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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 27, 2022

 

 

System1, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-39331   98-1531250
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

4235 Redwood Avenue

Marina Del Rey, California

  90066
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(310) 924-6037

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Trebia Acquisition Corp.

41 Madison Avenue, Suite 2020

New York, NY 10010

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Class A Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share   SST   New York Stock Exchange
Redeemable warrants, each whole warrant exercisable for one Class A common stock share at an exercise price of $11.50 per share   SST.WS   New York Stock Exchange

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

Emerging growth company ☒

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

 

 

 


INTRODUCTORY NOTE

Unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” “our,” “System1” and the “Company” refer to System1, Inc., a Delaware corporation (f/k/a Trebia Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company), and its consolidated subsidiaries following the closing of the Business Combination (as defined below). Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “Trebia” refer to Trebia Acquisition Corp., prior to the closing of the Business Combination (“Trebia”). All references herein to the “Board” refer to the board of directors of the Company.

Terms used in this Current Report on Form 8-K (this “Report”) but not defined herein, or for which definitions are not otherwise incorporated by reference herein, shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (as defined below) in the section entitled “Frequently Used Terms” beginning on page 6 thereof, and such definitions are incorporated herein by reference.

Domestication and Merger Transaction

On January 27, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), Trebia completed the previously announced business combination (the “Business Combination”) pursuant to that certain business combination agreement, as amended on November 30, 2021, January 10, 2022 and January 25, 2022, by and among S1 Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“S1 Holdco”), System1 SS Protect Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Protected” and, together with S1 Holdco, the “Companies” or “Old System1”), and the other parties signatory thereto (as it may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”). Prior to the Closing Date and in connection with the Business Combination, Trebia filed a notice of deregistration with the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies, together with the necessary accompanying documents, and filed a certificate of incorporation and a certificate of corporate domestication with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, under which Trebia was domesticated and continues as a Delaware corporation, while also changing its name to “System1, Inc.” (the “Domestication”).

In connection with the Domestication, on the day prior to the Closing Date, among other things (a) each Class A ordinary share, par value $0.0001 per share, of Trebia (the “Trebia Class A Ordinary Shares”) that was issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Domestication was converted, on a one-for-one basis, into one share of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of System1 (the “System1 Class A Common Stock”), (b) each Class B ordinary share, par value $0.0001 per share, of Trebia (the “Trebia Class B Ordinary Shares”) that was issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Domestication was converted, on a one-for-one basis, into one share System1 Class A Common Stock and (c) the proposed certificate of incorporation of System1 (the “System1 Charter”) was adopted and filed with the Secretary of State in Delaware pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), and the System1 Charter and proposed bylaws of System1 (the “System1 Bylaws”) became the governing documents of System1.

Concurrently with the completion of the Business Combination, System1 entered into the Tax Receivable Agreement with S1 Holdco and the holders of S1 Holdco Class B Units (the “TRA Holders”). The parties agreed to structure the Business Combination in this manner to permit certain holders of S1 Holdco Class B Units to continue to realize tax benefits, if any, associated with their ownership in an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as well as to provide potential future tax benefits, if any, to System1. Pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement, System1 provided 85% of the tax benefits, if any, that System1 actually realizes, or in certain circumstances (e.g., an early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement), the present value of potential future tax benefits (calculated using certain assumptions) to each such TRA Holder, as a result of (i) System1’s direct and indirect allocable share of certain tax basis adjustments resulting from the Business Combination and as a result of future sales or exchanges of S1 Holdco Class B Units for shares of System1 Class A Common Stock (or, at the election of System1, cash) after the Business Combination and (ii) System1’s utilization of certain other tax benefits related to entering into the Tax Receivable Agreement, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

Actual tax benefits realized by System1 may differ from the tax benefits calculated under the Tax Receivable Agreement as a result of the use of certain assumptions in the Tax Receivable Agreement, including the use of an assumed weighted-average state and local income tax rate to calculate tax benefits. The payment obligation under


the Tax Receivable Agreement is an obligation of System1 and not of S1 Holdco. The material terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement are described in the section of the proxy statement/prospectus on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 2021 (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) beginning on page 141 titled “The Business Combination Proposal—Summary of the Related Agreements—Tax Receivable Agreement.” Such description is qualified in its entirety by the text of the Tax Receivable Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.3 to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Registration Rights Agreement

On January 27, 2022, in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination and as contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, System1, BGPT Trebia LP (the “BGPT Sponsor”), Trasimene Trebia, LP (the “Trasimene Sponsor” and, together with the BGPT Sponsor, the “Sponsors”), Just Develop It Limited, a private limited company incorporated in England & Wales (“JDI”), and the other parties thereto, entered into the Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The material terms of the Registration Rights Agreement are described in the section of the proxy statement/prospectus on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 2021 (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) beginning on page 142 titled “The Business Combination Proposal—Summary of the Related Agreements—Registration Rights Agreement.” Such description is qualified in its entirety by the text of the Registration Rights Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.1 to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2.01 Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

The disclosure set forth in the “Introductory Note -Domestication and Merger Transaction” above is incorporated into this Item 2.01 by reference.

An extraordinary general meeting of Trebia stockholders was held on January 20, 2022 (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”), where the Trebia stockholders considered and approved, among other matters, a proposal to approve the entry into the Business Combination Agreement (and consummate the transactions contemplated thereby).

Prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting, holders of 51,046,892 Trebia Class A Ordinary Shares exercised their right to redeem those shares for cash at a price of approximately $10.00 per share, for an aggregate of $510,468,920 (the “Redemptions”). After giving effect to the Redemptions, there were 703,108 shares of System1 Class A Common Stock and 25,483,334 System1 warrants outstanding. Upon the consummation of the Business Combination as of the close of business on January 27, 2022, Trebia’s ordinary shares, warrants and units ceased trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), and System1’s Class A Common Stock and warrants began trading on the NYSE on January 28, 2022 under the symbols “SST” and “SST.WS,” respectively. Immediately after giving effect to the Business Combination, (1) Trebia’s public shareholders owned approximately 0.68% of the outstanding System1 common stock, (2) Old System1 equity holders (without taking into account any public shares held by Old System1 equity holders prior to the consummation of the Business Combination) owned approximately 67.25% of the outstanding System1 common stock and (3) the Sponsors and their related parties collectively owned approximately 32.07% of the outstanding System1 common stock.

FORM 10 INFORMATION

Item 2.01(f) of Form 8-K provides that if the predecessor registrant was a “shell company” (as such term is defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as Trebia was immediately before the Business Combination, then the registrant must disclose the information that would be required if the registrant were filing a general form for registration of securities on Form 10. As a result of the consummation of the Business Combination, and as discussed below in Item 5.06 of this Report, the Company has ceased to be a shell company. Accordingly, the Company is providing the information below that would be included in a Form 10 if it were to file a Form 10. Please note that the information provided below relates to the combined company after the consummation of the Business Combination, unless otherwise specifically indicated or the context otherwise requires.


Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Report contains statements that are forward-looking and as such are not historical facts. This includes, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations. These statements constitute projections, forecasts and forward-looking statements, and are not guarantees of performance. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this Report, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “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. When System1 discusses its strategies or plans it is making projections, forecasts or forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the beliefs of, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to, System1’s management.

 

   

the ability to maintain, grow, process, utilize and protect the data we collect from consumers;

 

   

the ability to maintain our relationships with its network partners and advertisers;

 

   

the performance of our responsive acquisition marketing platform, or RAMP;

 

   

changes in client demand for our services and our ability to adapt to such changes;

 

   

the ability to maintain and attract consumers and advertisers in the face of changing economic or competitive conditions;

 

   

the COVID-19 pandemic or other public health crises;

 

   

the ability to improve and maintain adequate internal controls over financial and management systems, and remediate identified material weaknesses;

 

   

the ability to successfully source and complete acquisitions and to integrate the operations of companies System1 acquires;

 

   

the ability to raise financing in the future as and when needed or on market terms;

 

   

the ability to compete with existing competitors and the entry of new competitors in the market;

 

   

changes in applicable laws or regulations and the ability to maintain compliance;

 

   

the ability to protect our intellectual property rights; and

 

   

other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 64 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and incorporated herein by reference.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the other documents filed by System1 from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this Report and in any document incorporated by reference are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on System1. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting System1 will be those that System1 has anticipated. System1 undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

BUSINESS

System1’s business is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Information About the Companies’ Business” beginning on page 241, which is incorporated herein by reference.


RISK FACTORS

The risks associated with System1’s business are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 64 and are incorporated herein by reference. A summary of the risks associated with System1’s business is also included on pages 60-61 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus under the heading “Summary Risk Factors” and are incorporated herein by reference.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The (i) audited consolidated financial statements of S1 Holdco as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-82 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus; (ii) audited consolidated financial statements of Protected as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-140 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus; (iii) unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of S1 Holdco as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-57 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus; and (iv) unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Protected.Net Group Limited (“Protected UK”) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-122 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Trebia, S1 Holdco and Protected UK as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 are set forth in Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The disclosure contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning (i) on page 249 under the heading “System1 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and (ii) on page 268 under the heading “Protected Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” are incorporated herein by reference.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of all classes of Common Stock following the consummation of the Business Combination by:

 

   

each person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of shares of Common Stock;

 

   

each of System1’s current named executive officers and directors; and

 

   

all current executive officers and directors of System1 as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.


Unless otherwise indicated, System1 believes that all persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the voting securities beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each individual below is 4235 Redwood Avenue, Marina Del Rey, CA 90066.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner    System1
Class A
Shares(7)(8)
    System1
Class C
Shares
     System1
Class D
Shares(12)
     Percentage
of Total
Voting
Power
 

Executive Officers and Directors

          

Michael Blend(1)

     17,993,464       9,661,330        —          17.25

Tridivesh Kidambi(2)

     2,048,371       1,397,706        —          1.97

Paul Filsinger

     875,900       540,868        —          *  

Brian Coppola

     303,055       225,969        —          *  

Jen Robinson

     4,074       —          —          —    

Daniel Weinrot

     98,106       59,642        —          *  

Beth Sestanovich

     267,436       208,595        —          *  

Jennifer Prince

     —         —          —          —    

William P. Foley, II(9)

     8,471,372       —          833,750        7.81

Moujan Kazerani(3)

     5,261,449       —          616,250        4.95

Christopher Phillips(4)

     29,150,499       —          —          27.96

Dexter Fowler

     —         —          —          —    

Frank R. Martire, Jr.(10)

     5,261,449       —          616,250        4.95

Caroline Horn

     —         —          —          —    

All Directors and Officers

     64,473,725       12,094,110        1,450,000        57.54 % 

Greater Than 5% Holders

          

Trasimene Trebia, LP(9)

     8,471,372       —          833,750        7.81

Cannae Holdings, LLC(11)

     27,181,770 **      —          —          26.19

JDI & AFH Limited

     28,650,499       —          —          27.61

Just Develop It Limited(5)

     20,508,184       —          —          19.67

Lone Star Friends Trust(6)

     14,840,169       7,945,580        —          14.23

Notes:

 

*

less than one percent.

**

excludes an affiliate of Cannae’s approximately 26% partnership interest in Trasimene Sponsor.

(1)

The shares reported above are held in the names of: (a) The Dante Jacob Blend Trust of 2017, (b) the Nola Delfina Rose Blend Trust of 2017, (c) the Blend Family Foundation, (d) Lone Star Friends Trust (including shares received upon a distribution from Lone Investment Holdings LLC) ((a), (b), (c) and (d) collectively, the “Blend Family Trusts”), and (e) OpenMail2 LLC. Michael Blend has no voting or dispositive power over the shares held in the Blend Family Trusts and disclaims any beneficial ownership except to the extent of Mr. Blend’s pecuniary interest therein, if any. Each of the Blend Family Trusts is controlled by a close family relative of Michael Blend. OpenMail2 LLC is jointly controlled by Michael Blend, Charles Ursini and Tridivesh Kidambi as the members of the board of managers thereof, and may be deemed to control the voting and dispositive power over OpenMail2 LLC. Mr. Blend disclaims beneficial ownership in the shares held by OpenMail2 LLC except to the extent of Mr. Blend’s contingent pecuniary interest therein, if any. The shares reported above includes the exercise of 535,000 warrants, each exercisable for a share of Class A Common Stock at a price of $11.50 per share. The shares reported above excludes (i) Mr. Blend’s pecuniary interest in Just Develop It Limited and (ii) the 725,000 shares of System1 Class A Common Stock underlying the RSUs issued to Michael Blend in connection with the RSU Issuances subject to vesting conditions—see the section titled “Shareholder Proposal No. 2—The NYSE Proposal—Summary of the RSU Issuances” in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page 165.

(2)

The shares reported above are held in the names of (a) Tridivesh Kidambi, and (b) OpenMail2 LLC, which is jointly controlled by Michael Blend, Charles Ursini and Tridi Kidambi as the members of the board of managers thereof. As a result of such position, Mr. Kidambi may have voting and dispositive power over OpenMail2 LLC. Mr. Kidambi disclaims any beneficial ownership over such shares, except to the extent of Mr. Kidambi’s pecuniary interest therein, if any. The shares reported includes the exercise of 15,000 warrants, each exercisable for a share of Class A Common Stock at a price of $11.50 per share.

(3)

Excludes shares held by Carbon Investments, LLC, of which Ms. Kazerani is a member and officer. Ms. Kazerani disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares except to the extent of her pecuniary interest therein, if any.

(4)

The shares reported above are held in the names of (a) JDI & AFH Limited (“JDI & AFH”) and (b) Just Develop It Limited (“JDIL”). Christopher Phillips is a director and holds the majority interest in each of JDI & AFH and JDIL and has voting and dispositive power over the shares held by them. The shares reported above include the exercise of 500,000 warrants, each exercisable for a share of Class A Common Stock at a price of $11.50 per share, held by JDIL. The shares reported above excludes the 725,000 shares of System1 Class A Common Stock underlying the RSUs issued to Just Develop It Limited in connection with the RSU Issuances subject to vesting conditions—see the section titled “Shareholder Proposal No. 2—The NYSE Proposal—Summary of the RSU Issuances” in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page 165.


(5)

Christopher Philips has voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Just Develop It Limited.

(6)

Michael Blend and his family members are beneficiaries of the Lone Star Friends Trust. Lone Star Friends Trust is controlled by a close family relative of Michael Blend. Includes 3,086,790 shares held by Lone Investment Holding, over which shares Lone Star Friends Trust holds voting and dispositive power. Mr. Blend disclaims beneficial ownership in the shares held by Lone Star Friends Trust LLC except to the extent of Mr. Blend’s contingent pecuniary interest therein, if any.

 
(7)

The shares reported above includes (a) shares of System1 Class A Common Stock and (b) shares of System1 Class A Common Stock which may be issued pursuant to the exchange of S1 Holdco Class B Units at any time at the election of the holder thereof.

(8)

The shares reported above excludes System1 RSUs which System1 has agreed to grant pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement in respect of all Old System1 Unvested Value Creation Units outstanding as of the closing.

(9)

Reflects 3,737,205 shares of System1 Class A Common Stock and 4,734,167 shares of System1 Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of 4,734,167 warrants indirectly held by Trasimene Trebia, LLC, which is the sole general partner of Trasimene Trebia, LP. Trasimene Trebia, LLC has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares of System1 Class A Common Stock owned by Trasimene Trebia, LP. William P. Foley, II is the sole member of Trasimene Trebia, LLC, and therefore may be deemed to beneficially own the 3,737,205 shares of System1 Class A Common Stock and 4,734,167 warrants, and ultimately exercises voting and dispositive power over such shares held by Trasimene Trebia, LP. Mr. Foley disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. The address of Trasimene Trebia, LLC is 1701 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89134.

(10)

Reflects 2,762,282 shares of System1 Class A Common Stock and 2,499,167 shares of System1 Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of 2,499,167 warrants indirectly held by Bridgeport Partners GP LLC, which is the sole general partner of BGPT Trebia LP. Bridgeport Partners GP LLC has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares of System1 Class A Common Stock owned by BGPT Trebia LP. Frank R. Martire Jr. and Frank R. Martire III are the only members of Bridgeport Partners GP LLC, and therefore may be deemed to beneficially own the 2,762,282 shares of System1 Class A Common Stock and 2,499,167 warrants, and ultimately exercise voting and dispositive power over such shares held by BGPT Trebia LP. Messrs. Martire and Martire disclaim beneficial ownership of these shares except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. The address of Bridgeport Partners GP LLC is 41 Madison Avenue, Suite 2020, New York, NY 10010.

(11)

Reflects 27,181,770 shares of Class A Common Stock directly held by Cannae Holdings, LLC. Mr. William P. Foley, II has served as the Chairman of Cannae Holdings, Inc. since July 2017. Cannae Holdings, Inc. controls Cannae Holdings, LLC. The address for Cannae Holdings, LLC is 1701 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89134.

(12)

The shares of System1 Class D Common Stock (representing earnout shares issued to Trasimene Trebia, LP and BGPT Trebia LP) are non-voting and do not confer economic rights other than the accrual of certain dividends. System1 Class D Common Stock will automatically convert into System1 Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis if, following the Closing, the VWAP of System1 Class A Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any twenty (20) trading days within a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days before the fifth anniversary of the Closing (“System1 Class D Conversion Event”). If the System1 Class D Conversion Event has not occurred by the fifth anniversary of the Closing, all outstanding shares of System1 Class D Common Stock will automatically be forfeited to System1 and canceled for no consideration therefor, including any dividends or dividend catch-up payments owed in respect thereof.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

System1’s directors and executive officers after the consummation of the Business Combination are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Management of System1 Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 290, and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Throughout this section, unless otherwise noted, “the company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to System1 LLC prior to the Business Combination.

This section discusses the material components of the executive compensation program for our executive officers who are named in the “2021 Summary Compensation Table” below. In 2021, our “named executive officers” and their positions were as follows:

 

   

Ian Weingarten, Chief Executive Officer (2020-February 2021)

 

   

Michael Blend, Chief Executive Officer (February 2021-present)

 

   

Tridivesh Kidambi, Chief Financial Officer

 

   

Jennifer Robinson, Chief Technology Officer (May 2021-present)

We note that Mr. Weingarten terminated employment with us on February 22, 2021. Michael Blend, our Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board, replaced Mr. Weingarten as our Chief Executive Officer in February 2021. Mr. Blend currently receives a nominal base salary in the amount of $0.26 annually, and did not receive any cash compensation or incentive equity awards from us during either 2020 or 2021.

This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that are based on our current plans, considerations, expectations and determinations regarding future compensation programs. Actual compensation programs that we adopt following the closing of the Business Combination may differ materially from the currently planned programs summarized in this discussion.


2021 Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our named executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021.

 

Name and Principal Position

   Year      Salary ($)     Bonus ($)     Option
Awards
($)(3)
     Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($) (4)
     All Other
Compensation
($) (5)
     Total ($)  

Ian Weingarten

     2021      $ 70,769 (2)      —         —          —        $ 381,402      $ 452,171  

Chief Executive Officer (2020)(1)

     2020      $ 400,000       —         —        $ 104,000      $ 10,600      $ 514,600  

Michael Blend

     2021        —         —         —          —          —        $ 0  

Chief Executive Officer (2021)

     2020        —         —         —          —          —        $ 0  

Tridivesh Kidambi

     2021      $ 300,000       —         —          —        $ 53,585      $ 353,585  

Chief Financial Officer

     2020      $ 300,000       —         —        $ 30,000      $ 293,869      $ 623,869  

Jennifer Robinson

     2021      $ 173,077 (2)    $ 80,000 (6)      —          —          —        $ 253,077  

Chief Technology Officer

                  

 

(1)

Mr. Weingarten terminated employment and ceased to be our Chief Executive Officer, effective as of February 22, 2021, and was succeeded by Michael Blend, who is also our Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board.

(2)

Amounts paid to Mr. Weingarten and Ms. Robinson reflect the pro-rated amount of their base salary paid to them in 2021, based on the length of their actual employment with us in 2021.

(3)

During fiscal year 2021, Mr. Kidambi was granted Series F Units in Openmail and Ms. Robinson was granted Value Creation Units (“VCUs”). The grant-date fair values of such Series F Units and VCUs, as computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718, have not yet been determined as of the date of this filing and are expected to be determined and disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed in the first quarter of 2022.

(4)

Non-equity incentive plan compensation consists of payments made pursuant to our annual incentive bonus program based on our pro-forma billings-based adjusted EBITDA performance. For fiscal year 2021, the amounts of the annual cash incentives earned by Mr. Kidambi or Ms. Robinson have not yet been determined as of the date of this filing and are expected to be determined and disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed in the first quarter of 2022. Neither Messrs. Weingarten nor Blend participated in our 2021 annual cash incentive program.

(5)

For fiscal year 2021, all other compensation consists of:

  (a)

Employer-match contributions to our 401(k) plan on behalf of Messrs. Weingarten and Kidambi and Ms. Robinson in the amounts of $2,831, $9,808, and $5,077, respectively;

  (b)

Distributions not taken into account in determining grant-date fair value under ASC Topic 718 in respect of Series B Units issued by Openmail to Mr. Kidambi in the amount of $43,777; and

  (c)

Severance which became payable to Mr. Weingarten upon his termination of employment in February 2021 in the amount of $378,571, consisting of (i) continued payment of his base salary in effect at the time of termination for a period of 6 months (in an aggregate amount of $200,000), (ii) payment of fifty percent (50%) of his annual target bonus (in an amount of $130,000), and (iii) company-subsidized COBRA premiums for up to eighteen months following termination (in an aggregate value of $48,571).

(6)

Represents a one-time signing bonus paid to Ms. Robinson in connection with her commencement of employment with us in May 2021.

2021 Salaries

Each of our named executive officers (other than Mr. Blend, who receives only a nominal base salary as described above) receives a base salary to compensate for services rendered to our company. The base salary payable to each named executive officer is intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting and accounting


for the executive’s skill set, experience, role and responsibilities. The base salary amounts earned by our named executive officers for 2021 are set forth above in the Summary Compensation Table in the column entitled “Salary”. As of December 31, 2021, the annual base salary for each of Mr. Kidambi and Ms. Robinson was $300,000. We expect to further evaluate the base salaries of our executive officers, including our named executive officers, in consultation with our compensation consultant, in connection with consummating the Business Combination and periodically thereafter.

2021 Cash Incentive Compensation

2021 Annual Cash Incentive Compensation

Our named executive officers (other than Mr. Blend) are eligible to earn annual cash incentives under our annual incentive program, determined as a percentage of the applicable officer’s base salary and based on our operating and financial performance, including our annual pro-forma billings based adjusted EBITDA performance, as well as the named executive officer’s contributions to our operating and financial performance. Annual cash incentives for Mr. Kidambi and Ms. Robinson are targeted at 25% and 40% of the applicable officer’s base salary, respectively. Mr. Weingarten did not participate in our 2021 annual incentive program because his employment with us terminated in February 2021. In addition, as noted above, Mr. Blend does not currently (and did not in 2020) participate in our annual cash incentive program. The actual annual cash bonuses awarded to each eligible named executive officer for 2021 performance have not yet been determined and will be disclosed on a Current Report on Form 8-K when amounts are finalized in the first quarter of 2022.

Signing Bonus

In May 2021, in connection with her commencement of employment with us, Ms. Robinson received a one-time signing bonus equal to $80,000. If Ms. Robinson’s employment is terminated for “cause” or due to her resignation without “good reason” (each as defined in her employment agreement with us) during the first year of her employment, the signing bonus is repayable to the Company (either in full or, if the termination occurs after the first six months of her employment, with respect to a pro-rata portion thereof).

Equity Compensation

During 2021, in connection with the entry into her employment agreement, we granted 100,000 VCUs to Ms. Robinson under the S1 Holdco 2017 Value Creation Plan. Each VCU represented an appreciation right entitling Ms. Robinson to a share of our appreciated value above the VCU distribution threshold (or strike price), which was $10.00 per VCU with respect to Ms. Robinson’s 2021 VCU grant. Ms. Robinson’s VCUs are eligible to vest as to 25% of the awarded VCUs on the first anniversary of the vesting start date (which was the commencement of her employment in May 2021) and, with respect to the remaining 75% of the awarded VCUs, in substantially equal quarterly installments thereafter through the fourth anniversary of the vesting start date, subject to Ms. Robinson’s continued service through the applicable vesting date, and further subject to accelerated vesting in certain circumstances.

In addition, during 2021, Mr. Kidambi received a grant of 52,500 Series F Units in Openmail, which are intended to constitute “profits interests” for federal income tax purposes. Such Series F Units were originally eligible to vest in full upon the later of (i) May 1, 2025 or (ii) the date on which Openmail disposes of its entire ownership interest in Mr. Kidambi’s employer, in each case, subject to his continued employment through the applicable vesting date. However, simultaneously with the closing of the Business Combination, the Series F Units were amended such that the Series F Units will vest in full on the first anniversary of the closing of the Business Combination (subject to Mr. Kidambi’s continued employment through such date).

In connection with the Business Combination, our Board adopted, and our stockholders approved, the 2022 Incentive Award Plan (referred to herein as the 2022 Plan). For additional information about the 2022 Plan, please see the section titled “Shareholder Proposal No. 6—The Incentive Plan Proposal” in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page 176.


Other Elements of Compensation

Retirement Plans

We currently maintain a 401(k) retirement savings plan for our employees, including our named executive officers, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. We expect that our named executive officers will continue to be eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan on the same terms as other full-time employees. The Internal Revenue Code allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation, within prescribed limits, on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the 401(k) plan. Currently, we match contributions made by participants in the 401(k) plan up to a specified percentage of the employee contributions, and these matching contributions are fully vested as of the date on which the contribution is made. We believe that providing a vehicle for tax-deferred retirement savings though our 401(k) plan, and making fully vested matching contributions without any minimum prior service period, adds to the overall desirability of our executive compensation package and further incentivizes our employees, including our named executive officers, in accordance with our compensation policies.

Employee Benefits and Perquisites

Health/Welfare Plans. All of our full-time employees, including our named executive officers, are eligible to participate in our health and welfare plans, which also cover their respective eligible dependents, including:

 

   

medical, dental and vision benefits;

 

   

medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts;

 

   

short-term and long-term disability insurance; and

 

   

life insurance.

We believe the perquisites described above are necessary and appropriate to provide a competitive compensation package to our named executive officers.

No Tax Gross-Ups 

We do not make gross-up or similar payments to cover any of our named executive officers’ personal income taxes that may pertain to compensation or perquisites paid or provided by our company, including with respect to any taxes that may arise under or by operation of Internal Revenue Code Sections 280G or 409A.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table summarizes the number of shares of common stock underlying outstanding equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer as of December 31, 2021. We note that Mr. Blend, our current CEO, did not hold any outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2021.

 

        Option Awards   Stock Awards

Name

  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 /
Distribution
Threshold
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number
of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)
  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (#)
  Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested ($)

Ian Weingarten

  1/02/2018 (1)       37,500   10.00   01/08/2024        
  4/15/2019 (2)               $2,824,500    

Tridivesh Kidambi

                   
  4/17/2018 (3)       3,125   7.09   N/A        
  4/18/2018 (1)       25,000   10.00   4/19/2024        
  2/1/2019 (1)       50,000   10.00   3/13/2025        
  2/1/2019 (4)       300,000   9.23   N/A        
  5/1/2021 (5)       52,500   9.23   N/A        

Jennifer Robinson

  5/17/2021 (1)       100,000   10.00   N/A        


(1)

These S1 Holdco VCUs will fully vest upon satisfaction of both a service-vest and performance-vest (liquidity event) condition. The service-vest condition is satisfied based on continued service as a director of the Company or employment (as applicable) over a four-year period, with 25% of the VCUs service-vesting on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and the remaining 75% of the VCUs service-vesting in substantially equal quarterly increments for three years thereafter, subject to continued service or employment (as applicable) through the applicable service vesting date. The performance-vest condition is satisfied upon the occurrence of a change in control or certain public offerings of our securities (or those of our affiliate), in any case, occurring on or prior to the expiration date, which occurs six years from the date of grant.

(2)

This amount reflects the value of an unvested profits interest granted to Mr. Weingarten in April 2019 (referred to below as the “Profits Interest”) in connection with his initial employment as our former Chief Executive Officer, which entitled Mr. Weingarten to 5% of distributions made by S1 Holdco, LLC after a return on invested capital to its existing investors, subject to a participation threshold of $300,000,000 (which threshold was subject to adjustment as set forth in System1 Holdco, LLC’s operating agreement). The Profits Interest was eligible to vest over a period of four years from the date of grant in substantially equal quarterly increments based on Mr. Weingarten’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date, subject to 50% accelerated vesting upon certain qualifying transactions (based on continued employment through the applicable transaction) and 100% accelerated vesting upon an involuntary termination within three months after a qualifying transaction. A portion of Mr. Weingarten’s Profits Interest was deemed vested in connection with his termination of employment, a portion was forfeited, and a portion remained unvested as of December 31, 2021, in each case, as described below under “Executive Compensation Arrangements.”

(3)

These Openmail Series B-1 Units are intended to constitute “profits interests” for federal income tax purposes, and vest with respect to 25% of the award on the first anniversary of the vesting start date, and with respect to 75% of the award quarterly thereafter (referred to below as the “Openmail Vesting Schedule”), subject to the executive’s continued service through the applicable vesting date, and vested in full upon the closing of the Business Combination.

(4)

These Openmail Series F Units are intended to constitute “profits interests” for federal income tax purposes, and vest upon the later of a liquidation event based on continued service through the liquidation event, except that if a liquidation event occurs within four years following the date of grant, then only the number of profits interests that would have vested as of the liquidation event based on the Openmail Vesting Schedule will vest upon the liquidation event, and the remainder of the award will vest on the Openmail Vesting Schedule based on continued service through the applicable vesting date. However, concurrently with the closing of the Business Combination, such Series F units were amended such that the Series F units became 50% vested upon the closing of the Business Combination, and the remaining 50% will vest in eight equal installments on each of the first eight quarterly anniversaries of the closing thereafter (subject to the applicable executive’s continued employment through such date).    

(5)

These Openmail Series F Units are intended to constitute “profits interests” for federal income tax purposes, and originally vested upon the later of (i) May 1, 2025 or (ii) the date on which Openmail disposes of its entire ownership interest in the applicable executive’s employer, in each case, subject to the applicable executive’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date. However, concurrently with the closing of the Business Combination, such Series F Units were amended such that the Series F Units will vest in full on the first anniversary of the closing of the Business Combination (subject to the applicable executive’s continued employment through such date).

Executive Compensation Arrangements

We are party to employment agreements with each of Mr. Kidambi and Ms. Robinson. The Company was previously party to an employment agreement with Mr. Weingarten, which was terminated in connection with his termination of employment. In connection with his termination, the Company entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Weingarten. Mr. Kidambi’s and Ms. Robinson’s employment agreements and Mr. Weingarten’s separation agreement are summarized below.


Tridivesh Kidambi Employment Agreement

We are party to an employment agreement with Mr. Kidambi that was entered into by our predecessor entity in October 2016, pursuant to which Mr. Kidambi serves as our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Kidambi’s employment agreement sets forth the initial terms and conditions of his employment, including his initial base salary and signing bonus. Under his employment agreement, if Mr. Kidambi’s employment with us is terminated without “cause” (as defined therein) or by Mr. Kidambi for “good reason” (as defined therein), he will be eligible for the following severance benefits (in addition to any accelerated vesting separately provided under applicable award agreement(s)): (i) continued payment of his then-current base salary for 3 months and (ii) company-subsidized COBRA premiums for up to 6 months.

Jennifer Robinson Employment Agreement

We are party to an employment agreement with Ms. Robinson that was entered into in May 2021, pursuant to which Ms. Robinson serves as our Chief Technology Officer. Ms. Robinson’s employment agreement sets forth the initial terms and conditions of her employment, including her initial base salary of $300,000, a signing bonus of $80,000 (discussed above under “2021 Cash Incentive Compensation-Signing Bonus”), and an annual bonus targeted at 40% of her base salary. Under her employment agreement, if Ms. Robinson’s employment with us is terminated without “cause” (as defined therein) or by Ms. Robinson for “good reason” (as defined therein), she will be eligible for the following severance benefits (in addition to any accelerated vesting separately provided under applicable award agreement(s)): (i) continued payment of her then-current base salary for 6 months, (ii) company-subsidized COBRA premiums for up to 6 months, and (iii) accelerated vesting of 25% of her 2021 VCU grant (or such lesser portion of such award that is then-unvested). If such termination occurs within six months after a “change in control” of the Company (which excludes the Business Combination), then in lieu of the accelerated vesting described in the preceding sentence, her 2021 VCU grant will vest in full (to the extent then-unvested) upon such termination.

Ian Weingarten Separation Agreement

In connection with his termination in February 2021, the Company entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Weingarten. Pursuant to this separation agreement, Mr. Weingarten’s employment was terminated, effective February 22, 2021. Mr. Weingarten executed a release of claims in connection with his termination and received the following severance benefits: (i) continued payment of his base salary in effect at the time of termination for a period of 6 months, (ii) payment of fifty percent (50%) of his annual target bonus for calendar year 2020, and (iii) company-subsidized COBRA premiums for up to eighteen months following termination (collectively, the “Severance Payment”). Mr. Weingarten’s separation agreement also provided that his 2020 VCU grant was deemed to be 75% service-vested (payable on the consummation of the Business Combination in the same manner as other vested VCUs), and that his Profits Interest was deemed (x) vested as to a 3.75% Profits Interest and (y) forfeited as to the remaining 1.25% Profits Interest, in each case, above the applicable adjusted threshold amount (subject to further reduction to a 2.5% Profits Interest in the event that the Business Combination was not consummated).

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Certain relationships and related party transactions of System1 and Protected UK are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” beginning on page 302 and are incorporated herein by reference.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Reference is made to the disclosure regarding legal proceedings in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus titled “Legal Proceedings” beginning on page 248, which is incorporated herein by reference.


MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDENDS

Shares of System1’s Class A Common Stock began trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SST” and the warrants began trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SST.W” on January 28, 2022, subject to ongoing review of the Company’s satisfaction of all listing criteria post-business combination, in lieu of the Class A ordinary shares, units and warrants of Trebia. The Company has not paid any cash dividends on shares of System1 Class A Common Stock to date. It is the present intention of the Company’s board of directors to retain future earnings for the development, operation and expansion of its business and the Company’s board of directors does not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends is within the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and will be contingent upon the Company’s future revenues and earnings, as well as its capital requirements and general financial condition.

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

Reference is made to the disclosure set forth below under Item 3.02 of this Report concerning the issuance and sale by System1 of certain unregistered securities, which is incorporated herein by reference.

DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES

The description of System1’s securities is contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Description of System1 Securities” beginning on page 305 and is incorporated herein by reference.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

The indemnification of System1’s directors and officers is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Description of System1 Securities—Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors” beginning on page 316 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

The disclosure set forth in the “Introductory Note” above is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02.

Other than the shares of Class A Common Stock issued in connection with the Fully Vested Value Creation Units (other than those issued in connection with the Seller Backstop Amount (as defined in the the Proxy Statement/Prospectus)), the securities issued in connection with the Business Combination Agreement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) in reliance on an exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) or other applicable section of the Securities Act.

Item 3.03. Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

The information set forth in Item 5.03 to this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 5.01. Changes in Control of Registrant.

The information set forth above under Item 1.01 and Item 2.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

The information set forth in the section titled “Executive Compensation” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in Item 2.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

2022 Equity Incentive Plan

At the Extraordinary General Meeting, Trebia’s stockholders considered and approved, among other things, the System1, Inc. 2022 Incentive Award Plan (the “Incentive Plan”). The Incentive Plan was previously approved,


subject to stockholder approval, by Trebia’s board of directors prior to the Business Combination, and subsequently ratified by System1’s Board on January 28, 2022. The 2022 Plan became effective immediately upon the closing of the Business Combination.

A summary of the terms of the Incentive Plan is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Shareholder Proposal No. 6—The Incentive Plan Proposal” beginning on page 176 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary and the foregoing description are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the Incentive Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and incorporated herein by reference.

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

At the Extraordinary General Meeting, Trebia’s stockholders considered and approved, among other things, the proposals set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections titled “Shareholder Proposal No. 4—The Charter Amendment Proposal” and “Shareholder Proposal No. 5—The Non-Binding Governance Proposals” beginning on pages 170 and 171, respectively, of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (collectiveley, the “Charter Proposals”), which are incorporated herein by reference.

The Certificate of Incorporation of System1 (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), which became effective upon filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 27, 2022, includes the amendments proposed by the Charter Proposals.

On January 28, 2022, the Board approved and adopted the Bylaws of System1 (the “Bylaws”), which became effective as of the Effective Time.

Copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws are attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and Exhibit 3.2, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

The description of the Certificate of Incorporation and the general effect of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws upon the rights of holders of System1’s capital stock are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus under the sections titled “Shareholder Proposal No. 4—The Charter Amendment Proposal”, “Shareholder Proposal No. 5—The Non-Binding Governance Proposals”, “Description of System1 Securities” and “Comparison of Shareholders’ Rights Table” beginning on pages 170, 171, 305 and 317, respectively, of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 5.06. Change in Shell Company Status.

As a result of the Business Combination, the Company ceased being a shell company. Reference is made to the disclosure in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Shareholder Proposal No. 1—The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 122, which is incorporated herein by reference. Further, the information set forth in the Introductory Note and under Item 2.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.01. Other Events.

