As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2022

File No. 001-41297

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO

FORM 10

 

 

GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES

Pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

ESAB CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   87-0923837
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

909 Rose Avenue, 8th Floor

North Bethesda, Maryland

  20852
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(301) 323-9099

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

 

Title of each class to be so registered

 

Name of each exchange
on which each class is to be registered

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   New York Stock Exchange

Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer      Smaller reporting company  
     Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

 

 

 


INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET BETWEEN INFORMATION STATEMENT AND ITEMS OF FORM 10

Certain information required to be included in this Registration Statement on Form 10 is incorporated herein by reference to specifically identified portions of the information statement filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 (the “Information Statement”). None of the information contained in the Information Statement shall be incorporated by reference herein or deemed to be a part hereof unless specifically incorporated by reference.

Item 1. Business

The information required by this Item 1 is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Information Statement Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements,” “The Separation and Distribution,” “Description of Certain Indebtedness,” “Capitalization,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Business,” “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions,” “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution to U.S. Holders” and “Where You Can Find More Information.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The information required by this Item 1A is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2. Financial Information

The information required by this Item 2 is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Information Statement Summary—Summary Historical and Pro Forma Combined Financial Data,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Index to Financial Statements and Schedule” (and the financial statements and related notes references therein). Those sections (and the financial statements and related notes referenced therein) are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 3. Properties

The information required by this Item 3 is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Information Statement Summary,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The information required by this Item 4 is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Management” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 5. Directors and Executive Officers

The information required by this Item 5 is contained in the section of the Information Statement entitled “Management.” That section is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 6. Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item 6 is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Management” and “Executive and Director Compensation.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.


Item 7. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item 7 is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Management,” “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions,” “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation and Our Relationship with Enovis” and “The Separation and Distribution.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8. Legal Proceedings

The information required by this Item 8 is contained in the section of the Information Statement entitled “Business—Legal Proceedings.” That section is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9. Market Price of, and Dividends on, the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this Item 9 is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Information Statement Summary,” “The Separation and Distribution,” “Dividend Policy,” “Management” and “Description of Capital Stock.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 10. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

The information required by this Item 10 is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Information Statement Summary—The Separation and Distribution—Our Post-Separation Relationship with Colfax,” “The Separation and Distribution,” “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and “Description of Capital Stock.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered

The information required by this Item 11 is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Dividend Policy,” “The Separation and Distribution” and “Description of Capital Stock.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The information required by this Item 12 is contained in the section of the Information Statement entitled “Description of Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Provisions of the DGCL and our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws—Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws Provisions—Limitation of Liability of Directors.” That section is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information required by this Item 13 is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Information Statement Summary—Summary Historical and Pro Forma Combined Financial Data,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements” and “Index to Financial Statements and Schedule” (and the financial statements and related notes referenced therein). Those sections (and the financial statements and related notes referenced therein) are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 15. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial Statements and Schedule

The information required by this Item 15(a) is contained in the sections of the Information Statement entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements” and “Index to Financial Statements and


Schedule” (including the financial statements and related notes referenced therein and Financial Statement Schedule—Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts). Those sections (and the financial statements and related notes referenced therein) are incorporated herein by reference.

(b) Exhibits

The following documents are filed as exhibits hereto:

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Exhibit Description

2.1**+   Form of Separation and Distribution Agreement
3.1**   Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
3.2**   Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws
10.1**+   Form of Transition Services Agreement
10.2**   Form of Tax Matters Agreement
10.3**+   Form of Employee Matters Agreement
10.4**   Form of Intellectual Property Matters Agreement
10.5**   Form of EBS License Agreement
10.6**   Form of Stockholder’s and Registration Rights Agreement
10.7**   Form of Indemnification Agreement
10.8**   Form of ESAB Corporation 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan
10.9**   ESAB Corporation Annual Incentive Plan
10.10**   The ESAB Group, Inc. Excess Benefits Plan
10.11**   The ESAB Group, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
10.12**   ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan
10.13**  

Letter Agreement, effective as of May 15, 2016, between Colfax Corporation and Shyam Kambeyanda

10.14**   Letter Agreement, dated April 26, 2019, between Colfax Corporation and Kevin Johnson
10.15**   Letter Agreement, dated April 4, 2017, between Colfax Corporation and Olivier Biebuyck
10.16**   Letter Agreement, dated September 14, 2017, between Colfax Corporation and Larry Coble
10.17**   Letter Agreement, dated December 17, 2021, between ESAB Corporation and Kevin Johnson
10.18**   Letter Agreement, dated December 12, 2021, between ESAB Corporation and Olivier Biebuyck
10.19**   Letter Agreement, dated December 10, 2021, between ESAB Corporation and Larry Coble
10.20**   Letter Agreement, dated December 10, 2021, between ESAB Corporation and Curtis Jewell
10.21**   Employment Agreement, dated February 21, 2022, between ESAB Corporation and Shyam Kambeyanda
10.22**   Form of Change in Control Agreement, effective October 27, 2020 (Colfax)
10.23**   Change in Control Agreement, dated October 30, 2020, between Colfax Corporation and Shyam Kambeyanda
10.24**   Form of Change in Control Agreement, effective March 5, 2021 (ESAB)
10.25**   Change in Control Agreement, dated March 5, 2021, between Colfax Corporation and Shyam Kambeyanda


Exhibit
Number

 

Exhibit Description

10.26**   Change in Control Agreement, dated March 5, 2021, between Colfax Corporation and Larry Coble
10.27**   Change in Control Agreement, dated March 5, 2021, between Colfax Corporation and Olivier Biebuyck
10.28**   Change in Control Agreement, dated March 5, 2021, between Colfax Corporation and Curtis Jewell
10.29**   Retention Agreement, dated March 5, 2021, between Colfax Corporation and Shyam Kambeyanda
10.30**   Form of Retention Agreement, dated March 5, 2021
10.31**   Form of Change in Control Agreement, effective February 17, 2022 (ESAB)
10.32**   Amended and Restated Retention Agreement, dated November 30, 2021, by and between Colfax Corporation and Kevin Johnson
10.33**   Amended and Restated Retention Agreement, dated November 30, 2021, by and between Colfax Corporation and Olivier Biebuyck
10.34**   Amended and Restated Retention Agreement, dated November 30, 2021, by and between Colfax Corporation and Larry Coble
10.35**+   Form of Credit Agreement
10.36**   Amended and Restated Retention Agreement, dated November 30, 2021, by and between Colfax Corporation and Curtis Jewell
10.37**   Form of ESAB Corporation Registration Rights Agreement, among ESAB Corporation, Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales
10.38**   Form of ESAB Corporation Officer Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement
10.39**   Form of ESAB Corporation Officer Performance Stock Unit Agreement
10.40**   Form of ESAB Corporation Officer Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
10.41**   Form of ESAB Corporation Outside Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement
10.42**   Form of ESAB Corporation Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
21.1**   List of Subsidiaries
99.1**   Preliminary Information Statement of ESAB Corporation
99.2**   Form of Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Information Statement Materials

 

*

To be filed by amendment.

**

Filed herewith.

+

Excludes certain immaterial schedules and exhibits pursuant to the provisions of Regulation S-K, Item 601(a)(5). A copy of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(a)(5) will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

ESAB CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Shyam P. Kambeyanda

  Name: Shyam P. Kambeyanda
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 11, 2022

Exhibit 2.1

FORM OF

SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

COLFAX CORPORATION

AND

ESAB CORPORATION

DATED AS OF [ • ]

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

     2  

1.1

  Definitions      2  

1.2

  Interpretation      14  

ARTICLE II. SEPARATION

     15  

2.1

  Transfers of Assets and Assumptions of Liabilities; ESAB Assets; Enovis Assets      15  

2.2

  Nonassignable Contracts and Permits      20  

2.3

  Termination of Intercompany Agreements      20  

2.4

  Treatment of Shared Contracts and Shared Permits      21  

2.5

  Bank Accounts; Cash Balances; Misdirected Payments      22  

2.6

  ESAB Financing Arrangements; Enovis Financing Arrangements; Cash Distribution      24  

2.7

  Misallocated Assets and Liabilities      25  

2.8

  Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties      25  

ARTICLE III. COMPLETION OF THE DISTRIBUTION

     26  

3.1

  Actions Prior to the Distribution      26  

3.2

  Effecting the Distribution      27  

3.3

  Conditions to the Distribution      28  

3.4

  Sole Discretion      30  

ARTICLE IV. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

     30  

4.1

  General Provisions      30  

4.2

  Negotiation by Senior Executives      31  

4.3

  Arbitration      31  

ARTICLE V. MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION; COOPERATION; INSURANCE

     33  

5.1

  Release of Claims Prior to Distribution      33  

5.2

  Indemnification by Enovis      35  

5.3

  Indemnification by ESAB      36  

5.4

  Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds      36  

5.5

  Procedures for Indemnification of Third-Party Claims      38  

5.6

  Additional Matters      40  

5.7

  Survival of Indemnities      42  

5.8

  Right of Contribution      42  

5.9

  Covenant Not to Sue (Liabilities and Indemnity)      42  

5.10

  No Impact on Third Parties      43  

5.11

  No Cross-Claims or Third-Party Claims      43  
    


5.12

  Severability      43  

5.13

  Specified Ancillary Agreements      43  

5.14

  Exclusivity      43  

5.15

  Cooperation in Defense and Settlement      44  

5.16

  Insurance Matters      44  

5.17

  Guarantees, Letters of Credit and Other Obligations      46  

ARTICLE VI. EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY

     47  

6.1

  Agreement for Exchange of Information      47  

6.2

  Ownership of Information      47  

6.3

  Compensation for Providing Information      47  

6.4

  Record Retention      48  

6.5

  Limitations of Liability      49  

6.6

  Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information      49  

6.7

  Auditors and Audits      49  

6.8

  Privileged Matters      50  

6.9

  Confidentiality      53  

6.10

  Protective Arrangements      54  

6.11

  Witness Services      54  

6.12

  Personal Data      55  

ARTICLE VII. FURTHER ASSURANCES AND ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

     55  

7.1

  Further Assurances      55  

7.2

  Performance      56  

7.3

  No Restrictions on Post-Closing Competitive Activities      56  

7.4

  Mail Forwarding      56  

7.5

  Non-Disparagement      57  

7.6

  Non-Solicitation Covenant      57  

7.7

  Order of Precedence      57  

7.8

  Enovis Specified Marks      57  

ARTICLE VIII. TERMINATION

     57  

8.1

  Termination      57  

8.2

  Effect of Termination      58  

ARTICLE IX. MISCELLANEOUS

     58  

9.1

  Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power      58  

9.2

  Governing Law      58  

9.3

  Assignability      59  

9.4

  Third-Party Beneficiaries      59  

9.5

  Notices      59  

9.6

  Severability      60  

9.7

  Force Majeure      60  

9.8

  Press Release      60  

 

ii


9.9

  Expenses      60  

9.10

  Late Payments      60  

9.11

  Headings      61  

9.12

  Survival of Covenants      61  

9.13

  Waivers of Default      61  

9.14

  Specific Performance      61  

9.15

  Amendments      61  

9.16

  Construction      61  

9.17

  Performance      62  

9.18

  Limited Liability      62  

9.19

  Exclusivity of Tax Matters      62  

9.20

  Limitations of Liability      62  

 

Schedules

  

Schedule 1.1A

  

Discontinued Assets

Schedule 1.1B

  

Specified Ancillary Agreements

Schedule 2.1(b)(iii)

  

ESAB Equity Interests

Schedule 2.1(c)(ix)

  

Other Enovis Assets

Schedule 2.1(d)(xiv)

  

Other ESAB Liabilities

Schedule 2.3(b)(iv)

  

Intercompany Agreements

Schedule 9.9

  

Expenses

Exhibits

  

Exhibit A

  

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation

 

 

iii


FORM OF SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

This SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT is entered into effective as of [ • ] (this “Agreement”), by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Enovis”), and ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Enovis (“ESAB”). Enovis and ESAB are each a “Party” and are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “Parties.” Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in Article I.

R E C I T A L S

WHEREAS, Enovis owns 100% of the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of ESAB (the “ESAB Stock”);

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Enovis (the “Enovis Board”) determined on careful review and consideration that the separation of ESAB from the rest of Enovis and the establishment of ESAB as a separate, publicly traded company to operate the ESAB Business is in the best interests of Enovis;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of ESAB (the “ESAB Board”) determined on careful review and consideration that the separation of ESAB from the rest of Enovis and the establishment of ESAB as a separate, publicly traded company to operate the ESAB Business is in the best interests of ESAB;

WHEREAS, in furtherance of the foregoing, the Enovis Board has determined that it is appropriate and desirable to separate the ESAB Business from the Enovis Business (the “Separation”) and, following the Separation, to make a distribution of the ESAB Business to the holders of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Enovis (the “Enovis Stock”) on the Record Date through the distribution of [ • ]% of the outstanding shares of ESAB Stock to holders of Enovis on the Record Date on a pro rata basis (the “Distribution”), in each case, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, immediately following the Distribution, Enovis will hold [ • ]% of the outstanding shares of ESAB Stock;

WHEREAS, it is anticipated that, immediately following the Distribution, “Colfax Corporation” will change its name to “Enovis Corporation”;

WHEREAS, Enovis and ESAB have prepared, and ESAB has filed with the SEC, the Form 10, which includes the Information Statement, and which sets forth certain disclosure concerning ESAB, the Separation and the Distribution;

WHEREAS, each of Enovis and ESAB has determined that it is appropriate and desirable to set forth in this Agreement certain agreements that will govern certain matters relating to the Separation and the Distribution and the relationship of Enovis, ESAB and the members of their respective Groups following the Distribution; and


WHEREAS, the Parties intend that the Distribution, together with certain related transactions, will qualify as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

1.1 Definitions. For the purpose of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Action” means any demand, action, claim, dispute, suit, countersuit, arbitration, inquiry, subpoena, proceeding or investigation of any nature (whether criminal, civil, legislative, administrative, regulatory, prosecutorial or otherwise) by or before any Governmental Authority or in any arbitration or mediation.

Affiliate” means, when used with respect to a specified Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person. For the purpose of this definition, “control” (including with correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”), when used with respect to any specified Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment, undertaking or otherwise. It is expressly agreed that for purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, from and after the Effective Time, (i) no member of the ESAB Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the Enovis Group, (ii) no member of the Enovis Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the ESAB Group and (iii) no joint venture formed after the Effective Time solely between one or more members of the ESAB Group, on the one hand, and one or more members of the Enovis Group, on the other hand, shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of, or owned or controlled by, any member of the ESAB Group or the Enovis Group for the purposes of this Agreement.

Agent” means EQ Shareowner Services, as the distribution agent appointed by Enovis to distribute to the shareholders of Enovis all of the outstanding shares of ESAB Stock pursuant to the Distribution.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Air and Gas Handling Business” shall mean the business of (i) manufacturing and producing air and gas handling equipment and steam turbines, including compressors, fans and heat exchangers and (ii) developing, producing and selling software, service and auxiliary hardware to support air and gas handling equipment.

Amended Financial Report” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).

 

2


Ancillary Agreements” means all Contracts entered into by the Parties or the members of their respective Groups (but to which no Third Party is a party) in connection with the Separation, the Distribution and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, the Stockholders’ Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement, the EBS License Agreement, the IP Matters Agreement and the Transfer Documents.

Approvals or Notifications” means any consents, waivers, approvals, permits or authorizations to be obtained from, notices, registrations or reports to be submitted to, or other filings to be made with, any third Person, including any Governmental Authority.

Assets” means assets, properties, claims and rights (including goodwill), wherever located (including in the possession of vendors or other third parties or elsewhere), of every kind, character and description, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible, intangible or contingent, in each case, whether or not recorded or reflected or required to be recorded or reflected on the books and records or financial statements of the applicable Person, including rights and benefits pursuant to any contract, license, permit, indenture, note, bond, mortgage, agreement, concession, franchise, instrument, undertaking, commitment, understanding or other arrangement, other than Tax assets (including any Tax items, attributes or rights to receive any Tax refund, credits or other items that cause a reduction in any otherwise required liability for Taxes).

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which banking institutions located in New York, New York are required or authorized by Law to be closed.

Business Records” means all files, documents, instruments, papers, books, reports, records, tapes, microfilms, photographs, letters, ledgers, journals, financial statements, technical documentation (design specifications, functional requirements, operating instructions, logic manuals, flow charts, etc.), user documentation (installation guides, user manuals, training materials, release notes, working papers, etc.), Tax Returns, other Tax work papers and files and other documents in whatever form, physical, electronic or otherwise.

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

Colfax-Formative Marks” means all Trademarks and domain names owned by Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries that contain the “Colfax” name, either alone or in combination with other words or elements.

Contract” means any written, oral, implied or other contract, agreement, covenant, lease, license, guaranty, indemnity, representation, warranty, assignment, sales order, purchase order, power of attorney, instrument or other commitment, assurance, undertaking or arrangement that is binding on any Person or entity or any part of its property under applicable Law.

Covered Matter” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.16(i).

 

3


Data Protection Laws” shall mean any and all Laws concerning the privacy, protection and security of personal information Laws throughout the world, including the GDPR and any national law supplementing the GDPR (such as, in the United Kingdom, the Data Protection Act 2018) or any successor laws arising out of the withdrawal of a member state from the European Union, the California Consumer Privacy Act, California Civil Code Title 1.81.5 (including all amendments and implementing regulations), and any regulations, or regulatory requirements, guidance and codes of practice applicable to the Processing of Personal Data (as amended and/or replaced from time to time).

Director” shall mean, with respect to any member of the ESAB Group or the Enovis Group, a member of the board of directors or managers, as applicable, of such entity.

Disclosure Document” shall mean any registration statement (including the Form 10) filed with the SEC by or on behalf of any Party or any member of its Group, and also includes any information statement (including the Information Statement), prospectus, offering memorandum, offering circular, periodic report or similar disclosure document, whether or not filed with the SEC or any other Governmental Authority, in each case which describes the Separation or the Distribution or the ESAB Group or primarily relates to the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Separation, the Distribution, the ESAB Cash Distribution or the ESAB Financing Arrangements.

Discontinued Assets” means the Assets of the Discontinued Businesses retained by Enovis pursuant to that certain Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2017, by and between Enovis and Circor International, Inc. and that certain Equity and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2019, by and among Enovis, Granite Holdings US Acquisition Co., Brilliant 3047. GMBH and the equity sellers party thereto, including, for the avoidance of doubt, those insurance policies set forth on Schedule 1.1A.

Discontinued Businesses” means Enovis’ previously divested Fluid Handling Business and Air and Gas Handling Business.

Discontinued Liabilities” means any and all Liabilities of the Discontinued Businesses retained by Enovis pursuant to that certain Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2017, by and between Enovis and Circor International, Inc. and that certain Equity and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2019, by and among Enovis, Granite Holdings US Acquisition Co., Brilliant 3047 GMBH and the equity sellers party thereto, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any and all asbestos-related contingencies and liabilities.

Dispute” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).

Dispute Committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.

Distribution” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Distribution Date” means the date on which Enovis, through the Agent, distributes [ • ]% of the issued and outstanding shares of ESAB Stock to holders of Enovis Stock in the Distribution.

 

4


EBS License Agreement” means that certain EBS License Agreement to be entered into between ESAB and Enovis or any members of their respective Groups in connection with the license of Enovis’ proprietary business system to ESAB.

Effective Time” means 11:59 p.m. New York time, or such other time as Enovis may determine, on the Distribution Date.

Employee Matters Agreement” means that certain Employee Matters Agreement to be entered into between Enovis and ESAB or any members of their respective Groups in connection with the Separation, the Distribution or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as such agreement may be modified or amended from time to time in accordance with its terms.

Enovis-Formative Marks” means all Trademarks and domain names owned by Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries that contain the “Enovis” name, either alone or in combination with other words or elements.

Enovis” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Enovis Accounts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).

Enovis Assets” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(c).

Enovis Board” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Enovis Business” means all businesses and operations (whether or not such businesses or operations are or have been terminated, divested or discontinued) conducted by Enovis and its Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time that are not included in the ESAB Business or the Discontinued Businesses.

Enovis Financing Arrangements” means [ • ].

Enovis Group” means, immediately after the Effective Time, (a) Enovis and (b) each Subsidiary of Enovis.

Enovis Indemnitees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.

Enovis Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(e).

Enovis Personal Data” means Personal Data of the Enovis Group that is used in or by, or otherwise related to, any Enovis Business.

Enovis Specified Marks” means (a) all Enovis-Formative Marks, (b) all Colfax-Formative Marks, (c) any other Trademarks and domain names of Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the ESAB Group) that are not used or held for use primarily in the ESAB Business, and (d) all Trademarks and domain names confusingly similar to or embodying any of the foregoing either alone or in combination with other words or elements, together with the goodwill associated with any of the foregoing; in each case, excluding the ESAB Specified Marks.

 

5


Enovis Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Environmental Law” means any Law relating to pollution, protection or restoration of or prevention of harm to the environment or natural resources, including the use, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, Release or discharge of Hazardous Materials or the protection of or prevention of harm to human health and safety.

Environmental Liabilities” means all Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Hazardous Materials, Environmental Law or Contract relating to environmental, health or safety matters (including all removal, remediation or cleanup costs, investigatory costs, response costs, natural resources damages, property damages, personal injury damages, costs of compliance, including with any product take-back requirements, or with any settlement, judgment or other determination of Liability and indemnity, contribution or similar obligations) and all costs and expenses, interest, fines, penalties or other monetary sanctions in connection therewith.

ESAB” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

ESAB Accounts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).

ESAB Articles of Incorporation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(f).

ESAB Assets” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).

ESAB Balance Sheet” means the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet of the ESAB Group as of December 31, 2021, including the notes thereto, included in the Information Statement.

ESAB Business” means (a) Enovis’ global “Fabrication Technology” business segment, consisting of (i) the formulation, development, manufacture and supply of consumable products and equipment for use in the cutting, joining and automated welding, as well as gas control equipment, (ii) fabrication technology equipment and (iii) digital software and solutions in connection with the foregoing, and (b) without limiting the foregoing clause (a), any terminated, divested or discontinued businesses, Assets or operations that were of such a nature that they would have been part of the ESAB Business (as described in the foregoing clause (a)) had they not been terminated, divested or discontinued (regardless of whether they ever operated under the “ESAB” name).

ESAB Business Records” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b)(x).

ESAB Cash Distribution” means $[ • ].

ESAB Contracts” shall mean any Contract to which either Party or any member of its Group is a party or by which it or any member of its Group or any of their respective Assets is bound, whether or not in writing, used or held for use primarily in the conduct of the ESAB Business; provided that ESAB Contracts shall not include (a) any Contract that is contemplated to be retained by Enovis or any member of the Enovis Group from and after the Effective Time pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or (b) any Contract referenced in Section 2.3(b).

 

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ESAB Financing Arrangements” means [ • ].

ESAB-Formative Marks” means all Trademarks and domain names owned by any member of the ESAB Group that contain the “ESAB” name, either alone or in combination with other words or elements.

ESAB Group” means, immediately after the Effective Time, (a) ESAB and (b) each Subsidiary of ESAB.

ESAB Indemnitees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

ESAB Intellectual Property” means (a) the Intellectual Property (other than any Enovis-Formative Marks or Colfax-Formative Marks) registered with any Governmental Authority owned by Enovis or any of its Affiliates that is exclusively used or exclusively held for use in connection with the ESAB Business as of the Effective Time as documented by the books and records of Enovis, (b) the ESAB Specified Marks, (c) all rights in any unregistered Intellectual Property, including Trademarks, that is related to the registered Intellectual Property described in clause (a), and (d) all other Intellectual Property owned or licensed by Enovis or any of its Affiliates and exclusively used or exclusively held for use in connection with the ESAB Business as of the Effective Time, in each case together with all rights, priorities and privileges accruing thereunder or pertaining thereto throughout the world (including all rights to sue or otherwise recover for past, present and future infringement thereof), but excluding the Excluded Intellectual Property.

ESAB Leases” means the leases, subleases, licenses or other occupancy agreements covering the Leased Real Property.

ESAB Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(d).

ESAB Permits” means all Permits owned or licensed by either Party or member of its respective Group exclusively used in the operation of the ESAB Business as of the Effective Time.

ESAB Personal Data” means Personal Data of the ESAB Group that is used in or by, or otherwise related to, any Enovis Business.

ESAB Properties” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b)(ix).

ESAB Specified Marks” means the Enovis-Formative Marks that are owned and used (or the subject of an intent-to-use application) by Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Separation, but only to the extent such Trademarks are used (or the subject of an intent-to-use application) in connection with the goods and services included in the ESAB Business.

ESAB Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

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Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same shall be in effect at the time reference is made thereto.

Excluded Intellectual Property” means any Intellectual Property licensed pursuant to Shared Contracts and the Enovis Specified Marks.

Fluid Handling Business” means the development, manufacture, marketing, sale, service and support of progressive cavity, two- and three-screw pumps, centrifugal pumps, seawater cooling pumps, internal gear pumps, oil mist lubrication systems and heat transfer fluid pumps, oil purification equipment, lubrication distribution systems, oil mist generators and bearing lubrication systems.

Force Majeure” means, with respect to a Party, an event beyond the control of such Party (or any Person acting on its behalf), which by its nature could not have been reasonably foreseen by such Party (or such Person) or, if it could have been reasonably foreseen, was unavoidable, and includes acts of God, storms, floods, riots, labor unrest, pandemics, nuclear incidents, fires, sabotage, civil commotion or civil unrest, interference by civil or military authorities, acts of war (declared or undeclared) or armed hostilities, or other national or international calamity or one or more acts of terrorism or failure of energy sources or distribution or transportation facilities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the receipt by a Party of an unsolicited takeover offer or other acquisition proposal, even if unforeseen or unavoidable, and such Party’s response thereto shall not be deemed an event of Force Majeure.

Form 10” means the registration statement on Form 10-12B (File No. [ • ]) filed by ESAB with the SEC to effect the registration of the ESAB Stock pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act in connection with the Distribution, including any amendments or supplements thereto.

GDPR” means the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679.

Governmental Approvals” means any notices or reports to be submitted to, or other filings to be made with, or any consents, registrations, approvals, permits or authorizations to be obtained from, any Governmental Authority.

Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state, province, municipality or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau, court, tribunal or other instrumentality, whether federal, state, provincial, regional, local, domestic, foreign or multinational, exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, administrative or other similar functions of, or pertaining to, government and any official thereof.

Group” means either the ESAB Group or the Enovis Group, as the context requires.

Hazardous Materials” means any chemical, material, substance, waste, pollutant, emission, discharge, release or contaminant that could result in liability under, or that is prohibited, limited or regulated by or pursuant to, any Environmental Law, and any natural or artificial substance (whether solid, liquid or gas, noise, ion, vapor or electromagnetic) that could

 

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cause harm to human health or the environment, including petroleum, petroleum products and byproducts, asbestos and asbestos-containing materials, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, electronic, medical or infectious wastes, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, radioactive substances, chlorofluorocarbons and all other ozone-depleting substances.

ICC Rules” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(a).

Indebtedness” means (a) all obligations of such specified Person for borrowed money or arising out of any extension of credit to or for the account of such specified Person (including reimbursement or payment obligations with respect to surety bonds, letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances and similar instruments), (b) all obligations of such specified Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such specified Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such specified Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to Assets purchased by such specified Person, (e) all obligations of such specified Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services, (f) all liabilities secured by (or for which any Person to which any such liability is owed has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any mortgage, lien, pledge or other encumbrance on property owned or acquired by such specified Person (or upon any revenues, income or profits of such specified Person therefrom), whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assumed by the specified Person or otherwise become liabilities of the specified Person, (g) all capital lease obligations of such specified Person, (h) all securities or other similar instruments convertible or exchangeable into any of the foregoing, but excluding daily cash overdrafts associated with routine cash operations, and (i) any liability of others of a type described in any of the preceding clauses (a) through (h) in respect of which the specified Person has incurred, assumed or acquired a liability by means of a guaranty, excluding any obligations related to Taxes.

Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a).

Indemnitee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a).

Indemnity Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a).

