circumstances now subsisting or proposed or reasonably likely to come about which are not disclosed in the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (all such matters having been disclosed with sufficient prominence) and which: |
(a) |
would (or are likely to) lead to any obligation for the Company to make any announcement pursuant to FSMA, the FS Act, MAR, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the Listing Rules, the DTRs, the City Code or any other applicable law or regulation; or |
(b) |
if made public would be expected to have a material effect on the market price of the New Shares and/or Warrants or upon the Company. |
4 |
Listing |
4.1 |
The Company has applied for the whole of its Ordinary Share capital and all of the Warrants, issued and to be issued under the arrangements referred to in this Agreement (including, without limitation, Ordinary Shares to be issued upon exercise of any of the Warrants), to be admitted to the Standard Segment of the Official List and to trading on the London Stock Exchanges main market for listed securities. |
51
4.2 |
The Company has, or will immediately prior to Admission have, satisfied all relevant conditions for listing and other requirements of the Listing Rules, the Prospectus Regulation Rules and the Admission and Disclosure Standards. |
5 |
Historical Financial Information and Accountants Reports |
5.1 |
The Historical Financial Information has been prepared and presented in conformity with all relevant statements of standard accounting practice and financial reporting standards currently in force, with the Prospectus Regulation Rules and with IFRS; and: |
(a) |
gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs and financial condition of the Group as at the dates stated and of its profits and/or losses, cashflows and, where relevant, recognised gains and losses or changes in equity for the periods specified; |
(b) |
in accordance with such accounting standards and such accounting principles, makes proper provision for all liabilities, whether actual, deferred or contingent; |
(c) |
complies with all applicable law and regulation; and |
(d) |
has been prepared after due and careful consideration and enquiry by the Company and on the basis of preparation set out in Part VI (Financial Information on the Company) of the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus and are presented therein on the basis of the accounting policies set out in Part VI (Financial Information on the Company) of the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus. |
5.2 |
To the extent applicable, the Historical Financial Information has been presented and prepared in a form consistent with that which will be adopted in the Companys next published annual financial statements having regard to accounting standards and policies and legislation applicable to such annual financial statements. |
5.3 |
The Company did not have at the Accounts Date any material liability (whether actual, deferred, contingent or disputed), investment or commitment which, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practice (on the basis on which the Historical Financial Information has been prepared) should have been disclosed or provided for in the Historical Financial Information and which has not been so disclosed or provided for. |
5.4 |
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, investment or liability. |
5.5 |
Proper provision or, as appropriate, disclosure in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practice (on the basis on which the Historical Financial Information has been prepared) has been made in the Historical Financial Information for Taxation (whether actual, deferred or contingent). |
52
5.6 |
The Reporting Accountants are independent public accountants with respect to the Company within the meaning of the guidelines on independence issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. |
5.7 |
All information requested by the Reporting Accountants in connection with the preparation of the Accountants Reports has been supplied to them in good faith after due and careful enquiry. All factual information supplied to the Reporting Accountants in connection with the preparation of any Accountants Report was when supplied and remains true and accurate in all respects and was not (by itself or by omission) misleading in any respect and all other information (including any forecast or projection) supplied in connection with the preparation of any Accountants Report was carefully prepared and given in good faith. No information has been withheld from the Reporting Accountants which might reasonably have affected the contents of the Accountants Reports in any respect. |
5.8 |
There are no facts known, or which on reasonable enquiry ought to have been known, to the Company which have not been taken into account in the preparation of any of the Accountants Reports which could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on any of the information or projections contained therein. |
5.9 |
Save as disclosed in paragraph 11 of Part VIII of the Final Prospectus, since the date of the Companys incorporation, there has been no significant change in the financial or trading position of the Company and no Material Adverse Change relating to the Company or circumstances likely to lead to a Material Adverse Change relating to the Company. |
5.10 |
Save as disclosed in paragraph 14 of Part VIII of the Final Prospectus, since the date of its incorporation the Company has not conducted any business or traded and there have been no transactions entered into by the Company which are material in the context of the Company or the Offer. |
5.11 |
The Company has not, nor will it have prior to Admission, any indebtedness nor is it a party to any borrowing facility. |
5.12 |
Since incorporation of the Company, there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company on any class of its share capital. |
5.13 |
The Company does not have any material assets. |
53
6 |
Working capital |
6.1 |
Taking into account the net proceeds receivable by the Company under the Offer and the subscription for Founder Committed Units by the Founders, the working capital available to the Company is sufficient for the Companys present requirements, that is for the next 18 months following the date of the Final Prospectus. |
7 |
Financial position and prospects procedures |
7.1 |
The Directors have established procedures which provide a reasonable basis for them to make proper judgements on an ongoing basis as to the financial position and prospects of the Company. |
7.2 |
The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that: |
(a) |
transactions are executed in accordance with managements general or specific authorisations; |
(b) |
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of returns and reports, complete and accurate in all material respects, to regulatory bodies as and when required by them and financial statements in accordance with IFRS and applicable statutory accounting requirements (including the BVI Companies Act) and to maintain accountability for assets; |
(c) |
access to assets is permitted only in accordance with managements general or specific authorisation; and |
(d) |
the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. |
7.3 |
There are no weaknesses in the Companys internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remedied) and no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting of the Company is contemplated or has occurred which has or would be reasonably likely to materially affect the Companys internal control over financial reporting of the Company and there has been no fraud that involves any member of management or any other employee of the Company. |
8 |
Corporate governance |
8.1 |
The Directors have reviewed the compliance of the Company with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code published by the Financial Reporting Counsel and, save as disclosed in the paragraphs headed Strategic Decisions Corporate governance of Part III of the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, will be in compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code and have established procedures to allow the Company to comply with its provisions following Admission. |
54
8.2 |
The Directors have established procedures that, as at and from Admission, will enable the Company and the Directors to comply with the Listing Rules, the Disclosure Requirements, the DTRs and the rules of the London Stock Exchange on an ongoing basis, in each case as applicable to the Company. |
8.3 |
The Company does not have an external management company as defined in the Listing Rules and the discretion of the Directors to make strategic decisions on behalf of the Company has not been limited or transferred to another person and the Directors have the capability to act on key strategic matters in the absence of a recommendation from any other person. |
8.4 |
There are no shadow directors of the Company. |
8.5 |
The statutory books, books of accounts and other records legally required to be kept by the Company are up-to-date, complete and accurate in all material respects and no notice or allegation that any of such books or records is incorrect or should be rectified has been received. All accounts, documents and returns required by law to be delivered or made to the registrar of companies in the British Virgin Islands or any other authority have been duly and correctly delivered or made without material omission or default. |
9 |
Related party transactions |
9.1 |
Save as disclosed in paragraph 15 of Part VIII of the Final Prospectus, the Company has not entered into and will not enter into any related party transaction (within the meaning set out in IFRS or Listing Rule 11) in the period covered by the financial information contained in the Final Prospectus and up to, and including, the Closing Date. |
9.2 |
Save as disclosed in paragraph 3.3 of Part VIII of the Final Prospectus, without prejudice to 9.1 above, there are no loans made by the Company to, nor are there any debts owing to the Company from, any of the shareholders of the Company and/or any of the Directors of the Company and/or any associate of any of them. |
10 |
Tax |
10.1 |
Save as set out in the paragraphs headed British Virgin Islands taxation and United Kingdom taxation of Part VII of the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, and subject to any limitations or exclusions expressly referred to therein, no stamp or similar duty, SDRT, capital duty or other issue, transfer, documentary or similar taxes or duties are payable under the laws of the United Kingdom or the British Virgin Islands by or on behalf of any person (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any tax payable in respect of any fees or commissions payable pursuant to this Agreement) in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, or the allotment, issue, subscription or delivery by the Company of the Units pursuant to the Offer, or the issue of the Depositary Interests. |
55
10.2 |
The Company is not subject to Tax on its income, profits or gains (if any) in the British Virgin Islands and is not, and never has been, treated as resident or having a permanent establishment in any other jurisdiction for Tax purposes (including for the purposes of any double tax arrangement or treaty). |
10.3 |
The Company is not liable to pay and has not incurred any liability to tax chargeable under the laws of any jurisdiction (other than the jurisdiction of its incorporation) by virtue of having a permanent establishment or other place of business in such other jurisdiction. |
10.4 |
No register of Shares, Founder Shares, Warrants or Depository Interests is kept by or on behalf of the Company outside the British Virgin Islands, and none of the New Shares and/or Warrants are paired (within the meaning given in section 99 of the Finance Act 1986) with any shares issued by a body corporate incorporated in the United Kingdom. |
10.5 |
The Company is, to the extent required, registered for the purposes of VAT and has complied with the terms of legislation relating to VAT. |
10.6 |
The Company is not nor has it been treated as a member of a group for the purposes of VAT legislation with any company and has not applied for such treatment. |
10.7 |
Since incorporation: |
(a) |
the Company has not incurred any liability to Tax other than Tax in respect of normal trading income or receipts arising from transactions entered into by it in the ordinary course of business; and |
(b) |
no disposal has taken place which has had the effect of crystallising a liability to Tax. |
10.8 |
Since incorporation the Company has not incurred any liability to tax on its income, profits or gains (if any); and the Company has not done anything which, to the best of the Warrantors knowledge, would cause the Company to become liable to Tax on its income, profits or gains. |
10.9 |
Since incorporation the Company has not paid or become liable to pay, and there are no circumstances by reason of which it is likely to become liable to pay, to any Tax Authority any penalty, fine, surcharge or interest in respect of Tax (including, without limitation, in respect of any failure to make any return, give any notice or supply any information to any relevant Tax Authority, or any failure to pay Tax on the due date for payment). |
10.10 |
All transactions between the Company and any third party have been and are on fully arms length terms. To the best of the Warrantors knowledge, there are no circumstances in existence which may cause any Tax Authority to make any adjustment for Tax purposes to the terms on which |
56
any transaction between the Company and any third party is treated as taking place and no such adjustment has been made or asserted against the Company in writing by any Tax Authority, where in either case the Company may or will incur any liability (or increase in liability) to Tax as a result of such adjustment. |
10.11 |
All material information, returns, computations and notices of the Company for Taxation purposes have been made for all purposes up to and including the date hereof within the requisite period and on a proper basis and all such information, returns, computations and notices are up-to-date and correct and, so far as the Warrantor is aware, are not, nor are likely to be, the subject of any dispute involving the Company, or claim against the Company, by any Tax Authority. |
11 |
Insolvency |
11.1 |
The Company: |
(a) |
is, and immediately after the Closing Date will be, solvent as such term is understood under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and it will not be unable to pay its debts within the meaning of section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986 or any analogous law or regulation; |
(b) |
has not had a controller appointed or is in liquidation, in provisional liquidation, under administration or is being wound up or has had a receiver appointed to any part of its property; |
(c) |
is not subject to any arrangement, assignment, moratorium or composition, protected from creditors under any statute or being dissolved (in each case, other than to carry out a reconstruction or amalgamation while solvent on terms approved by the other parties to this Agreement); |
(d) |
has not had an application or order made (and in the case of an application, which has not been stayed, withdrawn or dismissed within 30 days), resolution passed, proposal put forward, or any other action taken which is preparatory to or could result in the events described in paragraphs (a) to (c) above; |
(e) |
is otherwise able to pay its debts when they fall due; and |
(f) |
is not subject to any other proceedings with a substantially similar effect to (a) to (d) under the law of any jurisdiction. |
11.2 |
The Company has not taken any action (including, but not limited to, the convening of meetings to vote on relevant resolutions), nor have any other steps been taken or legal proceedings commenced or been threatened against the Company for its winding-up or dissolution or for any similar or analogous proceeding in any jurisdiction or for the Company to enter into any arrangement or composition for the benefit of creditors or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, provisional liquidator or similar officer. |
57
11.3 |
There is not outstanding any liability, obligation or commitment of any kind on the part of the Directors or the Company in relation to any current or pending insolvency proceedings in relation to the Company. |
12 |
Litigation |
12.1 |
Neither the Company nor any Director, nor any other person for whom the Company is or may be vicariously liable, has currently or during the 12 months preceding the date of the Final Prospectus any claim against them or is or has been engaged in any litigation or arbitration, prosecution, claim, action, suit or other proceedings or governmental, regulatory or official investigation or inquiry which is (singly or in the aggregate) material and no such litigation, arbitration, prosecution, claim, action, suit or other proceedings or governmental or official investigation or inquiry are pending or, so far as the Warrantor is aware, threatened nor are there any circumstances which are likely to give rise to any of the same. |
12.2 |
The Company, nor any of its officers or agents or employees in relation to the affairs of the Company has been a party to any undertaking or assurance given to any court or government agency or the subject of any injunction which is still in force. |
13 |
Insurance and indemnification |
13.1 |
At Admission, the Company will have directors and officers insurance in place at levels considered by the Directors, acting reasonably and in good faith, to be adequate. |
13.2 |
Each of the Directors has the benefit of an indemnity provided by the Company indemnifying the Director against liabilities incurred in his office as director, in terms that are in accordance with the BVI Companies Act. |
13.3 |
The Company maintains, from well-established and reputable insurers, insurance of the type and in amounts reasonably considered by the Company and the Directors to be adequate for their business and, to the best of the Warrantors knowledge, consistent with insurance coverage maintained by companies carrying on similar businesses or owning assets of a similar nature. No claim under any policy of insurance taken out in connection with the business or assets of the Company which is material is outstanding and there are no current circumstances likely to give rise to such a claim. Such insurances are in full force and effect and there exist no circumstances which could render any of such insurances void or voidable. |
14 |
Employment |
14.1 |
The Company does not have any employees. |
58
14.2 |
The Directors have each been duly appointed in such capacity and hold their offices in accordance with applicable law. |
14.3 |
No Director has since the Accounts Date given notice nor, so far as the Warrantor is aware, is intending to give notice terminating their contract of employment or engagement or is under notice of dismissal or termination. |
14.4 |
Save as set out in paragraphs 4.2(o)(i) and 9 of Part VIII of the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, Admission will not entitle any director, officer, employee or worker of the Company to receive or to exercise any right to any payment or other benefit from the Company. |
14.5 |
The Company is in compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations. |
14.6 |
The Company has not put in place any pension scheme and there are no liabilities associated with or arising from the Company participating in, or contributing to, either currently or in the past, any retirement benefits scheme or arrangement (occupational or personal). |
15 |
Licences and other legal requirements |
15.1 |
The Company holds or (as applicable) has made all authorisations, orders, filings, registrations, notifications, permits, certificates, qualifications, licences, permissions, authorisations, approvals, concessions, clearances and consents (each an Authorisation) required for the carrying on of its business or for the execution and performance of its obligations under this Agreement and any other agreements to be entered into by it in connection with the Offer or for the making of the Offer and such Authorisations are in full force and effect (or will be in full force and effect prior to Admission) and there are no circumstances which indicate that any of such Authorisations may be revoked, modified, suspended, not granted, withdrawn or not renewed, in whole or in part, and the Company has complied with all such Authorisations and all legal, regulatory and other requirements which are applicable to its business save to the extent that would not (singly or in the aggregate) be material. |
16 |
Business practices |
16.1 |
Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of its or their respective directors or officers nor, to the Companys best knowledge, any of its or their respective employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that could result in a violation by such persons of any Anti-Corruption Laws, and the Company and its Subsidiaries and its and their respective directors, officers and, to the Companys best knowledge, employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives have conducted their business in accordance with Anti-Corruption Laws. |
16.2 |
Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of its or their respective directors or officers nor, to the Companys best knowledge, any of its or their respective employees, Affiliates, |
59
agents or representatives are the subject of any investigation, inquiry, claim or enforcement proceedings regarding any offence or alleged offence under any Anti-Corruption Laws by any authority responsible for investigating potential violations of or otherwise enforcing Anti- Corruption Laws, and no such investigation, inquiry, claim or enforcement proceedings is threatened or, so far as the Company and Directors are aware, pending. |
16.3 |
The Company has in place policies, procedures and systems designed to ensure (and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure) compliance by the Company and its Subsidiaries and its and their respective directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, agents and representatives with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws (Adequate Procedures). Neither the Company nor the Directors are aware of any violation by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or their respective directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives of the Adequate Procedures. |
16.4 |
Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of its or their respective directors or officers nor, to the Companys best knowledge, any of its or their respective employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives is, or is owned or controlled by individuals or entities (for the purposes of this paragraph 16, Persons) that are: |
(a) |
the subject or the target of any Sanctions Laws and Regulations; or |
(b) |
located, organised or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions Laws and Regulations (including, without limitation, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Russia and Venezuela) (a Sanctioned Country). |
16.5 |
Neither the Company, its Subsidiaries nor any of its associates or Associated Persons will, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds received from the Offer, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person: (a) to fund any activities or business of or with any Person, or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding, is the subject or the target of Sanctions Laws and Regulations; or (b) in any other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions Laws and Regulations by any Person (including any person participating in the Offer, whether as underwriter, adviser, investor or otherwise). |
16.6 |
There have been no transactions or arrangements between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or their respective directors or officers or, to the Companys best knowledge, any of its or their respective employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives: (i) with any Person who is the target of Sanctions Laws and Regulations and/or (ii) or with any person or entity in a Sanctioned Country or which performs contracts in support of projects in or for the benefit of Sanctioned Countries. |
16.7 |
The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with, and the Companys and its Subsidiaries respective directors or officers and, to the Companys best knowledge, its and their respective employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives have complied with, the applicable money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions |
60
in which it or they conduct their operations, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency in such jurisdictions (collectively, the Money Laundering Laws) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or its Subsidiaries, or any of its or their respective directors or officers or, to the Companys best knowledge, any of its or their respective employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives or other persons associated with or acting on behalf of the Company with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, so far as the Company and Directors are aware, threatened. |
17 |
Contracts |
17.1 |
Save as disclosed in paragraph 14 of Part VIII (Additional Information) of the Final Prospectus under the heading Material contracts, since its incorporation the Company has not entered into: (a) any material contract outside the ordinary course of its business; or (b) any contract or commitment outside the ordinary course of its business which contains any provision under which the Company has any entitlement or obligation which is material to the Company as of the date hereof; or (c) any contract or commitment of an unusual or onerous nature which, in the context of the issue and sale of the New Shares or Warrants, might be material to the conduct of the business of the Company. |
17.2 |
Each of the material contracts (being the contracts disclosed in paragraph 14 of Part VIII (Additional Information) of the Final Prospectus under the heading Material contracts (the Material Contracts) has been duly authorised, executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid, subsisting and legally binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its respective terms except that such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganisation, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally and general principles of equity. |
17.3 |
The summary of the Material Contracts contained in the Final Prospectus is accurate and complete in all material respects and not misleading. |
18 |
Intellectual property |
18.1 |
The Company (i) owns or otherwise has the right to use its corporate name, adequate trademarks, trade names, domain names, licences and inventions, know-how, patents, copyrights and/or other intellectual property (collectively, intellectual property) necessary to conduct its business as described in the Offer Documents, and (ii) has not received any notice of, nor is aware of any circumstances which may lead to a notice of, any infringement or of conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any of its intellectual property rights. |
61
19 |
Properties |
19.1 |
The Company does not own or lease, and has not at any time owned or leased any real property. |
20 |
Share capital and Warrants |
20.1 |
Save for the Founder Shares and the Warrants, there are in force no options or other agreements which call for the issue of, or afford to any person the right to call for the issue of, any shares or other securities (including any loan capital) of the Company. |
20.2 |
No holder of Ordinary Shares, Founder Shares or Warrants will, after Admission, have any rights, in their capacity as such, in relation to the Company other than as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company and the Warrant Instrument (as appropriate). |
20.3 |
On Admission, the issued and to be issued share capital (including, without limitation, upon exercise of any of the Warrants) of the Company will be as described in the Final Prospectus. |
20.4 |
The Depositary Interests are eligible for admission to, and will be freely transferable in, CREST and the terms of issue of the Depositary Interests and the Articles of Association comply with all the requirements of Euroclear, the CREST Regulations, the Depositary Agreement and the Depositary Interest Deed Poll. The Depositary Interests do not contravene the laws of the British Virgin Islands and will, when issued, be freely convertible into Shares or Warrants (as applicable). The holders of Depositary Interests will, on issue of the Depositary Interests, benefit from all the rights attaching to the Shares or Warrants (as applicable), including voting rights and, in the case of Shares, dividends and participation in corporate actions. |
20.5 |
The issued and to be issued share capital (including, without limitation, the New Shares, any Ordinary Shares to be issued upon exercise of any of the Warrants and the Founder Shares) of the Company has been (or will be, once issued) duly and validly authorised (if so required) and issued, has been (or will be, once issued) issued fully paid and not subject to any call for the payment of further capital or otherwise assessable and is (or will be, once issued) free of all pre-emptive rights or other material rights or restrictions. |
20.6 |
All of the Warrants, when issued, will be duly and validly authorised and issued and are not, or when issued will not be, subject to calls for further payment or otherwise assessable. |
20.7 |
The holders of outstanding shares in the capital of the Company do not have (and the allotment, issue and sale of the New Shares, the Warrants and/or any Ordinary Shares to be issued upon exercise of any of the Warrants is not subject to) any pre-emptive or similar rights. |
20.8 |
The New Shares and the Warrants are freely issuable by the Company to or for the account of the initial subscribers therefor or allottees thereof and, upon issue, the New Shares and the Warrants will be free from all Encumbrances and the New Shares will rank pari passu in all respects with and be identical to all other Ordinary Shares. |
62
20.9 |
Except as provided for in Schedule 3 to this Agreement, as described in section 4 of Part VIII of the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association or as required by applicable law, there are (and, immediately following Admission, will be) no restrictions upon: |
(a) |
the voting or transfer of the Ordinary Shares or upon the declaration or payment of any dividend or distribution thereof; and/or |
(b) |
the transfer of the Warrants. |
20.10 |
The Offer, the New Shares and the Warrants conform to the respective descriptions thereof contained in the Final Prospectus. |
20.11 |
Assuming subscription and payment therefor in accordance with their terms and conditions as described in the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, the Ordinary Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Warrants will be validly issued and paid and the rights attached thereto shall conform to the description contained in the Pathfinder Prospectus and Final Prospectus. The Ordinary Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Warrants will rank pari passu with the outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company as at the date of their issuance. |
21 |
Capacity |
21.1 |
The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a limited liability company under the laws of the BVI with registered number 2025707. |
21.2 |
The Company has full power and authority under its constitutional documents and otherwise to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations pursuant to the Offer, this Agreement and any other agreement to be entered into by it in connection with the Offer and to enter into and consummate all transactions in connection therewith. |
21.3 |
The Company has power under its Memorandum and Articles of Association and resolutions passed at general meeting to (i) create, allot and issue the New Shares and/or Warrants comprising the Units, (ii) create, allot and issue the Founder Shares, (iii) effect the Offer in the manner proposed, (iv) pay the commissions, fees and expenses provided for in this Agreement and (v) enter into and perform this Agreement and any other agreements to be entered into by it in connection with the Offer, without any sanction or consent by members of the Company or any class of them. |
63
21.4 |
All other authorisations, approvals, consents and licences required by the Company in order to (i) create, allot and issue the New Shares and/or Warrants comprising the Units, (ii) create, allot and issue the Founder Shares, (iii) effect the Offer in the manner proposed, (iv) pay the commissions, fees and expenses provided for in this Agreement and (v) enter into and perform this Agreement and any other agreements to be entered into by it in connection with the Offer, have been obtained and remain in full force and effect. |
21.5 |
(i) The Company is not, and (ii) the making of the Offer, the allotment, issue and sale of the New Shares and Warrants (and the Depositary Interests in respect thereof), the distribution of the Offer Documents and any other documents in connection with the Offer and Admission, the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement will not result: |
(a) |
in violation of its Memorandum and Articles of Association or other governing or constitutional documents (which are in full force and effect on Admission), the violation of any of which would, singly or in aggregate, be material; or |
(b) |
in breach or default in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, any document of title or in any bond, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan or credit agreement, note, lease or other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company may be bound, or to which any of their properties or assets is subject, the breach or default of any of which, singly or in aggregate, would be material and the Company is not aware of any circumstances likely to give rise to such a breach or default; or |
(c) |
in violation of any applicable law, statute, rule, licence regulation, judgment, order, writ, claim form or decree of any government, government instrumentality or court having jurisdiction over the Company or any of their assets or properties, the violation of any of which would, singly or in aggregate, be material. |
21.6 |
This Agreement and each agreement to be entered into by the Company in connection with the Offer has been duly authorised, executed and delivered by the Company and all such agreements constitute valid and legally binding obligations, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms. |
22 |
No subsidiary undertakings |
22.1 |
The Company does not have any subsidiaries, subsidiary undertakings or associates nor holds any interests in any types of security in any third party company or other legal entity. |
23 |
Conflicts of interest |
23.1 |
The paragraphs headed Conflicts of interest in Part II of the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus contain an accurate summary of the procedures agreed between the Company, each of the Founders, EverArc Founders and the Independent Non-Founder Directors relating to conflicts of interest. |
64
24 |
Compliance with securities laws |
24.1 |
The Offer and the issue of the Offer Documents in the manner contemplated by this Agreement will comply with the BVI Companies Act, FSMA, the FS Act, MAR, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the Listing Rules, the DTRs, the rules and regulations of the London Stock Exchange and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations of the United Kingdom and elsewhere. |
24.2 |
The Company has not, directly or indirectly in relation to the Offer or otherwise to the extent it is material, done any act or engaged in any course of conduct in breach of section 89, section 90 or section 91 FS Act or constituting insider dealing, unlawful disclosure of inside information or market manipulation under Articles 14 or 15 of MAR, in each case including any regulations made pursuant thereto, or the equivalent provisions under the securities laws applicable in any other relevant jurisdiction nor, so far as the Warrantor is aware, has any person acting on behalf of the Company (other than the Banks, as to whom no representation is made) done any act or engaged in any course of conduct as described above. |
24.3 |
None of the Warrantors, nor the Company nor any person acting on its or their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom no representation is made) has made, directly or indirectly, offers or sales of any securities, or has solicited offers to buy, or otherwise has negotiated in respect of, any security in circumstances that would require the registration of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares under the Securities Act. |
24.4 |
Subject to compliance by the Banks with the undertakings, representations and warranties set out in Schedule 4, no registration of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares under the Securities Act is required in connection with: |
(a) |
the offer, allotment, issue and delivery of the New Shares or the Warrants to the Banks or to subscribers or purchasers procured by the Banks, or the offer and re-sale by the Banks of the New Shares or the Warrants; or |
(b) |
the offer, allotment, issue and delivery of the New Shares or the Warrants to the Founders, as applicable in the manner contemplated in this Agreement and the Offer Documents. |
24.5 |
Save as described in the paragraphs headed Registration Rights in Part II of the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, there are no persons, so far as the Warrantor is aware, with registration rights or similar rights to have any New Shares, any Warrants or any Founder Shares or securities of the same or similar class as the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares registered by the Company under the Securities Act or otherwise. |
65
24.6 |
None of the Warrantors, nor the Company nor any person acting on its or their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom no representation is made) has taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or result in, or that has constituted or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, the stabilisation in violation of applicable laws or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares. |
24.7 |
The Company is not, nor will it be as a result of the offer and sale of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares contemplated in this Agreement and the application of the proceeds thereof, an investment company as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act. |
24.8 |
The Company is not a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) within the meaning of Section 1297 of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Company does not expect to become, as a result of the receipt and application of the proceeds of the Offer, a passive foreign investment company. |
24.9 |
The Company is a foreign issuer (as such term is defined in Regulation S) which reasonably believes that there is no substantial US market interest (as such term is defined in Regulation S) in its equity securities or in any securities of the same class as the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares. |
24.10 |
None of the Warrantors, nor the Company nor any person acting on its or their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom no representation is made) has engaged, directly or indirectly, in any directed selling efforts with respect to the offer and sale of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares. |
24.11 |
None of the Warrantors, nor the Company nor any person acting on its or their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom no representation is made) has engaged, directly or indirectly, in any form of general solicitation or general advertising in connection with any offer or sale of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares in the United States. |
24.12 |
None of the Warrantors, nor the Company nor any person acting on its or their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom no representation is made) has distributed any offering material in connection with the Offer (including a website posting that is accessible by residents of the United States) other than the Pathfinder Prospectus, the Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to any of them) or other materials, if any, permitted by the Securities Act and approved by the Banks. |
24.13 |
None of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares are, or will be at the Closing Date, of the same class (within the meaning of Rule 144A(d)(3)(i) under the Securities Act) as securities listed on a national securities exchange registered under Section 6 of the Exchange Act, or quoted in a US automated inter-dealer quotation system. |
66
24.14 |
The Final Prospectus contains all the information that, if requested by a prospective purchaser of New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares, would be required to be provided to such prospective purchaser by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act. |
24.15 |
The Company has not entered into any contractual arrangement relating to the offer, sale, distribution or delivery of any New Shares, any Warrants or any Founder Shares other than this Agreement and the other arrangements described in the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus. |
24.16 |
The Company will take reasonable precautions designed to ensure that any offer or sale, direct or indirect, in the United States of any New Shares or any Warrants or any substantially similar securities issued by the Company, within six months subsequent to the date on which the distribution of the New Shares and the Warrants is expected to be completed, is made under restrictions and other circumstances reasonably designed not to affect the status of the offer and sale of the New Shares and the Warrants in the United States contemplated by this Agreement as transactions exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act. |
25 |
Non-investment fund status |
25.1 |
The Company is not an alternative investment fund within the meaning of AIFMD. |
25.2 |
There is no requirement under applicable law for the Company to be authorised as an Alternative Investment Fund or Alternative Investment Fund Manager under AIFMD. |
67
Part B Warranties given by the Directors
1 |
Information relating to the Warrantor |
1.1 |
The Banks have been furnished in writing with all information relating to the Warrantor that might reasonably be considered material in connection with the offer or the Applications for Admission or for disclosure in the Offer Documents or any of them and all such information is true and accurate in all material respects and not misleading and no information has been omitted from such information which might make such information untrue, inaccurate in all material respects or misleading. |
1.2 |
All information contained or referred to in the Directors Questionnaire completed by the Warrantor was when given, and remains, true, accurate and complete and not misleading either by omission or misstatement and such Directors Questionnaire contains all relevant material information relating to the Warrantor. |
1.3 |
The statements of fact included in (or to be included in) any of the Offer Documents (and any amendment or supplement to any of them) insofar as they relate or refer to the Warrantor are (or, when made, will be) fairly presented and do not and will not, as of their respective dates, as at the Applicable Time, as at the date of the Final Prospectus, as at the date of any Supplementary Prospectus and as at the Closing Date, contain any untrue or inaccurate statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made (or will be made) not misleading. Any expressions of opinion, intention, belief or expectation contained in such documents (insofar as they relate or refer to the Warrantor) are (or when made will be) truly and honestly held and have been (or will be) made on reasonable grounds after due and careful consideration and enquiry. |
1.4 |
The Warrantor has had explained to him by the Companys Counsel, and fully understands, his responsibilities and obligations as a director of a listed company, including under the Listing Rules, the DTRs, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, MAR, FSMA, the FS Act and the BVI Companies Act. The Directors have established procedures that enable the Company to comply with the foregoing legal, regulatory and other requirements on an ongoing basis. |
1.5 |
The information contained in the Directors Responsibility Statement is complete and accurate in all respects and not misleading in any respect and the Warrantor has read and approved the contents of the Final Prospectus. |
2 |
Capacity |
2.1 |
The Warrantor has full power and authority to enter into and perform his obligations pursuant to this Agreement, the relevant Insider Letter and the other agreements to be entered into by him in connection with the Offer, each of which constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement enforceable against him in accordance with its terms. |
68
2.2 |
The Warrantor has duly authorised, executed and delivered this Agreement, the relevant Insider Letter and the other agreements to be entered into by him in connection with the Offer and all such agreements constitute valid and legally binding obligations, enforceable against the Warrantor in accordance with their terms. |
2.3 |
The execution and delivery by the Warrantor of this Agreement, the relevant Insider Letter and the other agreements to be entered into by it in connection with the Offer and the performance of the obligations of the Warrantor hereunder and thereunder, the distribution of the Offer Documents, the offer, sale and delivery of the New Shares and/or Warrants comprising the Units and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated by the Offer Documents will not conflict with or result in a breach of any terms or provisions of, or constitute a default or event of default (however described) under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance on any property or assets under, any document, agreement or instrument to which the Warrantor is a party or by which the Warrantor is bound or to which any of its properties may be subject or infringe any restrictions or the terms of any contract, obligation or commitment of the Warrantor or infringe or violate any applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order, authorisation or decree of any government, governmental body or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Warrantor or any of its properties. |
3 |
Established procedures |
3.1 |
The Directors have established procedures which provide a reasonable basis for them to make proper judgements on an ongoing basis as to the financial position and prospects of the Company and which will, from Admission, enable the Company to comply with the Listing Rules, MAR and the DTRs on an ongoing basis. |
4 |
Securities laws |
4.1 |
The Warrantor is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act and understands that the Units have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement of the Securities Act. |
4.2 |
Neither the Warrantor nor any person acting on their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom no representation is made) has engaged, directly or indirectly, in any directed selling efforts with respect to the offer and sale of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares. |
4.3 |
Neither the Warrantor nor any person acting on their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom no representation is made) has engaged, directly or indirectly, in any form of general solicitation or general advertising in connection with any offer or sale of the New Shares, the Warrants or Founder Shares in the United States. |
69
Part C Warranties given by the Founders and the Founder Entities
1 |
Capacity |
1.1 |
The Warrantor has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations pursuant to this Agreement, the relevant Founder Insider Letter and, as applicable, the other agreements to be entered into by it in connection with the Offer. |
1.2 |
The Warrantor has duly authorised, executed and delivered this Agreement, the relevant Founder Insider Letter and, as applicable, the other agreements to be entered into by it in connection with the Offer and all such agreements constitute valid and legally binding obligations, enforceable against the Warrantor in accordance with their terms. |
1.3 |
The Warrantor is a company with limited liability, duly incorporated, validly existing and, insofar as such concept exists in the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, with full power and authority under its constitutional documents and otherwise to enter into and perform its obligations pursuant to the Offer and this Agreement and to enter into and consummate all transactions in connection therewith. |
1.4 |
The Warrantor has not taken any action, nor have any other steps been taken or legal proceedings commenced or, so far as it is aware, threatened against it for its winding up, dissolution or bankruptcy (to the extent that such procedure is applicable to such Warrantor) or for any similar of analogous proceeding in any jurisdiction, or for it to enter into any arrangement or composition for the benefit of creditors, or for the appointment of a receiver, administrative receiver, trustee or similar officer. |
1.5 |
The execution and delivery by the Warrantor of this Agreement, the relevant Founder Insider Letter and the other agreements to be entered into by it in connection with the Offer and the performance of the obligations of the Warrantor hereunder and thereunder, the distribution of the Offer Documents and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated by the Offer Documents will not conflict with or result in a breach of any terms or provisions of, or constitute a default or event of default (however described) under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance on any property or assets under, any document, agreement or instrument to which the Warrantor is a party or by which the Warrantor is bound or to which any of its properties may be subject or infringe any restrictions or the terms of any contract, obligation or commitment of the Warrantor or infringe or violate any applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order, authorisation or decree of any government, governmental body or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Warrantor or any of its properties. |
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2 |
Offer Documents |
2.1 |
The statements of fact (including, without limitation and for the avoidance of doubt, (i) any statements regarding the Warrantors management expertise and track record and (ii) any expressions of opinion, intention or expectation) included in (or to be included in) any of the Offer Documents (and any amendment or supplement to any of them) insofar as they refer to the Warrantor are (or when made, will be) fairly presented and do not and will not, as of their respective dates, as at the Applicable Time or as at the Closing Date, contain any untrue or inaccurate or incomplete statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made (or will be made), not misleading and, in the case of any expressions of opinion, intention or expectation contained in such documents are truly and honestly held and have been made on reasonable grounds after due and careful consideration and enquiry. |