On January 27, 2022, Trebia Acquisition Corp., now known as System1, Inc. (the “Company”), issued a press release announcing that it completed the Business Combination, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 99.2 hereto and incorporated herein by reference herein.

On January 28, 2022, System1 issued a press release announcing the start of trading of its publicly traded securities on the New York Stock Exchange. A copy of the press release is filed hereto as Exhibit 99.3 and incorporated herein by reference.

As a result of the Business Combination, System1 became the successor issuer to Trebia. Pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) under the Exchange Act, System1’s common stock and warrants are deemed registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act.


Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial statements of businesses acquired.

The (i) audited consolidated financial statements of S1 Holdco as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-82 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, (ii) audited consolidated financial statements of Protected as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-140 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (iii) unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of S1 Holdco as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-57 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus; and (iv) unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Protected UK as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-121 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

(b) Pro forma financial information.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Trebia and Old System1 as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 are set forth in Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
No.
 

Description

2.1(a)†   Business Combination Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2021, by and among Trebia Acquisition Corp., S1 Holdco, LLC, System1 SS Protect Holdings, Inc., and the other parties that are signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-39331), filed with the SEC on June 29, 2021.
2.1(b)†   Amendment No. 1 to the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2021, by and among Trebia Acquisition Corp., S1 Holdco, LLC, System1 SS Protect Holdings, Inc., and the other parties that are signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-260714), filed with the SEC on December 1, 2021.
2.1(c)†   Amendment No. 2 to the Business Combination Agreement, dated January 10, 2022, by and among S1 Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, System1 SS Protect Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the other parties signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-39331), filed with the SEC on January 10, 2022.
2.1(d)†   Amendment No. 3 to the Business Combination Agreement, dated January 25, 2022, by and among S1 Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, System1 SS Protect Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the other parties signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-39331), filed with the SEC on January 26, 2022.
3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of System1, Inc.
3.2   Bylaws of System1, Inc.
4.1   Warrant Agreement, dated June 19, 2020, by and between Trebia and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-39331), filed with the SEC on June 22, 2020).
10.1   Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2022 by and among System1, Inc. and certain other parties thereto.
10.2   The System1, Inc. 2022 Incentive Award Plan
10.3   Form of Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2022, by and among System1, Inc. S1 Holdco, LLC and the other signatories thereto.
99.1   The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Trebia, S1 Holdco and Protected UK as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020.
99.2   Press release, dated January 27, 2022
99.3   Press release, dated January 28, 2022
104   Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL document)

 

 

The annexes, schedules, and certain exhibits to this Exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted annex, schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request.


SIGNATURE

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

 

    System1, Inc.
Date: February 2, 2022     By:  

/s/ Daniel Weinrot

    Name:   Daniel Weinrot
    Title:   General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Exhibit 3.1

Execution Version

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

SYSTEM1, INC.

1. Name. The name of the corporation is System1, Inc. (the “Corporation”).

2. Address; Registered Office and Agent. The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware, 19801, and the name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

3. Purpose. The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “General Corporation Law”) as it now exists or may hereafter be amended and supplemented.

4. Number of Shares.

4.1 The total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 527,100,000 shares, consisting of:

(a) 500,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, with the par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”),

(b) 25,000,000 shares of Class C common stock, with the par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Class C Common Stock”),

(c) 2,000,000 shares of Class D common stock, with par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class D Common Stock”), and

(d) 100,000 shares of preferred stock, with the par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).

4.2 Subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then-outstanding, the number of authorized shares of any class of the Common Stock or the Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased, in each case by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the General Corporation Law, and no vote of the holders of any class of the Common Stock or the Preferred Stock voting separately as a class will be required therefor. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, the number of authorized shares of any particular class may not be decreased below the number of shares of such class then outstanding, plus:


(a) in the case of Class A Common Stock, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable (x) assuming the exchange of all outstanding common units of the OpCo (the “Common Units”) for Class A Common Stock, as a result of Redemptions pursuant to the applicable provisions of Article 11 of the OpCo Operating Agreement (including for this purpose any Common Units issuable upon the exercise of any options, warrants or similar rights to acquire Common Units) and (y) in connection with the exercise of all outstanding options, warrants, exchange rights (other than Redemptions pursuant to clause (x)), conversion rights (including the conversion rights of the Class D Common Stock) or similar rights for Class A Common Stock; and

(b) in the case of Class C Common Stock, the number of shares of Class C Common Stock issuable in connection with the exercise of all outstanding options, warrants, exchange rights, conversion rights or similar rights for Class C Common Stock; and

(c) in the case of Class D Common Stock, the number of shares of Class D Common Stock issuable in connection with the exercise of all outstanding options, warrants, exchange rights, conversion rights or similar rights for Class D Common Stock.

5. Classes of Shares. The designation, relative rights, power and preferences, qualifications, restrictions and limitations of the shares of each class of stock are as follows.

5.1 Common Stock.

(a) Voting Rights.

(i) (A) Each share of Class A Common Stock will entitle the record holder thereof to one vote on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote and (B) each share of Class C Common Stock will entitle the record holder thereof to one vote on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote, except that, in each case, to the fullest extent permitted by law, holders of shares of each class of Common Stock, as such, will have no voting power with respect to, and will not be entitled to vote on, any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of any outstanding Preferred Stock if the holders of such Preferred Stock are entitled to vote as a separate class thereon under this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or under the General Corporation Law. Shares of Class D Common Stock will not entitle the record holder thereof to any voting powers, except as (and then only to the extent) otherwise required by applicable law. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any vote that changes the terms of the Class D Common Stock requires the separate approval of a majority of the holders of the Class D Common Stock.

 

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(ii) Except as otherwise required in this Certificate of Incorporation or by applicable law, the holders of Common Stock (other than the holders of Class D Common Stock) will vote together as a single class on all matters (or, if any holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of Common Stock, as a single class with the holders of Preferred Stock).

(b) Dividends; Stock Splits or Combinations.

(i) Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference senior to or the right to participate with the Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends, dividends of cash or property may be declared and paid on the Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock out of the assets of the Corporation that are by law available therefor, at the times and in the amounts as the Board in its discretion may determine.

(ii) Except as provided in Section 5.1(b)(iii) with respect to stock dividends, dividends of cash or property may not be declared or paid on the Class C Common Stock.

(iii) In no event will any stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, combination of stock, reclassification or recapitalization (each, a “Stock Adjustment”) be declared or made on any class of Common Stock unless a corresponding Stock Adjustment for all other classes of Common Stock at the time outstanding is made in the same proportion and the same manner (unless the holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power of any such other class of Common Stock (voting separately as a single class) waive such requirement in advance and in writing, in which event no such Stock Adjustment need be made for such other class of Common Stock). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall be entitled to (A) declare a stock dividend on the Class A Common Stock only in the event that such stock dividend is made in connection with the issuance of Common Units by OpCo to the Corporation in exchange for additional capital contributions made by the Corporation to OpCo and (B) declare a stock split or stock dividend in connection with the repurchase of shares of Class A Common Stock such that after giving effect to such repurchase and subsequent stock split or stock dividend there shall be outstanding an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock as were outstanding prior to such repurchase and subsequent stock split or stock dividend, in each case (A) and (B), without any corresponding Stock Adjustment to the Class C Common Stock. Stock dividends with respect to each class of Common Stock may only be paid with shares of stock of the same class of Common Stock.

(c) Liquidation. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and of the preferential and other amounts, if any, to which the holders of Preferred Stock are entitled, if

 

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any, the holders of all outstanding shares of Common Stock will be entitled to receive, pari passu, an amount per share equal to the par value thereof, and thereafter the holders of all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock will be entitled to receive the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock held by such holders. The holders of shares of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, as such, will not be entitled to receive, with respect to such shares, any assets of the Corporation in excess of the par value thereof, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation.

(d) Restriction on Issuance of Class C Common Stock. No shares of Class C Common Stock may be issued by the Corporation except to a holder of Common Units, such that after such issuance of Class C Common Stock such holder of Common Units holds an identical number of Common Units, as applicable, and shares of Class C Common Stock.

(e) Restriction on Transfer of Class C Common Stock. A holder of Class C Common Stock may transfer or assign shares of Class C Common Stock (or any legal or beneficial interest in such shares) (directly or indirectly, including by operation of law) only to a Permitted Transferee of such holder, and only if such holder also simultaneously transfers an equal number of such holder’s Common Units to such Permitted Transferee in compliance with the OpCo Operating Agreement. Any purported transfer of shares of Class C Common Stock in violation of the preceding sentence shall be null and void and shall not be recognized by the Corporation, the Corporation’s transfer agent or the Secretary of the Corporation.

(f) Restriction on Transfer of Class D Common Stock. A holder of Class D Common Stock may transfer or assign shares of Class D Common Stock (or any legal or beneficial interest in such shares) (directly or indirectly, including by operation of law) only to a Permitted Transferee of such holder. Any purported transfer of shares of Class D Common Stock in violation of the preceding sentence shall be null and void and shall not be recognized by the Corporation, the Corporation’s transfer agent or the Secretary of the Corporation.

5.2 Preferred Stock5.3 . Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series of any number of shares, provided that the aggregate number of shares issued and not retired of any and all such series shall not exceed the total number of shares of Preferred Stock hereinabove authorized, and with such powers, including voting powers, if any, and the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, all as shall hereafter be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the designation and issue of such shares of Preferred Stock from time to time adopted by the Board. The powers, including voting powers, if any, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each series of Preferred Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding. Each series of shares of Preferred Stock: (i) may have such voting rights or powers, full or limited, if any; (ii) may be subject to redemption at such time or times and at such prices, if any; (iii) may be entitled to

 

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receive dividends (which may be cumulative or non-cumulative) at such rate or rates, on such conditions and at such times, and payable in preference to, or in such relation to, the dividends payable on any other class or classes or series of stock, if any; (iv) may have such rights upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, winding up or dissolution of, upon any distribution of the assets of, or in the event of any merger, sale or consolidation of, the Corporation, if any; (v) may be made convertible into or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes of stock of the Corporation (or any other securities of the Corporation or any other Person) at such price or prices or at such rates of exchange and with such adjustments, if any; (vi) may be entitled to the benefit of a sinking fund to be applied to the purchase or redemption of shares of such series in such amount or amounts, if any; (vii) may be entitled to the benefit of conditions and restrictions upon the creation of indebtedness of the Corporation or any subsidiary, upon the issue of any additional shares (including additional shares of such series or of any other series) and upon the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions on, and the purchase, redemption or other acquisition by the Corporation or any subsidiary of, any outstanding shares of the Corporation, if any; (viii) may be subject to restrictions on transfer or registration of transfer, or on the amount of shares that may be owned by any Person or group of Persons; and (ix) may have such other relative, participating, optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any; all as shall be stated in said resolution or resolutions of the Board providing for the designation and issue of such shares of Preferred Stock.

6. Certain Provisions Related to Conversion and Redemption Rights.

6.1 Reservation of Shares of Class A Common Stock for Redemptions and Conversions. The Corporation will at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized and unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, (a) for the purposes of effecting any exchanges pursuant to the applicable provisions of Article 11 of the OpCo Operating Agreement, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that are issuable in connection with the exchange of all outstanding Common Units as a result of any Redemption or Direct Exchange pursuant to the applicable provisions of Article 11 of the OpCo Operating Agreement (including for this purpose any Common Units issuable upon the exercise of any options, warrants or similar rights to acquire Common Units), as applicable (without regard to any restrictions on Redemption contained therein and assuming no Redemptions for cash) plus (b) for purposes of effecting conversions of the Class D Common Stock pursuant to Section 6.3 of this Certificate of Incorporation, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the number of then-outstanding shares of Class D Common Stock from time to time. The Corporation covenants that all the shares of Class A Common Stock that are issued (i) upon any such Redemption or exchange of such Common Units and (ii) upon any Conversion of such Class D Common Stock, will, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

6.2 Retirement of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock.

(a) In the event that (a) a share of Class A Common Stock is issued as a result of any Redemption or Direct Exchange of a Common Unit held by an S1 Equityholder] and outstanding as of the effective date of the OpCo Operating Agreement, pursuant to the applicable provisions of Article 11 of the OpCo Operating Agreement or (b) a

 

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Redemption by Cash Settlement is effected with respect to any Common Unit held by an S1 Equityholder and outstanding as of the effective date of the OpCo Operating Agreement, pursuant to the applicable provisions of Article 11 of the OpCo Operating Agreement, a corresponding share of Class C Common Stock will automatically and without further action on the part of the Corporation or the holder thereof be transferred to the Corporation for no consideration and thereupon the Corporation shall promptly take all necessary action to cause such share to be retired, and such share thereafter may not be reissued by the Corporation.

(b) Upon the date that is the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Closing Date, and in the event that a Class D Conversion Event has not occurred prior to such date, every share of Class D Common Stock then outstanding shall automatically be forfeited to the Corporation and canceled for no consideration therefor and shall cease to be outstanding and any dividend declared in respect of such shares of Class D Common Stock and any Dividend Catch-Up Payment shall also be forfeited to the Corporation for no consideration therefor.

6.3 Conversion of Class D Common Stock.

(a) Immediately upon the occurrence of a Class D Conversion Event, each share of Class D Common Stock then outstanding shall automatically, without any further action on the part of the record holder thereof or any other person (including the Corporation), convert into and become an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock, which conversion shall be effective on the date upon which Class D Conversion Event occurs (such date, the “Class D Conversion Date”), and every holder of shares of Class D Common Stock shall become a record holder of Class A Common Stock as of the Class D Conversion Date.

(b) Each outstanding stock certificate or book-entry credit, as applicable, that, immediately prior to a Class D Conversion Event, represented shares of Class D Common Stock shall, upon the Class D Conversion Event, be automatically deemed to represent, as of the Class D Conversion Date, an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock, without the need for any surrender, exchange or registration thereof or any consent or notification, and on or promptly after the Class D Conversion Date, if such shares are uncertificated, the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation shall register such shares in book-entry form, reflecting that such holder is a record holder of Class A Common Stock as of the Class D Conversion Date, without the need for any surrender, exchange or registration thereof or any consent or notification. The Corporation, or any transfer agent of the Corporation, shall, upon the request on or after the Class D Conversion Date of any holder of shares of Class D Common Stock and upon surrender by such holder to the Corporation of the outstanding certificate(s) formerly representing such holder’s shares of Class D Common Stock (if any), issue and deliver to such holder certificate(s) representing the shares of Class A Common Stock into which such holder’s shares of Class D Common Stock were converted as a result of the Class D Conversion Event (if such shares are certificated).

 

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(c) Upon the occurrence of a Class D Conversion Event, the Dividend Catch-Up Payment (as defined below) in respect of each share of Class D Common Stock shall become payable as of the Class D Conversion Date with respect to such share of Class D Common Stock by the Corporation to the holder of record of such share of Class D Common Stock as of the day immediately prior to such Conversion Date, and shall be paid in accordance with this Section 6.3 (the “Catch-Up Reallocation”). Subject to any Catch-Up Reallocation, the Corporation shall pay, no later than five (5) Business Days (as defined in the OpCo Operating Agreement) following the Class D Conversion Date, the dividends previously declared in respect of such share of Class D Common Stock beginning at the time of the Closing and ending on the day before the Class D Conversion Date with respect to such Class D Common Stock (“Dividend Catch-Up Period”), but not including dividends declared on the Class D Conversion Date (which amount, excluding any amounts declared on the Class D Conversion Date, shall be, for the avoidance of doubt, the aggregate per share amount of dividends declared in respect of a share of Class A Common Stock during the Dividend Catch-Up Period (each such payment, a “Dividend Catch-Up Payment”)). If a dividend is declared by the Corporation on a Class D Conversion Date, such dividend shall be paid to the holder of each share of Class D Common Stock converting on such Class D Conversion Date as a holder of Class A Common Stock, and not as part of the Dividend Catch-Up Payment, and the Corporation shall ensure that the holder of shares of Class D Common Stock on the Class D Conversion Date shall be treated as a record holder of Class A Common Stock (in respect of each share of Class D Common Stock which converted into a share of Class A Common Stock in accordance with this Section 6.3(c) on such Class D Conversion Date) for purposes of such dividend.

6.4 Taxes. The issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the applicable provisions of Article 11 of the OpCo Operating Agreement will be made without charge to the applicable holder of Common Units receiving such shares in redemption or exchange for Common Units for any transfer taxes, stamp taxes or duties or other similar tax in respect of the issuance.

7. Board of Directors; Committees.

7.1 Number and Classes of Directors.

(a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by, or under the direction of, the Board. Unless and except to the extent that the bylaws of the Corporation (as such bylaws may be amended from time to time, the “Bylaws”) shall so require, the election of the directors of the Corporation (the “Directors”) need not be by written ballot. Except as otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.2 of this Certificate of Incorporation relating to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional Directors, the total authorized number of Directors constituting the entire Board shall not be more than eleven (11), with the then-authorized number of Directors being fixed from time to time by the Board within such range (subject to the Stockholder’s Agreement if then in effect), which number shall initially be nine (9).

 

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(b) Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock to elect Directors, the Directors of the Corporation shall be classified with respect to the time for which they severally hold office into three (3) classes, designated as Class I, Class II and Class III. The initial Class I Directors shall serve for a term expiring at the first (1st) annual meeting of the stockholders following the Closing Date; the initial Class II Directors shall serve for a term expiring at the second (2nd) annual meeting of the stockholders following the Closing Date; and the initial Class III Directors shall serve for a term expiring at the third (3rd) annual meeting following the Closing Date. At each annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation beginning with the first annual meeting of stockholders following the Closing Date, subject to any special rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock to elect Directors, the successors of the class of Directors whose term expires at that meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third (3rd) year following the year of their election. Each Director shall hold office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, disqualification or removal. No decrease in the number of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director. The Board of Directors is authorized to assign members of the Board already in office to Class I, Class II and Class III.

(c) During any period when the holders of any series of Preferred Stock have the right to elect additional Directors as provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.2 (“Preferred Stock Directors”), upon the commencement, and for the duration, of the period during which such right continues: (i) the then-total authorized number of Directors shall automatically be increased by such specified number of Preferred Stock Directors, and the holders of the related Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect the Preferred Stock Directors pursuant to the provisions of the certificate of designation for the series of Preferred Stock, and (ii) each such Preferred Stock Director shall serve until such Preferred Stock Director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such Preferred Stock Director’s right to hold such office terminates pursuant to such provisions, whichever occurs earlier, subject to his or her earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal. Except as otherwise provided by the Board in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect Preferred Stock Directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such stock, the terms of office of all such Preferred Stock Directors elected by the holders of such Preferred Stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such Preferred Stock Directors, shall forthwith terminate and the total and authorized number of Directors shall automatically be reduced accordingly.

7.2 Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships. Subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then-outstanding and subject to obtaining any required stockholder votes or consents under the Stockholders’ Agreement (or complying with any stockholders’ designation rights under the Stockholders’ Agreement), newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of Directors or any vacancies on the Board resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled solely by the affirmative vote of the remaining Directors then in office, even if less than a quorum of the Board. Any Director so chosen shall hold office until the next election of the Directors in which such Director is included and until his or her successor shall be duly elected and qualified or until such Director’s earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of Directors shall shorten the term of any Director then in office.

 

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7.3 Removal of Directors. Except for Preferred Stock Directors and subject to obtaining any required stockholder votes or consents under the Stockholders’ Agreement, any Director or the entire Board may be removed from office at any time, with or without cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class.

8. Meetings of Stockholders.

8.1 No Action by Written Consent. The stockholders of the Corporation may not effect any action by written consent.

8.2 Special Meetings of Stockholders. Subject to any special rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, and to the requirements of applicable law, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by or at the direction of (i) the Board, (ii) the Chairman or (iii) by the Secretary of the Corporation at the request of any holder of greater-than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class. Any business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters relating to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of meeting.

9. General Corporation Law; Section 203 and Business Combinations. The Corporation hereby expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the General Corporation Law.

10. Limitation of Liability.

10.1 To the fullest extent permitted under the General Corporation Law, no Director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director.

10.2 Any amendment or repeal of this Article 10 shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a Director hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such amendment or repeal.

11. Indemnification. The Corporation shall have the power to provide rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses to its current and former officers, Directors, employees and agents and to any person who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

 

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12. Adoption, Amendment or Repeal of Bylaws. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by law, the Board is expressly authorized to make, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws subject to the power of the stockholders of the Corporation entitled to vote with respect thereto to make, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws.

13. Adoption, Amendment and Repeal of Certificate. The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by the General Corporation Law, and all rights, preferences and privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon stockholders, Directors or any other Persons whomsoever by and pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation in its present form or as hereafter amended, are granted and held subject to this reservation.

14. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its Directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service to or for the benefit of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law.

15. Incorporator. The name and mailing address of the incorporator is Tanmay Kumar, 41 Madison Avenue, Suite 2020, New York, NY 10010.

16. Effective Time. Pursuant to Section 103(d) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, this Certificate of Incorporation shall be effective at 11:59 p.m. on January 25, 2022.

17. Definitions. As used in this Certificate of Incorporation, unless the context otherwise requires or as set forth in another Article or Section of this Certificate of Incorporation, the term:

(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such Person; provided, that (i) neither the Corporation nor any of its subsidiaries will be deemed an Affiliate of any stockholder of the Corporation or any of such stockholders’ Affiliates and (ii) no stockholder of the Corporation will be deemed an Affiliate of any other stockholder of the Corporation, in each case, solely by reason of any investment in the Corporation or any rights conferred on such stockholder pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement (including any representatives of such stockholder serving on the Board).

 

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(b) “Board” means the board of Directors of the Corporation.

(c) “Bylaws” is defined in Section 7.1.

(d) “Cash Settlement” has the meaning set forth in the OpCo Operating Agreement.

(e) “Catch-Up Reallocation” is defined in Section 6.3(c).

(f) “Certificate of Incorporation” means this Certificate of Incorporation.

(g) “Chairman” means the chairperson of the Board.

(h) “Change of Control” means the transfer to or acquisition by (whether by tender offer, merger, consolidation, division or other similar transaction), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, a person or entity or group of affiliated persons or entities (other than an underwriter pursuant to an offering), of the Corporation’s voting securities if, after such transfer or acquisition, such person, entity or group of affiliated persons or entities would beneficially own (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation.

(i) “Class A Common Stock” is defined in Section 4.1.

(j) “Class C Common Stock” is defined in Section 4.1.

(k) “Class D Common Stock” is defined in Section 4.1.

(l) “Class D Conversion Date” is defined in Section 6.3(a).

(m) “Class D Conversion Event” means, with respect to each share of Class D Common Stock, during the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Closing Date, the occurrence of: (a) the first day on which the VWAP of the Class A Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any twenty (20) Trading Days within a period of thirty (30) consecutive Trading Days; or (ii) a Change of Control; provided, however, that in respect of clause (ii), the valuation of Class A Common Stock in such Change of Control is equal to or in excess of $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like)..

(n) “Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement.

(o) “Common Stock” is defined in Section 4.1.

 

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(p) “Common Unit” means a Common Unit of OpCo.

(q) “control” (including the terms “controlling” and “controlled”), with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of such subject Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise.

(r) “Corporation” is defined in the introductory paragraph.

(s) “Direct Exchange” has the meaning set forth in the OpCo Operating Agreement.

(t) “Director” is defined in Section 7.1.

(u) “Dividend Catch-Up Payment” is defined in Section 6.3(c).

(v) “Dividend Catch-Up Period” is defined in Section 6.3(c).

(w) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(x) “General Corporation Law” is defined in the recitals.

(y) “OpCo” means S1 Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or any successor thereto.

(z) “OpCo Operating Agreement” means the Fifth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of OpCo, dated as of January 24, 2022, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified, from time to time.

(aa) “Permitted Transferee” has the meaning set forth in the OpCo Operating Agreement.

(bb) “Person” means any individual, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust, business trust, joint stock company, joint venture, unincorporated association, cooperative or association or any other legal entity or organization of whatever nature, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

(cc) “Preferred Stock” is defined in Section 4.1.

(dd) “Preferred Stock Directors” is defined in Section 7.1.

(ee) “Redemption” has the meaning set forth in the OpCo Operating Agreement.

 

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(ff) “Stock Adjustment” is defined in Section 5.1(b)(iii).

(gg) “Stock Exchange Rules” means the rules and regulations for listed companies as in effect from time to time of the principal United States national securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed for trading, which as of the date hereof is the New York Stock Exchange.

(hh) “Stockholders Agreement” means the Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2022, by and among the Corporation and the other Persons party thereto or that may become parties thereto from time to time, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified, from time to time.

(ii) “Trading Day” means any day, except Saturday, Sunday or any day which is not a trading day on the New York Stock Exchange.

(jj) “VWAP” means, for any security as of any date(s), the dollar volume-weighted average price for such security on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which such security is then traded during the period beginning at 9:30:01 a.m., New York time, and ending at 4:00:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (or an equivalent successor if such page is not available) or, if the foregoing does not apply, the dollar volume-weighted average price of such security in the over-the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for such security during the period beginning at 9:30:01 a.m., New York time, and ending at 4:00:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (or an equivalent successor if such page is not available), or, if no dollar volume-weighted average price is reported for such security by Bloomberg L.P. (or an equivalent successor if such page is not available) for such hours, the average of the highest closing bid price and the lowest closing ask price of any of the market makers for such security as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by its Sole Incorporator on this 25th day of January 2022.

 

System1, Inc., a Delaware corporation
By:  

                          

Tanmay Kumar, as Sole Incorporator

[Signature Page to Certificate of Incorporation]

Exhibit 3.2

Final

Bylaws of

System1, Inc.

(a Delaware corporation)

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Article I - Corporate Offices

     1  

1.1

  Registered Office      1  

1.2

  Other Offices      1  

Article II - Meetings of Stockholders

     1  

2.1

  Place of Meetings      1  

2.2

  Annual Meeting      1  

2.3

  Special Meeting      1  

2.4

  Advance Notice Procedures for Business Brought before a Meeting      1  

2.5

  Advance Notice Procedures for Nominations of Directors      5  

2.6

  Notice of Stockholders’ Meetings      8  

2.7

  Manner of Giving Notice; Affidavit of Notice      8  

2.8

  Quorum      9  

2.9

  Adjourned Meeting; Notice      9  

2.10

  Conduct of Business      9  

2.11

  Voting      10  

2.12

  Record Date for Stockholder Meetings and Other Purposes      10  

2.13

  Proxies      11  

2.14

  List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote      11  

2.15

  Inspectors of Election      11  

2.16

  Delivery to the Corporation      12  

Article III - Directors

     12  

3.1

  Powers      12  

 

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3.2

  Number of Directors      12

3.3

  Election, Qualification and Term of Office of Directors      12

3.4

  Resignation and Vacancies      12

3.5

  Place of Meetings; Meetings by Telephone      13

3.6

  Regular Meetings      13

3.7

  Special Meetings; Notice      13

3.8

  Quorum      13

3.9

  Action by Written Consent without a Meeting      14

3.10

  Fees and Compensation of Directors      14

Article IV - Committees

     14

4.1

  Committees of Directors      14

4.2

  Committee Minutes      14

4.3

  Meetings and Actions of Committees      14

Article V - Officers

     15

5.1

  Officers      15

5.2

  Appointment of Officers      15

5.3

  Subordinate Officers      15

5.4

  Removal and Resignation of Officers      15

5.5

  Vacancies in Offices      16

5.6

  Representation of Shares of Other Corporations.      16

5.7

  Authority and Duties of Officers      16

5.8

  Compensation      16

Article VI - Records

     16

Article VII - General Matters

     17

7.1

  Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments      17

 

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7.2

  Stock Certificates      17

7.3

  Lost Certificates      17

7.4

  Shares Without Certificates      17

7.5

  Construction; Definitions      17

7.6

  Dividends      18

7.7

  Fiscal Year      18

7.8

  Seal      18

7.9

  Transfer of Stock      18

7.10

  Stock Transfer Agreements      18

7.11

  Registered Stockholders      18

7.12

  Waiver of Notice      19

7.13

  Lock-Up.      19

7.14

  Authority for Additional Rules Regarding Transfer.      22

Article VIII - Notice

     22

Article IX - Indemnification

     23

9.1

  Indemnification of Directors and Officers      23

9.2

  Indemnification of Others      23

9.3

  Prepayment of Expenses      23

9.4

  Determination; Claim      24

9.5

  Non-Exclusivity of Rights      24

9.6

  Insurance      24

9.7

  Other Indemnification      24

9.8

  Continuation of Indemnification      24

9.9

  Amendment or Repeal; Interpretation      24

 

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Article X - Amendments    25
Article XI - Forum Selection    25
Article XII - Definitions    26

 

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Bylaws of

System1, Inc.

 

 

Article I - Corporate Offices

1.1 Registered Office.

The address of the registered office of System1, Inc. (the “Corporation”) in the State of Delaware, and the name of its registered agent at such address, shall be as set forth in the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”).

1.2 Other Offices.

The Corporation may have additional offices at any place or places, within or outside the State of Delaware, as the Corporation’s Board may from time to time establish or as the business of the Corporation may require.

Article II - Meetings of Stockholders

2.1 Place of Meetings.

Meetings of stockholders shall be held at such place, if any, within or outside the State of Delaware, designated by the Board. The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as authorized by Section 211(a)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). In the absence of any such designation or determination, stockholders’ meetings shall be held at the Corporation’s principal executive office.

2.2 Annual Meeting.

The Board shall designate the date and time of the annual meeting. At the annual meeting, directors shall be elected and other proper business properly brought before the meeting in accordance with Section 2.4 may be transacted.

2.3 Special Meeting.

Special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by such Persons and only in such manner as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

No business may be transacted at any special meeting of stockholders other than the business specified in the notice of such meeting.

2.4 Advance Notice Procedures for Business Brought before a Meeting.

(i) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, business must be (a) specified in a notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the Board, (b) if not specified in a notice of meeting, otherwise brought before the meeting by the Board or the chairperson of the meeting, or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder present in person who (A) (1) was a stockholder of the Corporation both at the time of giving the notice provided

 

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for in this Section 2.4 and at the time of the meeting, (2) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (3) has complied with this Section 2.4 or (B) properly made such proposal in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (as so amended and inclusive of such rules and regulations, the “Exchange Act”), which proposal has been included in the proxy statement for the annual meeting. The foregoing clause (c) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to propose business to be brought before an annual meeting of the stockholders. The only matters that may be brought before a special meeting are the matters specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the Person calling the meeting pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation and Section 2.3 of these bylaws. For purposes of this Section 2.4 and Section 2.5 of these bylaws, as applicable, “present in person” shall mean that the stockholder proposing that the business be brought before the annual or special meeting of the Corporation, or, if the proposing stockholder is not an individual, a qualified representative of such proposing stockholder, appear at such annual meeting, and a “qualified representative” of such proposing stockholder shall be (A) any person who is authorized in writing by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders or (B) if such proposing stockholder is (x) a general or limited partnership, any general partner or Person who functions as a general partner of the general or limited partnership or who controls the general or limited partnership, (y) a corporation or a limited liability company, any officer or Person who functions as an officer of the corporation or limited liability company or any officer, director, general partner or Person who functions as an officer, director or general partner of any entity ultimately in control of the corporation or limited liability company or (z) a trust, any trustee of such trust. This Section 2.4 shall apply to any business that may be brought before an annual or special meeting of stockholders other than nominations for election to the Board at an annual meeting, which shall be governed by Section 2.5 of these bylaws. Stockholders seeking to nominate persons for election to the Board must comply with Section 2.5 of these bylaws, and this Section 2.4 shall not be applicable to nominations for election to the Board except as expressly provided in Section 2.5 of these bylaws.

(ii) Without qualification, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to Section 2.4(iii)(c), (a) the stockholder must provide Timely Notice (as defined below) thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation, (b) the stockholder must provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.4 and (c) the proposed business must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the one-year anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty days before or after the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was first made (such notice within such time periods, “Timely Notice”). In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period or extend a time period for the giving of Timely Notice as described above.

(iii) To be in proper form for purposes of this Section 2.4, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth:

(a) As to each Proposing Person (as defined below), (A) the name and address of such Proposing Person (including, if applicable, the name and address that appear on the Corporation’s books and records); and (B) the number of shares of each class or series of stock of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned of record

 

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or beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) by such Proposing Person, except that such Proposing Person shall in all events be deemed to beneficially own any shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation as to which such Proposing Person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time in the future (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) are referred to as “Stockholder Information”);

(b) As to each Proposing Person, (A) the full notional amount of any securities that, directly or indirectly, underlie any “derivative security” (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(c) under the Exchange Act) that constitutes a “call equivalent position” (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(b) under the Exchange Act) (“Synthetic Equity Position”) and that is, directly or indirectly, held or maintained by such Proposing Person with respect to any shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation; provided that, for the purposes of the definition of “Synthetic Equity Position,” the term “derivative security” shall also include any security or instrument that would not otherwise constitute a “derivative security” as a result of any feature that would make any conversion, exercise or similar right or privilege of such security or instrument becoming determinable only at some future date or upon the happening of a future occurrence, in which case the determination of the amount of securities into which such security or instrument would be convertible or exercisable shall be made assuming that such security or instrument is immediately convertible or exercisable at the time of such determination; and, provided, further, that any Proposing Person satisfying the requirements of Rule 13d-1(b)(1) under the Exchange Act (other than a Proposing Person that so satisfies Rule 13d-1(b)(1) under the Exchange Act solely by reason of Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E)) shall not be deemed to hold or maintain the notional amount of any securities that underlie a Synthetic Equity Position held by such Proposing Person as a hedge with respect to a bona fide derivatives trade or position of such Proposing Person arising in the ordinary course of such Proposing Person’s business as a derivatives dealer, (B) any rights to dividends on the shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation owned beneficially by such Proposing Person that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation, (C) any material pending or threatened legal proceeding in which such Proposing Person is a party or material participant involving the Corporation or any of its officers or directors, or any Affiliate of the Corporation, (D) any other material relationship between such Proposing Person, on the one hand, and the Corporation or any Affiliate of the Corporation, on the other hand, (E) any direct or indirect material interest in any material contract or agreement of such Proposing Person with the Corporation or any Affiliate of the Corporation (including, in any such case, any employment agreement, collective bargaining agreement or consulting agreement), (F) any other information relating to such Proposing Person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies or consents by such Proposing Person in support of the business proposed to be brought before the meeting pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (A) through (F) are referred to as “Disclosable Interests”); provided, however, that Disclosable Interests shall not include any such disclosures with respect to the ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Proposing Person solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these bylaws on behalf of a beneficial owner and (G) a representation whether any Proposing Person, intends or is part of a group which intends to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal and/or otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal; and

 

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(c) As to each item of business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting, (A) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting and any material interest in such business of each Proposing Person, (B) the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration), (C) a reasonably detailed description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings (x) between or among any of the Proposing Persons or (y) between or among any Proposing Person and any other Person or entity (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and (D) any other information relating to such item of business that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies in support of the business proposed to be brought before the meeting pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that the disclosures required by this Section 2.4(iii) shall not include any disclosures with respect to any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Proposing Person solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these bylaws on behalf of a beneficial owner.

(iv) For purposes of this Section 2.4, the term “Proposing Person shall mean (a) the stockholder providing the notice of business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting, (b) the beneficial owner or beneficial owners, if different, on whose behalf the notice of the business proposed to be brought before the annual meeting is made, (c) any participant (as defined in paragraphs (a)(ii)–(vi) of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A) with such stockholder in such solicitation or (d) any associate (within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act for the purposes of these bylaws) of such stockholder, beneficial owner or any other participant.

(v) A Proposing Person shall update and supplement its notice to the Corporation of its intent to propose business at an annual meeting, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be true and correct as of the record date for notice of the meeting and as of the date that is ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for notice of the meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of such record date), and not later than eight (8) business days prior to the date for the meeting or, if practicable, any adjournment or postponement thereof (and, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the meeting has been adjourned or postponed) (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement as set forth in this paragraph or any other Section of these bylaws shall not limit the Corporation’s rights with respect to any deficiencies in any notice provided by a stockholder, extend any applicable deadlines hereunder or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted notice hereunder to amend or update any proposal or to submit any new proposal, including by changing or adding matters, business or resolutions proposed to be brought before a meeting of the stockholders.

 

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(vi) Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at an annual meeting that is not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.4. The presiding officer of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that the business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.4, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

(vii) In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.4 with respect to any business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting, each Proposing Person shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to any such business. Nothing in this Section 2.4 shall be deemed to affect the rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.

(viii) For purposes of these bylaws, “public disclosure” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

2.5 Advance Notice Procedures for Nominations of Directors.

(i) Subject in all respects to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, nominations of any person for election to the Board at an annual meeting or at a special meeting (but only if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling such special meeting) may be made at such meeting only (a) by or at the direction of the Board, including by any committee or persons authorized to do so by the Board or these bylaws, or (b) by a stockholder present in person (as defined in Section 2.4) who (1) was a beneficial owner of shares of the Corporation both at the time of giving the notice provided for in this Section 2.5 and at the time of the meeting, (2) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (3) has complied with this Section 2.5 as to such notice and nomination. The foregoing clause (b) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board at any annual meeting of stockholders other than in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.