Information” means information, whether or not patentable or copyrightable, in written, oral, electronic or other tangible or intangible forms, stored in any medium and regardless of location, including (a) Technology and (b) to the extent not described by clause (a), technical, financial, employee or business information or data, studies, reports, records, books, contracts, instruments, surveys, discoveries, ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings, blueprints, diagrams, models, prototypes, samples, flow charts, data, computer data, disks, diskettes, tapes, computer programs or other software, marketing plans, customer names and records, supplier names and records, customer and supplier lists, customer and vendor data or correspondence, communications by or to attorneys (including attorney-client privileged communications), memos and other materials prepared by attorneys or under their direction (including attorney work product), and other financial employee or business information or data, files, papers, tapes, keys, correspondence, plans, invoices, forms, product data and literature, promotional and advertising materials, operating manuals, instructional documents, quality records and regulatory and compliance records.

 

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Information Statement” means the Information Statement attached as an exhibit to the Form 10 and any related documents to be provided to the holders of Enovis Stock in connection with the Distribution, including any amendment or supplement thereto.

Initial Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.

Insurance Proceeds” means those monies: (a) received by an insured Person from any insurer, insurance underwriter, mutual protection and indemnity club or other risk collective; or (b) paid on behalf of an insured Person by any insurer, insurance underwriter, mutual protection and indemnity club or other risk collective, on behalf of the insured, in either such case net of any costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof; provided, however, that with respect to a captive insurance arrangement, Insurance Proceeds shall only include net amounts received by the captive insurer from a Third Party in respect of any captive reinsurance arrangement.

Intellectual Property” means all intellectual property in any and all jurisdictions throughout the world, including all: (a) patents, patent applications (including patents issued thereon) and statutory invention registrations, including reissues, divisions, continuations, continuations in part, substitutions, renewals, extensions and reexaminations of any of the foregoing, and all rights in any of the foregoing provided by international treaties or conventions, (b) Trademarks, (c) Internet domain names, (d) copyrights, mask works, database rights and design rights, whether or not registered, and all registrations and applications for registration of any of the foregoing, and all rights in and to any of the foregoing provided by international treaties or conventions, (e) any intellectual property rights in unpatented technology, and inventions (whether or not patentable and whether or not reduced to practice), invention disclosures, ideas, formulas, compositions, inventor’s notes, discoveries and improvements, manufacturing and production processes and techniques, testing information, research and development information, drawings, specifications, designs, plans, proposals and technical data, trade secrets, confidential information, data, know-how, product designs and development, methods and processes, testing tools and materials, customer information, marketing materials and market surveys and (f) intellectual property rights arising from or in respect of any Software, social media accounts and handles, or technology.

Intended Transferee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Intended Transferor” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Intercompany” means, with respect to any Contract, balance, arrangement or other legal or financial relationship, established at or prior to the Effective Time, that such Contract, balance, arrangement or other legal or financial relationship is (a) between or among one or more members of the ESAB Group and one or more members of the Enovis Group, as applicable, or (b) between or among the ESAB Business and the Enovis Business, even if within the same legal entity (in which case the applicable Contract, balance, arrangement or other legal or financial relationship shall be deemed to be binding as if it was between separate legal entities).

 

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IP Matters Agreement” means that certain Intellectual Property Matters Agreement to be entered into between ESAB and Enovis or any members of their respective Groups in connection with the license of certain Enovis Intellectual Property to ESAB, on the one hand, and the license of certain ESAB Intellectual Property to Enovis, on the other hand.

Joint Claims” means any claim or series of related claims under any insurance policy that results or could reasonably be expected to result in the payment of Insurance Proceeds to or for the benefit of both one or more members of the Enovis Group and one or more members of the ESAB Group.

Law” means any national, supranational, federal, state, provincial, regional, local or similar law (including common law), statute, code, order, ordinance, rule, regulation, treaty (including any income tax treaty), license, permit, authorization, approval, consent, decree, injunction, binding judicial or administrative interpretation or other legally enforceable requirement, in each case, enacted, promulgated, issued or entered by a Governmental Authority.

Leased Real Property” means (a) the real property leased, subleased, licensed or otherwise used by Enovis or any other member of the Enovis Group and used primarily in the ESAB Business and (b) the real property leased, subleased, licensed or otherwise used by any member of the ESAB Group, in each case as tenant.

Liabilities” means any and all Indebtedness, guarantees, assurances, commitments, liabilities, responsibilities, Losses, remediation, deficiencies, reimbursement obligations in respect of letters of credit, damages, payments, fines, penalties, claims, settlements, judgments, sanctions, costs, expenses, interest and obligations of any nature or kind, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, accrued or not accrued, asserted or unasserted, liquidated or unliquidated, foreseen or unforeseen, known or unknown, reserved or unreserved, reflected on a balance sheet or otherwise, or determined or determinable, including those arising under any Law, claim (including any Third-Party Claim), demand, Action, or order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Authority or arbitration tribunal, and those arising under any Contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment or undertaking or terms of employment, whether imposed or sought to be imposed by a Governmental Authority, another third Person, or a Party, whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute, or otherwise, in each case, including all costs, expenses, interest, attorneys’ fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel, expert and consulting fees and costs related thereto or to the investigation or defense thereof, in each case (a) including any fines, damages or equitable relief that is imposed in connection therewith and (b) other than Taxes.

Licensed Intellectual Property” means Intellectual Property (other than Trademarks) owned by the Enovis Group and used or held for use as of the Effective Time in connection with the ESAB Business, but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any ESAB Intellectual Property.

Losses” means any and all damages, losses (including diminution in value), deficiencies, Liabilities, obligations, penalties, judgments, settlements, claims, payments, interest costs, fines and expenses (including the costs and expenses of any and all Actions and demands, assessments, judgments, settlements and compromises relating thereto and attorneys’, accountants’, consultants’ and other professionals’ fees and expenses incurred in the investigation or defense thereof or the enforcement rights hereunder), whether or not involving a Third-Party Claim, other than Taxes.

 

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Misdirected Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(g).

NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

Parties” or “Party” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Permit” means all permits, licenses, franchises, authorizations, concessions, certificates, consents, exemptions, approvals, variances, registrations, or similar authorizations from any Governmental Authority.

Person” means any individual, general or limited partnership, corporation, business trust, joint venture, association, company, limited liability company, unincorporated organization, a limited liability entity, any other entity and any Governmental Authority.

Personal Data” shall have the meaning set forth in the GDPR.

Prime Rate” shall mean the rate that Bloomberg displays as “Prime Rate by Country United States” on a Bloomberg terminal at PRIMBB Index.

Privileged Information” means any information, in written, oral, electronic or other tangible or intangible forms, including any communications by or to attorneys (including attorney-client privileged communications), memoranda and other materials prepared by attorneys or under their direction (including attorney work product), as to which a party or its respective Subsidiaries would be entitled to assert or have a privilege, including the attorney-client and attorney work product privileges.

Processing” shall have the meaning set forth in the GDPR.

Record Date” means 5:00 p.m. New York time on the date to be determined by the Enovis Board as the record date for determining shareholders of Enovis entitled to receive shares of ESAB Stock in the Distribution.

Record Holders” means the holders of record of Enovis Stock as of the Record Date.

Records Facility” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(a).

Release” means any release, spill, emission, discharge, leaking, pumping, pouring, dumping, injection, deposit, disposal, dispersal, leaching or migration of Hazardous Materials into the environment (including ambient air, surface water, groundwater and surface or subsurface strata).

Representatives” means, with respect to any Person, any of such Person’s directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, advisors, accountants, attorneys or other representatives.

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same shall be in effect at the time reference is made thereto.

Separation” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Shared Contract” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

Shared Permit” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

Software” means any and all (a) computer programs, including any and all software implementation of algorithms, models and methodologies, whether in source code, object code, human readable form or other form, (b) databases and compilations, including any and all data and collections of data, whether machine-readable or otherwise, (c) descriptions, flow charts and other work products used to design, plan, organize and develop any of the foregoing, (d) screens, user interfaces, report formats, firmware, development tools, templates, menus, buttons and icons and (e) documentation, including user manuals and other training documentation, relating to any of the foregoing.

Specified Ancillary Agreements” means the agreements set forth on Schedule 1.1B.

Specified Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(g).

Stored Records” means Tangible Information held in a Records Facility maintained or arranged for by a party other than the party that owns such Tangible Information.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, joint venture or partnership of which such Person (a) beneficially owns or controls, either directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of (i) the total combined voting power of all classes of voting securities of such Person, (ii) the total combined equity interests of such Person or (iii) the capital or profit interests, in the case of a partnership of such Person, or (b) otherwise has the power to vote, either directly or indirectly, sufficient securities to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body of such Person.

Tangible Information” means Information that is contained in written, electronic or other tangible forms.

Tax” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.

Tax Matters Agreement” means that certain Tax Matters Agreement to be entered into between Enovis and ESAB in connection with the Separation, the Distribution or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as such agreement may be modified or amended from time to time in accordance with its terms.

Tax Returns” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.

 

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Technology” shall mean all technology, designs, formulae, algorithms, procedures, methods, discoveries, processes, techniques, ideas, know-how, research and development, technical data, tools, materials, specifications, processes, inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), apparatus, creations, improvements, works of authorship in any media, confidential, proprietary or nonpublic information, and other similar materials, all customized applications, completely developed applications and modifications to commercial applications, and all recordings, graphs, drawings, reports, analyses and other writings, and other tangible embodiments of the foregoing in any form, in each case, other than Software.

Third Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(a).

Third-Party Claim” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(a).

Trademarks” means all trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade dress, logos and other source or business identifiers, including all goodwill associated with any of the foregoing and any and all common law rights in and to any of the foregoing, registrations and applications for registration of any of the foregoing, all rights in and to any of the foregoing provided by international treaties or conventions, and all reissues, extensions and renewals of any of the foregoing.

Transfer Documents means transfer, contribution, distribution or other similar agreements, bills of sale, special warranty deeds, stock powers, certificates of title, assignments of contracts and other instruments of transfer, conveyance and assignment entered into, as of or prior to the Effective Time, between one or more members of the Enovis Group, on the one hand, and one or more members of the ESAB Group, on the other hand, as and to the extent necessary to evidence: (a) the transfer, conveyance and assignment of all of such Party’s and the applicable members of its Group’s right, title and interest in and to the Assets to the other Party and the applicable members of its Group in accordance with Section 2.1(a); and (b) the valid and effective assumption of the Liabilities by such Party or the applicable members of its Group in accordance with Section 2.1(a).

Transition Services Agreement” means that certain Transition Services Agreement to be entered into between ESAB and Enovis or any members of their respective Groups in connection with the Distribution or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as such agreement may be modified or amended from time to time in accordance with its terms.

1.2 Interpretation. In this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement, (a) words in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be deemed to include the other genders as the context requires; (b) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “herewith” and words of similar import, and the terms “Agreement” and “Ancillary Agreement” shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement or the applicable Ancillary Agreement as a whole (including all of the Schedules, Exhibits, Annexes and Appendices hereto and thereto) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreement; (c) Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule and Appendix references are to the Articles, Sections, Exhibits, Schedules and Appendices to this Agreement (or the applicable Ancillary Agreement) unless otherwise specified; (d) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement (or the applicable Ancillary Agreement) shall mean “including, without limitation”; (e) the word “or” shall not be exclusive; (f) unless

 

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expressly stated to the contrary in this Agreement, all references to “the date hereof,” “the date of this Agreement,” and words of similar import shall all be references to the date first stated in the preamble to this Agreement, regardless of any amendment or restatement hereof; (g) unless otherwise provided, all references to “$” or “dollars” are to United States dollars; and (h) references to the performance, discharge or fulfillment of any Liability in accordance with its terms shall have meaning only to the extent such Liability has terms, and if the Liability does not have terms, the reference shall mean performance, discharge or fulfillment of such Liability.

ARTICLE II.

SEPARATION

2.1 Transfers of Assets and Assumptions of Liabilities; ESAB Assets; Enovis Assets.

(a) In order to effect the Separation, the Parties shall, to the extent necessary, cause, and shall, to the extent necessary, cause the members of their respective Groups to cause, (i) the ESAB Group to own, to the extent it does not already own, all of the ESAB Assets and none of the Enovis Assets, and (ii) the ESAB Group to be liable for, to the extent it is not already liable for, all of the ESAB Liabilities.

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, “ESAB Assets” shall mean:

(i) all Assets of either Party or any member of its Group included or reflected as Assets of the ESAB Group on the ESAB Balance Sheet (including cash, cash equivalents or marketable securities on hand or in bonds, but excluding any cash, cash equivalents or marketable securities to be utilized in the ESAB Cash Distribution (the “ESAB Cash”)), subject to any dispositions of such Assets subsequent to the date of the ESAB Balance Sheet; provided, that the amounts set forth on the ESAB Balance Sheet with respect to any Assets shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Assets that are included in the definition of ESAB Assets pursuant to this clause (i);

(ii) all Assets of either Party or any member of its Group as of the Effective Time that are of a nature or type that would have resulted in such Assets being included as Assets of ESAB or members of the ESAB Group as of the Effective Time if a balance sheet, notes and subledgers were to be prepared on a basis consistent with the determination of the Assets included on the ESAB Balance Sheet, it being understood that (x) the ESAB Balance Sheet shall be used to determine the types of, and methodologies used to determine, those Assets that are included in the definition of ESAB Assets pursuant to this clause (ii) and (y) the amounts set forth on the ESAB Balance Sheet with respect to any Assets shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Assets that are included in the definition of ESAB Assets pursuant to this clause (ii);

(iii) all Assets of either Party or any member of its Group as of the Effective Time that are related to or arising out of the Discontinued Businesses, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Discontinued Assets;

 

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(iv) all issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity securities of the Persons set forth on Schedule 2.1(b)(iv) owned by either Party or a member of its respective Group as of the Effective Time;

(v) all ESAB Contracts and all rights, interests or claims of either Party or any member of its respective Group thereunder as of the Effective Time;

(vi) all ESAB Intellectual Property and all rights, interests or claims of either Party or any member of its respective Group thereunder as of the Effective Time;

(vii) all ESAB Leases and all rights, interests or claims of either Party or any member of its respective Group thereunder as of the Effective Time;

(viii) all ESAB Permits and all rights, interests or claims of either Party or any member of its respective Group thereunder as of the Effective Time;

(ix) without limiting the generality of clauses (i) and (ii), all real property owned by ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group as of the Effective Time, together with all buildings, fixtures and improvements erected thereon (“ESAB Properties”);

(x) all rights, claims, demands, causes of action, judgments, decrees and rights to indemnity or contribution, whether absolute or contingent, contractual or otherwise, in favor of Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries exclusively related to the ESAB Business or Discontinued Businesses, including the right to sue, recover and retain such recoveries and the right to continue in the name of any member of the ESAB Group any pending actions relating to the foregoing, and to recover and retain any damages therefrom;

(xi) all Business Records exclusively related to the ESAB Business or the Discontinued Businesses (together, the “ESAB Business Records”);

(xii) all Assets of either Party or any member of its respective Group as of the Effective Time that are expressly provided by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets to be transferred to any member of the ESAB Group; and

(xiii) all assets set forth on Schedule 2.1(b)(xiii).

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ESAB Assets shall not in any event include any Asset referred to in Section 2.1(c).

(c) For purposes of this Agreement, “Enovis Assets” shall mean all Assets of either Party or the members of its Group as of the Effective Time, other than the ESAB Assets, including:

(i) all Assets of either Party or any member of its respective Group as of the Effective Time that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets to be retained by any member of the Enovis Group;

(ii) all Contracts of either Party or any member of its respective Group and all rights, interests or claims of either Party or any member of its respective Group thereunder as of the Effective Time other than the ESAB Contracts;

(iii) all Intellectual Property of either Party or any member of its respective Group and all rights, interests or claims of either Party or any member of its respective Group thereunder as of the Effective Time, including the Excluded Intellectual Property, but excluding the ESAB Intellectual Property;

(iv) all Permits of either Party or any member of its Group and all rights, interests or claims of either Party or any member of its respective Group thereunder as of the Effective Time other than the ESAB Permits;

(v) any Contract granting a party the right to lease, sublease, use or otherwise occupy any real property and all rights, interests or claims of either Party or any member of its respective Group thereunder as of the Effective Time other than the ESAB Leases;

(vi) all real property owned by Enovis or any member of the Enovis Group as of the Effective Time together with all buildings, fixtures and improvements erected thereon (“Enovis Properties”);

(vii) all cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities on hand or in banks, other than ESAB Cash;

(viii) all Business Records other than the ESAB Business Records; and

(ix) all assets set forth on Schedule 2.1(c)(ix).

(d) For purposes of this Agreement, “ESAB Liabilities” shall mean any and all Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to, at or after the Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Effective Time), in each case to the extent that such Liabilities relate to, arise out of or result from the ESAB Business, an ESAB Asset or the Discontinued Businesses, including:

(i) all Liabilities included or reflected as liabilities or obligations of ESAB or the members of the ESAB Group on the ESAB Balance Sheet, subject to any discharge of such Liabilities subsequent to the date of the ESAB Balance Sheet; provided, that the amounts set forth on the ESAB Balance Sheet with respect to any Liabilities shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Liabilities that are included in the definition of ESAB Liabilities pursuant to this clause (i);

 

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(ii) all Liabilities as of the Effective Time that are of a nature or type that would have resulted in such Liabilities being included or reflected as liabilities or obligations of ESAB or the members of the ESAB Group as of the Effective Time if a balance sheet, notes and subledgers were to be prepared on a basis consistent with the determination of the Liabilities included on the ESAB Balance Sheet, it being understood that (x) the ESAB Balance Sheet shall be used to determine the types of, and methodologies used to determine, those Liabilities that are included in the definition of ESAB Liabilities pursuant to this clause (ii) and (y) the amounts set forth on the ESAB Balance Sheet with respect to any Liabilities shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Liabilities that are included in the definition of ESAB Liabilities pursuant to this clause (ii);

(iii) all Liabilities of either Party or any member of its Group as of the Effective Time relating to, arising out of or resulting from the actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to out of the Discontinued Businesses, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Discontinued Liabilities;

(iv) any and all Liabilities that are expressly provided by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Liabilities to be assumed by ESAB or any other member of the ESAB Group, and all agreements, obligations and Liabilities of any member of the ESAB Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements;

(v) all Liabilities based upon, relating to or arising from the ESAB Contracts;

(vi) all Liabilities based upon, relating to or arising from Intellectual Property to the extent used or held for use in the ESAB Business;

(vii) all Liabilities based upon, relating to or arising from the ESAB Permits;

(viii) all Liabilities with respect to terminated, divested or discontinued businesses, Assets or operations that were of such a nature that they would be or would have been part of the ESAB Business had they not been terminated, divested or discontinued (regardless of whether they ever operated under the “ESAB” name), and all Liabilities of Enovis related thereto unless such Liabilities are expressly retained by Enovis pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements;

(ix) all Liabilities based upon, relating to or arising from all ESAB Leases;

 

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(x) all Liabilities with respect to the ESAB Properties;

(xi) all Environmental Liabilities arising at, prior to or after the Effective Time to the extent based upon, relating to or arising from the conduct of the ESAB Business or the Discontinued Businesses, in each case, as currently or formerly conducted (including at any properties that were previously owned or operated in connection with the ESAB Business) or the ESAB Assets or the ESAB Properties;

(xii) all Liabilities arising out of claims made by any Third Party (including Enovis’ or ESAB’s respective directors, officers, shareholders, employees and agents) against any member of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the ESAB Business, the Discontinued Businesses or the ESAB Assets or the other business, operations, activities or Liabilities referred to in clauses (i) through (xi) above; and

(xiii) all Liabilities set forth on Schedule 2.1(d)(xiii).

(e) For the purposes of this Agreement, “Enovis Liabilities” means the following Liabilities of either Party or the members of its respective Group:

(i) all Liabilities that are expressly provided by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Liabilities to be assumed or retained by Enovis or any other member of the Enovis Group, and all agreements, obligations and Liabilities of any member of the Enovis Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements;

(ii) all Liabilities to the extent (and only to the extent) based upon, relating to or arising from the operation or conduct of the Enovis Business, but excluding in all circumstances the ESAB Liabilities;

(iii) all Liabilities with respect to the Enovis Properties; and

(iv) all Liabilities arising out of claims made by any Third Party (including Enovis’ or ESAB’s respective directors, officers, shareholders, current and former employees and agents) against any member of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Enovis Business or the Enovis Assets or the Liabilities referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above (whether such claims arise, in each case before, at or after the Effective Time).

(f) Enovis and its Subsidiaries hereby waive compliance by each and every member of the Enovis Group with the requirements and provisions of any “bulk-sale” or “bulk-transfer” Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the ESAB Assets to any member of the ESAB Group.

 

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2.2 Nonassignable Contracts and Permits. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, this Agreement shall not constitute an agreement to assign any Asset or Liability if an assignment or attempted assignment of the same without the consent of another Person would constitute a breach thereof or in any way impair the rights of a Party thereunder or give to any third party any rights with respect thereto. If any such consent is not obtained or if an attempted assignment would be ineffective or would impair such party’s rights under any such Asset or Liability so that the party entitled to the benefits and responsibilities of such purported transfer (the “Intended Transferee”) would not receive all such rights and responsibilities, then (a) the party purporting to make such transfer (the “Intended Transferor”) shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide or cause to be provided to the Intended Transferee, to the extent permitted by Law, the benefits of any such Asset or Liability and the Intended Transferor shall promptly pay or cause to be paid to the Intended Transferee when received all moneys received by the Intended Transferor with respect to any such Asset and (b) in consideration thereof the Intended Transferee shall pay, perform and discharge on behalf of the Intended Transferor all of the Intended Transferor’s Liabilities thereunder in a timely manner and in accordance with the terms thereof which it may do without breach and, at the Intended Transferor’s request, the Intended Transferee shall promptly reimburse or prepay (at the Intended Transferor’s election) the Intended Transferor for all amounts paid or due by the Intended Transferor on behalf of the Intended Transferee with respect to such non-assignable Asset or Liability. In addition, the Intended Transferor and the Intended Transferee shall each take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the other Party in order to place the other Party, insofar as reasonably possible, in the same position as if such Asset had been transferred as contemplated hereby and so all the benefits and burdens relating thereto, including possession, use, risk of loss, Liability, potential for gain and dominion, control and command, shall inure to the Intended Transferee. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of the Parties shall, and shall cause the members of its respective Group to, (i) treat for all Tax purposes any such Asset or Liability as having been transferred to and owned by the Intended Transferee not later than the Effective Time and (ii) neither report nor take any Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment (unless required by a change in applicable Tax Law or good faith resolution of any audit, review, examination, contest, litigation, investigation or any other administrative or judicial proceeding with the purpose or effect of redetermining Taxes (including any administrative or judicial review of any claim for refund)). If and when such consents and approvals are obtained, the transfer of the applicable Asset shall be effected in accordance with the terms of this Agreement insofar as is reasonably possible (taking into account any applicable restrictions or considerations, in each case relating to the contemplated Tax treatment of the transactions contemplated hereby).

2.3 Termination of Intercompany Agreements.

(a) Except as set forth in Section 2.3(b), in furtherance of the releases and other provisions set forth in Article III, Enovis and each member of the Enovis Group, on the one hand, and ESAB and each member of the ESAB Group, on the other hand, hereby terminate any and all (i) Intercompany balances and accounts arising out of Intercompany Indebtedness, whether or not in writing, between or among Enovis or any member of the Enovis Group or any entity that shall be a member of the Enovis Group as of the Effective Time, on the one hand, and ESAB or any other member of the ESAB Group, on the other hand, effective as of the Effective Time, such that no Party or any member of its Group shall have any continuing obligation with

 

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respect thereto and otherwise in such a manner as Enovis shall determine in good faith (including by means of dividends, distributions, contribution, the creation or repayment of intercompany debt, increasing or decreasing of cash pool balances or otherwise), and (ii) all Intercompany agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings, including all obligations to provide goods, services or other benefits, whether or not in writing, between or among Enovis or any member of the Enovis Group, on the one hand, and ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group, on the other hand (other than as set forth in Section 2.3(b)), without further payment or performance such that no party thereto shall have any further obligations therefor or thereunder. No such terminated balance, account, agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding (including any provision thereof which purports to survive termination) shall be of any further force or effect after the Effective Time. Each Party shall, at the reasonable request of any other Party, take, or cause to be taken, such other actions as may be necessary to effect the foregoing.

(b) The provisions of Section 2.3(a) shall not apply to any of the following agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings (or to any of the provisions thereof): (i) this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (and each other agreement or instrument expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to be entered into by any of the Parties or any of the members of their respective Groups, including, for the avoidance of doubt, those agreements and instruments entered into in connection with the ESAB Financing Arrangements or the Enovis Financing Arrangements); (ii) any Intercompany balances and accounts arising other than out of Intercompany Indebtedness; (iii) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings filed as an exhibit, whether in preliminary or final form, to the Form 10 or otherwise listed or described on Schedule 2.3(b)(iii); (iv) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which any Person other than the Parties and the members of their respective Groups is a party (it being understood that to the extent that the rights and obligations of the Parties and the members of their respective Groups under any such agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings constitute ESAB Assets, Enovis Assets, ESAB Liabilities or Enovis Liabilities, they shall be assigned pursuant to Section 2.1(a) to the extent they are not already held by a member of the applicable Group); (v) any Shared Contracts; and (vi) any other agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings that this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement expressly contemplates shall survive the Effective Time.

(c) Each Intercompany balance and account (other than such balances and accounts arising out of Intercompany Indebtedness, which are cancelled pursuant to Section 2.3(a)) outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be net settled and paid as of the Effective Time within ninety (90) days of the Effective Time by the Party (or the member of its Group) owing such net amount; provided, however, that any receivable or payable arising pursuant to an agreement, arrangement or understanding described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iv) of Section 2.3(b) shall not be included in such net settlement and shall instead be settled in accordance with the terms of such agreement, arrangement or understanding (but in no event later than ninety (90) days after the Effective Time) by the Party (or the member of its Group) owing such net amount.

2.4 Treatment of Shared Contracts and Shared Permits. Subject to applicable Law and except as otherwise provided in any Ancillary Agreement, and without limiting the generality of the obligations set forth in Section 2.1, unless the Parties otherwise agree or the

 

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benefits of any Contract or Permit described in this Section 2.4 are expressly conveyed to the applicable Party pursuant to this Agreement or an Ancillary Agreement, (a) any Contract entered into by a member of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group with a third party that is not an ESAB Asset, but pursuant to which a member of the ESAB Group, as of the Effective Time, has been provided certain revenues or other benefits or incurred any Liability (any such Contract, a “Shared Contract”) and (b) any Permit held by a member of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group that is not an ESAB Asset, but pursuant to which a member of the ESAB Group, as of the Effective Time, has conducted the ESAB Business in reliance thereon (any such permit, a “Shared Permit”), in each case, shall not be assigned in relevant part to the applicable members of the ESAB Group or amended to give the relevant members of the ESAB Group any entitlement to such rights and benefits thereunder; provided, however, that the Parties shall, and shall cause each of the members of their respective Groups to, take such other reasonable and permissible actions to cause to the extent permitted under applicable Law: (i) the relevant member of the ESAB Group to receive the rights and benefits previously provided in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice, pursuant to such Shared Contract or Shared Permit; and (ii) the relevant member of the ESAB Group to bear the burden of the applicable Liabilities under such Shared Contract or Shared Permit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no member of the Enovis Group shall be required by this Section 2.4 to maintain in effect any Shared Contract or Shared Permit, and no member of the ESAB Group shall have any approval or other rights with respect to any amendment, termination or other modification of any Shared Contract or Shared Permit.

2.5 Bank Accounts; Cash Balances; Misdirected Payments.

(a) Each Party agrees to take, or cause the applicable members of its respective Group to take, at the Effective Time (or such earlier time as the Parties may agree), all actions necessary to amend all Contracts governing each bank and brokerage account, including lockbox accounts, owned by Enovis or any other member of the Enovis Group (collectively, the “Enovis Accounts”) so that such Enovis Accounts, if currently linked (whether by automatic withdrawal, automatic deposit or any other authorization to transfer funds from or to, hereinafter “linked”) to any bank or brokerage account, including lockbox accounts, owned by any member of the ESAB Group (collectively, the “ESAB Accounts”) are de-linked from the ESAB Accounts.