2.2 |
Each of the Banks has been furnished in writing with all information relating to the Warrantor that might reasonably be considered material for disclosure in the Offer Documents or any of them. All such information is true and accurate and not misleading and no information has been omitted from such information which might make such information untrue, inaccurate or misleading. |
3 |
Securities laws |
3.1 |
The Company has not, directly or indirectly in relation to the Offer or otherwise to the extent it is material, done any act or engaged in any course of conduct in breach of section 89, section 90 or section 91 FS Act or constituting insider dealing, unlawful disclosure of inside information or market manipulation under Articles 14 or 15 of MAR, in each case including any regulations made pursuant thereto, or the equivalent provisions under the securities laws applicable in any other relevant jurisdiction nor, so far as the Warrantor is aware, has any person acting on behalf of the Company (other than the Banks, as to whom no representation is made) done any act or engaged in any course of conduct as described above. |
3.2 |
Neither the Warrantor nor any person acting on their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom no representation is made) has engaged, directly or indirectly, in any directed selling efforts with respect to the offer and sale of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares. |
3.3 |
Neither the Warrantor nor any person acting on their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom no representation is made) has engaged, directly or indirectly, in any form of general solicitation or general advertising in connection with any offer or sale of the New Shares, the Warrants or Founder Shares in the United States. |
3.4 |
Each of the Founders and the Founder Entities is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act and understands that the Units have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement of the Securities Act. |
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4 |
No action to prejudice listing |
4.1 |
The Warrantor has not taken and will not take any action following the date hereof which may reasonably be expected to prejudice the Applications for Admission or otherwise result in Admission not becoming effective. |
5 |
Non-public facts or circumstances |
5.1 |
The Warrantor is not aware of any non-public fact or circumstance (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any fact or circumstance disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus) that, if made public, would be expected to have a material effect upon the market price of the Ordinary Shares or upon the Company or which would require it to make a public announcement under applicable law and regulations. |
6 |
Business practices |
6.1 |
Neither the Warrantor nor, where the Warrantor is a corporate entity, any of its Subsidiaries nor any of its or their respective directors or officers nor, to the Warrantors best knowledge, any of its or their respective employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that could result in a violation by such persons of any Anti- Corruption Laws, and the Warrantor and, where the Warrantor is a corporate entity, its Subsidiaries and its and their respective directors, officers and, to the Warrantors best knowledge, employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives have conducted their business in accordance with Anti-Corruption Laws. |
6.2 |
Neither the Warrantor nor, where the Warrantor is a corporate entity, any of its nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of its or their respective directors or officers nor, to the Warrantors best knowledge, any of its or their respective employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives are the subject of any investigation, inquiry, claim or enforcement proceedings regarding any offence or alleged offence under any Anti-Corruption Laws by any authority responsible for investigating potential violations of or otherwise enforcing Anti-Corruption Laws, and no such investigation, inquiry, claim or enforcement proceedings is threatened or, so far as the Warrantor is aware, pending. |
6.3 |
Where the Warrantor is a corporate entity, the Warrantor has in place policies, procedures and systems designed to ensure (and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure) compliance by the Warrantor and its Subsidiaries and its and their respective directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, agents and representatives with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws (Adequate Procedures) and regularly monitors and reviews such Adequate Procedures and |
72
compliance therewith. The Warrantor is not aware of any violation by the Warrantor or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or their respective directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives of the Adequate Procedures. |
6.4 |
Where the Warrantor is a corporate entity, neither the Warrantor nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of its or their respective directors or officers nor, to the Warrantors best knowledge, any of its or their respective employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives is, or is owned or controlled by individuals or entities (for the purposes of this paragraph 6, Persons) that are: |
(a) |
the subject or the target of any Sanctions Laws and Regulations; or |
(b) |
located, organised or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions Laws and Regulations (including, without limitation, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Russia and Venezuela). |
6.5 |
There have been no transactions or arrangements between the Warrantor or, where the Warrantor is a corporate entity, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or their respective directors or officers, or, to the Warrantors best knowledge, any of its or their respective employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives, (i) with any Person who is the target of Sanctions Laws and Regulations and/or (ii) or with any person or entity in a Sanctioned Country or which performs contracts in support of projects in or for the benefit of Sanctioned Countries. |
6.6 |
Where the Warrantor is a corporate entity, the operations of the Warrantor and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with, and the Warrantors or its Subsidiaries respective directors or officers and, to the Warrantors best knowledge, its and their respective employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives have complied with the applicable money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions in which it or they conduct their operations, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency in such jurisdictions (collectively, the Money Laundering Laws) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Warrantor or its Subsidiaries, or any of its or their respective directors or officers or, to the Warrantors best knowledge, any of its or their respective employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives or other persons associated with or acting on behalf of the Warrantor with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, so far as the Warrantor is aware, threatened. |
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Schedule 3
Undertakings
1 |
General |
1.1 |
The Company will duly perform all of its obligations in connection with the Offer, whether arising pursuant to this Agreement, any of the Offer Documents (and any amendment or supplement to them) or otherwise and neither the Company nor any of the Directors, any of the Founder Entities or Founders will (save as provided in paragraph 1.5 of this Schedule 3), without the prior written consent of the Banks: |
(a) |
seek to modify, vary or supplement any of the terms and conditions of the Offer or to extend the period(s) during which the Offer is open for application or acceptance; or |
(b) |
other than in connection with an Acquisition, for the period from the date of this Agreement and ending on the date 180 days after Admission, make any material amendments to the Directors Letters of Appointment, save for any ordinary course increases in remuneration approved by the Companys Board of Directors and/or save as disclosed in paragraph 9 of Part VIII of the Final Prospectus. |
1.2 |
The Company will as soon as reasonably practicable provide to each of the Banks, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the date that is 90 days after the Closing Date, as many copies (free of charge) of the Pathfinder Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, any Supplementary Prospectus and any other documentation relating to the Offer as any of them may reasonably request. |
1.3 |
The Company will procure that each of the Final Prospectus and any Supplementary Prospectus is filed, published and/or issued in accordance with, and complies with, the Prospectus Regulation Rules and the Listing Rules (insofar as they apply) and that: |
(a) |
a press release (including pricing details) in the agreed form is delivered to a Regulatory Information Service in time for release not later than 8.00 a.m. on the date of this Agreement; |
(b) |
sufficient copies of the Final Prospectus and any Supplementary Prospectus are made available at the appropriate times to the public and/or to subscribers for or purchasers of the Units; |
(c) |
sufficient copies of the Final Prospectus and any Supplementary Prospectus are made available at the registered office of the Company, the offices of the Registrar, the National Storage Mechanism and on the Companys website, in accordance with the requirements of the FCA and the London Stock Exchange; and |
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(d) |
the documents described in the Final Prospectus or in any Supplementary Prospectus as being available for inspection are made available as described therein. |
1.4 |
Each of the Company and the Directors undertakes that, insofar as it or he has power to do so, it or he will ensure that Section 87G of FSMA is fully complied with in connection with the Offer. |
1.5 |
The Company will comply with FSMA, the FS Act, the Listing Rules and the Prospectus Regulation Rules so as to permit the completion of the distribution of the Units as contemplated in this Agreement and in the Offer Documents (and any amendment or supplement to any of them). If at any time after the Final Prospectus has been lodged with the FCA for approval and prior to Admission: |
(a) |
any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which it is necessary, in the opinion of the Banks, the Company, Companys Counsel or Banks Counsel, to amend or supplement any of the Offer Documents in order that such Offer Documents will not include any untrue or inaccurate statement of a material fact or omit to state a fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in any material respect in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a subscriber; |
(b) |
there arises or is noted any matter referred to in section 87G of FSMA of which the Company is, or becomes, aware prior to Admission and which requires the Company to deal with such change or matter in accordance with section 87G of FSMA, the Listing Rules and/or the Prospectus Regulation Rules; or |
(c) |
it shall be necessary, in the opinion of such legal advisers, at any such time to amend or supplement any Offer Document in order to comply with the requirements of FSMA, the FS Act, MAR, the CJA, the Listing Rules, the DTRs and/or the Prospectus Regulation Rules or any other applicable law or regulation (as the case may be), |
the Company, the Founders or the Directors (as the case may be) will promptly:
(d) |
promptly bring such event or condition to the notice of the Banks and shall promptly prepare and file with the FCA (or procure the filing with the FCA of) such amendment or supplement as may be necessary to correct such statement or omission or to make such Offer Document comply with such requirements. Before amending or supplementing any Offer Document, the Company will furnish each of the Banks with a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement, and will not make any such proposed amendment or supplement without the consent of the Banks, provided always that (A) nothing in this paragraph shall prevent the Company or the Founders or the Directors from complying with their obligations at law or under the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the Listing Rules, the FS Act or FSMA and (B) this paragraph shall be without prejudice to the rights of the Banks under clause 15; and |
75
(e) |
provide to the Banks such number of copies of such amendment or supplement as the Banks may reasonably request. |
1.6 |
Each of the Company, the Founders, the Founder Entities and the Directors undertakes promptly to notify each of the Banks if it comes to its or his attention at any time on or before Admission that any person wishes to exercise statutory withdrawal rights after the issue by the Company of a Supplementary Prospectus. However, the Founders shall have no right of withdrawal in the event a Supplementary Prospectus is issued. |
1.7 |
The Company will use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Units in the manner and for the purpose specified in the Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus. |
1.8 |
Each of the Company and each of the Founders and the Directors undertakes that it or he will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds received from the Offer or from any exercise of the Warrants or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Affiliate, subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person: |
(a) |
to fund any activities or business of or with any Person, or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding, is the subject or the target of Sanctions Laws and Regulations; or |
(b) |
in any other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions Laws and Regulations by any person (including any person participating in the Offer, whether as a Bank, adviser, investor or otherwise); or |
(c) |
in any manner that would result in a violation of Anti-Corruption Laws by any person. |
1.9 |
The Company and each of the Directors undertakes that: |
(a) |
for the period from the date of this Agreement and ending 90 days following the date of Admission, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Banks, enter into any agreement, commitment or arrangement which is or may be material in the context of the business or affairs of the Company or in relation to the Offer; and |
(b) |
for a further period ending 30 days following the date of expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 1.9(a) of this Schedule 3, the Company shall not, without prior consultation with the Banks, enter into any agreement, commitment or arrangement which is or may be material in the context of the business or affairs of the Company or in relation to the Offer. |
1.10 |
The Company and each of the Directors undertakes that for the period from the date of this Agreement and ending 135 days after Admission, it shall discuss with the Banks any material new developments in its sphere of activity and any change in the Companys financial condition or in the performance of its business. |
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1.11 |
The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders undertakes immediately to notify the Banks if it comes to its or his knowledge at any time on or before Admission that any of the Warranties in this Agreement was (or may have been) untrue, inaccurate or misleading when given or has ceased (or may have ceased) to be true and accurate or has become (or may have become) misleading or if it or he becomes aware of any circumstance which would or might cause any of those Warranties to become untrue, inaccurate or misleading if they were repeated at any time on or before Admission or if it or he becomes aware, prior to such date, that a matter has arisen which might give rise to a claim under any of the indemnities in clause 10. |
1.12 |
Except with the prior written consent of the Banks, other than in connection with an Acquisition, the Company undertakes that it will not, for the period from the date of this Agreement and ending on the date 180 days after Admission, declare, make or pay any dividend or other distribution on any of its share capital nor increase, reduce or modify any part of it and/or to the extent such dividend, distribution or increase, reduction or modification of the Companys share capital is in accordance with the Companys dividend policy as set out in the Final Prospectus. |
1.13 |
Each of the Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders severally undertakes that: |
(a) |
it or he will not at any time between the date of this Agreement and the date falling 70 days after Admission (the Restricted Period) circulate, distribute, publish, issue, make or despatch (nor authorise any other person to circulate, distribute, publish, issue, make or despatch) any press or public announcement or advertisement, statement or communication, either individually or jointly with any other person, in relation to the Company or the Offer or otherwise relating to the assets, liabilities, profits, losses, financial or trading condition or the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company (except for routine communications in the ordinary course of business), whether in response to enquiries or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Banks, unless, in the judgement of the Company and Companys Counsel, and after notification to the Banks, such announcement, advertisement, statement or communication is required by, or issued in accordance with, law or applicable regulation including, without limitation, FSMA, the FS Act, MAR, the Listing Rules, the DTRs, the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and |
(b) |
for a further period of 45 days following the date of expiry of the Restricted Period, it or he will not at any time circulate, distribute, publish, issue or make (nor authorise any other person to circulate, distribute, publish, issue or make) any press or public announcement or advertisement, statement or communication, either individually or jointly with any other person, in relation to the Company or the Offer or otherwise relating to the assets, liabilities, profits, losses, financial or trading condition or the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company (except for routine communications in the ordinary course of business), whether in response to enquiries or otherwise, without prior consultation with the Banks (taking into account the Banks reasonable requests). |
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1.14 |
Each of the Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders undertake that none of them will, at any time between the date of this Agreement and the date falling 90 days after Admission, make any public announcement, advertisement, statement or communication as is referred to in paragraph 1.13 of this Schedule 3 or relating to any matters, events or circumstances which may be necessary to be made known to the public in order to enable the shareholders of the Company and the public to appraise the position of the Company or to avoid the establishment of a false market in its securities, either individually or jointly with any other person, (including, without limitation, any matter whatsoever which would require notification by the Company to Regulatory Information Service in accordance with the provisions of the Listing Rules) without first, where reasonably practicable, (a) notifying the Banks as to the content, form and manner of publication of such announcement, advertisement, statement or communication, (b) making available drafts of any such announcement, advertisement, statement or communication to the Banks in sufficient time prior to its publication to allow the Banks an opportunity to consider and comment on the same, (c) consulting with the Banks as to the content, form and manner of publication of such announcement, advertisement, statement or communication, and (d) taking account of the Banks reasonable requirements. |
1.15 |
The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders undertakes that it or he will not take any action following the date hereof which may prejudice the Applications for Admission or otherwise result in Admission not becoming effective. |
1.16 |
For a period of 180 days following Admission, the Company agrees that it will furnish to the Banks copies of all reports or other communications (financial or other) furnished to shareholders or warrant holders, and to deliver to the Banks (i) as soon as they are available, copies of any reports and financial statements furnished to or filed with the FCA, the London Stock Exchange or any securities exchange on which any class of securities of the Company is listed; and (ii) such additional information concerning the business and financial condition of the Company as the Banks may from time to time reasonably request. |
1.17 |
The Company and the Directors undertake to comply and act in accordance with the Companys responsibilities and obligations as a listed company as contained in MAR, the Listing Rules, the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the DTRs, FSMA, the FS Act, the City Code and any other requirements (statutory or otherwise) from time to time in force in relation to listed companies. |
1.18 |
Each of the Founders and each of the Founder Entities undertakes and agrees that they will use their best endeavours to ensure (to the extent it is within their respective powers to do so) that the Company will not acquire an entity that is an Affiliate of any of the Directors. |
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1.19 |
The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders shall procure, so far as it is able to do so, that the documents specified in Schedule 5 are delivered to the Banks Counsel by not later than the times and dates specified in Schedule 5. |
1.20 |
During the period from the date of this Agreement until the date which is 135 days after Admission, neither the Company nor any of the Directors nor any director from time to time of the Company shall take any steps which would be inconsistent with any expression of intention in the Offer Documents without prior consultation with each of the Banks. |
2 |
Lock-up |
2.1 |
The Company undertakes to each of the Banks that during a period of 180 days from the date of Admission that it will not, without the prior written consent of the Banks: (a) undertake any consolidation or sub-division of its share capital or any capitalisation issue, or (b) directly or indirectly, allot, offer, issue, lend, sell, pledge or contract to sell or issue, issue or sell options or warrants in respect of, or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or announce an offering or issue of, any Ordinary Shares (or any interest therein or in respect thereof) or any other securities exchangeable for or convertible into, or substantially similar to, Ordinary Shares (including, without limitation, any Warrants) or enter into any transaction with the same economic effect as, or agree to do, any of the foregoing, save that the above restrictions shall not apply in respect of the issue of New Shares: |
(a) |
pursuant to the Offer; |
(b) |
in connection with an Acquisition; |
(c) |
upon conversion of the Founder Shares; or |
(d) |
to satisfy the exercise of Warrants by holders thereof. |
2.2 |
Each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders severally undertake to each of the Banks that, during the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on the earlier of (i) the 365th day following the completion of an Acquisition by the Company and (ii) the passing of a resolution to voluntarily wind up the Company for failure to complete an Acquisition (the Lock-up Period), he will not and shall procure that no Affiliate of his shall, without the prior written consent of each of the Banks, directly or indirectly, offer, allot, issue, lend, mortgage, assign, charge, pledge, sell, distribute, or contract to sell or issue, issue or sell options or warrants in respect of, or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or announce an offering or issue of, any Ordinary Shares (or any interest therein or in respect thereof) or any other securities exchangeable for or convertible into, or substantially similar to, Ordinary Shares (including, without limitation, any Warrants or Founder Shares) or otherwise enter into any transaction (including any derivative transaction) with the same economic effect as, or agree to do, or announce publicly any intention to enter into any transaction to carry out, any of the foregoing, except that this undertaking will not apply to or prohibit a Director, a Founder Entity or a Founder from effecting: |
(a) |
a transfer by way of gift or for estate planning purposes to a member of the transferors Close Relatives or to a trust (including to any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of such trust) the sole beneficiaries of which are the transferor, one or more of the transferors Close Relatives and/or a recognised charitable organisation; |
79
(b) |
a transfer to any of the Directors; |
(c) |
a transfer to an Affiliate of a Founder or a Founder Entity or a member of a Founder Entity or a direct or indirect holder of an equity or partnership interest in a Founder Entity or an employee of an Affiliate of a Founder Entity; |
(d) |
a transfer between and among any of the Founders and/or any of the Founder Entities (including between and among any Affiliate of a Founder or a Founder Entity or member of a Founder Entity or direct or indirect holder of an equity or partnership interest in a Founder Entity or an employee of an Affiliate of a Founder Entity); |
(e) |
a transfer to any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company, a target company or shareholders of a target company, in connection with an Acquisition; |
(f) |
a transfer of any Ordinary Shares and/or Warrants acquired by a Founder or Director after the date of Admission in any open-market transaction; |
(g) |
the acceptance of, or provision of an irrevocable commitment or undertaking to accept (without any further agreement to transfer or dispose of any Ordinary Shares or interest therein), a general offer made to all holders of issued and allotted Ordinary Shares for the time being on terms which treat all such holders alike; |
(h) |
following completion of an Acquisition: |
(i) |
a transfer to satisfy any tax liabilities incurred as a direct result of the completion of an Acquisition, the exercise of any Warrants or the receipt from the Company of scrip dividends on the Ordinary Shares; or |
(ii) |
a transfer by way of gift of up to 10 per cent. of the transferors interest in Ordinary Shares to a recognised charitable organisation, |
provided that:
(i) |
in the case of each of 2.2(a) to 2.2(f) (inclusive) the relevant transferee enters into a lock up agreement for the remainder of the Lock-up Period on terms identical to those set out in this paragraph 2.2; and |
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(j) |
each Director and each Founder severally undertakes to each of the Banks and the Company that any transfer by it in accordance with this paragraph 2.2 shall, to the extent permitted by relevant law or regulation, be notified in writing to each of the Banks and the Company no later than five Business Days after the entry into of any agreement relating to the same. |
3 |
Securities laws compliance and exercise of Warrants |
3.1 |
The Company, the Founders and the Directors severally undertakes that it has (and undertakes that each of its Affiliates has) complied, and will (and will procure that each of their respective Affiliates will) comply with all relevant laws and regulations of each relevant jurisdiction (including, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, all requirements of all applicable regulatory authorities in each such jurisdiction) in connection with: (a) the Offer; (b) purchases and sales of New Shares, Warrants, Founder Shares and Ordinary Shares issued and delivered upon exercise of the Warrants; and (c) the release or distribution of any document or information relating to the Offer in each such jurisdiction. |
3.2 |
For so long as any of the New Shares, the Warrants, the Founder Shares and any Ordinary Shares issued and delivered upon exercise of the Warrants remain outstanding and are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, the Company undertakes that during any period in which it is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act nor exempt from reporting pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Exchange Act, it will make available to any holder or beneficial owner of New Shares, Warrants, Founder Shares or Ordinary Shares and to any prospective purchaser of New Shares, Warrants, Founder Shares or Ordinary Shares from such holder or beneficial owner, in each case upon request, the information specified in, and meeting the requirements of, Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act. This undertaking is intended to be for the benefit of the holders and prospective purchasers of such restricted securities. The undertaking of the Company in this paragraph is enforceable by such holders who are not parties to this Agreement by virtue of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 provided however that the parties to this Agreement may terminate or vary this Agreement in any way at any time without the consent of any such person. |
3.3 |
Neither the Company, the Directors, the Founders, the Founder Entities nor any of their Affiliates, nor any person acting on their behalf will, prior to the later to occur of (a) Admission and (b) completion of the distribution of the New Shares and Warrants, distribute any offering material in the United States (including a website posting that is accessible to residents of the United States) other than the Pathfinder Prospectus, the Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to any of them) or other materials, if any, permitted by the Securities Act and approved by the Banks. Any information contained in such other materials, if any, shall be consistent with the information contained in the Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus. |
81
3.4 |
The Company, each of the Directors, the Founder Entities and each of the Founders undertakes that they will not take, directly or indirectly, any action which is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, constitute or result in, the stabilisation, maintenance or manipulation of the price of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares or any other security of the Company or any instrument evidencing rights to Ordinary Shares or any such other security and each confirms that it has not previously taken any such action. |
3.5 |
The Company shall cause the proceeds from the sale of the New Shares and Warrants to be invested only in United States government treasury bills or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act as disclosed the Prospectus. The Company will otherwise conduct its business in a manner so that it is not and will not be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. |
3.6 |
The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders undertake that neither they nor any of their Affiliates, nor any person acting on their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom it makes no representation) will engage, either directly or indirectly, in connection with the offering of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares, in any form of general solicitation or general advertising in the United States (within the meaning of Rule 502(c) of Regulation D). |
3.7 |
The Company, each of the Directors, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Founders undertake that neither they nor any of their Affiliates, nor any person acting on their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom it makes no representation) will engage in any directed selling efforts (within the meaning of Regulation S) with respect to the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares. |
3.8 |
None of the Company, the Directors, each of the Founder Entities, the Founders, their Affiliates nor any person acting on their behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom it makes no representation) will, directly or indirectly, make offers or sales of any security, or solicit offers to buy any security, or otherwise negotiate in respect of any security under circumstances that would require the registration of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares under the Securities Act. |
3.9 |
For so long as the New Shares, the Warrants and Ordinary Shares issued and delivered upon exercise of the Warrants are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) of the Securities Act, the Company agrees not to, and will cause its Affiliates not to, resell any New Shares or Warrants comprising the Units or Ordinary Shares issued and delivered upon exercise of the Warrants acquired by it or them into the United States. |
3.10 |
The Company agrees that it will not and will cause its Affiliates not to, directly or indirectly, solicit any offer to buy, sell or make any offer or sale of, or otherwise negotiate in respect of, shares of the Company of any class if, as a result of the doctrine of integration referred to in Rule 502 under |
82
the Securities Act, such offer or sale would render invalid (for the purpose of (a) the sale of the New Shares or the Warrants by the Company to the Banks or to the purchasers procured by the Banks or by the Company to the Founders, (b) the resale of the New Shares or Warrants by the Banks to subsequent purchasers, or (c) the resale of the New Shares or Warrants by such subsequent purchasers to others) the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Section 4(a)(2) thereof or Rule 144A or the safe harbour provided by Regulation S thereunder or otherwise. |
3.11 |
The Company will take such actions as the Banks may reasonably request to qualify the New Shares and Warrants for offer and sale by the Banks through their Affiliates or agents under the laws of such states of the United States or other jurisdictions as the Banks may designate and shall maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required for the sale of the New Shares, the Warrants and the Founder Shares; provided, however, that, in connection therewith, the Company shall not be obliged to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction in which it is not qualified. The Company will immediately advise the Banks of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the New Shares, the Warrants or the Founder Shares for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for such purposes. |
3.12 |
The Company, the Directors and the Founders severally undertakes that it will and undertakes that its Affiliates and any person acting on its behalf (other than the Banks, as to whom no undertaking is made) will comply with all applicable provisions of the US federal securities laws in connection with the issue and delivery of any Ordinary Shares upon any exercise of Warrants. |
4 |
Related party transactions |
4.1 |
For so long as the Company has a listing on the standard listing segment of the Official List, the Company will not enter into any transaction which would constitute a related party transaction as defined in Chapter 11 of the Listing Rules (were Chapter 11 of the Listing Rules to apply to the Company) without the specific prior approval of a majority of the Independent Non-Founder Directors. |
5 |
Acquisition |
5.1 |
The Company will not enter into an Acquisition without the specific prior approval of a majority of the Board of Directors, including: |
(a) |
a majority of those Directors of the Board from time to time considered by the Board to be independent for the purposes of the UK Corporate Governance Code (or any other appropriate corporate governance regime complied with by the Company from time to time); and |
83
(b) |
provided they are Directors at the relevant time, both of William N. Thorndike, Jr. and W. Nicholas Howley. |
6 |
Authority of Registrar, Depositary and Administrator |
6.1 |
The Company undertakes to provide the Registrar, the Depositary and the Administrator respectively with all necessary authorisations, information and instructions to enable the Registrar, the Depositary and the Administrator respectively to perform their duties in accordance with, and as contemplated by, this Agreement, the Final Prospectus (as amended or supplemented from time to time), the Registrar Agreement, the Depositary Agreement, the Corporate Administration Agreement and the Depositary Interest Deed Poll. Prior to completion of an Acquisition, the Company undertakes not to exercise any right to terminate the Registrar Agreement, the Depositary Agreement, or the Corporate Administration Agreement without the written consent of the Banks. |
7 |
Board composition |
7.1 |
Until the completion of an Acquisition, the Company, each of the Founder Entities and each of the Directors undertakes that it or he will not approve the appointment of a director to the Board of Directors unless the Board of Directors at the relevant time is satisfied that the Company will maintain its status as a foreign private issuer (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act). |
7.2 |
EverArc Founders confirms that it does not intend to exercise its rights under the Founder Advisory Agreement or otherwise to appoint director(s) to the Board of Directors if the Company is not in compliance with provisions 10 and 11 of the UK Corporate Governance Code regarding the independence of the Board, or if exercising such rights would result in the Company ceasing to be in compliance with such provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (in each case as if the Company was required to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code). |
8 |
Register of members |
8.1 |
The Company undertakes that it has not maintained, does not currently maintain and will not maintain any register of members, warrant holders or depositary interests in the United Kingdom at any time prior to completion of an Acquisition. |
9 |
Reorganisation in connection with an Acquisition |
9.1 |
Without prejudice to paragraph 2 of this Schedule 3, in the event that any of the Directors or the Founders receive, in connection with an Acquisition, an interest in an entity other than the Company (such securities, the New Securities), the Directors and the Founders acknowledge and agree that the New Securities shall be: (a) subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in paragraph 2.1 of this Schedule 3; and (b) entitled to the benefits of the same exceptions to such transfer restrictions permitted by paragraph 2.2 of this Schedule 3. |
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10 |
Issuance of Founder Shares or Warrants |
10.1 |
The Company undertakes that, except as set out in this Agreement and until after the completion of an Acquisition, it will not issue any Founder Shares or Warrants unless such issuance has first been approved by a majority of Independent Non-Founder Directors. |
85
Schedule 4
Selling Restrictions
1 |
United States |
Each of the Banks severally, and not jointly or jointly and severally, acknowledges that the New Shares, the Warrants and the Founder Shares have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold within the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act; and represents, warrants and agrees that (a) neither such Bank nor any of its Affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf has solicited and/or will solicit offers for, or has offered, sold or procured subscribers or purchasers for or will offer, sell or procure subscribers or purchasers for, New Shares or Warrants by means of any general solicitation or general advertising in the United States, (b) neither it, nor any of its Affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged or will engage in any directed selling efforts with respect to the New Shares or the Warrants, and (c) such Bank and any person acting on its behalf, has offered or sold or solicited offers for or procured subscribers or purchasers for and will offer or sell, or solicit offers for or procure subscribers or purchasers for, the New Shares or the Warrants, as part of their initial distribution, (i) in the United States only to or from persons whom it reasonably believes are Qualified Institutional Buyers or Accredited Investors, or if any such person is buying for one or more institutional accounts of which such person is acting as fiduciary or agent, only when such Bank reasonably believes that each such account is a Qualified Institutional Buyer or Accredited Investor, in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act or pursuant to another exemption from or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act; or (ii) outside the United States only in offshore transactions within the meaning and meeting the requirements of Rule 903 under the Securities Act. |
2 |
EEA |
2.1 |
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each a Member State), no Shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the Offer to the public in that Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the Shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation), except that offers of Shares may be made to the public in that Member State at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation: |
(a) |
to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the Prospectus Regulation; |
86
(b) |
to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the Banks for any such offer; or |
(c) |
in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation, |
provided that no such offer of Shares shall require the Company or any Bank to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation. |
2.2 |
For the purposes of paragraph 2.1, the expression an offer to the public in relation to any Shares in any Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any Shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any Shares, and the expression Prospectus Regulation means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. |
2.3 |
Each of the Banks severally, and not jointly or jointly and severally, represents, warrants and agrees that: |
(a) |
it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of the New Shares in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of FSMA does not apply to the Company; and |
(b) |
it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the New Shares in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom. |
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Schedule 5
Documents for delivery
Part A Delivery of documents on the date of this Agreement
Forms
1 |
A copy of the completed application for admission of securities to the Official List (in the form required by the Listing Rules) and a copy of the completed Form A as referred to in the Prospectus Regulation Rules, in each case signed by a Director or the Secretary of the Company. |
2 |
A copy of the signed application for admission to trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE Form 1) in relation to the Ordinary Shares and the Warrants signed by a Director or the Secretary of the Company. |
3 |
A copy of the final cross reference list identifying the pages of the Final Prospectus on which each item required by the schedules and building blocks of the Prospectus Regulation can be found. |
Directors responsibility letters and memoranda
4 |
Two certified copies of the signed Directors responsibility letters addressed to the Banks (a) accepting responsibility for information contained in the Final Prospectus and any Supplementary Prospectus, (b) confirming that the Final Prospectus contains, or will contain when published, all such information as investors and their professional advisers would reasonably require and would reasonably expect to find therein (regard being had to the matters referred to in section 87A of FSMA) for the purposes of making an informed assessment of the matters specified in section 87A(2) of FSMA, and (c) acknowledging the relevant Directors understanding of the nature and extent of his responsibilities under MAR, the Listing Rules and the DTRs. |
5 |
Two copies of the memorandum prepared by the Companys Counsel and addressed to the Directors explaining the nature of their responsibilities and obligations as directors of a public company listed on the Official List, in the agreed form. |
6 |
Two copies of the memorandum prepared by the Companys Counsel and addressed to the Directors explaining the nature and extent of their responsibilities and possible liabilities in relation to the Pathfinder Prospectus and Final Prospectus, in the agreed form. |
7 |
Two copies of the memorandum addressed to the Directors in relation to their duties under the BVI Companies Act, in the agreed form. |
8 |
Two copies of the share dealing code and dealing procedures manual prepared by the Companys Counsel in relation to the Company and addressed to the Directors. |
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Prospectus
9 |
Two copies of the Final Prospectus and two copies of the formal approval notice issued by the FCA. |
10 |
Two certified copies of the Verification Notes, duly signed by or on behalf of each Director or by each of the persons responsible for the replies thereto and dated the same date as the Final Prospectus. |
11 |
Two copies of each of the Offer Documents (other than any Supplementary Prospectus and any press release required to be issued in connection with any Supplementary Prospectus). |
Corporate documents
12 |
Two certified copies of the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company, or a duly authorised committee thereof, in the agreed form, approving the Offer Documents and (where appropriate) the other documents referred to in this Agreement and authorising the steps to be taken by the Company in connection with the Offer, including the execution of this Agreement in the agreed form and the Offer Price and authorising the Directors to allot the New Shares, the Founder Shares and the Warrants. |
13 |
Two certified copies of the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company appointing any committee such as is referred to in paragraph 12 above. |
14 |
Two certified copies of the inaugural written resolution of the first Director(s) of the Company. |
15 |
Two certified copies of the written resolution of the Company approving the appointment of each of the Directors. |
16 |
Two certified copies of the certificate of incorporation and the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company. |
17 |
Two certified copies of each of the letters pursuant to which each of the Directors is appointed. |
18 |
Two certified copies of a letter of consent from each of the Directors in respect of their appointment, pursuant to the BVI Companies Act. |
19 |
Two certified copies of a letter from each of the Founders to each of the Independent Non-Founder Directors giving certain undertakings in relation to the termination of the Independent Non- Founder Directors appointment. |
20 |
Two certified copies of the Directors Questionnaire in respect of each of the Directors. |
89
Reporting accountants letters/reports
Letters
Two original copies of the following letters addressed to the Company and the Banks duly signed by the Reporting Accountants, in form and substance to the satisfaction of the Banks:
21 |
Letter relating to the Pathfinder Prospectus; |
22 |
Letter providing comfort in relation to the tax section of the Final Prospectus relating to UK and US taxation; |
23 |
Letter reporting on the statement in the Final Prospectus that there has been no significant change in the financial or trading position of the Group since the date of incorporation of the Company; |
24 |
Letter providing comfort in relation to correct extraction of financial information in the Final Prospectus; |
25 |
US SAS 72 comfort letter in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks, dated the date hereof; |
26 |
International lookalike comfort letter in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks, dated the date hereof; and |
27 |
Letter consenting to the inclusion of each of the reports and their name in the Final Prospectus in the form and context in which they appear. |
Two certified copies of:
28 |
Letter from the Company to the Reporting Accountants, duly signed by a Director, containing certain representations regarding the financial information contained in the Final Prospectus and there being no significant change. |
Reports
Two original copies of the following reports duly signed by the Reporting Accountants, in form and substance to the satisfaction of the Banks:
29 |
Accountants report addressed to the Company in relation to the historical financial information of the Company included in the Final Prospectus; and |
30 |
Report on the financial position and prospects procedures of the Company addressed to the Company and the Banks. |
90
Other
31 |
Two certified copies of the memorandum on financial position and prospects (FPP) procedures prepared by the Company in the agreed form. |
32 |
Two copies of the schedule on working capital prepared by the Company in the agreed form. |
33 |
Two certified copies of the opinion in the agreed form from Companys Counsel addressed to the Banks confirming the accuracy of the section headed British Virgin Islands taxation in Part VII |
(Taxation) |
of the Final Prospectus and other matters in the Final Prospectus regarding the law of the British Virgin Islands, duly signed and dated the date of the Final Prospectus. |
34 |
Two copies of the form of warrant certificate in respect of the Warrants. |
35 |
Two certified copies of the Corporate Administration Agreement, duly signed by the Administrator and the Company. |
36 |
Two certified copies of the Depositary Agreement, duly executed by the Depositary and the Company. |
37 |
Two certified copies of the Depositary Interest Deed Poll, duly executed by the Depositary. |
38 |
Two certified copies of the Warrant Instrument, duly executed by the Company. |
39 |
Two certified copies of each of the Insider Letters, duly executed by the Founders or the Independent Non-Founder Directors (as the case may be). |
40 |
Two certified copies of the Registrar Agreement, duly executed by the Registrar and the Company. |
41 |
Two certified copies of the Founder Advisory Agreement, duly executed by the EverArc Founders and the Company. |
42 |
Two certified copies of each power of attorney pursuant to which any party executes this Agreement. |
43 |
Such other documents as may be reasonably requested by the Banks. |
The Banks may, in their absolute discretion, elect that delivery of any of the documents referred to in this Part A of Schedule 5 (Delivery of Documents) may be deferred and in lieu of any such delivery require delivery of the relevant document in a form satisfactory to them at a later time specified by the Banks. Any requirement to deliver any document which is specified as being an original may, with the Banks prior consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) be satisfied by the delivery by the relevant party of a certified copy of such document with the original to follow as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.