(ii) Without qualification, for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board at an annual meeting, the stockholder must (a) provide Timely Notice (as defined in Section 2.4(ii) of these bylaws) thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation, (b) provide the information, agreements and questionnaires with respect to such stockholder and its candidate for nomination as required by this Section 2.5, and (c) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.5. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period or extend a time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(iii) To be in proper form for purposes of this Section 2.5, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth:

(a) As to each Nominating Person (as defined below), the Stockholder Information (as defined in Section 2.4(iii)(a) of these bylaws) except that for purposes of this Section 2.5, the term “Nominating Person” shall be substituted for the term “Proposing Person” in all places it appears in Section 2.4(iii)(a);

(b) As to each Nominating Person, any Disclosable Interests (as defined in Section 2.4(iii)(b), except that for purposes of this Section 2.5 the term “Nominating Person” shall be substituted for the term “Proposing Person” in all places it appears in Section 2.4(iii)(b) and the disclosure with respect to the business to be brought before the meeting in Section 2.4(iii)(c) shall be made with respect to nomination of each person for election as a director at the meeting) and a representation whether any Nominating Person intends or is part of a group which intends to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to elect the nominee and/or otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such nomination; and

 

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(c) As to each candidate whom a Nominating Person proposes to nominate for election as a director, (A) all information with respect to such candidate for nomination that would be required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice pursuant to this Section 2.5 if such candidate for nomination were a Nominating Person, (B) all information relating to such candidate for nomination that is required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14(a) under the Exchange Act (including such candidate’s written consent to being named in the Corporation’s proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected), (C) a description of any direct or indirect material interest in any material contract or agreement between or among any Nominating Person, on the one hand, and each candidate for nomination or his or her respective associates or any other participants in such solicitation, on the other hand, including, without limitation, all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 under Regulation S-K if such Nominating Person were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the candidate for nomination were a director or executive officer of such registrant (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (A) through (C) are referred to as “Nominee Information”), and (D) a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement as provided in Section 2.5(viii).

(iv) For purposes of this Section 2.5, the term “Nominating Person shall mean (a) the stockholder providing the notice of the nomination proposed to be made at the meeting, (b) the beneficial owner or beneficial owners, if different, on whose behalf the notice of the nomination proposed to be made at the meeting is made, (c) any other participant (as defined in paragraphs (a)(ii)–(vi) of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A) in such solicitation and (d) any associate (within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act for the purposes of these bylaws) of such stockholder or beneficial owner or any other participant in such solicitation.

(v) A stockholder providing notice of any nomination proposed to be made at a meeting shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall be true and correct as of the record date for notice of the meeting and as of the date that is ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for notice of the meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of such record date), and not later than eight (8) business days prior to the date for the meeting or, if practicable, any adjournment or postponement thereof (and, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the meeting has been adjourned or postponed) (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement as set forth in this paragraph or any other Section of these bylaws shall not limit the Corporation’s rights with respect to any deficiencies in any notice provided by a stockholder, extend any applicable deadlines hereunder or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted notice hereunder to amend or update any nomination or to submit any new nomination.

 

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(vi) Notwithstanding anything in Section 2.5(ii) to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board at the annual meeting is increased effective after the time period for which nominations would otherwise be due under Section 2.5(ii) and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming the nominees for the additional directorships at least one hundred (100) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.5 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the additional directorships, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

(vii) Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (1) by or at the direction of the Board or (2) provided that the Board has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time the notice provided for in this Section 2.5 is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and upon such election and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.5. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board, any such stockholder entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice required by Section 2.5(ii) shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such special meeting or the tenth (10th) day following the day on which the Corporation first makes a public announcement of the date of the special meeting at which directors are to be elected. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of a special meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(viii) To be eligible to be a candidate for election as a director of the Corporation at an annual meeting, a candidate must be nominated in the manner prescribed in this Section 2.5 (or otherwise in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation, as applicable) and the candidate for nomination, whether nominated by the Board or by a stockholder of record, must have previously delivered (in the case of a nomination by a stockholder pursuant to Section 2.5(i)(b), in accordance with the time period prescribed in this Section 2.5 for delivery of the stockholder notice of nomination), to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, (a) a completed written questionnaire (in the form provided by the Corporation) with respect to the background, qualifications, stock ownership and independence of such candidate for nomination, and such additional information with respect to such proposed nominee as would be required to be provided by the Corporation pursuant to Schedule 14A if such proposed nominee were a participant in the solicitation of proxies by the Corporation in connection with such annual or special meeting and (b) a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Corporation) that such candidate for nomination (A) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any Person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation or reimbursement for service as a director of the Corporation that has not been disclosed therein and (B) if elected as a director of the Corporation, will comply with all applicable corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality, stock ownership and trading and other policies and guidelines of the Corporation applicable to all directors and in effect during such person’s term in office as a director (and, if requested by any candidate for nomination, the Secretary of the Corporation shall provide to such candidate for nomination all such policies and guidelines then in effect).

 

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(ix) The Board may also require any proposed candidate for nomination as a Director to furnish such other information as may reasonably be requested by the Board in writing prior to the meeting of stockholders at which such candidate’s nomination is to be acted upon in order for the Board to determine the eligibility of such candidate for nomination to be an independent director of the Corporation in accordance with the Corporation’s corporate governance guidelines.

(x) In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.5 with respect to any nomination proposed to be made at a meeting, each Nominating Person shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to any such nominations.

(xi) No candidate shall be eligible for nomination as a director of the Corporation unless such candidate for nomination and the Nominating Person seeking to place such candidate’s name in nomination has complied with this Section 2.5, as applicable. The presiding officer at the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was not properly made in accordance with this Section 2.5, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare such determination to the meeting, the defective nomination shall be disregarded and any ballots cast for the candidate in question (but in the case of any form of ballot listing other qualified nominees, only the ballots cast for the nominee in question) shall be void and of no force or effect.

(xii) Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws to the contrary, no candidate for nomination shall be eligible to be seated as a director of the Corporation unless nominated and elected in accordance with this Section 2.5.

(xiii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in these bylaws, for as long as any party to the Stockholders’ Agreement has a right to designate or nominate a Director, the procedure for any such nomination shall be governed by the Stockholders’ Agreement and such party shall not be subject to the notice procedures set forth in these bylaws for the nomination of any person to serve as a Director at any annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders.

2.6 Notice of Stockholders Meetings.

Unless otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, the notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be sent or otherwise given in accordance with Section 2.7 of these bylaws not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. The notice shall specify the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.

2.7 Manner of Giving Notice; Affidavit of Notice.

Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be deemed given:

(i) if mailed, when deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his or her address as it appears on the Corporation’s records; or

(ii) if electronically transmitted as provided in the DGCL.

 

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An affidavit of the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Corporation or of the transfer agent or any other agent of the Corporation that the notice has been given by mail or by a form of electronic transmission, as applicable, shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

2.8 Quorum.

Unless otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these bylaws, the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person, or by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the stockholders. A quorum, once established at a meeting, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum. If, however, a quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, then either (i) the chairperson of the meeting or (ii) a majority in voting power of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person, or by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy, shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time in the manner provided in Section 2.9 of these bylaws until a quorum is present or represented. At any recessed or adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed.

2.9 Adjourned Meeting; Notice.

When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, if any, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At any adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.

2.10 Conduct of Business.

The date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at a meeting shall be announced at the meeting by the person presiding over the meeting. The Board may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board, the chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairperson, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the chairperson of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairperson of the meeting shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. The presiding person at any meeting of stockholders, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to

 

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the conduct of the meeting (including, without limitation, determinations with respect to the administration and/or interpretation of any of the rules, regulations or procedures of the meeting, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the person presiding over the meeting), shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a matter of business was not properly brought before the meeting and if such presiding person should so determine, such presiding person shall so declare to the meeting and any such matter or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the chairperson of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

2.11 Voting.

Each stockholder shall be entitled to a number of votes based on the number of and type of shares of capital stock held by such stockholder as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or as required under the DGCL.

Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, at all duly called or convened meetings of stockholders at which a quorum is present, for the election of directors, a plurality of the votes cast shall be sufficient to elect a director. Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, or applicable law or pursuant to any regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, each other matter presented to the stockholders at a duly called or convened meeting at which a quorum is present shall be decided by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes) on such matter.

2.12 Record Date for Stockholder Meetings and Other Purposes.

In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be the close of business on the next day preceding the day on which notice is first given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting; and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.

In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment or any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of capital stock, or for the purposes of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

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2.13 Proxies.

Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another Person or Persons to act for such stockholder by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting, but, no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. The revocability of a proxy that states on its face that it is irrevocable shall be governed by the provisions of Section 212 of the DGCL. A proxy may be in the form of an electronic transmission which sets forth or is submitted with information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder.

2.14 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote.

The Corporation shall prepare, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (provided, however, that if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. The Corporation shall not be required to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting: (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the Corporation’s principal executive office. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting. Such list shall presumptively determine the identity of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the number of shares held by each of them. Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the list of stockholders required by this Section 2.14 or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

2.15 Inspectors of Election.

Before any meeting of stockholders, the Corporation shall appoint an inspector or inspectors of election to act at the meeting or its adjournment and make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more Persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If any Person appointed as inspector or any alternate fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, then the chairperson of the meeting shall appoint a Person to fill that vacancy.

Such inspectors shall:

(i) determine the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each, the number of shares represented at the meeting and the validity of any proxies and ballots;

(ii) count all votes or ballots;

(iii) count and tabulate all votes;

 

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(iv) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspector(s); and

(v) certify its or their determination of the number of shares represented at the meeting and its or their count of all votes and ballots.

Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of inspector, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspection with strict impartiality and according to the best of such inspector’s ability. Any report or certificate made by the inspectors of election is prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. The inspectors of election may appoint such Persons to assist them in performing their duties as they determine.

2.16 Delivery to the Corporation.

Whenever this Article II requires one or more persons (including a record or beneficial owner of stock) to deliver a document or information to the Corporation or any officer, employee or agent thereof (including any notice, request, questionnaire, revocation, representation or other document or agreement), such document or information shall be in writing exclusively (and not in an electronic transmission) and shall be delivered exclusively by hand (including, without limitation, overnight courier service) or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and the Corporation shall not be required to accept delivery of any document not in such written form or so delivered. For the avoidance of doubt, the Corporation expressly opts out of Section 116 of the DGCL with respect to the delivery of information and documents to the Corporation required by this Article II.

Article III - Directors

3.1 Powers.

Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board.

3.2 Number of Directors.

The total number of directors constituting the Board shall be determined in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation.

3.3 Election, Qualification and Term of Office of Directors.

The procedures for election of directors, as well as the terms and qualifications of directors, shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

3.4 Resignation and Vacancies.

Subject to the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Stockholders’ Agreement, any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation. The resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or upon the happening of an event specified therein, and if no time or event is specified, at the time of its receipt. When one or more directors so resigns and the resignation is effective at a future date or upon the happening of an event to occur on a future date, except as otherwise provided for in the Certificate of Incorporation or the Stockholders’ Agreement, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have the power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each director so chosen shall hold office as provided in this section in the filling of other vacancies.

 

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Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors shall be filled in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and the Stockholders’ Agreement.

3.5 Place of Meetings; Meetings by Telephone.

The Board may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or outside the State of Delaware.

Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, members of the Board, or any committee of the Board or subcommittee of the Board, in each case, designated by the Board, may participate in a meeting of the Board, or any committee of the Board or subcommittee of the Board, by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting pursuant to this bylaw shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

3.6 Regular Meetings.

Regular meetings of the Board may be held within or outside the State of Delaware without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board.

3.7 Special Meetings; Notice.

Special meetings of the Board for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the chairperson of the Board or a majority of the total number of directors constituting the Board.

Notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be:

(i) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone;

(ii) sent by United States first-class mail, postage prepaid;

(iii) sent by facsimile or electronic mail; or

(iv) sent by other means of electronic transmission,

directed to each director at that director’s address, telephone number, facsimile number or electronic mail address, or other address for electronic transmission, as the case may be, as shown on the Corporation’s records.

If the notice is (i) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone, (ii) sent by facsimile or electronic mail, or (iii) sent by other means of electronic transmission, it shall be delivered or sent at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time of the holding of the meeting. If the notice is sent by U.S. mail, it shall be deposited in the U.S. mail at least four (4) days before the time of the holding of the meeting. The notice need not specify the place of the meeting (if the meeting is to be held at the Corporation’s principal executive office) nor the purpose of the meeting.

3.8 Quorum.

Subject to the Certificate of Incorporation, at all meetings of the Board, a majority of the total number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; provided, that to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, the presence of the chairperson of the Board shall be necessary in order for a quorum to be obtained at any meeting of the Board. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in the event that the chairperson of the Board waives his required attendance at any meeting of the Board in writing prior to such meeting, the presence of the chairperson of the Board shall not be necessary in order for such quorum to be obtained and the Board may appoint a Director as interim

 

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chairperson of the Board to preside over such meeting. The vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the Board, then a majority of the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present.

3.9 Action by Written Consent without a Meeting.

Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee of the Board or subcommittee of the Board, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee or subcommittee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. After such an action is taken by written consent without a meeting, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or any committee or subcommittee thereof in the same paper or electronic form as the minutes are maintained.

3.10 Fees and Compensation of Directors.

Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, the Board shall have the authority to fix the compensation, including fees and reimbursement of expenses, of directors for services to the Corporation in any capacity.

Article IV - Committees

4.1 Committees of Directors.

Subject to the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board may designate one (1) or more committees of the Board or the Board, each committee of the Board to consist, of one (1) or more of the directors of the Corporation and each committee of the Board, if different than the Board, to consist of one (1) or more members of the Board. The Board may designate one (1) or more directors or members of the Board, as applicable, as alternate members of any committee of the Board, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board or in these bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it; but no such committee or subcommittee shall have the power or authority to (i) approve or adopt, or recommend to the stockholders, any action or matter expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (ii) adopt, amend or repeal any bylaw of the Corporation. The presence of a majority of the members of any committee of the Board or subcommittee thereof shall be necessary in order for a quorum to be obtained.

4.2 Committee Minutes.

Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board when required.

4.3 Meetings and Actions of Committees.

Meetings and actions of committees shall be governed by, and held and taken in accordance with, the provisions of:

(i) Section 3.5 (place of meetings and meetings by telephone);

 

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(ii) Section 3.6 (regular meetings);

(iii) Section 3.7 (special meetings and notice);

(iv) Section 3.9 (action without a meeting); and

(v) Section 7.12 (waiver of notice),

with such changes in the context of those bylaws as are necessary to substitute the committee and its respective members for the Board and its members. However:

(i) the time of regular meetings of committees may be determined either by resolution of the Board or by resolution of the committee;

(ii) special meetings of committees may also be called by resolution of the Board or the chairperson of the applicable committee; and

the Board may adopt rules for the governance of any committee to override the provisions that would otherwise apply to the committee pursuant to this Section 4.3; provided that such rules do not violate the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or applicable law.

Article V - Officers

5.1 Officers.

The officers of the Corporation shall initially include a chief executive officer, a president and a secretary. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board, a chairperson of the Board, a vice chairperson of the Board, a chief financial officer, a treasurer, one (1) or more vice presidents, one (1) or more assistant vice presidents, one (1) or more assistant treasurers, one (1) or more assistant secretaries, and any such other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

5.2 Appointment of Officers.

The Board or a duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof shall appoint the officers of the Corporation, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.3 of these bylaws.

5.3 Subordinate Officers.

The Board or a duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof may appoint, or empower the chief executive officer or, in the absence of a chief executive officer, the president, to appoint, such other officers and agents as the business of the Corporation may require. Each of such officers and agents shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in these bylaws. As the Board or a duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof may from time to time determine, or as determined by the officer upon whom such power of appointment has been conferred by the Board or a duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof.

5.4 Removal and Resignation of Officers.

Subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment, any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board or a duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof or, except in the case of an officer chosen by the Board or a duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof, by any officer upon whom such power of removal may be conferred by the Board or a duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof.

 

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Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Corporation. Any resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of that notice or at any later time specified in that notice. Unless otherwise specified in the notice of resignation, the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation is without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party.

5.5 Vacancies in Offices.

Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation may be filled by the Board or a duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof or as provided in Section 5.3.

5.6 Representation of Shares of Other Corporations.

The chief executive officer, the president, the chairperson of the Board, any vice president, the treasurer, the secretary or assistant secretary of this Corporation, or any other Person authorized by the Board, the chief executive officer, the president or a vice president, is authorized to vote, represent and exercise on behalf of this Corporation all rights incident to any and all shares or securities of any other corporation or entity standing in the name of this Corporation. The authority granted herein may be exercised either by such Person directly or by any other Person authorized to do so by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by such Person having the authority.

5.7 Authority and Duties of Officers.

All officers of the Corporation shall respectively have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the business of the Corporation as may be provided herein or designated from time to time by the Board and, to the extent not so provided, as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the control of the Board.

5.8 Compensation.

The compensation of the officers of the Corporation for their services as such shall be fixed from time to time by or at the direction of the Board. An officer of the Corporation shall not be prevented from receiving compensation by reason of the fact that he or she is also a director of the Corporation.

Article VI - Records

A stock ledger consisting of one or more records in which the names of all of the Corporation’s stockholders of record, the address and number of shares registered in the name of each such stockholder, and all issuances and transfers of stock of the corporation are recorded in accordance with Section 224 of the DGCL shall be administered by or on behalf of the Corporation. Any records administered by or on behalf of the Corporation in the regular course of its business, including its stock ledger, books of account, and minute books, may be kept on, or by means of, or be in the form of, any information storage device, or method, or one or more electronic networks or databases (including one or more distributed electronic networks or databases), provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time and, with respect to the stock ledger, that the records so kept (i) can be used to prepare the list of stockholders specified in Sections 219 and 220 of the DGCL, (ii) record the information specified in Sections 156, 159, 217(a) and 218 of the DGCL, and (iii) record transfers of stock as governed by Article 8 of the Delaware Uniform Commercial Code.

 

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Article VII - General Matters

7.1 Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments.

The Board, except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation; such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized or ratified by the Board or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

7.2 Stock Certificates.

The shares of the Corporation may be certificated or uncertificated, subject to the sole discretion of the Board and applicable law. Certificates for the shares of stock, if any, shall be in such form as is consistent with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law. Every holder of stock represented by a certificate shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, any two officers authorized to sign stock certificates representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. The chief executive officer, chairperson of the Board, the president, vice president, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, general counsel or deputy general counsel, the secretary or any assistant secretary of the Corporation shall be specifically authorized to sign stock certificates. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

7.3 Lost Certificates.

Except as provided in this Section 7.3, no new certificates for shares shall be issued to replace a previously issued certificate unless the latter is surrendered to the Corporation and cancelled at the same time. The Corporation may issue a new certificate of stock or uncertificated shares in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Corporation may require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.

7.4 Shares Without Certificates.

The Corporation shall adopt a system of issuance, recordation and transfer of its shares of stock by electronic or other means not involving the issuance of certificates, provided the use of such system by the Corporation is permitted in accordance with applicable law.

7.5 Construction; Definitions.

Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions in the DGCL shall govern the construction of these bylaws. In connection herewith, to the extent there are conflicts among these bylaws, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Stockholders’ Agreement, priority shall first be given to the Certificate of Incorporation, second to the Stockholders’ Agreement and third to these bylaws, in each case except as otherwise required by the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of this provision, the singular number includes the plural and the plural number includes the singular.

 

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7.6 Dividends.

The Board, subject to any restrictions contained in either (i) the DGCL, (ii) the Certificate of Incorporation or (iii) the Stockholder’s Agreement, may declare and pay dividends upon the shares of its capital stock. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of the Corporation’s capital stock.

The Board may set apart out of any of the funds of the Corporation available for dividends a reserve or reserves for any proper purpose and may abolish any such reserve. Such purposes shall include but not be limited to equalizing dividends, repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, and meeting contingencies.

7.7 Fiscal Year.

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board and may be changed by the Board.

7.8 Seal.

The Corporation may adopt a corporate seal, which shall be adopted and which may be altered by the Board. The Corporation may use the corporate seal by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced.

7.9 Transfer of Stock.

Shares of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these bylaws subject to any transfer restrictions contained in the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws and the Stockholders’ Agreement. Shares of stock of the Corporation shall be transferred on the books of the Corporation only by the holder of record thereof or by such holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, upon surrender to the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation pursuant to applicable provisions of the governing documents of such subsidiary of the Corporation, of the certificate or certificates representing such shares endorsed by the appropriate Person or Persons (or by delivery of duly executed instructions with respect to uncertificated shares), with such evidence of the authenticity of such endorsement or execution, transfer, authorization and other matters as the Corporation may reasonably require, and accompanied by all necessary stock transfer stamps. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing the names of the Persons from and to whom it was transferred.

7.10 Stock Transfer Agreements.

The Corporation shall have the power to enter into and perform any agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes or series of stock of the Corporation to restrict the transfer of shares of stock of the Corporation of any one or more classes owned by such stockholders in any manner not prohibited by the DGCL.

7.11 Registered Stockholders.

The Corporation:

(i) shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a Person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends and to vote as such owner; and

(ii) shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of another Person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

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7.12 Waiver of Notice.

Whenever notice is required to be given under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, a written waiver, signed by the Person entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the Person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a Person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the Person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders needs to be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws.

7.13 Lock-Up.

(i) The holders (together with any Permitted Transferees (as defined below), the “Lockup Holders”) of the following securities (all such securities described in clauses (a) and (b), the “Lockup Securities”; provided that, the Lockup Securities shall not include (x) any Additional Backstop Purchase Shares (as defined in the Sponsor Agreement), (y) 50% of the Class A Common Stock issued to Cannae pursuant to Paragraph 6(c)(i) of the Sponsor Agreement as a result of the Initial Founder Shares Forfeited to Cannae (as defined in the Sponsor Agreement), or (z) any Class A Common Stock issued to Cannae pursuant to Paragraph 6(c)(i) of the Sponsor Agreement as a result of the Additional Founder Shares Forfeited to Cannae (as defined in the Sponsor Agreement):

(a) shares of common stock of the Corporation issued as Closing Seller Equity Consideration pursuant to the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement; and

(b) shares of common stock of the Corporation received in any Redemption or Direct Exchange pursuant to Article 11 of the OpCo Operating Agreement;

in each case, may not Transfer (as defined below) any Lockup Securities during the Lockup Period without the prior written consent of the Board (subject to the determination of the Board in its sole discretion at any time) (the restrictions set forth in this Section 7.13, the “Lockup”).

(ii) Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in Section 7.13(i), a Lockup Holder may Transfer Lockup Securities:

(a) by will, other testamentary document or intestacy;

(b) as a bona fide gift or gifts, including to charitable organizations or for bona fide estate planning purposes;

(c) to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the Lockup Holder or the immediate family of the Lockup Holder, or if the Lockup Holder is a trust, to a trustor or beneficiary of the trust or to the estate of a beneficiary of such trust;

(d) to a partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which such Lockup Holder and the immediate family of such Lockup Holder are the legal and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities or similar interests;

 

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(e) if the Lockup Holder is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity, (A) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity that is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) of such Lockup Holder, or to any investment fund or other entity controlling, controlled by, managing or managed by or under common control with such Lockup Holder or affiliates of such Lockup Holder (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where such Lockup Holder is a partnership, to its general partner or a successor partnership or fund, or any other funds managed by such partnership), or (B) as part of a distribution to members or shareholders of such Lockup Holder;

(f) to a nominee or custodian of any person or entity to whom a Transfer would be permissible under clauses (a) through (e) above;

(g) in the case of an individual, by operation of law, such as pursuant to a qualified domestic order, divorce settlement, divorce decree, separation agreement or related court order;

(h) from an employee or a director of, or a service provider to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries upon the death, disability or termination of employment, in each case, of such person;

(i) pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction that is approved by the Board of Directors and made to all holders of shares of the Corporation’s capital stock involving a Change of Control (as defined below) (including negotiating and entering into an agreement providing for any such transaction), provided that in the event that such tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction is not completed, the Lockup Holder’s Lockup Securities shall remain subject to the Lockup;

(j) to the Corporation in connection with the exercise of any PS Equity Awards (including by way of “net” or “cashless” exercise) which would expire if not exercised during the Lockup Period, including for the payment of the related exercise price and for the purpose of satisfying any withholding taxes (including estimated taxes) due as a result of such exercise;

(k) pursuant to transactions to satisfy any U.S. federal, state, or local income tax obligations of the Lockup Holder (or its direct or indirect owners) arising from a change in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Regulations”) after the date on which the Business Combination Agreement was executed, and such change prevents such transaction from qualifying as a “reorganization” pursuant to Section 368 of the Code (and such transaction does not qualify for similar tax-free treatment pursuant to any successor or other provision of the Code or Regulations taking into account such changes); or

(l) pursuant to a transaction approved by the Board of Directors;

 

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provided that:

(x) in the case of any Transfer of Lockup Securities pursuant to clauses (a) through (g) of Section 7.13(ii), (1) such Transfer shall not involve a disposition for value; (2) the Lockup Securities shall remain subject to the Lockup; (3) any required public report or filing (including filings under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act), shall disclose the nature of such Transfer and that the Lockup Securities remain subject to the Lockup; and (4) there shall be no voluntary public disclosure or other announcement of such Transfer; and (y) a Lockup Holder may enter into a trading plan established in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act during the Lockup Period so long as no Transfers are effected under such trading plan prior to the expiration of the Lockup Period.

(iii) For purposes of this Section 7.13:

Business Combination Agreement” means that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2021, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2021, that certain Amendment No. 2 to the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2022, and that certain Amendment No. 3 to the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of January 25, 2022 (as it may be further amended or otherwise modified from time to time), by and among Trebia Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company, the OpCo, System1 SS Protect Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and the other parties named therein.

Change of Control” means the transfer to or acquisition by (whether by tender offer, merger, consolidation, division or other similar transaction), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, a person or entity or group of affiliated persons or entities (other than an underwriter pursuant to an offering), of the Corporation’s voting securities if, after such transfer or acquisition, such person, entity or group of affiliated persons or entities would beneficially own (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation.

Class A Common Stock” means the Class A common stock of the Corporation.

Closing Date” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the Business Combination Agreement.

immediate family” means any relationship by blood, current or former marriage or adoption, not more remote than first cousin;

Lockup Period” means the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the date that is 180 days after the Closing Date; provided that, if, during the period beginning 150 days after the Closing Date and ending on the date that is 180 days after the Closing Date, there occurs a Lockup Release Event, the lock-up period shall end immediately upon the date that such Lockup Release Event occurs.

Lockup Release Event” means the VWAP of the Class A Common Stock of the Corporation reaching at least $12.00 for twenty (20) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days.

Permitted Transferees” means, prior to the expiration of the Lockup Period, any person or entity to whom such Lockup Holder is permitted to Transfer any Lockup Securities pursuant to clauses (a) through (g) of Section 7.13(ii).

 

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Transfer” means any direct or indirect (i) offer, sale, contract to sell, sale of any option or contract to purchase, purchase of any option or contract to sell, grant of any option, right or warrant to purchase, lending, or other transfer or disposition of any Lockup Securities, (ii) entry into any hedging, swap or other agreement or transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Lockup Securities, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) any voluntary public disclosure of any action contemplated in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii).

7.14 Authority for Additional Rules Regarding Transfer.

The Board shall have the power and authority to make all such rules and regulations as they may deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificated or uncertificated shares of the stock of the Corporation, as well as for the issuance of new certificates in lieu of those which may be lost or destroyed, and may require of any stockholder requesting replacement of lost or destroyed certificates, bond in such amount and in such form as they may deem expedient to indemnify the Corporation, and/or the transfer agents, and/or the registrars of its stock against any claims arising in connection therewith.

Article VIII - Notice

Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provisions of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these bylaws may be given in writing directed to the stockholder’s mailing address (or by electronic transmission directed to the stockholder’s electronic mail address, as applicable) as it appears on the records of the Corporation and shall be given (1) if mailed, when the notice is deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, (2) if delivered by courier service, the earlier of when the notice is received or left at such stockholder’s address or (3) if given by electronic mail, when directed to such stockholder’s electronic mail address unless the stockholder has notified the Corporation in writing or by electronic transmission of an objection to receiving notice by electronic mail. A notice by electronic mail must include a prominent legend that the communication is an important notice regarding the Corporation.

Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice or electronic transmission to the Corporation. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, the Corporation may give a notice by electronic mail in accordance with the first paragraph of this section without obtaining the consent required by this paragraph.

Any notice given pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall be deemed given:

 

  (i)

if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice;

 

  (ii)

if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of (A) such posting and (B) the giving of such separate notice; and

 

  (iii)

if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, a notice may not be given by an electronic transmission from and after the time that (1) the Corporation is unable to deliver by such electronic transmission two (2) consecutive notices given by the Corporation and (2) such inability becomes known to the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation or to the transfer agent, or other person responsible for the giving of notice, provided, however, the inadvertent failure to discover such inability shall not invalidate any meeting or other action.

An affidavit of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or of the transfer agent or other agent of the Corporation that the notice has been given shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

Article IX - Indemnification

9.1 Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any director or officer of the Corporation who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”) by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while serving as a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership (a “covered person”), joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.4, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify a person in connection with a Proceeding initiated by such person only if the Proceeding was authorized in the specific case by the Board.

9.2 Indemnification of Others.

The Corporation shall have the power to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any employee or agent of the Corporation who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding.

9.3 Prepayment of Expenses.

The Corporation shall to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by any covered person, and may pay the expenses incurred by any employee or agent of the Corporation, in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the person to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article IX or otherwise.

 

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9.4 Determination; Claim.

If a claim for indemnification (following the final disposition of such Proceeding) under this Article IX is not paid in full within sixty (60) days, or a claim for advancement of expenses under this Article IX is not paid in full within thirty (30) days, after a written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation the claimant may thereafter (but not before) file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim to the fullest extent permitted by law. In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of expenses under applicable law.

9.5 Non-Exclusivity of Rights.

The rights conferred on any person by this Article IX shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

9.6 Insurance.

The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust enterprise or non-profit entity against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of the DGCL.

9.7 Other Indemnification.

The Corporation’s obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any person who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity shall be reduced by any amount such person may collect as indemnification or advancement of expenses from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit enterprise.

9.8 Continuation of Indemnification.

The rights to indemnification and to prepayment of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article IX shall continue notwithstanding that the person has ceased to be a director or officer of the Corporation and shall inure to the benefit of the estate, heirs, executors, administrators, legatees and distributees of such person.

9.9 Amendment or Repeal; Interpretation.

The provisions of this Article IX shall constitute a contract between the Corporation, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, each individual who serves or has served as a director or officer of the Corporation (whether before or after the adoption of these bylaws), in consideration of such person’s performance of such services, and pursuant to this Article IX the Corporation intends to be legally bound to each such current or former director or officer of the Corporation. With respect to current and former directors and officers of the Corporation, the rights conferred under this Article IX are present contractual rights and such rights are fully vested, and shall be deemed to have vested fully, immediately upon adoption of theses bylaws. With respect to any directors or officers of the Corporation who commence service following adoption of these bylaws, the rights conferred under this provision shall be present contractual rights and such rights shall fully vest, and be deemed to have vested fully, immediately upon

 

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such director or officer commencing service as a director or officer of the Corporation. Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article IX shall not adversely affect any right or protection (i) hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification or (ii) under any agreement providing for indemnification or advancement of expenses to an officer or director of the Corporation in effect prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

Any reference to an officer of the Corporation in this Article IX shall be deemed to refer exclusively to the Chief Executive Officer, President, and Secretary, or other officer of the Corporation appointed by (x) the Board pursuant to Article V of these bylaws or (y) an officer to whom the Board has delegated the power to appoint officers pursuant to Section 5.2 or Section 5.3 of these bylaws, and any reference to an officer of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall be deemed to refer exclusively to an officer appointed by the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of such other entity pursuant to the certificate of incorporation and bylaws (or equivalent organizational documents) of such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise. The fact that any person who is or was an employee of the Corporation or an employee of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise has been given or has used the title of “Vice President” or any other title that could be construed to suggest or imply that such person is or may be an officer of the Corporation or of such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall not result in such person being constituted as, or being deemed to be, an officer of the Corporation or of such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise for purposes of this Article IX.

Article X - Amendments

The Board is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in any adoption, amendment or repeal of the bylaws of the Corporation may only be done in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL.

Article XI - Forum Selection

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, (a) the Court of Chancery (the “Chancery Court”) of the State of Delaware (or, in the event that the Chancery Court does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware or other state courts of the State of Delaware) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action, suit or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action, suit or proceeding asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or stockholder of the Corporation to the Corporation or to the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action, suit or proceeding arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws (as either may be amended from time to time) or (iv) any action, suit or proceeding asserting a claim against the Corporation governed by the internal affairs doctrine; and (b) subject to the preceding provisions of this Article XI, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of clause (a) of the immediately preceding sentence is filed in a court other than the courts in the State of Delaware (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (x) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce the provisions of clause (a) of the immediately preceding sentence and (y) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.

 

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Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any security of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to this Article XI. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Article XI shall not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other claim for which the federal courts of the United States have exclusive jurisdiction.

If any provision or provisions of this Article XI shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever, (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Article XI (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Article XI containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Article XII - Definitions

As used in these bylaws, unless the context otherwise requires, the term:

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any Person, means the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of that Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee (or the power to appoint a trustee), personal representative or executor, by contract, credit arrangement or otherwise and “controlled” and “controlling” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

Backstop Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Backstop Facility Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2022, by and between Trebia Acquisition Corp. and Cannae Holdings, Inc., which amends and restates that certain Backstop Facility Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2021, by and between Trebia Acquisition Corp. and Cannae Holdings, Inc. (as it may be further amended or otherwise modified from time to time).

Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

Common Units” means the common units of the OpCo.

An “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, including the use of, or participation in, one or more electronic networks or databases (including one or more distributed electronic networks or databases), that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

An “electronic mail” means an electronic transmission directed to a unique electronic mail address (which electronic mail shall be deemed to include any files attached thereto and any information hyperlinked to a website if such electronic mail includes the contact information of an officer or agent of the Corporation who is available to assist with accessing such files and information).

 

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An “electronic mail address” means a destination, commonly expressed as a string of characters, consisting of a unique user name or mailbox (commonly referred to as the “local part” of the address) and a reference to an internet domain (commonly referred to as the “domain part” of the address), whether or not displayed, to which electronic mail can be sent or delivered.

OpCo” means S1 Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or any successor thereto.

OpCo Operating Agreement” means the Fifth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of OpCo, dated as of January 27, 2022, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified, from time to time.

Person” means any individual, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust, business trust, joint stock company, joint venture, unincorporated association, cooperative or association or any other legal entity or organization of whatever nature, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

Sponsor Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Sponsor Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2022, which amends and restates that certain Sponsor Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2021, as amended by that certain Amendment to the Sponsor Agreement dated as of November 30, 2021, in each case, by and among Trebia Acquisition Corp., Opco, System1 SS Protect Holdings, Inc., and the other parties signatory thereto.

Stock Exchange Rules” has the meaning set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

Stockholders’ Agreement” means the Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2022, by and among the Corporation and the other parties thereto or that may become parties thereto from time to time, as it may be amended, supplemented or modified.

VWAP” has the meaning set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

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Exhibit 10.1

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of January 27, 2022 among System1, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”), and the persons identified on Schedule A hereto (together with their respective affiliates, successors and permitted assigns, collectively, the “Investors” and, each individually, an “Investor”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual and dependent covenants hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Board” means the board of directors (or any successor governing body) of the Company.

Closing Date” means the date of this Agreement.

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

Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble and includes the Company’s successors by merger, amalgamation, acquisition, reorganization or otherwise.

Controlling Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(g).

Demand Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c).

DTCDRS” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(r).

Effectiveness Deadline” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).

Equity Securities” means all of the issued equity securities of the Company from time to time (including any warrants or any shares issuable upon exercise of such warrants and any other shares issued or issuable with respect thereto (whether by way of a share dividend or share split or in exchange for or upon conversion of such shares or otherwise in connection with a combination of shares, distribution, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, other corporate reorganization or other similar event with respect to the Equity Securities)).

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.

Initial Registrable Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a)(ii).

Initial Registrable Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a)(ii).

Inspectors” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(h).


Investors” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Long-Form Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).

New Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a)(ii).

Person” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, governmental agency or instrumentality or other entity of any kind.

Piggyback Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).

Piggyback Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).

Piggyback Shelf Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).

Piggyback Shelf Takedown” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).

Prospectus” means the prospectus or prospectuses included in any Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective Registration Statement in reliance on Rule 430A under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, including any Shelf Supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement and by all other amendments and supplements to the prospectus, including post-effective amendments and all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus or prospectuses.

Records” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(h).

Registrable Securities” means (a) any Equity Securities beneficially owned or otherwise held directly or indirectly by any of the Investors, (b) any Equity Securities that are directly held or indirectly, as set forth in the books and records of the Company are attributed to an Investor, (c) any Equity Securities in which other shareholders of the Company, directly hold or indirectly, as set forth in the books and records of the Company are attributed an interest, over which an Investor has the right to direct a sale as set forth in the books and records of the Company, and (d) any Equity Securities issued or issuable with respect to any shares described in subsections (a) through (c) above by way of a share dividend or share split or in exchange for or upon conversion of such shares or otherwise in connection with a combination of shares, distribution, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, other reorganization or other similar event with respect to the Equity Securities (it being understood that, for purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person has the right to then acquire or obtain from the Company any Registrable Securities, whether or not such acquisition has actually been effected). As to any particular Registrable Securities, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) the Commission has declared a Registration Statement covering such securities effective and such securities have been disposed of pursuant to such effective Registration Statement, or (ii) such securities are sold under circumstances in which all of the applicable conditions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act are met.