(b) Each Party agrees to take, or cause the applicable members of its respective Group to take, at the Effective Time (or such earlier time as the Parties may agree), all actions necessary to amend all Contracts governing the ESAB Accounts so that such ESAB Accounts, if currently linked to an Enovis Account, are de-linked from the Enovis Accounts.

(c) It is intended that, following consummation of the actions contemplated by Sections 2.5(a) and 2.5(b), there shall be in place a centralized cash management process pursuant to which (i) the Enovis Accounts shall be managed centrally and funds collected shall be transferred into one or more centralized accounts maintained by Enovis and (ii) the ESAB Accounts shall be managed centrally and funds collected shall be transferred into one or more centralized accounts maintained by ESAB. In the event that at any time or from time to time after the Effective Time, (i) any member of the Enovis Group receives any cash or cash equivalents that relate to the ESAB Business, Enovis shall promptly transfer, or cause to be

 

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transferred, such cash or cash equivalent to the appropriate member of the ESAB Group designated by ESAB and (ii) any member of the ESAB Group receives any cash or cash equivalents that relate to the Enovis Business, ESAB shall promptly transfer, or cause to be transferred, such cash or cash equivalent to the appropriate member of the Enovis Group designated by Enovis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all cash in the ESAB Accounts at the Effective Time (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any cash to be utilized in the ESAB Cash Distribution) shall remain with ESAB or one of its Group members, and all cash in the Enovis Accounts at the Effective Time shall remain with Enovis or one of its Group members.

(d) With respect to any outstanding checks issued or payments initiated by Enovis, ESAB or any of their respective Group members prior to the Effective Time, such outstanding checks and payments shall be honored following the Effective Time by the Person or Group owning the account on which the check is drawn or from which the payment was initiated. In addition, any outstanding checks or payments issued by a third party for the benefit of Enovis, ESAB or any of their respective Group members prior to the Effective Time shall be honored following the Effective Time and payment shall be made to the party to whom the check or payment was issued.

(e) With respect to the payments described in Section 2.5(d), in the event that:

(i) ESAB or one of its Group members initiates a payment prior to the Effective Time that is honored following the Effective Time, and to the extent such payment relates to the Enovis Business, then Enovis shall reimburse ESAB for such payment as soon as reasonably practicable and in no event later than seven (7) days after such payment is honored; or

(ii) Enovis or one of its Group members initiates a payment prior to the Effective Time that is honored following the Effective Time, and to the extent such payment relates to the ESAB Business or the Discontinued Businesses, then ESAB shall reimburse Enovis for such payment as soon as reasonably practicable and in no event later than seven (7) days after such payment is honored.

(f) Prior to or concurrently with the Effective Time, (i) Enovis shall cause all Enovis employees to be removed as authorized signatories on all bank accounts maintained by the ESAB Group and (ii) ESAB shall cause all ESAB employees to be removed as authorized signatories on all bank accounts maintained by the Enovis Group.

(g) As between ESAB and Enovis (for purposes of this Section 2.5(g), each a “Specified Party”) (and the members of their respective Groups), all payments made to and reimbursements received by either Specified Party (or any member of its Group), in each case after the Effective Time, that relate to a business, Asset or Liability of the other Specified Party (or any member of such other Specified Party’s Group) (each, a “Misdirected Payment”), shall be held in trust by the recipient Specified Party for the use and benefit of the other Specified Party (or member of such other Specified Party’s Group entitled thereto) (at the expense of the party entitled thereto). Each Specified Party shall maintain an accounting of any such Misdirected Payments received by such Specified Party or any member of its Group, and the Specified Parties shall have a monthly reconciliation, whereby all such Misdirected Payments

 

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received by each Specified Party are calculated and the net amount owed to the other Specified Party (or members of the other Specified Party’s Group) shall be paid over to the other Specified Party (for further distribution to the applicable members of such other Specified Party’s Group). If at any time the net amount in respect of Misdirected Payments owed to either Specified Party exceeds $1,000,000, an interim payment of such net amount owed shall be made to the Specified Party entitled thereto within three (3) Business Days of such amount exceeding $1,000,000. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Specified Party (nor any of the members of its Group) shall act as collection agent for the other Specified Party (or any of the members of its Group), nor shall either Specified Party (or any members of its Group) act as surety or endorser with respect to non-sufficient funds checks, or funds to be returned in a bankruptcy or fraudulent conveyance action.

2.6 ESAB Financing Arrangements; Enovis Financing Arrangements; Cash Distribution.

(a) Prior to the Effective Time, ESAB entered into the ESAB Financing Arrangements. ESAB and Enovis shall cause all conditions relating to the ESAB Financing Arrangements to be satisfied concurrently with the Effective Time. ESAB and Enovis agree to take all necessary actions to assure the full release and discharge of Enovis and the other members of the Enovis Group from all obligations pursuant to the ESAB Financing Arrangements as of no later than the Effective Time.

(b) Prior to the Effective Time, Enovis entered into the Enovis Financing Arrangements. Enovis shall cause all conditions relating to the Enovis Financing Arrangements to be satisfied concurrently with the Effective Time. Enovis agrees to take all necessary actions to assure the full release and discharge of ESAB and the other members of the ESAB Group from all obligations pursuant to the Enovis Financing Arrangements as of no later than the Effective Time.

(c) Prior to the Effective Time, ESAB shall distribute the ESAB Cash Distribution to Enovis in partial consideration of the transfer of the ESAB Assets to ESAB pursuant to the Separation. In order to effectuate the ESAB Cash Distribution, ESAB shall, sufficiently prior to the Effective Time, (i) issue irrevocable instructions to each Person necessary to cause the lenders to the ESAB Financing Arrangements to fund, on behalf of ESAB, the amount of the ESAB Cash Distribution from the proceeds of the ESAB Financing Arrangements directly to an account of Enovis designated by Enovis and (ii) cause its board of directors to take all corporate and other action, and issue irrevocable instructions to any Person, as may be necessary to declare and pay the ESAB Cash Distribution to Enovis. From and after the Effective Time, ESAB shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by Law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding, arbitration or otherwise that the foregoing actions and procedures regarding the ESAB Cash Distribution are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator or otherwise that ESAB is bound to have made the ESAB Cash Distribution and use best efforts to pay the ESAB Cash Distribution amount to Enovis if such amount is not received by Enovis prior to or at the Effective Time.

 

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2.7 Misallocated Assets and Liabilities.

(a) In the event that, at any time from and after the Effective Time, either Party discovers that it or another member of its Group is the owner of, receives or otherwise comes to possess or benefit from any Asset (including the receipt of payments made pursuant to Contracts and proceeds from accounts receivable with respect to such Asset) that should have been allocated to a member of the other Group pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (except in the case of any deliberate acquisition of Assets from a member of the other Group for value subsequent to the Effective Time), insofar as is reasonably possible (taking into account any applicable restrictions or considerations, in each case relating to the contemplated Tax treatment of the transactions contemplated hereby), such Party shall promptly transfer, or cause to be transferred, such Asset to such member of the other Group, and such member of the other Group shall accept such Asset for no further consideration other than that set forth in this Agreement and such Ancillary Agreement. Prior to any such transfer, such Asset shall be held in accordance with Section 2.2.

(b) In the event that, at any time from and after the Effective Time, either Party discovers that it or another member of its Group is liable for any Liability that should have been allocated to a member of the other Group pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (except in the case of any deliberate assumption of Liabilities from a member of the other Group for value subsequent to the Effective Time), insofar as is reasonably possible (taking into account any applicable restrictions or considerations, in each case relating to the contemplated Tax treatment of the transactions contemplated hereby), such Party shall promptly transfer, or cause to be transferred, such Liability to such member of the other Group and such member of the other Group shall assume such Liability for no further consideration than that set forth in this Agreement and such Ancillary Agreement. Prior to any such assumption, such Liabilities shall be held in accordance with Section 2.2.

2.8 Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties. EACH OF ENOVIS (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE ENOVIS GROUP) AND ESAB (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE ESAB GROUP) UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT, NO PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE, IS REPRESENTING OR WARRANTING IN ANY WAY AS TO THE ASSETS, BUSINESSES OR LIABILITIES TRANSFERRED, ASSUMED OR LICENSED AS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY ASSETS, BUSINESSES OR LIABILITIES TRANSFERRED, ASSUMED OR LICENSED UNDER THIS ARTICLE II), AS TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AS TO ANY CONSENTS OR APPROVALS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, AS TO THE VALUE OR FREEDOM FROM ANY

 

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SECURITY INTERESTS OF, OR ANY OTHER MATTER CONCERNING, ANY ASSETS OF SUCH PARTY, AS TO, IN THE CASE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, NON-INFRINGEMENT OR ANY WARRANTY THAT ANY SUCH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IS “ERROR FREE,” OR AS TO THE ABSENCE OF ANY DEFENSES OR RIGHT OF SET-OFF OR FREEDOM FROM COUNTERCLAIM WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM OR OTHER ASSET, INCLUDING ANY ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, OF ANY PARTY, OR AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY OF ANY ASSIGNMENT, DOCUMENT OR INSTRUMENT DELIVERED HEREUNDER TO CONVEY TITLE TO ANY ASSET OR THING OF VALUE UPON THE EXECUTION, DELIVERY AND FILING HEREOF OR THEREOF. EXCEPT AS MAY EXPRESSLY BE SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT, ALL SUCH ASSETS ARE BEING TRANSFERRED OR LICENSED, AS APPLICABLE, ON AN “AS IS,” “WHERE IS” BASIS (AND, IN THE CASE OF ANY REAL PROPERTY, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE AGREED, BY MEANS OF A QUITCLAIM DEED OR CONVEYANCE) AND THE RESPECTIVE TRANSFEREES SHALL BEAR THE ECONOMIC AND LEGAL RISKS THAT (I) ANY CONVEYANCE WILL PROVE TO BE INSUFFICIENT TO VEST IN THE TRANSFEREE GOOD AND MARKETABLE TITLE, FREE AND CLEAR OF ANY SECURITY INTEREST, AND (II) ANY NECESSARY APPROVALS OR NOTIFICATIONS ARE NOT OBTAINED OR MADE OR THAT ANY REQUIREMENTS OF LAWS OR JUDGMENTS ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH.

ARTICLE III.

COMPLETION OF THE DISTRIBUTION

3.1 Actions Prior to the Distribution. Following the Separation and prior to the Effective Time, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Parties shall take, or cause to be taken, the following actions in connection with the Distribution:

(a) Notice to NYSE. Enovis shall, to the extent possible, give the NYSE not less than ten (10) days’ advance notice of the Record Date in compliance with Rule 10b-17 under the Exchange Act.

(b) Securities Law Matters. ESAB shall file with the SEC any amendments or supplements to the Form 10 as may be necessary or advisable in order to cause the Form 10 to become and remain effective as required by the SEC or federal, state or other applicable securities Laws. Enovis and ESAB shall cooperate in preparing, filing with the SEC and causing to become effective registration statements or amendments thereof which are required to reflect the establishment of, or amendments to, any employee benefit and other plans necessary or advisable in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements. Enovis and ESAB shall take all such action as may be necessary or advisable under the securities or “blue sky” Laws of the United States (and any comparable Laws under any non-U.S. jurisdiction) in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

(c) Availability of Information Statement. Enovis shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the Form 10 is declared effective under the Exchange Act and the Enovis Board has approved the Distribution, cause the Information Statement to be mailed to the Record Holders or, in connection with the delivery of a notice of Internet availability of the Information Statement to such holders, posted on the Internet.

 

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(d) The Distribution Agent. Enovis shall enter into a distribution agent agreement with the Agent or otherwise provide instructions to the Agent regarding the Distribution.

(e) Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans. At or prior to the Effective Time, Enovis and ESAB shall take all actions as may be necessary to approve the stock-based employee benefit plans of ESAB in order to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the NYSE.

(f) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. Enovis and ESAB shall take all necessary action that may be required to provide for the adoption by ESAB of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of ESAB substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ESAB Articles of Incorporation”).

(g) Officers and Directors. At the Effective Time, the Parties shall take all necessary action so that, as of the Effective Time, the executive officers and directors of ESAB will be as set forth in the Information Statement.

(h) Financings. Prior to or on the Distribution Date, ESAB and Enovis and each member of the ESAB Group designated by ESAB and each member of the Enovis Group designated by Enovis, as applicable, shall cause all conditions to the availability of the funding and release of funds from escrow under the ESAB Financing Arrangements and Enovis Financing Arrangements to be satisfied.

(i) Satisfying Conditions to the Distribution. Enovis and ESAB shall cooperate to cause the conditions to the Distribution set forth in Section 3.3 to be satisfied and to effect the Distribution at the Effective Time.

3.2 Effecting the Distribution.

(a) Delivery of ESAB Stock. On or prior to the Distribution Date, Enovis shall deliver to the Agent, for the benefit of the Record Holders, duly executed transfer forms for such number of the outstanding shares of ESAB Stock as is necessary to effect the Distribution.

(b) Distribution of Shares and Cash. Enovis shall instruct the Agent to distribute, as soon as practicable following the Effective Time, to each Record Holder the following: (i) [•] shares of ESAB Stock for every [•] shares of Enovis Stock held by such Record Holder as of the Record Date and (ii) cash, if applicable, in lieu of fractional shares obtained in the manner provided in Section 3.2(c). All of the shares of ESAB Stock distributed will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

(c) No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares shall be distributed or credited to book-entry accounts in connection with the Distribution. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Enovis shall direct the Agent to determine the number of whole shares and fractional shares of ESAB Stock allocable to each holder of record or beneficial owner of Enovis

 

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Stock as of the Record Date, to aggregate all such fractional shares and to sell the whole shares obtained thereby in open market transactions (with the Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion, determining when, how and through which broker-dealer and at what price to make such sales), and to cause to be distributed to each such holder or for the benefit of each such beneficial owner, in lieu of any fractional share, such holder’s or owner’s ratable share of the proceeds of such sale, after deducting any Taxes required to be withheld and after deducting an amount equal to all brokerage charges, commissions and transfer Taxes attributed to such sale. Neither Enovis nor ESAB shall be required to guarantee any minimum sale price for the fractional shares of ESAB Stock. Neither Enovis nor ESAB shall be required to pay any interest on the proceeds from the sale of fractional shares.

(d) Beneficial Owners. Solely for purposes of computing fractional share interests pursuant to Section 3.2(c), the beneficial owner of Enovis Stock held of record in the name of a nominee in any nominee account shall be treated as the holder of record with respect to such shares.

(e) Transfer Authorizations. ESAB agrees to update its register of members in relation to the transfers of ESAB Stock that Enovis or the Agent shall require in order to effect the Distribution.

(f) Treatment of ESAB Stock. Until the ESAB Stock is duly transferred in accordance with this Section 3.2 and applicable Law, from and after the Effective Time, ESAB will regard the Persons entitled to receive such ESAB Stock as record holders of ESAB Stock in accordance with the terms of the Distribution without requiring any action on the part of such Persons. ESAB and Enovis agree that from and after the Effective Time each such holder will be entitled to receive all dividends payable on, and exercise voting rights and all other rights and privileges with respect to, the ESAB Stock then deemed to be held by such holder.

3.3 Conditions to the Distribution. The consummation of the Distribution shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Enovis in its sole and absolute discretion, of the following conditions:

(a) Approval by Enovis Board. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the declaration of the Distribution shall have been approved by the Enovis Board, and such approval shall not have been withdrawn.

(b) Approval by ESAB Board. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Distribution and the declaration of the ESAB Cash Distribution shall have been approved by the ESAB Board, and such approval shall not have been withdrawn.

(c) Effectiveness of Form 10; Mailing of Information Statement. The Form 10 registering the ESAB Stock shall be effective under the Exchange Act, with no stop order in effect with respect thereto, and the Information Statement included therein shall have been mailed to Enovis’ shareholders as of the Record Date.

 

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(d) Listing on NYSE. The ESAB Stock to be distributed to the Enovis shareholders in the Distribution shall have been accepted for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of distribution.

(e) Securities Laws. The actions and filings necessary or appropriate under applicable securities Laws in connection with the Distribution shall have been taken or made, and, where applicable, have become effective or been accepted by the applicable Governmental Authority.

(f) Completion of the Separation. The Separation shall have been completed and (i) Enovis, as of the Effective Time, shall have no further Liability whatsoever under the ESAB Financing Arrangements (including in connection with any guarantees provided by any member of the Enovis Group) and (ii) ESAB, as of the Effective Time, shall have no further liability whatsoever under the Enovis Financing Arrangements (including in connection with any guarantees provided by any member of the ESAB Group).

(g) Payment of the ESAB Cash Distribution. The ESAB Cash Distribution shall have been validly declared and paid by ESAB.

(h) Officer and Director Resignations. Enovis will have requested the resignation of each person who is an officer or director of ESAB prior to the Distribution Date and who will continue solely as an officer or director of Enovis following the Distribution Date.

(i) Distribution Agent Agreement. Enovis will have entered into a Distribution Agent Agreement with, or provided instructions regarding the Distribution to, the Agent.

(j) Execution of Ancillary Agreements. Each of the Ancillary Agreements shall have been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto.

(k) Tax Treatment of the Distribution. Enovis shall have received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and an opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP regarding the qualification of the Distribution, together with certain related transactions, as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to Enovis in its sole and absolute discretion.

(l) Governmental Approvals. All material Governmental Approvals necessary to consummate the Distribution and to permit the operation of the ESAB Business after the Effective Time substantially as it is conducted at the date hereof shall have been obtained and be in full force and effect.

(m) No Order or Injunction. No order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Distribution or any of the related transactions shall be in effect, and no other event outside the control of Enovis shall have occurred or failed to occur that prevents the consummation of the Distribution or any of the related transactions.

 

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(n) No Circumstances Making Distribution Inadvisable. No events or developments shall have occurred or exist that, in the judgment of the Enovis Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, make it inadvisable to effect the Distribution or the other transactions contemplated hereby, or would result in the Distribution or the other transactions contemplated hereby not being in the best interest of Enovis or its shareholders.

3.4 Sole Discretion. The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of Enovis and shall not give rise to or create any duty on the part of Enovis or the Enovis Board to waive or not waive such conditions or in any way limit Enovis’ right to terminate this Agreement as set forth in Article VIII or alter the consequences of any such termination from those specified in such Article. Any determination made by the Enovis Board prior to the Distribution concerning the satisfaction or waiver of any or all of the conditions set forth in Section 3.3 shall be conclusive.

ARTICLE IV.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

4.1 General Provisions.

(a) Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, including with respect to (i) the validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination thereof or (ii) whether any Asset or Liability not specifically characterized in this Agreement or its Schedules, whose proper characterization is disputed, is a ESAB Asset, Enovis Asset, ESAB Liability or Enovis Liability, shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article IV (a “Dispute”), which shall be the sole and exclusive procedures for the resolution of any such Dispute unless otherwise specified in this Article IV or Article V; provided, however, notwithstanding the foregoing, this Article IV shall not apply to any Ancillary Agreement regarding the lease or sublease of real property following an assignment of such agreement or any of the rights or obligations thereunder to a Third Party.

(b) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BASED UPON, RELATING TO OR ARISING FROM THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY OF THE ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE SUCH WAIVER, (II) IT UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH WAIVER, (III) IT MAKES SUCH WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (IV) IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 4.1(B).

 

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(c) The specific procedures set forth in this Article IV, including the time limits referenced herein, may be modified by agreement of both of the Parties in writing.

(d) Commencing with the Initial Notice contemplated by Section 4.2, all applicable statutes of limitations and defenses based upon the passage of time shall be tolled while the procedures specified in this Article IV are pending. The Parties shall take any necessary or appropriate action required to effectuate such tolling.

(e) Commencing with the Initial Notice contemplated by Section 4.2, any communications between the Parties or their representatives in connection with the attempted negotiation of any Dispute shall be deemed to have been delivered in furtherance of a Dispute settlement and shall be exempt from disclosure and production, and shall not be admissible into evidence for any reason (whether as an admission or otherwise), in any arbitral or other proceeding for the adjudication of any Dispute; provided, that evidence that is otherwise subject to disclosure or admissible shall not be rendered outside the scope of disclosure or inadmissible as a result of its use in the negotiation.

4.2 Negotiation by Senior Executives. The Parties shall seek to settle amicably all Disputes by negotiation. The Parties shall first attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute by negotiation in the normal course of business at the operational level within thirty (30) days after written notice is received by either Party regarding the existence of a Dispute (the “Initial Notice”). If the Parties are unable to resolve the Dispute within such thirty (30)-day period, the Parties shall then attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute by negotiation between executives designated by the Parties who hold, at a minimum, the office of Senior Vice President and/or General Counsel (such designated executives, the “Dispute Committee”). The Parties agree that the members of the Dispute Committee shall have full and complete authority on behalf of their respective Parties to resolve any Disputes submitted pursuant to this Section 4.2. Such Dispute Committee members and other applicable executives shall meet in person or by teleconference or video conference within forty (40) days of the date of the Initial Notice to seek a resolution of the Dispute. In the event that the Dispute Committee and other applicable executives are unable to agree to a format for such meeting, the meeting shall be convened in person at a mutually acceptable location in New York, New York.

4.3 Arbitration.

(a) Any Dispute not finally resolved pursuant to Section 4.2 within sixty (60) days from the delivery of the Initial Notice shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the “ICC Rules”).

(b) Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing, any Dispute to be decided in arbitration hereunder shall be decided (i) before a sole arbitrator if the amount in dispute, inclusive of all claims and counterclaims, totals less than $10,000,000; or (ii) by an arbitral tribunal of three (3) arbitrators if the amount in dispute, inclusive of all claims and counterclaims, is equal to or greater than $10,000,000.

 

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(c) The language of the arbitration shall be English. The place of arbitration shall be New York, New York. Unless the Parties agree otherwise in writing, the Parties shall conduct the arbitration as quickly as is reasonably practicable and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the time between the date on which the sole arbitrator is confirmed or the tribunal is constituted, as the case may be, and the date of the commencement of the evidentiary hearing does not exceed one-hundred and eighty (180) days. Failure to meet the foregoing timeline will not render the award invalid, unenforceable or subject to being vacated, but the arbitrators may impose appropriate sanctions and draw appropriate adverse inferences against the Party primarily responsible for such failure.

(d) The sole arbitrator or arbitral tribunal shall not award any relief not specifically requested by the Parties and, in any event, shall not award any damages of the types prohibited under Section 9.20.

(e) In addition to the ICC Rules, the Parties agree that the arbitration shall be conducted according to the IBA Rules of Evidence.

(f) The agreement to arbitrate any Dispute set forth in this Section 4.3 shall continue in full force and effect subsequent to, and notwithstanding the completion, expiration or termination of, this Agreement.

(g) Without prejudice to this binding arbitration agreement, each Party to this Agreement irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and the federal courts sitting within the State of Delaware in connection with any post-award proceedings or court proceedings in aid of arbitration that are authorized by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16). Judgment upon any awards rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Parties waive all objections that they may have at any time to the laying of venue of any proceedings brought in such courts, waive any claim that such proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and further waive the right to object with respect to such proceedings that any such court does not have jurisdiction over such Party.

(h) It is the intent of the Parties that the agreement to arbitrate any Dispute set forth in this Section 4.3 shall be interpreted and applied broadly such that all reasonable doubts as to arbitrability of a Dispute shall be decided in favor of arbitration.

(i) The Parties agree that any Dispute submitted to arbitration shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with Laws of the State of Delaware, as provided in Section 7.2 and, except as otherwise provided in this Article IV or mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties, the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq., shall govern any arbitration between the Parties pursuant to this Section 4.3.

(j) The sole arbitrator or arbitral tribunal shall award to the prevailing Party, if any, the costs of the arbitrator or tribunal, expert witness fees, and attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by such prevailing Party or its Affiliates in connection with the arbitration.

(k) The Parties undertake to keep confidential all awards in their arbitration, together with all materials in the proceedings created for the purpose of the arbitration and all other documents produced by another Party in the proceedings not otherwise in the public domain, save and to the extent that disclosure may be required of a Party by legal duty, to protect or pursue a legal right or to enforce or challenge an award in legal proceedings before a court or other judicial authority.

 

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ARTICLE V.

MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION; COOPERATION; INSURANCE

5.1 Release of Claims Prior to Distribution.

(a) Except as provided in Section 5.1(c), effective as of the Effective Time, Enovis does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Enovis Group, their respective Affiliates, successors and assigns, and, to the extent permitted by Law, all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Time have been shareholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Enovis Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), surrender, relinquish, release and forever discharge (i) ESAB, the respective members of the ESAB Group, their respective Affiliates, successors and assigns, and (ii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Time have been shareholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the ESAB Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, in each case from (A) all Enovis Liabilities whatsoever, (B) all Liabilities arising from, or in connection with, the transactions and all other activities to implement the Separation and Distribution and (C) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Effective Time), in each case to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Enovis Business, the Enovis Assets or Enovis Liabilities.

(b) Except as provided in Section 5.1(c), effective as of the Effective Time, ESAB does hereby, for itself and each other member of the ESAB Group, their respective Affiliates, successors and assigns, and, to the extent permitted by Law, all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Time have been shareholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the ESAB Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), surrender, relinquish, release and forever discharge (i) Enovis, the respective members of the Enovis Group, their respective Affiliates (other than any member of the ESAB Group), successors and assigns, and (ii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Time have been shareholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Enovis Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, in each case from (A) all ESAB Liabilities whatsoever, (B) all Liabilities arising from, or in connection with, the transactions and all other activities to implement the Separation and Distribution and (C) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Effective Time), in each case of this clause (C), to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the ESAB Business, the Discontinued Businesses, the ESAB Assets or the ESAB Liabilities.

 

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(c) Nothing contained in Section 5.1(a) or (b) shall impair any right of any Person to enforce this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings that are specified in Section 2.3(b) or (c) or the applicable schedules hereto as not to terminate as of the Effective Time, in each case in accordance with its terms. Nothing contained in Section 5.1(a) or (b) shall release any Person from:

(i) any Liability provided in or resulting from any agreement among any members of the ESAB Group or the Enovis Group that is specified in Section 2.3(b) or (c) as not to terminate as of the Effective Time, or any other Liability specified in such Section 2.3(b) or (c) as not to terminate as of the Effective Time;

(ii) any Liability provided in or resulting from any Contract or understanding that is entered into after the Effective Time between any member of the Enovis Group, on the one hand, and any member of the ESAB Group, on the other hand;

(iii) any Liability, contingent or otherwise, assumed, transferred, assigned or allocated to the Group of which such Person is a member in accordance with this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (including any Enovis Liability and any ESAB Liability, as applicable); or

(iv) any Liability that the Parties may have with respect to indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Agreement, any Specified Ancillary Agreement or otherwise for claims brought against the Parties by third Persons, which Liability shall be governed by the provisions of this Article V and Article VI and any other applicable provisions of this Agreement or the applicable Specified Ancillary Agreement.

(d) In addition, nothing contained in Section 5.1(a) or (b) shall release Enovis from honoring its obligations to indemnify any person who was a director, officer or employee of a member of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group on or prior to the Effective Time, to the extent that such director, officer or employee becomes a named defendant in any Action with respect to which such director, officer or employee was entitled to indemnification by Enovis immediately prior to the Effective Time pursuant to indemnification obligations existing as of the Effective Time; it being understood that, if the underlying obligation giving rise to such Action is a ESAB Liability, ESAB shall indemnify Enovis for such Liability (including Enovis’ costs to indemnify the director, officer or employee) in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article V.

(e) Enovis shall not make, and shall not permit any member of the Enovis Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 5.1(a), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 5.1(a). ESAB shall not make, and shall not permit any member of the ESAB Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against Enovis or any member of the Enovis Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 5.1(b), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 5.1(b).

 

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(f) Notwithstanding Section 4.3(j), any breach of the provisions of this Section 5.1 by either Enovis or ESAB shall entitle the other Party to recover reasonable fees and expenses of counsel in connection with such breach or any Action resulting from such breach.