91
Part B Delivery of documents on the Closing Date prior to Admission
Counsel opinions
1 |
Two originals of opinions: |
(a) |
in the agreed form from Companys Counsel (in respect of both English and BVI law) dated the Closing Date; |
(b) |
in the form reasonably satisfactory to the Banks from Banks Counsel (in respect of English law) dated the Closing Date; |
(c) |
in the agreed form from EverArc Founders Counsel (in respect of Delaware law) dated the Closing Date; |
(d) |
in the agreed form from Llanerch Everarcs Counsel (in respect of Ohio law) dated the Closing Date; |
(e) |
in the agreed form from TVR Everarcs Counsel (in respect of Texas law) dated the Closing Date. |
2 |
Two originals of so-called Rule 10b-5 disclosure letters with respect to the Final Prospectus as at the Applicable Time and the Closing Date, and the Final Prospectus as of its date and the Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks from each of Companys Counsel and Banks Counsel, each dated the Closing Date. |
3 |
Two originals of no registration opinions and other US opinions (which for the avoidance of doubt shall include from Companys Counsel an opinion that the Company is not, and after the receipt of the proceeds of the Offer will not be, an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act and an opinion as to the US tax disclosure in the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus) in the agreed form from Companys Counsel and Banks Counsel dated the Closing Date. |
4 |
Two certified copies of the opinion from the Companys Counsel to Euroclear in relation to the Depositary Interest Deed Poll, dated the Closing Date, together with two certified copies of the related confirmations from the Company. |
5 |
Two certified copies of the opinion from the Companys Counsel to the Depositary Euroclear in connection with the Depositary Interests, dated the Closing Date. |
Corporate documents
6 |
Two certified copies of the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company, or a duly authorised committee thereof, authorising any steps to be taken in connection with |
92
Admission and closing and settlement of the Offer, including the allotment and issuance, conditional only on Admission, of the New Shares and Warrants to subscribers in the proportions and as otherwise directed by the Banks, and, to the extent not previously provided, approving any Offer Documents issued after the date of this Agreement (and, if the said minutes are of such a committee, to the extent not previously provided, a certified copy of the minutes of the Board of Directors appointing such committee).
7 |
A copy of the security application form in respect of the Depositary Interests that has been given to Euroclear, in the agreed form. |
8 |
A copy of the CREST enablement letters confirming that the conditions for admission of the Depositary Interests to CREST are satisfied. |
Company and Directors certificates
9 |
Two originals of the certificate in the agreed form set out in Part A of Schedule 6 signed by a Director for and on behalf of the Company dated the Closing Date. |
10 |
Two originals of the certificate in the agreed form set out in Part A of Schedule 6 signed by a Founder Director for and on behalf of himself and the other Directors dated the Closing Date. |
11 |
Two originals of the certificate in the agreed form set out in Part B of Schedule 6 signed by each Non-Founder Director dated the Closing Date. |
Founders and Founder Entities certificates
12 |
Two originals of the certificate in the agreed form set out in Part C of Schedule 6 signed by each Founder dated the Closing Date. |
13 |
Two originals of the certificate in the agreed form set out in Part C of Schedule 6 signed on behalf of each Founder on behalf of the relevant the Founder Entity dated the Closing Date. |
Reporting Accountants letters
14 |
Two originals of bring-down UK comfort letters in form and substance to the satisfaction of the Banks, dated the Closing Date. |
15 |
Two originals of bring-down US comfort letters in form and substance to the satisfaction of the Banks, dated the Closing Date. |
16 |
Two originals of bring-down international comfort letters in form and substance to the satisfaction of the Banks, dated the Closing Date. |
93
17 |
Two originals of the letter from the Company to the Reporting Accountants, duly signed by a Director, containing certain representations regarding the bring-down comfort letters, dated the Closing Date. |
The Banks may, in their absolute discretion, elect that delivery of any of the documents referred to in this Part B of Schedule 5 (Delivery of Documents) may be deferred and in lieu of any such delivery require delivery of the relevant document in a form satisfactory to them at a later time specified by the Banks. Any requirement to deliver any document which is specified as being an original may, with the Banks prior consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) be satisfied by the deliver by the relevant party of a certified copy of such document with the original to follow as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.
94
Part C Delivery of documents on the Date of Publication of any
Supplementary Prospectus
Supplementary Prospectus
1 |
Two certified copies of the Supplementary Prospectus bearing evidence of the formal approval of the FCA as a supplementary prospectus pursuant to the Prospectus Regulation Rules and the Listing Rules. |
2 |
Two originals of the verification notes prepared in connection with the Supplementary Prospectus and in the agreed form, duly signed by or on behalf of each Director or by each of the persons responsible for the replies thereto and dated the same date as the Supplementary Prospectus. |
3 |
Two certified copies of the press announcement issued in connection with the Supplementary Prospectus and in the agreed form. |
4 |
Two certified copies of each of the documents stated in the Supplementary Prospectus as being available for inspection, to the extent not already provided to the Banks. |
5 |
A copy of the completed Form A as referred to in the Prospectus Regulation Rules signed by a Director or the Secretary of the Company. |
Corporate documents
6 |
Two certified copies of the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company (or a duly authorised committee thereof), approving the Supplementary Prospectus, the press announcement to be issued in connection with publication of the Supplementary Prospectus and (where appropriate) the other documents referred to in this Agreement and authorising the steps to be taken by the Company in connection with the Supplementary Prospectus, in the agreed form (and, if the said minutes are of such a committee, to the extent not previously provided, a certified copy of the minutes of the Board of Directors appointing such committee). |
Counsel opinions
7 |
If requested by the Banks, two originals of so-called Rule 10b-5 disclosure letters, in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks from each of Companys Counsel and Banks Counsel, each dated the date of the Supplementary Prospectus. |
8 |
If requested by the Banks, two originals of no registration opinions and other US opinions (which for the avoidance of doubt shall include an opinion from Companys Counsel that the Company is not, and after the receipt of the proceeds of the Offer will not be, an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act and an opinion as to the US tax disclosure in the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus) in the agreed form from Companys Counsel and Banks Counsel dated the date of the Supplementary Prospectus. |
95
Company and Directors certificates
9 |
Two originals of the certificate in the agreed form set out in Part A of Schedule 6 signed by a Director for and on behalf of the Company dated the date of publication of the Supplementary Prospectus. |
10 |
Two originals of the certificate in the agreed form set out in Part A of Schedule 6 signed by a Founder Director for and on behalf of himself and the other Founder Directors dated the date of publication of the Supplementary Prospectus. |
11 |
Two originals of the certificate in the agreed form set out in Part B of Schedule 6 signed by each Non-Founder Director dated the Closing Date. |
Founders and Founder Entities certificates
12 |
Two originals of the certificate in the agreed form set out in Part C of Schedule 6 signed by each Founder dated the date of publication of the Supplementary Prospectus. |
13 |
Two originals of the certificate in the agreed form set out in Part C of Schedule 6 signed on behalf of each Founder on behalf of the relevant Founder Entity dated the date of publication of the Supplementary Prospectus. |
Reporting Accountants letters
14 |
If requested by the Banks, two originals of bring-down UK comfort letters in form and substance to the satisfaction of the Banks, dated the date of the Supplementary Prospectus. |
15 |
If requested by the Banks, two originals of bring-down US comfort letters in form and substance to the satisfaction of the Banks, dated the date of the Supplementary Prospectus. |
16 |
If requested by the Banks, two originals of bring-down international comfort letters in form and substance to the satisfaction of the Banks, dated the date of the Supplementary Prospectus. |
17 |
If requested by the Banks, two originals of the letter from the Company to the Reporting Accountants, duly signed by a Director, containing certain representations regarding the bring-down comfort letters, dated the date of the Supplementary Prospectus. |
Directors responsibility letters
18 |
Two original copies of the signed Directors responsibility letters in the agreed form. |
96
Other
19 |
Two original letters in the form previously provided to the Banks duly signed by the Company in relation to item 18.7 of Annex 1 to the Prospectus Regulation Rules (no significant change) and dated the same date as the Supplementary Prospectus. |
20 |
Such other documents as may be reasonably requested by the Banks. |
The Banks may, in their absolute discretion, elect that delivery of any of the documents referred to in this Part C of Schedule 5 (Delivery of Documents) may be deferred and in lieu of any such delivery require delivery of the relevant document in a form satisfactory to them at a later time specified by the Banks. Any requirement to deliver any document which is specified as being an original may, with the Banks prior consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) be satisfied by the deliver by the relevant party of a certified copy of such document with the original to follow as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.
97
Schedule 6
Form of certificate
Part A Company and Founder Directors Certificate
[Insert name of Company / Founder Director]
[Insert address]
UBS AG, London Branch
5 Broadgate
London EC2M 2QS
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc
25 Cabot Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 4QA
[●] 2019
Dear Sirs
Offer of new ordinary shares with no par value in EverArc Holdings Limited (Ordinary Shares) together with warrants to subscribe for Ordinary Shares (the Offer)
[We / I] refer to the placing agreement dated 12 December 2019 entered into between us in relation to the Offer (the Placing Agreement). Words and expressions defined in the Placing Agreement have the same meanings when used in this letter.
1 |
[We / I] confirm that: |
(a) |
each of the Conditions (other than the Condition specified in clause 15.1(p) (Admission) of the Placing Agreement) has been fulfilled in accordance with its terms; |
(b) |
the Company and the Directors have complied with all of their undertakings and obligations under the Placing Agreement in all respects to the extent that the same fall to be performed prior to Admission; |
(c) |
none of the Warranties given by the Company or any of the Directors in the Placing Agreement was untrue, inaccurate or misleading in any respect at the date of the Placing Agreement or is untrue, inaccurate or misleading in any respect by reference to the facts and circumstances existing as at the date hereof; |
98
(d) |
since the date of the Final Prospectus, there has been no significant change affecting any matter contained in the Final Prospectus and no significant new matter has arisen for the purposes of section 87G FSMA which requires a Supplementary Prospectus to be published; and |
(e) |
since the date of the Placing Agreement there has been no Material Adverse Change. |
This letter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.
Yours faithfully
[Director, duly authorised, for and on behalf of EverArc Holdings Limited] / [Insert name of Founder Director]
99
Part B Independent Non-Founder Directors Certificate
[Insert name of Independent Non-Founder Director]
[Insert Address]
UBS AG, London Branch
5 Broadgate
London EC2M 2QS
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc
25 Cabot Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 4QA
[●] 2019
Dear Sirs
Offer of new ordinary shares with no par value in EverArc Holdings Limited (Ordinary Shares) together with warrants to subscribe for Ordinary Shares (the Offer)
I refer to the placing agreement dated 12 December 2019 entered into between us in relation to the Offer (the Placing Agreement). Words and expressions defined in the Placing Agreement have the same meanings when used in this letter.
1 |
I confirm that: |
(a) |
I have complied with my undertakings and obligations under the Placing Agreement in all respects to the extent that the same fall to be performed prior to Admission; |
(b) |
none of the Warranties given by me in the Placing Agreement was untrue, inaccurate or misleading in any respect at the date of the Placing Agreement or is untrue, inaccurate or misleading in any respect by reference to the facts and circumstances existing as at the date hereof, |
and, so far as I am aware, after due and careful enquiry:
(c) |
since the date of the Final Prospectus, there has been no significant change affecting any matter contained in the Final Prospectus and no significant new matter has arisen for the purposes of section 87G FSMA which requires a Supplementary Prospectus to be published; and |
(d) |
since the date of the Placing Agreement there has been no Material Adverse Change. |
100
This letter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.
Yours faithfully
[Insert name of Independent Non-Founder Director]
101
Part C Founders and Founder Entities Certificate
[Insert name of Founder / Founder Entity]
[Insert Address]
UBS AG, London Branch
5 Broadgate
London EC2M 2QS
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc
25 Cabot Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 4QA
[●] 2019
Dear Sirs
Offer of new ordinary shares with no par value in EverArc Holdings Limited (Ordinary Shares) together with warrants to subscribe for Ordinary Shares (the Offer)
[I / We] refer to the placing agreement dated 12 December 2019 entered into between us in relation to the Offer (the Placing Agreement). Words and expressions defined in the Placing Agreement have the same meanings when used in this letter.
1 |
[I / We] confirm that: |
(a) |
each of the Conditions (other than the Condition specified in clause 15.1(p) (Admission) of the Placing Agreement) has been fulfilled in accordance with its terms; |
(b) |
[I / We] have complied with [my / our] undertakings and obligations under the Placing Agreement in all respects to the extent that the same fall to be performed prior to Admission; |
(c) |
none of the Warranties given by [me / us] in the Placing Agreement was untrue, inaccurate or misleading in any respect at the date of the Placing Agreement or is untrue, inaccurate or misleading in any respect by reference to the facts and circumstances existing as at the date hereof; |
(d) |
since the date of the Final Prospectus, there has been no significant change affecting any matter contained in the Final Prospectus and no significant new matter has arisen for the purposes of section 87G FSMA which requires a Supplementary Prospectus to be published; and |
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(e) |
since the date of the Placing Agreement there has been no Material Adverse Change. |
This letter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.
Yours faithfully
[Insert name of Founder] / [Director, duly authorised, for and on behalf of [Founder Entity]
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Schedule 7
Definitions
Accountants Reports means the reports in the agreed form prepared by the Reporting Accountants on:
(a) |
the Historical Financial Information; |
(b) |
the Companys financial position and prospects procedures, established by the Directors; and |
(c) |
any significant change in the financial or trading position of the Company since incorporation, |
including any updates and supplements thereto
Accounts Date means 8 November 2019
Accredited Investor means an accredited investor within the meaning of Rule 501(a) of Regulation D
Accredited Investor Letter means an investor letter substantially in the form set out in Appendix 1 hereto, to be delivered by any Placee who is located in the United States and to whom New Shares and Warrants have been placed but who is not a Qualified Institutional Buyer
Acquisition means the initial acquisition by the Company or by any subsidiary thereof (which may be in the form of a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, scheme of arrangement, reorganisation or similar business combination) of an interest in an operating company or business as described in the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus
Administrator means Oak Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited or such other administrator as may be appointed by the Company from time to time
Admission means the admission of the whole of the Companys Ordinary Share capital, issued and to be issued under the arrangement referred to in this Agreement, and the Warrants to the standard listing segment of the Official List becoming effective in accordance with the Listing Rules and the admission of such share capital to trading on the London Stock Exchanges main market for listed securities becoming effective in accordance with the Admission and Disclosure Standards
Admission and Disclosure Standards means the Admission and Disclosure Standards of the London Stock Exchange (as amended from time to time)
Affiliate has the meaning given in Rule 501(b) of Regulation D or Rule 405 under the Securities Act, as applicable, and Affiliates shall be construed accordingly
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Agreed Rate means the rate of 2% per annum above the base rate set by the Bank of England from time to time
AIFMD means the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (2011/61/EU)
AI Placee means each accredited investor whose name, contact details and allocation of AI Placee Units is set out in clause 6.1 (together, the AI Placees)
AI Placee Units has the meaning given to that term in clause 6.1
Anti-Corruption Laws means any applicable law, rule, regulation or other legally binding measure relating to the prevention of bribery, corruption, fraud or similar related activities in any country, including (without limitation) the FCPA, the OECD Convention or the Bribery Act
Applicable Time means 7.00 a.m. (London time) on 12 December 2019, or such other time as agreed by the Company and the Banks
Applications for Admission means the applications to (i) the FCA for admission of the Shares and Warrants to the standard listing segment of the Official List; (ii) the London Stock Exchange for admission of the Shares and Warrants to trading on its main market for listed securities, and (iii) Euroclear for admission of the Depositary Interests as participating securities (as defined in the CREST Regulations) in CREST
Articles of Association means the articles of association of the Company in force from time to time
associate means a company or undertaking in which the party has or, at the relevant time to which any provision of this Agreement in which the term is used relates, had a direct or indirect interest entitling it to receive, or to include or reflect in its accounts, more than 30 per cent of the annual income or profits of the company or undertaking concerned or in relation to which the relevant party to this Agreement is able to remove directors (or their equivalent) able to cast the majority of votes on any material matter, and associates shall be construed accordingly
Associated Person has the meaning given in of section 8 of the Bribery Act
Banks means UBS, and Morgan Stanley and Bank shall be construed accordingly
Banks Counsel means Herbert Smith Freehills LLP of Exchange House, Primrose Street, London EC2A 2EG, legal counsel to the Banks
Board of Directors or Board means the board of directors of the Company (or a duly constituted and authorised committee thereof)
Bribery Act means the Bribery Act 2010 (as amended)
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Business Day means a day not being a Saturday or a Sunday on which Banks are open for business in London and the British Virgin Islands
BVI or British Virgin Islands means the territory of the British Virgin Islands
BVI Companies Act means the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 (as amended)
Certificated Units means any New Shares and Warrants comprising Units to be held in certificated form after Admission
City Code means The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (as amended from time to time) CJA means the Criminal Justice Act 1993 (as amended) Claim has the meaning set out in clause 10 and Claims shall be construed accordingly
Close Relatives means, in respect of any person:
(a) |
the persons spouse, civil partner or co-habitant; |
(b) |
the persons children, parents, brothers, sisters, grand-children and grand-parents, and those of any person described in (a); and |
(c) |
the spouse, civil partner or co-habitant of any person described in (b) |
Closing Date means 17 December 2019 or such later date (being not later than the Long Stop Date) for settlement of subscriptions (as the case may be) under the Offer, as the Company and the Banks may agree in writing (including as a result of any postponement by the Banks pursuant to clauses 15.5 or 16.4)
Companys Counsel means
|
as to US law, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166; |
|
as to English law, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, The Shard, Level 8, 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG; and |
|
as to British Virgin Islands law, Maples and Calder, Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands |
Company Secretary means the Companys company secretary, Oak Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited of Regency Court, Glategny Esplanade, St. Peter Port, Guernsey
Conditions means the conditions set out in clause 15.1 of this Agreement and Condition shall be construed accordingly
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Corporate Administration Agreement means the corporate administration agreement dated on or around 12 December 2019 between the Company and the Administrator
CREST means the system of paperless settlement of trades and holding of uncertificated shares administered by Euroclear
CREST Application Form means a security application form in the form published by Euroclear applying for the Depositary Interests to be admitted to CREST as a participating security
CREST Enablement Letter means a letter in the agreed form confirming that all conditions relating to the admission of the Depositary Interests to CREST (including Admission) have been satisfied and requesting that the Depositary Interests be enabled immediately for settlement in CREST
CREST Rules means the rules published by Euroclear from time to time with respect to the provision and operation of CREST
Default AI Placee Units has the meaning given to that term in clause 6.4 Defaulted Underwritten Units has the meaning given to that term in clause 16.1 Defaulting Bank has the meaning given to that term in clause 16.1
Depositary means Computershare Investor Services PLC or any other depositary appointed by the Company from time to time
Depositary Agreement means the depositary agreement dated on or around 12 December 2019 between the Company and the Depositary under which the Company appoints the Depositary to constitute and issue, from time to time, upon the terms of the Depositary Interest Deed Poll, a series of depositary interests of the Company representing Ordinary Shares and Warrants, as the case may be, and to provide certain other services in connection with such Depositary Interests
Depositary Interest Deed Poll means the deed poll dated 5 December 2019 and executed by the Depositary in favour of the holders of Depositary Interests from time to time, pursuant to which the Depositary Interests are created and issued
Depositary Interests means the dematerialised depositary interests in respect of the Ordinary Shares and Warrants issued or to be issued by the Depositary
directed selling efforts has the meaning given in Regulation S
Directors means the Founder Directors and the Independent Non-Founder Directors and Director shall be construed accordingly
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Directors Questionnaire means, in relation to any Director, his declaration to the Banks in the agreed form concerning certain personal, employment and business matters relating to him and duly signed and dated by the relevant Director
Directors Responsibility Statement means, in relation to any Director, the letter completed by him and addressed to the Company and the Banks in the agreed form, among other things, accepting responsibility for the information contained in the Pathfinder Prospectus, the Final Prospectus and any Supplementary Prospectus, duly signed for, or on behalf of, the relevant Director on or prior to the date of this Agreement
Disclosure Package means the Pathfinder Prospectus (as amended or supplemented at the Applicable Time) together with the placing announcement giving details of the Offer, to be dated on or around 12 December 2019
Disclosure Requirements means Articles 17, 18 and 19 of MAR
DTRs means the disclosure guidance provided by the FCA and the Transparency Rules (each as amended from time to time)
EEA means the European Economic Area
Encumbrance means any pledge, lien, security interest, claim, equity, mortgage, charge, encumbrance and/or third party right or interest of any nature whatsoever or any agreement or arrangement having the effect of conferring any of the foregoing
Euroclear means Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales, being the Operator of CREST
Exchange Act means the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended)
FCA means the Financial Conduct Authority acting in the exercise of its functions under Part VI FSMA and in the exercise of its functions in respect of admission to the Official List otherwise than in accordance with Part VI FSMA, including (where the context so permits) any committee, employee, officer or servant to whom any function of the Financial Conduct Authority may for the time being be delegated
FCA Handbook means the Financial Conduct Authority Handbook of Rules and Guidance and all other rules and regulations made by the FCA under FSMA
FCPA means the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (as amended)
Final Prospectus means the prospectus in the agreed form to be published by the Company in relation to the Offer and dated the same date as this Agreement
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Foreign Jurisdiction has the meaning given in clause 19
Foreign Proceedings has the meaning given in clause 19
Founder means William N. Thorndike, Jr., W. Nicholas Howley, Tracy Britt Cool, Vivek Raj and Haitham Khouri
Founder Advisory Agreement means the founder advisory agreement dated 12 December 2019 between the Company and EverArc Founders
Founder Committed Units has the meaning given to that term in clause 5.1
Founder Directors means William N. Thorndike, Jr., W. Nicholas Howley and Tracy Britt Cool, acting in their capacity as non-executive directors of the Company
Founder Shares means the founder shares subscribed for by EverArc Founders on 14 November 2019
Founders Insider Letters means the insider letters, in the agreed form, to be entered into by each of the Founders and the Founder Entities in relation to (inter alia) potential acquisition opportunities and addressed to the Company and the Banks, dated on or around the date of this Agreement (each a Founder Insider Letter)
FS Act means the Financial Services Act 2012
FSMA means the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended)
general advertising shall be construed in the manner that such term is used in Rule 502 under the Securities Act;
general solicitation shall be construed in the manner that such term is used in Rule 502 under the Securities Act;
Group means a company together with its subsidiaries, subsidiary undertakings, Affiliates and associates and Group Company or member of a Group shall be construed accordingly
Historical Financial Information means the balance sheet of the Company as at 8 November 2019, including the notes thereto, contained in Part VI (Financial Information on the Company) of the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus
IFRS means international financial reporting standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and as adopted by the European Union
Implementation Date has the meaning given in paragraph 2 of Schedule 4
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Indemnified Person means each UBS Indemnified Person and each Morgan Stanley Indemnified Person and Indemnified Persons shall be construed accordingly
Indemnity Letter means the indemnity letter dated 28 November 2019 between EverArc Founders and the Banks
Independent Non-Founder Director Committed Units has the meaning given to that term in clause 5.3
Independent Non-Founder Director Insider Letters means the insider letters, in the agreed form, to be entered into by each of the Independent Non-Founder Directors in relation to (inter alia) potential acquisition opportunities and addressed to the Company and the Banks, dated on or around the date of this Agreement (each an Insider Non-Founder Director Insider Letter)
Independent Non-Founder Directors means Adam L. Hall, Bram Belzberg, John Staer and Michael Tobin OBE
Insider Letters means, together, the Founders Insider Letters and the Independent Non-Founder Directors Insider Letters
Investment Company Act means the US Investment Company Act of 1940 (as amended);
Listing Rules or LR means the listing rules made by the FCA under Part VI FSMA and forming part of the FCAs Handbook of rules and guidance (as amended from time to time)
London Stock Exchange means London Stock Exchange plc
Long Stop Date means 31 December 2019
Loss has the meaning ascribed to it in clause 10 and Losses shall be construed accordingly
MAR means the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU596/2014) and all delegated or implementing regulations relating to that Regulation
Material Adverse Change means any material adverse change in, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change in or affecting, the condition (financial, operational, legal or otherwise), or in the earnings, management, business affairs, business prospects, financial prospects or solvency of the Company, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, whether or not foreseeable at the date of this Agreement and whether or not covered by insurance
Memorandum of Association means the memorandum of association of the Company, from time to time
Morgan Stanley Indemnified Person means any of the following:
110
(a) |
any member of Morgan Stanleys Group or any of its or their respective Affiliates; |
(a) |
a person who is, on or at any time after the date of this Agreement, a director, officer, employee or agent of any undertaking specified in sub paragraph (a) above, |
and Morgan Stanley Indemnified Persons shall be construed accordingly
New Shares means the 34,000,000 new Ordinary Shares to be issued by the Company pursuant to the Offer
OECD Convention means the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions
Offer means the offer of the Units to institutional investors in certain jurisdictions on the terms and conditions set out in the Offer Documents
Offer Documents means the pre-Pathfinder prospectus dated 28 November 2019 shared with certain potential investors, the Pathfinder Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them); the Presentation Materials; the Press Announcements; and any other announcement or document published or issued by or on behalf of the Company, the Founders and/or the Founder Entities in connection with the Offer (including any presentation or presentation materials)
Offer Expenses means all properly and reasonably incurred costs, fees, charges and expenses of, or incidental to, the Offer, the Applications for Admission, Admission and the arrangements referred to in, or contemplated by, this Agreement including, without limitation: the listing fees; all costs and expenses incurred by the Banks in connection with the offer of Units to the AI Placees; all expenses in connection with the preparation, printing and distribution or circulation (including courier costs) of any documents in relation to the Offer; any filing fees and other expenses in connection with the qualification of the Units to be offered and sold in any jurisdiction, including costs in relation to the bookbuild; travel and accommodation costs; costs and expenses incurred in connection with investor meetings and presentations, including the costs of Netroadshow software; the costs and expenses of the Registrar and any transfer agent, custodian or depository; the Companys and the Banks legal fees (provided that the fees payable to the Banks legal counsel in connection with the matters contemplated by this Agreement shall not exceed the amount agreed separately in writing between the Banks and the Founders) and reporting accountants, and other professional fees, disbursements and expenses;
Offer Price means USD 10.00 in cash per Unit
Official List means the list maintained by FCA in accordance with Section 74(1) of FSMA for the purposes of Part VI of FSMA
Ordinary Shares means ordinary shares of no par value in the capital of the Company excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the Founder Shares
111
Pathfinder Prospectus means the document in the agreed form issued on 5 December 2019 in connection with the Offer
PFIC means passive foreign investment company and has the meaning given in Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Placees means persons procured by the Banks in accordance with this Agreement to subscribe for Underwritten Units pursuant to the Offer
Presentation Materials means the investor roadshow presentations and presentation materials dated 5 December 2019 and investor term sheet dated 5 December 2019 and used by the Company, the Founders and/or the Founder Entities in meetings with institutional investors in connection with the Offer
Press Announcements means:
(a) |
the placing announcement giving details of the Offer, to be dated on or around 12 December 2019; |
(b) |
the announcement of the publication of the Final Prospectus, to be dated on or around 12 December 2019; |
(c) |
the announcement of Admission, to be dated on or around 17 December 2019; and |
(d) |
any other press release relating to the Offer (including any press release issued in connection with the publication of any Supplementary Prospectus), |
in each case in the agreed form
Prospectus Regulation has the meaning given in paragraph 2 of Schedule 4
Prospectus Regulation Rules or PRR means the prospectus regulation rules made by the FCA under Part VI FSMA and forming part of the FCAs Handbook of rules and guidance (as amended from time to time)
Qualified Institutional Buyer means qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act
Registrar means Computershare Investor Services (BVI) Limited or any other registrar appointed by the Company from time to time
Registrar Agreement means the registrar agreement dated on or around 12 December 2019 between the Company and the Registrar, details of which are disclosed in paragraph 14.4 of Part VIII (Additional Information) of the Final Prospectus
Regulation D means Regulation D under the Securities Act
112
Regulation S means Regulation S under the Securities Act
Regulatory Information Service means any of the services set out in Appendix 3 to the Listing Rules
Relevant Proportion means:
(a) |
in respect of UBS, 50 per cent.; and |
(b) |
in respect of Morgan Stanley, 50 per cent. |
Relief means any loss, allowance, credit or other relief relating to any Taxation or to the computation of income, profits or chargeable gains for the purposes of any Taxation
Reporting Accountants means Grant Thornton UK LLP of 30 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AG
Rule 144A means Rule 144A under the Securities Act
Sanctions Laws and Regulations means any sanctions administered or enforced by the US Government (including without limitation by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department (OFAC) or The US Department of State and including, without limitation, a designation as a Specially designated national or blocked person or inclusion in any other Sanctions List) or any equivalent sanctions or measures imposed by the United Nations Security Council , the European Union, Her Majestys Treasury or other relevant sanctions authority
Sanctions List means the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List maintained by OFAC which can be found at: https://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/sdnlist.pdf, the list of Foreign Financial Institution, subject to Part 561 maintained by OFAC, or any similar sanctions list maintained by, or public announcement of sanctions designation made by, any US government agency, the United Nations, the European Union, Her Majestys Treasury or other relevant sanctions authority
Securities Act means the US Securities Act of 1933 (as amended)
Settlement Bank means Morgan Stanley
Shareholder means any holder of Ordinary Shares from time to time
subsidiary means a subsidiary or a subsidiary undertaking as defined in sections 1159 or 1162 Companies Act respectively and in interpreting those sections for the purposes of this Agreement, a company is to be treated as a member of a subsidiary or a subsidiary undertaking as the case may be even if its shares are registered in the name of (a) a nominee, or (b) any party holding security over those shares, or that secured partys nominee
Supplementary Prospectus means any supplementary Prospectus required by section 87G FSMA to be published by the Company in connection with Admission and the Offer
113
Tax or Taxation means all taxes, levies, imposts or duties whether of the United Kingdom or elsewhere and any withholdings of or on account of any of the foregoing, together with all penalties, charges and interest relating to any of the foregoing and regardless of whether the person concerned is primarily or directly liable or not and regardless of whether such taxes, levies, imposts, duties, withholdings, penalties and interest are attributable directly or primarily to the person concerned or not, including (without limitation) corporation tax, income tax, capital gains tax, VAT, national insurance contributions, stamp duty, stamp duty reserve tax, and all other taxes on gross or net income, profits or gains, distributions, receipts, sales, use, occupation, franchise, value added, and personal property
Tax Authority means any taxing or other authority (whether within or outside the United Kingdom) legally competent to impose any liability to Tax
Transparency Rules means the transparency rules made by the FCA under section 73A(6) of FSMA (as amended from time to time)
UBS Indemnified Person means any of the following:
(a) |
any member of UBSs Group or any of its or their respective Affiliates; |
(b) |
a person who is, on or at any time after the date of this Agreement, a director, officer, employee or agent of any undertaking specified in sub-paragraph (a) above, |
and UBS Indemnified Persons shall be construed accordingly
Underwritten Units has the meaning given to that term in Recital G
Units has the meaning given to that term in Recital D, and comprises the Underwritten Units and the Founder Committed Units and the Independent Non-Founder Committed Units
US or United States has the meaning given to such term in Regulation S
VAT means value added tax chargeable under Council Directive 2006/112/EC or any laws implementing such Directive in any jurisdiction or any similar tax in any jurisdiction
Verification Notes means the verification notes, in the agreed form, comprising the verification bundle index and the supporting materials, prepared in connection with the Offer Documents and the Presentation Materials
Warrant means a warrant to subscribe for one-fourth of an Ordinary Share, issued (or to be issued) pursuant to the Warrant Instrument
Warranties means the representations and warranties given pursuant to clause 9 and Schedule 2 and Warranty means any one of them
114
Warrant Instrument means the instrument constituting the Warrants, executed by the Company on or around 12 December 2019
Warrantor means, in relation to any Warranty, the party expressed in this Agreement to be giving a Warranty in the terms of that Warranty
Working Hours means 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. in the relevant location on a Business Day
115
Appendix 1
Form of Accredited Investor Letter
EverArc Holdings Limited
Kingston Chambers
PO Box 173
Road Town, Tortola
British Virgin Islands
UBS AG, London Branch
5 Broadgate
London EC2M 2QS
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc
25 Cabot Square
London
E14 4QA
(each of UBS AG, London Branch and Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc being a Placing Bank and together, the Placing Banks)
Ladies and Gentlemen
Subscription for new ordinary shares of no par value (the New Ordinary Shares) and matching warrants (Matching Warrants and together the Securities) of EverArc Holdings Limited (the Company)
In connection with our subscription for Securities of the Company, we represent, warrant, agree and acknowledge as follows:
1 |
We are subscribing for the Securities for investment purposes, and not with a view to distribution or resale, directly or indirectly, in the United States. |
2 |
We acknowledge that we have received and read a copy of the pathfinder prospectus dated 5 December 2019 and the placing announcement dated 12 December 2019 relating to the Securities (together the Prospectus). In particular, we have read the section titled Risk Factors as set out in the Prospectus. We have had access to such information regarding the Company and the Securities and have made such investigation with respect thereto as we deem necessary to make our investment decision and we have made our own assessment and have satisfied ourselves concerning the relevant tax, legal, currency and other economic considerations relevant to our investment in the Securities. We have had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of the Securities. |
116
3 |
We acknowledge that neither of the Placing Banks is making any recommendations to us or advising us regarding the suitability or merits of any transaction we may enter into in connection with the Placing, and we acknowledge that participation in the Placing is on the basis that we are not and will not be a client of either of the Placing Banks and that the Placing Banks are acting for the Company and no one else in connection with the Placing, and will not be responsible to anyone other than their respective clients for the protections afforded to their clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Placing, the contents of the Prospectus or any transaction, arrangements or other matters referred to herein, or in respect of any representations, warranties, undertakings or indemnities contained in the Placing Agreement or for the exercise or performance of the Placing Banks rights and obligations under the Placing Agreement, including any right to waive or vary any condition or exercise any termination right contained therein. |
4 |
We hereby acknowledge to the Placing Banks and the Company that we have been warned that an investment in the Securities is only suitable for acquisition by the person who: |
(a) |
has a significantly substantial asset base such that would enable the person to sustain any loss that might be incurred as a result of acquiring the Securities; and |
(b) |
is sufficiently financially sophisticated to be reasonably expected to know the risks involved in acquiring the Securities. |
5 |
We are an accredited investor (AI) within the meaning of Regulation D under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and are acquiring the Securities for our own account or for the account of an AI. We meet the criteria for being an AI on the basis that we are one of the following: |
(a) |
a bank, insurance company, registered investment company, business development company, or small business investment company; |
(b) |
a charitable organisation, corporation, or partnership with assets exceeding $5 million; |
(c) |
a business in which all the equity owners are AIs; |
(d) |
a natural person who has individual net worth, or joint net worth with the persons spouse, that exceeds $1 million at the time of the purchase, excluding the value of the primary residence of such person; or |
(e) |
a trust with assets in excess of $5 million not formed to acquire the securities offered, whose purchases a sophisticated person makes. |
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6 |
If we are acquiring Securities for the account of one or more AIs, we represent that we have sole investment discretion with respect to each such account and that we have full power to make the acknowledgements, representations and agreements contained herein on behalf of each such account. |
7 |
Except with the express consent of the Company given in respect of a subscription for the Securities, no portion of the assets used by us to purchase, and no portion of the assets used by us to hold the Securities or any beneficial interest therein constitutes or will constitute the assets of (a) an employee benefit plan that is subject to Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, (ERISA), (b) a plan, individual retirement account or other arrangement that is subject to Section 4975 of the Code, or (c) entities whose underlying assets include plan assets of any plan, account or arrangement described in (a) or (b) above, or (d) any governmental plan, church plan, non-US plan or other investor whose purchase or holding of Securities would be subject to any state, local, non-US or other laws or regulations similar to Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA or section 4975 of the Code or that would have the effect of the regulations issued by the US Department of Labor set forth at 29 CFR section 251 0.3-1 01, as modified by section 3(42) of ERISA. |
8 |
If an entity, we were not formed for the purposes of investing in Securities of the Company. |
9 |
We acknowledge that we are not acquiring the Securities as a result of any general solicitation or general advertising (as those terms are defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act). |
10 |
We understand that the Securities are being offered in a transaction not involving any public offering in the United States within the meaning of the Securities Act and have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, and that the Securities are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act and (a) we agree that the Securities may not be offered, resold, pledged or otherwise transferred except (i) outside the United States in a transaction complying with the provisions of Rule 903 or Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (ii) to a person whom we reasonably believe is a qualified institutional buyer (QIB) within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act (Rule 144A) purchasing for its own account or for the account of a QIB in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, (iii) in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act (if available), (iv) pursuant to another available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act or (v) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, in each case in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States, and (b) we will, and each subsequent holder will be required to, notify any subsequent purchaser of the Securities from us or it of the resale restrictions referred to in (a) above. |
11 |
We understand that the Company is not, and does not propose to be, registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder. If in the future we decide to offer, sell, transfer, assign, novate or otherwise dispose of the Securities, we will do so only under the circumstances which will not require the Company to register under the US Investment Company Act. |
118
12 |
We are aware, and each beneficial owner of the Securities has been advised, that the issue of the Securities to us is being made in reliance on Rule 144A or another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. |
13 |
We understand that no representation has been made as to the availability of Rule 144 or any other exemption under the Securities Act for the reoffer, resale, pledge or transfer of the Securities. We understand that the Securities may not be deposited into any unrestricted depositary facility established or maintained by a depository bank, unless and until such time as the Securities are no longer restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act. |
14 |
We acknowledge that any sale, transfer, assignment, novation, pledge or other disposal made other than in compliance with such laws and the above-stated restrictions will be subject to the forfeiture and/or compulsory transfer provisions as provided in the Companys articles of association. |
15 |
We satisfy any and all standards for investors in investments of the type subscribed for herein imposed by the jurisdiction of our residence or otherwise applicable to us. |
16 |
We are empowered, authorised and qualified to purchase the Securities and the person signing this letter on our behalf has been duly authorised by us to do so. |
17 |
We acknowledge the content of the Prospectus is exclusively the responsibility of the Company and the Directors and none of the Placing Banks, the Registrars nor any person acting on their behalf nor any of their respective affiliates is responsible for or shall have any liability for any information, representation or statement contained in this letter or any information published by or on behalf of the Company, and none of the Placing Banks, the Registrars nor any person acting on their behalf nor any of their respective affiliates will be liable for our decision to participate in the Placing based on any information, representation or statement contained in this letter or otherwise. |
18 |
We have not relied on any information given or representations, warranties or statements made by the Company, the Directors, the Founders, the Founder Entities, the Placing Banks, the Registrars or any other person in connection with the Placing other than information contained in the Prospectus and/or any supplementary prospectus or regulatory announcement issued by or on behalf of the Company on or after the date hereof and prior to Admission. We irrevocably and unconditionally waive any rights we may have in respect of any other information or representation. |
119
We understand that the foregoing representations, warranties, agreements and acknowledgments are required in connection with United States and other securities laws and you and your respective affiliates, the Placing Banks and their respective affiliates and others will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing acknowledgements, representations, warranties and agreements. If any of the representations, warranties, agreements or acknowledgements made by us are no longer accurate or have not been complied with, we will immediately notify the Company. We irrevocably authorise you and your respective affiliates and the Placing Banks and their respective affiliates to produce this letter to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceeding or official enquiry with respect to the matters set forth herein.