 

2


Registration Date” means the date on which the Company becomes subject to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company, including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements (including Shelf Supplements) to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

Rule 144” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.

Selling Expenses” means all underwriting discounts, selling commissions and share transfer taxes applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities, and fees and disbursements of counsel for any holder of Registrable Securities, except for the fees and disbursements of counsel for the holders of Registrable Securities required to be paid by the Company pursuant to Section 6.

Shelf Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).

Shelf Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).

Shelf Supplement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c).

Shelf Takedown” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c).

Shelf Takedown Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c).

Short-Form Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).

Target Filing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).

 

  2.

Registration.

(a) To the extent that a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2(b) or a Shelf Registration Statement is not then effective covering the Registrable Securities that are the subject of the applicable Demand Registration, each Investor may request that the Company register under the Securities Act all or any portion of its Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form F-1, S-1 or any successor form thereto with respect to a underwritten public offering of Registrable Securities (each, a “Long-Form Registration”). Each request for a Long-Form Registration shall specify the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in the Long-Form Registration. Upon receipt of any such request, the Company shall promptly (but in no event later than 10 days following receipt thereof) deliver notice of such request to all other holders of Registrable Securities who shall then have 10 days from the date such notice is given to notify the Company in writing of their desire to be included in such registration. The Company shall prepare and file with (or confidentially submit to) the Commission a Registration Statement on Form F-1, S-1 or any successor form thereto covering all of the Registrable Securities that the holders thereof have requested to be included in such Long-Form Registration within 60 days after the date on which the initial request is given and shall use its best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as soon as practicable thereafter.

 

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(b) The Company shall, as soon as practicable, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the Closing Date, file (or confidentially submit) a Registration Statement to permit the public resale of all the Registrable Securities held by the Investors from time to time as permitted by Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar provision adopted by the Commission then in effect) on the terms and conditions specified in this Section 2(b) and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but in no event later than the earlier of (i) the 105th day (or 165th day if the Commission notifies the Company that it will “review” the Registration Statement) following the Closing Date and (ii) the 10th business day after the date the Company 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 (such earlier date, the “Effectiveness Deadline”). The Registration Statement filed with the Commission pursuant to this Section 2(b) shall be on Form F-3 or S-3, or if Form F-3 or S-3 is not then available to the Company, on Form F-1 or S-1 or such other form of registration statement as is then available to effect a registration for the sale or resale of such Registrable Securities on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor rule or provision similar thereto adopted by the Commission, covering such Registrable Securities, and shall contain a Prospectus in such form as to permit any Investor to sell such Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or similar provision adopted by the Commission then in effect) at any time beginning on the effective date for such Registration Statement. A Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section 2(b) shall provide for the sale or resale pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, the Investors. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2(b) to remain effective, and to be supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that such Registration Statement is available or, if not available, that another Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement is continuously available, for the resale of all the Registrable Securities held by the holders of Registrable Securities until all such Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities. As soon as practicable following the effective date of a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section 2(b), but in any event within one (1) business day of such date, the Company shall notify the Investors of the effectiveness of such Registration Statement. If, after the filing such Registration Statement, a holder of Registrable Securities requests registration under the Securities Act of additional Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement, the Company shall amend such Registration Statement to cover such additional Registrable Securities.

(c) The Company shall use its best efforts to qualify and remain qualified to register the offer and sale of securities under the Securities Act pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form F-3, S-3 or any successor form thereto. As soon as practicable after the date hereof, but not later than the Target Filing Date, the Company shall (i) prepare and file with (or confidentially submit to) the Commission a Registration Statement on Form F-3, S-3 or the then appropriate form for an offering to be made on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto (a “Shelf Registration Statement”) that covers all Registrable Securities then outstanding for an offering to be made on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto (a “Shelf

 

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Registration”) and (ii) use its best efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as soon as practicable thereafter. In addition, the Company shall use its best efforts to cause a Shelf Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section 2(c) to remain effective, and to be supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that such Shelf Registration Statement is available or, if not available, that another Shelf Registration Statement (if the Company is eligible to file a Shelf Registration Statement) or other Registration Statement (if the Company is not so eligible) is continuously available, for the resale of all the Registrable Securities held by the holders of Registrable Securities until all such Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities. For purposes hereof, “Target Filing Date” shall mean the date which is 30 days after the Company becomes qualified to register the offer and sale of securities under the Securities Act pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement. If, after the filing of a Shelf Registration Statement, a holder of Registrable Securities requests registration under the Securities Act of additional Registrable Securities pursuant to such Shelf Registration, the Company shall amend such Shelf Registration Statement to cover such additional Registrable Securities. At such time as the Company shall have qualified for the use of a Registration Statement on Form F-3, S-3 or any successor form thereto, the holders of Registrable Securities shall have the right to request an unlimited number of registrations under the Securities Act of all or any portion of their Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form F-3, S-3 or any similar short-form Registration Statement (each, a “Short-Form Registration” and, collectively with each Long-Form Registration and Shelf Registration (as defined below), a “Demand Registration”). Each request for a Short-Form Registration shall specify the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in the Short-Form Registration. Upon receipt of any such request, the Company shall promptly (but in no event later than 10 days following receipt thereof) deliver notice of such request to all other holders of Registrable Securities who shall then have 10 days from the date such notice is given to notify the Company in writing of their desire to be included in such registration. The Company shall prepare and file with (or confidentially submit to) the Commission a Registration Statement on Form F-3, S-3 or any successor form thereto covering all of the Registrable Securities that the holders thereof have requested to be included in such Short-Form Registration within 30 days after the date on which the initial request is given and shall use its best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as soon as practicable thereafter.

(d) At any time that a Shelf Registration Statement is effective, if a holder of Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement delivers a notice to the Company (a “Shelf Takedown Notice”) stating that the holder intends to effect an offering of all or part of its Registrable Securities included in such Shelf Registration Statement (a “Shelf Takedown”) and the Company is eligible to use such Shelf Registration Statement for such Shelf Takedown, then the Company shall take all actions reasonably required, including amending or supplementing (a “Shelf Supplement”) such Shelf Registration Statement, to enable such Registrable Securities to be offered and sold as contemplated by such Shelf Takedown Notice. Each Shelf Takedown Notice shall specify the number of Registrable Securities to be offered and sold under the Shelf Takedown. Upon receipt of a Shelf Takedown Notice, the Company shall promptly (but in no event later than five (5) business days, or, in the case of an underwritten overnight “block trade”, two (2) business days, following receipt thereof) deliver notice of such Shelf Takedown Notice to all other holders of Registrable Securities who shall then have five (5) business days, or, in the case an underwritten overnight “block trade,” one (1) business day, from the date such notice is given to notify the Company in writing of their desire to be included in such Shelf Takedown. The Company shall prepare and file with the Commission a Shelf Supplement as soon as practicable after the date on which it received the Shelf Takedown Notice and, if such Shelf Supplement is an amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement, shall use its best efforts to cause such Shelf Supplement to be declared effective by the Commission as soon as practicable thereafter.

 

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(e) The Company shall not be obligated to effect any Long-Form Registration (x) within 90 days after the effective date of a previous Long-Form Registration or Shelf Takedown or a previous Piggyback Registration in which holders of Registrable Securities were permitted to register the offer and sale under the Securities Act, and actually sold, all of the shares of Registrable Securities requested to be included therein (y) or while a lock-up agreement pursuant to Section 4 or any other lock-up agreement relating to such holder’s Registrable Securities is in effect. Notwithstanding anything otherwise to the contrary herein, the Company shall not be required to provide notice of any requested underwritten public offering to any holders of Registrable Securities whose shares are subject to any applicable lock-up arrangements at the time of such request, and any such holders shall not have the right to receive information on or participate in any such underwritten public offering. The Company may postpone for up to 90 days the filing or effectiveness of a Registration Statement for a Demand Registration or the filing of a Shelf Supplement for a Shelf Takedown if the Board determines in its reasonable good faith judgment that such Demand Registration or Shelf Takedown would (i) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, corporate reorganization, financing, securities offering or other similar transaction involving the Company; (ii) require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential; or (iii) render the Company unable to comply with requirements under the Securities Act or Exchange Act. The Company may delay a Demand Registration or Shelf Takedown pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence only once in any period of 12 consecutive months.

(f) If the holders of the Registrable Securities initially requesting a Demand Registration or Shelf Takedown elect to distribute the Registrable Securities covered by their request in an underwritten offering, they shall so advise the Company as a part of their request made pursuant to Section 2(a), Section 2(b), Section 2(c) or Section 2(d), and the Company shall include such information in its notice to the other holders of Registrable Securities. The holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities initially requesting the Demand Registration or Shelf Takedown shall select the investment banking firm or firms to act as the managing underwriter or underwriters in connection with such offering.

(g) The Company shall not include in any Demand Registration or Shelf Takedown any securities which are not Registrable Securities without the prior written consent of the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such Demand Registration or Shelf Takedown, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If a Demand Registration or Shelf Takedown involves an underwritten offering and the managing underwriter of the requested Demand Registration or Shelf Takedown advises the Company and the holders of Registrable Securities in writing that in its reasonable and good faith opinion the number of shares of Equity Securities proposed to be included in the Demand Registration or Shelf Takedown, including all Registrable Securities and all other shares of Equity Securities proposed to be included in such underwritten offering, exceeds the number of shares of Equity Securities which can be sold in such underwritten offering and/or the number of shares of Equity Securities

 

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proposed to be included in such Demand Registration or Shelf Takedown would adversely affect the price per share of the Equity Securities proposed to be sold in such underwritten offering, the Company shall include in such Demand Registration or Shelf Takedown (i) first, the shares of Equity Securities that the holders of Registrable Securities propose to sell, and (ii) second, the shares of Equity Securities proposed to be included therein by any other Persons (including shares of Equity Securities to be sold for the account of the Company and/or other holders of Equity Securities) allocated among such Persons in such manner as they may agree. If the managing underwriter determines that less than all of the Registrable Securities proposed to be sold can be included in such offering, then the Registrable Securities that are included in such offering shall be allocated pro rata among the respective holders thereof on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities owned by each such holder.

3. Piggyback Registration.

(a) Whenever the Company proposes to offer or sell any shares of its Equity Securities pursuant to a registered offering under the Securities Act (other than a registration (i) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (or other registration solely relating to an offering or sale to employees or directors of the Company pursuant to any employee share plan or other employee benefit arrangement), (ii) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form F-4, S-4 (or similar form that relates to a transaction subject to Rule 145 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), or (iii) in connection with any dividend or distribution reinvestment or similar plan), whether for its own account or for the account of one or more shareholders of the Company and the form of Registration Statement (a “Piggyback Registration Statement”) to be used may be used for any registration of Registrable Securities (a “Piggyback Registration”), the Company shall give prompt written notice (in any event no later than ten (10) business days prior to either the filing of such Registration Statement or, with respect to a Piggyback Shelf Takedown, the filing of a prospectus supplement to the applicable Piggyback Shelf Registration Statement) to the holders of Registrable Securities of its intention to effect such a registration and, subject to Section 3(b) and Section 3(c), shall include in such registration all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion from the holders of Registrable Securities within five (5) business days after the Company’s notice has been given to each such holder. A Piggyback Registration shall not be considered a Demand Registration for purposes of Section 2. If any Piggyback Registration Statement pursuant to which holders of Registrable Securities have registered the offer and sale of Registrable Securities is a Registration Statement on Form F-3, S-3 or the then appropriate form for an offering to be made on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto (a “Piggyback Shelf Registration Statement”), such holder(s) shall have the right, but not the obligation, to be notified of and to participate in any offering under such Piggyback Shelf Registration Statement (a “Piggyback Shelf Takedown”).

(b) If a Piggyback Registration or Piggyback Shelf Takedown is initiated as a primary underwritten offering on behalf of the Company and the managing underwriter advises the Company and the holders of Registrable Securities (if any holders of Registrable Securities have elected to include Registrable Securities in such Piggyback Registration or Piggyback Shelf Takedown) in writing that in its reasonable and good faith opinion the number of shares of Equity Securities proposed to be included in such registration or takedown, including all Registrable Securities and all other shares of Equity Securities proposed to be included in such underwritten

 

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offering, exceeds the number of shares of Equity Securities which can be sold in such offering and/or that the number of shares of Equity Securities proposed to be included in any such registration or takedown would adversely affect the price per share of the Equity Securities to be sold in such offering, the Company shall include in such registration or takedown (i) first, the shares of Equity Securities that the Company proposes to sell; (ii) second, the shares of Equity Securities requested to be included therein by holders of Registrable Securities, allocated pro rata among all such holders on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities owned by each such holder or in such manner as they may otherwise agree; and (iii) third, the shares of Equity Securities requested to be included therein by holders of Equity Securities other than holders of Registrable Securities, allocated among such holders in such manner as they may agree.

(c) If a Piggyback Registration or Piggyback Shelf Takedown is initiated as an underwritten offering on behalf of a holder of Equity Securities other than Registrable Securities, and the managing underwriter advises the Company in writing that in its reasonable and good faith opinion the number of shares of Equity Securities proposed to be included in such registration or takedown, including all Registrable Securities and all other shares of Equity Securities proposed to be included in such underwritten offering, exceeds the number of shares of Equity Securities which can be sold in such offering and/or that the number of shares of Equity Securities proposed to be included in any such registration or takedown would adversely affect the price per share of the Equity Securities to be sold in such offering, the Company shall include in such registration or takedown (i) first, the shares of Equity Securities requested to be included therein by the holder(s) requesting such registration or takedown and by the holders of Registrable Securities, allocated pro rata among all such holders on the basis of the number of shares of Equity Securities other than the Registrable Securities (on a fully diluted, as converted basis) and the number of Registrable Securities, owned by all such holders or in such manner as they may otherwise agree; and (ii) second, the shares of Equity Securities requested to be included therein by other holders of Equity Securities, allocated among such holders in such manner as they may agree.

(d) If any Piggyback Registration or Piggyback Shelf Takedown is initiated as a primary underwritten offering on behalf of the Company, the Company shall, subject to the prior written consent of the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such Piggyback Registration or Piggyback Shelf Takedown, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, select the investment banking firm or firms to act as the managing underwriter or underwriters in connection with such offering.

4. Lock-up Agreement. In connection with any registered offering of the Equity Securities or other equity securities of the Company, and upon the request of the managing underwriter in such offering, each holder of Registrable Securities agrees to execute a customary lock-up agreement. The Company shall cause its executive officers and its directors, which directors are selling Equity Securities in such offering (as applicable) and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause other holders of Equity Securities who beneficially own (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the date of this Agreement) 10% or more of the then outstanding Equity Securities and holders of any of the Registrable Securities participating in such offering, to enter into lock-up agreements that contain restrictions that are no less restrictive than the restrictions contained in the lock-up agreements executed by the holders of Registrable Securities. Each holder of Registrable Securities agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the managing underwriter

 

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which are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary to give further effect thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 4, each holder of Registrable Securities shall be released, pro rata, from any lock-up agreement entered into pursuant to this Section 4 in the event and to the extent that the managing underwriter or the Company permit any discretionary waiver or termination of the restrictions of any lock-up agreement pertaining to any officer, director or holder of greater than 10% of the outstanding Equity Securities.

5. Registration Procedures. If and whenever the holders of Registrable Securities request that the offer and sale of any Registrable Securities be registered under the Securities Act or any Registrable Securities be distributed in a Shelf Takedown pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the Company shall use its best efforts to effect the registration of the offer and sale of such Registrable Securities under the Securities Act in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company shall as soon as practicable and as applicable:

(a) subject to Section 2(a), Section 2(b), Section 2(c) and Section 2(d), (i) prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities and use its best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to be declared effective; and (ii) if (A) the Company has filed a Registration Statement (the “Initial Registration Statement”) with the Commission that covers Registrable Securities (the “Initial Registrable Securities”), (B) pursuant to Rule 415(a)(5) under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto, the Initial Registration Statement may no longer be used for offers and sales of any of the Initial Registrable Securities, and (C) any of the Initial Registrable Securities are Registrable Securities at the time that (B) above occurs, the Company shall prepare and file with the Commission within the time limits required by Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto a new Registration Statement covering any Initial Registrable Securities that have not ceased to be Registrable Securities for an offering to be made on a delayed on continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto (a “New Registration Statement”) and shall use its best efforts to cause such New Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as soon as practicable thereafter;

(b) (i) in the case of a Long-Form Registration or a Short-Form Registration, prepare and file with the Commission such amendments, post-effective amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for a period of not less than 180 days, or if earlier, until all of such Registrable Securities have been disposed of and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended methods of disposition set forth in such Registration Statement; and (ii) in the case of a Shelf Registration, prepare and file with the Commission such amendments, post-effective amendments and supplements, including Shelf Supplements, to such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities subject thereto for a period ending on the earlier of (i) 36 months after the effective date of such Registration Statement and (ii) the date on which all the Registrable Securities subject thereto have been sold pursuant to such Registration Statement;

 

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(c) within a reasonable time before filing such Registration Statement, Prospectus or amendments or supplements thereto with the Commission, furnish to one counsel selected by holders of a majority of such Registrable Securities copies of such documents proposed to be filed, which documents shall be subject to the review, comment and approval of such counsel;

(d) notify each selling holder of Registrable Securities, promptly after the Company receives notice thereof, of the time when such Registration Statement has been declared effective or a supplement, including a Shelf Supplement, to any Prospectus forming a part of such Registration Statement has been filed with the Commission;

(e) furnish to each selling holder of Registrable Securities such number of copies of the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus) and any supplement thereto, including a Shelf Supplement (in each case including all exhibits and documents incorporated by reference therein), and such other documents as such seller may request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such seller;

(f) use its best efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Securities under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as any selling holder requests and do any and all other acts and things which may be necessary or advisable to enable such holders to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owned by such holders; provided, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business, subject itself to general taxation or consent to general service of process in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to do so but for this Section 5(f);

(g) notify each selling holder of such Registrable Securities, at any time when a Prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event that would cause the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement to contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit any fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and, at the request of any such holder, the Company shall prepare a supplement or amendment to such Prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such Prospectus shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

(h) make available for inspection by any selling holder of Registrable Securities, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such Registration Statement and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any such holder or underwriter (collectively, the “Inspectors”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company (collectively, the “Records”), and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information requested by any such Inspector in connection with such Registration Statement;

(i) provide a transfer agent and registrar (which may be the same entity) for all such Registrable Securities not later than the effective date of such registration;

 

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(j) use its best efforts to cause such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange on which the Equity Securities is then listed or, if the Equity Securities is not then listed, on a national securities exchange selected by the holders of a majority of such Registrable Securities;

(k) in connection with an underwritten offering, enter into such customary agreements (including underwriting and lock-up agreements in customary form) and take all such other customary actions as the holders of such Registrable Securities or the managing underwriter of such offering request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities (including, without limitation, making appropriate officers of the Company available to participate in “road show” and other customary marketing activities (including one-on-one meetings with prospective purchasers of the Registrable Securities));

(l) otherwise use its best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and make available to its shareholders an earnings statement (in a form that satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto) no later than 30 days after the end of the 12-month period beginning with the first day of the Company’s first full fiscal quarter after the effective date of such Registration Statement, which earnings statement shall cover said 12-month period, and which requirement will be deemed to be satisfied if the Company timely files complete and accurate information on Forms 20-F, 6-K, 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, as applicable, under the Exchange Act and otherwise complies with Rule 158 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto; and

(m) furnish to each selling holder of Registrable Securities and each underwriter, if any, with (i) a written legal opinion of the Company’s outside counsel, dated the closing date of the offering, in form and substance as is customarily given in opinions of the Company’s counsel to underwriters in underwritten registered offerings; and (ii) on the date of the applicable Prospectus, on the effective date of any post-effective amendment to the applicable Registration Statement and at the closing of the offering, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof, a “comfort” letter signed by the Company’s independent certified public accountants in form and substance as is customarily given in accountants’ letters to underwriters in underwritten registered offerings;

(n) without limiting Section 5(f), use its best efforts to cause such Registrable Securities to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company to enable the holders of such Registrable Securities to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with their intended method of distribution thereof;

(o) notify the holders of Registrable Securities promptly of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of such Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information;

(p) advise the holders of Registrable Securities, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal at the earliest possible moment if such stop order should be issued;

 

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(q) permit any holder of Registrable Securities which holder, in its sole and exclusive judgment, might be deemed to be an underwriter or a “controlling person” (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) (a “Controlling Person”) of the Company, to participate in the preparation of such Registration Statement and to require the insertion therein of language, furnished to the Company in writing, which in the reasonable judgment of such holder and its counsel should be included;

(r) cooperate with the holders of the Registrable Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144 free of any restrictive legends and representing such number of shares of Equity Securities and registered in such names as the holders of the Registrable Securities may reasonably request a reasonable period of time prior to sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144; provided, that the Company may satisfy its obligations hereunder without issuing physical share certificates through the use of The Depository Trust Company’s Direct Registration System (the “DTCDRS”);

(s) not later than the effective date of such Registration Statement, provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Securities and provide the applicable transfer agent with printed certificates for the Registrable Securities which are in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company; provided, that the Company may satisfy its obligations hereunder without issuing physical share certificates through the use of the DTCDRS;

(t) take no direct or indirect action prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act; provided, that, to the extent that any prohibition is applicable to the Company, the Company will take all reasonable action to make any such prohibition inapplicable; and

(u) otherwise use its best efforts to take all other steps necessary to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities contemplated hereby.

6. Expenses. All expenses (other than Selling Expenses) incurred by the Company in complying with its obligations pursuant to this Agreement and in connection with the registration and disposition of Registrable Securities shall be paid by the Company, including, without limitation, all (i) registration and filing fees (including, without limitation, any fees relating to filings required to be made with, or the listing of any Registrable Securities on, any securities exchange or over-the-counter trading market on which the Registrable Securities are listed or quoted); (ii) underwriting expenses (other than fees, commissions or discounts); (iii) expenses of any audits incident to or required by any such registration; (iv) fees and expenses of complying with securities and “blue sky” laws (including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company in connection with “blue sky” qualifications or exemptions of the Registrable Securities); (v) printing expenses; (vi) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses; (vii) fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and accountants; (viii) Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. filing fees (if any); and (ix) fees and expenses of one counsel for the holders of Registrable Securities participating in such registration as a group (selected by the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities included in the registration). In addition, the

 

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Company shall be responsible for all of its internal expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties) and the expense of any annual audits. All Selling Expenses relating to the offer and sale of Registrable Securities registered under the Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement shall be borne and paid by the holders of such Registrable Securities, in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities included in such registration for each such holder.

7. Indemnification.

(a) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each holder of Registrable Securities, such holder’s officers, directors, managers, members, partners, shareholders and affiliates, each underwriter, broker or any other Person acting on behalf of such holder of Registrable Securities and each other Controlling Person, if any, who controls any of the foregoing Persons, against all losses, claims, actions, damages, liabilities and expenses, joint or several, to which any of the foregoing Persons may become subject under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, actions, damages, liabilities or expenses arise out of or are based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus, free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto) or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto 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 a Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus or free writing prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading; and shall reimburse such Persons for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, action, damage or liability, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by such holder expressly for use therein or by such holder’s failure to deliver a copy of the Registration Statement, Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus, free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto) or any amendments or supplements thereto (if the same was required by applicable law to be so delivered) after the Company has furnished such holder with a sufficient number of copies of the same prior to any written confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability the Company may otherwise have.

(b) In connection with any registration in which a holder of Registrable Securities is participating, each such holder shall furnish to the Company in writing such information as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or Prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify and hold harmless, the Company, each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who shall sign such Registration Statement, each underwriter, broker or other Person acting on behalf of the holders of Registrable Securities and each Controlling Person who controls any of the foregoing Persons against any losses, claims, actions, damages, liabilities or expenses resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in the Registration Statement, Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus, free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto) or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto 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 a Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus or free writing prospectus, in light of the

 

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circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information so furnished in writing by such holder; provided, that the obligation to indemnify shall be several, not joint and several, for each holder and shall not exceed an amount equal to the net proceeds (after underwriting fees, commissions or discounts) actually received by such holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability the selling holder may otherwise have.

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party of notice of the commencement of any action involving a claim referred to in this Section 7, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is made against an indemnifying party, give written notice to the latter of the commencement of such action. The failure of any indemnified party to notify an indemnifying party of any such action shall not (unless such failure shall have a material adverse effect on the indemnifying party) relieve the indemnifying party from any liability in respect of such action that it may have to such indemnified party hereunder. In case any such action is brought against an indemnified party, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate in and to assume the defense of the claims in any such action that are subject or potentially subject to indemnification hereunder, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified to the extent that it may wish, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after written notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be responsible for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof; provided, that, if (i) any indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be one or more legal or equitable defenses available to such indemnified party which are additional to or conflict with those available to the indemnifying party, or that such claim or litigation involves or could have an effect upon matters beyond the scope of the indemnity provided hereunder, or (ii) such action seeks an injunction or equitable relief against any indemnified party or involves actual or alleged criminal activity, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party without such indemnified party’s prior written consent (but, without such consent, shall have the right to participate therein with counsel of its choice) and such indemnifying party shall reimburse such indemnified party and any Controlling Person of such indemnified party for that portion of the fees and expenses of any counsel retained by the indemnified party which is reasonably related to the matters covered by the indemnity provided hereunder. If the indemnifying party is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim, it shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. In such instance, the conflicting indemnified parties shall have a right to retain one separate counsel, chosen by the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities included in the registration, at the expense of the indemnifying party.

(d) If the indemnification provided for hereunder is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to an indemnified party with respect to any loss, claim, damage, liability or action referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party hereunder, shall contribute to the amounts paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage, liability or action in such proportion as is appropriate

 

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to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and of the indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, that the maximum amount of liability in respect of such contribution shall be limited, in the case of each holder of Registrable Securities, to an amount equal to the net proceeds (after underwriting fees, commissions or discounts) actually received by such seller from the sale of Registrable Securities effected pursuant to such registration. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party, whether the violation of the Securities Act or any other similar federal or state securities laws or rule or regulation promulgated thereunder applicable to the Company and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with any applicable registration, qualification or compliance was perpetrated by the indemnifying party or the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant hereto were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method or allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to herein. No Person guilty or liable of fraudulent misrepresentation within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

8. Participation in Underwritten Registrations. No Person may participate in any registration hereunder which is underwritten unless such Person (a) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Person or Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements; provided, that no holder of Registrable Securities included in any underwritten registration shall be required to make any representations or warranties to the Company or the underwriters (other than representations and warranties regarding such holder, such holder’s ownership of its shares of Equity Securities to be sold in the offering and such holder’s intended method of distribution) or to undertake any indemnification obligations to the Company or the underwriters with respect thereto, except as otherwise provided in Section 7.

9. Rule 144 Compliance.

(a) With a view to making available to the holders of Registrable Securities the benefits of Rule 144 and any other rule or regulation of the Commission that may at any time permit a holder to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration, the Company shall:

(i) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, at all times after the Registration Date;

(ii) use best efforts to file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, at any time after the Registration Date; and

 

15


(iii) furnish to any holder so long as the holder owns Registrable Securities, promptly upon request, a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 and of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and such other reports and documents so filed or furnished by the Company as such holder may request in connection with the sale of Registrable Securities without registration.

10. Preservation of Rights. The Company shall not (a) grant any registration rights to third parties which are more favorable than or inconsistent with the rights granted hereunder, or (b) enter into any agreement, take any action, or permit any change to occur, with respect to its securities that violates or subordinates the rights expressly granted to the holders of Registrable Securities in this Agreement.

11. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force or effect when there shall no longer be any Registrable Securities outstanding; provided, that the provisions of Section 6 and Section 7 shall survive any such termination.

12. Notices. All notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) when received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested); (c) on the date sent by facsimile or e-mail of a PDF document (with confirmation of transmission) if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next business day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient; or (d) on the fifth day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Such communications must be sent to the respective parties at the addresses indicated below (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 12).

If to the Company:

System1, Inc.

4235 Redwood Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA 90066

Attn: Michael Blend

Email: michael@system1.com

with a copy to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

355 South Grand Avenue, Suite 100

Los Angeles, California 90071

Attn: W. Alex Voxman

Steven Stokdyk

Andrew Clark

Email: alex.voxman@lw.com,

steven.stokdyk@lw.com,

andrew.clark@lw.com

 

16


If to any Investor, to such Investor’s address as set forth on Schedule A hereto.

13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter.

14. Successor and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Each Investor may assign its rights hereunder to any purchaser or transferee of Registrable Securities; provided, that such purchaser or transferee shall, as a condition to the effectiveness of such assignment, be required to execute a counterpart to this Agreement agreeing to be treated as an Investor whereupon such purchaser or transferee shall have the benefits of, and shall be subject to the restrictions contained in, this Agreement as if such purchaser or transferee was originally included in the definition of an Investor herein and had originally been a party hereto.

15. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever, under or by reason of this Agreement; provided, however, the parties hereto hereby acknowledge that the Persons set forth in Section 7 are express third-party beneficiaries of the obligations of the parties hereto set forth in Section 7.

16. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

17. Amendment, Modification and Waiver. The provisions of this Agreement may only be amended, modified, supplemented or waived with the prior written consent of the Company and the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities; provided, that any amendment or waiver that would materially adversely impact the rights of any Investor under this agreement in a manner different from the other Investors shall require the written consent of such Investor. No waiver by any party or parties shall operate or be construed as a waiver in respect of any failure, breach or default not expressly identified by such written waiver, whether of a similar or different character, and whether occurring before or after that waiver. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege arising from this Agreement shall operate or be construed as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.

18. Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

 

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19. Remedies. Each holder of Registrable Securities, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, shall be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Company acknowledges that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Agreement and the Company hereby agrees to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

20. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and any non-contractual rights or obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

The parties irrevocably agree that the state and federal courts located in the State of New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any Disputes, and waive any objection to proceedings before such courts on the grounds of venue or on the grounds that such proceedings have been brought in an inappropriate forum.

For the purposes of this Section 20, “Dispute” means any dispute, controversy, claim or difference of whatever nature arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with this Agreement, including a dispute regarding the existence, formation, validity, interpretation, performance or termination of this Agreement or the consequences of its nullity and also including any dispute relating to any non-contractual rights or obligations arising out of, relating to, or having any connection with this Agreement.

21. No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company will not, on or after the date of this Agreement, enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted under or otherwise conflicts with the provisions of this Agreement.

22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same agreement. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, e-mail or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement.

23. Further Assurances. Each of the parties to this Agreement shall, and shall cause their Affiliates to, execute and deliver such additional documents, instruments, conveyances and assurances and take such further actions as may be reasonably required to carry out the provisions hereof and to give effect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

[Signature page follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date first written above.

 

COMPANY:
SYSTEM1, INC.
By:  

/s/ Tammay Kumar

Name: Tammay Kumar
Title: Chief Financial Officer

[Signature page to Registration Rights Agreement]


INVESTORS:
By:  

/s/ Chuck Ursini

Name: Chuck Ursini
By:  

/s/ Michael Blend

Name: Michael Blend
By:  

/s/ Nicholas Baker

Name: Nicholas Baker
JUST DEVELOP IT LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Christopher Phillips

Name: Christopher Phillips
Title: Director

[Signature page to Registration Rights Agreement]


BGPT TREBIA LP
By: Bridgeport Partners GP LLC, its General Partner
By:  

/s/ Frank R. Martire, Jr.

Name: Frank R. Martire, Jr.
Title: Member
By:  

/s/ Frank R. Martire, III

Name: Frank R. Martire, III
Title: Member
TRASIMENE TREBIA, LP
By: Trasimene Trebia, LLC, its General Partner
By:  

/s/ Bryan D. Coy

Name: Bryan D. Coy
Title: Authorized Signatory
By:  

/s/ Bryan D. Coy

Name: Bryan D. Coy
Title: Managing Director

[Signature page to Registration Rights Agreement]

Exhibit 10.2

 

SYSTEM1, INC.

2022 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

ARTICLE I.

PURPOSE

The Plan’s purpose is to enhance the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate persons who make (or are expected to make) important contributions to the Company by providing these individuals with equity ownership opportunities and/or equity-linked compensatory opportunities. Capitalized terms used in the Plan are defined in Article XI.

ARTICLE II.

ELIGIBILITY

Service Providers are eligible to be granted Awards under the Plan, subject to the limitations described herein.

ARTICLE III.

ADMINISTRATION AND DELEGATION

3.1 Administration. The Plan is administered by the Administrator. The Administrator has authority to (i) determine which Service Providers receive Awards, (ii) grant Awards and (iii) set Award terms and conditions, subject to the conditions and limitations in the Plan. The Administrator also has the authority to take all actions and make all determinations under the Plan, to interpret the Plan and Award Agreements and to adopt, amend and repeal Plan administrative rules, guidelines and practices as it deems advisable. The Administrator may correct defects and ambiguities, supply omissions and reconcile inconsistencies in the Plan or any Award Agreement as it deems necessary or appropriate to administer the Plan and any Awards. The Administrator’s determinations under the Plan are in its sole discretion, and will be final and binding on all persons having or claiming any interest in the Plan or any Award.

3.2 Appointment of Committees. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, the Board or the Administrator may delegate any or all of its powers under the Plan to one or more Committees or committees of officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Board or the Administrator, as applicable, may rescind any such delegation, abolish any such Committee or committee and/or re-vest in itself any previously delegated authority at any time.

ARTICLE IV.

STOCK AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS

4.1 Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment under Article VIII, including, without limitation, adjustments to the Overall Share Limit to reflect changes in capitalization as provided therein, and further subject to the terms of this Article IV, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to Awards under the Plan shall be equal to the Overall Share Limit. Shares issued under the Plan may consist of authorized but unissued Shares, Shares purchased on the open market or treasury Shares.


4.2 Share Recycling. If all or any part of an Award expires, lapses or is terminated, exchanged for or settled in cash, surrendered, repurchased, canceled without having been fully exercised/settled or forfeited, in any case, in a manner that results in the Company acquiring Shares covered by the Award at a price not greater than the price (as adjusted to reflect any Equity Restructuring) paid by the Participant for such Shares or not issuing any Shares covered by the Award, the unused Shares covered by the Award will, as applicable, become or again be available for Award grants under the Plan. In addition, Shares delivered (either by actual delivery or attestation) to the Company by a Participant to satisfy the applicable exercise or purchase price of an Award and/or to satisfy any applicable tax withholding obligation with respect to an Award (including Shares retained by the Company from the Award being exercised or purchased and/or creating the tax obligation) will, as applicable, become or again be available for Award grants under the Plan. The payment of Dividend Equivalents in cash in conjunction with any outstanding Awards shall not count against the Overall Share Limit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the following Shares shall not be added to the Shares authorized for grant under Section 4.1 and shall not be available for future grants of Awards: (a) Shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the Stock Appreciation Right on exercise thereof; and (b) Shares purchased on the open market with the cash proceeds from the exercise of Options.

4.3 Incentive Stock Option Limitations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no more than 14,520,844 Shares may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options.

4.4 Substitute Awards. In connection with an entity’s merger or consolidation with the Company or any Subsidiary or the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s acquisition of an entity’s property or stock, the Administrator may grant Awards in substitution for any options or other stock or stock-based awards granted before such merger or consolidation by such entity or its affiliate. Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the Administrator deems appropriate, notwithstanding limitations on Awards in the Plan. Substitute Awards will not count against the Overall Share Limit (nor shall Shares subject to a Substitute Award be added to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided above), except that Shares acquired by exercise of substitute Incentive Stock Options will count against the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options permitted under the Plan. Additionally, in the event that a company acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan, and shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under the Plan (and Shares subject to such Awards shall not be added to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided above); provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not Service Providers prior to such acquisition or combination.

 

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4.5 Non-Employee Director Compensation. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan, the Administrator may establish compensation for non-employee Directors from time to time, subject to the limitations in the Plan. The Administrator will from time to time determine the terms, conditions and amounts of all such non-employee Director compensation in its discretion and pursuant to the exercise of its business judgment, taking into account such factors, circumstances and considerations as it shall deem relevant from time to time; provided that, the sum of any cash compensation, or other compensation, and the value (determined as of the grant date in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or any successor thereto) of Awards granted to a non-employee Director as compensation for services as a non-employee Director during any fiscal year of the Company may not exceed $750,000.

ARTICLE V.

STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

5.1 General. The Administrator may grant Options or Stock Appreciation Rights to Service Providers subject to the limitations in the Plan, including any limitations in the Plan that apply to Incentive Stock Options. The Administrator will determine the number of Shares covered by each Option and Stock Appreciation Right, the exercise price of each Option and Stock Appreciation Right and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of each Option and Stock Appreciation Right. A Stock Appreciation Right will entitle the Participant (or other person entitled to exercise the Stock Appreciation Right) to receive from the Company, upon exercise of the exercisable portion of the Stock Appreciation Right, an amount determined by multiplying the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price per each Share of the Stock Appreciation Right by the number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, subject to any limitations of the Plan or that the Administrator may impose, and which amount shall be payable in cash, Shares valued at Fair Market Value or a combination of the two, as the Administrator may determine or provide in the applicable Award Agreement.