5.2 Indemnification by Enovis. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or any Specified Ancillary Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, Enovis shall, and shall cause the other members of the Enovis Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless ESAB, each member of the ESAB Group and each of their respective past, present and future directors, officers, employees and agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ESAB Indemnitees”), from and against any and all Liabilities of the ESAB Indemnitees relating to, arising out of or resulting from, directly or indirectly, any of the following items (without duplication):

(a) any Enovis Liabilities, including any failure of Enovis or any other member of the Enovis Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Enovis Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms, whether prior to or after the Effective Time or the date hereof;

(b) any breach by Enovis or any member of the Enovis Group of this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements (other than the Specified Ancillary Agreements);

(c) any third-party claims that the use of the ESAB Intellectual Property by any member of the Enovis Group (or their permitted sublicensees) infringes the Intellectual Property rights of such third party, other than any such claims in connection with the performance by the Enovis Group under the Ancillary Agreements;

(d) except to the extent that it relates to an ESAB Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, letter of credit reimbursement obligations, surety, bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding for the benefit of Enovis or any member of the Enovis Group by ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group that survives following the Effective Time; and

(e) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to all information contained in the Form 10, the Information Statement (as amended or supplemented if ESAB shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any other Disclosure Document specifically relating to (i) the Enovis Business, Enovis Assets or Enovis Liabilities or (ii) the Enovis Group as of and after the Effective Time.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Enovis or any other member of the Enovis Group have any obligations under this Section 5.2 with respect to Liabilities subject to indemnification pursuant to Section 5.3.

 

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5.3 Indemnification by ESAB. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or any Specified Ancillary Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, ESAB shall, and shall cause the other members of the ESAB Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless Enovis, each member of the Enovis Group and each of their respective past, present and future directors, officers, employees and agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “Enovis Indemnitees”), from and against any and all Liabilities of the Enovis Indemnitees relating to, arising out of or resulting from, directly or indirectly, any of the following items (without duplication):

(a) any ESAB Liabilities, including any failure of ESAB or any other member of the ESAB Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any ESAB Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms, whether prior to or after the Effective Time or the date hereof;

(b) any breach by ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreements, including the failure by ESAB to pay the ESAB Cash Distribution to Enovis (other than the Specified Ancillary Agreements);

(c) any third-party claims that the use of the Licensed Intellectual Property by any member of the ESAB Group (or their permitted sublicensees) infringes the Intellectual Property rights of such third party;

(d) any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, letter of credit reimbursement obligations, surety, bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding for the benefit of ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group by Enovis or any member of the Enovis Group that survives following the Effective Time; and

(e) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to all information contained in the Form 10, the Information Statement (as amended or supplemented if ESAB shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any other Disclosure Document, other than the matters described in Section 5.2(e).

5.4 Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds.

(a) The Parties intend that any Liability subject to indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Article V shall be net of Insurance Proceeds that actually reduce the amount of the Liability. Accordingly, the amount that any Party (an “Indemnifying Party”) is required to pay to any Person entitled to indemnification or contribution hereunder (an “Indemnitee”) shall be reduced by any Insurance Proceeds theretofore actually recovered by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in respect of the related Liability. If an Indemnitee receives a payment (an “Indemnity Payment”) required by this Agreement from an Indemnifying Party in respect of any Liability and subsequently receives Insurance Proceeds, then the Indemnitee shall pay to the Indemnifying Party an amount equal to the excess of the Indemnity Payment received over the amount of the Indemnity Payment that would have been due if the Insurance Proceeds had been received, realized or recovered before the Indemnity Payment was made.

 

 

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(b) It is expressly agreed and understood that all rights to indemnification, contribution and reimbursement pursuant to this Article V are in excess of all available insurance. Without limiting the foregoing, the Parties agree that an insurer who would otherwise be obligated to pay any claim shall not be relieved of the responsibility with respect thereto or, solely by virtue of any provision contained in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, have any subrogation rights with respect thereto, it being expressly understood and agreed that no insurer or any other Third Party shall be entitled to a “windfall” (i.e., a benefit they would not be entitled to receive in the absence of the indemnification provisions hereof) by virtue of the Liability allocation, indemnification and contribution provisions hereof. Accordingly, any provision herein that could have the result of giving any insurer or other Third Party such a “windfall” shall be suspended or amended to the extent necessary to not provide such “windfall.” Each Party shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account the probability of success on the merits and the cost of expending such efforts, including attorney’s fees and expenses) to collect or recover, or allow the Indemnifying Party to collect or recover, any Insurance Proceeds that may be collectible or recoverable respecting the Liabilities for which indemnification or contribution may be available under this Article V. The Indemnitee shall make available to the Indemnifying Party and its counsel all employees, books and records, communications, documents, items or matters within its knowledge, possession or control that are necessary, appropriate or reasonably deemed relevant by the Indemnifying Party with respect to the recovery of such Insurance Proceeds; provided, however, that nothing in this sentence shall be deemed to require a Party to make available books and records, communications, documents or items that (i) in such Party’s good faith judgment could result in a waiver of any privilege even if the Parties cooperated to protect such privilege as contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) such Party is not permitted to make available because of any Law or any confidentiality obligation to a Third Party, in which case such Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek a waiver of or other relief from such confidentiality restriction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Indemnifying Party may not delay making any indemnification payment required under the terms of this Agreement, or otherwise satisfying any indemnification obligation, pending the outcome of any Action to collect or recover Insurance Proceeds, and an Indemnitee need not attempt to collect any Insurance Proceeds prior to making a claim for indemnification or contribution or receiving any Indemnity Payment otherwise owed to it under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

(c) Each of ESAB and Enovis shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, when appropriate, use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain waivers of subrogation for each of the insurance policies described in Section 5.16. Each of ESAB and Enovis hereby waives, for itself and each member of its Group, its rights to recover against the other Party in subrogation or as subrogee for a third Person.

(d) For all claims as to which indemnification is provided under Section 5.2 or 5.3 other than Third-Party Claims (as to which Section 5.5 shall apply), the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Indemnitee for the enforcement of the indemnity obligations shall be borne by the Indemnifying Party.

 

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5.5 Procedures for Indemnification of Third-Party Claims.

(a) If, at or after the date of this Agreement, an Indemnitee shall receive written notice from, or otherwise learn of the assertion by, a Person (including any Governmental Authority) who is not a member of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group (a “Third Party”) of any claim or of the commencement by any such Person of any Action (collectively, a “Third-Party Claim”) with respect to which an Indemnifying Party may be obligated to provide indemnification to such Indemnitee pursuant to Section 5.2 or 5.3, or any other Section of this Agreement or, subject to Section 5.13, any Specified Ancillary Agreement, such Indemnitee shall give such Indemnifying Party written notice thereof within fourteen (14) days of receipt of such written notice. Any such notice shall describe the Third-Party Claim in reasonable detail and include copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third-Party Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure of an Indemnitee to provide notice in accordance with this Section 5.5(a) shall not relieve an Indemnifying Party of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent to which the Indemnifying Party was prejudiced by the Indemnitee’s failure to provide notice in accordance with this Section 5.5(a).

(b) Subject to the terms and conditions of any applicable insurance policy in place after the Effective Time, an Indemnifying Party may elect to defend (and to seek to settle or compromise) any such Third-Party Claim, at such Indemnifying Party’s own expense and by such Indemnifying Party’s own counsel; provided, that the Indemnifying Party will not select counsel without the Indemnitee’s prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); provided, further, an Indemnifying Party may not elect to defend such Third-Party Claim in the event that defense of such Third Party Claim would void or otherwise adversely impact the Indemnitee’s insurance policy; provided, further, in the event the Indemnifying Party is ESAB or such Third-Party Claim otherwise primarily relates to the ESAB Business, ESAB Assets or ESAB Liabilities, then ESAB shall defend such Third-Party Claim, at its own expense and by its own counsel, upon the written request of Enovis. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of notice from an Indemnitee in accordance with Section 5.5(a) (or sooner, if the nature of such Third-Party Claim so requires), the Indemnifying Party shall notify the Indemnitee of its election whether the Indemnifying Party shall assume responsibility for defending such Third-Party Claim. After notice from an Indemnifying Party to an Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise, or settlement thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be the expense of such Indemnitee except as otherwise expressly set forth herein.

(c) If an Indemnifying Party has elected to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, then such Indemnifying Party shall be solely liable for all fees and expenses incurred by it in connection with the defense of such Third-Party Claim and shall not be entitled to seek any indemnification or reimbursement from the Indemnitee for any such fees or expenses incurred during the course of its defense of such Third Party Claim, regardless of any subsequent decision by the Indemnifying Party to reject or otherwise abandon its assumption of such defense. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume responsibility for defending any Third-Party Claim, is not permitted to elect to defend a Third-Party Claim pursuant to Section 5.5(b), or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election within thirty (30) days after receipt of a notice from an Indemnitee, such Indemnitee shall have the right to control the defense of such Third-Party Claim, in which case the Indemnifying Party shall be liable for all reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense of such Third-Party Claim.

 

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(d) Notwithstanding an election by an Indemnifying Party to defend a Third-Party Claim in circumstances where an Indemnifying Party is permitted to make such an election pursuant to Section 5.5(b), an Indemnitee may, upon notice to the Indemnifying Party, elect to take over the defense of such Third-Party Claim if (i) in its exercise of reasonable business judgment, the Indemnitee determines that the Indemnifying Party is not defending such Third-Party Claim competently or in good faith, (ii) the Indemnitee determines in its exercise of reasonable business judgment that there exists a compelling business reason for such Indemnitee to defend such Third-Party Claim (other than as contemplated by the foregoing clause (i)), (iii) the Indemnifying Party makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, has filed against it or files a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or is declared bankrupt or insolvent or declares that it is bankrupt or insolvent, or (iv) there occurs a change of control of the Indemnifying Party. In addition to the foregoing and the last sentence of Section 5.2(b), if any Indemnitee determines in good faith that such Indemnitee and the Indemnifying Party have actual or potential differing defenses or conflicts of interest between them that make joint representation inappropriate, then the Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel as appropriate) and to participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise, or settlement of the applicable Third-Party Claim, and the Indemnifying Party shall bear the reasonable fees and expenses of one such counsel and local counsel (as appropriate) for all Indemnitees.

(e) An Indemnitee that does not conduct and control the defense of any Third-Party Claim, or an Indemnifying Party that has failed to elect to defend or that is not permitted to elect or defend pursuant to Section 5.5(b), any Third-Party Claim as contemplated hereby, nevertheless shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel as appropriate) of its own choosing to monitor and participate in (but not control) the defense of any Third-Party Claim for which it is a potential Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party, as the case may be, and the provisions of Section 5.5(c) shall not apply to such fees and expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such Party shall cooperate with the Party entitled to conduct and control the defense of such Third-Party Claim in such defense and make available to the controlling Party, at the non-controlling Party’s expense, all witnesses, information and materials in such Party’s possession or under such Party’s control relating thereto as are reasonably required by the controlling Party. In addition to the foregoing and the last sentence of Section 5.2(b), if any Indemnitee shall in good faith determine that such Indemnitee and the Indemnifying Party have actual or potential differing defenses or conflicts of interest between them that make joint representation inappropriate, then the Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel as appropriate) and to participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise or settlement thereof, and the Indemnifying Party shall bear the reasonable fees and expenses of one such counsel and local counsel (as appropriate) for all Indemnitees.

 

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(f) Neither Party may settle or compromise any Third-Party Claim for which either Party is seeking to be indemnified hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, unless such settlement or compromise is solely for monetary damages, does not involve any finding or determination of Liability, wrongdoing or violation of Law by the other Party and provides for a full, unconditional and irrevocable release of the other Party, the members of the other Party’s respective Group and each of their respective past, present and future directors, officers, employees and agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing from all Liability in connection with the Third-Party Claim. The Parties hereby agree that if a Party presents the other Party with a written notice containing a proposal to settle or compromise a Third-Party Claim for which either Party is seeking to be indemnified hereunder and the Party receiving such proposal does not respond in any manner to the Party presenting such proposal within thirty (30) days (or within any such shorter time period that may be required by applicable Law or court order) of receipt of such proposal, then the Party receiving such proposal shall be deemed to have consented to the terms of such proposal.

(g) The provisions of this Section 5.5 (other than this Section 5.5(g)) and the provisions of Section 5.6 (other than Section 5.6(f)) shall not apply to Taxes (Taxes being governed by the Tax Matters Agreement).

(h) The Indemnifying Party shall establish a procedure reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee to keep the Indemnitee reasonably informed of the progress of the Third-Party Claim and to notify the Indemnitee when any such Third-Party Claim is closed, regardless of whether such Third-Party Claim was resolved by settlement, verdict, dismissal or otherwise.

5.6 Additional Matters.

(a) Indemnification payments in respect of any Liabilities for which an Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Article V shall be paid by the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnitee as such Liabilities are incurred upon demand by the Indemnitee, including reasonably satisfactory documentation setting forth the basis for the amount of such indemnification payment, including documentation with respect to calculations made and consideration of any Insurance Proceeds that actually reduce the amount of such Liabilities. THE COVENANTS AND OBLIGATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE V SHALL REMAIN OPERATIVE AND IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT, REGARDLESS OF (I) ANY INVESTIGATION MADE BY OR ON BEHALF OF ANY INDEMNITEE AND (II) THE KNOWLEDGE BY THE INDEMNITEE OF LIABILITIES FOR WHICH IT MIGHT BE ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION HEREUNDER.

(b) Any claim on account of a Liability that does not result from a Third-Party Claim shall be asserted by written notice given by the Indemnitee to the related Indemnifying Party. Such Indemnifying Party shall have a period of thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice within which to respond thereto. If after such thirty (30)-day period, such claim is not resolved, Indemnitee shall be free to pursue such remedies as may be available to such party as contemplated by this Agreement and the Specified Ancillary Agreements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure of an Indemnitee to provide notice in accordance with this Section 5.6(b) shall not relieve an Indemnifying Party of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent to which the Indemnifying Party shall demonstrate that it was materially prejudiced by the Indemnitee’s failure to provide notice in accordance with this Section 5.6(b).

 

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(c) In the event of payment by or on behalf of any Indemnifying Party to any Indemnitee in connection with any Third-Party Claim, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall stand in the place of such Indemnitee as to any events or circumstances in respect of which such Indemnitee may have any right, defense or claim relating to such Third-Party Claim against any claimant or plaintiff asserting such Third-Party Claim or against any other Person. Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a reasonable manner, and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in prosecuting any subrogated right, defense or claim.

(d) In the event of an Action for which indemnification is sought pursuant to Section 5.2 or 5.3 and in which the Indemnifying Party is not a named defendant, if either the Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party shall so request, the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to substitute the Indemnifying Party for the named defendant for the portion of the Action related to such indemnification claim.

(e) In the event that either Party establishes a risk accrual in an amount of at least $1,000,000 with respect to any Third-Party Claim for which the other Party has sought indemnification pursuant to Section 5.3, such Party shall notify the other Party of the existence and amount of such risk accrual (i.e., when the accrual is recorded in the financial statements as an accrual for a potential liability), subject to the Parties entering into an appropriate agreement with respect to the confidentiality and/or privilege thereof.

(f) Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the Parties will treat any indemnity payment made pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement by Enovis to ESAB, or vice versa, in the same manner as if such payment were a non-taxable distribution or capital contribution, as the case may be, made immediately prior to the Distribution, except to the extent that Enovis and ESAB treat a payment as the settlement of an Intercompany liability; provided, however, that any such payment that is made or received by a Person other than Enovis or ESAB, as the case may be, shall be treated as if made or received by the payor or the recipient as agent for Enovis or ESAB, in each case as appropriate.

(g) In the case of any Action involving a matter contemplated by Section 5.15(c), (i) if there is a conflict of interest that under applicable rules of professional conduct would preclude legal counsel for one Party or one of its Subsidiaries representing another Party or one of its Subsidiaries or (ii) if any Third-Party Claim seeks equitable relief that would restrict or limit the future conduct of the non-responsible Party or one of its Subsidiaries or the business or operations of such non-responsible Party or one of its Subsidiaries, then the non-responsible Party shall be entitled to retain, at its expense, separate legal counsel to represent its interest and to participate in the defense, compromise, or settlement of that portion of the Third-Party Claim against that Party or one of its Subsidiaries.

(h) THE RELEASES AND INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES IN THIS AGREEMENT ARE EXPRESSLY INTENDED, AND SHALL OPERATE AND BE CONSTRUED, TO APPLY EVEN WHERE THE LIABILITIES FOR WHICH THE RELEASE AND/OR INDEMNITY ARE GIVEN ARE CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY THE SOLE, JOINT, JOINT AND SEVERAL, CONCURRENT, CONTRIBUTORY, ACTIVE OR PASSIVE NEGLIGENCE OR THE STRICT LIABILITY OR FAULT OF THE PARTY BEING RELEASED OR INDEMNIFIED.

 

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5.7 Survival of Indemnities. The rights and obligations of each of ESAB and Enovis and their respective Indemnitees under this Article V shall survive (a) the sale or other transfer by any Party of any Assets or businesses or the assignment by it of any Liabilities, and (b) any merger, consolidation, business combination, sale of all or substantially all of the Assets, restructuring, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction involving either Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries.

5.8 Right of Contribution.

(a) Contribution. If any right of indemnification contained in this Article V is held unenforceable or is unavailable for any reason, or is insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnitee in respect of any Liability for which such Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder, then the Indemnifying Party shall contribute to the amounts (including any costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel, expert and consulting fees and costs related thereto or to the investigation or defense thereof) paid or payable by the Indemnitees as a result of such Liability (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party and the members of its Group, on the one hand, and the Indemnitees entitled to contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.

(b) Allocation of Relative Fault. Solely for purposes of determining relative fault pursuant to this Section 5.8 in circumstances in which the indemnification is unavailable because of a fault associated with the business conducted by ESAB, Enovis or a member of their respective Groups, (i) any fault associated with the business conducted with the Enovis Assets or Enovis Liabilities (except for the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of ESAB or a member of the ESAB Group) or with the ownership, operation or activities of the Enovis Business shall be deemed to be the fault of Enovis and the members of the Enovis Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of ESAB or a member of the ESAB Group; and (ii) any fault associated with the business conducted with the ESAB Assets or the ESAB Liabilities (except for the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of Enovis or the members of the Enovis Group) or with the ownership, operation or activities of the ESAB Business shall be deemed to be the fault of ESAB and the members of the ESAB Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of Enovis or the members of the Enovis Group.

(c) Contribution Procedures. The provisions of Sections 5.5 and 5.6 shall govern any contribution claims.

5.9 Covenant Not to Sue (Liabilities and Indemnity). Each Party hereby covenants and agrees that none of it, the members of such Party’s Group or any Person claiming through it shall bring suit or otherwise assert any claim against any Indemnitee, or assert a defense against any claim asserted by any Indemnitee, before any court, arbitrator, mediator or administrative agency anywhere in the world, alleging that: (a) the assumption of any ESAB Liabilities by ESAB or a member of the ESAB Group on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements is void or unenforceable for any reason; or (b) the provisions of this Article V are void or unenforceable for any reason.

 

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5.10 No Impact on Third Parties. For the avoidance of doubt, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the indemnifications provided for in this Article V are made only for purposes of allocating responsibility for Liabilities between the ESAB Group, on the one hand, and the Enovis Group, on the other hand, and are not intended to, and shall not, affect any obligations to, or give rise to any rights of, any third parties.

5.11 No Cross-Claims or Third-Party Claims. Each of Enovis and ESAB agrees that it shall not, and shall not permit the members of its respective Group to, in connection with any Third-Party Claim, assert as a counterclaim or third-party claim against any member of the ESAB Group or Enovis Group, respectively, any claim (whether sounding in contract, tort or otherwise) that arises out of or relates to this Agreement, any breach or alleged breach hereof, the transactions contemplated hereby (including all actions taken in furtherance of the transactions contemplated hereby on or prior to the date hereof), or the construction, interpretation, enforceability or validity hereof, which in each such case shall be asserted only as contemplated by Article IV.

5.12 Severability. If any indemnification provided for in this Article V is determined by the sole arbitrator or arbitral tribunal (as the case may be) to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the liability shall be apportioned between the Indemnitee and the Indemnifying Party as determined in a separate proceeding in accordance with Article IV.

5.13 Specified Ancillary Agreements. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent any Specified Ancillary Agreement contains any indemnification obligation or contribution obligation relating to any ESAB Liability, Enovis Liability, ESAB Asset or Enovis Asset contributed, assumed, retained, transferred, delivered, conveyed or governed pursuant to such Specified Ancillary Agreement or any Loss under such Specified Ancillary Agreement, as applicable, the indemnification obligations and contribution obligations contained herein shall not apply to such ESAB Liability, Enovis Liability, ESAB Asset or Enovis Asset or to such Loss and instead the indemnification obligations and/or contribution obligations set forth in such Specified Ancillary Agreement, as applicable, shall govern with regard to such ESAB Liability, Enovis Liability, ESAB Asset or Enovis Asset or such Loss.

5.14 Exclusivity. Except as otherwise provided in Section 9.14, the sole and exclusive remedy for any and all claims, Liabilities or other matters based upon, relating to or arising from this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (other than the Specified Ancillary Agreements) or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be the rights of indemnification set forth in in this Article V, and no Person shall have any other entitlement, remedy or recourse, whether in contract, tort, strict liability, equitable remedy or otherwise, it being agreed that all of such other remedies, entitlements and recourse are expressly waived and released by the Parties to the fullest extent permitted by Law. This Section 5.14 shall not operate to interfere with or impede the operation of the covenants contained in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (other than the Specified Ancillary Agreements), with respect to a Party’s right to seek equitable remedies (including specific performance or injunctive relief).

 

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5.15 Cooperation in Defense and Settlement.

(a) With respect to any Third-Party Claim that implicates both Parties in a material fashion due to the allocation of Liabilities, responsibilities for management of defense and related indemnities pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, the Parties agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate fully and maintain a joint defense (in a manner that will preserve for the Parties the attorney-client privilege, joint defense or other privilege with respect thereto).

(b) To the extent there are documents, other materials, access to employees or witnesses related to or from a Party that is not responsible for the defense or Liability of a particular Action, such Party shall provide to the other Party (at such other Party’s cost and expense) reasonable access to documents, other materials, employees, and shall permit employees, officers and directors to cooperate as witnesses in the defense of such Action.

(c) Each of ESAB and Enovis agrees that at all times from and after the Effective Time, if an Action currently exists or is commenced by a Third Party with respect to which a Party (or the members of its Group) is a named defendant, but the defense of such Action and any recovery in such Action is otherwise not a Liability allocated under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to that Party, then the other Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the named but not liable defendant to be removed from such Action and such defendants shall not be required to make any payments or contributions therewith.

5.16 Insurance Matters.

(a) The Parties intend by this Agreement that, to the extent permitted under the terms of any applicable insurance policy, ESAB, each other member of the ESAB Group and each of their respective directors, officers and employees will be successors in interest and/or additional insureds and will have and be fully entitled to continue to exercise all rights that any of them may have as of the Effective Time (with respect to events occurring or claimed to have occurred before the Effective Time) as a Subsidiary, Affiliate, division, director, officer or employee of Enovis before the Effective Time under any insurance policy, including any rights that ESAB, any other member of the ESAB Group or any of its or their respective directors, officers, or employees may have as an insured or additional named insured, Subsidiary, Affiliate, division, director, officer or employee to avail itself, himself or herself of any policy of insurance or any agreements related to the policies in effect before the Effective Time, with respect to events occurring before the Effective Time.

(b) After the Effective Time, Enovis (and each other member of the Enovis Group) and ESAB (and each other member of the ESAB Group) shall not, without the consent of ESAB or Enovis, respectively (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), provide any insurance carrier with a release or amend, modify or waive any rights under any insurance policy if such release, amendment, modification or waiver thereunder would materially adversely affect any rights of any member of the Group of the other Party with respect to insurance coverage otherwise afforded to such other Party for pre-Distribution claims; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not (i) preclude any member of any Group from presenting any claim or from exhausting any policy limit, (ii) require any member of any Group to pay any premium or other amount or to incur any Liability or (iii) require any member of any Group to renew, extend or continue any policy in force.

 

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(c) The provisions of this Agreement are not intended to relieve any insurer of any Liability under any policy.

(d) No member of the Enovis Group or any Enovis Indemnitee will have any Liabilities whatsoever as a result of the insurance policies as in effect at any time before the Effective Time, including as a result of (i) the level or scope of any insurance, (ii) the creditworthiness of any insurance carrier, (iii) the terms and conditions of any policy, or (iv) the adequacy or timeliness of any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to any claim or potential claim.

(e) Except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 5.16(b), in no event will Enovis, any other member of the Enovis Group or any Enovis Indemnitee have any Liability or obligation whatsoever to any member of the ESAB Group if any insurance policy is terminated or otherwise ceases to be in effect for any reason, is unavailable or inadequate to cover any Liability of any member of the ESAB Group for any reason whatsoever or is not renewed or extended beyond the current expiration date of any such insurance policy.

(f) This Agreement shall not be considered as an attempted assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and shall not be construed to waive any right or remedy of any members of the Enovis Group in respect of any insurance policy or any other contract or policy of insurance.

(g) Nothing in this Agreement will be deemed to restrict any member of the ESAB Group from acquiring at its own expense any other insurance policy in respect of any Liabilities or covering any period. After the Effective Time, ESAB will acquire its own insurance policies covering the ESAB Group and each of their respective directors, officers and employees.

(h) To the extent that any insurance policy provides for the reinstatement of policy limits, and both Enovis and ESAB desire to reinstate such limits, the cost of reinstatement will be shared by Enovis and ESAB as the Parties may agree. If either Party, in its sole discretion, determines that such reinstatement would not be beneficial, that Party shall not contribute to the cost of reinstatement and will not make any claim thereunder nor otherwise seek to benefit from the reinstated policy limits.

(i) For purposes of this Agreement, “Covered Matter” shall mean any matter, whether arising before or after the Effective Time, with respect to which any ESAB Indemnitee may seek to exercise any right under any insurance policy pursuant to this Section 5.16. If ESAB receives notice or otherwise learns of any Covered Matter, ESAB shall promptly give Enovis written notice thereof. Any such notice shall describe the Covered Matter in reasonable detail. With respect to each Covered Matter and any Joint Claim, ESAB shall have sole responsibility for reporting the claim to the insurance carrier and will provide a copy of such report to ESAB. If Enovis or another member of the Enovis Group fails to notify ESAB within fifteen (15) days that it has submitted an insurance claim with respect to a Covered Matter or Joint Claim, ESAB shall be permitted to submit (on behalf of the applicable ESAB Indemnitee) such insurance claim.

 

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(j) Each of ESAB and Enovis will share such information as is reasonably necessary in order to permit the other Party to manage and conduct its insurance matters in an orderly fashion and provide the other Party with any assistance that is reasonably necessary or beneficial in connection with such Party’s insurance matters.

5.17 Guarantees, Letters of Credit and Other Obligations.

(a) On or prior to the Effective Time or as soon as practicable thereafter, Enovis shall (with the reasonable cooperation of the applicable members of the Enovis Group) use its commercially reasonable efforts to have any members of the ESAB Group removed as guarantor of or obligor for any Enovis Liability. On or prior to the Effective Time or as soon as practicable thereafter, ESAB shall (with the reasonable cooperation of the applicable members of the ESAB Group) use its commercially reasonable efforts to have any members of the Enovis Group removed as guarantor of or obligor for any ESAB Liabilities.

(b) On or prior to the Effective Time or as soon as practicable thereafter, (i) to the extent required to obtain a release from a guarantee, letter of credit or other obligation of any member of the ESAB Group with respect to Enovis Liabilities, Enovis shall execute a substitute document in the form of any such existing guarantee or letter of credit, as applicable, or such other form as is agreed to by the relevant parties to such guarantee agreement, letter of credit or other obligation, except to the extent that such existing guarantee contains representations, covenants or other terms or provisions either (A) with which Enovis would be reasonably unable to comply or (B) which would be reasonably expected to be breached and (ii) to the extent required to obtain a release from a guarantee, letter of credit or other obligation of any member of the Enovis Group with respect to ESAB Liabilities, ESAB shall execute a substitute document in the form of any such existing guarantee or letter of credit, as applicable, or such other form as is agreed to by the relevant parties to such guarantee agreement, letter of credit or other obligation, except to the extent that such existing guarantee contains representations, covenants or other terms or provisions either (A) with which ESAB would be reasonably unable to comply or (B) which would be reasonably expected to be breached.