Very truly yours
[Name of Investor]
By:
Title:
Address:
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Signed by | ) |
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) | ||||||
) | ||||||
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) | |||||
for and on behalf of | ) | Director | ||||
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED | ) | |||||
) |
12 DECEMBER
Signed for and on behalf of EVERARC FOUNDERS, LLC a company incorporated in Delaware, USA, acting by |
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12 DECEMBER
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Exhibit 10.5
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of October 1, 2021 (this Agreement) is made by and between Perimeter Solutions, SA, a public company limited by shares duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg (Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register) under number B 256.548 (the Parent), Perimeter Solutions LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the Company), and Barry Lederman (the Executive).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Executive is currently employed by the Company;
WHEREAS, upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (as defined herein) (the Closing), the Company will become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent;
WHEREAS, each party desires the Executive to continue to provide his or her services to and be employed by the Company following the Closing, subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the parties intend that this Agreement shall be conditioned and effective upon the Closing and, upon becoming effective, shall supersede all prior employment related agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of its Affiliates.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective covenants and agreements set forth below, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Certain Definitions.
(a) Affiliates shall mean any entity, individual, firm, or corporation, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company.
(b) Annual Base Salary shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).
(c) Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the Parent.
(d) Business shall mean the business of serving as a global solutions provider for the fire safety and oil additives industries and any other business or operations conducted and operated by the Company and/or any of its Affiliates during the Term.
(e) Business Combination Agreement means that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated June 15, 2021, by and among Parent, EverArc Holdings Limited, SK Invictus Holdings S.à r.l., SK Invictus Intermediate S.à r.l., and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
(f) Cause shall mean either of the following: (i) the repeated failure by the Executive, after written notice from the Board, substantially to perform his or her material duties and responsibilities as an officer or employee or director of the Company or any of its Affiliates, as applicable (other than any such
failure resulting from incapacity due to reasonably documented physical or mental illness), or (ii) any willful misconduct by the Executive that has the effect of materially injuring the Business, including, without limitation, the disclosure of material secret or confidential information of the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(g) COBRA shall mean the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as may be amended from time to time.
(h) Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a Section of the Code includes all rulings, regulations, notices, announcements, decisions, orders and other pronouncements that are issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service, or any court of competent jurisdiction that are lawful and pertinent to the interpretation, application or effectiveness of such Section.
(i) Company shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(j) Compensation Committee shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board whose members shall be appointed by the Board from time to time.
(k) Competitor shall mean any corporation, partnership, firm, proprietorship or other business organization that engages in any Competitive Activity.
(l) Competitive Activities shall mean any activity or service that competes with the Business; provided that it shall not include the passive ownership of securities of entities which are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the national over-the-counter market in an amount which shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of any such entity.
(m) Date of Termination shall mean (i) if the Executives employment is terminated by reason of his or her death, the date of his or her death, and (ii) if the Executives employment is terminated pursuant to Sections 5(a)(ii) (vi), the date specified in the Notice of Termination.
(n) Disability shall mean the Executives absence from employment with the Company due to: (i) his or her inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which, with a very high degree of medical certainty, can be expected to result in death or to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months; or (ii) such medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which, with a high degree of medical certainty, can be expected to result in death or to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months, and for which the Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering the Companys employees.
(o) Effective Date shall mean the date of the Closing.
(p) Equity Compensation Agreements shall mean any written agreements between the Parent and the Executive pursuant to which the Executive holds or is granted any equity incentive awards, including, without limitation, agreements evidencing options granted under any equity incentive plan adopted or maintained by the Parent for Company employees generally, and any management deferred compensation or similar plans of the Parent.
(q) Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(r) Executive shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(s) Good Reason shall mean the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a material diminution in the Executives title, duties or responsibilities without Cause and without his or her prior written consent, (ii) a reduction of the Executives base salary or target annual bonus opportunity or a reduction in other benefits or perquisites that is material in the aggregate (except where such reduction is in connection with a diminution in role for Cause), without his or her prior written consent, (iv) any relocation of more than forty (40) miles of Executives primary work place as of the Effective Date without his or her prior written consent, or (iv) any material breach of (x) this Agreement by the Company, or (y) the Equity Compensation Agreements by the Parent.
(t) Notice of Termination shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b).
(u) Payment Period shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(b).
(v) Person shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a group as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.
(w) Restricted Territory shall mean anywhere in the world where the Company (directly or indirectly through any of its Affiliates) conducts its Business during the Term.
(x) Specified Employee shall have the meaning set forth in Code Section 409A.
(y) Term shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.
2. Employment. The Company shall employ the Executive, for the period set forth in this Section 2, in the position(s) set forth in Section 3 and upon the other terms and conditions herein provided. The term of employment under this Agreement (the Term) shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue until terminated pursuant to Section 5.
3. Position and Duties. During the Term, the Executive shall serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and any reasonably corresponding officer position of the Parent to the extent appointed by the Board, in each case with such customary responsibilities, duties and authority as may from time to time be assigned to the Executive by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board or the board of directors of the Company. During the Term, the Executive shall devote substantially all his or her working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and its Affiliates; provided, that it shall not be considered a violation of the foregoing for the Executive to (i) with the prior consent of the Board (which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld), serve on corporate, industry, civic or charitable boards or committees, and (ii) manage his or her personal investments, so long as none of such activities significantly interferes with the Executives duties hereunder.
4. Compensation and Related Matters.
(a) Annual Base Salary. During the Term (commencing as of the first pay period following the Effective Date), the Executive shall receive a base salary at a rate of $380,000 per annum, payable in accordance with the Companys normal payroll practices, which shall be reviewed by the Compensation Committee annually and may be increased, but not decreased, upon such review (the Annual Base Salary).
(b) Bonus. For each fiscal year during the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in any annual cash bonus plan of the Company or Parent, as applicable, in effect from time to time. The Executives bonus for fiscal year 2021 shall be the amount determined in accordance with the bonus plan in effect at the Company as of the date of this Agreement, and thereafter Executives target bonus will be 50% of his or her Annual Base Salary and may be pro rated based on time in position.
(c) Long Term Incentive Compensation. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan or any other equity incentive plan adopted by the Parent.
(d) Benefits. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the other employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements of the Company or Parent, as applicable, now (or, to the extent determined by the Board or Compensation Committee, hereafter) in effect which are applicable to the senior officers of the Company or Parent generally, as applicable, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration thereof (including the right of the Company or Parent to amend, modify or terminate such plans).
(e) Expenses. Pursuant to any customary policies of the Company in force at the time of payment, the Executive shall be reimbursed for all expenses properly incurred by the Executive on the Companys behalf in the performance of the Executives duties hereunder.
(f) Vacation. The Executive shall be entitled to an amount of annual vacation days, and to compensation in respect of earned but unused vacation days, in an amount not less than twenty (20) days (not including paid holidays) or such higher amount in accordance with the Companys vacation policy as in effect from time to time applicable to senior officers of the Company or Parent generally.
(g) Living Expenses. For so long as the Executive does not live in the St. Louis metro area, the Executive will be entitled to a reasonable reimbursement amount to be mutually agreed upon by the Executive and the Company for Executives reasonable out-of-pocket living expenses associated with Executive commuting to the St. Louis metro area. Such living expenses shall consist of monthly rent, a rental car, meals and the price of a first class airfare ticket associated with Executive traveling to/from Wayne, New Jersey to the St. Louis metro area; provided that, Executive shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the price of such first class airfare, including by booking tickets in advance and utilizing any available free upgrades.
5. Termination.
(a) This Agreement shall terminate, and be void ab initio, with no further action by or liability to any party upon the earlier of (1) termination of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein for any reason, and (2) termination of Executives employment with the Company or Perimeter Solutions North America, Inc., a Delaware corporation, prior to the Effective Date for any reason. During the Term, the Executives employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company or the Executive, as applicable, without any breach of this Agreement only under the following circumstances and in accordance with subsection (b):
(i) Death. The Executives employment hereunder shall terminate upon his or her death.
(ii) Disability. If the Company determines in good faith that the Executive has incurred a Disability, the Company may give the Executive written notice of its intention to terminate the Executives employment. In such event, the Executives employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive, provided that within such 30 day period the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of his or her duties. The Executive shall continue to receive his or her Annual Base Salary until the 90th day following the date of the Notice of Termination.
(iii) Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the Executives employment hereunder for Cause.
(iv) Resignation for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his or her employment hereunder for Good Reason.
(v) Termination without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executives employment hereunder without Cause.
(vi) Resignation without Good Reason. The Executive may resign his or her employment hereunder without Good Reason.
(b) Notice of Termination. Any termination of the Executives employment by the Company or by the Executive under this Section 5 (other than termination pursuant to subsection (a)(i)) shall be communicated by a written notice from the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or the Executive to the other indicating the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon (and, in the case of Resignation for Good Reason, setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executives employment under Section 5(a)(iv)), and specifying a Date of Termination which, in the case of Resignation for Good Reason or Resignation without Good Reason pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv) or 5(a)(vi), respectively, shall be at least 90 days following the date of such notice (a Notice of Termination). In the event of the Executives Resignation for Good Reason pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv), the Company shall have the right, if the basis for such Good Reason is curable, to cure the same within 30 days following the receipt of the Notice of Termination, and Good Reason shall not be deemed to exist if the Company cures the event giving rise to Good Reason within such 30 day period. The Executive shall continue to receive his or her Annual Base Salary, annual bonus and all other compensation and perquisites referenced in Section 4 through the Date of Termination.
6. Severance Payments.
(a) Termination for any Reason. In the event the Executives employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Company shall pay the Executive (or his or her beneficiary in the event of his or her death) any unpaid Annual Base Salary that has accrued as of the Date of Termination, any unreimbursed expenses due to the Executive in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policy and an amount equal to compensation for accrued but unused sick days and vacation days. The Company shall permit the Executive to elect to continue health plan coverage in accordance with the requirements of applicable law (e.g., COBRA coverage), at the applicable monthly cost charged for such coverage (the Monthly COBRA Coverage Continuation Rate). The Company may require the Executive to complete and file any election forms that are generally required of other employees to obtain COBRA coverage; and the Executives COBRA coverage may be terminable in accordance with applicable law. The Executive shall also be entitled to accrued, vested benefits under the Companys benefit plans and programs as provided therein. The Executive shall be entitled to the additional payments and benefits described below only as set forth herein.
(b) Termination without Cause, Resignation for Good Reason or Termination by Reason of Death or Disability. Subject to Sections 6(c) and (d) and the restrictions contained herein, in the event of the Executives Termination without Cause (pursuant to Section 5(a)(v)), Resignation for Good Reason (pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv)) or termination by reason of death or Disability (pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) or (ii), respectively), the Company shall pay to the Executive the amounts described in subsection (a). In addition, subject to Sections 6(c) and (d) and the restrictions contained herein, and in the case of Termination without Cause (pursuant to Section 5(a)(v)), Resignation for Good Reason (pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv)) or Disability (pursuant to Section 5(a)(ii)), subject to the Executives execution and non-
revocation of a release in in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Release) no later than thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive (or his or her beneficiary in the event of his or her death) an amount equal to the Severance Amount described below. For purposes of this Agreement the Severance Amount is equal to the sum of:
(i) 1.25 times the Executives Annual Base Salary,
(ii) 1.0 times the Executives target bonus for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination falls, determined in accordance with Section 4(b); and
(iii) 15.0 times the difference of (A) the Monthly COBRA Continuation Coverage Rate determined as of the Date of Termination for the Executives applicable health and welfare plan coverages as in effect on such date, less (B) the monthly cost to Executive that is being charged for such coverage as of the Date of Termination.
The Severance Amount as so determined shall be payable to the Executive (or his or her beneficiary) in substantially equal installments over the 15-month period following the Date of Termination (the Payment Period) commencing no later than thirty (30) days following the execution and non-revocation of the Release, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices. The first installment payment shall include all amounts that would have otherwise been paid to the Executive during the period beginning on the Date of Termination and ending on the first installment payment date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the end of the thirty (30) day notice and revocation period for the Release would result in the first installment payment occurring in the taxable year following the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, the first installment payment shall be made in the taxable year following the year in which the Date of Termination occurs.
(c) Benefits Provided Upon Termination of Employment. If the Executives termination or resignation does not constitute a separation from service, as such term is defined under Code Section 409A, the Executive shall nevertheless be entitled to receive all of the payments and benefits that the Executive is entitled to receive under this Agreement on account of his or her termination of employment. However, the payments and benefits that the Executive is entitled to under this Agreement shall not be provided to the Executive until such time as the Executive has incurred a separation from services within the meaning of Code Section 409A.
(d) Payments on Account of Termination to a Specified Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Sections 6(a) or 6(b), in the event that the Executive is determined to be a Specified Employee at the time of his or her termination of employment under this Agreement (or, if later, his or her separation from service under Code Section 409A), to the extent that a payment, reimbursement or benefit under Section 6(b) is considered to provide for a deferral of compensation (as determined under Code Section 409A), then such payment, reimbursement or benefit shall not be paid or provided until six months after the Executives separation from service, or his or her death, whichever occurs first. Any payments, reimbursements or benefits that are withheld under this provision for the first six months shall be payable in a lump sum on the 181st day after such termination of employment (or, if later, separation from service). The restrictions in this Section 6(d) shall be interpreted and applied solely to the minimum extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B). Accordingly, payments, benefits or reimbursements under Section 6(b) or any other part of this Agreement may nevertheless be provided to Executive with the six-month period following the date of Executives termination of employment under this Agreement (or, if later, his or her separation from service under Code Section 409A), to the extent that it would nevertheless be permissible to do so under Code Section 409A because those payments, reimbursements or benefits are (i) described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (i.e., payments within the limitations therein that are being made on account
of an involuntary termination or termination for good reason, within the meaning of the Treasury Regulations), or (ii) described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) (i.e., payments which are treated as short-term deferrals within the meaning of the Treasury Regulations), or (iii) benefits described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) (e.g. health care benefits).
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement to the contrary, if any of the payments or benefits provided or to be provided by the Company or its affiliates to the Executive or for the Executives benefit pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (Covered Payments) constitute parachute payments (Parachute Payments) within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) and would, but for this Section 6(e) be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or any similar tax imposed by state or local law or any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes (collectively, the Excise Tax), then prior to making the Covered Payments, a calculation shall be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to the Executive of the Covered Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to the Executive if the Covered Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above will the Covered Payments be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the Covered Payments is subject to the Excise Tax (that amount, the Reduced Amount). Net Benefit shall mean the present value of the Covered Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment and excise taxes. Any such reduction shall be made in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and the following: (x) the Covered Payments which do not constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be reduced first; and (y) all other Covered Payments shall then be reduced as follows: (A) cash payments shall be reduced before non-cash payments; and (B) payments to be made on a later payment date shall be reduced before payments to be made on an earlier payment date. Any determination required under this Section 6(e), including whether any payments or benefits are Parachute Payments, shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion. The Executive shall provide the Company with such information and documents as the Company may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section 6(e). The Companys determination shall be final and binding on the Executive.
7. Competition; Non-solicitation.
(a) During the Term and, following any termination of Executives employment, for a period equal to (i) the Payment Period, in the case of a termination of employment for which payments are made pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, or (ii) 24 months from the date of such termination in the event of a voluntary termination of employment by the Executive without Good Reason, or a termination by the Company for Cause, the Executive shall not, and shall cause each of his or her affiliates not to, anywhere in the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly engage in any Competitive Activities. The Executive acknowledges that the Company and/or its Affiliates conducted its Business throughout the Restricted Territory and the Executive provided services to the Company and/or its Affiliates throughout the Restricted Territory. The Executive shall be deemed to be engaged in Competitive Activities if such Restricted Party or any of his or her affiliates (i) serves as a shareholder, owner, officer, director, member, manager, trustee or partner of, or consults with, advises or assists in any way, whether or not for consideration, any Competitor; or (ii) endorses the services of any Competitor, solicits customers, provides or otherwise serves as an intermediary for any such Competitor or loans money or renders any other form of financial assistance to any such Competitor.
(b) During the Term and for a period of two (2) years following any termination of the Executives employment, the Executive shall not, and shall cause each of his or her affiliates not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit or transact any business with, or assist any third party in soliciting or transacting any business with, any Persons who are, or were in the past twelve (12) months, customers or suppliers of the
Business; (ii) cause any customers or suppliers referred to in clause (i) to cease doing business with or to terminate its business relationship with the Company or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) solicit for employment or hire any employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates, unless such employees employment has been terminated by the Parent or any of its affiliates, as the case may be, at least six (6) months before any such solicitation or hiring.
(c) In the event a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the provisions in this Section 7 are excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope or activity, it is expressly agreed that this Section 7 shall be construed so that the remaining provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect, and any such overbroad provisions shall be deemed, without further action on the part of any Person, to be modified, amended and/or limited, but only to the extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable in such jurisdiction.
(d) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 7 shall in any way limit the covenants set forth in Sections 2 and 3 of that certain Letter Agreement, by and among Executive, Parent and EverArc Holdings Limited, dated June 15, 2021, which shall remain in effect in accordance with its terms.
8. Nondisclosure of Proprietary Information.
(a) Except as required in the faithful performance of the Executives duties hereunder or pursuant to subsection (c), the Executive shall, in perpetuity, maintain in confidence and shall not directly, indirectly or otherwise, use, disseminate, disclose or publish, or use for his or her benefit or the benefit of any person, firm, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets of or relating to the Company and its Affiliates, including, without limitation, information with respect to their operations, processes, products, inventions, business practices, finances, principals, vendors, suppliers, customers, potential customers, marketing methods, costs, prices, contractual relationships, regulatory status, compensation paid to employees or other terms of employment, except for such information which is or becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach by the Executive of this Section 8, or deliver to any person, firm, corporation or other entity any document, record, notebook, computer program or similar repository of or containing any such confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets. The parties hereby stipulate and agree that as between them the foregoing matters are important, material and confidential proprietary information and trade secrets and affect the successful conduct of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates (and any of their successors or assignees).
(b) Upon termination of the Executives employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company all correspondence, drawings, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, programs, plans, proposals, financial documents, or any other documents concerning the customers, business plans, marketing strategies, products or processes of the Company and any of its Affiliates and/or which contain proprietary information or trade secrets.
(c) The Executive may respond to a lawful and valid subpoena or other legal process but shall give the Company the earliest possible notice thereof, shall, as much in advance of the return date as possible, make available to the Company and its counsel the documents and other information sought and shall assist such counsel in resisting or otherwise responding to such process.
9. Injunctive Relief. It is recognized and acknowledged by the Executive that a breach of the covenants contained in Sections 7 and 8 may cause irreparable damage to the Company and its goodwill, the exact amount of which will be difficult or impossible to ascertain, and that the remedies at law for any such breach will be inadequate. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that in the event of a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 7 and 8, in addition to any other remedy which may be available at law or in equity, the Company shall be entitled to seek specific performance and injunctive relief.
10. Whistleblower Protection.
(a) Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties or any policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates shall prohibit or restrict any party or their respective attorneys from: (i) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (ii) participating, cooperating or testifying in any action, investigation or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; or (iii) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards. In addition, nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement among the parties or any policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates prohibits or restricts the any such party from initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation.
(b) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), the Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company or its Affiliates that (i) is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to the Executives attorney and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If the Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Executive may disclose the trade secret to the Executives attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the Executive files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties or any policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
11. Survival. The expiration or termination of the Term shall not impair the rights or obligations of any party hereto which shall have accrued hereunder prior to such expiration.
12. Binding on Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, Parent, the Executive and their respective successors, assigns, personnel and legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees, as applicable.
13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed, construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the substantive laws of Delaware.
14. Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
15. Notices. Any notice, request, claim, demand, document or other communication hereunder to any party shall be effective upon receipt (or refusal of receipt) and shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by telex, telecopy, or certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, as follows:
(a) If to the Company or Parent, to:
Perimeter Solutions LP
8000 Maryland Ave, Suite 350, Clayton, MO 63105
Attn: General Counsel
[***]
(b) If to the Executive, to him or her at the address set forth below under his or her signature; or at any other address as any party shall have specified by notice in writing to the other party in accordance with this Section 15.
16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. The signatures to this Agreement need not all be on a single copy of this Agreement, and may be electronic signatures (e.g., DocuSign) or copies on portable document format (.pdf) rather than originals, and in each case shall be fully effective as though all signatures were originals on the same copy.
17. Entire Agreement; Prior Employment Agreement. Upon the Closing, the terms of this Agreement shall supersede in their entirety any and all prior employment related agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of its Affiliates. The terms of this Agreement, together with the Equity Compensation Agreements, are intended by the parties to be the final expression of their agreement with respect to the employment of the Executive by the Company and may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous agreement. The parties further intend that this Agreement, and any Equity Compensation Agreements, shall constitute the complete and exclusive statement of its terms and that no extrinsic evidence whatsoever may be introduced in any judicial, administrative, or other legal proceeding to vary the terms of this Agreement.
18. Amendments; Waivers. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by the Executive and the Chief Executive Officer. By an instrument in writing similarly executed, the Executive or the Company or Parent may waive compliance by the other party or parties with any provision of this Agreement that such other party was or is obligated to comply with or perform; provided, however, that such waiver shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any other or subsequent failure. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, remedy or power hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise of any other right, remedy or power provided herein or by law or in equity.
19. No Inconsistent Actions. The parties hereto shall not voluntarily undertake or fail to undertake any action or course of action inconsistent with the provisions or essential intent of this Agreement. Furthermore, it is the intent of the parties hereto to act in a fair and reasonable manner with respect to the interpretation and application of the provisions of this Agreement.
20. Arbitration. Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, any dispute arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with, this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination, and any tort or other extra-contractual or statutory claims arising out of or relating to its negotiation, execution or performance, shall be exclusively and finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ICC Rules) by one or more arbitrators appointed in accordance with the ICC Rules; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 20 shall prohibit: (i) a party from instituting litigation to enforce any final award in any court of competent jurisdiction; or (ii) the Company from seeking a restraining order or injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent any continuation of any violation of the provisions of Section 7 or 8 of this Agreement and the Executive hereby consents that such restraining order or injunction may be granted without the necessity of the Companys posting any bond. The seat of the arbitration shall be in St. Louis, Missouri. The language of the arbitration shall be English. The parties undertake to carry out any award of the tribunal without delay, and waive their right to refer any question of law and any right of appeal on the law or merits to a court of law or other judicial authority, insofar as such waiver may be validly made. The parties agree that an arbitral tribunal appointed under this Agreement may exercise jurisdiction with respect to this Agreement and any amendments or exhibits or schedules hereto (except as otherwise
expressly provided therein), and that any disputes involving more than one of such agreements, exhibits or schedules shall proceed as a consolidated arbitration in accordance with Article 10 of the ICC Rules. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Section 20 shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and, if the arbitrator determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the arbitrator may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and the enforcement of its rights under this Agreement.
21. Indemnification and Insurance; Legal Expenses. During the Term and so long as the Executive has not breached any of his or her obligations set forth in Sections 7 and 8, the Company and Parent shall indemnify the Executive to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of Delaware and Luxembourg, respectively, as in effect at the time of the subject act or omission, and shall advance to the Executive reasonable attorneys fees and expenses as such fees and expenses are incurred (subject to an undertaking from the Executive to repay such advances if it shall be finally determined by a judicial decision which is not subject to further appeal that the Executive was not entitled to the reimbursement of such fees and expenses) and Executive shall be entitled to the protection of any insurance policies the Company and/or Parent shall maintain generally for the benefit of their respective directors and officers (Directors and Officers Insurance) against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which Executive may be made a party by reason of his or her being or having been a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates or his or her serving or having served any other enterprise as a director, officer or employee at the request of the Company (other than any dispute, claim or controversy arising under or relating to this Agreement). The Company and/or Parent will maintain during the Term for the benefit of the Executive (in his or her capacity as an officer and/or director of the Company and Parent, as applicable) Directors and Officers Insurance providing customary benefits to the Executive.
(SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS S.A. | ||
By: |
/s/ Haitham Khouri |
|
Name: | Haitham Khouri | |
Title: |
Director
|
|
By: |
/s/ Vivek Raj |
|
Name: | Vivek Raj | |
Title: | Director | |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS LP | ||
By: |
/s/ Noriko Yokozuka |
|
Name: | Noriko Yokozuka | |
Title: | General Counsel and Secretary | |
EXECUTIVE | ||
/s/ Barry Lederman |
||
Barry Lederman | ||
Address: [***] [***] |
||
Email address: [***] |
Exhibit A
Form of Release
GENERAL RELEASE
I, [ ], in consideration of and subject to the performance by Perimeter Solutions LP, a Delaware limited partnership (together with its subsidiaries, the Company), of its obligations under the Employment Agreement dated as of [ ], 2021 (the Agreement), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date hereof the Company, Perimeter Solutions, SA, a public company limited by shares duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Parent), and their respective affiliates and all present, former and future managers, directors, officers, employees, successors and assigns of the Company, Parent and their respective affiliates and direct or indirect owners (collectively, the Released Parties) to the extent provided below (this General Release). The Released Parties are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such Released Parties hereunder. Terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.
Section 1. My employment or service with the Company and its affiliates terminated as of [ ], and I hereby resign from any position as an officer, member of the board of managers or directors (as applicable) or fiduciary of the Company, Parent or their affiliates (or reaffirm any such resignation that may have already occurred). I understand that any payments or benefits paid or granted to me under Section 6 of the Agreement (other than the accrued obligations described in Section 6(a) (the Accrued Obligations)) represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand and agree that I will not receive certain of the payments and benefits specified in Section 6 of the Agreement (other than the Accrued Obligations) unless I execute this General Release and do not revoke this General Release within the time period permitted hereafter. Such payments and benefits will not be considered compensation for purposes of any employee benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained or hereafter established by the Company or its affiliates.
Section 2. Except as provided in Sections 4 and 5 below and except for the provisions of the Agreement which expressly survive the termination of my employment with the Company, I knowingly and voluntarily (for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns) release and forever discharge the Company and the other Released Parties from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date that this General Release becomes effective and enforceable) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, which arise out of or are connected with my employment with or service for, or my separation or termination from, the Company, Parent or their affiliates (including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any
policies, practices or procedures of the Company, Parent or their affiliates; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the Claims).
Section 3. I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by Section 2 above.
Section 4. I agree that this General Release does not waive or release any rights or claims that I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute this General Release. I acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment with the Company in compliance with the terms of the Agreement shall not serve as the basis for any claim or action (including, without limitation, any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967).
Section 5. I agree that I hereby waive all rights to sue or obtain equitable, remedial or punitive relief from any or all Released Parties of any kind whatsoever in respect of any Claim, including, without limitation, reinstatement, back pay, front pay, and any form of injunctive relief. Notwithstanding the above, I further acknowledge that I am not waiving and am not being required to waive any right that cannot be waived under law, including the right to file an administrative charge or participate in an administrative investigation or proceeding, including with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); provided, however, that I disclaim and waive any right to share or participate in any monetary award resulting from the prosecution of such EEOC charge or investigation or proceeding. Additionally, I am not waiving (i) any right to the Accrued Obligations or any severance benefits to which I am entitled under the Agreement or (ii) any claim relating to any right of indemnification under the Companys organizational documents or otherwise.
Section 6. In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any state or local statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this General Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should bring a Claim seeking damages against the Company, or in the event I should seek to recover against the Company in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on my behalf, this General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims to the maximum extent permitted by law. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending claim of the type described in Section 2 above as of the execution of this General Release.