5.2 Exercise Price. The Administrator will establish each Option’s and Stock Appreciation Right’s exercise price and specify the exercise price in the Award Agreement. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the exercise price will not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the grant date of the Option (subject to Section 5.6) or Stock Appreciation Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right that is a Substitute Award, the exercise price per share of the Shares subject to such Option or Stock Appreciation Right, as applicable, may be less than the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant; provided that the exercise price of any Substitute Award shall be determined in accordance with the applicable requirements of Sections 424 and 409A of the Code.

5.3 Duration. Each Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be exercisable at such times and as specified in the Award Agreement, provided that, subject to Section 5.6, the term of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right will not exceed ten (10) years. Notwithstanding the foregoing and unless determined otherwise by the Company, in the event that on the last business day of the term of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right (other than an Incentive Stock Option) (i) the exercise of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right is prohibited by Applicable Law, as determined by the Company, or (ii) Shares may not be purchased or sold by the applicable

 

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Participant due to any Company insider trading policy (including blackout periods) or a “lock-up” agreement undertaken in connection with an issuance of securities by the Company, the term of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be automatically extended until the date that is 30 days after the end of the legal prohibition, black-out period or lock-up agreement, as determined by the Company; provided, however, in no event shall the extension last beyond the ten year term (or any shorter maximum, if applicable) of the applicable Option or Stock Appreciation Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws, if the Participant, prior to the end of the term of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, violates the non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality or other similar restrictive covenant provisions of any employment contract, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to exercise any Option or Stock Appreciation Right issued to the Participant shall terminate immediately upon such violation, unless the Company otherwise determines.

5.4 Exercise. Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised by delivering to the Company (or its Agent) a written notice of exercise, in any form approved by the Administrator (which may be electronic and provided through the online platform maintained by an Agent), signed or submitted by the person authorized to exercise the Option or Stock Appreciation Right, together with, as applicable, payment in full of the required amount(s), in each case as applicable, (i) as specified in Section 5.5 for the number of Shares for which the Award is exercised and (ii) as specified in Section 9.5 for any applicable taxes. Unless the Administrator otherwise determines, an Option or Stock Appreciation Right may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

5.5 Payment Upon Exercise. Subject to Section 10.8, any Company insider trading policy (including blackout periods) and Applicable Laws, the exercise price of an Option must be paid by online payment through the Agent’s electronic platform or by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Agent (or, in each case, if the Company has no Agent accepting payment, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Company) or, solely with the consent of the Administrator (in its discretion), by:

(a) cash, wire transfer of immediately available funds or check payable to the order of the Company, provided that the Administrator may limit the use of one of the foregoing payment forms if one or more of the payment forms below is permitted;

(b) if there is a public market for Shares at the time of exercise, unless the Administrator otherwise determines, (A) delivery (including electronically or telephonically to the extent permitted by the Administrator) of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a broker acceptable to the Administrator to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to pay the exercise price, or (B) the Participant’s delivery to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a broker acceptable to the Administrator to deliver promptly to the Company cash or a check sufficient to pay the exercise price; provided that such amount is paid to the Company at such time as may be required by the Administrator;

(c) delivery (either by actual delivery or attestation) of Shares owned by the Participant valued at their Fair Market Value;

 

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(d) surrendering Shares then issuable upon the Option’s exercise valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date;

(e) other than for executive officers subject to Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act, delivery of a promissory note, in a form to be determined by or reasonably acceptable to the Administrator, or any other property that the Administrator determines is good and valuable consideration; or

(f) any combination of the above payment forms approved by the Administrator.

5.6 Additional Terms of Incentive Stock Options. The Administrator may grant Incentive Stock Options only to employees of the Company, any of its present or future parent or subsidiary corporations, as defined in Sections 424(e) or (f) of the Code, respectively, and any other entities the employees of which are eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options under the Code. If an Incentive Stock Option is granted to a Greater Than 10% Stockholder, the exercise price will not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value on the Option’s grant date, and the term of the Option will not exceed five years. All Incentive Stock Options will be subject to and construed consistently with Section 422 of the Code. By accepting an Incentive Stock Option, the Participant agrees to give prompt notice to the Company of dispositions or other transfers (other than in connection with a Change in Control) of Shares acquired under the Option made within (i) two years from the grant date of the Option or (ii) one year after the transfer of such Shares to the Participant, specifying the date of the disposition or other transfer and the amount the Participant realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, in such disposition or other transfer. Neither the Company nor the Administrator will be liable to a Participant, or any other party, if an Incentive Stock Option fails or ceases to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code. Any Incentive Stock Option or portion thereof that fails to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code for any reason, including becoming exercisable with respect to Shares having a fair market value exceeding the $100,000 limitation under Treasury Regulation Section 1.422-4, will be a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

ARTICLE VI.

RESTRICTED STOCK; RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

6.1 General. The Administrator may grant Restricted Stock, or the right to purchase Restricted Stock, to any Service Provider, subject to the Company’s right to repurchase all or part of such Shares at their issue price or other stated or formula price from the Participant (or to require forfeiture of such Shares) if conditions the Administrator specifies in the Award Agreement are not satisfied before the end of the applicable restriction period or periods that the Administrator establishes for such Award. In addition, the Administrator may grant Restricted Stock Units to Service Providers, which may be subject to vesting and forfeiture conditions during the applicable restriction period or periods, as set forth in an Award Agreement. The Administrator will determine and set forth in the Award Agreement the terms and conditions for each Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Award, subject to the conditions and limitations contained in the Plan.

6.2 Restricted Stock.

 

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(a) Dividends. Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to all ordinary cash dividends paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise in the Award Agreement. In addition, unless the Administrator provides otherwise, if any dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, or consist of a dividend or distribution to holders of Common Stock of property other than an ordinary cash dividend, the Shares or other property will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, with respect to any award of Restricted Stock, dividends which are paid to holders of Common Stock prior to vesting shall only be paid out to the Participant holding such Restricted Stock to the extent that the vesting conditions are subsequently satisfied. All such dividend payments will be made no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the right to the dividend payment becomes nonforfeitable.

(b) Stock Certificates. The Company may require that the Participant deposit in escrow with the Company (or its designee) any stock certificates issued in respect of Shares of Restricted Stock, together with a stock power endorsed in blank.

6.3 Restricted Stock Units.

(a) Settlement. The Administrator may provide that settlement of Restricted Stock Units will occur upon or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Restricted Stock Units vest or will instead be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the Participant’s election, in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A.

(b) Stockholder Rights. A Participant will have no rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to any Restricted Stock Unit unless and until the Shares are delivered in settlement of the Restricted Stock Unit.

 

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ARTICLE VII.

OTHER STOCK OR CASH BASED AWARDS; DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS

7.1 Other Stock or Cash Based Awards. Other Stock or Cash Based Awards may be granted to Participants, including Awards entitling Participants to receive Shares to be delivered in the future and including annual or other periodic or long-term cash bonus awards (whether based on specified Performance Criteria or otherwise), in each case subject to any conditions and limitations in the Plan. Such Other Stock or Cash Based Awards will also be available as a payment form in the settlement of other Awards, as standalone payments and as payment in lieu of compensation to which a Participant is otherwise entitled. Other Stock or Cash Based Awards may be paid in Shares, cash or other property, or any combination of the foregoing, as the Administrator determines. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of each Other Stock or Cash Based Award, including any purchase price, performance goal(s) (which may be based on the Performance Criteria), transfer restrictions, and vesting conditions, which will be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. In addition, the Company may adopt subplans or programs under the Plan pursuant to which it makes Awards available in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of the Plan.

7.2 Dividend Equivalents. A grant of Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock or Cash Based Award may provide a Participant with the right to receive Dividend Equivalents, and no dividends or Dividend Equivalents shall be payable with respect to Options or Stock Appreciation Rights. Dividend Equivalents may be paid currently or credited to an account for the Participant, settled in cash or Shares and subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Award with respect to which the Dividend Equivalents are paid and subject to other terms and conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Dividend Equivalents with respect to an Award shall only be paid out to the Participant to the extent that the vesting conditions applicable to the underlying Award are satisfied. All such Dividend Equivalent payments will be made no later than March 15 of the calendar year following calendar year in which the right to the Dividend Equivalent payment becomes nonforfeitable in accordance with the foregoing, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator.

ARTICLE VIII.

ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK

AND CERTAIN OTHER EVENTS

8.1 Equity Restructuring(a) . In connection with any Equity Restructuring, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article VIII, the Administrator will equitably adjust each outstanding Award as it deems appropriate to reflect the Equity Restructuring, which may include adjusting the number and type of securities subject to each outstanding Award and/or the Award’s exercise price or grant price (if applicable), granting new Awards to Participants, and/or making a cash payment to Participants. The adjustments provided under this Section 8.1 will be nondiscretionary and final and binding on the affected Participant and the Company; provided that the Administrator will determine whether an adjustment is equitable.

 

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8.2 Corporate Transactions. In the event of any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, amalgamation, repurchase, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or sale or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, Change in Control, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or other securities of the Company, other similar corporate transaction or event, other unusual or nonrecurring transaction or event affecting the Company or its financial statements or any change in any Applicable Laws or accounting principles, the Administrator, on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, either by the terms of the Award or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such transaction or event (except that action to give effect to a change in Applicable Law or accounting principles may be made within a reasonable period of time after such change), is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Administrator determines that such action is appropriate in order to (x) prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended by the Company to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any Award granted or issued under the Plan, (y) to facilitate such transaction or event or (z) give effect to such changes in Applicable Laws or accounting principles:

(a) To provide for the cancellation of any such Award in exchange for either an amount of cash or other property with a value equal to the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights under the vested portion of such Award, as applicable; provided that, if the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, in any case, is equal to or less than zero, then the Award may be terminated without payment;

(b) To provide that such Award shall vest and, to the extent applicable, be exercisable as to all Shares covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or the provisions of such Award;

(c) To provide that such Award be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and/or applicable exercise or purchase price, in all cases, as determined by the Administrator;

(d) To make adjustments in the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards and/or with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Article IV hereof on the maximum number and kind of shares which may be issued) and/or in the terms and conditions of (including the grant or exercise price or applicable performance goals), and the criteria included in, outstanding Awards;

(e) To replace such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator; and/or

(f) To provide that the Award will terminate and cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after the applicable event.

 

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8.3 Effect of Non-Assumption in a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.2, if a Change in Control occurs and a Participant’s Award is not continued, converted, assumed, or replaced with an award (which may include, without limitation, a cash-based award) with substantially the same value, and vesting terms that are no less favorable than those applicable to the underlying award, in each case, as of immediately prior to the Change in Control by (a) the Company, or (b) a successor entity or its parent or subsidiary (an “Assumption”), and provided that the Participant has not had a Termination of Service, then, immediately prior to the Change in Control, such Award shall become fully vested, exercisable and/or payable, as applicable, and all forfeiture, repurchase and other restrictions on such Award shall lapse, in which case, such Award shall be canceled upon the consummation of the Change in Control in exchange for the right to receive the Change in Control consideration payable to other holders of Common Stock (i) which may be on such terms and conditions as apply generally to holders of Common Stock under the Change in Control documents (including, without limitation, any escrow, earn-out or other deferred consideration provisions) or such other terms and conditions as the Administrator may provide, and (ii) determined by reference to the number of Shares subject to such Award and net of any applicable exercise price; provided that to the extent that any Award constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” that may not be paid upon the Change in Control under Section 409A (to the extent applicable to such Award) without the imposition of taxes thereon under Section 409A, the timing of such payments shall be governed by the applicable Award Agreement (subject to any deferred consideration provisions applicable under the Change in Control documents); and provided, further, that if the amount to which the Participant would be entitled upon the settlement or exercise of such Award at the time of the Change in Control is equal to or less than zero, then such Award may be terminated without payment. The Administrator shall determine whether an Assumption of an Award has occurred in connection with a Change in Control.

8.4 Administrative Stand Still. In the event of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other extraordinary transaction or change affecting the Shares or the share price of Common Stock, including any Equity Restructuring or any securities offering or other similar transaction, for administrative convenience, the Administrator may refuse to permit the exercise of any Award for up to 60 days before or after such transaction.

8.5 General. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or the Administrator’s action under the Plan, no Participant will have any rights due to any subdivision or consolidation of Shares of any class, dividend payment, increase or decrease in the number of Shares of any class or dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or other corporation. Except as expressly provided with respect to an Equity Restructuring under Section 8.1 or the Administrator’s action under the Plan, no issuance by the Company of Shares of any class, or securities convertible into Shares of any class, will affect, and no adjustment will be made regarding, the number of Shares subject to an Award or the Award’s grant or exercise price. The existence of the Plan, any Award Agreements and the Awards granted hereunder will not affect or restrict in any way the Company’s right or power to make or authorize (i) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, (ii) any merger, consolidation dissolution or liquidation of the Company or sale of Company assets or (iii) any sale or issuance of securities, including securities with rights superior to those of the Shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares. The Administrator may treat Participants and Awards (or portions thereof) differently under this Article VIII.

 

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ARTICLE IX.

GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS

9.1 Transferability. Except as the Administrator may determine or provide in an Award Agreement or otherwise for Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, Awards may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except for certain beneficiary designations, by will or the laws of descent and distribution, or, subject to the Administrator’s consent, pursuant to a domestic relations order, and, during the life of the Participant, will be exercisable only by the Participant. Any permitted transfer of an Award hereunder shall be without consideration, except as required by Applicable Law. References to a Participant, to the extent relevant in the context, will include references to a Participant’s authorized transferee that the Administrator specifically approves.

9.2 Documentation. Each Award will be evidenced in an Award Agreement, which may be written or electronic, as the Administrator determines. The Award Agreement will contain the terms and conditions applicable to an Award. Each Award may contain terms and conditions in addition to those set forth in the Plan.

9.3 Discretion. Except as the Plan otherwise provides, each Award may be made alone or in addition or in relation to any other Award. The terms of each Award to a Participant need not be identical, and the Administrator need not treat Participants or Awards (or portions thereof) uniformly.

9.4 Termination of Status. The Administrator will determine how a Participant’s Disability, death, retirement or authorized leave of absence or any other change or purported change in a Participant’s Service Provider status affects an Award (including whether and when a Termination of Service has occurred) and the extent to which, and the period during which the Participant, the Participant’s legal representative, conservator, guardian or Designated Beneficiary may exercise rights under the Award, if applicable.

9.5 Withholding. Each Participant must pay the Company, or make provision satisfactory to the Administrator for payment of, any taxes required by Applicable Law to be withheld in connection with such Participant’s Awards by the date of the event creating the tax liability. The Company or one of its Subsidiaries may deduct an amount sufficient to satisfy such tax obligations based on the applicable statutory withholding rates (or such other rate as may be determined by the Administrator after considering any accounting consequences or costs) from any payment of any kind otherwise due to a Participant. Subject to Section 10.8 and any Company insider trading policy (including blackout periods), Participants may satisfy such tax obligations through the Agent’s electronic platform or by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Agent (or, in each case, if the Company has no Agent accepting payment, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Company) or, solely with the consent of the Administrator, by (i) cash, wire transfer of immediately available funds or check made payable to the order of the Company, provided that the Administrator may limit the use of the foregoing payment forms in its discretion, (ii) to the extent permitted by the Administrator, in whole or in part by delivery of

 

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Shares, including Shares delivered by attestation and Shares retained from the Award creating the tax obligation, valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of delivery, (iii) if there is a public market for Shares at the time the tax obligations are satisfied, unless the Administrator otherwise determines, (A) delivery (including electronically or telephonically to the extent permitted by the Administrator) of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a broker acceptable to the Administrator to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to satisfy the tax obligations, or (B) delivery by the Participant to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a broker acceptable to the Administrator to deliver promptly to the Company cash or a check sufficient to satisfy the tax withholding; provided that such amount is paid to the Company at such time as may be required by the Administrator, or (iv) to the extent permitted by the Administrator, any combination of the foregoing payment forms approved by the Administrator. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the number of Shares which may be so delivered or retained pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be limited to the number of Shares which have a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery or retention no greater than the aggregate amount of such liabilities based on the maximum individual statutory tax rate in the applicable jurisdiction at the time of such withholding (or such other rate as may be required to avoid the liability classification of the applicable award under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America), and for clarity, may be less than such maximum individual statutory tax rate if so determined by the Administrator. If any tax withholding obligation will be satisfied under clause (ii) above by the Company’s retention of Shares from the Award creating the tax obligation and there is a public market for Shares at the time the tax obligation is satisfied, the Company may elect to instruct any brokerage firm determined acceptable to the Company for such purpose to sell on the applicable Participant’s behalf some or all of the Shares retained and to remit the proceeds of the sale to the Company or its designee, and each Participant’s acceptance of an Award under the Plan will constitute the Participant’s authorization to the Company and instruction and authorization to such brokerage firm to complete the transactions described in this sentence.

9.6 Amendment of Award; Repricing. The Administrator may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Award, including by substituting another Award of the same or a different type, changing the exercise or settlement date, and converting an Incentive Stock Option to a Non-Qualified Stock Option. The Participant’s consent to such action will be required unless (i) the action, taking into account any related action, does not materially and adversely affect the Participant’s rights under the Award, or (ii) the change is permitted under Article VIII or pursuant to Section 10.6. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Administrator may, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, (i) reduce the exercise price per share of outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights or (ii) cancel outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights in exchange for cash, other Awards or Options or Stock Appreciation Rights with an exercise price per share that is less than the exercise price per share of the original Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.

9.7 Conditions on Delivery of Stock. The Company will not be obligated to deliver any Shares under the Plan or remove restrictions from Shares previously delivered under the Plan until (i) all Award conditions have been met or removed to the Company’s satisfaction, (ii) as determined by the Company, all other legal matters regarding the issuance and delivery of such Shares have been satisfied, including any applicable securities laws and stock exchange or stock market rules and regulations, and (iii) the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company

 

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such representations or agreements as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to satisfy any Applicable Laws. The Company’s inability to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which the Administrator determines is necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any securities, will relieve the Company of any liability for failing to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority has not been obtained.

9.8 Acceleration. The Administrator may at any time provide that any Award will become immediately vested and fully or partially exercisable, free of some or all restrictions or conditions, or otherwise fully or partially realizable.

9.9 Cash Settlement. Without limiting the generality of any other provision of the Plan, the Administrator may provide, in an Award Agreement or subsequent to the grant of an Award, in its discretion, that any Award may be settled in cash, Shares or a combination thereof.

9.10 Broker-Assisted Sales9.11 . In the event of a broker-assisted sale of Shares in connection with the payment of amounts owed by a Participant under or with respect to the Plan or Awards, including amounts to be paid under the final sentence of Section 9.5: (i) any Shares to be sold through the broker-assisted sale will be sold on the day the payment first becomes due, or as soon thereafter as practicable; (ii) such Shares may be sold as part of a block trade with other Participants in the Plan in which all participants receive an average price; (iii) the applicable Participant will be responsible for all broker’s fees and other costs of sale, and by accepting an Award, each Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company and its Subsidiaries harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale; (iv) to the extent the Company, its Subsidiaries or their designee receives proceeds of such sale that exceed the amount owed, the Company or its Subsidiary will pay such excess in cash to the applicable Participant as soon as reasonably practicable; (v) the Company, its Subsidiaries and their designees are under no obligation to arrange for such sale at any particular price; and (vi) in the event the proceeds of such sale are insufficient to satisfy the Participant’s applicable obligation, the Participant may be required to pay immediately upon demand to the Company, its Subsidiaries or their designee an amount in cash sufficient to satisfy any remaining portion of the Participant’s obligation.

ARTICLE X.

MISCELLANEOUS

10.1 No Right to Employment or Other Status. No person will have any claim or right to be granted an Award, and the grant of an Award will not be construed as giving a Participant the right to continued employment or any other relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Company and its Subsidiaries expressly reserve the right at any time to dismiss or otherwise terminate their respective relationships with a Participant free from any liability or claim under the Plan or any Award, except as expressly provided in an Award Agreement or in the Plan.

10.2 No Rights as Stockholder; Certificates. Subject to the Award Agreement, no Participant or Designated Beneficiary will have any rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares to be distributed under an Award until becoming the record holder of such Shares.

 

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Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, unless the Administrator otherwise determines or Applicable Laws require, the Company will not be required to deliver to any Participant certificates evidencing Shares issued in connection with any Award and instead such Shares may be recorded in the books of the Company (or, as applicable, its transfer agent or stock plan administrator). The Company may place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan that the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to comply with Applicable Laws.

10.3 Effective Date and Term of Plan. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, the Plan will become effective on the date on which the Company’s stockholders approve the Plan (the “Effective Date”) and will remain in effect until the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, an Incentive Stock Option may not be granted under the Plan after ten (10) years from the earlier of (i) the date the Board adopted the Plan or (ii) the date the Company’s stockholders approved the Plan, but Awards previously granted may extend beyond that date in accordance with the Plan. If the Plan is not approved by the Company’s stockholders, the Plan will not become effective and no Awards will be granted under the Plan.

10.4 Amendment of Plan. The Board may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time; provided that no amendment, other than (a) as permitted by the applicable Award Agreement, (b) as provided under Sections 10.6 and 10.15 hereof, or (c) an amendment to increase the Overall Share Limit, may materially and adversely affect any Award outstanding at the time of such amendment without the affected Participant’s consent. No Awards may be granted under the Plan during any suspension period or after the Plan’s termination. Awards outstanding at the time of any Plan suspension or termination will continue to be governed by the Plan and the Award Agreement, as in effect before such suspension or termination. The Board will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Laws.

10.5 Provisions for Foreign Participants. The Administrator may modify Awards granted to Participants who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States or establish subplans or procedures under the Plan to address differences in laws, rules, regulations or customs of such foreign jurisdictions with respect to tax, securities, currency, employee benefit or other matters.

10.6 Section 409A.

(a) General. To the extent that the Administrator determines that any Award granted under the Plan is subject to Section 409A, the Award Agreement evidencing such Award shall incorporate the terms and conditions required by Section 409A. To the extent applicable, the Plan and the Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A, such that no adverse tax consequences, interest, or penalties under Section 409A apply. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, the Administrator may, without a Participant’s consent, amend this Plan or Awards, adopt policies and procedures, or take any other actions (including amendments, policies, procedures and retroactive actions) as are necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of Awards, including any such actions intended to (A) exempt this Plan or any Award from Section 409A, or (B) comply with Section 409A, including regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority that may be issued after an Award’s grant date. The Company makes no representations or warranties as to an Award’s tax treatment under Section 409A or otherwise. The Company will have no obligation

 

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under this Section 10.6 or otherwise to avoid the taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A with respect to any Award and will have no liability to any Participant or any other person if any Award, compensation or other benefits under the Plan are determined to constitute noncompliant “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement, any payment of “nonqualified deferred compensation” under the Plan that may be made in installments shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.

(b) Separation from Service. If an Award is subject to and constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A, any payment or settlement of such Award upon a termination of a Participant’s Service Provider relationship will, to the extent necessary to avoid taxes under Section 409A, be made only upon the Participant’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A), whether such “separation from service” occurs upon or after the termination of the Participant’s Service Provider relationship. For purposes of this Plan or any Award Agreement relating to any such payments or benefits, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms means a “separation from service.”

(c) Payments to Specified Employees. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan or any Award Agreement, any payment(s) of “nonqualified deferred compensation” required to be made under an Award subject to Section 409A to a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A and as the Administrator determines) due to his, her or its “separation from service” will, to the extent necessary to avoid taxes under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, be delayed for the six-month period immediately following such “separation from service” (or, if earlier, until the specified employee’s death) and will instead be paid (as set forth in the Award Agreement) on the day immediately following such six-month period or as soon as administratively practicable thereafter (without interest). Any payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation” under such Award payable more than six months following the Participant’s “separation from service” will be paid at the time or times the payments are otherwise scheduled to be made.

10.7 Limitations on Liability. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, no individual acting as a director, officer, other employee or agent of the Company or any Subsidiary will be liable to any Participant, former Participant, spouse, beneficiary, or any other person for any claim, loss, liability, or expense incurred in connection with the Plan or any Award, and such individual will not be personally liable with respect to the Plan because of any contract or other instrument executed in his, her or its capacity as an Administrator, director, officer, other employee or agent of the Company or any Subsidiary. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each director, officer, other employee and agent of the Company or any Subsidiary that has been or will be granted or delegated any duty or power relating to the Plan’s administration or interpretation, against any cost or expense (including attorneys’ fees) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the Administrator’s approval) arising from any act or omission concerning this Plan unless arising from such person’s own fraud or bad faith.

 

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10.8 Lock-Up Period. The Company may, at the request of any underwriter representative or otherwise, in connection with registering the offering of any Company securities under the Securities Act, prohibit Participants from, directly or indirectly, selling or otherwise transferring any Shares or other Company securities during a period of up to 180 days following the effective date of a Company registration statement filed under the Securities Act, or such longer period as determined by the underwriter.

10.9 Data Privacy. As a condition for receiving any Award, each Participant explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of personal data as described in this section by and among the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates exclusively for implementing, administering and managing the Participant’s participation in the Plan. The Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates may hold certain personal information about a Participant, including the Participant’s name, address and telephone number; birthdate; social security number, insurance number or other identification number; salary; nationality; job title(s); any Shares held in the Company or its Subsidiaries and affiliates; and Award details, to implement, manage and administer the Plan and Awards (the “Data”). The Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates may transfer the Data amongst themselves as necessary to implement, administer and manage a Participant’s participation in the Plan, and the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates may transfer the Data to third parties assisting the Company with Plan implementation, administration and management. These recipients may be located in the Participant’s country, or elsewhere, and the Participant’s country may have different data privacy laws and protections than the recipients’ country. By accepting an Award, each Participant authorizes such recipients to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, to implement, administer and manage the Participant’s participation in the Plan, including any required Data transfer to a broker or other third party with whom the Company or the Participant may elect to deposit any Shares. The Data related to a Participant will be held only as long as necessary to implement, administer, and manage the Participant’s participation in the Plan. A Participant may, at any time, view the Data that the Company and its Subsidiaries hold regarding such Participant, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data regarding such Participant, recommend any necessary corrections to the Data regarding the Participant or refuse or withdraw the consents in this Section 10.9 in writing, without cost, by contacting the local human resources representative. If the Participant refuses or withdraws the consents provided for in this Section 10.9, the Company may cancel Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan and, in the Administrator’s discretion, the Participant may forfeit any outstanding Awards. For more information on the consequences of refusing or withdrawing consent, Participants may contact their local human resources representative.

10.10 Severability. If any portion of the Plan or any action taken under it is held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity will not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan will be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provisions had been excluded, and the illegal or invalid action will be null and void.

10.11 Governing Documents. If any contradiction occurs between the Plan and any Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company (or any Subsidiary) that the Administrator has approved, the Plan will govern, unless it is expressly specified in such Award Agreement or other written document that the specific provision of the Plan will not apply. For clarity, the foregoing sentence shall not limit the applicability of any additive language contained in an Award Agreement or other written agreement which provides supplemental or additional terms not inconsistent with the Plan.

 

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10.12 Governing Law. The Plan and all Awards will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, disregarding any state’s choice-of-law principles requiring the application of a jurisdiction’s laws other than the State of Delaware.

10.13 Claw-back Provisions. All Awards (including, without limitation, any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by a Participant upon any receipt or exercise of any Award or upon the receipt or resale of any Shares underlying the Award) shall be subject to the provisions of any claw-back policy implemented by the Company, including, without limitation, any claw-back policy adopted to comply with Applicable Laws (including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder), as and to the extent set forth in such claw-back policy or the Award Agreement.

10.14 Titles and Headings. The titles and headings in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, if any conflict, the Plan’s text, rather than such titles or headings, will control.

10.15 Conformity to Securities Laws. Participant acknowledges that the Plan is intended to conform to the extent necessary with Applicable Laws. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan and all Awards will be administered only in conformance with Applicable Laws. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, the Plan and all Award Agreements will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws.

10.16 Unfunded Status of Awards. The Plan is intended to be an “unfunded” plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Award Agreement shall give the Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company or any Subsidiary.

10.17 Relationship to Other Benefits. No payment under the Plan will be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare or other benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary except as expressly provided in writing in such other plan or an agreement thereunder.

ARTICLE XI.

DEFINITIONS

As used in the Plan, the following words and phrases will have the following meanings:

11.1 “Administrator” means the Board or a Committee to the extent that the Board’s powers or authority under the Plan have been delegated to such Committee. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Board shall conduct the general administration of the Plan with respect to Awards granted to non-employee Directors and, with respect to such Awards, the term “Administrator” as used in the Plan shall mean and refer to the Board.

11.2 Agent” means the brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution, entity or person(s), if any, engaged, retained, appointed or authorized to act as the agent of the Company or a Participant with regard to the Plan.

 

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11.3 “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity incentive plans under U.S. federal and state securities, tax and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, the applicable rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws and rules of any foreign country or other jurisdiction where Awards are granted.

11.4 “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Dividend Equivalents, or Other Stock or Cash Based Awards.

11.5 “Award Agreement” means a written agreement evidencing an Award, which may be electronic, that contains such terms and conditions as the Administrator determines, consistent with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

11.6 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

11.7 “Cause” means, in respect of a Participant, either (i) the definition of “Cause” contained in the Participant’s Award Agreement or an effective, written service or employment agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company; or (ii) if no such agreement exists or such agreement does not define Cause, then Cause shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. The findings and decision of the Administrator with respect to any Cause determination will be final and binding for all purposes.

11.8 “Change in Control” means and includes each of the following:

(a) A transaction or series of transactions (other than an offering of Common Stock to the general public through a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or a transaction or series of transactions that meets the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) of subsection (c) below) whereby any “person” or related “group” of “persons” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) (other than the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, an employee benefit plan maintained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or a “person” that, prior to such transaction, directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company) directly or indirectly acquires beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company possessing more than 50% of the total combined voting power of the Company’s securities outstanding immediately after such acquisition; or

(b) During any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board together with any new Director(s) (other than a Director designated by a person who shall have entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in subsections (a) or (c)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Directors then still in office who either were Directors at the beginning of the two-year period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof; or

 

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(c) The consummation by the Company (whether directly involving the Company or indirectly involving the Company through one or more intermediaries) of (x) a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or business combination or (y) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets in any single transaction or series of related transactions or (z) the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity, in each case other than a transaction:

(i) which results in the Company’s voting securities outstanding immediately before the transaction continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the Company or the person that, as a result of the transaction, controls, directly or indirectly, the Company or owns, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or otherwise succeeds to the business of the Company (the Company or such person, the “Successor Entity”)) directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity’s outstanding voting securities immediately after the transaction, and

(ii) after which no person or group beneficially owns voting securities representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity; provided, however, that no person or group shall be treated for purposes of this clause (ii) as beneficially owning 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity solely as a result of the voting power held in the Company prior to the consummation of the transaction.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control constitutes a payment event with respect to any Award (or portion of any Award) that provides for the deferral of compensation that is subject to Section 409A, to the extent required to avoid the imposition of additional taxes under Section 409A, the transaction or event described in subsection (a), (b) or (c) with respect to such Award (or portion thereof) shall only constitute a Change in Control for purposes of the payment timing of such Award if such transaction also constitutes a “change in control event,” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5).

The Administrator shall have full and final authority, which shall be exercised in its discretion, to determine conclusively whether a Change in Control has occurred pursuant to the above definition, the date of the occurrence of such Change in Control and any incidental matters relating thereto; provided that any exercise of authority in conjunction with a determination of whether a Change in Control is a “change in control event” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) shall be consistent with such regulation.

11.9 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations issued thereunder.

11.10 “Committee” means one or more committees or subcommittees of the Board, which may include one or more Company directors or executive officers, to the extent Applicable Laws permit. To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Rule 16b-3, it is intended that each member of the Committee will be, at the time the Committee takes any action with respect to an Award that is subject to Rule 16b-3, a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3; however, a Committee member’s failure to qualify as a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 will not invalidate any Award granted by the Committee that is otherwise validly granted under the Plan.

 

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11.11 “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

11.12 “Company” means System1, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor.

11.13 “Consultant” means any consultant or advisor engaged by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to render services to such entity that qualifies as a consultant or advisor under the applicable rules of Form S-8 Registration Statements.

11.14 “Designated Beneficiary” means the beneficiary or beneficiaries the Participant designates, in a manner the Administrator determines, to receive amounts due or exercise the Participant’s rights if the Participant dies or becomes incapacitated. Without a Participant’s effective designation, “Designated Beneficiary” will mean the Participant’s estate.

11.15 “Director” means a Board member.

11.16 “Disability” means that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months.

11.17 “Dividend Equivalents” means a right granted to a Participant under the Plan to receive the equivalent value (in cash or Shares) of dividends paid on Shares.

11.18 “Employee” means any employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

11.19 “Equity Restructuring” means, as determined by the Administrator, a non-reciprocal transaction between the Company and its stockholders, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off or recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend, or other large, nonrecurring cash dividend, that affects the Shares (or other securities of the Company) or the share price of Common Stock (or other securities of the Company) and causes a change in the per share value of the Common Stock underlying outstanding Awards.

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

11.21 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of a Share determined as follows: (a) if the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such Common Stock as quoted on such exchange for such date, or if no sale occurred on such date, the last day preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; (b) if the Common Stock is not traded on a stock exchange but is quoted on a national market or other quotation system, the closing sales price on such date, or if no sales occurred on such date, then on the last date preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; or (c) without an established market for the Common Stock, the Administrator will determine the Fair Market Value in its discretion.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Award granted on the pricing date of the Company’s initial public offering, the Fair Market Value shall mean the initial public offering price of a Share as set forth in the Company’s final prospectus relating to its initial public offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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11.22 “Greater Than 10% Stockholder” means an individual then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or its parent or subsidiary corporation, as defined in Section 424(e) and (f) of the Code, respectively.

11.23 “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” as defined in Section 422 of the Code.

11.24 “Non-Qualified Stock Option” means an Option, or portion thereof, not intended or not qualifying as an Incentive Stock Option.

11.25 “Option” means an option to purchase Shares, which will either be an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

11.26 “Other Stock or Cash Based Awards” means cash awards, awards of Shares, and other awards valued wholly or partially by referring to, or are otherwise based on, Shares or other property awarded to a Participant under Article VII.

11.27 “Overall Share Limit” means the sum of (a) 8,297,625 Shares and (b) an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending on and including January 1, 2032, equal to the lesser of (i) a number of Shares equal to 2.5% of the aggregate number of Shares outstanding on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (ii) such smaller number of Shares as is determined by the Board.

11.28 “Participant” means a Service Provider who has been granted an Award.

11.29 “Performance Criteria” means the criteria (and adjustments) that the Administrator may select for an Award to establish performance goals for a performance period, which may include (but is not limited to) the following: net earnings or losses (either before or after one or more of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and non-cash equity-based compensation expense); gross or net sales or revenue or sales or revenue growth; net income (either before or after taxes) or adjusted net income; profits (including but not limited to gross profits, net profits, profit growth, net operation profit or economic profit), profit return ratios or operating margin; operating efficiency; budget or operating earnings (either before or after taxes or before or after allocation of corporate overhead and bonus); cash flow (including operating cash flow and free cash flow or cash flow return on capital); return on assets; return on capital or invested capital; cost of capital; return on stockholders’ equity; total stockholder return; return on sales; costs, reductions in costs and cost control measures; expenses; working capital; earnings or loss per share; adjusted earnings or loss per share; price per share or dividends per share (or appreciation in or maintenance of such price or dividends); billings-based adjusted EBITDA, billings-based revenue and billings-based adjusted gross profit; regulatory achievements or compliance; implementation, completion or attainment of objectives relating to research, development, regulatory, commercial, or strategic milestones or developments; market share; economic value or economic value added models; division, group or corporate financial goals; customer satisfaction/growth; customer service; employee satisfaction; recruitment and maintenance of

 

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personnel; human resources management; supervision of litigation and other legal matters; strategic partnerships, collaborations and transactions; financial ratios (including those measuring liquidity, activity, profitability or leverage); debt levels or reductions; sales-related goals; financing and other capital raising transactions; cash on hand; acquisition, licensing or divestiture activity; investment sourcing activity; and marketing initiatives, any of which may be measured in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or decrease. Such performance goals also may be (i) based solely by reference to the Company’s performance or the performance of a Subsidiary, division, business segment or business unit of the Company or a Subsidiary, (ii) based upon performance relative to performance of other companies or upon comparisons of any of the indicators of performance relative to performance of other companies, (iii) based on GAAP or non-GAAP metrics, and/or (iv) adjusted to reflect the impact of unusual or non-recurring transactions, extraordinary events or otherwise as determined by the Administrator.

11.30 “Plan” means this 2022 Incentive Award Plan.

11.31 “Restricted Stock” means Shares awarded to a Participant under Article VI subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.

11.32 “Restricted Stock Unit” means an unfunded, unsecured right to receive, on the applicable settlement date, one Share or an amount in cash or other consideration determined by the Administrator to be of equal value as of such settlement date awarded to a Participant under Article VI subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.

11.33 “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

11.34 “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and all regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority thereunder.

11.35 “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

11.36 “Service Provider” means an Employee, Consultant or Director.

11.37 “Shares” means shares of Common Stock.