(c) If the Parties are unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required removal as set forth in clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 5.17, (i) with respect to Enovis Liabilities, (A) Enovis shall, and shall cause the other members of the Enovis Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the ESAB Indemnitees from and against any Liability arising from or relating to such guarantee, letter of credit or other obligation, as applicable, and shall, as agent or subcontractor for the applicable ESAB Group guarantor or obligor, pay, perform and discharge fully all of the obligations or other Liabilities of such guarantor or obligor thereunder, and (B) Enovis shall not, and shall cause the other members of the Enovis Group not to, agree to renew or extend the term of, increase any obligations under, or transfer to a third Person, any loan, guarantee, letter of credit, lease, contract or other obligation for which a member of the ESAB Group is or may be liable unless all obligations of the members of the ESAB Group with respect thereto are thereupon terminated by documentation satisfactory in form and substance to ESAB in its sole and absolute discretion and (ii) with

 

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respect to ESAB Liabilities, (A) ESAB shall, and shall cause the other members of the ESAB Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Enovis Indemnitees for any Liability arising from or relating to such guarantee, letter of credit or other obligation, as applicable, and shall, as agent or subcontractor for the applicable Enovis Group guarantor or obligor, pay, perform and discharge fully all of the obligations or other Liabilities of such guarantor or obligor thereunder, and (B) ESAB shall not, and shall cause the other members of the ESAB Group not to, agree to renew or extend the term of, increase any obligations under, or transfer to a third Person, any loan, guarantee, letter of credit, lease, contract or other obligation for which a member of the Enovis Group is or may be liable unless all obligations of the members of the Enovis Group with respect thereto are thereupon terminated by documentation satisfactory in form and substance to Enovis in its sole and absolute discretion.

ARTICLE VI.

EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY

6.1 Agreement for Exchange of Information. Except as otherwise provided in any Ancillary Agreement, each of Enovis and ESAB, on behalf of itself and the members of its respective Group, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide or make available, or cause to be provided or made available, to the other Party, at any time before or after the Effective Time, as soon as reasonably practicable after written request therefor, any Information (or a copy thereof) in the possession or under the control of either Party or any of the members of its Group to the extent that: (i) such Information relates to the ESAB Business, the Discontinued Businesses or any ESAB Asset or ESAB Liability, if ESAB is the requesting party, or to the Enovis Business or any Enovis Asset or Enovis Liability, if Enovis is the requesting party; (ii) such Information is required by the requesting party to comply with its obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; or (iii) such Information is required by the requesting party to comply with any obligation imposed by any Governmental Authority; provided, however, that, in the event that the Party to whom the request has been made determines that any such provision of Information could be commercially detrimental, violate any Law or agreement or waive any attorney-client privilege, then the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to permit compliance with such obligations to the extent and in a manner that avoids any such harm or consequence. The Party providing Information pursuant to this Section 6.1 shall only be obligated to provide such Information in the form, condition and format in which it then exists and in no event shall such Party be required to perform any improvement, modification, conversion, updating or reformatting of any such Information, and nothing in this Section 6.1 shall expand the obligations of the Parties under Section 6.4.

6.2 Ownership of Information. Any Information owned by one Group that is provided to a requesting Party pursuant to Section 6.1 or 6.7 shall remain the property of the providing Party. Unless specifically set forth herein, nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as granting or conferring rights of license or otherwise in any such Information.

6.3 Compensation for Providing Information. The Party requesting Information agrees to reimburse the other Party for the reasonable out-of-pocket costs, if any, of gathering, copying, transporting and otherwise complying with the request with respect to such Information (including any costs and expenses incurred in any review of Information for purposes of protecting the privileged Information of the providing Party or in connection with the restoration of backup media for purposes of providing the requested Information). Except as may be otherwise specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any other agreement between the Parties, such costs shall reflect the providing Party’s actual costs and expenses.

 

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6.4 Record Retention.

(a) The Parties agree and acknowledge that following the Effective Time, it is likely that each Party will have some of the Tangible Information of the other Party stored at its facilities or at Third Party records storage locations arranged for by such Party (each, a “Records Facility”) and the cost of any Third Party Records Facility where Tangible Information belonging to both members of the ESAB Group, on the one hand, and members of the Enovis Group, on the other hand, is stored shall be split equitably between the ESAB Group and the Enovis Group.

(b) Each Party shall use the same degree of care (but no less than a reasonable degree of care) as it takes to preserve confidentiality for its own similar Information: (i) to maintain the Stored Records at its Record Facility in accordance with its regular records retention policies and procedures and the terms of this Section 6.4; and (ii) to comply with the requirements of any “litigation hold” that relates to Stored Records at its Record Facility that relates to (x) any Action that is pending as of the Effective Time or (y) any Action that arises or becomes threatened or reasonably anticipated after the Effective Time as to which the Party storing such Stored Records has received a written notice of the applicable “litigation hold” from the other Party; provided, that such other Party shall be obligated to provide the Party storing such Stored Records with timely notice of the termination of such “litigation hold.”

(c) In addition to the retention requirements of Sections 6.4(a) and (b), for a period no less than five (5) years longer than the period of time that a product is manufactured by Enovis, ESAB or any member of their respective Groups plus the useful life of such product as defined in such product’s specifications (or such longer period of time as may be required by applicable Law), each Party, at its sole cost and expense, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and make available to the other Party all technical documentation in its possession or in the possession of any member of such Party’s Group applicable to such product and such product’s design, test, release, and validation; provided, however, neither Party shall destroy, nor permit any member of its Group to destroy, any such technical documentation without first notifying the other Party of the proposed destruction and giving such Party the opportunity to take possession or make copies of such technical documentation prior to such destruction.

(d) Each Party shall, from time to time, at the reasonable request of the other Party, provide such other Party with technical assistance and information in respect to any claims brought against such other Party involving the conduct of the ESAB Business, the Discontinued Businesses or the Enovis Business, as applicable, prior to the Effective Time, including by making available employees of such Party’s Group and consultation and appearances of such persons on a reasonable basis as expert or fact witnesses in trials or administrative proceedings. The Party receiving such assistance and information shall reimburse the other Party for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs (travel, hotels, etc.) of providing such services, consistent with the receiving Party’s policies and practices regarding such expenditures.

 

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6.5 Limitations of Liability. No Party shall have any liability to any other Party relating to or arising out of (a) any Information exchanged or provided pursuant to Section 6.1 that is found to be inaccurate in the absence of willful misconduct by the Party providing such Information or (b) the destruction of any Information after commercially reasonable efforts by such Party to comply with the provisions of Section 6.4.

6.6 Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information.

(a) The rights and obligations granted under this Article VI are subject to any specific limitations, qualifications or additional provisions on the sharing, exchange, retention or confidential treatment of Information set forth herein or any Ancillary Agreement.

(b) Either Party that receives, pursuant to a request for Information in accordance with this Article VI, Tangible Information that is not relevant to its request shall (i) return it to the providing Party or, at the providing Party’s request, destroy such Tangible Information and (ii) deliver to the providing Party a certificate certifying that such Tangible Information was returned or destroyed, as the case may be, which certificate shall be signed by an authorized Representative of the requesting Party.

(c) When any Tangible Information provided by one Party to the other Party (other than Tangible Information provided pursuant to Section 6.4) is no longer needed for the purposes contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or is no longer required to be retained by applicable Law, the receiving Party shall promptly, after request of the other Party, either return to the other Party all Tangible Information in the form in which it was originally provided (including all copies thereof and all notes, extracts or summaries based thereon) or, if the providing Party has requested that the other Party destroy such Tangible Information, certify to the other Party that it has destroyed such Tangible Information (and such copies thereof and such notes, extracts or summaries based thereon); provided, that this obligation to return or destroy such Tangible Information shall not apply to any Tangible Information solely related to the receiving Party’s business, Assets, Liabilities, operations or activities.

6.7 Auditors and Audits.

(a) Until the first ESAB fiscal year end occurring after the Effective Time and for a reasonable period of time afterwards as required for each Party to prepare consolidated financial statements or complete a financial statement audit for the fiscal year during which the Distribution Date occurs, each Party shall provide or provide access to the other Party on a timely basis, all information reasonably required to meet its schedule for the preparation, printing, filing, and public dissemination of its annual financial statements and for management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures and its internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Items 307 and 308, respectively, of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC and, to the extent applicable to such Party, its auditor’s audit of its internal control over financial reporting and management’s assessment thereof in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the SEC’s and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s rules and auditing standards thereunder.

 

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(b) In the event a Party restates any of its financial statements that include such Party’s audited or unaudited financial statements with respect to any balance sheet date or period of operation as of the end of and for the 2021 fiscal year and the five (5) year period ending December 31, 2021, such Party will deliver to the other Party a substantially final draft, as soon as the same is prepared, of any report to be filed by such first Party with the SEC that includes such restated audited or unaudited financial statements (the “Amended Financial Report”); provided, however, that such first Party may continue to revise its Amended Financial Report prior to its filing thereof with the SEC, which changes will be delivered to the other Party as soon as reasonably practicable; provided, further, however, that such first Party’s financial personnel will actively consult with the other Party’s financial personnel regarding any changes which such first Party may consider making to its Amended Financial Report and related disclosures prior to the anticipated filing of such report with the SEC, with particular focus on any changes which would have an effect upon the other Party’s financial statements or related disclosures. Each Party will reasonably cooperate with, and permit and make any necessary employees available to, the other Party, in connection with the other Party’s preparation of any Amended Financial Reports.

6.8 Privileged Matters.

(a) The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services that have been and shall be provided prior to the Effective Time have been and shall be rendered for the collective benefit of each of the members of the Enovis Group and the ESAB Group, and that each of the members of the Enovis Group and the ESAB Group should be deemed to be the client with respect to such services for the purposes of asserting all privileges and immunities that may be asserted under applicable Law in connection therewith. The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services will be provided after the Effective Time, which services will be rendered solely for the benefit of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group, as the case may be.

(b) The Parties agree as follows:

(i) Enovis shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to the Enovis Business, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of a member of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group; Enovis shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to any Enovis Liabilities resulting from any Actions that are now pending or may be asserted in the future, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of a member of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group;

 

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(ii) ESAB shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to the ESAB Business or the Discontinued Businesses, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of a member of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group; ESAB shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to any ESAB Liabilities resulting from any Actions that are now pending or may be asserted in the future, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of a member of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group; and

(iii) If the Parties do not agree as to whether certain information is Privileged Information, then such information shall be treated as Privileged Information, and the Party that believes that such information is Privileged Information shall be entitled to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any such information until such time as it is finally judicially determined that such information is not Privileged Information or unless the Parties otherwise agree. The Parties shall use the procedures set forth in Article IV to resolve any Disputes as to whether any information relates solely to the Enovis Business, solely to the ESAB Business, or to both the Enovis Business and the ESAB Business.

(c) Subject to Sections 6.8(d) and 6.8(e), the Parties agree that they shall have a shared privilege or immunity with respect to all privileges not allocated pursuant to Section 6.8(b) and all privileges and immunities relating to any Actions or other matters that involve both Parties (or one or more members of their respective Groups) and in respect of which both Parties have Liabilities under this Agreement, and that no such shared privilege or immunity may be waived by either Party without the written consent of the other Party.

(d) If any dispute arises between the Parties, or any member of their respective Groups, regarding whether a privilege or immunity should be waived to protect or advance the interests of either Party and/or any member of their respective Groups, each Party agrees that it shall: (i) negotiate with the other Party in good faith, (ii) endeavor to minimize any prejudice to the rights of the other Party and (iii) not unreasonably withhold consent to any request for waiver by the other Party. Further, each Party specifically agrees that it shall not withhold its consent to the waiver of a privilege or immunity for any purpose except to protect its own legitimate interests.

(e) Upon receipt by any member of the ESAB Group of any subpoena, discovery or other request that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of Information subject to a shared privilege or immunity or as to which Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries has the sole right hereunder to assert a privilege or immunity, or if ESAB obtains knowledge that any of its, or any member of the ESAB Group’s, current or former directors, officers, agents or employees have received any subpoena, discovery or other requests that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information, ESAB shall promptly provide written notice to Enovis of the existence of the request (which notice shall be delivered to Enovis no later than five (5) Business Days following the receipt of any such subpoena, discovery or other request) and shall provide Enovis a reasonable opportunity to review the Information and to assert any rights it or they may have, including under this Section 6.8 or otherwise, to prevent the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information.

 

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(f) Upon receipt by any member of the Enovis Group of any subpoena, discovery or other request that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of Information subject to a shared privilege or immunity or as to which ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group has the sole right hereunder to assert a privilege or immunity, or if Enovis obtains knowledge that any of its, or any member of the Enovis Group’s, current or former directors, officers, agents or employees have received any subpoena, discovery or other requests that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information, Enovis shall promptly provide written notice to ESAB of the existence of the request (which notice shall be delivered to ESAB no later than five (5) Business Days following the receipt of any such subpoena, discovery or other request) and shall provide ESAB a reasonable opportunity to review the Information and to assert any rights it or they may have, including under this Section 6.8 or otherwise, to prevent the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information.

(g) Any furnishing of, or access to, Information pursuant to this Agreement and the transfer of the Assets and retention of the ESAB Assets by ESAB are made and done in reliance on the agreement of the Parties set forth in this Section 6.8 and in Section 6.9 to maintain the confidentiality of Privileged Information and to assert and maintain all applicable privileges and immunities. The Parties agree that their respective rights to any access to information, witnesses and other Persons, the furnishing of notices and documents and other cooperative efforts between the Parties contemplated by this Agreement, and the transfer of Privileged Information between the Parties and members of their respective Groups pursuant to this Agreement, shall not be deemed a waiver of any privilege that has been or may be asserted under this Agreement or otherwise. The Parties further agree that: (i) the exchange or retention by one Party to the other Party of any Privileged Information that should not have been transferred or retained, as the case may be, pursuant to the terms of this Article VI shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of any privilege or immunity that has been or may be asserted under this Agreement or otherwise with respect to such Privileged Information; and (ii) the Party receiving or retaining such Privileged Information shall promptly return or transfer, as the case may be, such Privileged Information to the Party who has the right to assert the privilege or immunity.

(h) In furtherance of, and without limitation to, the Parties’ agreement under this Section 6.8, Enovis and ESAB shall, and shall cause their applicable Subsidiaries to, use reasonable efforts to maintain their respective separate and joint privileges and immunities, including by executing joint defense and/or common interest agreements where necessary or useful for this purpose.

 

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6.9 Confidentiality.

(a) Confidentiality. From and after the Effective Time, subject to Section 6.10 and except as contemplated by or otherwise provided in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, Enovis, on behalf of itself and each of its Subsidiaries, and ESAB, on behalf of itself and each of its Subsidiaries, agrees to hold, and to cause its respective Representatives to hold, in strict confidence, with at least the same degree of care that applies to Enovis’ confidential and proprietary information pursuant to policies in effect as of the Effective Time, all confidential or proprietary Information concerning the other Party (or its business) and the other Party’s Subsidiaries (or their respective businesses) that is either in its possession (including confidential or proprietary Information in its possession prior to the Effective Time) or furnished by the other Party or the other Party’s Subsidiaries or their respective Representatives at any time pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, and shall not use any such confidential or proprietary Information other than for such purposes as may be expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, except, in each case, to the extent that such confidential or proprietary Information has been: (i) in the public domain or generally available to the public, other than as a result of a disclosure by such Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Representatives in violation of this Agreement, (ii) later lawfully acquired from other sources by such Party or any of its Subsidiaries, which sources are not themselves bound by a confidentiality obligation or other contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality with respect to such confidential or proprietary Information or (iii) independently developed or generated without reference to or use of the respective proprietary or confidential Information of the other Party or any of its Subsidiaries. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply in connection with the enforcement of any right or remedy relating to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. If any confidential or proprietary Information of one Party or any of its Subsidiaries is disclosed to another Party or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with providing services to such first Party or any of its Subsidiaries under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, then such disclosed confidential or proprietary Information shall be used only as required to perform such services.

(b) No Release; Return or Destruction. Each Party agrees not to release or disclose, or permit to be released or disclosed, any confidential or proprietary Information of the other Party addressed in Section 6.9(a) to any other Person, except its Representatives who need to know such Information in their capacities as such (who shall be advised of their obligations hereunder with respect to such Information), and except in compliance with Section 6.10. Without limiting the foregoing, when any Information furnished by the other Party after the Effective Time pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement is no longer needed for the purposes contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, each Party shall, at its option, promptly after receiving a written notice from the disclosing Party, either return to the disclosing Party all such Information in a tangible form (including all copies thereof and all notes, extracts or summaries based thereon) or certify to the disclosing Party that it has destroyed such Information (and such copies thereof and such notes, extracts or summaries based thereon); provided, however, that a Party shall not be required to destroy or return any such Information to the extent that (i) the Party is required to retain the Information in order to comply with any applicable Law, (ii) the Information has been backed up electronically pursuant to the Party’s standard document retention policies and will be managed and ultimately destroyed consistent with such policies or (iii) it is kept in the Party’s legal files for purposes of resolving any dispute that may arise under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

 

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(c) Third-Party Information; Privacy or Data Protection Laws. Each Party acknowledges that it and its respective Subsidiaries may presently have and, after the Effective Time, may gain access to or possession of confidential or proprietary Information of, or personal Information relating to, Third Parties: (i) that was received under confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements entered into between such Third Parties, on the one hand, and the other Party or the other Party’s Subsidiaries, on the other hand, prior to the Effective Time or (ii) that, as between the two parties, was originally collected by the other Party or the other Party’s Subsidiaries and that may be subject to and protected by privacy, data protection or other applicable Laws. Each Party agrees that it shall hold, protect and use, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and its and their respective Representatives to hold, protect and use, in strict confidence the confidential and proprietary Information of, or personal Information relating to, Third Parties in accordance with privacy, data protection or other applicable Laws and the terms of any agreements that were either entered into before the Effective Time or affirmative commitments or representations that were made before the Effective Time by, between or among the other Party or the other Party’s Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and such Third Parties, on the other hand.

6.10 Protective Arrangements. In the event that either Party or any of its Subsidiaries is requested or required (by oral question, interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) by any Governmental Authority or pursuant to applicable Law or the rules of any stock exchange on which the shares of the Party or any member of its Group are traded to disclose or provide any confidential or proprietary Information of the other Party (other than with respect to any such Information furnished pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1 or 6.7, as applicable) that is subject to the confidentiality provisions hereof, such Party shall provide the other Party with written notice of such request or demand (to the extent legally permitted) as promptly as practicable under the circumstances so that such other Party shall have an opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order, at such other Party’s own cost and expense. In the event that such other Party fails to receive such appropriate protective order in a timely manner and the Party receiving the request or demand reasonably determines that its failure to disclose or provide such Information shall actually prejudice the Party receiving the request or demand, then the Party that received such request or demand may thereafter disclose or provide Information to the extent required by such Law (as so advised by its counsel) or by lawful process or such Governmental Authority, and the disclosing Party shall promptly provide the other Party with a copy of the information so disclosed, in the same form and format so disclosed, together with a list of all Persons to whom such information was disclosed, in each case to the extent legally permitted.

6.11 Witness Services. At all times from and after the Effective Time, each of Enovis and ESAB shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other, upon reasonable written request, its and its Subsidiaries’ officers, directors, employees and agents (taking into account the business demands of such individuals) as witnesses to the extent that (i) such Persons may reasonably be required to testify in connection with the prosecution or defense of any Action in which the requesting Party may from time to time be involved (except for claims, demands or Actions in which one or more members of one Group is adverse to one or more members of the other Group) and (ii) there is no conflict in the Action between the requesting Party and the other Party. A Party providing a witness to the other Party under this Section 6.11 shall be entitled to receive from the recipient of such witness services, upon the presentation of invoices therefor, payments for such amounts, relating to supplies, disbursements and other out-of-pocket expenses (which shall not include the costs of salaries and benefits of employees who are witnesses or any pro rata portion of overhead or other costs of employing such employees which would have been incurred by such employees’ employer regardless of the employees’ service as witnesses), as may be reasonably incurred and properly paid under applicable Law.

 

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6.12 Personal Data.

(a) The Parties acknowledge that (i) Enovis is a “controller” as such term is set forth in the GDPR (a “Data Controller”) with respect to the Processing of the Enovis Personal Data prior to and after the Effective Time, (ii) ESAB and Enovis are separate Data Controllers with respect to the Processing of ESAB Personal Data prior to the Effective Time, and (iii) ESAB remains a Data Controller with respect to the Processing of the ESAB Personal Data from and after the Effective Time. As such, from and after the Effective Time, ESAB shall comply with the requirements of Data Protection Laws applicable to Data Controllers in connection with the ESAB Personal Data and this Agreement and shall not knowingly do anything or permit anything to be done which might lead to a breach by Enovis or its Affiliates of the Data Protection Laws.

(b) Both Parties shall cooperate to ensure that their Processing of Personal Data hereunder does and will comply with all applicable Data Protection Laws and take all reasonable precautions to avoid acts that place the other Party in breach of its obligations under any applicable Data Protection Laws. Nothing in this Section 6.12 shall be deemed to prevent any Party from taking the steps it reasonably deems necessary to comply with any applicable Data Protection Laws.

ARTICLE VII.

FURTHER ASSURANCES AND ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

7.1 Further Assurances.

(a) In addition to the actions specifically provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, each of the Parties hereto shall use its commercially reasonable efforts, prior to, on and after the Effective Time, to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under applicable Laws, regulations and agreements, to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

(b) Without limiting the foregoing, prior to, on and after the Effective Time, each Party hereto shall cooperate with each other Party hereto, and without any further consideration, but at the expense of the requesting Party, to execute and deliver, or use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be executed and delivered, all instruments, including instruments of conveyance, assignment and transfer, and to make all filings with, and to obtain or make any Approvals or Notifications of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person under any permit, license, agreement, indenture or other instrument (including any Third-Party consents or Governmental Approvals), and to take all such other actions as such Party may reasonably be requested to take by any other Party hereto from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, in order to effectuate the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the transfers of the ESAB Assets

 

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and the assignment and assumption of the ESAB Liabilities and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party shall, at the reasonable request, cost and expense of any other Party, take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to vest in such other Party all of the transferring Party’s right, title and interest to the Assets allocated to such Party by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, in each case, if and to the extent it is practicable to do so.

(c) On or prior to the Effective Time, Enovis and ESAB in their respective capacities as direct and indirect shareholders of their respective Subsidiaries, shall each ratify any actions that are reasonably necessary or desirable to be taken by any Subsidiary of Enovis or Subsidiary of ESAB, as the case may be, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

7.2 Performance. Enovis shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement to be performed by any member of the Enovis Group. ESAB shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement to be performed by any member of the ESAB Group. Each Party (including its permitted successors and assigns) further agrees that it shall (a) give timely notice of the terms, conditions and continuing obligations contained in this Section 7.2 to all of the other members of its Group, and (b) cause all of the other members of its Group not to take, or omit to take, any action which action or omission would violate or cause such Party to violate this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or materially impair such Party’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

7.3 No Restrictions on Post-Closing Competitive Activities. Each of the Parties agrees that this Agreement shall not include any noncompetition or other similar restrictive arrangements with respect to the range of business activities that may be conducted, or investments that may be made, by the Groups. Accordingly, each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that nothing set forth in this Agreement shall be construed to create any explicit or implied restriction or other limitation on the ability of any Group to engage in any business or other activity that overlaps or competes with the business of the other Group. Except as expressly provided herein, or in the Ancillary Agreements, each Group shall have the right to, and shall have no duty to abstain from exercising such right to, (i) engage or invest, directly or indirectly, in the same, similar or related business activities or lines of business as the other Group, (ii) make investments in the same or similar types of investments as the other Group, (iii) do business with any client, customer, vendor or lessor of any of the other Group or (iv) subject to Section 7.6, employ or otherwise engage any officer, director or employee of the other Group.

7.4 Mail Forwarding. (a) Enovis agrees that following the Effective Time it shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to forward to ESAB any correspondence relating to the ESAB Business or the Discontinued Businesses (or a copy thereof to the extent such correspondence relates to both the ESAB Business (and/or the Discontinued Businesses) and the Enovis Business) that is delivered to Enovis and (b) ESAB agrees that following the Effective Time it shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to forward to Enovis any correspondence relating to the Enovis Business (or a copy thereof to the extent such correspondence relates to both the Enovis Business and the ESAB Business (and/or the Discontinued Businesses)) that is delivered to ESAB.

 

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7.5 Non-Disparagement. Each of the Parties shall not, and shall cause their respective Groups and their respective officers and employees not to, make, or cause to be made, any statement or communicate any information (whether oral or written) that disparages the other Group or any of their respective officers, directors or employees.

7.6 Non-Solicitation Covenant. For a period of one (1) year from and after the Effective Time, neither Party shall, and shall ensure that the other members of such Party’s Group shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit or hire any employees of the other Party’s Group without the prior written consent of Enovis or ESAB, as applicable; provided, however, that this Section 7.6 shall not prohibit any general offers of employment to the public, including through a bona fide search firm, so long as it is not specifically targeted toward employees of the Enovis Group or ESAB Group, as applicable.

7.7 Order of Precedence.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any Specified Ancillary Agreement, in the case of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and any Specified Ancillary Agreement, the provisions of such Specified Ancillary Agreement shall prevail.

(b) The Parties acknowledge and confirm that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Transfer Documents, (i) to the extent that any provision of the Transfer Documents conflicts with this Agreement, this Agreement shall be deemed to control with respect to the subject matter thereof and (ii) the Transfer Documents shall not be deemed in any way to amend, expand, restrict or otherwise modify such parties’ rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement.

7.8 Enovis Specified Marks. Following the Separation, ESAB shall not use the Enovis Specified Marks for any purpose; provided that, ESAB may continue to use the Colfax-Formative Marks in connection with the operation of the ESAB Business to the extent consistent with past practice so long as ESAB uses commercially reasonable efforts to phase out its use of the “Colfax” name as soon as reasonably practicable following the Separation.

ARTICLE VIII.

TERMINATION

8.1 Termination. This Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement may be terminated and the terms and conditions of the Separation and the Distribution may be amended, modified or abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by and in the sole and absolute discretion of the Enovis Board without the approval of any other Person, including ESAB or Enovis or the shareholders of ESAB or Enovis. In the event that this Agreement is terminated, this Agreement shall become null and void and no Party, nor any Party’s directors, officers or employees, shall have any Liability of any kind to any Person by reason of this Agreement. After the Distribution, this Agreement may not be terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by Enovis and ESAB.

 

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8.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of any termination of this Agreement prior to the Effective Time, no Party (nor any of its directors, officers or employees) shall have any Liability or further obligation to the other Party by reason of this Agreement.

ARTICLE IX.

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1 Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power.

(a) This Agreement and each Ancillary 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 Party and delivered to each other Party. The exchange of a fully executed Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by facsimile, electronic mail (including .pdf, docusign or other electronic signature) or other transmission method shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

(b) This Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and the exhibits, annexes and schedules hereto and thereto, contain the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersede all previous agreements, negotiations, discussions, writings, understandings, commitments and conversations with respect to such subject matter and there are no agreements or understandings between the Parties with respect to such subject matter other than those set forth or referred to herein or therein.

(c) Enovis represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the Enovis Group, and ESAB represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the ESAB Group, as follows:

(i) each such Person has the requisite corporate or other power and authority and has taken all corporate or other action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and

(ii) this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party has been or will be duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes or will constitute a valid and binding agreement of it enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof.

9.2 Governing Law. This Agreement (and any claims or Disputes arising out of or related hereto or to the transactions contemplated hereby or to the inducement of any Party to enter herein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise) shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, irrespective of the choice of laws principles of the State of Delaware, including all matters of validity, construction, effect, enforceability, performance and remedies.