Section 7. I agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct.
Section 8. I agree that if I violate this General Release by suing the Company or the other Released Parties, I will pay all costs and expenses of defending against the suit incurred by the Released Parties, including reasonable attorneys fees.
Section 9. I represent that I am not aware of any claim by me other than the claims that are released by this General Release. I acknowledge that I may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to or
different than those which I now know or believe to exist with respect to the subject matter of the release set forth in paragraph 2 above and which, if known or suspected at the time of entering into this General Release, may have materially affected this General Release and my decision to enter into it.
Section 10. I represent and warrant that I have returned all property of the Company and its affiliates, including identification cards or badges, access codes or devices, keys, laptops, computers, telephones, mobile phones, hand-held electronic devices, credit cards, electronically stored documents or files, physical files, and any other property of the Company or its affiliates in my possession. I further represent and warrant that I no longer have access to and do no claim ownership of any cloud storage or social media accounts of the Company or any of its affiliates.
Section 11. Notwithstanding anything in this General Release to the contrary, this General Release shall not relinquish, diminish, or in any way affect any rights or claims arising out of any breach by the Company or by any Released Party of the Agreement after the date hereof.
Section 12. Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in, such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:
(a) |
I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY; |
(b) |
I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF 1963, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; AND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED; |
(c) |
I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT; |
(d) |
I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION, I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION; |
(e) |
I HAVE HAD AT LEAST [21][45] DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE TO CONSIDER IT, AND THE CHANGES MADE SINCE MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE ARE NOT MATERIAL OR WERE MADE AT MY REQUEST AND WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED [21][45]-DAY PERIOD; |
(f) |
I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED; |
(g) |
I HAVE SIGNED THIS GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND |
(h) |
I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME. |
SIGNED: |
|
DATED: |
|
Exhibit 10.6
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of October 1, 2021 (this Agreement) is made by and between Perimeter Solutions, SA, a public company limited by shares duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg (Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register) under number B 256.548 (the Parent), Perimeter Solutions LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the Company), and Edward Goldberg (the Executive).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Executive is currently employed by the Company;
WHEREAS, upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (as defined herein) (the Closing), the Company will become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent;
WHEREAS, each party desires the Executive to continue to provide his or her services to and be employed by the Company following the Closing, subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the parties intend that this Agreement shall be conditioned and effective upon the Closing and, upon becoming effective, shall supersede all prior employment related agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of its Affiliates.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective covenants and agreements set forth below, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Certain Definitions.
(a) Affiliates shall mean any entity, individual, firm, or corporation, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company.
(b) Annual Base Salary shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).
(c) Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the Parent.
(d) Business shall mean the business of serving as a global solutions provider for the fire safety and oil additives industries and any other business or operations conducted and operated by the Company and/or any of its Affiliates during the Term.
(e) Business Combination Agreement means that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated June 15, 2021, by and among Parent, EverArc Holdings Limited, SK Invictus Holdings S.à r.l., SK Invictus Intermediate S.à r.l., and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
(f) Cause shall mean either of the following: (i) the repeated failure by the Executive, after written notice from the Board, substantially to perform his or her material duties and responsibilities as an officer or employee or director of the Company or any of its Affiliates, as applicable (other than any such
failure resulting from incapacity due to reasonably documented physical or mental illness), or (ii) any willful misconduct by the Executive that has the effect of materially injuring the Business, including, without limitation, the disclosure of material secret or confidential information of the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(g) COBRA shall mean the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as may be amended from time to time.
(h) Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a Section of the Code includes all rulings, regulations, notices, announcements, decisions, orders and other pronouncements that are issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service, or any court of competent jurisdiction that are lawful and pertinent to the interpretation, application or effectiveness of such Section.
(i) Company shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(j) Compensation Committee shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board whose members shall be appointed by the Board from time to time.
(k) Competitor shall mean any corporation, partnership, firm, proprietorship or other business organization that engages in any Competitive Activity.
(l) Competitive Activities shall mean any activity or service that competes with the Business; provided that it shall not include the passive ownership of securities of entities which are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the national over-the-counter market in an amount which shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of any such entity.
(m) Date of Termination shall mean (i) if the Executives employment is terminated by reason of his or her death, the date of his or her death, and (ii) if the Executives employment is terminated pursuant to Sections 5(a)(ii) (vi), the date specified in the Notice of Termination.
(n) Disability shall mean the Executives absence from employment with the Company due to: (i) his or her inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which, with a very high degree of medical certainty, can be expected to result in death or to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months; or (ii) such medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which, with a high degree of medical certainty, can be expected to result in death or to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months, and for which the Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering the Companys employees.
(o) Effective Date shall mean the date of the Closing.
(p) Equity Compensation Agreements shall mean any written agreements between the Parent and the Executive pursuant to which the Executive holds or is granted any equity incentive awards, including, without limitation, agreements evidencing options granted under any equity incentive plan adopted or maintained by the Parent for Company employees generally, and any management deferred compensation or similar plans of the Parent.
(q) Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(r) Executive shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(s) Good Reason shall mean the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a material diminution in the Executives title, duties or responsibilities without Cause and without his or her prior written consent, (ii) a reduction of the Executives base salary or target annual bonus opportunity or a reduction in other benefits or perquisites that is material in the aggregate (except where such reduction is in connection with a diminution in role for Cause), without his or her prior written consent, (iv) any relocation of more than forty (40) miles of Executives primary work place as of the Effective Date without his or her prior written consent, or (iv) any material breach of (x) this Agreement by the Company, or (y) the Equity Compensation Agreements by the Parent.
(t) Notice of Termination shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b).
(u) Payment Period shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(b).
(v) Person shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a group as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.
(w) Restricted Territory shall mean anywhere in the world where the Company (directly or indirectly through any of its Affiliates) conducts its Business during the Term.
(x) Specified Employee shall have the meaning set forth in Code Section 409A.
(y) Term shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.
2. Employment. The Company shall employ the Executive, for the period set forth in this Section 2, in the position(s) set forth in Section 3 and upon the other terms and conditions herein provided. The term of employment under this Agreement (the Term) shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue until terminated pursuant to Section 5.
3. Position and Duties. During the Term, the Executive shall serve as Chief Executive Officer of each of the Company and its subsidiary, Perimeter, Inc. (Perimeter), with such responsibilities, duties and authority as may from time to time be assigned to the Executive by the Board or the Executive Committee commensurate with such position, including but not limited to: (a) provide overall leadership of the Companys operations; (b) participate, in collaboration with the Executive Committee members, in capital allocation, capital market, merger, acquisition, divestiture, and similar activities; (c) develop the Companys overall operating strategy including overall organization structure, compensation strategy and methodology and recommend to the Executive Committee for approval and consideration by the Board of any material changes thereto or significant changes in products or markets served; (d) develop, and recommend to the Executive Committee for approval and for submittal to the Board, the annual business plan; (e) evaluate the performance of Company executive officers; (f) recommend compensation for Company executive officers to the Board of Directors; (g) develop and manage the officer succession planning process; (h) participate, in collaboration with the Executive Committee members, in investor relations activities; and (i) such other activities as required to perform the Chief Executive Officer duties. During the Term, the Executive shall devote substantially all his working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and Perimeter; provided, that it shall not be considered a violation of the foregoing for the Executive to (i) with the prior consent of the Board, serve on corporate, industry, civic or charitable boards or committees (provided, that without such prior consent of the Board, the Executive shall, subject to the limitations set forth below, be permitted to continue to serve as a member of the board of directors (or board of trustees) or as a committee member, as the case may be, of The Scholarship Fund of St. Louis and The Clayton Chamber of Commerce), and (ii) manage his personal investments, so long as none of such activities significantly interferes with the Executives duties hereunder.
4. Compensation and Related Matters.
(a) Annual Base Salary. During the Term (commencing as of the first pay period following the Effective Date), the Executive shall receive a base salary at a rate of $575,000 per annum, payable in accordance with the Companys normal payroll practices, which shall be reviewed by the Compensation Committee annually and may be increased, but not decreased, upon such review (the Annual Base Salary).
(b) Bonus. For each fiscal year during the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in any annual cash bonus plan of the Company or Parent, as applicable, in effect from time to time. The Executives bonus for fiscal year 2021 shall be the amount determined in accordance with the bonus plan in effect at the Company as of the date of this Agreement, and thereafter Executives target bonus will be 100% of his or her Annual Base Salary and may be pro rated based on time in position.
(c) Long Term Incentive Compensation. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan or any other equity incentive plan adopted by the Parent.
(d) Benefits. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the other employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements of the Company or Parent, as applicable, now (or, to the extent determined by the Board or Compensation Committee, hereafter) in effect which are applicable to the senior officers of the Company or Parent generally, as applicable, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration thereof (including the right of the Company or Parent to amend, modify or terminate such plans).
(e) Expenses. Pursuant to any customary policies of the Company in force at the time of payment, the Executive shall be reimbursed for all expenses properly incurred by the Executive on the Companys behalf in the performance of the Executives duties hereunder.
(f) Vacation. The Executive shall be entitled to an amount of annual vacation days, and to compensation in respect of earned but unused vacation days, in an amount not less than twenty (20) days (not including paid holidays) or such higher amount in accordance with the Companys vacation policy as in effect from time to time applicable to senior officers of the Company or Parent generally.
5. Termination.
(a) This Agreement shall terminate, and be void ab initio, with no further action by or liability to any party upon the earlier of (1) termination of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein for any reason, and (2) termination of Executives employment with the Company or Perimeter Solutions North America, Inc., a Delaware corporation, prior to the Effective Date for any reason. During the Term, the Executives employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company or the Executive, as applicable, without any breach of this Agreement only under the following circumstances and in accordance with subsection (b):
(i) Death. The Executives employment hereunder shall terminate upon his or her death.
(ii) Disability. If the Company determines in good faith that the Executive has incurred a Disability, the Company may give the Executive written notice of its intention to terminate the Executives employment. In such event, the Executives employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive, provided that within such 30 day period the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of his or her duties.
The Executive shall continue to receive his or her Annual Base Salary until the 90th day following the date of the Notice of Termination.
(iii) Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the Executives employment hereunder for Cause.
(iv) Resignation for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his or her employment hereunder for Good Reason.
(v) Termination without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executives employment hereunder without Cause.
(vi) Resignation without Good Reason. The Executive may resign his or her employment hereunder without Good Reason.
(b) Notice of Termination. Any termination of the Executives employment by the Company or by the Executive under this Section 5 (other than termination pursuant to subsection (a)(i)) shall be communicated by a written notice from the Board or the Executive to the other indicating the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon (and, in the case of Resignation for Good Reason, setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executives employment under Section 5(a)(iv)), and specifying a Date of Termination which, in the case of Resignation for Good Reason or Resignation without Good Reason pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv) or 5(a)(vi), respectively, shall be at least 90 days following the date of such notice (a Notice of Termination). In the event of the Executives Resignation for Good Reason pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv), the Company shall have the right, if the basis for such Good Reason is curable, to cure the same within 30 days following the receipt of the Notice of Termination, and Good Reason shall not be deemed to exist if the Company cures the event giving rise to Good Reason within such 30 day period. The Executive shall continue to receive his or her Annual Base Salary, annual bonus and all other compensation and perquisites referenced in Section 4 through the Date of Termination.
6. Severance Payments.
(a) Termination for any Reason. In the event the Executives employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Company shall pay the Executive (or his or her beneficiary in the event of his or her death) any unpaid Annual Base Salary that has accrued as of the Date of Termination, any unreimbursed expenses due to the Executive in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policy and an amount equal to compensation for accrued but unused sick days and vacation days. The Company shall permit the Executive to elect to continue health plan coverage in accordance with the requirements of applicable law (e.g., COBRA coverage), at the applicable monthly cost charged for such coverage (the Monthly COBRA Coverage Continuation Rate). The Company may require the Executive to complete and file any election forms that are generally required of other employees to obtain COBRA coverage; and the Executives COBRA coverage may be terminable in accordance with applicable law. The Executive shall also be entitled to accrued, vested benefits under the Companys benefit plans and programs as provided therein. The Executive shall be entitled to the additional payments and benefits described below only as set forth herein.
(b) Termination without Cause, Resignation for Good Reason or Termination by Reason of Death or Disability. Subject to Sections 6(c) and (d) and the restrictions contained herein, in the event of the Executives Termination without Cause (pursuant to Section 5(a)(v)), Resignation for Good Reason (pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv)) or termination by reason of death or Disability (pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) or (ii), respectively), the Company shall pay to the Executive the amounts described in subsection (a). In
addition, subject to Sections 6(c) and (d) and the restrictions contained herein, and in the case of Termination without Cause (pursuant to Section 5(a)(v)), Resignation for Good Reason (pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv)) or Disability (pursuant to Section 5(a)(ii)), subject to the Executives execution and non-revocation of a release in in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Release) no later than thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive (or his or her beneficiary in the event of his or her death) an amount equal to the Severance Amount described below. For purposes of this Agreement the Severance Amount is equal to the sum of:
(i) 1.25 times the Executives Annual Base Salary,
(ii) 1.0 times the Executives target bonus for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination falls, determined in accordance with Section 4(b); and
(iii) 15.0 times the difference of (A) the Monthly COBRA Continuation Coverage Rate determined as of the Date of Termination for the Executives applicable health and welfare plan coverages as in effect on such date, less (B) the monthly cost to Executive that is being charged for such coverage as of the Date of Termination.
The Severance Amount as so determined shall be payable to the Executive (or his or her beneficiary) in substantially equal installments over the 15-month period following the Date of Termination (the Payment Period) commencing no later than thirty (30) days following the execution and non-revocation of the Release, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices. The first installment payment shall include all amounts that would have otherwise been paid to the Executive during the period beginning on the Date of Termination and ending on the first installment payment date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the end of the thirty (30) day notice and revocation period for the Release would result in the first installment payment occurring in the taxable year following the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, the first installment payment shall be made in the taxable year following the year in which the Date of Termination occurs.
(c) Benefits Provided Upon Termination of Employment. If the Executives termination or resignation does not constitute a separation from service, as such term is defined under Code Section 409A, the Executive shall nevertheless be entitled to receive all of the payments and benefits that the Executive is entitled to receive under this Agreement on account of his or her termination of employment. However, the payments and benefits that the Executive is entitled to under this Agreement shall not be provided to the Executive until such time as the Executive has incurred a separation from services within the meaning of Code Section 409A.
(d) Payments on Account of Termination to a Specified Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Sections 6(a) or 6(b), in the event that the Executive is determined to be a Specified Employee at the time of his or her termination of employment under this Agreement (or, if later, his or her separation from service under Code Section 409A), to the extent that a payment, reimbursement or benefit under Section 6(b) is considered to provide for a deferral of compensation (as determined under Code Section 409A), then such payment, reimbursement or benefit shall not be paid or provided until six months after the Executives separation from service, or his or her death, whichever occurs first. Any payments, reimbursements or benefits that are withheld under this provision for the first six months shall be payable in a lump sum on the 181st day after such termination of employment (or, if later, separation from service). The restrictions in this Section 6(d) shall be interpreted and applied solely to the minimum extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B). Accordingly, payments, benefits or reimbursements under Section 6(b) or any other part of this Agreement may nevertheless be provided to Executive with the six-month period following the date of Executives termination of employment under this Agreement (or, if later, his or her separation from service under
Code Section 409A), to the extent that it would nevertheless be permissible to do so under Code Section 409A because those payments, reimbursements or benefits are (i) described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (i.e., payments within the limitations therein that are being made on account of an involuntary termination or termination for good reason, within the meaning of the Treasury Regulations), or (ii) described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) (i.e., payments which are treated as short-term deferrals within the meaning of the Treasury Regulations), or (iii) benefits described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) (e.g. health care benefits).
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement to the contrary, if any of the payments or benefits provided or to be provided by the Company or its affiliates to the Executive or for the Executives benefit pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (Covered Payments) constitute parachute payments (Parachute Payments) within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) and would, but for this Section 6(e) be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or any similar tax imposed by state or local law or any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes (collectively, the Excise Tax), then prior to making the Covered Payments, a calculation shall be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to the Executive of the Covered Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to the Executive if the Covered Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above will the Covered Payments be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the Covered Payments is subject to the Excise Tax (that amount, the Reduced Amount). Net Benefit shall mean the present value of the Covered Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment and excise taxes. Any such reduction shall be made in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and the following: (x) the Covered Payments which do not constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be reduced first; and (y) all other Covered Payments shall then be reduced as follows: (A) cash payments shall be reduced before non-cash payments; and (B) payments to be made on a later payment date shall be reduced before payments to be made on an earlier payment date. Any determination required under this Section 6(e), including whether any payments or benefits are Parachute Payments, shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion. The Executive shall provide the Company with such information and documents as the Company may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section 6(e). The Companys determination shall be final and binding on the Executive.
7. Competition; Non-solicitation.
(a) During the Term and, following any termination of Executives employment, for a period equal to (i) the Payment Period, in the case of a termination of employment for which payments are made pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, or (ii) 24 months from the date of such termination in the event of a voluntary termination of employment by the Executive without Good Reason, or a termination by the Company for Cause, the Executive shall not, and shall cause each of his or her affiliates not to, anywhere in the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly engage in any Competitive Activities. The Executive acknowledges that the Company and/or its Affiliates conducted its Business throughout the Restricted Territory and the Executive provided services to the Company and/or its Affiliates throughout the Restricted Territory. The Executive shall be deemed to be engaged in Competitive Activities if such Restricted Party or any of his or her affiliates (i) serves as a shareholder, owner, officer, director, member, manager, trustee or partner of, or consults with, advises or assists in any way, whether or not for consideration, any Competitor; or (ii) endorses the services of any Competitor, solicits customers, provides or otherwise serves as an intermediary for any such Competitor or loans money or renders any other form of financial assistance to any such Competitor.
(b) During the Term and for a period of two (2) years following any termination of the Executives employment, the Executive shall not, and shall cause each of his or her affiliates not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit or transact any business with, or assist any third party in soliciting or transacting any business with, any Persons who are, or were in the past twelve (12) months, customers or suppliers of the Business; (ii) cause any customers or suppliers referred to in clause (i) to cease doing business with or to terminate its business relationship with the Company or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) solicit for employment or hire any employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates, unless such employees employment has been terminated by the Parent or any of its affiliates, as the case may be, at least six (6) months before any such solicitation or hiring.
(c) In the event a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the provisions in this Section 7 are excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope or activity, it is expressly agreed that this Section 7 shall be construed so that the remaining provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect, and any such overbroad provisions shall be deemed, without further action on the part of any Person, to be modified, amended and/or limited, but only to the extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable in such jurisdiction.
(d) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 7 shall in any way limit the covenants set forth in Sections 2 and 3 of that certain Letter Agreement, by and among Executive, Parent and EverArc Holdings Limited, dated June 15, 2021, which shall remain in effect in accordance with its terms.
8. Nondisclosure of Proprietary Information.
(a) Except as required in the faithful performance of the Executives duties hereunder or pursuant to subsection (c), the Executive shall, in perpetuity, maintain in confidence and shall not directly, indirectly or otherwise, use, disseminate, disclose or publish, or use for his or her benefit or the benefit of any person, firm, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets of or relating to the Company and its Affiliates, including, without limitation, information with respect to their operations, processes, products, inventions, business practices, finances, principals, vendors, suppliers, customers, potential customers, marketing methods, costs, prices, contractual relationships, regulatory status, compensation paid to employees or other terms of employment, except for such information which is or becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach by the Executive of this Section 8, or deliver to any person, firm, corporation or other entity any document, record, notebook, computer program or similar repository of or containing any such confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets. The parties hereby stipulate and agree that as between them the foregoing matters are important, material and confidential proprietary information and trade secrets and affect the successful conduct of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates (and any of their successors or assignees).
(b) Upon termination of the Executives employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company all correspondence, drawings, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, programs, plans, proposals, financial documents, or any other documents concerning the customers, business plans, marketing strategies, products or processes of the Company and any of its Affiliates and/or which contain proprietary information or trade secrets.
(c) The Executive may respond to a lawful and valid subpoena or other legal process but shall give the Company the earliest possible notice thereof, shall, as much in advance of the return date as possible, make available to the Company and its counsel the documents and other information sought and shall assist such counsel in resisting or otherwise responding to such process.
9. Injunctive Relief. It is recognized and acknowledged by the Executive that a breach of the covenants contained in Sections 7 and 8 may cause irreparable damage to the Company and its goodwill, the exact
amount of which will be difficult or impossible to ascertain, and that the remedies at law for any such breach will be inadequate. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that in the event of a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 7 and 8, in addition to any other remedy which may be available at law or in equity, the Company shall be entitled to seek specific performance and injunctive relief.
10. Whistleblower Protection.
(a) Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties or any policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates shall prohibit or restrict any party or their respective attorneys from: (i) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (ii) participating, cooperating or testifying in any action, investigation or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; or (iii) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards. In addition, nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement among the parties or any policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates prohibits or restricts the any such party from initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation.
(b) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), the Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company or its Affiliates that (i) is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to the Executives attorney and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If the Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Executive may disclose the trade secret to the Executives attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the Executive files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties or any policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
11. Survival. The expiration or termination of the Term shall not impair the rights or obligations of any party hereto which shall have accrued hereunder prior to such expiration.
12. Binding on Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, Parent, the Executive and their respective successors, assigns, personnel and legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees, as applicable.
13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed, construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the substantive laws of Delaware.
14. Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
15. Notices. Any notice, request, claim, demand, document or other communication hereunder to any party shall be effective upon receipt (or refusal of receipt) and shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by telex, telecopy, or certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, as follows:
(a) If to the Company or Parent, to:
Perimeter Solutions LP
8000 Maryland Ave, Suite 350, Clayton, MO 63105
Attn: General Counsel
[***]
(b) If to the Executive, to him or her at the address set forth below under his or her signature; or at any other address as any party shall have specified by notice in writing to the other party in accordance with this Section 15.
16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. The signatures to this Agreement need not all be on a single copy of this Agreement, and may be electronic signatures (e.g., DocuSign) or copies on portable document format (.pdf) rather than originals, and in each case shall be fully effective as though all signatures were originals on the same copy.
17. Entire Agreement; Prior Employment Agreement. Upon the Closing, the terms of this Agreement shall supersede in their entirety any and all prior employment related agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of its Affiliates. The terms of this Agreement, together with the Equity Compensation Agreements, are intended by the parties to be the final expression of their agreement with respect to the employment of the Executive by the Company and may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous agreement. The parties further intend that this Agreement, and any Equity Compensation Agreements, shall constitute the complete and exclusive statement of its terms and that no extrinsic evidence whatsoever may be introduced in any judicial, administrative, or other legal proceeding to vary the terms of this Agreement.
18. Amendments; Waivers. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by the Executive and the Chief Executive Officer. By an instrument in writing similarly executed, the Executive or the Company or Parent may waive compliance by the other party or parties with any provision of this Agreement that such other party was or is obligated to comply with or perform; provided, however, that such waiver shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any other or subsequent failure. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, remedy or power hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise of any other right, remedy or power provided herein or by law or in equity.
19. No Inconsistent Actions. The parties hereto shall not voluntarily undertake or fail to undertake any action or course of action inconsistent with the provisions or essential intent of this Agreement. Furthermore, it is the intent of the parties hereto to act in a fair and reasonable manner with respect to the interpretation and application of the provisions of this Agreement.
20. Arbitration. Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, any dispute arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with, this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination, and any tort or other extra-contractual or statutory claims arising out of or relating to its negotiation, execution or performance, shall be exclusively and finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ICC Rules) by one or more arbitrators appointed in accordance with the ICC Rules; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 20 shall prohibit: (i) a party from instituting litigation to enforce any final award in any court of competent jurisdiction; or (ii) the Company from seeking a restraining order or injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent any continuation of any violation of the provisions of Section 7 or 8 of this Agreement and the
Executive hereby consents that such restraining order or injunction may be granted without the necessity of the Companys posting any bond. The seat of the arbitration shall be in St. Louis, Missouri. The language of the arbitration shall be English. The parties undertake to carry out any award of the tribunal without delay, and waive their right to refer any question of law and any right of appeal on the law or merits to a court of law or other judicial authority, insofar as such waiver may be validly made. The parties agree that an arbitral tribunal appointed under this Agreement may exercise jurisdiction with respect to this Agreement and any amendments or exhibits or schedules hereto (except as otherwise expressly provided therein), and that any disputes involving more than one of such agreements, exhibits or schedules shall proceed as a consolidated arbitration in accordance with Article 10 of the ICC Rules. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Section 20 shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and, if the arbitrator determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the arbitrator may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and the enforcement of its rights under this Agreement.
21. Indemnification and Insurance; Legal Expenses. During the Term and so long as the Executive has not breached any of his or her obligations set forth in Sections 7 and 8, the Company and Parent shall indemnify the Executive to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of Delaware and Luxembourg, respectively, as in effect at the time of the subject act or omission, and shall advance to the Executive reasonable attorneys fees and expenses as such fees and expenses are incurred (subject to an undertaking from the Executive to repay such advances if it shall be finally determined by a judicial decision which is not subject to further appeal that the Executive was not entitled to the reimbursement of such fees and expenses) and Executive shall be entitled to the protection of any insurance policies the Company and/or Parent shall maintain generally for the benefit of their respective directors and officers (Directors and Officers Insurance) against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which Executive may be made a party by reason of his or her being or having been a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates or his or her serving or having served any other enterprise as a director, officer or employee at the request of the Company (other than any dispute, claim or controversy arising under or relating to this Agreement). The Company and/or Parent will maintain during the Term for the benefit of the Executive (in his or her capacity as an officer and/or director of the Company and Parent, as applicable) Directors and Officers Insurance providing customary benefits to the Executive.
(SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS S.A. | ||
By: |
/s/ Haitham Khouri |
|
Name: |
Haitham Khouri | |
Title: |
Director
|
|
By: |
/s/ Vivek Raj |
|
Name: |
Vivek Raj | |
Title: |
Director | |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS LP | ||
By: |
/s/ Noriko Yokozuka |
|
Name: |
Noriko Yokozuka | |
Title: |
General Counsel and Secretary | |
EXECUTIVE | ||
/s/ Edward Goldberg |
||
Edward Goldberg |
||
Address: [***] [***] |
||
Email address: [***] |
Exhibit A
Form of Release
GENERAL RELEASE
I, [ ], in consideration of and subject to the performance by Perimeter Solutions LP, a Delaware limited partnership (together with its subsidiaries, the Company), of its obligations under the Employment Agreement dated as of [ ], 2021 (the Agreement), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date hereof the Company, Perimeter Solutions, SA, a public company limited by shares duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Parent), and their respective affiliates and all present, former and future managers, directors, officers, employees, successors and assigns of the Company, Parent and their respective affiliates and direct or indirect owners (collectively, the Released Parties) to the extent provided below (this General Release). The Released Parties are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such Released Parties hereunder. Terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.
Section 1. My employment or service with the Company and its affiliates terminated as of [ ], and I hereby resign from any position as an officer, member of the board of managers or directors (as applicable) or fiduciary of the Company, Parent or their affiliates (or reaffirm any such resignation that may have already occurred). I understand that any payments or benefits paid or granted to me under Section 6 of the Agreement (other than the accrued obligations described in Section 6(a) (the Accrued Obligations)) represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand and agree that I will not receive certain of the payments and benefits specified in Section 6 of the Agreement (other than the Accrued Obligations) unless I execute this General Release and do not revoke this General Release within the time period permitted hereafter. Such payments and benefits will not be considered compensation for purposes of any employee benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained or hereafter established by the Company or its affiliates.
Section 2. Except as provided in Sections 4 and 5 below and except for the provisions of the Agreement which expressly survive the termination of my employment with the Company, I knowingly and voluntarily (for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns) release and forever discharge the Company and the other Released Parties from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date that this General Release becomes effective and enforceable) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, which arise out of or are connected with my employment with or service for, or my separation or termination from, the Company, Parent or their affiliates (including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any
policies, practices or procedures of the Company, Parent or their affiliates; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the Claims).
Section 3. I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by Section 2 above.
Section 4. I agree that this General Release does not waive or release any rights or claims that I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute this General Release. I acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment with the Company in compliance with the terms of the Agreement shall not serve as the basis for any claim or action (including, without limitation, any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967).
Section 5. I agree that I hereby waive all rights to sue or obtain equitable, remedial or punitive relief from any or all Released Parties of any kind whatsoever in respect of any Claim, including, without limitation, reinstatement, back pay, front pay, and any form of injunctive relief. Notwithstanding the above, I further acknowledge that I am not waiving and am not being required to waive any right that cannot be waived under law, including the right to file an administrative charge or participate in an administrative investigation or proceeding, including with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); provided, however, that I disclaim and waive any right to share or participate in any monetary award resulting from the prosecution of such EEOC charge or investigation or proceeding. Additionally, I am not waiving (i) any right to the Accrued Obligations or any severance benefits to which I am entitled under the Agreement or (ii) any claim relating to any right of indemnification under the Companys organizational documents or otherwise.
Section 6. In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any state or local statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this General Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should bring a Claim seeking damages against the Company, or in the event I should seek to recover against the Company in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on my behalf, this General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims to the maximum extent permitted by law. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending claim of the type described in Section 2 above as of the execution of this General Release.
Section 7. I agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct.
Section 8. I agree that if I violate this General Release by suing the Company or the other Released Parties, I will pay all costs and expenses of defending against the suit incurred by the Released Parties, including reasonable attorneys fees.
Section 9. I represent that I am not aware of any claim by me other than the claims that are released by this General Release. I acknowledge that I may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to or
different than those which I now know or believe to exist with respect to the subject matter of the release set forth in paragraph 2 above and which, if known or suspected at the time of entering into this General Release, may have materially affected this General Release and my decision to enter into it.
Section 10. I represent and warrant that I have returned all property of the Company and its affiliates, including identification cards or badges, access codes or devices, keys, laptops, computers, telephones, mobile phones, hand-held electronic devices, credit cards, electronically stored documents or files, physical files, and any other property of the Company or its affiliates in my possession. I further represent and warrant that I no longer have access to and do no claim ownership of any cloud storage or social media accounts of the Company or any of its affiliates.
Section 11. Notwithstanding anything in this General Release to the contrary, this General Release shall not relinquish, diminish, or in any way affect any rights or claims arising out of any breach by the Company or by any Released Party of the Agreement after the date hereof.
Section 12. Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in, such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:
(a) |
I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY; |
(b) |
I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF 1963, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; AND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED; |
(c) |
I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT; |
(d) |
I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION, I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION; |
(e) |
I HAVE HAD AT LEAST [21][45] DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE TO CONSIDER IT, AND THE CHANGES MADE SINCE MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE ARE NOT MATERIAL OR WERE MADE AT MY REQUEST AND WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED [21][45]-DAY PERIOD; |
(f) |
I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED; |
(g) |
I HAVE SIGNED THIS GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND |
(h) |
I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME. |
SIGNED: |
|
DATED: |
|
Exhibit 10.7
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of October 1, 2021 (this Agreement) is made by and between Perimeter Solutions, SA, a public company limited by shares duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg (Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register) under number B 256.548 (the Parent), Perimeter Solutions LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the Company), and Shannon Horn (the Executive).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Executive is currently employed by the Company;
WHEREAS, upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (as defined herein) (the Closing), the Company will become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent;
WHEREAS, each party desires the Executive to continue to provide his or her services to and be employed by the Company following the Closing, subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the parties intend that this Agreement shall be conditioned and effective upon the Closing and, upon becoming effective, shall supersede all prior employment related agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of its Affiliates.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective covenants and agreements set forth below, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Certain Definitions.
(a) Affiliates shall mean any entity, individual, firm, or corporation, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company.
(b) Annual Base Salary shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).
(c) Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the Parent.
(d) Business shall mean the business of serving as a global solutions provider for the fire safety and oil additives industries and any other business or operations conducted and operated by the Company and/or any of its Affiliates during the Term.
(e) Business Combination Agreement means that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated June 15, 2021, by and among Parent, EverArc Holdings Limited, SK Invictus Holdings S.à r.l., SK Invictus Intermediate S.à r.l., and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
(f) Cause shall mean either of the following: (i) the repeated failure by the Executive, after written notice from the Board, substantially to perform his or her material duties and responsibilities as an officer or employee or director of the Company or any of its Affiliates, as applicable (other than any such
failure resulting from incapacity due to reasonably documented physical or mental illness), or (ii) any willful misconduct by the Executive that has the effect of materially injuring the Business, including, without limitation, the disclosure of material secret or confidential information of the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(g) COBRA shall mean the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as may be amended from time to time.
(h) Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a Section of the Code includes all rulings, regulations, notices, announcements, decisions, orders and other pronouncements that are issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service, or any court of competent jurisdiction that are lawful and pertinent to the interpretation, application or effectiveness of such Section.
(i) Company shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(j) Compensation Committee shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board whose members shall be appointed by the Board from time to time.
(k) Competitor shall mean any corporation, partnership, firm, proprietorship or other business organization that engages in any Competitive Activity.
(l) Competitive Activities shall mean any activity or service that competes with the Business; provided that it shall not include the passive ownership of securities of entities which are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the national over-the-counter market in an amount which shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of any such entity.
(m) Date of Termination shall mean (i) if the Executives employment is terminated by reason of his or her death, the date of his or her death, and (ii) if the Executives employment is terminated pursuant to Sections 5(a)(ii) (vi), the date specified in the Notice of Termination.
(n) Disability shall mean the Executives absence from employment with the Company due to: (i) his or her inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which, with a very high degree of medical certainty, can be expected to result in death or to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months; or (ii) such medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which, with a high degree of medical certainty, can be expected to result in death or to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months, and for which the Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering the Companys employees.
(o) Effective Date shall mean the date of the Closing.
(p) Equity Compensation Agreements shall mean any written agreements between the Parent and the Executive pursuant to which the Executive holds or is granted any equity incentive awards, including, without limitation, agreements evidencing options granted under any equity incentive plan adopted or maintained by the Parent for Company employees generally, and any management deferred compensation or similar plans of the Parent.
(q) Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(r) Executive shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(s) Good Reason shall mean the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a material diminution in the Executives title, duties or responsibilities without Cause and without his or her prior written consent, (ii) a reduction of the Executives base salary or target annual bonus opportunity or a reduction in other benefits or perquisites that is material in the aggregate (except where such reduction is in connection with a diminution in role for Cause), without his or her prior written consent, (iv) any relocation of more than forty (40) miles of Executives primary work place as of the Effective Date without his or her prior written consent, or (iv) any material breach of (x) this Agreement by the Company, or (y) the Equity Compensation Agreements by the Parent.
(t) Notice of Termination shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b).
(u) Payment Period shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(b).