11.38 “Stock Appreciation Right” means a stock appreciation right granted under Article V.

11.39 “Subsidiary” means any entity (other than the Company), whether domestic or foreign, in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with the Company if each of the entities other than the last entity in the unbroken chain beneficially owns, at the time of the determination, securities or interests representing at least 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of securities or interests in one of the other entities in such chain.

11.40 “Substitute Awards” means Awards granted or Shares issued by the Company in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, awards previously granted, or the right or obligation to make future awards, in each case by a company acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines.

 

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11.41 “Termination of Service” means the date the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider.

* * * * *

 

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Exhibit 10.3

 

 

 

TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

by and among

SYSTEM1, INC.,

S1 HOLDCO, LLC,

MICHAEL BLEND, as TRA HOLDER REPRESENTATIVE,

the several TRA HOLDERS (as defined herein)

and

OTHER TRA HOLDERS

FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO

Dated as of January 27, 2022

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

Article I. DEFINITIONS

     2  

Section 1.1

  Definitions      2  

Section 1.2

  Rules of Construction      9  

Article II. DETERMINATION OF REALIZED TAX BENEFIT

     10  

Section 2.1

  Basis Adjustments; Section 754 Election      10  

Section 2.2

  Basis Schedules      10  

Section 2.3

  Tax Benefit Schedules      10  

Section 2.4

  Procedures; Amendments      11  

Article III. TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS

     13  

Section 3.1

  Timing and Amount of Tax Benefit Payments      13  

Section 3.2

  No Duplicative Payments      16  

Section 3.3

  Pro-Ration of Payments as Between the TRA Holders      16  

Section 3.4

  Optional Estimated Tax Benefit Payment Procedure      16  

Section 3.5

  Overpayments.      17  

Article IV. TERMINATION

     18  

Section 4.1

  Early Termination of Agreement; Breach of Agreement      18  

Section 4.2

  Early Termination Notice      20  

Section 4.3

  Payment Upon Early Termination      20  

Article V. SUBORDINATION AND LATE PAYMENTS

     21  

Section 5.1

  Subordination      21  

Section 5.2

  Late Payments by the Corporation      21  

Article VI. TAX MATTERS; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION

     22  

Section 6.1

  Participation in the Corporation’s Tax Matters      22  

Section 6.2

  Consistency      22  

Section 6.3

  Cooperation      22  

Article VII. MISCELLANEOUS

     23  

Section 7.1

  Notices      23  

Section 7.2

  Counterparts      24  

Section 7.3

  Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries      24  

 

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Section 7.4

  Governing Law      24  

Section 7.5

  Severability      24  

Section 7.6

  Assignments; Amendments; Successors; No Waiver      24  

Section 7.7

  Titles and Subtitles      25  

Section 7.8

  Resolution of Disputes      25  

Section 7.9

  Reconciliation      26  

Section 7.10

  Withholding      27  

Section 7.11

  Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets      27  

Section 7.12

  Change in Law      28  

Section 7.13

  Interest Rate Limitation      29  

Section 7.14

  Independent Nature of Rights and Obligations      29  

Section 7.15

  LLC Agreement      29  

Section 7.16

  TRA Holder Representative      29  

Section 7.17

  Non-Effect of Other Tax Receivable Agreements      30  

Exhibits

 

Exhibit A    —      Form of Joinder Agreement

 

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TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of January 27, 2022, is hereby entered into by and among System1, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), S1 Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “LLC”), the TRA Holder Representative (as defined below), and each of the TRA Holders (as defined below) from time to time party hereto.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

WHEREAS, each of the members of the LLC (such members (other than the Corporation) who are parties hereto, and their respective assignees who become parties hereto by satisfying the Joinder Requirement (the “Members”)), directly or indirectly owns limited liability company interests in the LLC in the form of Units (the “Units”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement by and among the Corporation, the LLC, Orchid Merger Sub I, Inc., Orchid Merger Sub II, LLC, Orchid Finco LLC, S1 SS Protect Holdings, Inc., and the other parties thereto, among other things, (i) the LLC may redeem certain Units from OpenMail and from the Founders (collectively, the “BCA Redemption”) and (ii) the Corporation will become the Managing Member of the LLC (as defined in the LLC Agreement) (such Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination Agreement”, and the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement including the BCA Redemption, the “Business Combination”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to and subject to the terms of the LLC Agreement, each holder of Units (other than the Corporation) has the right to require the LLC to redeem (a “Redemption”) all or a portion of such holder’s Units for cash or, at the Corporation’s election, Class A Common Stock, in either case contributed to the LLC by the Corporation; provided that, at the election of the Corporation in its sole discretion, the Corporation may effect a direct exchange (a “Direct Exchange”) of such cash or shares of Class A Common Stock for such Units (holders described in this clause, the “TRA Holders”);

WHEREAS, the LLC and any direct or indirect Subsidiary (owned through a chain of pass-through entities) of the LLC that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes (for the avoidance of doubt, including System1 Midco, LLC as of the date hereof) (together with the LLC and any direct or indirect Subsidiary (owned through a chain of pass-through entities) of the LLC that is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (for the avoidance of doubt, including System1, LLC as of the date hereof, the “LLC Group”) will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (as defined below) for the Taxable Year (as defined below) in which the Business Combination and any Exchange (as defined below) occurs; and

 

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WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement desire to provide for certain payments and make certain arrangements with respect to certain tax benefits derived by the Corporation as a result of the Business Combination, any Exchanges, and the receipt of payments under this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this Article I shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both (i) the singular and plural and (ii) the active and passive forms of the terms defined).

Actual Interest Amount” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(vii) of this Agreement.

Advisory Firm” means any accounting firm that is nationally recognized as being an expert in Covered Tax matters and is not an Affiliate of the Corporation, provided that such Advisory Firm that is used by the Corporation shall be selected by the Corporation and be reasonably acceptable to the TRA Holder Representative.

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such first Person.

Agreed Rate” means a per annum rate of LIBOR plus 100 basis points.

Agreement” is defined in the preamble.

Amended Schedule” is defined in Section 2.5(b) of this Agreement.

Assumed State and Local Tax Rate” means the tax rate equal to the sum of the products of (x) the Corporation’s income tax apportionment factor for each state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporation files income or franchise tax returns for the relevant Taxable Year and (y) the highest corporate income and franchise tax rate in effect for such Taxable Year for each such state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporation files income tax returns for each relevant Taxable Year.

Attributable” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(i) of this Agreement.

Bankruptcy Code” is defined in Section 4.1(c) of this Agreement.

Basis Adjustment” means the increase or decrease to, or the Corporation’s proportionate share of, the tax basis of the Reference Assets (i) under Section 734(b), 743(b) and 754 of the Code (and similar provisions of U.S. state or local tax Law) (in situations where, following an Exchange, the LLC remains in existence as an entity for tax purposes) and (ii) under Sections 732, 734(b) and

 

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1012 of the Code (and similar provisions of U.S. state or local tax Law) (in situations where, as a result of one or more Exchanges, the LLC becomes an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner for tax purposes), in the case of each of (i) and (ii), as a result of any Exchange and any payment made under this Agreement in respect of such Exchange. For the avoidance of doubt, payments made under this TRA Agreement shall not be treated as resulting in a Basis Adjustment to the extent such payments are treated as Imputed Interest.

Basis Schedule” is defined in Section 2.3 of this Agreement.

Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

Business Combination” is defined in the preamble.

Business Combination Agreement” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

Business Combination Date” means the date on which the closing of the Business Combination occurs.

Business Day” means any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any day that is a legal holiday under the laws of the State of New York or is a day on which banking institutions located in New York are closed.

Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(1) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provisions thereto (the “Exchange Act”), but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person and its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan, and excluding the Permitted Holders) becomes the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, preferred stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation (if any) representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the votes eligible to be cast to elect the board of directors of the Corporation;

(2) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or there is consummated an agreement or series of related agreements for the sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (including a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership); or

(3) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the voting securities of the Corporation immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent, or are not converted into, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Class A Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, preferred stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.

Class A Common Stock” is defined in the recitals of this Agreement.

Class C Common Stock” means the shares of Class C common stock of the Corporation.

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

Control” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Corporation” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

Covered Person” is defined in Section 7.16 of this Agreement.

Covered Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.3(a) of this Agreement.

Covered Taxes” means any and all U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign income taxes (including franchise taxes that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits) and any interest related thereto.

Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(iii) of this Agreement.

Default Rate” means LIBOR plus 400 basis points.

Default Rate Interest” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(ix) of this Agreement.

Determination” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or similar provision of U.S. state tax law, as applicable, or any other event (including the execution of IRS Form 870-AD) that finally and conclusively establishes the amount of any liability for tax.

Direct Exchange” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

Dispute” is defined in Section 7.8(a) of this Agreement.

Early Termination Effective Date” means the date of an Early Termination Notice for purposes of determining the Early Termination Payment.

 

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Early Termination Notice” is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.

Early Termination Payment” is defined in Section 4.3(b) of this Agreement.

Early Termination Rate” means the lesser of (i) 4.50% and (ii) the Agreed Rate.

Early Termination Reference Date” is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.

Early Termination Schedule” is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.

Estimated Tax Benefit Payment” is defined in Section 3.4 of this Agreement.

Exchange” means any Direct Exchange or Redemption and the Purchase.

Exchange Date” means the date of any Exchange.

Expert” is defined in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.

Final Payment Date” means any date on which a payment is required to be made pursuant to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Final Payment Date in respect of a Tax Benefit Payment is determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a) of this Agreement.

Hypothetical Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the hypothetical liability of the Corporation that would arise in respect of Covered Taxes, using the same methods, elections, conventions and similar practices used on the actual relevant Tax Returns of the Corporation but (i) calculating depreciation, amortization, or other similar deductions, or otherwise calculating any items of income, gain, or loss, using the Corporation’s share of the Non-Adjusted Tax Basis as reflected on the applicable Basis Schedule, including amendments thereto for the Taxable Year, and (ii) excluding any deduction attributable to Imputed Interest or Actual Interest Amounts for the Taxable Year; provided, that for purposes of determining the Hypothetical Tax Liability, the combined tax rate for U.S. state and local Covered Taxes (but not, for the avoidance of doubt, federal Covered Taxes) shall be the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate. For the avoidance of doubt, the Hypothetical Tax Liability shall be determined without taking into account the carryover or carryback of any tax item (or portions thereof) that is attributable to any of the items described in the previous sentence.

Imputed Interest” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(vi) of this Agreement.

IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Joinder” means a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit A to this Agreement.

Joinder Requirement” is defined in Section 7.6(a) of this Agreement.

 

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LIBOR” means for each month (or portion thereof) during any period, an interest rate per annum equal to the rate per annum reported, on the date two Business Days prior to the first Business Day of such month, as published on the applicable Bloomberg screen page (or other commercially available source providing quotations of LIBOR) for one-month London interbank offered rates for U.S. dollar deposits for such month (or portion thereof). If LIBOR ceases to be published in accordance with the definition thereof, the Corporation and the LLC shall work together in good faith to select a replacement rate with similar characteristics that gives due consideration to the prevailing market conventions for determining rates of interest in the United States at such time, and from and after the date LIBOR ceases to be so published any such replacement rate so selected shall be treated as LIBOR for purposes of this Agreement.

LLC” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

LLC Agreement” means that certain Fifth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC, dated as of the date hereof, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time.

LLC Group” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

Net Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(ii) of this Agreement.

Non-Adjusted Tax Basis” means, with respect to any Reference Asset at any time the tax basis that such asset would have had at such time if no Basis Adjustments had been made.

Objection Notice” is defined in Section 2.5(a)(i) of this Agreement.

Parties” means the parties named on the signature pages to this agreement and each additional party that satisfies the Joinder Requirement, in each case with their respective successors and assigns.

Person” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity.

Purchase” is defined in Section 2.1(a) of this Agreement.

Realized Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(iv) of this Agreement.

Realized Tax Detriment” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(v) of this Agreement.

Reconciliation Dispute” is defined in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.

Reconciliation Procedures” is defined in Section 2.5(a) of this Agreement.

Redemption” has the meaning in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

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Reference Asset” means any tangible or intangible asset of any member of the LLC Group or any of their respective successors or assigns at the time of an Exchange or other applicable transaction. A Reference Asset also includes any asset the tax basis of which is determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the tax basis of an asset that is described in the preceding sentence, including “substituted basis property” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code with respect to a Reference Asset.

Schedule” means any of the following: (i) a Basis Schedule, (ii) a Tax Benefit Schedule, or (iii) the Early Termination Schedule, and, in each case, any amendments thereto.

Senior Obligations” is defined in Section 5.1 of this Agreement.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person and as of the date of any determination, any other Person as to which such Person, owns, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controls, more than 50% of the voting power or other similar interests, or the sole general partner interest, or managing member or similar interest, of such Person.

Tax Benefit Payment” is defined in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.

Tax Benefit Schedule” is defined in Section 2.4(a) of this Agreement.

Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report or similar statement filed or required to be filed with respect to taxes (including any attached schedules), including, without limitation, any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated tax.

Taxable Year” means a taxable year of the Corporation as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or comparable section of U.S. state or local tax law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than 12 months for which a Tax Return is made), ending on or after the Business Combination Date.

Taxing Authority” means any national, federal, state, county, municipal, or local government, or any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body, or any other authority of any kind, exercising regulatory or other authority in relation to tax matters.

Termination Objection Notice” is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.

TRA Holders” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

TRA Holder Representative” means Michael Blend, as of the date hereof, and any successor TRA Holder Representative that may be appointed pursuant to Section 7.16 of this Agreement.

Treasury Regulations” means the final, temporary, and (to the extent they can be relied upon) proposed regulations under the Code, as promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) as in effect for the relevant taxable period.

True-Up” is defined in Section 3.4 of this Agreement.

U.S.” means the United States of America.

 

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Units” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

Valuation Assumptions” means, as of an Early Termination Effective Date, the assumptions that:

(1) in each Taxable Year ending on or after such Early Termination Effective Date, the Corporation will have taxable income sufficient to fully use the deductions arising from the Basis Adjustments, and the Imputed Interest during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest that would result from future Tax Benefit Payments that would be paid in accordance with the Valuation Assumptions) in which such deductions would become available, taking into account clause (4) below;

(2) (i) the U.S. federal income tax rates that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other law as in effect on the Early Termination Effective Date, except to the extent any change to such tax rates for such Taxable Year have already been enacted into law, and (ii) the combined U.S. state and local income tax rates for each such Taxable Year shall be the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate for the Taxable Year that includes the Early Termination Effective Date;

(3) any loss or disallowed interest or other loss carryovers or carryforwards generated by any Basis Adjustments or Imputed Interest (including any such Basis Adjustments, and Imputed Interest generated as a result of payments under this Agreement) and available as of the Early Termination Effective Date will be used by the Corporation on a pro rata basis over a fifteen-year period beginning on the Early Termination Effective Date, or up through their scheduled expiration under applicable law (if earlier);

(4) any non-amortizable assets will be disposed of on the earlier of (i) the fifteenth anniversary of the applicable Basis Adjustment (or, if such Basis Adjustment occurred more than fifteen years before the Early Termination Effective Date, the Early Termination Effective Date) and (ii) the fifteenth anniversary of the Early Termination Effective Date;

(5) if, on the Early Termination Effective Date, any TRA Holder has Units that have not been Exchanged, then such Units shall be deemed to be Exchanged for the fair market value that would be received by such TRA Holder if such Units had been Exchanged on the Early Termination Effective Date, and such TRA Holder shall be deemed to receive the amount of cash such TRA Holder would have been entitled to pursuant to Section 4.3(a) had such Units actually been Exchanged on the Early Termination Effective Date; and

(6) any payment obligations pursuant to this Agreement will be satisfied on the date that any Tax Return to which such payment obligation relates is required to be filed under applicable law as of the Early Termination Effective Date excluding any extensions.

 

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Section 1.2 Rules of Construction. Unless otherwise specified herein:

(a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

(b) For purposes of interpretation of this Agreement:

(i) The words “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.

(ii) References in this Agreement to a Schedule, Article, Section, clause or sub-clause refer to the appropriate Schedule to, or Article, Section, clause or subclause in, this Agreement.

(iii) References in this Agreement to dollars or “$” refer to the lawful currency of the United States of America.

(iv) The term “including” is by way of example and not limitation.

(v) The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.

(vi) The term “or” shall not be exclusive and shall instead mean “and/or.”

(c) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.”

(d) Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to organization documents (including the LLC Agreement), agreements (including this Agreement) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted hereby; and (b) references to any law (including the Code and the Treasury Regulations) shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such law.

 

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ARTICLE II.

DETERMINATION OF REALIZED TAX BENEFIT

Section 2.1 Basis Adjustments; Section 754 Election; Revaluation.

(a) Basis Adjustments. The Parties acknowledge and agree that (A) each Exchange shall give rise to Basis Adjustments, (B) each Redemption shall be treated as a direct purchase of Units by the Corporation from the applicable Member pursuant to Section 707(a)(2)(B) of the Code, and (C) if cash is contributed by the Corporation to the LLC in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, such contribution and the BCA Redemption shall be treated as a direct purchase of Units by the Corporation from OpenMail and the Founders (pro rata in accordance with the Units redeemed from each in the BCA Redemption) pursuant to Section 707(a)(2)(B) of the Code to the extent of the cash contributed by the Corporation (up to the amount of cash used in the BCA Redemption (except to the extent the BCA Redemption qualifies as a debt-financed distribution)) (the “Purchase”). In connection with the Purchase, and in connection with any Direct Exchange or any Redemption treated as a taxable direct purchase of Units by the Corporation, the Parties acknowledge and agree that pursuant to applicable law the Corporation’s share of the basis in the Reference Assets shall be increased by the excess, if any, of (A) the sum of (x) the fair market value of Class A Common Stock or the cash transferred to a Member pursuant to an Exchange as payment for the Units (and any other amounts includible in the basis of the Corporation with respect to Units acquired in connection with the Purchase), (y) the amount of payments made pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Exchange and (z) the amount of liabilities allocated to the Units acquired pursuant to the Exchange, over (B) the Corporation’s proportionate share of the basis of the Reference Assets immediately after the Exchange attributable to the Units acquired, determined as if each member of the LLC Group remains in existence as an entity for tax purposes and no member of the LLC Group made the election provided by Section 754 of the Code.

(b) Section 754 Election. The Corporation, in its capacity as the managing member of the LLC, shall ensure that, on and after the date hereof and continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, the LLC and each other member of the LLC Group that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (and under any similar provisions of applicable U.S. state or local law); provided that with respect to any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the LLC that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes for which the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries do not have the authority under the governing documents of such Subsidiary to cause such Subsidiary to have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (or under any similar provisions of applicable U.S. state or local law), the Corporation shall only be required to take commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Subsidiary to have such an election in effect.

Section 2.2 Basis Schedules. Within ninety (90) days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for each relevant Taxable Year, the Corporation shall deliver to the TRA Holder Representative a schedule developed in consultation with the Advisory Firm (the “Basis Schedule”) that shows, in reasonable detail as necessary in order to understand the calculations performed under this Agreement: (a) the Basis Adjustments with respect to the Reference Assets as a result of the relevant Exchanges effected in such Taxable Year and (b) the periods over which each Basis Adjustment is amortizable or depreciable. The Basis Schedule will become final and binding on the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.5(a) and may be amended by the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.5(b).

Section 2.3 Tax Benefit Schedules.

 

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(a) Tax Benefit Schedule. Within ninety (90) days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for any Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment, the Corporation shall provide to the TRA Holder Representative a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, the calculation of the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year (a “Tax Benefit Schedule”). The Tax Benefit Schedule will become final and binding on the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.5(a), and may be amended by the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.5(b).

(b) Applicable Principles. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year is intended to measure the decrease or increase in the actual liability of the Corporation for Covered Taxes for such Taxable Year attributable to the Basis Adjustments, Imputed Interest and Actual Interest Amounts, as determined using a “with and without” methodology described in Section 2.5(a). Carryovers, carryforwards, or carrybacks of any tax item attributable to any Basis Adjustment, Imputed Interest or Actual Interest Amounts shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code and the Treasury Regulations or the appropriate provisions of U.S. state or local tax law, as applicable, governing the use, limitation, and expiration of carryovers, carryforwards, or carrybacks. If a carryover, carryforward, or carryback of any tax item includes a portion that is attributable to any Basis Adjustments, Imputed Interest or Actual Interest Amounts (a “TRA Portion”) and another portion that is not (a “Non-TRA Portion”), such portions shall be considered to be used in accordance with the “with and without” methodology so that the amount of any Non-TRA Portion is deemed utilized first, followed by the amount of any TRA Portion (calculated by taking into account the provisions of Section 3.3(a) to the extent applicable), provided that, in the case of a carryback of a Non-TRA Portion, such carryback shall not affect the original “with and without” calculation made in the prior Taxable Year. The Parties agree to treat (i) all Tax Benefit Payments (other than Imputed Interest and Actual Interest Amounts) attributable to an Exchange and to the extent permitted by applicable law as subsequent upward purchase price adjustments that (A) give rise to further Basis Adjustments in respect of an applicable Exchange and (B) have the effect of creating additional Basis Adjustments arising in the Taxable Year in which the applicable Tax Benefit Payment is made and (ii) as a result, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any additional Basis Adjustments arising from such a Tax Benefit Payment shall be incorporated into the current Taxable Year continuing until any incremental Basis Adjustment is immaterial as reasonably determined by the Corporation.

Section 2.4 Procedures; Amendments.

(a) Procedures. Each time the Corporation delivers an applicable Schedule to the TRA Holder Representative, under this Agreement, including any Amended Schedule delivered pursuant to Section 2.5(b), but excluding any Early Termination Schedule or amended Early Termination Schedule delivered pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 4.2, the Corporation shall also: (x) deliver supporting schedules and work papers as determined by the Corporation or as reasonably requested by the TRA Holder Representative that are reasonably necessary in order to understand the calculations that were relevant for purposes of preparing the Schedule; and (y) allow the TRA Holder Representative and its advisors to have reasonable access to the appropriate representatives, as reasonably requested by the TRA Holder Representative, at the Corporation and the applicable Advisory Firm in connection with a review of such Schedule. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Corporation shall ensure that any Tax Benefit

 

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Schedule that is delivered to the TRA Holder Representative, along with any supporting schedules and work papers, provides a reasonably detailed presentation of the calculation of the actual liability of the Corporation for Covered Taxes (the “with” calculation) and the Hypothetical Tax Liability of the Corporation (the “without” calculation), and identifies any material assumptions or operating procedures or principles that were used for purposes of such calculations. An applicable Schedule or amendment thereto shall become final and binding on the Parties thirty (30) days from the date on which the TRA Holder Representative first receives the applicable Schedule or amendment thereto unless:

(i) the TRA Holder Representative within thirty (30) days after receiving the applicable Schedule or amendment thereto, provides the Corporation with (A) written notice of a material objection to such Schedule that is made in good faith and that sets forth in reasonable detail the TRA Holder Representative or TRA Holder’s material objection (an “Objection Notice”); or

(ii) the TRA Holder Representative provides a written waiver of its right to deliver an Objection Notice within the time period described in clause (i) above, in which case such Schedule or amendment thereto becomes binding on the date the waiver from the TRA Representative is received by the Corporation.

In the event that the TRA Holder Representative timely delivers an Objection Notice pursuant to clause (i) above, and if the Corporation and the TRA Holder Representative, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in the Objection Notice through good faith discussions within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Corporation of the Objection Notice, the Corporation and the TRA Holder Representative shall employ the reconciliation procedures as described in Section 7.9 of this Agreement (the “Reconciliation Procedures”).

(b) Amended Schedule. The applicable Schedule for any Taxable Year may be amended from time to time by the Corporation: (i) in connection with a Determination affecting such Schedule; (ii) to correct inaccuracies in the Schedule identified as a result of the receipt of additional factual information relating to a Taxable Year after the date the Schedule was originally provided to the TRA Holder Representative; (iii) to comply with an Expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures applicable to this Agreement; (iv) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to a carryback or carryforward of a loss or other tax item to such Taxable Year; (v) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to an amended Tax Return filed for such Taxable Year; or (vi) to adjust a Basis Schedule to take into account any Tax Benefit Payments made pursuant to this Agreement (any such Schedule, an “Amended Schedule”).

 

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ARTICLE III.

TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS

Section 3.1 Timing and Amount of Tax Benefit Payments.

(a) Timing of Payments. Except as provided in Section 3.4 and subject to Sections 3.2 and 3.3, within ten (10) Business Days following the date on which each Tax Benefit Schedule that is required to be delivered by the Corporation to the TRA Holder Representative pursuant to Section 2.4(a) of this Agreement becomes final in accordance with Section 2.5(a) of this Agreement, the Corporation shall pay to each relevant TRA Holder the Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(b) that is Attributable to the relevant TRA Holder. Each such Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the bank account previously designated by such TRA Holder or as otherwise agreed by the Corporation and such TRA Holder. For the avoidance of doubt, without limiting the Corporation’s ability to make offsets against Tax Benefit Payments with respect to a particular TRA Holder to the extent permitted by Section 3.5, the TRA Holders shall not be required under any circumstances to return any portion of any Tax Benefit Payment previously paid by the Corporation to the TRA Holders (including any portion of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment or any Early Termination Payment).

(b) Amount of Payments. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Tax Benefit Payment” with respect to any TRA Holder means an amount, not less than zero, equal to the sum of: (i) the portion of the Net Tax Benefit that is Attributable to such TRA Holder (including Imputed Interest, if any, calculated in respect of such amount); and (ii) the Actual Interest Amount and any Default Rate Interest, if any, with respect to the Net Tax Benefit described in (i).

(i) Attributable. A Net Tax Benefit is “Attributable” to a TRA Holder to the extent that it is derived from any Basis Adjustment, Imputed Interest or Actual Interest Amount that is attributable to an Exchange undertaken by or with respect to such TRA Holder .

(ii) Net Tax Benefit. The “Net Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year equals the amount of the excess, if any, of (x) 85% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit as of the end of such Taxable Year over (y) the aggregate amount of all Tax Benefit Payments previously made under this Section 3.1. For the avoidance of doubt, without limiting the Corporation’s ability to make offsets against Tax Benefit Payments with respect to a particular TRA Holder to the extent permitted by Section 3.5, if the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit as of the end of any Taxable Year is less than the aggregate amount of all Tax Benefit Payments previously made, no TRA Holder shall be required to return any portion of any Tax Benefit Payment previously made by the Corporation to such TRA Holder.

(iii) Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit. The “Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year equals the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Benefits for all Taxable Years of the Corporation, up to and including such Taxable Year, net of the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Detriments for the same periods. The Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year shall be determined based on the most recent Tax Benefit Schedule or Amended Schedule, if any, in existence at the time of such determination. The computation of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit shall be adjusted to reflect any applicable Determination with respect to any Realized Tax Benefits and/or Realized Tax Detriments.

 

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(iv) Realized Tax Benefit. The “Realized Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year equals the excess, if any, of (a) the Hypothetical Tax Liability over (b) the actual liability of the Corporation for Covered Taxes; provided, that for purposes of determining the Hypothetical Tax Liability and actual liability of the Corporation for Covered Taxes, the Corporation shall use the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate for purposes of determining such liabilities for all state and local Covered Taxes. For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of the Hypothetical Tax Liability and the actual liability of the Corporation for Covered Taxes shall take into account any U.S. federal income tax benefit, if any, received by the Corporation with respect to state and local jurisdiction income taxes (with such benefit taking into account the Corporation’s marginal U.S. federal income tax rate for the relevant Taxable Year, the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate, and the deductibility, if any, of state and local jurisdiction income taxes). If all or a portion of the actual liability for such Covered Taxes for the Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Benefit unless and until there has been a Determination.

(v) Realized Tax Detriment. The “Realized Tax Detriment” for a Taxable Year equals the excess, if any, of the actual liability of the Corporation for Covered Taxes over the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Taxable Year; provided, that for purposes of determining the Hypothetical Tax Liability and actual liability of the Corporation for Covered Taxes, the Corporation shall use the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate for purposes of determining such liabilities for all state and local Covered Taxes. For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of the Hypothetical Tax Liability and the actual liability of the Corporation for Covered Taxes shall take into account any U.S. federal income tax benefit received by the Corporation with respect to state and local jurisdiction income taxes (with such benefit taking into account the Corporation’s marginal U.S. federal income tax rate for the relevant Taxable Year, the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate, and the deductibility, if any, of state and local jurisdiction income taxes). If all or a portion of the actual liability for such Covered Taxes for the Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Detriment unless and until there has been a Determination.

(vi) Imputed Interest. The Parties acknowledge that the principles of Sections 1272, 1274, or 483 of the Code, as applicable, and the principles of any similar provision of U.S. state and local tax law, may, as applicable, apply to cause a portion of any payments by the Corporation to a TRA Holder under this Agreement to be treated as imputed interest (“Imputed Interest”). For the avoidance of doubt, the deduction for the amount of Imputed Interest, if any, as determined with respect to any payments made by the Corporation to a TRA Holder shall be excluded in determining the Hypothetical Tax Liability of the Corporation for purposes of calculating Realized Tax Benefits and Realized Tax Detriments pursuant to this Agreement.

(vii) Actual Interest Amount. Subject to Section 3.4, the “Actual Interest Amount” calculated in respect of the Net Tax Benefit for a Taxable Year, will equal an amount equal to interest calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for such Taxable Year until the date on which the Corporation makes a timely Tax Benefit Payment to the TRA Holder on or before the Final Payment Date as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a).

 

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(i) Default Rate Interest. In accordance with Section 5.2, in the event that the Corporation does not make timely payment of all or any portion of a Tax Benefit Payment to a TRA Holder on or before the Final Payment Date as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a), the amount of any “Default Rate Interest” calculated and payable in accordance with Section 5.2 (if any) in respect of the Tax Benefit Payment (including previously accrued Imputed Interest and Actual Interest Amounts) for a Taxable Year will equal interest calculated at the Default Rate from the Final Payment Date for a Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a) until the date on which the Corporation makes such Tax Benefit Payment to such TRA Holder.

(ii) The Corporation and the TRA Holders hereby acknowledge and agree that, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the date of any future Exchange that may be subject to this Agreement, the aggregate value of the Tax Benefit Payments cannot be reasonably ascertained for U.S. federal income or other applicable tax purposes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, with respect to each Exchange by any TRA Holder, if such TRA Holder notifies the Corporation in writing of a stated maximum selling price (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 15A.453-1(c)(2)) to be applied with respect to such Exchange, the amount of the initial consideration received in connection with such Exchange and the aggregate Tax Benefit Payments to such TRA Holder in respect of such Exchange (other than amounts accounted for as interest under the Code) shall not exceed such stated maximum selling price.

(c) Interest. The provisions of Section 3.1(b) and Section 5.2 in respect of Default Rate Interest are intended to operate so that interest will effectively accrue (or in the case of Imputed Interest be treated as accruing solely for U.S. federal income or applicable state or local income tax purposes) in respect of the Net Tax Benefit (or Tax Benefit Payment in respect of any Actual Interest Amount or Default Rate Interest) for any Taxable Year as follows:

(i) first, solely for U.S. federal income or applicable state or local income tax purposes, at the applicable rate used to determine the amount of Imputed Interest under the Code (from the relevant Exchange Date until the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for such Taxable Year and, if required under applicable law, through the Final Payment Date for a Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a));

(ii) second, at the Agreed Rate (from the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for such Taxable Year until the Final Payment Date for a Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a)); and

(iii) third, in accordance with Section 5.2, at the Default Rate (from the Final Payment Date for a Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a) until the date on which the Corporation makes the relevant Tax Benefit Payment to the applicable TRA Holder).

 

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Section 3.2 No Duplicative Payments. It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement will not result in the duplicative payment of any amount (including interest) that may be required under this Agreement and the provisions of this Agreement shall be consistently interpreted and applied in accordance with that intent.

Section 3.3 Pro-Ration of Payments as Between the TRA Holders.

(a) Insufficient Taxable Income. Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.1(b) to the contrary, if the aggregate potential depreciation, amortization or other tax benefit in respect of the Basis Adjustments, Imputed Interest, Actual Interest Amounts, and Default Rate Interest for purposes of determining the Corporation’s liability for Covered Taxes (the “Covered Tax Benefit”) is limited in a particular Taxable Year because the Corporation does not have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize such deductions, then the available Covered Tax Benefit for the Corporation shall be allocated among the TRA Holders in proportion to the respective Tax Benefit Payments that would have been payable if the Corporation had in fact had sufficient taxable income and there had been no such limitation. After taking the foregoing sentence into account, if for any reason the Corporation does not fully satisfy its payment obligations to make all Tax Benefit Payments due under this Agreement in respect of a particular Taxable Year, then the Corporation and the TRA Holders agree that (i) the Corporation shall pay the same proportion of each Tax Benefit Payment due under this Agreement in respect of such Taxable Year, without favoring one obligation over the other, and (ii) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of any Taxable Year until all Tax Benefit Payments in respect of prior Taxable Years have been made in full.

(b) Late Payments. If for any reason the Corporation is not able to timely and fully satisfy its payment obligations under this Agreement in respect of a particular Taxable Year, then Default Rate Interest will begin to accrue pursuant to Section 5.2 and the Corporation and other Parties agree that (i) the Corporation shall pay the Tax Benefit Payments due in respect of such Taxable Year to each TRA Holder pro rata in proportion to the amount of such Tax Benefit Payments, without favoring one obligation over the other, and (ii) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of any Taxable Year until all Tax Benefit Payments to all TRA Holders in respect of all prior Taxable Years have been made in full.

Section 3.4 Optional Estimated Tax Benefit Payment Procedure. As long as the Corporation is current in respect of its payment obligations owed to each TRA Holder pursuant to this Agreement and there are no delinquent Tax Benefit Payments (including interest thereon) outstanding in respect of prior Taxable Years for any TRA Holder, the Corporation may, at any time on or after the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for a Taxable Year and at the Corporation’s option, in its sole discretion, make one or more estimated payments to the TRA Holders in respect of any anticipated amounts to be owed with respect to a Taxable Year to the TRA Holders pursuant to Section 3.1 of this Agreement (any such estimated payment referred to as an “Estimated Tax Benefit Payment”); provided that any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment made to a TRA Holder pursuant to this Section 3.4 is matched

 

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by a proportionately equal Estimated Tax Benefit Payment to all other TRA Holders then entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment. Any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment made under this Section 3.4 shall be paid by the Corporation to the TRA Holders and applied against the final amount of any Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1. The payment of an Estimated Tax Benefit Payment by the Corporation to the TRA Holders pursuant to this Section 3.4 shall also terminate the obligation of the Corporation to make payment of any Actual Interest Amount that might have otherwise accrued with respect to the proportionate amount of the Tax Benefit Payment that is being paid in advance of the applicable Tax Benefit Schedule being finalized pursuant to Section 2.5. Upon the making of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment pursuant to this Section 3.4, the amount of such Estimated Tax Benefit Payment shall first be applied to any estimated Actual Interest Amount, then Imputed Interest, and then applied to the remaining residual amount of the Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1. In determining the final amount of any Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1, and for purposes of finalizing the Tax Benefit Schedule pursuant to Section 2.5, the amount of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payments that may have been made with respect to the Taxable Year shall be increased if the finally determined Tax Benefit Payment for a Taxable Year exceeds the Estimated Tax Benefit Payments made for such Taxable Year, with such increase being paid by the Corporation to the TRA Holders along with an appropriate Actual Interest Amount (and any Default Rate Interest) in respect of the amount of such increase (a “True-Up”). If the Estimated Tax Benefit Payment to a TRA Holder for a Taxable Year exceeds the finally determined Tax Benefit Payment to the TRA Holder for such Taxable Year, such excess shall be applied to reduce the amount of any subsequent future Tax Benefit Payments (including Estimated Tax Benefit Payments, if any) to be paid by the Corporation to such TRA Holder. As of the date on which any Estimated Tax Benefit Payments are made, and as of the date on which any True-Up is made, all such payments shall be made in the same manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as otherwise contemplated by Section 3.1 and all other applicable terms of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, as is the case with Tax Benefit Payments made by the Corporation to the TRA Holders pursuant to Section 3.1, the Parties intend to treat the amount of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payments made pursuant to this Section 3.4 that are attributable to an Exchange in part as subsequent upward purchase price adjustments that give rise to Basis Adjustments in the Taxable Year of payment to the extent permitted by applicable law and as of the date on which such payments are made (exclusive of any amounts treated as Imputed Interest); provided that any additional Basis Adjustments arising from an Estimated Tax Benefit Payment will be determined on an iterative basis continuing until any incremental Basis Adjustment is immaterial as reasonably determined by the Corporation.

Section 3.5 Overpayments. To the extent the Corporation makes any Tax Benefit Payment to a TRA Holder in respect of a particular Taxable Year in an amount in excess of the amount of such payment that should have been made to such TRA Holder in respect of such Taxable Year (taking into account this Article III) under the terms of this Agreement, then such excess shall be applied to reduce the amount of any subsequent future Tax Benefit Payments (including Estimated Tax Benefit Payments, if any) to be paid by the Corporation to such TRA Holder and such TRA Holder shall not receive any further Tax Benefit Payments (including Estimated Tax Benefit Payments, if any) until such TRA Holder has foregone an amount of Tax Benefit Payments equal to such excess. The amount of any excess Tax Benefit Payment shall be deemed to have been paid by the Corporation to the relevant TRA Holders on the original due date for the filing of the subsequent Tax Return to which the excess Tax Benefit Payment relates for

 

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purposes of determining the Actual Interest Amount to which such relevant TRA Holders shall be entitled. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the TRA Holders shall not be required, under any circumstances, to return any portion of any Tax Benefit Payment previously paid by the Corporation to the TRA Holders (including any portion of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment or any Early Termination Payment).