 

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9.3 Assignability. Except as set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the other Party or the other parties hereto and thereto, respectively, and their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that no Party or party thereto may assign its respective rights or delegate its respective obligations under this Agreement without the express prior written consent of the other Party or other parties thereto, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such consent shall be required for the assignment of a party’s rights and obligations under this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements (except as may be otherwise provided in any such Ancillary Agreement) in whole in connection with a change of control of a Party so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee Person assumes all the obligations of the relevant party thereto by operation of Law or pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other Party. Nothing herein is intended to, or shall be construed to, prohibit either Party or any member of its Group from being party to or undertaking a change of control.

9.4 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except for the release and indemnification rights under this Agreement of any Enovis Indemnitee or ESAB Indemnitee in their respective capacities as such, and the provisions of Section 5.1(d) as to directors and officers of Enovis Group and ESAB Group: (a) the provisions of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement are solely for the benefit of the Parties and are not intended to confer upon any Person (including, without limitation, any shareholders of Enovis or shareholders of ESAB) except the Parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder; and (b) there are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement and neither this Agreement nor any Ancillary Agreement shall provide any third Person (including, without limitation, any shareholders of Enovis or shareholders of ESAB) with any remedy, claim, Liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

9.5 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands or other communications under this Agreement and, to the extent applicable, and unless otherwise provided thereunder, under each of the Ancillary Agreements shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by email with receipt confirmed, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 9.5):

If to Enovis, to:

Colfax Corporation

2711 Centerville Road

Suite 400

Wilmington, DE 19808

Attention: General Counsel

Email: Brad.Tandy@enovis.com

 

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

Latham & Watkins LLP

330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2800

Chicago, IL 60611

Attention: Christopher Drewry

Email: christopher.drewry@lw.com

If to ESAB, to:

ESAB Corporation

909 Rose Avenue

8th Floor

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Attention: General Counsel

Email: Curtis.Jewell@esab.com

Any Party may, by notice to the other Party, change the address and contact person to which any such notices are to be given.

9.6 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof or thereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances or in jurisdictions other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby. Upon such determination, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon such a suitable and equitable provision to effect the original intent of the Parties.

9.7 Force Majeure. No Party shall be deemed in default of this Agreement or, unless otherwise provided therein, any Ancillary Agreement for any delay or failure to fulfill any obligation, other than a delay or failure to make a payment, so long as and to the extent to which any delay or failure in the fulfillment of such obligations is prevented, frustrated, hindered or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure. In the event of any such excused delay, the time for performance shall be extended for a period equal to the time lost by reason of the delay. A Party claiming the benefit of this provision shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any such event, (a) provide written notice to the other Party of the nature and extent of any such Force Majeure condition; and (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to remove any such causes and resume performance under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, as applicable, as soon as reasonably practicable.

9.8 Press Release. No later than one (1) Business Day after the Effective Time, ESAB and Enovis shall issue a joint press release regarding the consummation of the Separation and Distribution.

9.9 Expenses. The expenses and costs incurred in connection with the Transactions shall be allocated among Enovis and ESAB as set forth on Schedule 9.9.

9.10 Late Payments. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement, any amount not paid when due pursuant to this Agreement (and any amounts billed or otherwise invoiced or demanded and properly payable that are not paid within thirty (30) days of such bill, invoice or other demand) shall accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate plus one and one-half percent (1.5%) or the maximum rate permitted by Law, whichever is less.

 

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9.11 Headings. The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

9.12 Survival of Covenants. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the covenants, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, and liability for the breach of any obligations contained herein or therein, shall survive the Separation and the Distribution and shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.

9.13 Waivers of Default. Waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party of any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver by the waiving Party of any subsequent or other default, nor shall it prejudice the rights of the other Party. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof prejudice any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

9.14 Specific Performance. Subject to Article IV, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the Party or Parties who are, or are to be, thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief (on an interim or permanent basis) in respect of its or their rights under this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss and that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived by each of the Parties.

9.15 Amendments. No provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall be deemed waived, amended, supplemented or modified by a Party, unless such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is in writing and signed by the authorized representative of the Party against whom it sought to enforce such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is sought to be enforced; provided, at any time prior to the Effective Time, the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including terms relating to the Separation and the Distribution, may be amended, modified or abandoned by and in the sole and absolute discretion of the Enovis Board without the approval of any Person, including ESAB or Enovis.

9.16 Construction. This Agreement shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the Parties and no rule of construction or strict interpretation shall be applied against either Party. The Parties represent that this Agreement is entered into with full consideration of any and all rights which the Parties may have. The Parties have conducted such investigations they thought appropriate, and have consulted with such advisors as they deemed appropriate regarding this

 

61


Agreement and their rights and asserted rights in connection therewith. The Parties are not relying upon any representations or statements made by the other Party, or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys, regarding this Agreement, except to the extent such representations are expressly set forth or incorporated in this Agreement. The Parties are not relying upon a legal duty, if one exists, on the part of the other Party (or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys) to disclose any information in connection with the execution of this Agreement or their preparation, it being expressly understood that neither Party shall ever assert any failure to disclose information on the part of the other Party as a ground for challenging this Agreement.

9.17 Performance. Each Party shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any Subsidiary or Affiliate of such Party.

9.18 Limited Liability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no individual who is a shareholder, director, employee, officer, agent or representative of Enovis or ESAB, in such individual’s capacity as such, shall have any liability in respect of or relating to the covenants or obligations of Enovis or ESAB, as applicable, under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or in respect of any certificate delivered with respect hereto or thereto and, to the fullest extent legally permissible, each of Enovis or ESAB, for itself and its respective Subsidiaries and its and their respective shareholders, directors, employees and officers, waives and agrees not to seek to assert or enforce any such liability that any such Person otherwise might have pursuant to applicable Law.

9.19 Exclusivity of Tax Matters. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (other than Sections 2.2, 2.7, 3.2(c), 5.5(g) and 5.6(f)), the Tax Matters Agreement shall exclusively govern all matters related to Taxes (including allocations thereof) addressed therein. If there is a conflict between any provision of this Agreement or of an Ancillary Agreement (other than the Tax Matters Agreement), on the one hand, and the Tax Matters Agreement, on the other hand, and such provisions relate to matters addressed by the Tax Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement shall control.

9.20 Limitations of Liability. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, NEITHER ESAB NOR ITS AFFILIATES, ON THE ONE HAND, NOR ENOVIS NOR ITS AFFILIATES, ON THE OTHER HAND, SHALL BE LIABLE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT TO THE OTHER FOR ANY INCIDENTAL CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, REMOTE, SPECULATIVE OR SIMILAR DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF COMPENSATORY DAMAGES OF THE OTHER ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (OTHER THAN ANY SUCH LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO INDEMNIFICATION OF SUCH DAMAGES, INCLUDING ALL COSTS, EXPENSES, INTEREST, ATTORNEYS’ FEES, DISBURSEMENTS AND EXPENSES OF COUNSEL, EXPERT AND CONSULTING FEES AND COSTS RELATED THERETO OR TO THE INVESTIGATION OR DEFENSE THEREOF, PAID BY AN INDEMNITEE IN RESPECT OF A THIRD-PARTY CLAIM).

[Signature Page to Follow.]

 

62


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

COLFAX CORPORATION
By:    

Name:

 

Its:

 

 

Signature Page to Separation and Distribution Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

 

ESAB CORPORATION
By:    
Name:  
Its:  

 

Signature Page to Separation and Distribution Agreement

Exhibit 3.1

FORM OF

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

ESAB Corporation

ESAB Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), does hereby certify as follows:

1.    The name of the Corporation is ESAB Corporation. The Corporation was incorporated by the filing of its original Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 19, 2021.

2.    This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Restated Certificate”), which amends, restates and further integrates the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation as heretofore in effect, has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the DGCL, and has been adopted by the written consent of the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL.

3.    The text of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, as heretofore amended, is hereby amended and restated by this Restated Certificate to read in its entirety as set forth in EXHIBIT A attached hereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, ESAB Corporation has caused this Restated Certificate to be signed by a duly authorized office of the Corporation, on [●], 2022.

 

ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation
           By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  

[Signature Page to ESAB Corporation Certificate of Incorporation]


EXHIBIT A

ARTICLE I

The name of the corporation is ESAB Corporation (the “Corporation”).

ARTICLE II

The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801, and the name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

ARTICLE III

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 “DGCL”) as it now exists or may hereafter be amended and supplemented.

ARTICLE IV

The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock.” The total number of shares of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 620,000,000. The total number of shares of Common Stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 600,000,000, having a par value of $0.001 per share, and the total number of shares of Preferred Stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 20,000,000, having a par value of $0.001 per share.

ARTICLE V

The designations and the powers, privileges and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof in respect of each class of capital stock of the Corporation are as follows:

A. COMMON STOCK.

1.    General. The voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights and powers of the Common Stock are subject to and qualified by the rights, powers and preferences of any series of Preferred Stock as may be designated by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) and outstanding from time to time.

2.    Voting. Except as otherwise provided herein or expressly required by law, each holder of Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to vote on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders and shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each share of Common Stock held of record by such holder as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote on such matter. Except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Restated Certificate (including any Certificate of Designation (as defined below)) that relates solely to the rights, powers, preferences (or the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof) or other terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Restated Certificate (including any Certificate of Designation) or pursuant to the DGCL.


Subject to the rights of any holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, the number of authorized shares of Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL.

3.    Dividends. Subject to applicable law and the rights and preferences of any holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, the holders of Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to the payment of dividends on the Common Stock when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable law.

4.    Liquidation. Subject to the rights and preferences of any holders of any shares of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the funds and assets of the Corporation that may be legally distributed to the Corporation’s stockholders shall be distributed among the holders of the then outstanding Common Stock pro rata in accordance with the number of shares of Common Stock held by each such holder.

B. PREFERRED STOCK

Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series, each of such series to have such terms as stated or expressed herein and in the resolution or resolutions providing for the creation and issuance of such series adopted by the Board of Directors as hereinafter provided.

Authority is hereby expressly granted to the Board of Directors from time to time to issue the Preferred Stock in one or more series, and in connection with the creation of any such series, by adopting a resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of the shares thereof and by filing a certificate of designation relating thereto in accordance with the DGCL (a “Certificate of Designation”), to determine and fix the number of shares of such series and such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including without limitation thereof, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, and to increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series as shall be stated and expressed in such resolutions, all to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the resolution or resolutions providing for the creation and issuance of any series of Preferred Stock may provide that such series shall be superior or rank equally or be junior to any other series of Preferred Stock to the extent permitted by law and this Restated Certificate (including any Certificate of Designation). Except as otherwise required by law, holders of any series of Preferred Stock shall be entitled only to such voting rights, if any, as shall expressly be granted thereto by this Restated Certificate (including any Certificate of Designation).


The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL.

ARTICLE VI

For the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation it is further provided that:

A. 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 initially be classified with respect to the time for which they severally hold office into three classes, designated as Class I, Class II and Class III. The initial Class I directors shall serve for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of the stockholders following the initial registration of the Corporation’s Common Stock pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; the initial Class II directors shall serve for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of the stockholders following such registration; and the initial Class III directors shall serve for a term expiring at the third annual meeting following such registration. The Board of Directors is authorized to assign members of the Board of Directors already in office to Class I, Class II and Class III. At each annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation beginning with the first annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Time, 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 initially for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following the year of their election. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, the directors whose terms expire at that meeting shall be elected to hold office for a two-year term expiring at the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders; at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, the directors whose terms expire at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a one-year term expiring at the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders; and at the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders, all directors shall be elected to hold office for a one-year term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders. Commencing with the conclusion of the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Declassification Time”), the classification of the Board of Directors shall cease, and all directors shall be elected for terms expiring at the next succeeding annual meeting of stockholders. 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.

B. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the DGCL or this Restated Certificate, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. The number of directors which shall constitute the whole Board of Directors shall be fixed exclusively by one or more resolutions adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors.

C. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the Board of Directors or any individual director may be removed from office at any time (i) before the Declassification Time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all of the then


outstanding shares of voting stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at an election of directors and (ii) from and after the Declassification Time, either with or without cause, upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of voting stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at an election of directors.

D. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, except as otherwise provided by law, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, retirement, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors shall be filled exclusively by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director (other than any directors elected by the separate vote of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock), and shall not be filled by the stockholders. Any director appointed in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office until the expiration of the term of the class to which such director shall have been appointed or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, or removal.

E. Whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more such other series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, removal and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Certificate of Designation). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article VI, the number of directors that may be elected by the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to paragraph B of this Article VI, and the total number of directors constituting the whole Board of Directors shall be automatically adjusted accordingly. Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Designation(s) in respect of one or more series of Preferred Stock, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such Certificate of Designation(s), the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such series of Preferred Stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate (in which case each such director thereupon shall cease to be qualified as, and shall cease to be, a director) and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be reduced accordingly.

F. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal Bylaws of the Corporation. In addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by applicable law or by this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Certificate of Designation in respect of one or more series of Preferred Stock) or the Bylaws of the Corporation, the adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the stockholders of the Corporation shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of voting stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in an election of directors.


G. The directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot unless the Bylaws so provide.

ARTICLE VII

A. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, and shall not be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more other such series, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, to the extent expressly so provided by the applicable Certificate of Designation relating to such series of Preferred Stock, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding shares of the relevant series of Preferred Stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL.

B. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called, for any purpose or purposes, at any time only by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or President, and shall not be called by any other person or persons.

C. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of other business proposed to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VIII

No director of the Corporation shall have any personal liability to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as the same exists or hereafter may be amended. Any amendment, repeal or modification of this Article VIII, or the adoption of any provision of the Restated Certificate inconsistent with this Article VIII, shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment, repeal, modification or adoption. If the DGCL is amended after approval by the stockholders of this Article VIII to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as so amended.

ARTICLE IX

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.


ARTICLE X

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 bylaws of the Corporation or this Restated Certificate (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 X, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause or causes of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant to such complaint. 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.

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 X. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Article X 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 X 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 X (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Article X 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 XI

A. The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change, adopt or repeal any provision contained in this Restated Certificate, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.


B. If any provision or provisions of this Restated Certificate 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 Restated Certificate (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Restated Certificate containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the provisions of this Restated Certificate (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Restated Certificate 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.

Exhibit 3.2

Form of

Amended and Restated Bylaws of

ESAB Corporation

(a Delaware corporation)


Table of Contents

 

     Page  

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   

Notice of Business to be Brought Before a Meeting.

     2  
  2.5   

Notice of Nominations for Election to the Board of Directors.

     5  
  2.6    Additional Requirements for Valid Nomination of Candidates to Serve as Director and, if Elected, to be Seated as Directors.      7  
  2.7   

Notice of Stockholders’ Meetings

     9  
  2.8   

Quorum

     9  
  2.9   

Adjourned Meeting; Notice

     9  
  2.10   

Conduct of Business

     10  
  2.11   

Voting

     10  
  2.12   

Record Date for Stockholder Meetings and Other Purposes

     11  
  2.13   

Proxies

     11  
  2.14   

List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote

     12  
  2.15   

Inspectors of Election

     12  
  2.16   

Delivery to the Corporation

     13  

Article III - Directors

     13  
  3.1   

Powers

     13  
  3.2   

Number of Directors

     13  
  3.3   

Election, Qualification and Term of Office of Directors

     13  
  3.4   

Resignation and Vacancies

     13  
  3.5   

Place of Meetings; Meetings by Telephone

     14  
  3.6   

Regular Meetings

     14  
  3.7   

Special Meetings; Notice

     14  
  3.8   

Quorum

     15  
  3.9   

Board Action without a Meeting

     15  
  3.10   

Fees and Compensation of Directors

     15  

Article IV - Committees

     15  
  4.1   

Committees of Directors

     15  
  4.2   

Committee Minutes

     16  
  4.3   

Meetings and Actions of Committees

     16  
  4.4   

Subcommittees.

     16  

Article V - Officers

     17  
  5.1   

Officers

     17  
  5.2   

Appointment of Officers

     17  

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

              Page  
  5.3   

Subordinate Officers

     17  
  5.4   

Removal and Resignation of Officers

     17  
  5.5   

Vacancies in Offices

     17  
  5.6   

Representation of Shares of Other Corporations

     17  
  5.7   

Authority and Duties of Officers

     18  
  5.8   

Compensation.

     18  

Article VI - Records

     18  

Article VII - General Matters

     18  
  7.1   

Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments

     18  
           7.2   

Stock Certificates

     18  
  7.3   

Special Designation of Certificates.

     19  
  7.4   

Lost Certificates

     19  
  7.5   

Shares Without Certificates

     19  
  7.6   

Construction; Definitions

     20  
  7.7   

Dividends

     20  
  7.8   

Fiscal Year

     20  
  7.9   

Seal

     20  
  7.10   

Transfer of Stock

     20  
  7.11   

Stock Transfer Agreements

     20  
  7.12   

Registered Stockholders

     21  
  7.13   

Waiver of Notice

     21  

Article VIII - Notice

     21  
  8.1   

Delivery of Notice; Notice by Electronic Transmission

     21  

Article IX - Indemnification

     22  
  9.1   

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

     22  
  9.2   

Indemnification of Others

     22  
  9.3   

Prepayment of Expenses

     23  
  9.4   

Determination; Claim

     23  
  9.5   

Non-Exclusivity of Rights

     23  
  9.6   

Insurance

     23  
  9.7   

Other Indemnification

     23  
  9.8   

Continuation of Indemnification

     24  
  9.9   

Amendment or Repeal; Interpretation

     24  

Article X - Amendments

     24  

Article XI - Definitions

     25  

 

ii


Amended and Restated Bylaws of

ESAB Corporation

Article I - Corporate Offices

1.1    Registered Office.

The address of the registered office of ESAB Corporation (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 of directors (the “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 any place 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 of these bylaws may be transacted. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled annual meeting of stockholders.

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. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled special meeting of stockholders.


2.4    Notice of Business to be Brought Before a Meeting.

(a)    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 (i) specified in a notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (ii) if not specified in a notice of meeting, otherwise brought before the meeting by the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder present in person who (A) (1) was a record owner of shares of the Corporation both at the time of giving the notice provided 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 in all applicable respects 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”). The foregoing clause (iii) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to propose business to be brought before an annual meeting of the stockholders. For purposes of this Section 2.4, “present in person” shall mean that the stockholder proposing that the business be brought before the annual meeting of the Corporation, or a qualified representative of such proposing stockholder, appear at such annual meeting. A “qualified representative” of such proposing stockholder shall be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or any other person authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered 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. Stockholders seeking to nominate persons for election to the Board of Directors must comply with Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 and this Section 2.4 shall not be applicable to nominations except as expressly provided in Section 2.5 and Section 2.6.

(b)    Without qualification, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must (i) provide Timely Notice (as defined below) thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation and (ii) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.4. 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 ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the one-year anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting which, in the case of the first annual meeting of stockholders following the closing of the Corporation’s initial registration of the Corporation’s Common Stock pursuant to the Exchange Act, the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting shall be deemed to be May 11, 2022; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is more than thirty (30) days before or more than sixty (60) days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered, or mailed and received, not later than the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting or, if later, the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was first made by the Corporation (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 for the giving of Timely Notice as described above.

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

(i)    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 class or series and number of shares of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned of record or beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under

 

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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 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”);

(ii)    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 shares 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 shares 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, 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) a representation that such Proposing Person intends or is part of a group which intends to deliver a proxy statement 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 or otherwise solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal and (G) 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 (G) 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

 

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(iii)    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 and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend these bylaws, the language of the proposed amendment), and (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 paragraph (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.

For purposes of this Section 2.4, the term “Proposing Personshall mean (i) the stockholder providing the notice of business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting, (ii) 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, and (iii) any participant (as defined in paragraphs (a)(ii)-(vi) of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A) with such stockholder in such solicitation.

(d)    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 stockholders entitled to vote at 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 stockholders entitled to vote at 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.

(e)    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.

 

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(f)    This Section 2.4 is expressly intended to apply to any business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders other than any proposal made in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and included in the Corporation’s proxy statement. 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.

(g)    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    Notice of Nominations for Election to the Board of Directors.

(a)    Nominations of any person for election to the Board of Directors 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 (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, including by any committee or persons authorized to do so by the Board of Directors or these bylaws, or (ii) by a stockholder present in person (A) who was a record 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, (B) is entitled to vote at the meeting, and (C) has complied with this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 as to such notice and nomination. For purposes of this Section 2.5, “present in person” shall mean that the stockholder nominating any person for election to the Board of Directors at the meeting of the Corporation, or a qualified representative of such stockholder, appear at such meeting. A “qualified representative” of such proposing stockholder shall be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or any other person authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered 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. The foregoing clause (ii) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board of Directors at an annual meeting or special meeting.

(b)    (i) Without qualification, for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board of Directors at an annual meeting, the stockholder must (1) provide Timely Notice (as defined in Section 2.4) thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation, (2) provide the information, agreements and questionnaires with respect to such stockholder and its candidate for nomination as required to be set forth by this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 and (3) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6.

(ii) Without qualification, if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling a special meeting, then for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board of Directors at a special meeting, the stockholder must (i) provide timely notice thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, (ii) provide the information with respect to such stockholder and its candidate for nomination as required by this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 and (iii) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.5. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice for nominations to be made at a special meeting must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the one hundred twentieth

 

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(120th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such special meeting or, if later, the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public disclosure (as defined in Section 2.4) of the date of such special meeting was first made.

(iii) In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or special meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(iv) In no event may a Nominating Person provide Timely Notice with respect to a greater number of director candidates than are subject to election by shareholders at the applicable meeting. If the Corporation shall, subsequent to such notice, increase the number of directors subject to election at the meeting, such notice as to any additional nominees shall be due on the later of (i) the conclusion of the time period for Timely Notice, (ii) the date set forth in Section 2.5(b)(ii) or (iii) the tenth day following the date of public disclosure (as defined in Section 2.4) of such increase.

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

(i)    As to each Nominating Person (as defined below), the Stockholder Information (as defined in Section 2.4(c)(i), 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(c)(i));

(ii)    As to each Nominating Person, any Disclosable Interests (as defined in Section 2.4(c)(ii), 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(c)(ii) and the disclosure with respect to the business to be brought before the meeting in Section 2.4(c)(ii) shall be made with respect to the election of directors at the meeting); and

(iii)    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 and Section 2.6 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 a proxy statement relating to the registrant’s next meeting of shareholders at which directors are to be elected 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 2.6(a).

For purposes of this Section 2.5, the term “Nominating Person” shall mean (i) the stockholder providing the notice of the nomination proposed to be made at the meeting, (ii) 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, and (iii) any other participant in such solicitation.

 

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(d)    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 stockholders entitled to vote at 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 stockholders entitled to vote at 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.

(e)    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. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.5, unless otherwise required by law, (i) no Nominating Person shall solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Corporation’s nominees unless such Nominating Person has complied with Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the Exchange Act in connection with the solicitation of such proxies, including the provision to the Corporation of notices required thereunder in a timely manner and (ii) if any Nominating Person (1) provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the Exchange Act and (2) subsequently fails to comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(2) and Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act, including the provision to the Corporation of notices required thereunder in a timely manner, then the Corporation shall disregard any proxies or votes solicited for the Nominating Person’s candidates. Upon request by the Corporation, if any Nominating Person provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the Exchange Act, such Nominating Person shall deliver to the Corporation, no later than five (5) business days prior to the applicable meeting, reasonable evidence that it has met the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act.

2.6    Additional Requirements for Valid Nomination of Candidates to Serve as Director and, if Elected, to be Seated as Directors.

(a)    To be eligible to be a candidate for election as a director of the Corporation at an annual or special meeting, a candidate must be nominated in the manner prescribed in Section 2.5 and the candidate for nomination, whether nominated by the Board of Directors or by a stockholder of record, must have previously delivered (in accordance with the time period prescribed for delivery in a notice to such candidate given by or on behalf of the Board of Directors), to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, (i) a completed written questionnaire (in a form provided by the Corporation) with respect to the background, qualifications, stock ownership and independence of such proposed nominee and (ii) a written representation and agreement (in form provided by the Corporation) that such candidate for nomination (A) is not and, if elected as a director during his or her term of office, will not become a party to (1) any agreement,

 

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arrangement or understanding with, and has not given and will not give any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such proposed nominee, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) or (2) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such proposed nominee’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such proposed nominee’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (B) 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 that has not been disclosed therein, (C) 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 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) and (D) if elected as director of the Corporation, intends to serve the entire term until the next meeting at which such candidate would face re-election.

(b)    The Board of Directors may also require any proposed candidate for nomination as a Director to furnish such other information as may reasonably be requested by the Board of Directors in writing prior to the meeting of stockholders at which such candidate’s nomination is to be acted upon in order for the Board of Directors to determine the eligibility of such candidate for nomination to be an independent director of the Corporation and to comply with the Director qualification standards and additional selection criteria in accordance with the Corporation’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. Such other information shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (or any other office specified by the Corporation in any public announcement) not later than five (5) business days after the request by the Board of Directors has been delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Nominating Person.

(c)    A candidate for nomination as a director shall further update and supplement the materials delivered pursuant to this Section 2.6, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall be true and correct as of the record date for stockholders entitled to vote at 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 (or any other office specified by the Corporation in any public announcement) not later than five (5) business days after the record date for stockholders entitled to vote at 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 proposal, including by changing or adding nominees, matters, business or resolutions proposed to be brought before a meeting of the stockholders.

(d)    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 Section 2.5 and this Section 2.6, as applicable. The presiding officer at the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was not properly made in accordance with Section 2.5 and

 

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this Section 2.6, 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.

(e)    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 Section 2.5 and this Section 2.6.

2.7    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 8.1 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 time 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.

2.8    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 person presiding over 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 power to recess the meeting or 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, unless these bylaws otherwise require, 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 entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.

 

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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 person presiding over 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 (which need not be in writing) and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such presiding person, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the person presiding over 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 (including, without limitation, rules and procedures for removal of disruptive persons from the meeting); (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 person presiding over 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 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 person presiding over the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

2.11    Voting.

Except as may be otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws or the DGCL, each stockholder shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each share of capital stock held by such stockholder.

Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, at all duly called or convened meetings of stockholders at which a quorum is present, a nominee for director shall be elected to the Board of Directors if the votes cast for such nominee’s election exceed the votes cast against such nominee’s election (with abstentions not counted as a vote cast either for or against that nominee’s election); provided, however, that a plurality of the votes cast shall be sufficient to elect a director at any duly called or convened meeting of stockholders, at which a quorum is present, if the Secretary of the Corporation determines that the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected as of the record date for such meeting. If directors are to be elected by a plurality of the votes cast, stockholders shall not be permitted to vote against a nominee.

 

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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 in voting power 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, unless otherwise required by law, 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 determination of stockholders entitled to vote at 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.

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, including Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the Exchange Act, which is compliant therewith and in all cases 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 transmission was authorized by the stockholder.

Any stockholder directly or indirectly soliciting proxies from other stockholders must use a proxy card color other than white, which shall be reserved for the exclusive use by the Board.

 

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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 person presiding over 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;

(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.

 

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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.

Subject to the Certificate of Incorporation, the total number of directors constituting the Board shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board. No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director before that director’s term of office expires.

3.3    Election, Qualification and Term of Office of Directors.

Except as provided in Section 3.4 of these bylaws, and subject to the Certificate of Incorporation, each director, including a director elected to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship, shall hold office until the expiration of the term of the class, if any, for which elected and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation, disqualification or removal. Directors need not be stockholders. The Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws may prescribe qualifications for directors.

3.4    Resignation and Vacancies.

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, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have 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 Section 3.3.

 

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Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of any director, and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors shall be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.

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 designated by the Board, may participate in a meeting of the Board, or any committee, 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 and at such time and at such place as which has been designated by the Board and publicized among all directors, either orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice-messaging system or other system designed to record and communicate messages, facsimile, telegraph or telex, or by electronic mail or other means of electronic transmission. No further notice shall be required for regular meetings of 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, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Secretary 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.

 

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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.

At all meetings of the Board, unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, a majority of the total number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 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 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    Board Action 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 thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. After an action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board, or the committee thereof, in the same paper or electronic form as the minutes are maintained. Such action by written consent or consent by electronic transmission shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the Board.

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.

The Board may designate one (1) or more committees, each committee to consist, of one (1) or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board may designate one (1) or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. 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 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.