(v) Person shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a group as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.
(w) Restricted Territory shall mean anywhere in the world where the Company (directly or indirectly through any of its Affiliates) conducts its Business during the Term.
(x) Specified Employee shall have the meaning set forth in Code Section 409A.
(y) Term shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.
2. Employment. The Company shall employ the Executive, for the period set forth in this Section 2, in the position(s) set forth in Section 3 and upon the other terms and conditions herein provided. The term of employment under this Agreement (the Term) shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue until terminated pursuant to Section 5.
3. Position and Duties. During the Term, the Executive shall serve as Business Director of the Company and any reasonably corresponding officer position of the Parent to the extent appointed by the Board, in each case with such customary responsibilities, duties and authority as may from time to time be assigned to the Executive by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board or the board of directors of the Company. During the Term, the Executive shall devote substantially all his or her working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and its Affiliates; provided, that it shall not be considered a violation of the foregoing for the Executive to (i) with the prior consent of the Board (which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld), serve on corporate, industry, civic or charitable boards or committees, and (ii) manage his or her personal investments, so long as none of such activities significantly interferes with the Executives duties hereunder.
4. Compensation and Related Matters.
(a) Annual Base Salary. During the Term (commencing as of the first pay period following the Effective Date), the Executive shall receive a base salary at a rate of $247,680 per annum, payable in accordance with the Companys normal payroll practices, which shall be reviewed by the Compensation Committee annually and may be increased, but not decreased, upon such review (the Annual Base Salary).
(b) Bonus. For each fiscal year during the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in any annual cash bonus plan of the Company or Parent, as applicable, in effect from time to time. The Executives bonus for fiscal year 2021 shall be the amount determined in accordance with the bonus plan in effect at the Company as of the date of this Agreement, and thereafter Executives target bonus will be 40% of his or her Annual Base Salary and may be pro rated based on time in position.
(c) Long Term Incentive Compensation. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan or any other equity incentive plan adopted by the Parent.
(d) Benefits. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the other employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements of the Company or Parent, as applicable, now (or, to the extent determined by the Board or Compensation Committee, hereafter) in effect which are applicable to the senior officers of the Company or Parent generally, as applicable, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration thereof (including the right of the Company or Parent to amend, modify or terminate such plans).
(e) Expenses. Pursuant to any customary policies of the Company in force at the time of payment, the Executive shall be reimbursed for all expenses properly incurred by the Executive on the Companys behalf in the performance of the Executives duties hereunder.
(f) Vacation. The Executive shall be entitled to an amount of annual vacation days, and to compensation in respect of earned but unused vacation days, in an amount not less than twenty (20) days (not including paid holidays) or such higher amount in accordance with the Companys vacation policy as in effect from time to time applicable to senior officers of the Company or Parent generally.
5. Termination.
(a) This Agreement shall terminate, and be void ab initio, with no further action by or liability to any party upon the earlier of (1) termination of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein for any reason, and (2) termination of Executives employment with the Company or Perimeter Solutions North America, Inc., a Delaware corporation, prior to the Effective Date for any reason. During the Term, the Executives employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company or the Executive, as applicable, without any breach of this Agreement only under the following circumstances and in accordance with subsection (b):
(i) Death. The Executives employment hereunder shall terminate upon his or her death.
(ii) Disability. If the Company determines in good faith that the Executive has incurred a Disability, the Company may give the Executive written notice of its intention to terminate the Executives employment. In such event, the Executives employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive, provided that within such 30 day period the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of his or her duties. The Executive shall continue to receive his or her Annual Base Salary until the 90th day following the date of the Notice of Termination.
(iii) Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the Executives employment hereunder for Cause.
(iv) Resignation for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his or her employment hereunder for Good Reason.
(v) Termination without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executives employment hereunder without Cause.
(vi) Resignation without Good Reason. The Executive may resign his or her employment hereunder without Good Reason.
(b) Notice of Termination. Any termination of the Executives employment by the Company or by the Executive under this Section 5 (other than termination pursuant to subsection (a)(i)) shall be communicated by a written notice from the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or the Executive to the other indicating the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon (and, in the case of Resignation for Good Reason, setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executives employment under Section 5(a)(iv)), and specifying a Date of Termination which, in the case of Resignation for Good Reason or Resignation without Good Reason pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv) or 5(a)(vi), respectively, shall be at least 90 days following the date of such notice (a Notice of Termination). In the event of the Executives Resignation for Good Reason pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv), the Company shall have the right, if the basis for such Good Reason is curable, to cure the same within 30 days following the receipt of the Notice of Termination, and Good Reason shall not be deemed to exist if the Company cures the event giving rise to Good Reason within such 30 day period. The Executive shall continue to receive his or her Annual Base Salary, annual bonus and all other compensation and perquisites referenced in Section 4 through the Date of Termination.
6. Severance Payments.
(a) Termination for any Reason. In the event the Executives employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Company shall pay the Executive (or his or her beneficiary in the event of his or her death) any unpaid Annual Base Salary that has accrued as of the Date of Termination, any unreimbursed expenses due to the Executive in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policy and an amount equal to compensation for accrued but unused sick days and vacation days. The Company shall permit the Executive to elect to continue health plan coverage in accordance with the requirements of applicable law (e.g., COBRA coverage), at the applicable monthly cost charged for such coverage (the Monthly COBRA Coverage Continuation Rate). The Company may require the Executive to complete and file any election forms that are generally required of other employees to obtain COBRA coverage; and the Executives COBRA coverage may be terminable in accordance with applicable law. The Executive shall also be entitled to accrued, vested benefits under the Companys benefit plans and programs as provided therein. The Executive shall be entitled to the additional payments and benefits described below only as set forth herein.
(b) Termination without Cause, Resignation for Good Reason or Termination by Reason of Death or Disability. Subject to Sections 6(c) and (d) and the restrictions contained herein, in the event of the Executives Termination without Cause (pursuant to Section 5(a)(v)), Resignation for Good Reason (pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv)) or termination by reason of death or Disability (pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) or (ii), respectively), the Company shall pay to the Executive the amounts described in subsection (a). In addition, subject to Sections 6(c) and (d) and the restrictions contained herein, and in the case of Termination without Cause (pursuant to Section 5(a)(v)), Resignation for Good Reason (pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv)) or Disability (pursuant to Section 5(a)(ii)), subject to the Executives execution and non-revocation of a release in in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Release) no later than thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive (or his or her beneficiary in the event of his or her death) an amount equal to the Severance Amount described below. For purposes of this Agreement the Severance Amount is equal to the sum of:
(i) 1.25 times the Executives Annual Base Salary,
(ii) 1.0 times the Executives target bonus for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination falls, determined in accordance with Section 4(b); and
(iii) 15.0 times the difference of (A) the Monthly COBRA Continuation Coverage Rate determined as of the Date of Termination for the Executives applicable health and welfare plan coverages as in effect on such date, less (B) the monthly cost to Executive that is being charged for such coverage as of the Date of Termination.
The Severance Amount as so determined shall be payable to the Executive (or his or her beneficiary) in substantially equal installments over the 15-month period following the Date of Termination (the Payment Period) commencing no later than thirty (30) days following the execution and non-revocation of the Release, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices. The first installment payment shall include all amounts that would have otherwise been paid to the Executive during the period beginning on the Date of Termination and ending on the first installment payment date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the end of the thirty (30) day notice and revocation period for the Release would result in the first installment payment occurring in the taxable year following the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, the first installment payment shall be made in the taxable year following the year in which the Date of Termination occurs.
(c) Benefits Provided Upon Termination of Employment. If the Executives termination or resignation does not constitute a separation from service, as such term is defined under Code Section 409A, the Executive shall nevertheless be entitled to receive all of the payments and benefits that the Executive is entitled to receive under this Agreement on account of his or her termination of employment. However, the payments and benefits that the Executive is entitled to under this Agreement shall not be provided to the Executive until such time as the Executive has incurred a separation from services within the meaning of Code Section 409A.
(d) Payments on Account of Termination to a Specified Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Sections 6(a) or 6(b), in the event that the Executive is determined to be a Specified Employee at the time of his or her termination of employment under this Agreement (or, if later, his or her separation from service under Code Section 409A), to the extent that a payment, reimbursement or benefit under Section 6(b) is considered to provide for a deferral of compensation (as determined under Code Section 409A), then such payment, reimbursement or benefit shall not be paid or provided until six months after the Executives separation from service, or his or her death, whichever occurs first. Any payments, reimbursements or benefits that are withheld under this provision for the first six months shall be payable in a lump sum on the 181st day after such termination of employment (or, if later, separation from service). The restrictions in this Section 6(d) shall be interpreted and applied solely to the minimum extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B). Accordingly, payments, benefits or reimbursements under Section 6(b) or any other part of this Agreement may nevertheless be provided to Executive with the six-month period following the date of Executives termination of employment under this Agreement (or, if later, his or her separation from service under Code Section 409A), to the extent that it would nevertheless be permissible to do so under Code Section 409A because those payments, reimbursements or benefits are (i) described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (i.e., payments within the limitations therein that are being made on account of an involuntary termination or termination for good reason, within the meaning of the Treasury Regulations), or (ii) described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) (i.e., payments which are treated as short-term deferrals within the meaning of the Treasury Regulations), or (iii) benefits described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) (e.g. health care benefits).
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement to the contrary, if any of the payments or benefits provided or to be provided by the Company or its affiliates to the Executive or for the Executives benefit pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (Covered Payments) constitute parachute payments (Parachute Payments) within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) and would, but
for this Section 6(e) be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or any similar tax imposed by state or local law or any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes (collectively, the Excise Tax), then prior to making the Covered Payments, a calculation shall be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to the Executive of the Covered Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to the Executive if the Covered Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above will the Covered Payments be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the Covered Payments is subject to the Excise Tax (that amount, the Reduced Amount). Net Benefit shall mean the present value of the Covered Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment and excise taxes. Any such reduction shall be made in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and the following: (x) the Covered Payments which do not constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be reduced first; and (y) all other Covered Payments shall then be reduced as follows: (A) cash payments shall be reduced before non-cash payments; and (B) payments to be made on a later payment date shall be reduced before payments to be made on an earlier payment date. Any determination required under this Section 6(e), including whether any payments or benefits are Parachute Payments, shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion. The Executive shall provide the Company with such information and documents as the Company may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section 6(e). The Companys determination shall be final and binding on the Executive.
7. Competition; Non-solicitation.
(a) During the Term and, following any termination of Executives employment, for a period equal to (i) the Payment Period, in the case of a termination of employment for which payments are made pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, or (ii) 24 months from the date of such termination in the event of a voluntary termination of employment by the Executive without Good Reason, or a termination by the Company for Cause, the Executive shall not, and shall cause each of his or her affiliates not to, anywhere in the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly engage in any Competitive Activities. The Executive acknowledges that the Company and/or its Affiliates conducted its Business throughout the Restricted Territory and the Executive provided services to the Company and/or its Affiliates throughout the Restricted Territory. The Executive shall be deemed to be engaged in Competitive Activities if such Restricted Party or any of his or her affiliates (i) serves as a shareholder, owner, officer, director, member, manager, trustee or partner of, or consults with, advises or assists in any way, whether or not for consideration, any Competitor; or (ii) endorses the services of any Competitor, solicits customers, provides or otherwise serves as an intermediary for any such Competitor or loans money or renders any other form of financial assistance to any such Competitor.
(b) During the Term and for a period of two (2) years following any termination of the Executives employment, the Executive shall not, and shall cause each of his or her affiliates not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit or transact any business with, or assist any third party in soliciting or transacting any business with, any Persons who are, or were in the past twelve (12) months, customers or suppliers of the Business; (ii) cause any customers or suppliers referred to in clause (i) to cease doing business with or to terminate its business relationship with the Company or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) solicit for employment or hire any employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates, unless such employees employment has been terminated by the Parent or any of its affiliates, as the case may be, at least six (6) months before any such solicitation or hiring.
(c) In the event a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the provisions in this Section 7 are excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope or activity, it is expressly agreed that this Section 7 shall be construed so that the remaining provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect, and any such overbroad provisions shall be deemed, without further action on the part of any Person, to be modified, amended and/or limited, but only to the extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable in such jurisdiction.
(d) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 7 shall in any way limit the covenants set forth in Sections 2 and 3 of that certain Letter Agreement, by and among Executive, Parent and EverArc Holdings Limited, dated June 15, 2021, which shall remain in effect in accordance with its terms.
8. Nondisclosure of Proprietary Information.
(a) Except as required in the faithful performance of the Executives duties hereunder or pursuant to subsection (c), the Executive shall, in perpetuity, maintain in confidence and shall not directly, indirectly or otherwise, use, disseminate, disclose or publish, or use for his or her benefit or the benefit of any person, firm, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets of or relating to the Company and its Affiliates, including, without limitation, information with respect to their operations, processes, products, inventions, business practices, finances, principals, vendors, suppliers, customers, potential customers, marketing methods, costs, prices, contractual relationships, regulatory status, compensation paid to employees or other terms of employment, except for such information which is or becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach by the Executive of this Section 8, or deliver to any person, firm, corporation or other entity any document, record, notebook, computer program or similar repository of or containing any such confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets. The parties hereby stipulate and agree that as between them the foregoing matters are important, material and confidential proprietary information and trade secrets and affect the successful conduct of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates (and any of their successors or assignees).
(b) Upon termination of the Executives employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company all correspondence, drawings, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, programs, plans, proposals, financial documents, or any other documents concerning the customers, business plans, marketing strategies, products or processes of the Company and any of its Affiliates and/or which contain proprietary information or trade secrets.
(c) The Executive may respond to a lawful and valid subpoena or other legal process but shall give the Company the earliest possible notice thereof, shall, as much in advance of the return date as possible, make available to the Company and its counsel the documents and other information sought and shall assist such counsel in resisting or otherwise responding to such process.
9. Injunctive Relief. It is recognized and acknowledged by the Executive that a breach of the covenants contained in Sections 7 and 8 may cause irreparable damage to the Company and its goodwill, the exact amount of which will be difficult or impossible to ascertain, and that the remedies at law for any such breach will be inadequate. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that in the event of a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 7 and 8, in addition to any other remedy which may be available at law or in equity, the Company shall be entitled to seek specific performance and injunctive relief.
10. Whistleblower Protection.
(a) Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties or any policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates shall prohibit or restrict any party or their respective attorneys from: (i) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (ii) participating, cooperating or testifying in any action, investigation or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; or (iii) accepting any U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission awards. In addition, nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement among the parties or any policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates prohibits or restricts the any such party from initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation.
(b) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), the Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company or its Affiliates that (i) is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to the Executives attorney and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If the Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Executive may disclose the trade secret to the Executives attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the Executive files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties or any policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
11. Survival. The expiration or termination of the Term shall not impair the rights or obligations of any party hereto which shall have accrued hereunder prior to such expiration.
12. Binding on Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, Parent, the Executive and their respective successors, assigns, personnel and legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees, as applicable.
13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed, construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the substantive laws of Delaware.
14. Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
15. Notices. Any notice, request, claim, demand, document or other communication hereunder to any party shall be effective upon receipt (or refusal of receipt) and shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by telex, telecopy, or certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, as follows:
(a) If to the Company or Parent, to:
Perimeter Solutions LP
8000 Maryland Ave, Suite 350, Clayton, MO 63105
Attn: General Counsel
[***]
(b) If to the Executive, to him or her at the address set forth below under his or her signature; or at any other address as any party shall have specified by notice in writing to the other party in accordance with this Section 15.
16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. The signatures to this Agreement need not all be on a single copy of this Agreement, and may be electronic signatures (e.g., DocuSign) or copies on portable document format (.pdf) rather than originals, and in each case shall be fully effective as though all signatures were originals on the same copy.
17. Entire Agreement; Prior Employment Agreement. Upon the Closing, the terms of this Agreement shall supersede in their entirety any and all prior employment related agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of its Affiliates. The terms of this Agreement, together with the Equity Compensation Agreements, are intended by the parties to be the final expression of their agreement with respect to the employment of the Executive by the Company and may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous agreement. The parties further intend that this Agreement, and any Equity Compensation Agreements, shall constitute the complete and exclusive statement of its terms and that no extrinsic evidence whatsoever may be introduced in any judicial, administrative, or other legal proceeding to vary the terms of this Agreement.
18. Amendments; Waivers. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by the Executive and the Chief Executive Officer. By an instrument in writing similarly executed, the Executive or the Company or Parent may waive compliance by the other party or parties with any provision of this Agreement that such other party was or is obligated to comply with or perform; provided, however, that such waiver shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any other or subsequent failure. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, remedy or power hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise of any other right, remedy or power provided herein or by law or in equity.
19. No Inconsistent Actions. The parties hereto shall not voluntarily undertake or fail to undertake any action or course of action inconsistent with the provisions or essential intent of this Agreement. Furthermore, it is the intent of the parties hereto to act in a fair and reasonable manner with respect to the interpretation and application of the provisions of this Agreement.
20. Arbitration. Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, any dispute arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with, this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination, and any tort or other extra-contractual or statutory claims arising out of or relating to its negotiation, execution or performance, shall be exclusively and finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ICC Rules) by one or more arbitrators appointed in accordance with the ICC Rules; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 20 shall prohibit: (i) a party from instituting litigation to enforce any final award in any court of competent jurisdiction; or (ii) the Company from seeking a restraining order or injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent any continuation of any violation of the provisions of Section 7 or 8 of this Agreement and the Executive hereby consents that such restraining order or injunction may be granted without the necessity of the Companys posting any bond. The seat of the arbitration shall be in St. Louis, Missouri. The language of the arbitration shall be English. The parties undertake to carry out any award of the tribunal without delay, and waive their right to refer any question of law and any right of appeal on the law or merits to a court of law or other judicial authority, insofar as such waiver may be validly made. The parties agree that an arbitral tribunal appointed under this Agreement may exercise jurisdiction with respect to this Agreement and any amendments or exhibits or schedules hereto (except as otherwise expressly provided therein), and that any disputes involving more than one of such agreements, exhibits or schedules shall proceed as a consolidated arbitration in accordance with Article 10 of the ICC Rules. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Section 20 shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and, if the arbitrator determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the arbitrator may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and the enforcement of its rights under this Agreement.
21. Indemnification and Insurance; Legal Expenses. During the Term and so long as the Executive has not breached any of his or her obligations set forth in Sections 7 and 8, the Company and Parent shall indemnify the Executive to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of Delaware and Luxembourg, respectively, as in effect at the time of the subject act or omission, and shall advance to the Executive reasonable attorneys fees and expenses as such fees and expenses are incurred (subject to an undertaking from the Executive to repay such advances if it shall be finally determined by a judicial decision which is not subject to further appeal that the Executive was not entitled to the reimbursement of such fees and expenses) and Executive shall be entitled to the protection of any insurance policies the Company and/or Parent shall maintain generally for the benefit of their respective directors and officers (Directors and Officers Insurance) against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which Executive may be made a party by reason of his or her being or having been a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates or his or her serving or having served any other enterprise as a director, officer or employee at the request of the Company (other than any dispute, claim or controversy arising under or relating to this Agreement). The Company and/or Parent will maintain during the Term for the benefit of the Executive (in his or her capacity as an officer and/or director of the Company and Parent, as applicable) Directors and Officers Insurance providing customary benefits to the Executive.
(SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS S.A. | ||
By: |
/s/ Haitham Khouri |
|
Name: |
Haitham Khouri | |
Title: |
Director
|
|
By: |
/s/ Vivek Raj |
|
Name: |
Vivek Raj | |
Title: |
Director | |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS LP | ||
By: |
/s/ Noriko Yokozuka |
|
Name: |
Noriko Yokozuka | |
Title: |
General Counsel and Secretary | |
EXECUTIVE | ||
/s/ Shannon Horn |
||
Shannon Horn | ||
Address: [***] [***] |
||
Email address: [***] |
Exhibit A
Form of Release
GENERAL RELEASE
I, [ ], in consideration of and subject to the performance by Perimeter Solutions LP, a Delaware limited partnership (together with its subsidiaries, the Company), of its obligations under the Employment Agreement dated as of [ ], 2021 (the Agreement), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date hereof the Company, Perimeter Solutions, SA, a public company limited by shares duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Parent), and their respective affiliates and all present, former and future managers, directors, officers, employees, successors and assigns of the Company, Parent and their respective affiliates and direct or indirect owners (collectively, the Released Parties) to the extent provided below (this General Release). The Released Parties are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such Released Parties hereunder. Terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.
Section 1. My employment or service with the Company and its affiliates terminated as of [ ], and I hereby resign from any position as an officer, member of the board of managers or directors (as applicable) or fiduciary of the Company, Parent or their affiliates (or reaffirm any such resignation that may have already occurred). I understand that any payments or benefits paid or granted to me under Section 6 of the Agreement (other than the accrued obligations described in Section 6(a) (the Accrued Obligations)) represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand and agree that I will not receive certain of the payments and benefits specified in Section 6 of the Agreement (other than the Accrued Obligations) unless I execute this General Release and do not revoke this General Release within the time period permitted hereafter. Such payments and benefits will not be considered compensation for purposes of any employee benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained or hereafter established by the Company or its affiliates.
Section 2. Except as provided in Sections 4 and 5 below and except for the provisions of the Agreement which expressly survive the termination of my employment with the Company, I knowingly and voluntarily (for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns) release and forever discharge the Company and the other Released Parties from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date that this General Release becomes effective and enforceable) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, which arise out of or are connected with my employment with or service for, or my separation or termination from, the Company, Parent or their affiliates (including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any
policies, practices or procedures of the Company, Parent or their affiliates; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the Claims).
Section 3. I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by Section 2 above.
Section 4. I agree that this General Release does not waive or release any rights or claims that I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute this General Release. I acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment with the Company in compliance with the terms of the Agreement shall not serve as the basis for any claim or action (including, without limitation, any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967).
Section 5. I agree that I hereby waive all rights to sue or obtain equitable, remedial or punitive relief from any or all Released Parties of any kind whatsoever in respect of any Claim, including, without limitation, reinstatement, back pay, front pay, and any form of injunctive relief. Notwithstanding the above, I further acknowledge that I am not waiving and am not being required to waive any right that cannot be waived under law, including the right to file an administrative charge or participate in an administrative investigation or proceeding, including with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); provided, however, that I disclaim and waive any right to share or participate in any monetary award resulting from the prosecution of such EEOC charge or investigation or proceeding. Additionally, I am not waiving (i) any right to the Accrued Obligations or any severance benefits to which I am entitled under the Agreement or (ii) any claim relating to any right of indemnification under the Companys organizational documents or otherwise.
Section 6. In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any state or local statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this General Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should bring a Claim seeking damages against the Company, or in the event I should seek to recover against the Company in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on my behalf, this General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims to the maximum extent permitted by law. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending claim of the type described in Section 2 above as of the execution of this General Release.
Section 7. I agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct.
Section 8. I agree that if I violate this General Release by suing the Company or the other Released Parties, I will pay all costs and expenses of defending against the suit incurred by the Released Parties, including reasonable attorneys fees.
Section 9. I represent that I am not aware of any claim by me other than the claims that are released by this General Release. I acknowledge that I may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to or
different than those which I now know or believe to exist with respect to the subject matter of the release set forth in paragraph 2 above and which, if known or suspected at the time of entering into this General Release, may have materially affected this General Release and my decision to enter into it.
Section 10. I represent and warrant that I have returned all property of the Company and its affiliates, including identification cards or badges, access codes or devices, keys, laptops, computers, telephones, mobile phones, hand-held electronic devices, credit cards, electronically stored documents or files, physical files, and any other property of the Company or its affiliates in my possession. I further represent and warrant that I no longer have access to and do no claim ownership of any cloud storage or social media accounts of the Company or any of its affiliates.
Section 11. Notwithstanding anything in this General Release to the contrary, this General Release shall not relinquish, diminish, or in any way affect any rights or claims arising out of any breach by the Company or by any Released Party of the Agreement after the date hereof.
Section 12. Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in, such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:
(a) |
I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY; |
(b) |
I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF 1963, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; AND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED; |
(c) |
I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT; |
(d) |
I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION, I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION; |
(e) |
I HAVE HAD AT LEAST [21][45] DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE TO CONSIDER IT, AND THE CHANGES MADE SINCE MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE ARE NOT MATERIAL OR WERE MADE AT MY REQUEST AND WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED [21][45]-DAY PERIOD; |
(f) |
I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED; |
(g) |
I HAVE SIGNED THIS GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND |
(h) |
I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME. |
SIGNED: |
|
DATED: |
|
Exhibit 10.8
EverArc Holdings Limited
Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
June 15, 2021
Shannon Horn
[***]
Re: Non-Compete Agreement
Dear Shannon Horn:
This letter (this Letter Agreement) is being delivered to you (the Restricted Party) in connection with that certain Business Combination Agreement (the BCA), entered into on the date hereof, by and among EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (EverArc), SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (the Company), EverArc acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA, a public company limited by shares (société anonyme) to be incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to have its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to be registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) (Holdco), and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, relating to the proposed business combination between the Company and EverArc. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms are used herein as defined in the BCA.
In order to (i) induce the Company, Holdco and EverArc to enter into the BCA and to proceed with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the BCA, (ii) induce Holdco to issue to you equity incentives pursuant to the equity incentive plan to be adopted by Holdco pursuant to Section 8.03(b) of the BCA and (iii) protect and preserve the legitimate business interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company and the goodwill to be developed by the Company in its business, the Restricted Party hereby agrees with EverArc, Holdco and the Company as follows:
1. Severance in Employment Agreement; Management Equity Plan. To the extent Holdco, EverArc or the Company shall enter into an employment agreement with the Restricted Party, Holdco and EverArc agree that such employment agreement shall include a severance period of not less than twelve (12) months of base salary (as defined in such employment agreement) if the Restricted Party shall be terminated without cause or shall terminate his employment for good reason (as each term may be defined in such employment agreement).
2. Covenant Not to Compete. Commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date (the Restricted Period), the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, anywhere in the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly, engage in any Competitive Activities. The Restricted Territory shall mean anywhere in the world where the Company (directly or through any Company Subsidiary) conducts its Business (as defined below) as of the Closing Date. The Restricted Party acknowledges that the Company conducted its Business throughout the Restricted Territory and the Restricted Party provided services to the Company throughout the Territory. The Restricted Party shall be deemed to be engaged in Competitive Activities if such Restricted Party or any of his affiliates (i) serves as a shareholder, owner, officer, director, member, manager, trustee or partner of, or consults with, advises or assists in any way, whether or not for consideration, any corporation, partnership, firm, proprietorship or other business organization that engages in any Competitive Activity (a Competitor) or (ii) endorses the services of any such Competitor, solicits customers, provides or otherwise serves as an intermediary for any such Competitor or loans money or renders any other form of financial assistance to any such Competitor. In the event a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the provisions of this Section 2 are excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope or activity, it is expressly agreed that this Section 2 shall be construed so that the remaining provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect, and any such overbroad provisions shall be deemed, without further action on the part of any Person, to be modified, amended and/or limited, but only to the extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable in such jurisdiction. For purposes of this Letter Agreement, the term (i) Business means the business and operations conducted and operated by the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries prior to the Closing Date, consisting of serving as a global solutions provider for the fire safety and oil additives industries and (ii) Competitive Activities as used herein means any activity or service that competes with the Business; provided, however, the term Competitive Activities shall not include the passive ownership of securities of entities which are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the national over-the-counter market in an amount which shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of any such entity.
3. Non-Solicitation and No Hire. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit or transact any business with, or assist any third party in soliciting or transacting any business with, any Persons who are, or were in the past twenty-four (24) months, customers or suppliers of the Business; (ii) cause any customers or suppliers of the Company or any Company Subsidiary referred to in clause (i) to cease doing business with or to terminate its business relationship with the Companys Business; or (iii) solicit for employment or hire any employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, unless such employees employment has been terminated by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, as the case may be, at least six (6) months before any such solicitation or hiring.
4. Covenant of Confidentiality. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause his affiliates not to, except as explicitly permitted under any other written agreement duly signed by EverArc and such Restricted Party, use for any purpose or disclose to any Person any Confidential Information; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit such Restricted Party from using or disclosing any such Confidential Information which: (x) at the time of its use or disclosure is through no fault of the Restricted Partys part of the public domain by publication or otherwise; (y) is required to be
2
disclosed by such Restricted Party pursuant to applicable Law or court order, in which case, such Restricted Party shall give written notice to EverArc prior to any such disclosure; or (z) is made available from a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligations owed by such third party to
5. Equitable Relief for Violations. The Restricted Party agrees that the provisions and restrictions contained in this Letter Agreement are necessary to protect the legitimate continuing interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company, and that any violation or breach of these provisions will result in irreparable injury to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for which monetary damages or any other remedy at law would be inadequate and that, in addition to any relief at law which may be available to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for such violation or breach, EverArc, Holdco and the Company shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief and such other equitable relief as a court may grant.
6. Indemnity. The Restricted Party shall indemnify EverArc, Holdco and the Company and their affiliates against all losses, damages, injuries, liabilities and direct claims that they may suffer, sustain or incur or become subject to arising out of, based upon or in connection with any material violation or breach of this Letter Agreement due to a Restricted Partys gross negligence or willful misconduct.
7. Termination. This Letter Agreement and the obligations of the Restricted Party under this Letter Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the termination of the BCA in accordance with its terms. Upon termination, no party shall have any further obligations or liabilities under this Letter Agreement.
8. Entire Agreement. This Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Letter Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of Law or otherwise).
9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Letter Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Letter Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Letter Agreement; provided, that the Company and its subsidiaries shall be express third party beneficiaries of this Letter Agreement (with a right to directly enforce this Letter Agreement) from and after the Closing Date.
10. Governing Law; Arbitration. This Letter Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State. Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Letter Agreement, any dispute arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with, this Letter Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination, and any tort or other extra-contractual or statutory claims arising out of or relating to its negotiation, execution or performance, shall be exclusively and finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ICC Rules); provided, that nothing in this Section 10
3
shall prohibit a party from instituting litigation to enforce any final award in any court of competent jurisdiction. The seat of the arbitration shall be in New York, New York. The language of the arbitration shall be English. The parties undertake to carry out any award of the tribunal without delay, and waive their right to refer any question of law and any right of appeal on the law or merits to a court of law or other judicial authority, insofar as such waiver may be validly made. The parties agree that an arbitral tribunal appointed under this Letter Agreement may exercise jurisdiction with respect to both this Letter Agreement and any of the exhibits or schedules hereto (except as otherwise expressly provided therein), and that any disputes involving more than one of such agreements, exhibits or schedules shall proceed as a consolidated arbitration in accordance with Article 10 of the ICC Rules. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Section 10 shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and, if the arbitrator determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the arbitrator may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and the enforcement of its rights under this Letter Agreement.
11. Counterparts. This Letter Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
12. No Amendments. This Letter Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties.
13. No Assignment. No party may assign or delegate this Letter Agreement or any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the prior written approval of the other parties.
[Signature Pages Follow]
4
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: Nicholas Howley | ||
Title: Director |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA |
||
(Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA which in process of incorporation) |
By: |
|
|
Name: Nicholas Howley |
||
Title: Director |
Acknowledged and Agreed: |
|
Shannon Horn |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Shannon Horn)]
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA |
||
(Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA which in process of incorporation) |
By: |
|
|
Name: |
||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Shannon Horn)]
Exhibit 10.9
EverArc Holdings Limited
Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
June 15, 2021
Barry Lederman
[***]
Re: |
Non-Compete Agreement |
Dear Barry Lederman:
This letter (this Letter Agreement) is being delivered to you (the Restricted Party) in connection with that certain Business Combination Agreement (the BCA), entered into on the date hereof, by and among EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (EverArc), SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (the Company), EverArc acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA, a public company limited by shares (société anonyme) to be incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to have its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to be registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) (Holdco), and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, relating to the proposed business combination between the Company and EverArc. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms are used herein as defined in the BCA.
In order to (i) induce the Company, Holdco and EverArc to enter into the BCA and to proceed with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the BCA, (ii) induce Holdco to issue to you equity incentives pursuant to the equity incentive plan to be adopted by Holdco pursuant to Section 8.03(b) of the BCA and (iii) protect and preserve the legitimate business interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company and the goodwill to be developed by the Company in its business, the Restricted Party hereby agrees with EverArc, Holdco and the Company as follows:
1. Severance in Employment Agreement; Management Equity Plan. To the extent Holdco, EverArc or the Company shall enter into an employment agreement with the Restricted Party, Holdco and EverArc agree that such employment agreement shall include a severance period of not less than twelve (12) months of base salary (as defined in such employment agreement) if the Restricted Party shall be terminated without cause or shall terminate his employment for good reason (as each term may be defined in such employment agreement).
2. Covenant Not to Compete. Commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date (the Restricted Period), the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, anywhere in the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly, engage in any Competitive Activities. The Restricted Territory shall mean anywhere in the world where the Company (directly or through any Company Subsidiary) conducts its Business (as defined below) as of the Closing Date. The Restricted Party acknowledges that the Company conducted its Business throughout the Restricted Territory and the Restricted Party provided services to the Company throughout the Territory. The Restricted Party shall be deemed to be engaged in Competitive Activities if such Restricted Party or any of his affiliates (i) serves as a shareholder, owner, officer, director, member, manager, trustee or partner of, or consults with, advises or assists in any way, whether or not for consideration, any corporation, partnership, firm, proprietorship or other business organization that engages in any Competitive Activity (a Competitor) or (ii) endorses the services of any such Competitor, solicits customers, provides or otherwise serves as an intermediary for any such Competitor or loans money or renders any other form of financial assistance to any such Competitor. In the event a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the provisions of this Section 2 are excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope or activity, it is expressly agreed that this Section 2 shall be construed so that the remaining provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect, and any such overbroad provisions shall be deemed, without further action on the part of any Person, to be modified, amended and/or limited, but only to the extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable in such jurisdiction. For purposes of this Letter Agreement, the term (i) Business means the business and operations conducted and operated by the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries prior to the Closing Date, consisting of serving as a global solutions provider for the fire safety and oil additives industries and (ii) Competitive Activities as used herein means any activity or service that competes with the Business; provided, however, the term Competitive Activities shall not include the passive ownership of securities of entities which are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the national over-the-counter market in an amount which shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of any such entity.
3. Non-Solicitation and No Hire. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit or transact any business with, or assist any third party in soliciting or transacting any business with, any Persons who are, or were in the past twenty-four (24) months, customers or suppliers of the Business; (ii) cause any customers or suppliers of the Company or any Company Subsidiary referred to in clause (i) to cease doing business with or to terminate its business relationship with the Companys Business; or (iii) solicit for employment or hire any employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, unless such employees employment has been terminated by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, as the case may be, at least six (6) months before any such solicitation or hiring.