ARTICLE IV.

TERMINATION

Section 4.1 Early Termination of Agreement; Breach of Agreement.

(a) Corporation’s Early Termination Right. The Corporation may completely terminate this Agreement, as and to the extent provided herein, with respect to all amounts payable to the TRA Holders pursuant to this Agreement by paying to the TRA Holders the Early Termination Payments; provided that Early Termination Payments may be made pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) only if made to all TRA Holders that are entitled to such a payment, and provided further, that the Corporation may withdraw any notice to execute its termination rights under this Section 4.1(a) prior to the time at which any Early Termination Payment has been paid. Upon the Corporation’s payment of the Early Termination Payments, the Corporation shall not have any further payment obligations under this Agreement, other than with respect to any: (i) prior Tax Benefit Payments that are due and payable under this Agreement but that still remain unpaid as of the date of the Early Termination Notice and that remain unpaid as of the payment of the Early Termination Payments (which Tax Benefit Payments shall not be included in the Early Termination Payments); and (ii) current Tax Benefit Payments due for the Taxable Year ending on or including the date of the Early Termination Notice (except to the extent that the amount described in clause (ii) is included in the calculation of the Early Termination Payments or is included in clause (i)) that remain unpaid as of the payment of the Early Termination Payments. If an Exchange subsequently occurs with respect to Units for which the Corporation has exercised its termination rights under this Section 4.1(a) and paid all amounts owed in connection with the exercise of such rights, the Corporation shall have no obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Exchange.

(b) Acceleration Upon Change of Control. In the event of a Change of Control, the TRA Holder Representative shall have the option, by written notice to the Corporation, to cause the acceleration of all unpaid payment obligations of the Corporation hereunder as calculated pursuant to this Article IV as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the closing date of the Change of Control and utilizing the Valuation Assumptions by substituting the phrase “the closing date of a Change of Control” in each place where the phrase “Early Termination Effective Date” appears. Such obligations shall include, without duplication, but not be limited to, (i) the Early Termination Payments calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the closing date of the Change of Control, (ii) any Tax Benefit Payments agreed to by the Corporation and the TRA Holders as due and payable but unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice (which Tax Benefit Payments shall not be included in the Early Termination Payments) and that remain unpaid as of the payment of the Early Termination Payments, and (iii) any Tax

 

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Benefit Payments due for any Taxable Year ending prior to, with or including the closing date of a Change of Control unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice (except to the extent that any amounts described in clause (iii) are included in the Early Termination Payments or are included in clause (ii)) and that remain unpaid as of the payment of the Early Termination Payments. For the avoidance of doubt, Sections 4.2 and 4.3 shall apply to a Change of Control, mutadis mutandis.

(c) Acceleration Upon Material Breach of Agreement. In the event that the Corporation materially breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement, whether as a result of failure to make any payment when due (which failure has not been cured by full payment thereof within twenty (20) days of receiving written notice from the TRA Holder Representative), failure to honor any other material obligation required hereunder, or by operation of law as a result of the rejection of this Agreement in a case commenced under Title 11 of the United States Code (11 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.) (the “Bankruptcy Code”) or otherwise, then, at the option of the TRA Holder Representative, all obligations of the Corporation hereunder shall be accelerated and become immediately due and payable upon notice of acceleration from the TRA Holder Representative (provided that in the case of any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code or other insolvency statute, such acceleration shall be automatic without any such notice), and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such notice of acceleration (or, in the case of any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code or other insolvency statute, on the date of such breach) and shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the Early Termination Payments calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such acceleration; (ii) any prior Tax Benefit Payments that are due and payable under this Agreement but that still remain unpaid as of the date of such acceleration (which Tax Benefit Payments shall not be included in the Early Termination Payments) and that remain unpaid as of the payment of the Early Termination Payments; and (iii) any current Tax Benefit Payments due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of such acceleration (except to the extent included in the Early Termination Payments or in clause (ii)) and that remain unpaid as of the payment of the Early Termination Payments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Corporation breaches this Agreement and such breach is not a material breach of a material obligation, the TRA Holder Representative and each TRA Holder shall still be entitled to enforce all of its rights otherwise available under this Agreement, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, seeking or otherwise obtaining an acceleration of amounts payable under this Agreement pursuant to this Section 4.1(c). For purposes of this Section 4.1(c), and subject to the following sentence, the Parties agree that the failure to make any payment due pursuant to this Agreement within sixty (60) days of the relevant Final Payment Date shall be deemed to be a material breach of a material obligation under this Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement, and that it will not be considered to be a material breach of a material obligation under this Agreement to make a payment due pursuant to this Agreement within sixty (60) days of the relevant Final Payment Date. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, it shall not be a breach of a obligation of this Agreement if the Corporation fails to make any Tax Benefit Payment to the extent that the Corporation has insufficient funds or cannot make such payment as a result of obligations imposed in connection with the Senior Obligations or under applicable law, and cannot obtain sufficient funds to make such payments by taking commercially reasonable actions or would become insolvent as a result of making such payment; provided that the interest provisions of Section 5.2 shall apply to such late payment (unless the Corporation does not have sufficient funds to make such payment as a result of limitations imposed by any Senior Obligations, in which case Section 5.2 shall apply, but the Default Rate shall be replaced by the Agreed Rate); and further provided that such payment obligation shall nonetheless accrue for the benefit of the TRA Holders and the Corporation shall make such payment at the first opportunity that it has sufficient funds and is otherwise able to make such payment.

 

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Section 4.2 Early Termination Notice. If the Corporation chooses to exercise its right of early termination under Section 4.1 above, the Corporation shall deliver to the TRA Holder Representative a notice of the Corporation’s decision to exercise such right (an “Early Termination Notice”). Upon delivery of the Early Termination Notice or the occurrence of an event described in Section 4.1(b) or (c) (or an early termination pursuant to Section 4.1(d)), the Corporation shall deliver a schedule developed in consultation with the Advisory Firm (the “Early Termination Schedule”) showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment. The Corporation shall also (x) deliver to the TRA Holder Representative supporting schedules and work papers from an Advisory Firm and any additional materials reasonably requested by the TRA Holder Representative that are reasonably necessary in order to understand the calculations that were relevant for purposes of preparing the Early Termination Schedule; and (y) allow the TRA Holder Representative and its advisors to have reasonable access to the appropriate representatives at the Corporation and the applicable Advisory Firm as determined by the Corporation or as reasonably requested by the TRA Holder Representative, in connection with a review of such Early Termination Schedule. The Early Termination Schedule shall become final and binding on each Party thirty (30) days from the first date on which the TRA Holder Representative received such Early Termination Schedule unless:

(i) the TRA Holder Representative within thirty (30) days after receiving the Early Termination Schedule, provides the Corporation with notice of a material objection to such Early Termination Schedule made in good faith and setting forth in reasonable detail the TRA Holder Representative’s material objection (a “Termination Objection Notice”); or

(ii) the TRA Holder Representative provides a written waiver of such right of a Termination Objection Notice within the period described in clause (i) above, in which case such Early Termination Schedule becomes binding on the date the waiver from the TRA Holder Representative is received by the Corporation.

In the event that the TRA Holder Representative timely delivers a Termination Objection Notice pursuant to clause (i) above, and if the Parties, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in the Termination Objection Notice within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Corporation of the Termination Objection Notice, the Corporation and the TRA Holder Representative shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures. The date on which the Early Termination Schedule becomes final in accordance with this Section 4.2 shall be the “Early Termination Reference Date.”

Section 4.3 Payment Upon Early Termination.

(a) Timing of Payment. Within ten (10) Business Days after the Early Termination Reference Date, the Corporation shall pay to each TRA Holder an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment for such TRA Holder. Such Early Termination Payment shall be made by the Corporation by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account or accounts designated by such TRA Holder or as otherwise agreed by the Corporation and such TRA Holder.

 

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(b) Amount of Payment. The “Early Termination Payment” payable to a TRA Holder pursuant to and subject to Section 4.3(a) shall equal the present value, discounted at the Early Termination Rate as determined as of the Early Termination Reference Date, of all Tax Benefit Payments that would be required to be paid (and which have not yet been paid prior to the Early Termination Effective Date) by the Corporation to such TRA Holder, whether payable with respect to Units that were Exchanged prior to the Early Termination Effective Date or on or after the Early Termination Effective Date, beginning from the Early Termination Effective Date and using the Valuation Assumptions.

ARTICLE V.

SUBORDINATION AND LATE PAYMENTS

Section 5.1 Subordination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any Tax Benefit Payments or Early Termination Payments required to be made by the Corporation to the TRA Holders under this Agreement shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest, or other amounts due and payable in respect of any obligations owed in respect of secured or unsecured indebtedness for borrowed money of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries (“Senior Obligations”) and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with all current or future unsecured obligations of the Corporation that are not Senior Obligations. To the extent that any payment under this Agreement is not permitted to be made at the time payment is due as a result of this Section 5.1 and the terms of the agreements governing Senior Obligations, such payment obligation nevertheless shall accrue for the benefit of the TRA Holders and the Corporation shall make any such payments at the first opportunity that such payments are permitted to be made in accordance with the terms of the Senior Obligations. Furthermore, each TRA Holder shall enter into any subordination agreements in a form reasonably satisfactory to the TRA Holder Representative in order to effectuate the purposes of this Section 5.1.

Section 5.2 Late Payments by the Corporation. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the amount of all or any portion of any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment not made to the TRA Holders when due under the terms of this Agreement shall be payable together with any interest thereon, computed at the Default Rate and commencing from the Final Payment Date on which such Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment was first due and payable to the date of actual payment of such Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment; provided that if any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment is not made to the TRA Holders when due under the terms of this Agreement as a result of Section 5.1 and the terms of the agreements governing Senior Obligations, any such interest shall be computed at the Agreed Rate and not the Default Rate.

 

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ARTICLE VI.

TAX MATTERS; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION

Section 6.1 Participation in the Corporations Tax Matters. Except as otherwise provided herein or in the Business Combination Agreement or the LLC Agreement, the Corporation shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all tax matters concerning the Corporation and its Subsidiaries (including the LLC) including without limitation the preparation, filing, or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any audit, contest, or other proceeding pertaining to Taxes. The Corporation shall notify the TRA Holder Representative of, and keep it reasonably informed with respect to, the any tax audit or other tax contest of the Corporation the outcome of which is reasonably expected to reduce or defer the Tax Benefit Payments payable to any TRA Holder under this Agreement and the TRA Holder Representative, and any affected TRA Holder, shall have the right to (i) discuss with the Corporation, and provide input and comment to the Corporation regarding, any portion of any such tax audit or other tax contest and (ii) participate in, at the affected TRA Holders’ and TRA Holder Representative’s expense, any such portion of any such tax audit or other tax contest to the extent it relates to issues the resolution of which would reasonably be expected to reduce or defer the Tax Benefit Payments payable to any TRA Holder under this Agreement. To the extent there is a conflict between this Agreement and either the Business Combination Agreement or the LLC Agreement relating to tax matters concerning Covered Taxes and the Corporation, including preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to taxes, this Agreement shall control solely with respect to the matters governed by this Agreement.

Section 6.2 Consistency. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, all calculations and determinations made hereunder, including, without limitation, any Basis Adjustments, the determination of any deductions arising from the Schedules or the determination of any Realized Tax Benefits or Realized Tax Detriments, shall be made in accordance with the elections, methodologies or positions taken by the Corporation and the LLC on their respective Tax Returns. Each TRA Holder shall prepare its Tax Returns in a manner that is consistent with the terms of this Agreement and any related calculations or determinations that are made hereunder, including, without limitation, the Schedules provided under this Agreement, unless otherwise required by applicable law. In the event that an Advisory Firm or Expert is used and is replaced with another Advisory Firm or Expert, such replacement Advisory Firm or Expert shall perform its services under this Agreement using procedures and methodologies consistent with the previous Advisory Firm or Expert, unless otherwise required by applicable law or unless the Corporation and the TRA Holder Representative agree to the use of other procedures and methodologies.

Section 6.3 Cooperation. Each Member shall furnish to the Corporation in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials as the Corporation may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return or contesting or defending any audit, examination, controversy or other proceeding with any Taxing Authority and (ii) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter. The Corporation shall reimburse the Members for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred pursuant to Section 6.3(a).

 

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ARTICLE VII.

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 7.1 Notices. All notices, requests, consents 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 courier service, by fax, by electronic mail (delivery receipt requested) or by certified or registered 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 as specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 7.1). All notices hereunder shall be delivered as set forth below, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the Party to receive such notice:

If to the Corporation, to:

System1, Inc.

4235 Redwood Avenue

Marina Del Rey, CA 90066

Attn: Daniel Weinrot, General Counsel

E-mail: dweinrot@system1.com

If to the TRA Holder Representative:

Michael Blend

4235 Redwood Avenue

Marina Del Rey, CA 90066

Email: michael@system1.com

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the TRA Holder Representative) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

355 South Grand Avenue, Suite 100

Los Angeles, California 90071

Attn:     W. Alex Voxman

              Steven Stokdyk

              Andrew Clark

Email:    alex.voxman@lw.com,

              steven.stokdyk@lw.com,

              andrew.clark@lw.com

 

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Any Party may change its address, fax number or e-mail address by giving each of the other Parties written notice thereof in the manner set forth above.

Section 7.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties, it being understood that all Parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

Section 7.3 Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, 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.

Section 7.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof that would mandate the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

Section 7.5 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby 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 hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

Section 7.6 Assignments; Amendments; Successors; No Waiver.

(a) Assignment. No TRA Holder may assign, sell, pledge, or otherwise alienate or transfer any interest in this Agreement, including the right to receive any Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement, without the consent of the Corporation, to any Person; provided any such Person shall be required to execute and deliver a Joinder agreeing to succeed to the applicable portion of such TRA Holder’s interest in this Agreement and to become a Party and TRA Holder for all purposes of this Agreement (the “Joinder Requirement”). For the avoidance of doubt, if a TRA Holder transfers Units in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement but does not assign to the transferee of such Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units, such TRA Holder shall continue to be entitled to receive the Tax Benefit Payments arising in respect of a subsequent Exchange of such Units (and any such transferred Units shall be separately identified, so as to facilitate the determination of Tax Benefit Payments hereunder). The Corporation may not assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any Person (other than any direct or indirect successor (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation) without the prior written consent of the TRA Holder Representative (and any purported assignment without such consent shall be null and void).

 

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(b) Amendments. No provision of this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is approved in writing by (i) the Corporation and (ii) the TRA Holder Representative, provided, that any amendment that materially and adversely affects one or more TRA Holders on a materially disproportionate basis relative to other similarly situated TRA Holders shall require the consent of a majority (measured by Tax Benefit Payments receivable) of such similarly situated TRA Holders so materially disproportionately affected.

(c) Successors. Except as provided in Section 7.6(a), all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by, the Parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Corporation shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation, by written agreement, expressly to (i) assume and agree to perform this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporation would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place and (ii) become a Party to this Agreement.

(d) Waiver. No failure by any Party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement, or condition of this Agreement, or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof, shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement, or condition.

Section 7.7 Titles and Subtitles. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.

Section 7.8 Resolution of Disputes.

(a) Except for Reconciliation Disputes subject to Section 7.9, any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any Party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) (each a “Dispute”) shall be finally resolved by arbitration in accordance with the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution Rules for Administered Arbitration (the “Rules”) by three arbitrators, of which the Corporation shall appoint one arbitrator and the TRA Holders party to such Dispute shall appoint one arbitrator in accordance with the “screened” appointment procedure provided in Rule 5.4. The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq., and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. The place of the arbitration shall be New York, New York.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the Corporation or the TRA Holder Representative may bring an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling another Party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each TRA Holder (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 7.8 to any such action or proceeding, and (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 7.8 shall not apply to Reconciliation Disputes to be settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 7.9.

(c) Each TRA Holder irrevocably consents to service of process by means of notice in the manner provided for in Section 7.1. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect the right of any Party to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

(d) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).

(e) In the event the parties are unable to agree whether a dispute between them is a Reconciliation Dispute subject to the dispute resolution procedure set forth in Section 7.9 or a Dispute subject to the dispute resolution procedure set forth in this Section 7.8, such disagreement shall be decided and resolved in accordance with the procedure set forth in this Section 7.8.

Section 7.9 Reconciliation. (a) In the event that the Corporation and the TRA Holder Representative are unable to resolve a disagreement with respect to a Schedule prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.5, or with respect to an Early Termination Schedule prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 4.2, within the relevant time period designated in this Agreement (a “Reconciliation Dispute”), the Reconciliation Dispute shall be submitted for determination to a nationally recognized expert (the “Expert”) in the particular area of disagreement mutually acceptable to the disputing Parties. The Expert shall be a partner or principal in a nationally recognized accounting firm, and unless the Corporation and the TRA Holder Representative agree otherwise, the Expert shall not, and the firm that employs the Expert shall not, have any material relationship with the Corporation, the TRA Holder Representative or other actual or potential conflict of interest. If the disputing Parties are unable to agree on an Expert within fifteen (15) days of receipt by the respondent(s) of written notice of a Reconciliation Dispute, the selection of an Expert shall be treated as a Dispute subject to Section 7.8 and an arbitration panel shall pick an Expert from a nationally recognized accounting firm that does not have any material relationship with the Corporation, the TRA Holder Representative or other actual or potential conflict of interest. The Expert shall resolve any matter relating to any Schedule or an amendment thereto or the Early Termination Schedule or an amendment thereto within thirty (30) days and shall resolve any matter relating to a Tax Benefit Schedule or an amendment thereto within fifteen (15) days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, in

 

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each case after the matter has been submitted to the Expert for resolution. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement would be due (in the absence of such disagreement) or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, the undisputed amount shall be paid on the date prescribed by this Agreement and such Tax Return may be filed as prepared by the Corporation, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution. The Expert shall finally determine any Reconciliation Dispute and the determinations of the Expert pursuant to this Section 7.9 shall be binding on the Corporation, the TRA Holder Representative and the TRA Holders and may be entered and enforced in any court having competent jurisdiction.

(b) The sum of the costs and expenses relating to (i) the engagement (and, if applicable, selection by the arbitration panel) of such Expert and (ii) if applicable, amending any Tax Return in connection with the decision of such Expert and (b) the reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Corporation and the TRA Holder Representative incurred in the conduct of such proceeding described in Section 7.9(a) shall be allocated between the Corporation, on the one hand, and the affected TRA Holders, on the other hand, in the same proportion that the aggregate amount of the disputed items so submitted to the Expert that is unsuccessfully disputed by each such party (as finally determined by the Expert) bears to the total amount of such disputed items so submitted, and each such party shall promptly reimburse the other party for the excess that such other party has paid in respect of such costs and expenses over the amount it has been so allocated. The Corporation may withhold payments under this Agreement to collect amounts due under the preceding sentence.

Section 7.10 Withholding. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, the Corporation, or any other applicable withholding agent, shall be entitled to deduct and withhold (or cause there to be deduction or withholding), from any payment that is payable to any TRA Holder (or any other person) pursuant to this Agreement any taxes or other amounts as the Corporation or other applicable withholding agent is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of any such payment under the Code or any provision of U.S. state, local or foreign tax law or other applicable tax law. Any such deducted or withheld taxes or other amounts, to the extent paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority or other governmental entity shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid by the Corporation (and/or other applicable withholding agent) to the relevant TRA Holder or other person in respect of which such deduction or withholding was made. Each TRA Holder or other recipient of any payments hereunder shall provide the Corporation with any applicable tax forms and certifications reasonably requested by the Corporation or other applicable withholding agent in connection with determining whether any such deductions and withholdings are required by applicable tax law.

Section 7.11 Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets.

(a) If the Corporation is or becomes a member of an affiliated or consolidated group of corporations that files a consolidated income Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 or other applicable Sections of the Code governing affiliated or consolidated groups, or any corresponding provisions of U.S. state or local tax law, then: (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be applied with respect to the group as a whole; and (ii) Tax Benefit Payments, Early Termination Payments, and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated Covered Taxes of the group as a whole.

 

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(b) If the Corporation, its successor in interest or any member of a group described in Section 7.11(a) or any member of the LLC Group transfers one or more Reference Assets to a corporation (or a Person classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) with which such entity does not file a consolidated Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code, such entity, for purposes of calculating the amount of any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment due hereunder, shall be treated as having disposed of such Reference Asset in a fully taxable transaction on the date of such transfer. The consideration deemed to be received by such entity shall be equal to the fair market value of the transferred Reference Asset as determined by a valuation expert mutually agreed upon by the Corporation and the TRA Holder Representative plus, without duplication, (i) the amount of debt to which any such Reference Assets is subject, in the case of a transfer of an encumbered Reference Asset or (ii) the amount of debt allocated to any such Reference Asset, in the case of a transfer of a partnership interest. For purposes of this Section 7.11, a transfer of a partnership interest shall be treated as a transfer of the transferring partner’s share of each of the assets and liabilities of that partnership. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, if the Corporation, its successor in interest or any member of a group described in Section 7.11(a), transfers its assets pursuant to a transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” (within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code) in which such entity does not survive or pursuant to any other transaction, in each case, to which Section 381(a) of the Code applies (other than any such reorganization or any such other transaction, in each case, pursuant to which such entity transfers assets to a corporation with which the Corporation, its successor in interest or any member of the group described in Section 7.11(a) (other than any such member being transferred in such reorganization or other transaction) does not file a consolidated Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code), the transfer will not cause such entity to be treated as having transferred any assets to a corporation (or a Person classified as a corporation for U.S. income tax purposes) pursuant to this Section 7.11(b).

Section 7.12 Change in Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if, as a result of or, in connection with an actual or proposed change in law, a TRA Holder reasonably believes that the existence of this Agreement could cause adverse tax consequences to such TRA Holder or any direct or indirect owner of such TRA Holder, then at the written election of such TRA Holder in its sole discretion (in an instrument signed by such TRA Holder and delivered to the Corporation and the TRA Holder Representative) and to the extent specified therein by such TRA Holder, in its sole discretion (in an instrument signed by such Member and delivered to the Corporation) and to the extent specified therein by such Member, this Agreement shall cease to have further effect and shall not apply to an Exchange with respect to such Member occurring after a date specified by such Member, or may be amended by in a manner reasonably determined by such Member with the consent of the TRA Holder Representative, provided that such amendment shall not result in an increase in any payments owed by the Corporation under this Agreement at any time as compared to the amounts and times of payments that would have been due in the absence of such amendment.

 

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Section 7.13 Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the interest paid or agreed to be paid hereunder with respect to amounts due to any TRA Holder hereunder shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable law (the “Maximum Rate”). If any TRA Holder shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the Tax Benefit Payment, Estimated Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment, as applicable (but in each case exclusive of any component thereof comprising interest) or, if it exceeds such unpaid non-interest amount, refunded to the Corporation. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by any TRA Holder exceeds the Maximum Rate, such TRA Holder may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the payment obligations owed by the Corporation to such TRA Holder hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is the intention of the Parties to conform strictly to any applicable usury laws.

Section 7.14 Independent Nature of Rights and Obligations. The rights and obligations of each TRA Holder hereunder are several and not joint with the rights and obligations of any other Person. A TRA Holder shall not be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Person hereunder, nor shall a TRA Holder have the right to enforce the rights or obligations of any other Person hereunder (other than the Corporation). Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement or document delivered at any closing, and no action taken by any TRA Holder pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the TRA Holders acting as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the TRA Holders are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such rights or obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby, and the Corporation acknowledges that the TRA Holders are not acting in concert or as a group and will not assert any such claim with respect to such rights or obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 7.15 LLC Agreement. This Agreement shall be treated as part of the LLC Agreement as described in Section 761(c) of the Code and Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(h) and 1.761-1(c) of the Treasury Regulations.

Section 7.16 TRA Holder Representative. By executing this Agreement, each of the TRA Holders shall be deemed to have irrevocably constituted and appointed Michael Blend (in the capacity described in this Section 7.16 and each successor as provided below, the “TRA Holder Representative”) as its agent and attorney in fact with full power of substitution to act from and after the date hereof and to do any and all things and execute any and all documents on behalf of such TRA Holders which may be necessary, convenient or appropriate to facilitate any matters under this Agreement, including but not limited to, and unless otherwise provided by this Agreement: (i) execution of the documents and certificates required pursuant to this Agreement; (ii) receipt and forwarding of notices and communications pursuant to this Agreement; (iii) administration of the provisions of this Agreement; (iv) giving or agreeing to, on behalf of such TRA Holders, any and all consents, waivers, amendments or modifications deemed by the TRA Holder Representative, in its sole and absolute discretion, to be necessary or appropriate under this Agreement and the execution or delivery of any documents that may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith; (v) taking actions the TRA Holder Representative is expressly authorized to take pursuant to the other provisions of this Agreement; (vi) negotiating and compromising, on

 

29


behalf of such TRA Holders, any dispute that may arise under, and exercising or refraining from exercising any remedies available under, this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby and executing, on behalf of such TRA Holders, any settlement agreement, release or other document with respect to such dispute or remedy; (vii) engaging attorneys, accountants, agents or consultants on behalf of such TRA Holders in connection with this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby and paying any fees related thereto; and (viii) effectuating the purposes of Section 5.1 (Subordination). If the TRA Holder Representative is unwilling to so serve, then the person then-serving as the TRA Holder Representative shall be entitled to appoint its successor which such successor shall be subject to the approval of a majority of the TRA Holders. To the fullest extent permitted by law, none of the TRA Holder Representative, any of its Affiliates, or any of the TRA Holder Representative’s or Affiliate’s directors, officers, employees or other agents (each a “Covered Person”) shall be liable, responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise to any TRA Holder, the LLC, or the Corporation for damages arising from any action taken or omitted to be taken by the TRA Holder Representative or any other Person with respect to the LLC or the Corporation, except in the case of any action or omission which constitutes, with respect to such Person, willful misconduct or fraud. Each of the Covered Persons may consult with legal counsel, accountants, and other experts selected by it, and any act or omission suffered or taken by it on behalf of the LLC or the Corporation or in furtherance of the interests of the LLC or the Corporation in good faith in reliance upon and in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants, or other experts shall create a rebuttable presumption of the good faith and due care of such Covered Person with respect to such act or omission; provided that such counsel, accountants, or other experts were selected with reasonable care. Each of the Covered Persons may rely in good faith upon, and shall have no liability to the LLC, the Corporation or the TRA Holders for acting or refraining from acting upon, any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, debenture, or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding the foregoing, if a provision of this Agreement provides a right or entitlement of any kind to a TRA Holder, this Section 7.16 shall not override the TRA Holder’s ability to exercise or enforce such right or enjoy such entitlement.

Section 7.17 Non-Effect of Other Tax Receivable Agreements. If the Corporation enters into any other agreement after the date hereof (for the avoidance of doubt other than the Business Combination Agreement, the LLC Agreement, or any related agreement entered into in connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement or as contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby) after the date of the execution of this Agreement that obligates the Corporation to make payments to another party in exchange for tax benefits conferred upon the Corporation, unless otherwise agreed by the TRA Holder Representative, such tax benefits and such payments shall be ignored for all purposes of this Agreement (including for purposes of calculating the Hypothetical Tax Liability and the actual Tax liability of the Corporation hereunder).

[Signature Page Follows This Page]

 

30


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed or caused to be executed on their behalf this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

CORPORATION:
        SYSTEM1, INC.
        By:  

             

        Name:  
        Title:  


THE LLC:
        S1 HOLDCO, LLC
        By:  

                     

        Name:  
        Title:  


TRA HOLDER REPRESENTATIVE:
By:  

             

Name:
Title:


TRA HOLDER:
By:  

             

Name:
Title:


Exhibit A

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of _________________, 20___ (this “Joinder”), is delivered pursuant to that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of [•] (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Tax Receivable Agreement”) by and among [•], a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), S1 Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “LLC”), the TRA Holder Representative (as defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement), and each of the TRA Holders (the “TRA Holders,” from time to time party thereto). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

  1.

Joinder to the Tax Receivable Agreement. Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to the Corporation, the undersigned hereby is and hereafter will be a TRA Holder under the Tax Receivable Agreement and a Party thereto, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a TRA Holder thereunder. The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof.

 

  2.

Incorporation by Reference. All terms and conditions of the Tax Receivable Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full.

 

  3.

Address. All notices under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to:

[Name]

[Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

Attn:

Facsimile:

E-mail:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NAME OF NEW PARTY]
By:  

 

Name:
Title:


Acknowledged and agreed as of the date first set forth above:
[•]  
By:  

 

Name:
Title:

Exhibit 99.1

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

System1, Inc. (the “Company”, f/k/a/ Trebia Acquisition Corp. (“Trebia” or “System1”), is providing the following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information that presents the combination of the financial information of S1 Holdco, LLC (“S1 Holdco”) and its subsidiaries and Protected.net Group Limited (“Protected UK”) and Trebia, adjusted to give effect to the consummation of the transactions pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the Transaction and Combination Agreement (the “Business Combination”) on January 28, 2022 (“Closing”). The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses”. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presents the pro forma effects of the following transactions:

 

   

The acquisition of S1 Holdco and Protected UK by Trebia, resulting reorganization into an umbrella partnership C-corporation structure, and other agreements entered into as part of the Business Combination Agreement as of June 28, 2021 and amended on November 30, 2021, by and among Trebia, S1 Holdco, and Protected UK (collectively, the “Companies”), the Blockers, the Blocker Merger Subs and the Company Merger Sub (the “Business Combination”);

 

   

Repayment of the existing S1 Holdco debt and entering into a financing agreement.

The organizational structure following the completion of the Business Combination, is commonly referred to as an umbrella partnership C corporation (or “Up-C”) structure. This organizational structure will allow the Flow-Through Sellers to retain equity ownership in S1 Holdco, an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in the form of S1 Holdco Common Units. The Flow-Through Sellers may exchange S1 Holdco Common Units (together with the cancellation of an equal number of shares of voting, System1 Class C Common Stock) into System1 Class A Common Stock. In addition, upon the completion of the Business Combination, Trebia, S1 Holdco, and the Flow-Through Sellers will be a party to a Tax Receivable Agreement. The Trebia Public Shareholders will continue to hold Trebia Class A Ordinary Shares, which, upon consummation of the Business Combination, was renamed to System1, Inc., a Delaware corporation that is a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The parties agreed to structure the Business Combination in this manner for tax and other business purposes, and we do not believe that our “Up-C” organizational structure will give rise to any significant business or strategic benefit or detriment.

On January 10, 2022, Trebia entered into the Amended and Restated Backstop Facility Agreement (the “Cannae Backstop Agreement”), for an aggregate backstop commitment $250,000,000 by purchasing shares of Trebia Class A Common Stock for $10 a share.

Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, certain members of management of S1 Holdco and Protected UK have agreed to reduce cash consideration and increase equity consideration in an amount equal to 50% of the Trebia Shareholder Redemption Value in excess of $417,500,000 (the “Seller Backstop”), the Seller Backstop amount could not be less than $0 or greater than $50,000,000.

On January 10, 2022, Trebia entered into the Amended and Restated Sponsor Agreement (the “Sponsor Agreement”) by and among BGPT Trebia LP (the “BGPT Sponsor”), Trasimene Trebia, LP (the “Trasimene Sponsor” and, together with the BGPT Sponsor, the “Sponsors”), in order to provide that the Sponsors will forfeit up to (a) 1,275,510 Founder Shares to Trebia, and Trebia will issue to Cannae an equal number of shares of Trebia Class A Common Stock in connection with, and based upon the extent of, Cannae’s existing backstop obligations under the Original Backstop Agreement, (b) 1,000,000 Founder Shares to Trebia, and Trebia will issue to members of management of S1 Holdco and Protected UK an equal number of shares of Trebia Class A Common Stock in connection with, and based upon the extent of, their backstop obligations under the Business Combination Agreement, and (c) an additional 1,352,941 Founder Shares to Trebia, and Trebia will issue to Cannae an equal number of shares of Trebia Class A Common Stock in connection with, and based upon the extent of, Cannae’s obligation with respect to the Additional Cannae Backstop Amount.

On January 27, 2022 Trebia entered into a Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”) pursuant to which Trebia, as the borrower, a $400 million first lien term loan facility for net proceeds of $376 million (the “New Term Loan”) and a $50 million revolving facility (the “Revolving Facility” and, together with the Term Facility, the “New Facility”). The Term Loan will mature five and one-half years after Closing and will amortize in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate annual amount equal to 5% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan. The Revolving Facility will mature five years after the Closing. This new financing, along with the proceeds from the Business Combination noted above, was utilized to pay off S1 Holdco’s existing credit facility, fund redemptions of Trebia Class A Ordinary Shares, provide cash for working capital and pay transaction fees incurred with the Business Combination.

The pro forma financial statements are not necessarily indicative of what the combined company’s balance sheet or statement of operations actually would have been had the Business Combination been completed as of the dates indicated, nor do they purport to project the future financial position or operating results of the combined company. The actual financial position and results of operations may differ significantly from the pro forma amounts reflected herein due to a variety of factors. The pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect the costs of any integration activities or cost savings or synergies that may be achieved as a result of the Business Combination.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2021 assumes that the Business Combination occurred on September 30, 2021. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020 present the pro forma effect of the Business Combination as if it has been completed on January 1, 2020.


The unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction with the following historical financial statements and the accompanying notes:

 

   

The historical unaudited condensed financial statements of Trebia as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the historical audited financial statements of Trebia for the period from February 11, 2020 (inception) to December 31, 2020;

 

   

The historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of S1 Holdco as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the historical audited consolidated financial statements of S1 Holdco for the year ended December 31, 2020; and

 

   

The historical audited consolidated financial statements of Protected UK for the year ended December 31, 2020.

The historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Protected UK as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The Company concluded that the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of Protected UK as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 are not required to be included. It was concluded that Protected UK qualifies as a “foreign business” based on the SEC criteria. Protected UK has not yet been required to file interim financial statements as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 in the United Kingdom or any other foreign jurisdiction

Immediately following the consummation of the Business Combinations, the S1 Holdco and Protected UK sellers own approximately 68% of the voting Common Stock of the Company. The following table summarizes the pro forma capitalization by shares outstanding at the Closing of the Business Combinations (whether Class C Common Stock or Class A Common Stock). At Closing, S1 Holdco sellers, hold non-economic Class A Common Stock, which possess voting rights and can be redeemed in the future for shares of Class A Common Stock. The percentages below represent pro forma voting percentages held by each class of equity holder:

 

Equity Capitalization Summary    Shares      %  

Trebia Shareholders (1)

     703,108        1

Founder Shares(2)

     6,574,486        6

Seller Equity Consideration(3)

     72,328,135        68

Cannae Backstops (4)

     27,181,771        25
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Outstanding Common Stock(5)

     106,787,500        100
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (1)

51,046,892 shares of the 51,750,000 outstanding shares of Trebia Class A Common Stock were redeemed in connection with the Business Combination.

  (2)

The Sponsors have agreed to forfeit up to 3,463,014 (in the aggregate) shares of Trebia Class B Common Stock in connection with the equity backstop commitments by Cannae and S1 Holdco and Protected UK Management and Sponsor Agreement. BGPT Sponsor and Trasimene Sponsor have each also agreed to forfeit 1,450,000 shares of Trebia Class B Common Stock (the “Class B Forfeiture”) (2,900,000 in the aggregate).

  (3)

The S1 Holdco and Protected UK sellers will receive 72,328,135 shares of Trebia Class A and Class C Ordinary Shares. This includes the impact of vesting of restricted stock units of 3,079,274. Additionally, this includes the Flow-Through Sellers’ noncontrolling economic interest in Common Units of S1 Holdco, LLC and issuance of voting, non-economic Class C Common Stock in Trebia of 22,077,423 which will be exchangeable (together with the cancellation of an equal number of shares of Class C common stock) into Class A common stock on a 1-for-1 basis.

  (4)

24,648,446 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock are issued to Cannae at $10.00 per share, pursuant to the Cannae Backstop and Cannae Incremental Backstop Agreements. Additionally, Cannae received an additional 2,533,325 of the Founders’ Forfeiture shares, respectively.

  (5)

Excluded from outstanding common stock is the dilutive impact of 25,875,000 Public Warrants and 8,233,334 Private Placement Warrants exercisable at $11.50 per share, as well as, 725,000 shares of System1 Class D Common Stock to the Sponsors, and 725,000 RSUs subject to a market vesting condition, which have not been met.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements were prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X and the acquisition method of accounting under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, (“ASC 805”) on the basis of System1 as the accounting acquirer and S1 Holdco and Protected UK as the accounting acquirees. For accounting purposes, the acquirer is the entity that has obtained control of another entity and, thus, consummated a business combination. The determination of whether control has been obtained begins with the evaluation of whether control should be evaluated based on the variable interest or voting interest model pursuant to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). If the acquiree is a variable interest entity (“VIE”), the primary beneficiary would be the accounting acquirer. S1 Holdco meets the definition of a VIE and System1 has been determined to be the primary beneficiary:

 

   

System1, Inc. will be the sole managing member of S1 Holdco, and the managing member has full and complete charge of all affairs of S1 Holdco and the existing non-managing members of S1 Holdco do not have substantive kick-out or substantive participating rights.