 

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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; meetings by telephone);

(ii)    Section 3.6 (regular meetings);

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

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

(v)    Section 7.13 (waiver of notice),

with such changes in the context of those bylaws as are necessary to substitute the committee and its 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

(iii)    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.

4.4    Subcommittees.

Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws or the resolutions of the Board designating the committee, a committee may create one (1) or more subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one (1) or more members of the committee, and delegate to a subcommittee any or all of the powers and authority of the committee.

 

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Article V - Officers

5.1    Officers.

The officers of the Corporation shall 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. No officer need be a stockholder or director of the Corporation.

5.2    Appointment of Officers.

The Board 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 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 or as the Board may from time to time determine.

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, except in the case of an officer chosen by the Board, by any officer upon whom such power of removal may be conferred by the Board.

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 shall be filled by the Board or as provided in Section 5.2.

5.6    Representation of Shares of Other Corporations.

The Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President of this Corporation, or any other person authorized by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, is authorized to vote, represent and exercise on behalf of this Corporation all rights incident to any and all shares or voting securities of any other corporation or other person 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.

 

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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 Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in the State of Delaware.    

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.

7.2    Stock Certificates.

The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board by resolution may provide that some or all of the shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation shall be uncertificated. 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

 

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sign stock certificates representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. The Chairperson or Vice Chairperson of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, the President, Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, 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.

The Corporation may issue the whole or any part of its shares as partly paid and subject to call for the remainder of the consideration to be paid therefor. Upon the face or back of each stock certificate issued to represent any such partly paid shares, or upon the books and records of the Corporation in the case of uncertificated partly paid shares, the total amount of the consideration to be paid therefor and the amount paid thereon shall be stated. Upon the declaration of any dividend on fully paid shares, the Corporation shall declare a dividend upon partly paid shares of the same class, but only upon the basis of the percentage of the consideration actually paid thereon.

7.3    Special Designation of Certificates.

If the Corporation is authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, then the powers, the designations, the preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or on the back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock (or, in the case of uncertificated shares, set forth in a notice provided pursuant to Section 151 of the DGCL); provided, however, that except as otherwise provided in Section 202 of the DGCL, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on the face of back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock (or, in the case of any uncertificated shares, included in the aforementioned notice) a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, the designations, the preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

7.4    Lost Certificates.

Except as provided in this Section 7.4, 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.

7.5    Shares Without Certificates

The Corporation may 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.

 

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7.6    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. Without limiting the generality of this provision, the singular number includes the plural and the plural number includes the singular.

7.7    Dividends.

The Board, subject to any restrictions contained in either (i) the DGCL or (ii) the Certificate of Incorporation, 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.

7.8    Fiscal Year.

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

7.9    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.

7.10    Transfer of Stock.

Shares of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these bylaws. 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 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.

7.11    Stock Transfer Agreements.

The Corporation shall have 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.

 

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7.12    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.

7.13    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 need 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.

Article VIII - Notice

8.1    Delivery of Notice; Notice by Electronic Transmission.

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.

 

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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.

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.

 

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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.

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.

 

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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 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 Article V 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. The stockholders also shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that such action by stockholders shall require, in addition to any other vote required by the Certificate of Incorporation or applicable law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of voting stock of the Corporation with the power to vote generally in an election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

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Article XI - Definitions

As used in these bylaws, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

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).

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.

The term “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.

 

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ESAB Corporation

Certificate of Amendment and Restatement of Bylaws

 

 

The undersigned hereby certifies that he is the duly elected, qualified, and acting Secretary of ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and that the foregoing bylaws were approved on                     , 2022, effective as of                     , 2022 by the Corporation’s board of directors.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this ___ day of ___, 2022.

 

 

[Name]
General Counsel and Secretary

Exhibit 10.1

FORM OF

TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

COLFAX CORPORATION

AND

ESAB CORPORATION

DATED AS OF []


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

     1  

1.1

   Definitions      1  

1.2

   Interpretation      2  

ARTICLE II. SERVICES

     3  

2.1

   Services      3  

2.2

   Additional Services      3  

2.3

   Exceptions to Services Obligations; Excluded Services      3  

2.4

   Standard of the Provision of Services      4  

2.5

   Maintenance      4  

2.6

   Change in Services      4  

2.7

   Subcontractors      4  

2.8

   Electronic Access      4  

ARTICLE III. COSTS AND DISBURSEMENTS

     5  

3.1

   Costs and Disbursements      5  

3.2

   Taxes      6  

3.3

   Limited Set-Off Rights      6  

3.4

   Currency      6  

ARTICLE IV. WARRANTIES AND COMPLIANCE; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

     6  

4.1

   Disclaimer of Warranties      6  

4.2

   Compliance with Laws and Regulations      7  

4.3

   Limitation of Liability      7  

4.4

   Limitation of Damages      7  

4.5

   Limited Liability of Individuals      7  

ARTICLE V. INDEMNIFICATION

     8  

5.1

   Indemnification by Recipient      8  

5.2

   Indemnification by Provider      8  

5.3

   Indemnification Procedures      8  

ARTICLE VI. TERM; TERMINATION

     8  

6.1

   Term      8  

6.2

   Termination.      8  

6.3

   Effect of Termination      10  

6.4

   Force Majeure      10  

 


ARTICLE VII. MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

     11  

7.1

   Cooperation      11  

7.2

   Required Consents      11  

7.3

   Primary Points of Contact for Agreement      11  

7.4

   Steering Committee      12  

7.5

   Personnel      12  

7.6

   No Agency      13  

ARTICLE VIII. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

     13  

8.1

   General Provisions      13  

8.2

   Negotiation by Steering Committee and Senior Executives      14  

8.3

   Arbitration      14  

ARTICLE IX. CONFIDENTIALITY

     15  

9.1

   Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power      15  

9.2

   Protective Arrangements      17  

9.3

   Privileged Matters      17  

ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS

     17  

10.1

   Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power      17  

10.2

   Governing Law      18  

10.3

   Assignability      18  

10.4

   Third-Party Beneficiaries      18  

10.5

   Notices      19  

10.6

   Severability      19  

10.7

   Expenses      19  

10.8

   Headings      19  

10.9

   Waivers of Default      19  

10.10

   Specific Performance      20  

10.11

   Amendments      20  

10.12

   Construction      20  

10.13

   Performance      20  

10.14

   Exclusivity of Tax Matters      20  

 

Schedules

     

Schedule 2.1-A

   Enovis Provided Services   

Schedule 2.1-B

   ESAB Provided Services   

Schedule 2.5(b)

   Excluded Services   

 

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TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

This TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of [•] (the “Effective Date”), by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Enovis”), and ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ESAB”). Enovis and ESAB are each a “Party” and are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “Parties.” Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in Article I.

R E C I T A L S

WHEREAS, Enovis and ESAB entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement as of [•] (as amended, restated, amended and restated, and otherwise modified from time to time, the “Separation Agreement”);

WHEREAS, it is anticipated that, immediately following the Distribution, “Colfax Corporation” will change its name to “Enovis Corporation”; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Separation Agreement, services are to continue to be provided by Enovis to ESAB and by ESAB to the Enovis after the Distribution Date upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

1.1 Definitions. Capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth below in this Section 1.1 or as set forth in the body of this Agreement. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Separation Agreement.

Enovis Group” means Enovis and its Subsidiaries.

Enovis Provider” means Enovis or a Provider that is a member of the Enovis Group.

ESAB Group” means ESAB and its Subsidiaries.

ESAB Provider” means ESAB or a Provider that is a member of the ESAB Group.

Force Majeure” means, with respect to a Party, an event beyond the reasonable control of such Party, including acts of God, storms, floods, pandemics, riots, fires, sabotage, civil commotion or civil unrest, interference by civil or military authorities, acts of war (declared or undeclared) or armed hostilities or other national or international calamity or one or more acts of terrorism or failure or interruption of networks or energy sources.

Group(s)” means the Enovis Group and/or the ESAB Group, as applicable.


Prime Rate” means the rate last quoted as of the time of determination by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the United States or, if the Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate as of such time, or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by Enovis) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by Enovis).

Provider” means the Party or its Subsidiaries providing a Service under this Agreement.

Recipient” means the Party or its Subsidiaries to whom a Service is being provided under this Agreement.

Transition Manager(s)” means the Enovis Transition Manager and/or the ESAB Transition Manager, as applicable.

Virus(es)” means any computer instructions (i) that have a material adverse effect on the operation, security or integrity of a computing telecommunications or other digital operating or processing system or environment, including other programs, data, databases, computer libraries and computer and communications equipment, by altering, destroying, disrupting or inhibiting such operation, security or integrity; (ii) that without functional purpose, self-replicate without manual intervention; or (iii) that purport to perform a useful function but which actually perform either a destructive or harmful function, or perform no useful function and utilize substantial computer, telecommunications or memory resources.

1.2 Interpretation. In this Agreement (a) words in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be deemed to include the other genders as the context requires; (b) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “herewith” and words of similar import, and the term “Agreement” or any other reference to an agreement shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement or the other applicable agreement as a whole (including all of the Schedules, Exhibits, Annexes and Appendices hereto and thereto) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement or such other agreement; (c) Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule and Appendix references are to the Articles, Sections, Exhibits, Schedules and Appendices to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; (d) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including, without limitation”; (e) the word “or” shall not be exclusive; (f) unless expressly stated to the contrary in this Agreement, all references to “the date hereof,” “the date of this Agreement,” and words of similar import shall all be references to the date first stated in the preamble to this Agreement, regardless of any amendment or restatement hereof; (g) unless otherwise provided, all references to “$” or “dollars” are to United States dollars; and (h) references to the performance, discharge or fulfillment of any Liability in accordance with its terms shall have meaning only to the extent such Liability has terms, and if the Liability does not have terms, the reference shall mean performance, discharge or fulfillment of such Liability.

 

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ARTICLE II.

SERVICES

2.1 Services. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Enovis shall provide (or cause to be provided) to the ESAB Group all of the services listed in Schedule 2.1-A attached hereto (as such Schedule may be amended pursuant to Section 2.4, the “Enovis Provided Services”). Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, ESAB shall provide (or cause to be provided) to the Enovis Group all of the services listed in Schedule 2.1-B attached hereto (as such Schedule may be amended pursuant to Section 2.4, the “ESAB Provided Services”, and collectively with the Enovis Provided Services and any Additional Services, the “Services”). Each Service shall be provided during the term specified for such Service in Schedule 2.1-A or Schedule 2.1-B, as applicable (each, a “Service Term”).

2.2 Additional Services. If, within four (4) months after the Effective Date, Enovis or ESAB (or the Enovis Transition Manager or ESAB Transition Manager, as applicable) identifies a service that (a) the Enovis Group provided to the ESAB Group during the one (1)-year period prior to the Effective Date that the ESAB Group reasonably needs in order for the ESAB Business to continue to operate in substantially the same manner in which the ESAB Business operated prior to the Effective Date, and such service was not included in Schedule 2.1-A (other than because the Parties agreed such services shall not be provided), or (b) the ESAB Group provided to the Enovis Group prior to the Effective Date that the Enovis Group reasonably needs in order for the Enovis Group to continue to operate their businesses other than the ESAB Business (the “Enovis Business”) in substantially the same manner in which such businesses operated prior to the Effective Date, and such service was not included in Schedule 2.1-B (other than because the Parties agreed such services shall not be provided), and in each case (i) such service is not an Excluded Service and (ii) the proposed Recipient of such service is unable to reasonably obtain such service from a Third Party, then, in each case, ESAB and Enovis shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide, or cause to be provided, such requested services (such additional services, the “Additional Services”). Unless specifically agreed in writing to the contrary, the Parties shall amend the appropriate Schedule in writing to include such Additional Services (including the applicable Service Term, which, for clarity, shall be not be longer than the longest existing Service Term for other Services) and such Additional Services shall be deemed Services hereunder, and accordingly, the Party requested to provide such Additional Services shall provide, or cause to be provided, such Additional Services in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

2.3 Exceptions to Services Obligations; Excluded Services.

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, including Enovis’ and ESAB’s obligations set forth in Section 2.1 hereof, the relevant Providers shall not be obligated to (and neither Enovis nor ESAB shall be obligated to cause any Provider to) provide any Services if the provision of such Services would violate any Law or any Contract to which Enovis, ESAB, any of Enovis’ or ESAB’s Affiliates or any of the Providers are subject; provided, however, that Enovis and ESAB shall comply with Section 7.2 in obtaining any Consents necessary to provide such Services.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Services shall in no event include those services set forth on Schedule 2.5(b) (the “Excluded Services”).

2.4 Standard of the Provision of Services . The Services shall be provided in the manner and at a level substantially consistent with that provided by the Providers immediately preceding the Effective Date. All of the Enovis Provided Services shall be for the sole benefit of ESAB Group, and all of the ESAB Provided Services and shall be for the sole benefit of the Enovis Group.

2.5 Maintenance. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.6, Provider shall have the right to shut down its facilities and/or systems used in providing the Services in accordance with scheduled maintenance windows that have been set by Provider and communicated at least seven (7) days in advance to Recipient’s Transition Manager and that are consistent with the scheduled maintenance windows for Provider’s own business. The scheduled maintenance windows shall always be planned to be performed outside customary business hours, or if not possible, be planned so that such shutdown shall not materially and adversely affect Recipient’s operations. In the event maintenance is nonscheduled, Provider shall, whenever possible, notify Recipient twenty-four (24) hours in advance. Unless not feasible under the circumstances, this notice shall be given in writing or by email to Recipient’s Transition Manager. Where written notice is not feasible, Provider shall give prompt oral notice, which notice shall be promptly confirmed in writing by Provider. Provider shall be relieved of its obligations to provide Services only for the period of time that its facilities are so shut down but shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize each period of shutdown for such purpose and to schedule such shutdown so as not to inconvenience or disrupt the conduct of business by Recipient

2.6 Change in Services. The Providers may from time to time reasonably supplement, modify, substitute or otherwise alter the Services provided in a manner that does not materially adversely affect the quality or availability of such Services or materially increase the cost of such Services.

2.7 Subcontractors. A Provider may subcontract any of the Services or portion thereof to any other Person, including any Affiliate of the Provider; provided, however, that such other Person shall be subject to service standards and confidentiality provisions at least equivalent to those set forth herein, and such Provider shall in all cases remain primarily responsible for all of its obligations hereunder with respect to the Services provided by such subcontractor.

2.8 Electronic Access.

(a) To the extent that the performance or receipt of Services requires access to a Group’s intranet or other internal systems (“Group Systems”) by the other Group (the “Accessing Group”), the Party whose Group Systems are being accessed shall provide or cause to be provided limited access to such Group Systems, subject to policies, procedures and limitations to be determined by such Party. Each Party shall cause its Accessing Group to comply with all security guidelines (including physical security, network access, internet security, confidentiality and personal data security guidelines) of the other Party, copies of which shall be made available to the Accessing Group upon reasonable request.

 

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(b) While Services are being provided hereunder, the Accessing Group shall take commercially reasonable measures to ensure that no Virus or similar items are coded or introduced into the Group Systems of the other Party. With respect to Services provided by third parties, compliance with the applicable agreement with such third party shall be deemed sufficient commercially reasonable measures. If a Virus is found to have been introduced into any Group Systems by an Accessing Group, the Parties hereto shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate and to diligently work together to eliminate the effects of the Virus.

(c) The Parties shall, and shall cause their respective Providers to, exercise reasonable care in providing and using the Services in a manner that reduces the risk of access to the Group Systems by unauthorized Persons.

ARTICLE III.

COSTS AND DISBURSEMENTS

3.1 Costs and Disbursements.

(a) Each Party (or its designee) shall pay to the other Party providing, or causing to be provided, the applicable Service a monthly fee for such Service as set forth therefor in the applicable Schedule hereto, and with respect to an Additional Service, the monthly fee shall be the applicable Provider’s internal and external costs and expenses (including an reasonable allocation of overhead) to provide such Additional Services, plus any costs associated with migrating data or otherwise preparing any Additional Services to be provided under this Agreement (each aggregate fee calculated in accordance with this provision constituting a “Service Charge” and, collectively, the “Service Charges”); provided, however, that a fee for a Service not provided or made available hereunder for a full month shall be pro-rated for the portion of such month provided or made available.

(b) Each of Enovis and ESAB (or their designees), as applicable, shall deliver invoices to the other Party (or its designees) in accordance with the terms hereof, beginning on or prior to the tenth (10th) day following the first fiscal month end following the Effective Date and, thereafter, on or prior to the tenth (10th) day following the fiscal month end for each succeeding month or week (in accordance with the terms hereof) for the duration of this Agreement (or at such other frequency as is consistent with the basis on which the Service Charges are determined and, if applicable, charged to Affiliates of each Party) in arrears for the Service Charges due under this Agreement. Each of Enovis or ESAB (or their designees) shall pay, or cause to be paid, the amount of such invoice by wire transfer or check to the other Party (or its designees) within thirty (30) days of the date of such invoice. If Enovis or ESAB (or their designees), as applicable, fails to pay any amounts hereunder by the applicable due date, such Party shall be obligated to pay to the other Party, in addition to the amount due, interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate, from time to time in effect, calculated for the actual number of days elapsed, accrued from the date on which such payment was due up to the date of the actual receipt of payment.

 

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3.2 Taxes. All sums payable under this Agreement are exclusive of value added, sales, goods and services, turnover or other similar Taxes that may be levied in any jurisdiction with respect to any Services (“Sales Taxes”). Any Sales Taxes required to be charged and collected by Provider under applicable Law are in addition to amounts to be paid by Recipient under Section 3.1. If any Taxes are required to be deducted or withheld under applicable Law from any payments made by one Party (the “Payor”) to another Party (the “Payee”) hereunder (“Payment Withholding Taxes”), then such Payor shall (a) withhold or deduct the amount of Payment Withholding Taxes required under applicable Law and promptly pay such Payment Withholding Taxes to the applicable Tax authority, and (b) pay additional amounts to such Payee so that the net amount actually received by such Payee after such withholding or deduction of Tax (including any withholding or deduction applicable to additional amounts payable under this clause (b)) is equal to the amount that such Payee would have received had no Payment Withholding Taxes been deducted or withheld. If the Payee receives a cash refund of (or credit in lieu of such refund with respect to) Payment Withholding Taxes, then the Payee shall reimburse the Payor for an amount equal to such refund or credit (net of any Taxes thereon and any reasonable costs and expenses incurred in obtaining such refund or credit). The Payor and the Payee shall make commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any exemption relating to, or reduced rate of, deduction or withholding for or on account of Tax, including making applicable double taxation treaty clearance applications, and each Party shall cooperate with the other with respect thereto.

3.3 Limited Set-Off Rights. Each of Enovis or ESAB, as applicable, shall pay the full amount of Service Charges and shall not set-off, counterclaim or otherwise withhold any amount owed to the other Party under this Agreement, on account of any obligation owed by the other Party to Enovis or ESAB, as applicable, under this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement that has not been finally adjudicated, settled or otherwise agreed upon by the Parties in writing; provided, however, that Enovis or ESAB, as applicable, shall be permitted to assert a set-off right with respect to any obligation that has been so finally adjudicated, settled or otherwise agreed upon by the Parties in writing against amounts owed by the other Party under this Agreement.

3.4 Currency. All payments to be made by either Enovis or ESAB under this Agreement shall be made in US Dollars.

ARTICLE IV.

WARRANTIES AND COMPLIANCE; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

4.1 Disclaimer of Warranties. Except as expressly set forth herein, the Parties acknowledge and agree that (a) the Services are provided as-is, (b) the Recipients assume all risks and Liability arising from or relating to their use of and reliance upon the Services, and (c) each Party and their respective Providers make no representation or warranty with respect thereto. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, EACH PARTY AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PROVIDERS HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING THE SERVICES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY IN REGARD TO QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, NONINFRINGEMENT, MISAPPROPRIATION, COMMERCIAL UTILITY, OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS OF THE SERVICES FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

 

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4.2 Compliance with Laws and Regulations. Each Party hereto shall be responsible for its own compliance with any and all Laws applicable to its performance under this Agreement. FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, EACH PARTY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OBLIGATION OR WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES THAT COULD BE CONSTRUED TO REQUIRE PROVIDER TO DELIVER SERVICES HEREUNDER IN SUCH A MANNER TO ALLOW A RECIPIENT TO ITSELF COMPLY WITH ANY LAW APPLICABLE TO THE ACTIONS OR FUNCTIONS OF SUCH RECIPIENT (OR ITS AFFILIATES).

4.3 Limitation of Liability. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, EXCEPT FOR CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF FRAUD, GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, NEITHER ESAB NOR ITS AFFILIATES, ON THE ONE HAND, NOR EVONIS NOR ITS AFFILIATES, ON THE OTHER HAND, SHALL BE LIABLE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT TO THE OTHER FOR ANY INCIDENTAL CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, REMOTE, SPECULATIVE OR SIMILAR DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF COMPENSATORY DAMAGES OF THE OTHER ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (OTHER THAN ANY SUCH LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO INDEMNIFICATION OF SUCH DAMAGES, INCLUDING ALL COSTS, EXPENSES, INTEREST, ATTORNEYS’ FEES, DISBURSEMENTS AND EXPENSES OF COUNSEL, EXPERT AND CONSULTING FEES AND COSTS RELATED THERETO OR TO THE INVESTIGATION OR DEFENSE THEREOF, PAID BY AN INDEMNITEE IN RESPECT OF A THIRD-PARTY CLAIM).

4.4 Limitation of Damages. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, EXCEPT FOR CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF FRAUD, GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT THE MAXIMUM, CUMULATIVE AND SOLE LIABILITY OF EACH PARTY, ITS AFFILIATES, SUBCONTRACTORS, SUPPLIERS AND AGENTS FOR ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE SERVICES, OR THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF SUCH PARTY, ITS AFFILIATES AND ITS AND THEIR SUPPLIERS, SUBCONTRACTORS AND AGENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT EXCEED $1,000,000.

4.5 Limited Liability of Individuals. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no individual who is a shareholder, director, employee, officer, agent or representative of Evonis or ESAB, in such individual’s capacity as such, shall have any liability in respect of or relating to the covenants or obligations of Evonis or ESAB, as applicable, under this Agreement or in respect of any certificate delivered with respect hereto, and to the fullest extent legally permissible, each of Evonis or ESAB, for itself and its respective Subsidiaries and its and their respective shareholders, directors, employees and officers, waives and agrees not to seek to assert or enforce any such liability that any such Person otherwise might have pursuant to applicable Law.

 

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ARTICLE V.

INDEMNIFICATION

5.1 Indemnification by Recipient. Each Party as Recipient shall indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless the Providers and any of their personnel, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Provider Indemnified Parties”), from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, claims, costs and expenses (collectively, “Losses”) to the extent resulting from or arising out of any third party claim to the extent resulting from or arising out of the subject matter of this Agreement or any operations or activities of the Recipient affected by the Services provided to it, including the use of (or inability to use) the Services, except to the extent resulting from or arising out of the Provider’s fraud, gross negligence or intentional misconduct in the provision of Services by the Provider hereunder.

5.2 Indemnification by Provider. Each Party as Provider shall indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless the Recipients and any of their personnel, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Recipient Indemnified Parties” and, together with the Provider Indemnified Parties, the “Indemnified Parties”), from and against any and all Losses to the extent resulting from or arising out of any third party claim to the extent resulting from or arising out of the Provider’s fraud, gross negligence or intentional misconduct in the provision of Services by the Provider hereunder.

5.3 Indemnification Procedures. The Indemnified Party shall provide the Party providing indemnification (the “Indemnifying Party”) with reasonably prompt notice concerning the existence of the indemnifiable event, grant authority to the Indemnifying Party to defend or settle any related action or claim, and provide, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, such information, cooperation and assistance to the Indemnifying Party as may be reasonably necessary for the Indemnifying Party to defend or settle the claim or action; provided that failure to comply with the foregoing shall not constitute a waiver of the right to indemnification and shall affect the Indemnifying Party’s indemnification obligations only to the extent that it is prejudiced by such failure or delay. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Indemnified Party (a) may participate, at its own expense, in any defense and settlement directly or through counsel of its choice and (b) will not enter into any settlement agreement on terms that would impact the Indemnifying Party’s rights or obligations, without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party.

ARTICLE VI.

TERM; TERMINATION

6.1 Term. This term of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall commence on the Effective Date and shall expire upon the termination or expiration of all of the Services.

6.2 Termination.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.1 or Section 6.1, this Agreement may be terminated earlier by Enovis (in its entirety, or solely with respect to the applicable Service(s)): (i) if ESAB, any ESAB Provider or any of the ESAB Group are in material breach of the terms of this Agreement and such breach is not corrected within thirty (30) days of

 

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a written notice from Enovis or the Enovis Transition Manager of such breach; (ii) immediately upon written notice from Enovis or the Enovis Transition Manager, with respect to any Enovis Provided Service, if the continued performance of such Enovis Provided Service would be a violation of any Law or any Contract in effect prior to the Effective Date; or (iii) upon any failure of ESAB to pay any outstanding Service Charge due to Enovis, except to the extent any part of an outstanding Service Charge is not paid due to a good faith dispute of such Service Charge by ESAB.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.1 or Section 6.1, this Agreement may be terminated earlier by ESAB (in its entirety, or solely with respect to the applicable Service(s)): (i) if Enovis or any Enovis Provider is in material breach of the terms of this Agreement and such breach is not corrected within thirty (30) days of a written notice from ESAB or the ESAB Transition Manager of such breach; (ii) immediately upon written notice from ESAB or the ESAB Transition Manager, with respect to any ESAB Provided Service, if the continued performance of such ESAB Provided Service would be a violation of any Law or any Contract in effect prior to the Effective Date; or (iii) upon the failure of Enovis to pay any outstanding Service Charge due to ESAB, except to the extent any part of an outstanding Service Charge is not paid due to a good faith dispute of such Service Charge by Enovis.

(c) Without prejudice to any rights with respect to a Force Majeure: (i) a Recipient may from time to time terminate this Agreement with respect to any Service, in whole but not in part: (A) for any reason or no reason upon providing at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Provider’s Transition Manager of such termination (unless a longer notice period is specified in the Schedules attached hereto or in a third party Contract to provide Services); (B) if the Provider of such Service has failed to perform any of its material obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Service, and such failure shall continue to exist thirty (30) days after receipt by the Provider’s Transition Manager of written notice of such failure from the Recipient’s Transition Manager; or (C) immediately upon mutual written agreement of the Parties; and (ii) a Provider may terminate this Agreement with respect to one or more Services, in whole but not in part, at any time upon prior written notice to the Recipient’s Transition Manager if the Recipient has failed to perform any of its material obligations under this Agreement relating to such Services, and such failure shall be continued uncured for a period of thirty (30) days after receipt by the Recipient’s Transition Manager of a written notice of such failure from the Provider’s Transition Manager. The relevant Schedule shall be updated to reflect any terminated Service. In the event that the effective date of the termination of any Service is a day other than at the end of a month, the Service Charge associated with such Service shall be pro-rated appropriately.

(d) A Recipient may from time to time request a reduction in part of the scope or amount of any Service. If requested to do so by the Recipient’s Transition Manager the Provider, through its Transition Manager will discuss in good faith appropriate reductions to the relevant Service Charges in light of all relevant factors including the costs and benefits to the Provider of any such reductions. The relevant Schedule shall be updated to reflect any reduced Service agreed to in writing by the Parties. In the event that any Service is so reduced other than at the end of a month, the Service Charge associated with such Service for the month in which such Service is reduced shall be pro-rated appropriately.

 

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(e) To the extent that a Recipient is not in compliance with Section 7.1(b) and such non-compliance remains unremedied for a period of ten (10) days, the Provider may terminate the provision of any Services provided under such third party Contract.

6.3 Effect of Termination

(a) Upon termination or expiration of any Service pursuant to this Agreement, the Provider of the terminated Service or its Affiliate shall have no further obligation to provide the terminated Service, and the Recipient shall have no obligation to pay any Service Charges relating to any such Service; provided that the Recipient shall remain obligated to the other Party for the Service Charges owed and payable in respect of Services provided prior to the effective date of termination. In connection with termination of any Service, the provisions of this Agreement not relating solely to such terminated Service shall survive any such termination.