4. Covenant of Confidentiality. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause his affiliates not to, except as explicitly permitted under any other written agreement duly signed by EverArc and such Restricted Party, use for any purpose or disclose to any Person any Confidential Information; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit such Restricted Party from using or disclosing any such Confidential Information which: (x) at the time of its use or disclosure is through no fault of the Restricted Partys part of the public domain by publication or otherwise; (y) is required to be
2
disclosed by such Restricted Party pursuant to applicable Law or court order, in which case, such Restricted Party shall give written notice to EverArc prior to any such disclosure; or (z) is made available from a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligations owed by such third party to
5. Equitable Relief for Violations. The Restricted Party agrees that the provisions and restrictions contained in this Letter Agreement are necessary to protect the legitimate continuing interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company, and that any violation or breach of these provisions will result in irreparable injury to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for which monetary damages or any other remedy at law would be inadequate and that, in addition to any relief at law which may be available to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for such violation or breach, EverArc, Holdco and the Company shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief and such other equitable relief as a court may grant.
6. Indemnity. The Restricted Party shall indemnify EverArc, Holdco and the Company and their affiliates against all losses, damages, injuries, liabilities and direct claims that they may suffer, sustain or incur or become subject to arising out of, based upon or in connection with any material violation or breach of this Letter Agreement due to a Restricted Partys gross negligence or willful misconduct.
7. Termination. This Letter Agreement and the obligations of the Restricted Party under this Letter Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the termination of the BCA in accordance with its terms. Upon termination, no party shall have any further obligations or liabilities under this Letter Agreement.
8. Entire Agreement. This Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Letter Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of Law or otherwise).
9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Letter Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Letter Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Letter Agreement; provided, that the Company and its subsidiaries shall be express third party beneficiaries of this Letter Agreement (with a right to directly enforce this Letter Agreement) from and after the Closing Date.
10. Governing Law; Arbitration. This Letter Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State. Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Letter Agreement, any dispute arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with, this Letter Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination, and any tort or other extra-contractual or statutory claims arising out of or relating to its negotiation, execution or performance, shall be exclusively and finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ICC Rules); provided, that nothing in this Section 10
3
shall prohibit a party from instituting litigation to enforce any final award in any court of competent jurisdiction. The seat of the arbitration shall be in New York, New York. The language of the arbitration shall be English. The parties undertake to carry out any award of the tribunal without delay, and waive their right to refer any question of law and any right of appeal on the law or merits to a court of law or other judicial authority, insofar as such waiver may be validly made. The parties agree that an arbitral tribunal appointed under this Letter Agreement may exercise jurisdiction with respect to both this Letter Agreement and any of the exhibits or schedules hereto (except as otherwise expressly provided therein), and that any disputes involving more than one of such agreements, exhibits or schedules shall proceed as a consolidated arbitration in accordance with Article 10 of the ICC Rules. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Section 10 shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and, if the arbitrator determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the arbitrator may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and the enforcement of its rights under this Letter Agreement.
11. Counterparts. This Letter Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
12. No Amendments. This Letter Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties.
13. No Assignment. No party may assign or delegate this Letter Agreement or any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the prior written approval of the other parties.
[Signature Pages Follow]
4
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: Nicholas Howley |
||
Title: Director |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA | ||
(Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA which in process of incorporation) | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: Nicholas Howley |
||
Title: Director |
Acknowledged and Agreed: |
Barry Lederman |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Barry Lederman)]
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED |
By: |
Name: |
Title |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA | ||
(Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA which in process of incorporation) | ||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Barry Lederman)]
Exhibit 10.10
EverArc Holdings Limited
Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
June 15, 2021
Ernest Kremling II
[***]
Re: |
Non-Compete Agreement |
Dear Ernest Kremling II:
This letter (this Letter Agreement) is being delivered to you (the Restricted Party) in connection with that certain Business Combination Agreement (the BCA), entered into on the date hereof, by and among EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (EverArc), SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (the Company), EverArc acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA, a public company limited by shares (société anonyme) to be incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to have its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to be registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) (Holdco), and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, relating to the proposed business combination between the Company and EverArc. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms are used herein as defined in the BCA.
In order to (i) induce the Company, Holdco and EverArc to enter into the BCA and to proceed with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the BCA, (ii) induce Holdco to issue to you equity incentives pursuant to the equity incentive plan to be adopted by Holdco pursuant to Section 8.03(b) of the BCA and (iii) protect and preserve the legitimate business interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company and the goodwill to be developed by the Company in its business, the Restricted Party hereby agrees with EverArc, Holdco and the Company as follows:
1. Severance in Employment Agreement; Management Equity Plan. To the extent Holdco, EverArc or the Company shall enter into an employment agreement with the Restricted Party, Holdco and EverArc agree that such employment agreement shall include a severance period of not less than twelve (12) months of base salary (as defined in such employment agreement) if the Restricted Party shall be terminated without cause or shall terminate his employment for good reason (as each term may be defined in such employment agreement).
2. Covenant Not to Compete. Commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date (the Restricted Period), the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, anywhere in the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly, engage in any Competitive Activities. The Restricted Territory shall mean anywhere in the world where the Company (directly or through any Company Subsidiary) conducts its Business (as defined below) as of the Closing Date. The Restricted Party acknowledges that the Company conducted its Business throughout the Restricted Territory and the Restricted Party provided services to the Company throughout the Territory. The Restricted Party shall be deemed to be engaged in Competitive Activities if such Restricted Party or any of his affiliates (i) serves as a shareholder, owner, officer, director, member, manager, trustee or partner of, or consults with, advises or assists in any way, whether or not for consideration, any corporation, partnership, firm, proprietorship or other business organization that engages in any Competitive Activity (a Competitor) or (ii) endorses the services of any such Competitor, solicits customers, provides or otherwise serves as an intermediary for any such Competitor or loans money or renders any other form of financial assistance to any such Competitor. In the event a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the provisions of this Section 2 are excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope or activity, it is expressly agreed that this Section 2 shall be construed so that the remaining provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect, and any such overbroad provisions shall be deemed, without further action on the part of any Person, to be modified, amended and/or limited, but only to the extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable in such jurisdiction. For purposes of this Letter Agreement, the term (i) Business means the business and operations conducted and operated by the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries prior to the Closing Date, consisting of serving as a global solutions provider for the fire safety and oil additives industries and (ii) Competitive Activities as used herein means any activity or service that competes with the Business; provided, however, the term Competitive Activities shall not include the passive ownership of securities of entities which are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the national over-the-counter market in an amount which shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of any such entity.
3. Non-Solicitation and No Hire. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit or transact any business with, or assist any third party in soliciting or transacting any business with, any Persons who are, or were in the past twenty-four (24) months, customers or suppliers of the Business; (ii) cause any customers or suppliers of the Company or any Company Subsidiary referred to in clause (i) to cease doing business with or to terminate its business relationship with the Companys Business; or (iii) solicit for employment or hire any employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, unless such employees employment has been terminated by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, as the case may be, at least six (6) months before any such solicitation or hiring.
4. Covenant of Confidentiality. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause his affiliates not to, except as explicitly permitted under any other written agreement duly signed by EverArc and such Restricted Party, use for any purpose or disclose to any Person any Confidential Information; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit such Restricted Party from using or disclosing any such Confidential Information which: (x) at the time of its use or disclosure is through no fault of the Restricted Partys part of the public domain by publication or otherwise; (y) is required to be
2
disclosed by such Restricted Party pursuant to applicable Law or court order, in which case, such Restricted Party shall give written notice to EverArc prior to any such disclosure; or (z) is made available from a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligations owed by such third party to
5. Equitable Relief for Violations. The Restricted Party agrees that the provisions and restrictions contained in this Letter Agreement are necessary to protect the legitimate continuing interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company, and that any violation or breach of these provisions will result in irreparable injury to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for which monetary damages or any other remedy at law would be inadequate and that, in addition to any relief at law which may be available to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for such violation or breach, EverArc, Holdco and the Company shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief and such other equitable relief as a court may grant.
6. Indemnity. The Restricted Party shall indemnify EverArc, Holdco and the Company and their affiliates against all losses, damages, injuries, liabilities and direct claims that they may suffer, sustain or incur or become subject to arising out of, based upon or in connection with any material violation or breach of this Letter Agreement due to a Restricted Partys gross negligence or willful misconduct.
7. Termination. This Letter Agreement and the obligations of the Restricted Party under this Letter Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the termination of the BCA in accordance with its terms. Upon termination, no party shall have any further obligations or liabilities under this Letter Agreement.
8. Entire Agreement. This Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Letter Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of Law or otherwise).
9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Letter Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Letter Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Letter Agreement; provided, that the Company and its subsidiaries shall be express third party beneficiaries of this Letter Agreement (with a right to directly enforce this Letter Agreement) from and after the Closing Date.
10. Governing Law; Arbitration. This Letter Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State. Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Letter Agreement, any dispute arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with, this Letter Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination, and any tort or other extra-contractual or statutory claims arising out of or relating to its negotiation, execution or performance, shall be exclusively and finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ICC Rules); provided, that nothing in this Section 10
3
shall prohibit a party from instituting litigation to enforce any final award in any court of competent jurisdiction. The seat of the arbitration shall be in New York, New York. The language of the arbitration shall be English. The parties undertake to carry out any award of the tribunal without delay, and waive their right to refer any question of law and any right of appeal on the law or merits to a court of law or other judicial authority, insofar as such waiver may be validly made. The parties agree that an arbitral tribunal appointed under this Letter Agreement may exercise jurisdiction with respect to both this Letter Agreement and any of the exhibits or schedules hereto (except as otherwise expressly provided therein), and that any disputes involving more than one of such agreements, exhibits or schedules shall proceed as a consolidated arbitration in accordance with Article 10 of the ICC Rules. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Section 10 shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and, if the arbitrator determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the arbitrator may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and the enforcement of its rights under this Letter Agreement.
11. Counterparts. This Letter Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
12. No Amendments. This Letter Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties.
13. No Assignment. No party may assign or delegate this Letter Agreement or any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the prior written approval of the other parties.
[Signature Pages Follow]
4
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED |
By: |
Name: |
Nicholas Howley |
Title: |
Director |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA | ||||
(Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA which in process of incorporation) |
By: |
Name: |
Nicholas Howley |
Title: |
Director |
Acknowledged and Agreed: |
|
Ernest Kremling II |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Ernest Kremling II)]
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED |
By: |
Name: |
Title: |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA | ||||
(Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA which in process of incorporation) |
By: |
Name: |
Title: |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Ernest Kremling II)]
Exhibit 10.11
EverArc Holdings Limited
Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
June 15, 2021
Noriko Yokozuka
[***]
Re: |
Non-Compete Agreement |
Dear Noriko Yokozuka:
This letter (this Letter Agreement) is being delivered to you (the Restricted Party) in connection with that certain Business Combination Agreement (the BCA), entered into on the date hereof, by and among EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (EverArc), SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (the Company), EverArc acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA, a public company limited by shares (société anonyme) to be incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to have its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to be registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) (Holdco), and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, relating to the proposed business combination between the Company and EverArc. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms are used herein as defined in the BCA.
In order to (i) induce the Company, Holdco and EverArc to enter into the BCA and to proceed with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the BCA, (ii) induce Holdco to issue to you equity incentives pursuant to the equity incentive plan to be adopted by Holdco pursuant to Section 8.03(b) of the BCA and (iii) protect and preserve the legitimate business interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company and the goodwill to be developed by the Company in its business, the Restricted Party hereby agrees with EverArc, Holdco and the Company as follows:
1. Severance in Employment Agreement; Management Equity Plan. To the extent Holdco, EverArc or the Company shall enter into an employment agreement with the Restricted Party, Holdco and EverArc agree that such employment agreement shall include a severance period of not less than twelve (12) months of base salary (as defined in such employment agreement) if the Restricted Party shall be terminated without cause or shall terminate his employment for good reason (as each term may be defined in such employment agreement).
2. Covenant Not to Compete. Commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date (the Restricted Period), the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, anywhere in the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly, engage in any Competitive Activities. The Restricted Territory shall mean anywhere in the world where the Company (directly or through any Company Subsidiary) conducts its Business (as defined below) as of the Closing Date. The Restricted Party acknowledges that the Company conducted its Business throughout the Restricted Territory and the Restricted Party provided services to the Company throughout the Territory. The Restricted Party shall be deemed to be engaged in Competitive Activities if such Restricted Party or any of his affiliates (i) serves as a shareholder, owner, officer, director, member, manager, trustee or partner of, or consults with, advises or assists in any way, whether or not for consideration, any corporation, partnership, firm, proprietorship or other business organization that engages in any Competitive Activity (a Competitor) or (ii) endorses the services of any such Competitor, solicits customers, provides or otherwise serves as an intermediary for any such Competitor or loans money or renders any other form of financial assistance to any such Competitor. In the event a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the provisions of this Section 2 are excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope or activity, it is expressly agreed that this Section 2 shall be construed so that the remaining provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect, and any such overbroad provisions shall be deemed, without further action on the part of any Person, to be modified, amended and/or limited, but only to the extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable in such jurisdiction. For purposes of this Letter Agreement, the term (i) Business means the business and operations conducted and operated by the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries prior to the Closing Date, consisting of serving as a global solutions provider for the fire safety and oil additives industries and (ii) Competitive Activities as used herein means any activity or service that competes with the Business; provided, however, the term Competitive Activities shall not include the passive ownership of securities of entities which are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the national over-the-counter market in an amount which shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of any such entity.
3. Non-Solicitation and No Hire. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit or transact any business with, or assist any third party in soliciting or transacting any business with, any Persons who are, or were in the past twenty-four (24) months, customers or suppliers of the Business; (ii) cause any customers or suppliers of the Company or any Company Subsidiary referred to in clause (i) to cease doing business with or to terminate its business relationship with the Companys Business; or (iii) solicit for employment or hire any employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, unless such employees employment has been terminated by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, as the case may be, at least six (6) months before any such solicitation or hiring.
4. Covenant of Confidentiality. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause his affiliates not to, except as explicitly permitted under any other written agreement duly signed by EverArc and such Restricted Party, use for any purpose or disclose to any Person any Confidential Information; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit such Restricted Party from using or disclosing any such Confidential Information which: (x) at the time of its use or disclosure is through no fault of the Restricted Partys part of the public domain by publication or otherwise; (y) is required to be
2
disclosed by such Restricted Party pursuant to applicable Law or court order, in which case, such Restricted Party shall give written notice to EverArc prior to any such disclosure; or (z) is made available from a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligations owed by such third party to
5. Equitable Relief for Violations. The Restricted Party agrees that the provisions and restrictions contained in this Letter Agreement are necessary to protect the legitimate continuing interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company, and that any violation or breach of these provisions will result in irreparable injury to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for which monetary damages or any other remedy at law would be inadequate and that, in addition to any relief at law which may be available to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for such violation or breach, EverArc, Holdco and the Company shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief and such other equitable relief as a court may grant.
6. Indemnity. The Restricted Party shall indemnify EverArc, Holdco and the Company and their affiliates against all losses, damages, injuries, liabilities and direct claims that they may suffer, sustain or incur or become subject to arising out of, based upon or in connection with any material violation or breach of this Letter Agreement due to a Restricted Partys gross negligence or willful misconduct.
7. Termination. This Letter Agreement and the obligations of the Restricted Party under this Letter Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the termination of the BCA in accordance with its terms. Upon termination, no party shall have any further obligations or liabilities under this Letter Agreement.
8. Entire Agreement. This Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Letter Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of Law or otherwise).
9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Letter Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Letter Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Letter Agreement; provided, that the Company and its subsidiaries shall be express third party beneficiaries of this Letter Agreement (with a right to directly enforce this Letter Agreement) from and after the Closing Date.
10. Governing Law; Arbitration. This Letter Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State. Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Letter Agreement, any dispute arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with, this Letter Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination, and any tort or other extra-contractual or statutory claims arising out of or relating to its negotiation, execution or performance, shall be exclusively and finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ICC Rules); provided, that nothing in this Section 10
3
shall prohibit a party from instituting litigation to enforce any final award in any court of competent jurisdiction. The seat of the arbitration shall be in New York, New York. The language of the arbitration shall be English. The parties undertake to carry out any award of the tribunal without delay, and waive their right to refer any question of law and any right of appeal on the law or merits to a court of law or other judicial authority, insofar as such waiver may be validly made. The parties agree that an arbitral tribunal appointed under this Letter Agreement may exercise jurisdiction with respect to both this Letter Agreement and any of the exhibits or schedules hereto (except as otherwise expressly provided therein), and that any disputes involving more than one of such agreements, exhibits or schedules shall proceed as a consolidated arbitration in accordance with Article 10 of the ICC Rules. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Section 10 shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and, if the arbitrator determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the arbitrator may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and the enforcement of its rights under this Letter Agreement.
11. Counterparts. This Letter Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
12. No Amendments. This Letter Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties.
13. No Assignment. No party may assign or delegate this Letter Agreement or any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the prior written approval of the other parties.
[Signature Pages Follow]
4
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED |
By: |
|
Name: Nicholas Howley Title: Director |
||
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA
(Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited,
|
||
By: |
|
Name: Nicholas Howley | ||
Title: Director |
Acknowledged and Agreed: |
Noriko Yokozuka |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Noriko Yokozuka)]
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED |
By: |
Name: | ||
Title |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA | ||
(Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, | ||
acting as sole founding shareholder and in the | ||
name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA | ||
which in process of incorporation) |
By: |
Name: | ||
Title |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Noriiko Yokozuka)]
Exhibit 10.12
EverArc Holdings Limited
Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
June 15, 2021
Edward Goldberg
[***]
Re: |
Non-Compete Agreement |
Dear Edward Goldberg:
This letter (this Letter Agreement) is being delivered to you (the Restricted Party) in connection with that certain Business Combination Agreement (the BCA), entered into on the date hereof, by and among EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (EverArc), SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (the Company), EverArc acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA, a public company limited by shares (société anonyme) to be incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to have its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to be registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) (Holdco), and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, relating to the proposed business combination between the Company and EverArc. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms are used herein as defined in the BCA.
In order to (i) induce the Company, Holdco and EverArc to enter into the BCA and to proceed with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the BCA, (ii) induce Holdco to issue to you equity incentives pursuant to the equity incentive plan to be adopted by Holdco pursuant to Section 8.03(b) of the BCA and (iii) protect and preserve the legitimate business interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company and the goodwill to be developed by the Company in its business, the Restricted Party hereby agrees with EverArc, Holdco and the Company as follows:
1. Severance in Employment Agreement; Management Equity Plan. To the extent Holdco, EverArc or the Company shall enter into an employment agreement with the Restricted Party, Holdco and EverArc agree that such employment agreement shall include a severance period of not less than twelve (12) months of base salary (as defined in such employment agreement) if the Restricted Party shall be terminated without cause or shall terminate his employment for good reason (as each term may be defined in such employment agreement). In
addition, Holdco, EverArc agree that, promptly after Closing, Holdco and EverAcr will implement a management equity plan consistent with the term set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto. The Restricted Party acknowledges that the amounts on Exhibit A are for the aggregate management incentive equity pool and do not reflect individual allocations.
2. Covenant Not to Compete. Commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date (the Restricted Period), the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, anywhere in the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly, engage in any Competitive Activities. The Restricted Territory shall mean anywhere in the world where the Company (directly or through any Company Subsidiary) conducts its Business (as defined below) as of the Closing Date. The Restricted Party acknowledges that the Company conducted its Business throughout the Restricted Territory and the Restricted Party provided services to the Company throughout the Territory. The Restricted Party shall be deemed to be engaged in Competitive Activities if such Restricted Party or any of his affiliates (i) serves as a shareholder, owner, officer, director, member, manager, trustee or partner of, or consults with, advises or assists in any way, whether or not for consideration, any corporation, partnership, firm, proprietorship or other business organization that engages in any Competitive Activity (a Competitor) or (ii) endorses the services of any such Competitor, solicits customers, provides or otherwise serves as an intermediary for any such Competitor or loans money or renders any other form of financial assistance to any such Competitor. In the event a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the provisions of this Section 2 are excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope or activity, it is expressly agreed that this Section 2 shall be construed so that the remaining provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect, and any such overbroad provisions shall be deemed, without further action on the part of any Person, to be modified, amended and/or limited, but only to the extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable in such jurisdiction. For purposes of this Letter Agreement, the term (i) Business means the business and operations conducted and operated by the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries prior to the Closing Date, consisting of serving as a global solutions provider for the fire safety and oil additives industries and (ii) Competitive Activities as used herein means any activity or service that competes with the Business; provided, however, the term Competitive Activities shall not include the passive ownership of securities of entities which are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the national over-the-counter market in an amount which shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of any such entity.
3. Non-Solicitation and No Hire. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit or transact any business with, or assist any third party in soliciting or transacting any business with, any Persons who are, or were in the past twenty-four (24) months, customers or suppliers of the Business; (ii) cause any customers or suppliers of the Company or any Company Subsidiary referred to in clause (i) to cease doing business with or to terminate its business relationship with the Companys Business; or (iii) solicit for employment or hire any employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, unless such employees employment has been terminated by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, as the case may be, at least six (6) months before any such solicitation or hiring.
4. Covenant of Confidentiality. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause his affiliates not to, except as
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explicitly permitted under any other written agreement duly signed by EverArc and such Restricted Party, use for any purpose or disclose to any Person any Confidential Information; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit such Restricted Party from using or disclosing any such Confidential Information which: (x) at the time of its use or disclosure is through no fault of the Restricted Partys part of the public domain by publication or otherwise; (y) is required to be disclosed by such Restricted Party pursuant to applicable Law or court order, in which case, such Restricted Party shall give written notice to EverArc prior to any such disclosure; or (z) is made available from a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligations owed by such third party to
5. Equitable Relief for Violations. The Restricted Party agrees that the provisions and restrictions contained in this Letter Agreement are necessary to protect the legitimate continuing interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company, and that any violation or breach of these provisions will result in irreparable injury to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for which monetary damages or any other remedy at law would be inadequate and that, in addition to any relief at law which may be available to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for such violation or breach, EverArc, Holdco and the Company shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief and such other equitable relief as a court may grant.
6. Indemnity. The Restricted Party shall indemnify EverArc, Holdco and the Company and their affiliates against all losses, damages, injuries, liabilities and direct claims that they may suffer, sustain or incur or become subject to arising out of, based upon or in connection with any material violation or breach of this Letter Agreement due to a Restricted Partys gross negligence or willful misconduct.
7. Termination. This Letter Agreement and the obligations of the Restricted Party under this Letter Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the termination of the BCA in accordance with its terms. Upon termination, no party shall have any further obligations or liabilities under this Letter Agreement.
8. Entire Agreement. This Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Letter Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of Law or otherwise).
9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Letter Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Letter Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Letter Agreement; provided, that the Company and its subsidiaries shall be express third party beneficiaries of this Letter Agreement (with a right to directly enforce this Letter Agreement) from and after the Closing Date.
10. Governing Law; Arbitration. This Letter Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State. Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Letter Agreement, any dispute arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with, this Letter
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Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination, and any tort or other extra-contractual or statutory claims arising out of or relating to its negotiation, execution or performance, shall be exclusively and finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ICC Rules); provided, that nothing in this Section 10 shall prohibit a party from instituting litigation to enforce any final award in any court of competent jurisdiction. The seat of the arbitration shall be in New York, New York. The language of the arbitration shall be English. The parties undertake to carry out any award of the tribunal without delay, and waive their right to refer any question of law and any right of appeal on the law or merits to a court of law or other judicial authority, insofar as such waiver may be validly made. The parties agree that an arbitral tribunal appointed under this Letter Agreement may exercise jurisdiction with respect to both this Letter Agreement and any of the exhibits or schedules hereto (except as otherwise expressly provided therein), and that any disputes involving more than one of such agreements, exhibits or schedules shall proceed as a consolidated arbitration in accordance with Article 10 of the ICC Rules. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Section 10 shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and, if the arbitrator determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the arbitrator may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and the enforcement of its rights under this Letter Agreement.
11. Counterparts. This Letter Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
12. No Amendments. This Letter Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties.
13. No Assignment. No party may assign or delegate this Letter Agreement or any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the prior written approval of the other parties.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED | ||
By: |
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Name: Nicholas Howley |
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Title: Director |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA | ||
(Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited,
acting as sole founding shareholder and in the
name and on
behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA
which in process of incorporation) |
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By: |
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Name: Nicholas Howley |
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Title: Director |
Acknowledged and Agreed: | ||||
Edward Goldberg |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Edward Goldberg)]
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED | ||
By: |
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Name: |
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Title |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA |
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(Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited,
acting as sole founding shareholder and in the
name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA
which in process of incorporation) |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Edward Goldberg)]
Exhibit A: Terms of Management Equity Plan
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$126.3M at work in a five year options package vesting 20% annually ($25.3M per year eligible to vest) |
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$84.0M granted at close |
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$42.3M held in reserve and granted primarily to new hires and for promotions at FMV |
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Vesting based on Intrinsic Value |
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25% of options vest at 15% Intrinsic Value growth, the balance (75%) vest ratably between 15% and 25% Intrinsic Value growth, with 100% vesting at 25% Intrinsic Value growth |
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Two-year look-back / carry-forward on annual performance targets (i.e., if management exceeds 25% intrinsic value creation in a given year, any excess can be retroactively applied to the two prior years, or held in reserve for two future years) |
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Management optionholders have the right to receive dividend equivalent payments (DEPs) if the Board declares a dividend on the Companys common stock |
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The Company will grant extension awards, generally made in the third year of vesting under the initial award, so that the employee has four or five years of future option vesting |
Exhibit 10.13
EverArc Holdings Limited
Kingston Chambers, PO Box 173
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
June 15, 2021
Stephen Cornwall
[***]
Re: Non-Compete Agreement
Dear Stephen Cornwall:
This letter (this Letter Agreement) is being delivered to you (the Restricted Party) in connection with that certain Business Combination Agreement (the BCA), entered into on the date hereof, by and among EverArc Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (EverArc), SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, SK Invictus Holdings S.à.r.l., a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (the Company), EverArc acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA, a public company limited by shares (société anonyme) to be incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to have its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to be registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) (Holdco), and EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, relating to the proposed business combination between the Company and EverArc. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms are used herein as defined in the BCA.
In order to (i) induce the Company, Holdco and EverArc to enter into the BCA and to proceed with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the BCA, (ii) induce Holdco to issue to you equity incentives pursuant to the equity incentive plan to be adopted by Holdco pursuant to Section 8.03(b) of the BCA and (iii) protect and preserve the legitimate business interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company and the goodwill to be developed by the Company in its business, the Restricted Party hereby agrees with EverArc, Holdco and the Company as follows:
1. Severance in Employment Agreement; Management Equity Plan. To the extent Holdco, EverArc or the Company shall enter into an employment agreement with the Restricted Party, Holdco and EverArc agree that such employment agreement shall include a severance period of not less than twelve (12) months of base salary (as defined in such employment agreement) if the Restricted Party shall be terminated without cause or shall terminate his employment for good reason (as each term may be defined in such employment agreement).
2. Covenant Not to Compete. Commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date (the Restricted Period), the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, anywhere in the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly, engage in any Competitive Activities. The Restricted Territory shall mean anywhere in the world where the Company (directly or through any Company Subsidiary) conducts its Business (as defined below) as of the Closing Date. The Restricted Party acknowledges that the Company conducted its Business throughout the Restricted Territory and the Restricted Party provided services to the Company throughout the Territory. The Restricted Party shall be deemed to be engaged in Competitive Activities if such Restricted Party or any of his affiliates (i) serves as a shareholder, owner, officer, director, member, manager, trustee or partner of, or consults with, advises or assists in any way, whether or not for consideration, any corporation, partnership, firm, proprietorship or other business organization that engages in any Competitive Activity (a Competitor) or (ii) endorses the services of any such Competitor, solicits customers, provides or otherwise serves as an intermediary for any such Competitor or loans money or renders any other form of financial assistance to any such Competitor. In the event a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the provisions of this Section 2 are excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope or activity, it is expressly agreed that this Section 2 shall be construed so that the remaining provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect, and any such overbroad provisions shall be deemed, without further action on the part of any Person, to be modified, amended and/or limited, but only to the extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable in such jurisdiction. For purposes of this Letter Agreement, the term (i) Business means the business and operations conducted and operated by the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries prior to the Closing Date, consisting of serving as a global solutions provider for the fire safety and oil additives industries and (ii) Competitive Activities as used herein means any activity or service that competes with the Business; provided, however, the term Competitive Activities shall not include the passive ownership of securities of entities which are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the national over-the-counter market in an amount which shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of any such entity.
3. Non-Solicitation and No Hire. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall cause each of his affiliates not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit or transact any business with, or assist any third party in soliciting or transacting any business with, any Persons who are, or were in the past twenty-four (24) months, customers or suppliers of the Business; (ii) cause any customers or suppliers of the Company or any Company Subsidiary referred to in clause (i) to cease doing business with or to terminate its business relationship with the Companys Business; or (iii) solicit for employment or hire any employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, unless such employees employment has been terminated by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, as the case may be, at least six (6) months before any such solicitation or hiring.
4. Covenant of Confidentiality. During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party shall not, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause his affiliates not to, except as explicitly permitted under any other written agreement duly signed by EverArc and such Restricted Party, use for any purpose or disclose to any Person any Confidential Information; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit such Restricted Party from using or disclosing any such Confidential Information which: (x) at the time of its use or disclosure is through no fault of the Restricted Partys part of the public domain by publication or otherwise; (y) is required to be
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disclosed by such Restricted Party pursuant to applicable Law or court order, in which case, such Restricted Party shall give written notice to EverArc prior to any such disclosure; or (z) is made available from a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligations owed by such third party to
5. Equitable Relief for Violations. The Restricted Party agrees that the provisions and restrictions contained in this Letter Agreement are necessary to protect the legitimate continuing interests of EverArc, Holdco and the Company, and that any violation or breach of these provisions will result in irreparable injury to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for which monetary damages or any other remedy at law would be inadequate and that, in addition to any relief at law which may be available to EverArc, Holdco and the Company for such violation or breach, EverArc, Holdco and the Company shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief and such other equitable relief as a court may grant.
6. Indemnity. The Restricted Party shall indemnify EverArc, Holdco and the Company and their affiliates against all losses, damages, injuries, liabilities and direct claims that they may suffer, sustain or incur or become subject to arising out of, based upon or in connection with any material violation or breach of this Letter Agreement due to a Restricted Partys gross negligence or willful misconduct.
7. Termination. This Letter Agreement and the obligations of the Restricted Party under this Letter Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the termination of the BCA in accordance with its terms. Upon termination, no party shall have any further obligations or liabilities under this Letter Agreement.
8. Entire Agreement. This Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Letter Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of Law or otherwise).
9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Letter Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Letter Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Letter Agreement; provided, that the Company and its subsidiaries shall be express third party beneficiaries of this Letter Agreement (with a right to directly enforce this Letter Agreement) from and after the Closing Date.
10. Governing Law; Arbitration. This Letter Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State. Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Letter Agreement, any dispute arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with, this Letter Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination, and any tort or other extra-contractual or statutory claims arising out of or relating to its negotiation, execution or performance, shall be exclusively and finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ICC Rules); provided, that nothing in this Section 10
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shall prohibit a party from instituting litigation to enforce any final award in any court of competent jurisdiction. The seat of the arbitration shall be in New York, New York. The language of the arbitration shall be English. The parties undertake to carry out any award of the tribunal without delay, and waive their right to refer any question of law and any right of appeal on the law or merits to a court of law or other judicial authority, insofar as such waiver may be validly made. The parties agree that an arbitral tribunal appointed under this Letter Agreement may exercise jurisdiction with respect to both this Letter Agreement and any of the exhibits or schedules hereto (except as otherwise expressly provided therein), and that any disputes involving more than one of such agreements, exhibits or schedules shall proceed as a consolidated arbitration in accordance with Article 10 of the ICC Rules. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Section 10 shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and, if the arbitrator determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the arbitrator may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and attorneys fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration and the enforcement of its rights under this Letter Agreement.
11. Counterparts. This Letter Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
12. No Amendments. This Letter Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties.
13. No Assignment. No party may assign or delegate this Letter Agreement or any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the prior written approval of the other parties.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED |
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By: |
|
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Name: Nicholas Howley | ||
Title: Director |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA (Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA which in process of incorporation) |
||
By: |
|
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Name: Nicholas Howley | ||
Title: Director |
Acknowledged and Agreed: |
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Stephen Cornwall |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Stephen Cornwall)]
EVERARC HOLDINGS LIMITED |
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By: |
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Name: | ||
Title |
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS SA (Represented by EverArc Holdings Limited, acting as sole founding shareholder and in the name and on behalf of Perimeter Solutions SA which in process of incorporation) |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title |
Acknowledged and Agreed: |
|
Stephen Cornwall |
[Signature Page to Non-Compete Letter Agreement (Stephen Cornwall)]
Exhibit 10.14
PERIMETER SOLUTIONS S.A.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. |
Purpose and Duration |
1.1 Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to promote the interests of the Company and its stockholders by: (i) providing a means for the Company and its Affiliates to attract and retain employees, officers, consultants, advisors, and directors who will contribute to the Companys long-term growth and success; and (ii) providing such individuals with incentives that will align the interests of such individuals with those of the stockholders of the Company. Incentives available under this Plan include Nonqualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares, Performance Share Units, and Other Awards.
1.2 Duration. The Plan shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect, subject to the right of the Board of Directors to amend or terminate the Plan at any time pursuant to Section 13, until all Shares subject to the Plan shall have been issued according to the Plans provisions. However, in no event may an Award be granted under the Plan on or after the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date (but unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, any Award granted prior to the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date may extend beyond such date, and the authority of the Committee to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue or terminate any such Award, or to waive any conditions or rights under any such Award, and the authority of the Board to amend the Plan with respect to such Award, shall extend beyond such date).
2. |
Definitions |
The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
2.1 Acquired Organization means an entity that was acquired by the Company through a merger, consolidation, combination, exchange of shares, acquisition or other business transaction.
2.2 Acquired Plan means the incentive plan established by an Acquired Organization or any awards outstanding thereunder.
2.3 Affiliate means a corporation or other entity that, directly or through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Company.
2.4 Articles of Association means the articles of association of the Company, as amended or restated.
2.5 Award means, individually or collectively, a grant under this Plan of Nonqualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares, Performance Share Units, or Other Awards.
2.6 Award Agreement means any written agreement, contract, certificate or other instrument or document, which may be in electronic format, evidencing the terms and conditions of an Award granted under the Plan.