 

   

System1, Inc. acquires all of the outstanding stock of Protected UK in exchange for cash and equity consideration.

 

   

No single party will have the ability to nominate a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of System1, Inc.

 

   

No individual legal entity or shareholder controlled S1 Holdco and Protected UK before the Business Combination.

 

   

No individual legal entity or shareholder will control System1, Inc. following the Business Combination.

The factors discussed above support the conclusion that System1, Inc. will acquire a controlling interest in S1 Holdco and Protected UK. System1, Inc. will be the primary beneficiary of S1 Holdco which is a variable interest entity. Therefore, the Business Combination will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase price will be allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated acquisition-date fair values.


UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

 

     As of September 30, 2021  
     Trebia     S1 Holdco     Protected UK as
Adjusted

(Note 1)
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Notes     Pro Forma
Combined
 

Assets

            

Current assets:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 177     $ 36,209     $ 21,112     $ (36,632     3 (a)    $ 20,866  

Restricted cash

         2,148       5,895       3 (a)      8,043  

Cash held in Trust

   $ 517,500           (517,500     3 (b)      —    

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

     —         85,588       —             85,588  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     122       7,236       3,548           10,906  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total current assets

     517,799       129,033       26,808           125,404  

Property and equipment - net

     —         836       398           1,234  

Internal-use software development cost - net

     —         11,012       —             11,012  

Intangible assets - net

     —         52,534       386       411,580       3 (c)      464,500  

Goodwill

     —         44,820       284       736,565       3 (c)      781,669  

Due from related parties

     —         529       33,115       (33,115     3 (l)      529  

Other assets

     —         2,469       —             2,469  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total assets

     517,799       241,233       60,991           1,386,817  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

            

Current liabilities:

            

Accounts payable

       64,625       3,029           67,654  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     2,155       20,321       17,662       (7,001     3 (d)      33,137  

Deferred revenue

     —         2,100       58,372       (40,109     3 (e)      20,363  

Notes payable, current

     450       171,780       2,250       (154,030     3 (f)      20,450  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     2,605       258,826       81,313           141,605  

Tax receivable agreement liability

     —         —         —         —         3 (g)      —    

Deferred tax liability

     —         8,021       966       57,317       3 (k)      66,304  

Notes payable, noncurrent

     —         —         11,085       344,915       3 (f)      356,000  

Other liabilities

     —         1,346       —         (806     3 (h)      540  

Warrant liability

     36,951       —         —             36,951  

Deferred underwriting fee payable

     18,113       —           (18,113     3 (a)      —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     57,669       268,193       93,364           601,400  

Class A Ordinary Shares subject to possible redemption, 51,750,000 shares at redemption value at September 30, 2021.

     517,500       —         —         (517,500     3 (i)      —    

Stockholders’ equity

            

Preferred shares, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding

     —         —         11       (11     3 (i)      —    

Class A Common Stock

     —         —           9       3 (i)      9  

Class B Common Stock

     1       —         11       (12     3 (i)      —    

Class C Common Stock

     —         —           2       3 (i)      2  

Additional paid-in capital

     —         —         40,953       621,206       3 (i)      662,159  

Accumulated deficit

     (57,371     —         (73,348     66,308       3 (i)      (64,411

Member’s deficit

     —         (27,183     —         27,183       3 (i)      —    

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     —         223       —         (223     3 (i)      —    

Noncontrolling interest

     —         —         —         187,658       3 (j)      187,658  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     (57,370     (26,960     (32,373         785,417  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 517,799     $ 241,233     $ 60,991         $ 1,386,817  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 


UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

     For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021  
     Trebia     S1 Holdco      Protected UK as
Adjusted

(Note 1)
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Notes     Pro Forma
Combined
 

Revenue

   $ —       $ 488,586      $ 105,426     $ —         4 (a)      594,012  

Operating costs and expenses:

             

Cost of revenues

     —         365,837        73,852           439,689  

Formation and operating costs

     2,747       —          —         —           2,747  

Salaries, commissions, and benefits

     —         48,033        2,314       5,647       4 (b)      55,994  

Selling, general and administrative

     —         21,163        12,332       (5,366     4 (c)      28,129  

Depreciation and amortization

     —         10,260        172       45,092       4 (d)      55,524  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

     2,747       445,293        88,670           582,081  

Operating Income (loss)

     (2,747     43,293        16,756           11,931  

Interest expense

     —         12,709        530       5,673       4 (e)      18,912  

Related party interest income

          (639     639       4 (f)      —    

(Gain) on termination of FPA

     (3,160     —                (3,160

(Gain) on change in fair value of warrant liability

     (16,055     —          —             (16,055

(Gain) on change in fair value of FPA liability

     (7,494     —          —             (7,494

Other expense (income)

          —             —    

Income before income tax expense

     23,963       30,584        16,865           19,728  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     —         703        966       (2,898     4 (g)      (1,229
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     23,963       29,882        15,899           20,957  

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

     —            —         4,278       4 (h)      4,278  

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

   $ 23,963       29,882      $ 15,899           16,679  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Earnings per share (basic)

              $ 0.20  

Earnings per share (diluted)

              $ 0.20  

Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)

                83,075  

Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)

                83,808  


UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

     For the Year Ended December 31, 2020  
     Trebia
(from 2/11/20 to
12/31/20)
    S1 Holdco      Protected UK as
Adjusted

(Note 1)
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Notes   Pro Forma
Combined
 

Revenue

   $ —       $ 475,977      $ 90,908     $ (40,109   4(a)   $ 526,777  

Operating Costs and Expenses:

             

Cost of Revenues

     —         340,996        95,069       —           436,065  

Formation and Operating costs

     806       —          —         —           806  

Salaries, commissions, and benefits

     —         55,548        3,705       13,147     4(b)     72,400  

Selling, general and administrative

     —         22,979        4,819       18,746     4(c)     46,544  

Depreciation and amortization

     —         13,832        141       54,554     4(d)     68,527  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

     806       433,355        103,734           624,342  

Operating income

     (806     42,622        (12,825         (97,565

Interest expense

     —         24,351        435       1,321     4(e)     26,107  

Other expense (income)

     —            (2         (2

Offering Costs Related to Warrants and FPA

     1,381       —          —             1,381  

Loss on change in fair value of warrant liability

     17,329       —          —             17,329  

Loss on change in fair value of FPA liability

     10,399       —          —             10,399  

Income before income tax expense

     (29,915     18,271        (13,258         (152,779

Income tax expense (benefit)

     —         1,907        —         (21,060   4(g)     (19,153
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     (29,915     16,364        (13,258         (133,626

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

            (33,130   4(h)     (33,130

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

   $ (29,915   $ 16,364      $ (13,258       $ (100,496
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Earnings per share (basic and diluted)

              $ (1.22

Weighted averages shares outstanding (basic and diluted)

                82,233  


1.

Basis of pro forma presentation

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X and assuming the Business Combination is accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting with System1 as the accounting acquirer. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of S1 Holdco and Protected UK will be recorded at their fair values measured as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired, if applicable, will be recorded as goodwill. The acquisition method of accounting is based on ASC 805 and uses the fair value concepts defined in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”). In general, ASC 805 requires, among other things, that assets acquired, and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date by System1, who was determined to be the accounting acquirer.

ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and sets forth a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes and ranks the level of observability of inputs used to develop the fair value measurements. Fair value is defined in ASC 820 as “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.” This is an exit price concept for the valuation of the asset or liability. In addition, market participants are assumed to be buyers and sellers in the principal (or the most advantageous) market for the asset or liability. Fair value measurements for a non-financial asset assume the highest and best use by these market participants. Many of these fair value measurements can be highly subjective, and it is possible that other professionals applying reasonable judgment to the same facts and circumstances, could develop and support a range of alternative estimated amounts.

The unaudited condensed pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments and it is possible the difference may be material. System1 believes that its assumptions and methodologies provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the significant effects of the Business Combination based on information available to management at this time and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

Accounting Policy Alignment

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared using S1 Holdco’s significant accounting policies as set forth in its audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Based on the procedures performed to date, the accounting policies of Trebia and Protected UK are materially consistent with S1 Holdco’s accounting policies.

Reclassifications

Certain historical consolidated balance sheet line items of Protected UK were reclassified in order to conform to S1 Holdco’s historical financial statement presentation as follows (in thousands):


PROTECTED UK’S CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

As of September 30, 2021

 
S1 Holdco Presentation    Protected UK Presentation    Protected
Historical
    Reclassification
Adjustment
    Notes     Protected as
Adjusted
 

Assets

   Assets         

Current assets

   Current assets    $ 21,112         $ 21,112  

Cash and cash equivalents

   Cash      2,148           2,148  

Restricted cash

           

Accounts receivable, net of

allowance for doubtful accounts

           

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   Prepaid expenses and other current assets      548       3,000       (i     3,548  
   Deposits      3,000       (3,000     (i     —    

Total current assets

   Total current assets      26,808           26,808  

Property and equipment, net

   Property, plant equipment      398           398  

Internal-use software

           

Development cost, net

           

Intangible assets, net

   Intangible Assets      386           386  

Goodwill

   goodwill      284           284  

Due from Related Party

   Due from related parties      33,115           33,115  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total assets

   total assets    $ 60,991         $ 60,991  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Liabilities and members’ deficit

   Liabilities and Shareholders’         
   Deficit         

Current liabilities:

           

Accounts payable

   Accounts payable      3,029           3,029  

Accrued expenses and other

           

Current liabilities

   accrued expenses      7,537       10,125       (ii )(iii)      17,662  
   VAT tax liability      9,696       (9,696     (ii     —    
   Deferred revenue      58,186       186       (iv     58,372  
   Related party deferred revenue      186       (186     (iv     —    

Notes payable, current

   Current portion of note payable      2,250           2,250  
   Due to related party     
—  
 
        —    
   Refund liability      429       (429     (iii     —    
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   Total current liabilities      81,313           81,313  

Notes payable, non-current

   Note payable, net of current         
   Portion and deferred financing         
   Costs      11,085           11,085  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Other liabilities

           

Deferred tax liability

   Corporate Tax Liability      966           966  

Total liabilities

   Total liabilities      93,364           93,364  

Members’ deficit:

           
   Class A Preferred shares      11           11  
   Class B Preferred shares      11           11  
   Additional paid-in capital      40,953           40,953  
   Accumulated deficit      (73,348         (73,348

Members’ deficit in S1 Holdco

           

Noncontrolling interest

           

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

           

Total members’ deficit

   Total Shareholders’ deficit      (32,373         (32,373
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Members’ Deficit

   Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit    $ 60,991         $ 60,991  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(i)

“Deposits” of $3,000 was reclassified to “Prepaid expenses and other current assets”

(ii)

“VAT tax liability” of $9,696 was reclassified to “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities”

(iii)

“Refund liability” of $429 was reclassified to “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities”

(iv)

“Related party deferred revenue” of $186 was reclassified to “Deferred Revenue”


PROTECTED UK’S CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021

 
S1 Holdco Presentation    Protected UK Presentation    Protected
Historical
    Reclassification
Adjustment
    Notes   Protected as
Adjusted
 

Revenue

   Revenue    $ 105,426         $ 105,426  

Operating costs and expenses:

           

Cost of revenues

   Cost of revenue      75,760       (1,908   (i)     73,852  

Gross profit

   Gross profit      29,666        

Operating expenses

           

Salaries, commissions, and benefits

          2,314     (i)(ii)     2,314  

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

   General and administrative expense      11,681       651     (ii)(iii)

(iv)(v)(vi)

    12,332  

Depreciation and amortization

          172     (iii)     172  
   Related party rent expense      457       (457   (iv)     —    
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

  

Total operating expenses

Other Operating Income (Expense)

     12,138           88,670  
   Total other Operating Income (Expense)         
   Foreign currency transaction (gain)/loss      1,115       (1,115   (v)     —    
   Other operating income      (343     343     (vi)     —    
     

 

 

       

 

 

 
   Total other operating income, net      772           —    

Operating income (loss)

   Operating income      16,756           16,756  

Interest expense

   Interest expense      (530         (530
   Related-party interest income      639           639  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 
   Total non-operating expenses      109           109  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income tax

   Loss before income taxes      16,865           16,865  

Income tax expense

   Income tax expense      966           966  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   Net income    $ 15,899         $ 15,899  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(i)

Salaries, commissions, and benefits of $1,908 was reclassified from “Cost of revenues” to “Salaries, commissions, and benefits”

(ii)

Salaries, commissions, and benefits of $406 was reclassified from “General and administrative expenses” to “Salaries, commissions, and benefits”

(iii)

Depreciation and amortization expense of $172 was reclassified from “General, and administrative” to “Depreciation and amortization”

(iv)

Related party rent expense of $457 was reclassified to “Selling, general, and administrative”

(v)

“Foreign currency and transaction (loss) gain” of $1,115 was reclassified to “Selling, general, and administrative”

(vi)

“Other operating income” of $343 was reclassified to “Selling, general, and administrative”


PROTECTED UK’S CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

 
S1 Holdco Presentation    Protected UK Presentation   Protected
Historical
    Reclassification
Adjustment
    Notes   Protected as
Adjusted
 

Revenue

   Revenue     90,908           90,908  

Operating costs and expenses:

          

Cost of revenues

   Cost of revenue     97,980       (2,911   (i)     95,069  
    

 

 

       
   Gross profit     (7,072      
   Operating Expenses        

Salaries, commissions, and benefits

         3,705     (i)     3,705  

Selling, general, and administrative

   General and administrative expenses     6,711       (1,892   (i)     4,819  

Depreciation and amortization

         141     (iii)     141  
   Related party rent expense     536       (536   (iv)     —    
    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   Total operating expenses     7,247           103,734  
   Other Operating Income (Expense)        
   Gain on sale of intangible assets     1,580       (1,580   (v)     —    
   Foreign currency transaction (loss)     (135     135     (vi)     —    
   Other operating income     48       (48   (vii)     —    
    

 

 

       

 

 

 
   Total other operating income, net     1,494        
    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   Operating loss     (12,825         (12,825
   Related party interest expense     406       (406   (viii)     —    

Interest expense

   Interest expense     29       406     (viii)     435  

Other expense

   Other non-operating income     (2         (2
    

 

 

       

 

 

 
   Total non-operating expenses     433        
    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

before income tax

   Loss before income taxes     (13,258         (13,258

Income tax expense

   Income tax benefit     —             —    

Net Income (loss)

   Net Loss     (13,258         (13,258
    

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(i)

Salaries, commissions, and benefits of $2,911 was reclassified from “Cost of revenues” to “Salaries, commissions, and benefits”

(ii)

Salaries, commissions, and benefits of $794 was reclassified from “General and administrative expenses” to “Salaries, commissions, and benefits”

(iii)

Depreciation and amortization expense of $141 was reclassified from “Selling, general, and administrative” to “Depreciation and amortization”

(iv)

Related party rent expense of $536 was reclassified to “Selling, general, and administrative”

(v)

Gain on sale from intangibles for $1,580 for the year ended December 31, 2020 was reclassified from “Other operating income” to “Selling, general, and administrative”

(vi)

“Foreign currency and transaction (loss) gain” of ($135) was reclassified to “Selling, general, and administrative”

(vii)

“Other operating income” of $(48) was reclassified to “Selling, general, and administrative”

(viii)

“Related party interest expense” of $406 was reclassified to “Interest expense”


2.

Description of the Business Combination

Preliminary Purchase Price Accounting

The pro forma adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2021 are preliminary. The adjustment amounts are estimates of the fair value and useful lives of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of September 30, 2021. These adjustments have been prepared to illustrate the estimated effect of the Transaction. The allocation is dependent upon certain valuation and other studies that have not yet been completed. Accordingly, the preliminary purchase price allocation and related adjustments reflected are subject to further adjustment as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses and final valuations are completed.

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase consideration to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed of S1 Holdco and Protected UK:

 

Purchase Price Allocation (in thousands)

  

Fair value of equity consideration

   $ 400,957  

Cash consideration

     439,686  

Cash paid to extinguish S1 Holdco outstanding credit facility

     175,538  

Fair value of replacement awards attributable to pre-combination service

     7,695  

Acquisition costs paid on behalf of S1 Holdco

     19,875  
  

 

 

 

Total consideration

   $  1,043,752  
  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

     57,321  

Restricted cash

     2,148  

Accounts receivable

     85,588  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     10,784  

Property and equipment

     1.234  

Internal-use software

     11,012  

Intangible assets

     464,500  

Goodwill

     781,669  

Other assets

     2,998  

Accounts payable

     (67,654

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     (30,982

Deferred revenue

     (20,364

Deferred tax liability

     (66,304

Other liabilities

     (540

Fair value of noncontrolling interest

     (187,658
  

 

 

 
     $1,043,752  
  

 

 

 

Intangible Assets: The following describes identified intangible assets that met either the separability criterion or the contractual-legal criterion described in ASC 805, and the anticipated valuation approach. The trademark and trade name intangible assets represent the trade names that S1 Holdco and Protected UK originated or acquired that were estimated utilizing the relief-from-royalty method. The customer relationships intangible asset represents the existing customer relationships of S1 Holdco and Protected UK which were estimated by applying an excess earnings method. The developed technology intangible asset represents technology acquired by S1 Holdco and Protected UK for the purpose of generating income for S1 Holdco and Protected UK, which was valued using a multi-period excess earnings method considering technology migration.

 

Intangibles (in thousands)    Weighted average useful life (years)      Fair value  

Trademark

     15.0      $  217,200  

Customer relationships

     7.6        73,300  

Technology

     7.0        174,000  
     

 

 

 

Total

      $ 464,500  
     

 

 

 


Goodwill: Approximately $782 million has been allocated to goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the gross consideration transferred over the estimated fair value of the underlying net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Qualitative factors that contribute to the recognition of goodwill include certain intangible assets that are not recognized as separate identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill represents future economic benefits arising from acquiring S1 Holdco and Protected UK primarily due to its strong market position and its assembled workforce that are not individually identified and separately recognized as intangible assets. Goodwill will not generate amortization deductions for income tax purposes.

In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is not amortized, but instead will be tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if certain indicators are present. In the event management of the combined company determines that the value of goodwill has become impaired, an accounting charge for impairment during the quarter in which the determination is made may be recognized.

 

3.

Adjustments to Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

Explanations of the adjustments to the pro forma balance sheet are as follows:

 

  (a)

Below is a table to describe the cash sources and use of funds as it relates to the Business Combination:

Estimated Cash Sources and Uses (in thousands):

 

Sources

  

Cash held in Trust(1)

   $ 517,500  

New Term Loan(2)

     376,000  

Cannae Backstop Commitment(3)

     246,484  

Uses

  

Cash paid for redemptions(1)

     510,469  

Cash consideration to Court Square Capital(4)

     250,362  

Cash consideration to S1 Holdco and Protected UK(5)

     189,325  

Cash held in escrow for replacement awards granted(6)

     5,895  

Cash to payoff existing S1 Holdco debt(7)

     175,538  

Transaction costs(8)

     45,027  
  

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment to cash and cash equivalents

   $ (36,632
  

 

 

 

 

  (1)

$517.5 million of cash held in trust by Trebia. 51,046,892 Public Shares were redeemed in connection with the Business Combination for $510.5 million.

  (2)

$376 million in net proceeds received from the $400 million New Term Loan obtained by Trebia under the Credit Agreement.

  (3)

Represents the cash proceeds of $246.5 million received under the Cannae Backstop and Incremental Backstop Agreements.

  (4)

Represents the cash proceeds of $250 million paid to blocker-seller Court Square Capital.

  (5)

Represents the cash proceeds paid to S1 Holdco and Protected UK sellers.

  (6)

Represents unvested cash compensation held in trust account until employee service condition is completed.

  (7)

Represents the amount of existing S1 Holdco debt paid off at Closing.

  (8)

Estimated transaction costs incurred by Trebia, S1 Holdco in connection with the Business Combination. The table below details the nature of the transaction costs incurred:

 

Transaction costs (in thousands)       

Deferred Underwriter fees paid by Trebia

   $ 11,773  

Acquisition costs incurred by S1 Holdco and Protected UK

     19,874  

Acquisition costs incurred by Trebia

     13,380  
  

 

 

 

Total transaction costs

   $ 45,027  
  

 

 

 


  (b)

Reflects the reclassification of $517.5 million of cash and cash equivalents held in the Trust Account that become available for transaction expenses, underwriting commission, redemption of Trebia Public Shares and the operating activities of Trebia following the business combination.

 

  (c)

Represents the adjustment to the estimated preliminary purchase price allocation for the S1 Holdco business resulting from the Business Combination. The preliminary calculation of total consideration and allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of S1 Holdco’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed is presented below as if the Business Combination was consummated on September 30, 2021. The Company has not completed the detailed valuations necessary to estimate the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed and, accordingly, the adjustments to record the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value reflect the best estimates of the Company based on the information currently available and are subject to change once additional analyses are completed. Potential differences may include, but are not limited to, changes in allocation to intangible assets and change in fair value of property, plant, and equipment.

 

Intangibles (in thousands)    As of September 30, 2021  

Remove carrying value of historical balance

   $ (52,920

Record fair value of acquired intangibles

     464,500  
  

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment

   $ 411,580  
  

 

 

 

 

     As of September 30, 2021  

Goodwill (in thousands)

  

Remove carrying value of historical balance

   $ (45,104

Goodwill recorded at acquisition

     781,669  
  

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment

   $ 736,565  
  

 

 

 

 

  (d)

To record assumed liability for cash settled replacement awards attributable to pre-combination service. The liability was determined as the fair value of the replaced awards multiplied by the ratio of the pre-combination employee’s service period to the total service period. Additionally, to remove profit interest liability payable to the former CEO of S1 Holdco, which was settled in connection to the Business Combination.

 

     As of September 30, 2021  

Assumed liability for replacement awards cash settled and attributable to precombination service

   $ 1,473  

To remove historical CEO profit interest liability payable to the former CEO of S1 Holdco settled in connection to the Business Combination

     (8,474
  

 

 

 

Pro Forma Adjustment

   $ (7,001
  

 

 

 

 

  (e)

Reflects a reduction in deferred revenues related to the estimated fair value of the acquired deferred revenue related to the Business Combination. The adjustment is based on fair value estimates for deferred revenue, which was estimated utilizing an income approach based on the estimated costs to fulfill the liabilities assumed, plus normal profit margin. The difference between the fair value of deferred revenue and historical carrying value results in a revenue reduction on a pro forma basis.

 

Deferred revenue (in thousands)    As of September 30, 2021  

To remove carrying value of deferred revenue

   $ (60,472

To record fair value of deferred revenue liability assumed

     20,363  
  

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment

   $ (40,109
  

 

 

 

 

  (f)

Represents adjustments to short-term and long-term debt due to the following inflows and outflows as a result of the Business Combination. In connection with the Business Combination the outstanding debt of S1 Holdco and Protected UK will be paid off. The cash paid to settle the outstanding Protected UK debt will be a reduction of the cash consideration. The following pro forma adjustments are to give effect to the settlement of the outstanding S1 Holdco and Protected UK debt and issuance of the new Term Loan under the Commitment Letter:


     As of September 30, 2021  
     Notes payable,
current
     Notes payable,
noncurrent
     Total  

Record New Credit Facility

   $ 20,000      $ 356,000      $ 376,000  

Repayment of S1 Holdco and Protected UK outstanding debt

     (174,030      (11,086      (185,115
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment

   $ (154,030    $ 344,914      $ 190,885  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (g)

The estimate of the fair value of the Tax Receivable Agreement contingent consideration is subject to additional analyses. The adjustments to the Tax Receivable Agreement will be recorded as an adjustment to goodwill. Trebia anticipates that it will account for the income tax effects resulting from future taxable exchanges of Common Units by the Flow-Through Sellers for shares of Class A common stock thereof by recognizing an increase in deferred tax assets, based on enacted tax rates at the date of each exchange. Based on actual redemption levels, the Company estimates the value of the tax receivable agreement to be approximately $0 as of Closing.

Further, Trebia intends to evaluate the likelihood that it will realize the benefit represented by the deferred tax asset, and, to the extent that it estimates that it is more likely than not that Trebia will not realize the benefit, Trebia will reduce the carrying amount of the deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance. For the same reasons, the Company will not record a liability related to the tax savings it would realize from the utilization of such deferred tax assets after concluding it will not be probable that such TRA liability would be paid based on its estimates of future taxable income.

 

  (h)

To adjust Other liabilities to remove deferred rent leased facilities of S1 Holdco.

 

  (i)

The following table summarizes the pro forma adjustments impacting equity (amounts in thousands) as of September 30, 2021:

 

     Adjustments to
Historical Equity (1)
     New Equity
Structure (2)
     Other
Items (3)
     Total Pro Forma
Adjustments
 

Trebia Class A Common Stock

   $ —        $ (517,500       $ (517,500

Protected UK Class A Preferred shares

     (11            (11

System1, Inc Class A Common Stock

        9           9  

Protected UK and Trebia Class B Stock

     (12            (12

System1, Inc Class C Common Shares

        2           2  

Additional paid in capital

     (40,953      662,159           621,205  

Accumulated Deficit

     73,348           (7,040      66,308  

S1 Holdco Member Deficit

     27,183              27,183  

S1 Holdco Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (223            (223

 

(1)

To remove historical equity balances and retained earnings of S1 Holdco and Protected UK, as well as, the conversion of Founder Shares, net of forfeiture, from Trebia Class B Common Stock to System1 Class A Common Stock.

(2)

Includes equity consideration payable under the Business Combination Agreement with a fair value of $401 million, $246 million issued under the Cannae Backstop Agreement, Conversion Trebia Class Common Stock of $7 million, less $11 million allocated to par value of common stock, and plus $7.7 million related to Fair value of replacement awards attributable to pre-combination service.

(3)

Represents a reduction to retained earnings for estimated acquisition costs incurred by Trebia of $14 million, less the reduction of Trebia deferred underwriter costs of $7 million.

 

  (j)

Represents the pro forma adjustment to record the Flow-Through Sellers’ noncontrolling interest in S1 Holdco Common Units of $188 million or approximately 22%.

 

  (k)

Represents adjustments to reflect applicable deferred taxes. Refer to Note 2 for the purchase price allocation. The deferred taxes are primarily related to the difference between the financial statement and tax basis in the System1 partnership interests, acquired tax attributes of the Blockers, and Protected. This basis difference primarily results from the Business Combination where CCNB1 recorded a fair market value basis on all assets for financial accounting purposes and a fair value step-up on a portion of the assets for income tax purposes. The $ 57 million adjustment related to the deferred tax liability is assuming: (1) the U.S. GAAP balance sheet as of September 30, 2021 adjusted for the pro forma entries described herein, (2) estimated tax basis as of September 30, 2021 adjusted for the pro forma entries described herein, (3) a federal income tax rate of 21.0% and a blended state tax rate of 1.69%, and (4) no material changes in tax law.

 

  (l)

Represents amounts due from related party loans that were settled as a result of the Business Combination.


  4.

Adjustments to Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations

Explanations of the adjustments to the pro forma statement of operations are as follows:

(a) Reflects a reduction in revenues related to the estimated fair value of the acquired deferred revenue related to the Business Combination. The performance obligations associated with the assumed liability is expected to be satisfied within twelve months of the acquisition.

 

Revenues (in thousands)    September
30, 2021
     December
31, 2020
 

Revenues pro forma adjustment

   $ —          (40,109

(b) To record expense related to the fair value of replacement awards attributable to post combination service, partially offset by the elimination of S1 Holdco and Protected UK historical stock-based compensation expense.

 

Salaries, commissions, and benefits (in thousands)    For the nine months
ended September 30,2021
     For the year ended
December 31, 2020
 
Stock-based compensation related to the fair value replacement      

awards attributable to post combination service

   $ 5,737      $ 14,339  

To remove historical stock-based compensation

     (90      (1,192
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma Adjustment

   $ 5,647      $ 13,147  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(c) To record $19 million of transaction costs for the twelve months ending December 31, 2020 and remove $5 million in transaction costs recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

(d) Represents adjustments to depreciation and amortization for intangible assets recorded in connection with the Business Combination. This pro forma adjustment has been proposed assuming the Business Combination occurred on January 1, 2020. The following table is a summary of information related to certain intangible assets acquired, including information used to calculate the pro forma change in amortization expenses that is adjusted to administrative expenses:

 

     Weighted
Average
Useful Life
(Years)
     Fair Value     

For the nine
months ended
September

30,2021

    

For the year
ended December

31, 2020

 

Trademarks

     15      $ 217,200      $ 10,860      $ 14,480  

Customer relationships

     7.6        73,300        20,273        22,344  

Technology

     7        174,000        24,046        31,151  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total pro forma amortization expense

        464,500        55,179        67,975  

To remove historical amortization expense of intangibles

           (10,087      (13,421
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment

         $ 45,092      $ 54,554  

Amortization expense for trademarks intangible assets is computed on a straight-line basis, amortization for customer relationship intangible assets is computed considering historical and estimated customer attrition, and amortization of developed technology intangible assets, is computed considering the estimate of platform migration to the developed technology. Below is the pro forma amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the next five fiscal years:

 

     As of September 30, 2021  

For the three months ending December 31, 2021

   $ 16,994  

2022

     72,173  

2023

     62,063  

2024

     50,284  

2025

     43,084  

Thereafter

     219,903  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 464,500  
  

 

 

 

(e) Represents estimated differences in interest expense resulting from the New Term Loan and extinguishing historical S1 Holdco debt. The estimated annual effective interest rate of the New Term Loan is 7.05%.


(in thousands)    For the nine months ended
September 30, 2021
     For the year ended
December 31, 2020
 

Record interest on the New Term Loan

   $ 18,912      $ 26,107  

Eliminate historical interest expense

     (13,239      (24,786
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment

   $ 5,673      $ 1,321  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(f) To remove interest income from Protected UK related party loan that will be settled as a result of the Business Combination.

(g) Represents the income tax effect of the pro forma adjustments calculated using the enacted applicable statutory income tax rates in the respective countries in which the company operates applied to the income or loss before income taxes applicable to the controlling interest. The effective tax rate of the combined company could be significantly different as the legal entity structure and activities of the combined company are integrated.

(h) Represents the pro forma adjustment to record earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest in S1 Holdco of approximately 22%

 

5.

Pro Forma Earnings Per Share Information

Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method.

 

     For the nine months ended
September 30,2021
     For the year ended
December 31, 2020
 

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

   $ 16,679      $ (100,496

Weighted average shares outstanding, controlling (basic, shares in thousands)

     83,075        82,233  

Weighted average shares outstanding, controlling (diluted, shares in thousands)

     83,808        82,233  

Income (loss) per share (basic)

   $ 0.20      $ (1.22

Income (loss) per share (diluted)

   $ 0.20      $ (1.22

Earnings per share excludes from outstanding common stock the impacts of (i) 25,875,000 Trebia Public Warrants and 8,233,334 Trebia Private Placement Warrants, which are out of the money (ii) 725,000 shares of System1 Class D Common Stock to the Sponsors, and 725,000 RSUs subject to a market vesting condition, which has not been met.

Exhibit 99.2

Trebia Acquisition Corp. and System1 Announce Closing of Business Combination

Combined Company to Trade on NYSE Under Ticker SST Commencing January 28, 2022 January 27, 2022 16:05 ET | Source: System1, LLC

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — System1 (together with Protected.net Group, “System1” or the “Company”), an omnichannel customer acquisition marketing platform, and Trebia Acquisition Corp. (“TREB” or “Trebia”) (NYSE: TREB), a special purpose acquisition company formed by entities affiliated with William P. Foley II and Frank Martire Jr, announced today the completion of their business combination (the “Business Combination”). The Business Combination was approved by a majority of Trebia stockholders at a special meeting held on January 20, 2022.

Through a series of transactions, System1 has combined with Trebia, and Trebia has changed its name to “System1, Inc.” as of the closing date. Beginning on January 28, 2022, System1’s common stock is expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “SST.”

System1 brings to the NYSE a leading digital marketer that delivers high-intent customers to advertising partners and its own subscription products utilizing its omnichannel and omnivertical Responsive Acquisition Marketing Platform (RAMP). System1’s RAMP technology allows it to build brands with reach, develop and distribute a suite of privacy-focused products and deliver high-intent customers to its advertising partners.

System1’s management team, led by Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Michael Blend, will continue to lead the combined company, while Trebia’s Co-Founders William P. Foley II and Frank Martire Jr will join the combined company’s Board of Directors.

“I would like to thank the Trebia team for their hard work in providing us the vehicle to start System1’s next chapter as a public company,” commented Chief Executive Officer Michael Blend. “In a market where it is difficult to find value, System1 presents a unique opportunity to invest in a rapidly-growing and high cash flow-generating technology company at what we believe is an attractive valuation. We have built a fantastic team, and our RAMP technology is accelerating our business across customer acquisition and subscriptions.”

William P. Foley II, Chairman of Cannae, commented, “We are proud to partner with System1 and look forward to supporting this exciting new chapter for the company. With its proprietary RAMP technology and unique value proposition, we’re confident that System1 will continue to expand its position as a leading digital advertising company. We are excited to see System1 enter its next phase of growth, now with added capital resources.”


About System1

System1 combines best-in-class technology & data science to operate its advanced Responsive Acquisition Marketing Platform (RAMP). System1’s RAMP is omnichannel and omnivertical, and built for a privacy-centric world. RAMP enables the building of powerful brands across multiple consumer verticals, the development & growth of a suite of privacy-focused products, and the delivery of high-intent customers to advertising partners.

For more information, visit www.system1.com.

About Trebia Acquisition Corp.

Trebia Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more business entities. The company was founded by William P. Foley, II and Frank R. Martire, Jr. on February 11, 2020 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

For more information, visit www.trebiaacqcorp.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This communication includes “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding System1 or its management team’s 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,” “intend,” “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 document may include, for example, statements about System1’s industry and market sizes; future opportunities for System1; expectations and projections concerning the future financial and operational performance and/or results of operations of System1.

The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on System1’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments, and their potential effects on System1 taking into account information currently available.

These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause System1’s actual financial results or operating performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on System1’s business; (2) the inability to maintain the listing of System1’s common stock on the NYSE following the proposed Business Combination; (3) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the consummation of the Business Combination; (4) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of System1 to grow and manage growth profitably, and retain its key employees; (5) costs related to the Business Combination; (6) changes in applicable laws or regulations (including those concerning data security, consumer privacy and/or information sharing); and (7) the possibility that System1 may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning certain of these and other risk factors is contained in System1’s most recent filings with the SEC, including the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed in connection with the Business Combination.


Contacts:

Investors

Ashley DeSimone

ICR, Inc.

Ashley.desimone@icrinc.com

Brett Milotte

ICR, Inc.

Brett.milotte@icrinc.com

Media

Dan McDermott

ICR, Inc.

Dan.mcdermott@icrinc.com

Exhibit 99.3

 

LOGO    LOGO

System1, An Omnichannel Customer Acquisition Marketing Platform,

to Begin Trading on the New York Stock Exchange Today

LOS ANGELES, CA – January 28, 2022 (BUSINESS WIRE) System1 (together with Protected.net Group, “System1” or the “Company”), an omnichannel customer acquisition marketing platform, announced today that it has been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “SST.” The Company begins trading at 9:30 AM ET today, January 28, 2022.

“Our listing on the New York Stock Exchange today represents a significant milestone for our company,” said Michael Blend, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of System 1. “The success of System1 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, and I am thrilled for them. To all of our business partners and early investors – thank you for believing in us. We are incredibly excited to join forces with the outstanding team from Protected, and we also welcome our new partners at Cannae Holdings, Inc. and Trebia Acquisition Corp. The resources and flexibility of being a public company will bring significant value to System1, and we look forward to our next chapter as part of the NYSE.”

About System1

System1 combines best-in-class technology & data science to operate its advanced Responsive Acquisition Marketing Platform (RAMP). System1’s RAMP is omnichannel and omnivertical, and built for a privacy-centric world. RAMP enables the building of powerful brands across multiple consumer verticals, the development & growth of a suite of privacy-focused products, and the delivery of high-intent customers to advertising partners.

For more information, visit www.system1.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This communication includes “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regardingSystem1 or its management team’s 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,” “intend,” “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 document may include, for example, statements about System1’s industry and market sizes; future opportunities for System1; expectations and projections concerning the future financial and operational performance and/or results of operations of System1.


The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on System1’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments, and their potential effects on System1 taking into account information currently available.

These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause System1’s actual financial results or operating performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on System1’s business; (2) the inability to maintain the listing of System1’s common stock on the NYSE following the proposed Business Combination; (3) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the consummation of the Business Combination; (4) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of System1 to grow and manage growth profitably, and retain its key employees; (5) costs related to the Business Combination; (6) changes in applicable laws or regulations (including those concerning data security, consumer privacy and/or information sharing); and (7) the possibility that System1 may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning certain of these and other risk factors is contained in System1’s most recent filings with the SEC, including the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed in connection with the Business Combination.

Contacts:

Investors

Ashley DeSimone

ICR, Inc.

Ashley.desimone@icrinc.com

Brett Milotte

ICR, Inc.

Brett.milotte@icrinc.com

Media

Dan McDermott

ICR, Inc.

Dan.mcdermott@icrinc.com

Source: System1, Inc