2.7 Beneficial Owner or Beneficial Ownership shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 of the Exchange Act.
2.8 Beneficiary means a person named by a Participant who is entitled to receive payments or other benefits or exercise rights that are available under the Plan in the event of such Participants death. If no such person is named by a Participant, or if no Beneficiary designated by such Participant is eligible to receive payments or other benefits or exercise rights that are available under the Plan at such Participants death, such Participants Beneficiary shall be such Participants estate.
2.9 Board or Board of Directors means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.10 Cause means:
(i) If the Participant is a party to a written employment, service or other agreement with the Company or its Affiliates and such agreement provides for a definition of Cause, the definition contained therein; or
(ii) In the absence of any employment agreement between a Participant and the Employer otherwise defining Cause, (i) acts of personal dishonesty, gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of a Participant in the course of his or her employment or services; (ii) a Participants engagement in conduct that results, or could be reasonably expected to result, in material injury to the reputation or business of the Company or its Affiliates; (iii) misappropriation by a Participant of the assets or business opportunities of the Company or its Affiliates; (iv) embezzlement or fraud committed by a Participant, at his or her direction, or with his or her personal knowledge; (v) a Participants conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction of, or pleading guilty or no contest to, (x) a felony, or (y) any other criminal charge (other than minor traffic violations) that has, or could be reasonably expected to have, an adverse impact on the performance of the Participants duties to the Company or its Affiliates; or (vi) failure by a Participant to follow the lawful directions of a superior officer or the Board. Unless an applicable employment agreement otherwise provides, the Committee, in its absolute discretion, will determine the effect of all matters on questions relating to whether a Participant has been discharged for Cause.
2.11 Change in Control of the Company shall mean the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:
(i) any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner (except that a Person shall be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of all shares that any such Person has the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement or arrangement or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options or otherwise, without regard to the sixty (60) day period referred to in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company, representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of such entitys then outstanding securities;
(ii) during any twelve (12) month period, a majority of the members of the Board is replaced by individuals who were not members of the Board at the beginning of such twelve (12) month period and whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Companys shareholders was not approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of such twelve (12) month period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved;
(iii) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving or resulting entity) fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the surviving or resulting entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or
(iv) the consummation of a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, other than such a sale or disposition that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the acquiring entity outstanding immediately after such a sale or disposition.
2.12 Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. Any reference to a section of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any regulations promulgated thereunder.
2.13 Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee as may be designated by the Board to administer the Plan. If the Committee does not exist or cannot function for any reason or if the Board withdraws the Committees authority to administer the Plan, references to the Committee shall mean the Board or such other committee of the Board as designated by the Board.
2.14 Common Stock means the ordinary shares of the Company with a nominal value of $1 per share, fully paid-up, or any security issued by the Company in substitution or exchange therefor or in lieu thereof.
2.15 Company means Perimeter Solutions SA, a public company limited by shares duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg having its registered office at 12E, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg (Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register) under number B 256.548, and any successor thereto.
2.16 Continuous Service means the absence of any interruption or termination of service as an Employee, Director or Key Person. Continuous Service Status shall not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) a statutory leave of absence or a sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided that such leave is for a
period of not more than ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time; or (iv) in the case of transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Affiliates or their respective successors. A change in the capacity in which the Participant renders services to the Company, its Affiliates or their respective successors as an Employee, Director or Key Person will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service Status.
2.17 Deed of Incorporation means the deed of incorporation of the Company enacted on 21 June 2021 before Maître Danielle Kolbach, notary residing in Junglinster, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
2.18 Director means a member of the Board.
2.19 Disability means:
(i) If the Participant is a party to a written employment or service agreement with the Company or its Affiliates and such agreement provides for a definition of Disability, the definition contained therein;
(ii) If no written employment or service agreement exists, or if such employment or service agreement does not define Disability, the definition contained in the Award Agreement; or
(iii) If no definition is provided by application of clauses (i) and (ii) of this section, then Participants physical or mental incapacity that renders him or her unable, with or without accommodation, for a period of 90 (ninety) consecutive days or an aggregate of one hundred and twenty (120) days in any three hundred and sixty-five (365) consecutive calendar day period to perform his or her duties to the Company or any Affiliate.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Incentive Stock Option, Disability shall mean permanent and total disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. To the extent the vesting or payment of any Award hereunder is accelerated by reason of a Participants Disability, no such acceleration shall occur until the Participant experiences a Separation from Service.
2.20 Effective Date shall mean [________, 2021].
2.21 Employee means any person employed by the Company or any Affiliate, with the status of employment determined based upon such factors as are deemed appropriate by the Committee in its discretion, subject to any requirements of the Code or applicable laws.
2.22 Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and the rules, regulations and guidance thereunder, or any successor act thereto.
2.23 Fair Market Value means, as of any date, the value of a Share, which shall be an amount equal to the closing price of a Share on such date (or, if there is no reported sale on such date, on the last preceding date on which any reported sale occurred) on the principal stock market or exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the Shares are quoted or traded. If Shares are not so quoted or traded, fair market value as determined by the Committee, and with respect to any property other than Shares, the fair market value of such property determined by such methods or procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Committee.
2.24 409A Guidance means the regulations and other guidance issued under Section 409A of the Code.
2.25 Incentive Stock Option or ISO means an option to purchase Shares granted under Section 6, which is intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.
2.26 Insider means an individual who is, on the relevant date, subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act due to his or her status with the Company.
2.27 Key Person means a consultant or advisor other than an Employee or Director who is a natural person and provides bona fide services to the Company or a Subsidiary or an Affiliate (other than services in connection with the offer and sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, or that directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market in the Companys securities).
2.28 Nonqualified Stock Option or NQSO means an option to purchase Shares granted under Section 6 and which is not intended to be treated as an ISO under Section 422 of the Code.
2.29 Other Award means a cash-based or stock-based award grant made pursuant to Section 10.
2.30 Option means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option, as described in Section 6.
2.31 Option Price means the price to be paid by a Participant and at which a Share may be issued by the Company to a Participant upon the exercise of an Option.
2.32 Participant means an Employee, Director or Key Person who is eligible to receive an Award or who has an outstanding Award granted under the Plan.
2.33 Performance Share shall mean Shares awarded to a participant, subject to performance vesting goals or other vesting criteria as the Committee may determine pursuant to Section 9.
2.34 Performance Share Unit means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Committee may determine and which may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing pursuant to Section 9.
2.35 Performance Period means one or more periods of time, as the Committee may select, over which the attainment of one or more performance goals will be measured for the purpose of
determining a Participants right to and payment of a Performance Share Unit or Performance Share.
2.36 Person shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a group as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.
2.37 Plan means this 2021 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company
2.38 Restricted Stock means a Shares awarded to a Participant pursuant to Section 8 herein.
2.39 Restricted Stock Unit or RSU means an unsecured and unfunded promise to deliver a Share in the future pursuant to Section 8 herein, the terms and conditions of which shall be specified in the related Award Agreement.
2.40 Separation from Service means a termination of the employment or other service relationship between the Participant and the Company meeting the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code.
2.41 Share Reserve shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.1.
2.42 Shares means shares of the Common Stock.
2.43 Stock Appreciation Right or SAR means an Award, granted alone and designated as a SAR, pursuant to the terms of Section 7.
2.44 Subsidiary means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, or other entity in which the Company either directly or indirectly controls at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting interest or owns at least fifty percent (50%) of the value or capital or profits interest.
2.45 Substitute Award means an Award granted in assumption of, or in substitution for, an outstanding award previously granted by an Acquired Organization.
2.46 Successor Corporation shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 12.1.
3. |
Eligibility and Participation |
3.1 Eligibility. Persons eligible to participate in this Plan include:
(i) All Employees, Directors and Key Persons of the Company or an Affiliate.
(ii) Holders of equity-based awards granted by an Acquired Organization are eligible for grants of Substitute Awards under the Plan to the extent permitted under applicable listing standards of any stock market or exchange on which the Shares are listed. Subject to such applicable listing standards, the terms and conditions of such Substitute Awards shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
3.2 Participation.
(i) Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee may from time to time select from all eligible Employees, Directors and Key Persons, those to whom Awards shall be granted and shall determine the nature and amount of each Award, and Awards may be granted to Participants at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Committee, including in connection with any other compensation program established by the Company.
(ii) Eligibility for participation in this Plan is not a guaranty or grant of a right to be selected to receive an Award, and being selected to receive an Award is not a representation or guaranty of being selected to receive any additional Awards. Selection is at the sole discretion of the Committee.
4. |
Administration |
4.1 General. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee.
4.2 Authority of the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, the Committee (or, to the extent permitted hereby, its delegate) shall have full power and authority to:
(i) designate Participants;
(ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to each Participant under the Plan;
(iii) determine the number of Shares to be covered by (or with respect to which payments, rights or other matters are to be calculated in connection with) Awards;
(iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award;
(v) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Shares, other Awards, other property, net settlement, or any combination thereof, or canceled, forfeited or suspended, and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited or suspended;
(vi) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances a tax withholding obligation may be satisfied in cash, Shares, other Awards, or other property;
(vii) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other Awards, other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under the Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder thereof or of the Committee;
(viii) interpret, administer and reconcile any inconsistency in, correct any defect in and/or supply any omission in the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award made under, the Plan;
(ix) establish, amend, suspend or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; and
(x) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.
4.3 Delegation. The Committee may delegate its power, authority and duties as identified herein to a subcommittee, except (i) for the power and authority to grant Awards to Insiders (unless the delegation is to a subcommittee that complies with the exemption requirements of Rule 16b-3, as such regulations may be amended from time to time or any successors thereto) and (ii) as otherwise prohibited by law. In addition to the delegation authority provided by the previous sentence, to the extent permitted by applicable law or rule of the applicable stock market or exchange on which the Shares are listed, the Committee may delegate to one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant Options, SARs, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units to Participants that are not Insiders.
4.4 Decisions Binding. All determinations and decisions made by the Board, the Committee or the Committees delegate pursuant to the provisions of the Plan and all related orders and resolutions of the Board, the Committee or the Committees delegate shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company, its stockholders, Employees, Directors, Key Persons and their estates and beneficiaries.
4.5 Committee Composition. Any grant by the Committee to an Insider shall require the approval of (i) a Committee that is composed solely of two (2) or more members who are non-employee directors within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or (ii) the full Board. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of the Committee who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the Committee.
5. |
Shares Subject to the Plan and Maximum Awards |
5.1 Number of Shares Available for Grants. Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 5.2, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be granted pursuant to Awards shall not exceed 32,000,000 Shares (the Share Reserve). All Shares are authorized for issuance under the Plan and may be used for any type of Award under the Plan, and any or all of the Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan shall be available for issuance pursuant to the ISOs.
The Share Reserve shall not be reduced for Substitute Awards. Any shares of stock of an Acquired Organization available for future awards under an Acquired Plan (as adjusted and converted into Shares in accordance with the terms of the business transaction) shall be added to the number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan, subject to applicable stockholder approval and stock exchange requirements, unless the terms of the business transaction require such Acquired Plan to be maintained as a separate plan following the completion of the business transaction.
5.2 Adjustments in Authorized Shares. If the Company effects a subdivision or consolidation of Shares or other capital adjustment, the number and class of Shares which may be delivered under Section 5.1, the number and class of and/or price of Shares subject to outstanding Awards granted under the Plan, and the Award limits set forth in Sections 5.2, shall be adjusted in the same manner and to the same extent as all other Shares. If there are material changes in the capital structure of the Company resulting from: (i) the payment of a special dividend (other than regular quarterly dividends) or other distributions to stockholders without receiving consideration therefore; (ii) the spin-off of a Subsidiary; (iii) the sale of a substantial portion of the Companys assets; (iv) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving entity; or (v) other extraordinary non-recurring events affecting the Companys capital structure and the value of Shares, the Committee shall make equitable adjustments in the number and class of Shares which may be delivered under Section 5.1, the number and class of and/or price of Shares subject to outstanding Awards granted under the Plan, and the Award limits set forth in Sections 5.2, to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the rights of Award recipients. Following any such adjustment, the number of Shares subject to any Award shall always be a whole number. No adjustment shall be made to an Option or SAR to the extent that it causes such Option or SAR to provide for a deferral of compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code and the 409A Guidance.
5.3 Increase to Share Reserve. If any Shares subject to an Award are forfeited before vesting or any Award otherwise expires, terminates or is cash-settled or cancelled without the issuance of such Shares to a Participant, such Shares, to the extent of any such forfeiture, expiration, termination, cash-settlement or cancellation, shall again be available for grant under the Plan and be added to the Share Reserve.
Shares withheld by the Company under an Award shall be deemed to have not been delivered to the Participant and shall be added to the Share Reserve.
5.4 Character of Shares. Any Shares issued hereunder may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased in the open market or otherwise.
5.5 Maximum Awards for Directors. The maximum aggregate number of Shares subject to Awards granted during a single fiscal year to any Director who is not an Employee, taken together with any cash fees paid to such Director during such fiscal year, shall not exceed $1,000,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such Awards based on the grant date Fair Market Value of such Awards for financial reporting purposes), in each case for service as a Director and not as a bona fide consultant or advisor to the Company.
5.6 Conflict of Interest. Where a member of the Committee has a direct or indirect financial interest conflicting with that of the Company (the Conflicting Committee Member) in either (i) the issuance of Awards to such Conflicting Committee Member or (ii) the issuance of Shares to such Conflicting Committee Member further to an Option exercise, the Conflicting Committee Member must advise the Committee thereof and cause a record of her/his statement to be included in the minutes of the meeting and she/he may not take part in these deliberations. The provisions of article 441-12 of the Luxembourg law of 10 August 1915 on commercial companies as amended shall apply.
6. |
Options |
6.1 Grant of Options. Options may be granted to Participants in such number, upon such terms, and at such times as determined by the Committee; provided, however, that ISOs may be granted only to Participants who are Employees of the Company or a Subsidiary that is a subsidiary of the Company within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code. ISOs shall not be granted to any person who owns or is deemed to own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any of its Affiliates, unless the exercise price of the option is at least one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share at the grant date and the option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the grant date. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Shares with respect to which ISOs are exercisable for the first time by any Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its Affiliates) exceeds $100,000, the Options or portions thereof which exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as NQSOs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to any Participant or any other person if an Option designated as an ISO fails to qualify as such at any time or if an Option is determined to constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the terms of such Option do not satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
6.2 Award Agreement. Options granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which shall specify whether the Option is intended to be an ISO or a NQSO.
6.3 Option Price. Except with respect to an Option that is a Substitute Award, the Option Price for each Option shall be at least equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date as of which the Option is granted (or, in the case of an ISO, granted to a person identified in Section 6.1 above, one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share). Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ISO may be granted with a lower Option Price if such ISO is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code, and a NQSO may be granted with a lower Option Price if such NQSO is a Substitute Award granted in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(5)(v)(D).
6.4 Duration of Options. Each Option shall expire at such time as the Committee shall determine at the time of grant; provided, however, that no Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of the ten (10) year period beginning on the date of its grant. If determined by the Committee in its discretion, on such terms and conditions and under such circumstances as the Committee shall establish, which may be applied differently among Participants or Awards, Options will be deemed exercised by the Participant (or in the event of the death of or authorized transfer by the Participant, by the Beneficiary or transferee) on the expiration date of the Option using a net share settlement (or net settlement) method of exercise to the extent that as of such expiration date the Option is vested and exercisable and the per share exercise price of the Option is below the Fair Market Value of a Share on such expiration date.
6.5 Vesting and Exercisability of Options. Options shall become vested and exercisable in such manner, on such date or dates, or upon the achievement of performance goals or other vesting provisions, and be subject to such other restrictions and conditions, in each case, as may be determined by the Committee, which need not be the same for each grant or for each Participant, and set forth in the Award Agreement.
6.6 Exercise of Options. Options may be exercised upon whatever terms and conditions the Committee, in its sole discretion, imposes upon them.
6.7 Payment. Unless otherwise provided under the terms of an Award Agreement, or as otherwise determined by the Committee, the Option Price shall be payable to the Company in full at the Participants option, either: (i) in cash or its equivalent, (ii) by tendering previously acquired Shares having an aggregate value at the time of exercise equal to the total Option Price, (iii) through a reduction in the number of Shares received through the exercise of the Option (net share settlement), or (iv) by a combination of (i), (ii) and (iii). Subject to any governing rules or regulations, as soon as practicable after receipt of notification of exercise and full payment, the Company shall issue the Shares in an appropriate amount based upon the number of Shares to be issued to the Participant under the Option(s).
In the event that a Participant chooses option (ii) above and unless otherwise specifically provided in the Award Agreement, the Participant shall tender only Shares that have been held for more than six months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a change to earnings for financial accounting purposes).
7. |
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) |
7.1 Grant of SARs. SARs may be granted to Participants in such number, upon such terms and at such times as determined by the Committee, it being noted that section 5.6 of the Plan shall apply to such grant in any case. A SAR granted in connection with an Option shall become exercisable, be transferable and shall expire according to the same vesting schedule, transferability rules and expiration provisions as the corresponding Option. A SAR granted independent of an Option shall become exercisable, be transferable and shall expire in accordance with a vesting schedule, transferability rules and expiration provisions as established by the Committee and reflected in an Award Agreement. Except with respect to an SAR that is a Substitute Award and is granted in a manner that satisfies Section 409A of the Code and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(5)(v)(D), the grant price of a SAR shall be at least equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of the SAR
7.2 Vesting and Exercisability of SARs. SARs shall become vested and exercisable at such times and conditions and be subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Committee shall in each instance approve, which need not be the same for each grant or for each Participant, as set forth in the Award Agreement.
7.3 Exercise of SARs. SARs may be exercised upon whatever terms and conditions the Committee, in its sole discretion, imposes upon them, it being noted that section 5.6 of the Plan shall apply to such exercise in any case.
7.4 Duration of SARs. The term of a SAR shall be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion; provided, however, that such term shall not exceed ten (10) years. If determined by the Committee in its discretion, on such terms and conditions and under such circumstances as the Committee shall establish, which may be applied differently among Participants or Awards, SARs will be deemed exercised by the Participant (or in the event of the death of or authorized transfer by the Participant by the Beneficiary or transferee) on the expiration date of the SAR to the extent that as of such expiration date the SAR is vested and exercisable and the per share grant price of the SAR is below the Fair Market Value of a Share on such expiration date.
7.5 Payment of SAR Amount. Upon exercise of a SAR, a Participant shall be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying the difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the grant price, by the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised.
At the discretion of the Committee, the payment upon exercise of a SAR may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof. The Committees determination regarding the form of payout shall be set forth in the Award Agreement pertaining to the grant of the SAR.
8. |
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) |
8.1 Grant of Restricted Stock or RSUs. Restricted Stock or RSUs may be granted to Participants in such amounts, upon such terms and at such times as determined by the Committee, it being noted that section 5.6 of the Plan shall apply to such grant in any case.
8.2 Restrictions. The Committee shall impose conditions and/or restrictions on Restricted Stock or RSUs as it may deem advisable including, without limitation, time-based restrictions and/or restrictions based upon the achievement of other specific goals or circumstances. Restricted Stock or RSUs shall be forfeited to the extent that a Participant fails to satisfy the applicable conditions and/or restrictions. All such conditions and/or restrictions shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
Any share of Restricted Stock granted under the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee may deem appropriate, including book-entry registration or issuance of a stock certificate or certificates. In the event any stock certificate is issued in respect of shares of Restricted Stock granted under the Plan, such certificate shall be registered in the name of such Participant and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock. The Company may retain possession of Shares of Restricted Stock until such time as all conditions and/or restrictions applicable to such Shares have been satisfied.
8.3 Lapse of Restrictions, Payment of Restricted Stock or RSUs. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or as required by applicable law, Shares of Restricted Stock shall become freely transferable by the Participant as soon as practicable after all applicable conditions and/or restrictions have been satisfied. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or as required by applicable law, RSUs shall be settled as soon as practicable after all applicable conditions and/or restrictions with respect to such RSUs have been satisfied, in the form of cash or in Shares (or in a combination thereof) as determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. If a cash payment is made in lieu of delivering Shares, the amount of such payment shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date on which all applicable conditions and/or restrictions have been satisfied.
9. |
Performance Shares and Performance Share Units |
9.1 Grant of Performance Shares/Performance Share Units. Performance Shares and Performance Share Units may be granted to Participants in such amounts, upon such terms and at such times as determined by the Committee, it being noted that section 5.6 of the Plan shall apply to such grant in any case.
9.2 Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Committee will set performance objectives or other vesting provisions in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Shares or Performance Share Units that will be paid out to the Participants. Performance Share Units may be denominated as a cash amount, a number of Shares, a number of units referencing a cash amount, a number of Shares or other property, or a combination thereof. The time period during which the performance objectives or other vesting provisions must be met will be called the Performance Period. Each Award of Performance Shares or Performance Share Units will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Committee will determine. The Committee may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals, applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Committee in its discretion. After the grant of Performance Shares or Performance Share Units, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Shares or Performance Share Units. Any Performance Shares granted under the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee may deem appropriate, including book-entry registration or issuance of a stock certificate or certificates. In the event any stock certificate is issued in respect of the Performance Shares granted under the Plan, such certificate shall be registered in the name of such Participant and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to such Performance Shares. The Company may retain possession of Performance Shares until such time as all conditions and/or restrictions applicable to such Performance Shares have been satisfied.
9.3 Lapse of Restrictions, Payment of Performance Shares/Performance Share Units. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or as required by applicable law, Performance Shares shall become freely transferable by the Participant as soon as practicable after all applicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period and a determination has been made by the Committee as to the extent to which the performance conditions and/or restrictions have been satisfied. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or as required by applicable law, payment of earned Performance Share Units will be made as soon as practicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period and a determination is made by the Committee as to the extent to which the Performance Share Units have been earned. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Share Units in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Share Units at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.
10. |
Other Awards |
The Committee may grant to Participants Other Awards that are denominated in cash or Shares or valued in whole or in part by reference to or are otherwise based upon Shares, either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under this Plan. Other Awards may be settled in Shares, cash or any other form of property, as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. Other Awards may be granted for past services, in lieu of bonus or other cash compensation, as directors compensation or for any other valid purpose as determined by the Committee. Subject to this Plan, the Committee shall have sole and complete authority to determine the Employees, Directors and Key Persons to whom and the time or times at which Other Awards shall be made, the number of Shares to be granted pursuant to such Other Awards and all other terms and conditions of Other Awards, including whether such Other Awards are made with or without vesting requirements or require payment of a specified purchase price. Other Awards shall be subject to such other terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem advisable or appropriate, consistent with this Plan as herein set forth.
11. |
Provisions Applicable to All Awards |
11.1 Award Agreement. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, each Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Such Award Agreement shall specify the terms of the Award, including without limitation, the type of the Award, the Option Price or grant price, if any, the number of Shares subject to the Award, the duration of the Award and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine.
11.2 Continuous Service/Death/Disability. Each Award Agreement shall set forth the governing terms and conditions in the event of the Participants death, Disability, and any interruption or termination of Participants Continuous Service.
11.3 Transferability of Awards. Except as otherwise provided otherwise in the Award Agreement, Awards may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order (as defined in the Code or the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended), and such Award may be exercised during the life of the Participant only by the Participant or the Participants guardian or legal representative.
11.4 Restrictive Legends. All certificates for Shares and/or other securities delivered under the Plan pursuant to any Award or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock market or exchange upon which such Shares or other securities are then quoted, traded or listed, and any applicable securities laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
11.5 No Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. The Committee shall determine whether cash, additional Awards or other securities or property shall be issued or paid in lieu of fractional Shares or whether any fractional shares should be rounded, up or down, forfeited or otherwise eliminated.
12. |
Change in Control |
12.1 Effect of Change in Control. The Committee may (but shall not be required to) provide for accelerated vesting of an Award upon, or as a result of specified events following, a Change in Control, either in an Award Agreement or in connection with the Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control, the Committee may, among other alternatives, cause any Award:
(i) to be canceled in consideration of a payment in cash or other consideration to such Participant who holds such Award in an amount per share equal to the excess, if any, of the price or implied price per Share in a Change in Control over the per Share exercise or purchase price of such Award, which shall be paid immediately upon such cancellation and, if the price or implied price per Share in a Change in Control is equal to or less than the per Share exercise or purchase price of such Award, the Award may be canceled for no consideration; or
(ii) to be assumed or a substantially equivalent Award shall be substituted by the successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation (the Successor Corporation), unless the Successor Corporation does not agree to assume the award or to substitute an equivalent option or right (or agree to cashout the Award as provided in clause (i)), in which case such Award shall become fully vested immediately prior to the Change of Control and shall thereafter terminate. An Award shall be considered assumed, without limitation, if, at the time of issuance of the stock or other consideration upon a Change in Control, as the case may be, each holder of an Award would be entitled to receive upon exercise of the award the same number and kind of shares of stock or the same amount of property, cash or securities as such holder would have been entitled to receive upon the occurrence of the transaction if the holder had been, immediately prior to such transaction, the holder of the number of Shares covered by the award at such time; provided that if the consideration to be received in the transaction is not solely common stock of the Successor Corporation, the Committee may, with the consent of the Successor Corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon exercise of the assumed award to be solely common stock of the Successor Corporation. A transfer among the Successor Corporation and its affiliates shall not be deemed a termination of Participants Continuous Service.
12.2 Termination, Amendment and Modification of Change in Control Provisions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan or any Award Agreement provision to the contrary, the provisions of this Section 12 may not be terminated, amended, or modified on or after the date of a Change in Control to affect adversely any Award granted under the Plan prior to the Change in Control without the prior written consent of the Participant to whom the Award was made; except that no action shall be permitted under this Section 12.2 that would impermissibly accelerate or postpone payment of an Award subject to Section 409A of the Code and the 409A Guidance.
13. |
Amendment, Modification and Termination |
13.1 Amendment, Modification and Termination. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Board may at any time and from time to time, alter, amend, suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part; provided that without the prior approval of the Companys stockholders, no material amendment shall be made if stockholder approval is required by law, regulation or applicable listing requirement of any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is then listed; provided, further that notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement, no such alteration, amendment, suspension or termination shall be made without the approval of the stockholders of the Company if the alteration, amendment, suspension or termination would increase the number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan, except as provided in Section 5.
13.2 Awards Previously Granted. No termination, amendment, or modification of the Plan shall adversely affect in any material way any Award previously granted under the Plan, without the prior written consent of the Participant to whom the Award was made. The Committee may amend any Award previously granted without the prior written consent of the Participant if such amendment does not adversely affect the Award in any material way and may amend any Award previously granted with the written consent of the Participant.
Other than pursuant to Section 5.2, the Committee shall not without the approval of the Companys stockholders (i) lower the exercise or grant price per Share of an Option or SAR after it is granted, (ii) cancel an Option or SAR when the exercise or grant price per Share exceeds the Fair Market Value of one Share in exchange for cash or another Award (other than in connection with a Change in Control as defined in Section 2.10), or (iii) take any other action with respect to an Option that would be treated as a repricing under the rules and regulations of any stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed.
14. |
Withholding |
Unless the Participant elects to and satisfies such obligations otherwise, the Company shall make all payments or distributions pursuant to the Plan to a Participant net of any applicable federal, state and local taxes required to be paid or withheld as a result of (a) the grant of any Award, (b) the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, (c) the delivery of Shares or cash, (d) the lapse of any restrictions in connection with any Award or (e) any other event occurring pursuant to the Plan. The Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate shall have the right to withhold from wages or other amounts otherwise payable to a Participant such withholding taxes as may be required by law, or to otherwise require the Participant to pay such withholding taxes.
If the Participant shall fail to make such tax payments as are required, the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to such Participant or to take such other action as may be necessary to satisfy such withholding obligations. The Committee shall be authorized to establish procedures for election by Participants of methods to satisfy such tax payment obligations.
15. |
Indemnification |
Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee, or of the Board, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company (to the extent permissible under applicable law) against and from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with or resulting from any bona fide claim, action, suit, or proceeding against such person or against the Company and in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act by him or her under the Plan in his or her capacity as a member of the Committee or of the Board and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement thereof, with the Companys approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her, provided he or she shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Companys Articles of Association, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.
16. |
Waiver of Jury Trial |
BY ACCEPTING AN AWARD UNDER THE PLAN, EACH PARTICIPANT WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM CONCERNING ANY RIGHTS UNDER THE PLAN AND ANY AWARD, OR UNDER ANY AMENDMENT, WAIVER, CONSENT, INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT OR OTHER AGREEMENT DELIVERED OR WHICH IN THE FUTURE MAY BE DELIVERED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH ACTION, PROCEEDINGS OR COUNTERCLAIM SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A COURT AND NOT BEFORE A JURY. BY ACCEPTING AN AWARD UNDER THE PLAN, EACH PARTICIPANT CERTIFIES THAT NO OFFICER, REPRESENTATIVE OR ATTORNEY OF THE COMPANY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT THE COMPANY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVERS.
17. |
Miscellaneous |
17.1 Number. Except where otherwise indicated by the context, the plural shall include the singular and the singular shall include the plural.
17.2 Severability. In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.
17.3 Requirements of Law. The granting of Awards and the issuance of Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required. In the event that such laws, rules, and/or regulations prohibit the grant of Awards and/or issuance of Shares under the Plan, or if such actions are prohibited by or approvals cannot be obtained from governmental agencies or national securities exchanges, the Company shall be relieved from liability for failure to grant Awards and/or failure to issue and sell Shares upon exercise of an Award.
17.4 Governing Law. The Plan and all Awards will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
17.5 Plan Controls. Unless expressly stated otherwise in the Plan, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of an Award Agreement and the Plan, the Plan shall control, and the conflicting provisions of the Award Agreement shall be null and void ab initio.
17.6 Repayment of Awards; Forfeiture. The Committee hereby reserves the right to seek repayment or recovery of an Award, or the value received pursuant to an Award, as appropriate, notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, under any recovery, recoupment, clawback and/or other forfeiture policy maintained by the Company from time to time. In addition, any Award, or the value received pursuant to an Award is also subject to any applicable law or regulation or the standards of any stock exchange on which the Shares are then listed that provide for any such recovery, recoupment, clawback and/or forfeiture. The Committee may also specify in an Award Agreement that the Participants rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain events, in addition to applicable vesting conditions of an Award. Such events may include, without limitation, breach of non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality or other restrictive covenants that are contained in the Award Agreement or otherwise applicable to the Participant, a termination of the Participants employment for Cause, or other conduct by the Participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company and/or its Affiliates.
17.7 Section 409A Compliance. It is intended that the Awards are either exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the 409A Guidance or will satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the 409A Guidance (in form and operation) so that compensation deferred under an applicable Award (and applicable earnings) shall not be included in income under Section 409A of the Code, and the Plan will be construed to that effect. Notwithstanding anything else in the Plan, if the Board determines a Participant to be one of the Companys specified employees under Section 409A of the Code at the time of such Participants Separation from Service in accordance with the identification date specified in the 409A Guidance and the amount hereunder is deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, then any distribution that otherwise would be made to such Participant with respect to this Award as a result of such termination shall not be made until the date that is six months after such Separation from Service or, if earlier, the date of the death of the Participant.
However, neither the Company nor the Committee shall have any obligation to take any action to prevent the assessment of any excise tax or penalty on any person for any equity award under Section 409A of the Code. If an Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code and the 409A Guidance, the Award Agreement will incorporate and satisfy the written documentation requirement of Section 409A of the Code and the 409A Guidance either directly or by reference to other documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and the Committee shall not have any liability to any Participant for taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code, and the Company and the Committee shall not have any obligation to indemnify any Participant for any taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code.
17.8 Stockholder Rights. Except as provided in the Plan or an Award Agreement, no Participant or Beneficiary shall have any rights as a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to an Award until such Shares are delivered to the Participant or the Beneficiary, and no adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash, securities or other property) or distributions of other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such Shares are delivered. For the avoidance of doubt, an Award Agreement may provide the Participant or Beneficiary with dividend equivalent rights on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Committee.
17.9 No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed or Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Award was granted or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (a) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without Cause or (b) the service of a Director pursuant to the Deed of Incorporation or Articles of Association of the Company or the functional equivalent of any governing documents of an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state or country in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be.
17.10 Sub-plans. The Committee may from time to time establish sub-plans under the Plan for purposes of satisfying blue sky, securities, tax, or other laws of various jurisdictions in which the Company intends to grant Awards. Any sub-plans shall contain such limitations and other terms and conditions as the Committee determines are necessary or desirable. All sub-plans shall be deemed a part of the Plan, but each sub-plan shall apply only to the Participants in the jurisdiction for which the sub-plan was designed.
17.11 Acceleration of Exercisability and Vesting. The Committee, as allowed under applicable law, shall have the power to accelerate the time at which an Award may first be exercised or the time during which an Award or any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan, notwithstanding the provisions in the Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.
17.12 Unfunded Plan. The Plan shall be unfunded. Neither the Company, the Board, nor the Committee shall be required to establish any special or separate fund or to segregate any assets to assure the performance of their obligations under the Plan.
17.13 Disqualifying Dispositions. Any Participant who shall make a disposition under Section 424 of the Code of all or any portion of Shares acquired upon exercise of an ISO within two (2) years from the grant date of such ISO or within one year after the issuance of the Shares acquired upon exercise of such ISO shall be required to immediately advise the Company in writing as to the occurrence of the sale and the price realized upon the sale of such Shares.
17.14 Non-Uniform Treatment. The Committees determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who are eligible to receive, or actually receive, Awards. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall be entitled to make non-uniform and selective determinations, amendments, and adjustments, and to enter into non-uniform and selective Award Agreements.
Exhibit 21.1
Subsidiaries of Perimeter Solutions, SA
Subsidiary | Jurisdiction | |||
EverArc (BVI) Merger Sub Limited | British Virgin Islands |
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Perimeter Solutions S. À
Grandy Duchy of Luxembourg
We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting a part of this Registration Statement of our report dated September 1, 2021, relating to the financial statement of Perimeter Solutions, S. À, which is contained in that Prospectus.
We also consent to the reference to us under the caption Experts in the Prospectus.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Houston, Texas
October 7, 2021
Exhibit 23.2
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
SK Invictus Intermediate, S. À R.L.
Clayton, Missouri
We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting a part of this Registration Statement of our report dated September 1, 2021, relating to the consolidated financial statements of SK Invictus Intermediate, S. À R.L., which is contained in that Prospectus.
We also consent to the reference to us under the caption Experts in the Prospectus.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP |
Houston, Texas |
October 7, 2021 |
Exhibit 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We have issued our report dated September 1, 2021, with respect to the financial statements of Everarc Holdings Limited contained in this Registration Statement and Prospectus of Perimeter Solutions, SA. We consent to the use of the aforementioned report in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption Experts.
GRANT THORNTON UK LLP
London, United Kingdom
October 7, 2021