(b) In connection with a termination or expiration of this Agreement, Article IV, Article V, this Section 6.3, Article VIII, Article IX, Article X and Liabilities for all due and unpaid Service Charges shall continue to survive indefinitely.

6.4 Force Majeure.

(a) No Party (or any Person acting on its behalf) shall have any Liability or responsibility for failure to fulfill any obligation (other than a payment obligation) under this Agreement so long as and to the extent to which the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure; provided that (i) such Party (or such Person) shall have exercised commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the effect of Force Majeure on its obligations; and (ii) the nature, quality and standard of care that the Provider shall provide in delivering a Service after a Force Majeure shall be substantially the same as the nature, quality and standard of care that the Provider provides prior to the Force Majeure. In the event of an occurrence of a Force Majeure, the Party whose performance is affected thereby shall give notice of suspension as soon as reasonably practicable to the other stating the date and extent of such suspension and the cause thereof, and such Party shall resume the performance of such obligations as soon as reasonably practicable after the removal of the cause, and if the Provider is the Party so prevented then the Recipient shall not be obligated to pay the Service Charge for a Service to the extent and for so long as such Service is not made available to the Recipient hereunder as a result of such Force Majeure.

(b) During the period of a Force Majeure, the Recipient shall be entitled to seek an alternative service provider at its own cost with respect to such Services and Enovis or ESAB, in its capacity as a Recipient, shall be entitled to permanently terminate such Services (and shall be relieved of the obligation to pay Service Charges for the provision of such Services throughout the duration of such Force Majeure or, in the event of such permanent termination, thereafter) if a Force Majeure shall continue to exist for more than fifteen (15) consecutive days.

 

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ARTICLE VII.

MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

7.1 Cooperation.

(a) During the Term, the Recipient shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the relevant Provider with respect to such Provider providing the Services and responding to such Provider’s reasonable requests for information related to the provision of the Services. Recipient shall not knowingly take any action which would substantially interfere with or substantially increase the cost of the Provider providing (or causing to be provided) any of the Services. Recipient shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to enable the Provider to provide the Services as soon as possible after the Effective Date. Without limiting the foregoing, the Recipient shall provide the Provider with reasonable access (during reasonable business hours) to (i) records related to the provision of the Services; and (ii) the Recipient’s personnel and facilities for the purpose of training and consultation with respect to the Services.

(b) To the extent the Provider has entered into any third party Contracts in connection with any of the Services, the Recipient shall comply with the terms of such Contract to the extent the Recipient or its Transition Manager has been informed of such terms.

7.2 Required Consents. Each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any and all third party Consents necessary or advisable to allow the relevant Provider to provide the Services (the “Required Consents”); provided, however, that the costs of such third party Consents shall be paid by the Recipient of the provision of such Services. Each Party shall provide written evidence of receipt of Required Consents to the other Party upon such other Party’s request.

7.3 Primary Points of Contact for Agreement.

(a) Appointment and Responsibilities. Each Party shall appoint an individual to act as the primary point of operational contact for the administration and operation of this Agreement, as follows:

(i) The individual appointed by ESAB as the primary point of operational contact pursuant to this Section 7.3(a) (the “ESAB Transition Manager”) shall have overall responsibility for coordinating, on behalf of ESAB, all activities undertaken by ESAB and its Subsidiaries and Representatives hereunder, including the performance of ESAB’s obligations hereunder, the coordinating of the provision of the ESAB Provided Services with Enovis, acting as a day-to-day contact with Enovis Transition Manager and making available to Enovis the data, facilities, resources and other support services from ESAB required for Enovis Providers to be able to provide the Enovis Provided Services in accordance with the requirements of this Agreement. ESAB may change ESAB Transition Manager from time to time upon written notice to Enovis. ESAB shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of any such change.

(ii) The individual appointed by Enovis as the primary point of operational contact pursuant to this Section 7.3(a) (the “Enovis Transition Manager”) shall have

 

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overall operational responsibility for coordinating, on behalf of Enovis, all activities undertaken by Enovis and its Providers, Affiliates and Representatives hereunder, including the performance of Enovis’ obligations hereunder, the coordinating of the provision of the Enovis Provided Services with ESAB, acting as a day-to-day contact with ESAB Transition Manager and making available to ESAB the data, facilities, resources and other support services from Enovis required for ESAB Providers to be able to provide the ESAB Provided Services in accordance with the requirements of this Agreement. Enovis may change Enovis Transition Manager from time to time upon written notice to ESAB. Enovis shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of any such change.

(b) Review Meetings. The Transition Managers shall meet either in-person at a mutually acceptable location or via telephone or video conference at least monthly to review Enovis’ and ESAB’s provision of the Services as required under this Agreement.

7.4 Steering Committee.

(a) Size and Composition. Enovis shall appoint three (3) members of its management staff, and ESAB shall appoint three (3) members of its management staff to serve on a steering committee (the “Steering Committee”). Either Party may change its Steering Committee members from time to time upon written notice to the other Party; provided, however, that the Transition Managers shall at all times remain as members of the Steering Committee. In addition, the Parties may mutually agree to increase or decrease the size, purpose or composition of the Steering Committee in an effort for the Providers to better provide, and for the Recipients to better utilize, the Services.

(b) Responsibilities. The Steering Committee’s responsibilities include (i) generally overseeing the performance of each Party’s obligations under this Agreement, and (ii) making, and providing continuity for making, decisions for the Recipients with respect to the establishment, prioritization and use of the Services.

(c) Meetings. The Steering Committee shall meet once a month or at such other frequency as mutually agreed by the Parties. Each Steering Committee meeting shall be either in-person at a mutually acceptable location or via telephone or video conference.

7.5 Personnel.

(a) The Provider of any Service shall make available to the Recipient of such Service such personnel as may be reasonably necessary to provide such Service, in accordance with such Provider’s standard business practices. The Provider shall have the right, in its reasonable discretion, to (i) designate which personnel it will assign to perform such Service, and (ii) remove and replace such personnel at any time.

(b) The Provider of any Service shall be solely responsible for all salary, employment and other benefits of and Liabilities relating to the employment of persons employed by such Provider. In performing their respective duties hereunder, all such employees and representatives of any Provider shall be under the direction, control and supervision of such Provider, and such Provider shall have the sole right to exercise all authority with respect to the employment (including termination of employment), assignment and compensation of such employees and representatives.

 

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7.6 No Agency. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed in any way or for any purpose to constitute any Party or its Affiliates acting as an agent of another unaffiliated Person in the conduct of such other Person’s business. A Provider of any Service hereunder shall act as an independent contractor and not as the agent of the Recipient or its Affiliates in performing such Service.

ARTICLE VIII.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

8.1 General Provisions.

(a) Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including with respect to the validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination of this Agreement, shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article VIII (a “Dispute”), which shall be the sole and exclusive procedures for the resolution of any such Dispute unless otherwise specified in this Article VIII.

(b) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BASED UPON, RELATING TO OR ARISING FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE SUCH WAIVER, (II) IT UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH WAIVER, (III) IT MAKES SUCH WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (IV) IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 8.1(B).

(c) The specific procedures set forth in this Article VIII, including the time limits referenced herein, may be modified by agreement of both of the Parties in writing.

(d) Commencing with the Initial Notice contemplated by Section 8.2, all applicable statutes of limitations and defenses based upon the passage of time shall be tolled while the procedures specified in this Article VIII are pending. The Parties shall take any necessary or appropriate action required to effectuate such tolling.

(e) Commencing with the Initial Notice contemplated by Section 8.2, any communications between the Parties or their Representatives in connection with the attempted negotiation of any Dispute shall be deemed to have been delivered in furtherance of a Dispute settlement and shall be exempt from disclosure and production, and shall not be admissible into evidence for any reason (whether as an admission or otherwise), in any arbitral or other proceeding for the adjudication of any Dispute; provided, that evidence that is otherwise subject to disclosure or admissible shall not be rendered outside the scope of disclosure or inadmissible as a result of its use in the negotiation.

 

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8.2 Negotiation by Steering Committee and Senior Executives. The Parties shall seek to settle amicably all Disputes by negotiation. The Parties shall first attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute by negotiation among the members of the Steering Committee within thirty (30) days after written notice is received by either Party regarding the existence of a Dispute (the “Initial Notice”). If the Steering Committee is unable to resolve the Dispute within such thirty (30)-day period, the Parties shall then attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute by negotiation between executives designated by the Parties who hold, at a minimum, the office of Senior Vice President and/or General Counsel (such designated executives, the “Dispute Committee”). The Parties agree that the members of the Dispute Committee shall have full and complete authority on behalf of their respective Parties to resolve any Disputes submitted pursuant to this Section 8.2. Such Dispute Committee members and other applicable executives shall meet in person or by teleconference or video conference within forty (40) days of the date of the Initial Notice to seek a resolution of the Dispute. In the event that the Dispute Committee and other applicable executives are unable to agree to a format for such meeting, the meeting shall be convened in person at a mutually acceptable location in New York, New York.

8.3 Arbitration.

(a) Unless the Parties agree to continue negotiations between senior executives, any Dispute not finally resolved pursuant to Section 8.2 within sixty (60) days from the delivery of the Initial Notice shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the “ICC Rules”).

(b) Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing, any Dispute to be decided in arbitration hereunder shall be decided (i) before a sole arbitrator if the amount in dispute, inclusive of all claims and counterclaims, totals less than $10,000,000; or (ii) by an arbitral tribunal of three (3) arbitrators if the amount in dispute, inclusive of all claims and counterclaims, is equal to or greater than $10,000,000.

(c) The language of the arbitration shall be English. The place of arbitration shall be New York, New York. Unless the Parties agree otherwise in writing, the Parties shall conduct the arbitration as quickly as is reasonably practicable and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the time between the date on which the sole arbitrator is confirmed or the tribunal is constituted, as the case may be, and the date of the commencement of the evidentiary hearing does not exceed one-hundred and eighty (180) days. Failure to meet the foregoing timeline will not render the award invalid, unenforceable or subject to being vacated, but the arbitrators may impose appropriate sanctions and draw appropriate adverse inferences against the Party primarily responsible for such failure.

(d) The sole arbitrator or arbitral tribunal shall not award any relief not specifically requested by the Parties and, in any event, shall not award any damages of the types prohibited under Section 9.20 of the Separation Agreement.

 

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(e) In addition to the ICC Rules, the Parties agree that the arbitration shall be conducted according to the IBA Rules of Evidence.

(f) The agreement to arbitrate any Dispute set forth in this Section 8.3 shall continue in full force and effect subsequent to, and notwithstanding the completion, expiration or termination of, this Agreement.

(g) Without prejudice to this binding arbitration agreement, each Party to this Agreement irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and the federal courts sitting within the State of Delaware in connection with any post-award proceedings or court proceedings in aid of arbitration that are authorized by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16). Judgment upon any awards rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Parties waive all objections that they may have at any time to the laying of venue of any proceedings brought in such courts, waive any claim that such proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and further waive the right to object with respect to such proceedings that any such court does not have jurisdiction over such Party.

(h) It is the intent of the Parties that the agreement to arbitrate any Dispute set forth in this Section 8.3 shall be interpreted and applied broadly such that all reasonable doubts as to arbitrability of a Dispute shall be decided in favor of arbitration.

(i) The Parties agree that any Dispute submitted to arbitration shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with Laws of the State of Delaware, as provided in Section 9.2 and, except as otherwise provided in this Article VIII or mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties, the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq., shall govern any arbitration between the Parties pursuant to this Section 8.3.

(j) The sole arbitrator or arbitral tribunal shall award to the prevailing Party, if any, the costs of the arbitrator or tribunal, expert witness fees, and attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by such prevailing Party or its Affiliates in connection with the arbitration.

(k) The Parties undertake to keep confidential all awards in their arbitration, together with all materials in the proceedings created for the purpose of the arbitration and all other documents produced by another Party in the proceedings not otherwise in the public domain, save and to the extent that disclosure may be required of a Party by legal duty, to protect or pursue a legal right or to enforce or challenge an award in legal proceedings before a court or other judicial authority.

ARTICLE IX.

CONFIDENTIALITY

9.1 Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power.

(a) Confidentiality. Subject to Section 9.2 and except as contemplated by or otherwise provided in this Agreement, Evonis, on behalf of itself and each of its Affiliates, and ESAB, on behalf of itself and each of its Affiliates, agrees to hold, and to cause its respective Representatives to hold, in strict confidence, with at least the same degree of care that applies to Enovis’

 

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confidential and proprietary information pursuant to policies in effect as of the Effective Date, all confidential or proprietary Information concerning the other Party (or its business) and the other Party’s Affiliates (or their respective businesses) that is either in its possession (including confidential or proprietary Information in its possession prior to the Effective Date) or furnished by the other Party or the other Party’s Affiliates or their respective Representatives at any time pursuant to this Agreement, and shall not use any such confidential or proprietary Information other than for such purposes as may be expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, except, in each case, to the extent that such confidential or proprietary Information has been: (i) in the public domain or generally available to the public, other than as a result of a disclosure by such Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Representatives in violation of this Agreement, (ii) later lawfully acquired from other sources by such Party or any of its Subsidiaries, which sources are not themselves bound by a confidentiality obligation or other contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality with respect to such confidential or proprietary Information or (iii) independently developed or generated without reference to or use of the respective proprietary or confidential Information of the other Party or any of its Affiliates. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply in connection with the enforcement of any right or remedy relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. If any confidential or proprietary Information of one Party or any of its Affiliates is disclosed to another Party or any of its Affiliates in connection with the provision of Services hereunder, then such disclosed confidential or proprietary Information shall be used only as required to perform such Services.

(b) No Release; Return or Destruction. Each Party agrees not to release or disclose, or permit to be released or disclosed, any confidential or proprietary Information of the other Party addressed in Section 9.1(a) to any other Person, except its Representatives who need to know such Information in their capacities as such (who shall be advised of their obligations hereunder with respect to such Information), and except in compliance with Section 9.2. Without limiting the foregoing, when any Information furnished by the other Party pursuant to this Agreement is no longer needed for the purposes contemplated by this Agreement, each Party shall, at its option, promptly after receiving a written notice from the disclosing Party, either return to the disclosing Party all such Information in a tangible form (including all copies thereof and all notes, extracts or summaries based thereon) or certify to the disclosing Party that it has destroyed such Information (and such copies thereof and such notes, extracts or summaries based thereon); provided, however, that a Party shall not be required to destroy or return any such Information to the extent that (i) the Party is required to retain the Information in order to comply with any applicable Law, (ii) the Information has been backed up electronically pursuant to the Party’s standard document retention policies and will be managed and ultimately destroyed consistent with such policies or (iii) it is kept in the Party’s legal files for purposes of resolving any dispute that may arise under this Agreement.

(c) Third-Party Information; Privacy or Data Protection Laws. Each Party acknowledges that it and its respective Affiliates may presently have and, after the Effective Date, may gain access to or possession of confidential or proprietary Information of, or personal Information relating to, Third Parties: (i) that was received under confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements entered into between such Third Parties, on the one hand, and the other Party or the other Party’s Affiliates, on the other hand, prior to the Effective Date or (ii) that, as between the Parties, was originally collected by the other Party or the other Party’s Affiliates and that may be subject to and protected by privacy, data protection or other applicable Laws. Each Party agrees

 

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that it shall hold, protect and use, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and its and their respective Representatives to hold, protect and use, in strict confidence the confidential and proprietary Information of, or personal Information relating to, Third Parties in accordance with privacy, data protection or other applicable Laws and the terms of any agreements that were either entered into before the Effective Date or affirmative commitments or representations that were made before the Effective Date by, between or among the other Party or the other Party’s Affiliates, on the one hand, and such Third Parties, on the other hand.

9.2 Protective Arrangements. In the event that either Party or any of its Affiliates is requested or required (by oral question, interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) by any Governmental Authority or pursuant to applicable Law or the rules of any stock exchange on which the shares of the Party or any member of its Group are traded to disclose or provide any confidential or proprietary Information of the other Party that is subject to the confidentiality provisions hereof, such Party shall provide the other Party with written notice of such request or demand (to the extent legally permitted) as promptly as practicable under the circumstances so that such other Party shall have an opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order, at such other Party’s own cost and expense. In the event that such other Party fails to receive such appropriate protective order in a timely manner and the Party receiving the request or demand reasonably determines that its failure to disclose or provide such Information shall actually prejudice the Party receiving the request or demand, then the Party that received such request or demand may thereafter disclose or provide Information to the extent required by such Law (as so advised by its counsel) or by lawful process or such Governmental Authority, and the disclosing Party shall promptly provide the other Party with a copy of the information so disclosed, in the same form and format so disclosed, together with a list of all Persons to whom such information was disclosed, in each case to the extent legally permitted.

9.3 Privileged Matters. Section 6.8 of the Separation agreement (Privileged Matters) is incorporated herein by reference, mutatis mutandis.

ARTICLE X.

MISCELLANEOUS

10.1 Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power.

(a) 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 Party and delivered to each other Party. The exchange of a fully executed Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by facsimile, electronic mail (including .pdf, docusign or other electronic signature) or other transmission method shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

(b) This Agreement, the Separation Agreement, and the other Ancillary Agreements and the exhibits, annexes and schedules hereto and thereto, contain the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersede all previous agreements, negotiations, discussions, writings, understandings, commitments and conversations with respect

 

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to such subject matter and there are no agreements or understandings between the Parties with respect to such subject matter other than those set forth or referred to herein or therein. With respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, in the event of a conflict between this Agreement and the Separation Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement shall control.

(c) Enovis represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the Enovis Group, and ESAB represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the ESAB Group, as follows:

(i) each such Person has the requisite corporate or other power and authority and has taken all corporate or other action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and

(ii) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes or will constitute a valid and binding agreement of it enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof.

10.2 Governing Law. This Agreement (and any claims or Disputes arising out of or related hereto or to the transactions contemplated hereby or to the inducement of any Party to enter herein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise) shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, irrespective of the choice of laws principles of the State of Delaware, including all matters of validity, construction, effect, enforceability, performance and remedies.

10.3 Assignability. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that neither Party may assign or otherwise transfer its respective rights or delegate its respective obligations under this Agreement without the express prior written consent of the other Party or other parties thereto, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such consent shall be required for the assignment or delegation of a Provider’s rights and obligations under this Agreement in whole in connection with a change of control of such Provider so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee Person assumes all the obligations of the Provider by operation of Law or pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other Party. Nothing herein is intended to, or shall be construed to, prohibit either Party or any member of its Group from being party to or undertaking a change of control.

10.4 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except for the rights of Subsidiaries of the Parties as Recipients hereunder and the indemnification rights under this Agreement of any Indemnified Party in their respective capacities as such: (a) the provisions of this Agreement are solely for the benefit of the Parties and are not intended to confer upon any Person (including, without limitation, any shareholders of Enovis or shareholders of ESAB) except the Parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder; and (b) there are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall not provide any third Person (including, without limitation, any shareholders of Enovis or shareholders of ESAB) with any remedy, claim, Liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

 

18


10.5 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands or other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by email with receipt confirmed, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 10.5):

If to Enovis, to:

Colfax Corporation

2711 Centerville Road

Suite 400

Wilmington, DE 19808

Attention: General Counsel

Email: Brad.Tandy@enovis.com

If to ESAB, to:

ESAB Corporation

909 Rose Avenue

8th Floor

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Attention: General Counsel

Email: Curtis.Jewell@esab.com

Either Party may, by notice to the other Party, change the address and contact person to which any such notices are to be given.

10.6 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof or thereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances or in jurisdictions other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby. Upon such determination, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon such a suitable and equitable provision to effect the original intent of the Parties.

10.7 Expenses. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein or in Schedule 9.9 of the Separation Agreement, each Party shall bear its own expenses hereunder.

10.8 Headings. The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

10.9 Waivers of Default. Waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver by the waiving Party of any subsequent or other default, nor shall it prejudice the rights of the other Party. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof prejudice any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

19


10.10 Specific Performance. Subject to Article VIII, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the Party or Parties who are, or are to be, thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief (on an interim or permanent basis) in respect of its or their rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss and that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived by each of the Parties.

10.11 Amendments. No provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed waived, amended, supplemented or modified by a Party, unless such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is in writing and signed by the authorized representative of the Party against whom it sought to enforce such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is sought to be enforced.

10.12 Construction. This Agreement shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the Parties and no rule of construction or strict interpretation shall be applied against either Party. The Parties represent that this Agreement is entered into with full consideration of any and all rights which the Parties may have. The Parties have conducted such investigations they thought appropriate, and have consulted with such advisors as they deemed appropriate regarding this Agreement and their rights and asserted rights in connection therewith. The Parties are not relying upon any representations or statements made by the other Party, or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys, regarding this Agreement, except to the extent such representations are expressly set forth or incorporated in this Agreement or the Separation Agreement. The Parties are not relying upon a legal duty, if one exists, on the part of the other Party (or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys) to disclose any information in connection with the execution of this Agreement or their preparation, it being expressly understood that neither Party shall ever assert any failure to disclose information on the part of the other Party as a ground for challenging this Agreement.

10.13 Performance. Each Party shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any Subsidiary or Affiliate of such Party.

10.14 Exclusivity of Tax Matters. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (but subject to Section 3.2), the Tax Matters Agreement shall exclusively govern all matters related to Taxes (including allocations thereof) addressed therein. If there is a conflict between any provision of this Agreement (other than Section 3.2) and the Tax Matters Agreement, and such provisions relate to matters addressed by the Tax Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement shall control.

[Signature Page to Follow.]

 

20


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

By:    
Name:  
Its:  

Signature Page to Transition Services Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

 

 

ESAB CORPORATION

By:    
Name:  
Its:  

Signature Page to Transitions Services Agreement

Exhibit 10.2

FORM OF TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

COLFAX CORPORATION

AND

ESAB CORPORATION

DATED AS OF [ ● ]


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Section 1. Definition of Terms

     2  

Section 2. Allocation of Tax Liabilities and Tax-Related Losses

     10  
     Section 2.01      General Rule      10  
     Section 2.02      General Allocation Principles      11  
     Section 2.03      Allocation Conventions      12  

Section 3. Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns

     12  
     Section 3.01      Colfax Separate Returns, Joint Returns and ESAB Unitary State Returns      12  
     Section 3.02      ESAB Separate Returns      13  
     Section 3.03      Tax Reporting Practices      13  
     Section 3.04      Protective Section 336(e) Elections      14  
     Section 3.05      ESAB Carrybacks and Claims for Refund      15  
     Section 3.06      Apportionment of Tax Attributes      16  

Section 4. Tax Payments

     16  
     Section 4.01      Taxes Shown on Tax Returns      16  
     Section 4.02      Indemnification Payments      16  

Section 5. Tax Benefits

     17  
     Section 5.01      Tax Refunds      17  
     Section 5.02      Other Tax Benefits      17  

Section 6. Intended Tax Treatment

     18  
     Section 6.01      Restrictions on Members of the ESAB Group      18  
     Section 6.02      Restrictions on Members of the Colfax Group      20  
     Section 6.03      Procedures Regarding Opinions and Post-Distribution Rulings      20  
     Section 6.04      Liability for Specified Separation Taxes and Tax-Related Losses      21  

Section 7. Assistance and Cooperation

     21  
     Section 7.01      Assistance and Cooperation      21  
     Section 7.02      Tax Return Information      22  
     Section 7.03      Reliance by Colfax      22  
     Section 7.04      Reliance by ESAB      23  
     Section 7.05      Other Separation Taxes      23  

Section 8. Tax Records

     23  
     Section 8.01      Retention of Tax Records      23  
     Section 8.02      Access to Tax Records      24  
     Section 8.03      Preservation of Privilege      24  

Section 9. Tax Contests

     24  
     Section 9.01      Notice      24  
     Section 9.02      Control of Tax Contests      25  

Section 10. Survival of Obligations

     27  

 

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Section 11. Tax Treatment of Payments

     27  
     Section 11.01      General Rule      27  
     Section 11.02      Interest      27  

Section 12. Gross-Up of Indemnification Payments

     27  

Section 13. General Provisions

     27  
     Section 13.01      Complete Agreement      27  
     Section 13.02      Other Agreements      28  
     Section 13.03      Counterparts      28  
     Section 13.04      Notices      28  
     Section 13.05      Waivers      28  
     Section 13.06      Amendments      29  
     Section 13.07      Assignment      29  
     Section 13.08      Successors and Assigns      29  
     Section 13.09      Subsidiaries      29  
     Section 13.10      Titles and Headings      29  
     Section 13.11      Governing Law      29  
     Section 13.12      Waiver of Jury Trial      29  
     Section 13.13      Specific Performance      29  
     Section 13.14      Severability      30  
     Section 13.15      Payment Terms      30  
     Section 13.16      No Admission of Liability      30  

 

 

ii


FORM OF TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT

This Tax Matters Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of [ ● ], by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Colfax”), and ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Colfax (“ESAB”). Colfax and ESAB are each a “Party” and are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “Parties.” Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in Section 1 of this Agreement.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Colfax, acting together with its Subsidiaries, currently conducts the Colfax Business and the ESAB Business;

WHEREAS, Colfax and ESAB have entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of [ ● ] (the “Separation Agreement”), pursuant to which the Separation will be consummated;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 2.1 of the Separation Agreement, Colfax has contributed equity interests in certain entities to ESAB in exchange for $_____ in cash (the “Cash Boot”) and additional shares of ESAB Stock (such exchange, the “Contribution”);

WHEREAS, Colfax intends to distribute approximately ____ (__%) of the issued and outstanding ESAB Stock to holders of Colfax Stock (together with the Contribution, the “Distribution”);

WHEREAS, Colfax intends to transfer the Cash Boot to one or more of Colfax’s creditors in satisfaction of its debt (the “Boot Purge”);

WHEREAS, Colfax intends to transfer all or a portion of the ESAB Stock it retains following the Distribution (the “Retained Stake”), if any, to one or more of Colfax’s creditors in satisfaction of its debt (the “Equity-for-Debt Exchange”);

WHEREAS, Colfax intends to distribute the portion of the Retained Stake not transferred in the Equity-for-Debt Exchange, if any, to holders of Colfax Stock (the “Subsequent Distributions”);

WHEREAS, the Parties intend that (i) the Distribution and any Subsequent Distributions, taken together with certain related transactions, qualify as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (ii) any Equity-for-Debt Exchange be treated as a transfer by Colfax of qualified property to its creditors in connection with the reorganization for purposes of Section 361(c)(3) of the Code and (iii) the Boot Purge be treated as a transfer of money by Colfax to its creditors in connection with the reorganization for purposes of Section 361(b)(1)(A) and (b)(3) of the Code (the treatment described in clauses (i) through (iii), the “Intended Tax Treatment”);

 

1


WHEREAS, Colfax and ESAB desire to set forth their agreement on the rights and obligations of Colfax and ESAB and the members of the Colfax Group and the ESAB Group, respectively, with respect to (A) the administration and allocation of federal, state, local, and foreign Taxes incurred in Tax Periods beginning prior to the Distribution Date, (B) Taxes resulting from the Distribution and transactions effected in connection therewith and (C) various other Tax matters.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Agreement (including the recitals hereof), the following terms have the following meanings:

Active Trade or Business” means, with respect to the ESAB SAG, the active conduct (as defined in Section 355(b)(2) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder) of the ESAB Business as conducted immediately prior to the Distribution by the ESAB SAG.

Adjusted Grossed-Up Basis” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(b) of this Agreement.

Adjustment Request” means any formal or informal claim or request filed with any Tax Authority, or with any administrative agency or court, for the adjustment, refund, or credit of Taxes, including (i) any amended Tax Return claiming adjustment to the Taxes as reported on the Tax Return or, if applicable, as previously adjusted, (ii) any claim for equitable recoupment or other offset, and (iii) any claim for refund or credit of Taxes previously paid.

Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Aggregate Deemed Asset Disposition Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(b) of this Agreement.

Agreement” means this Tax Matters Agreement.

Ancillary Agreements” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement; provided, however, that for purposes of this Agreement, this Agreement shall not constitute an Ancillary Agreement.

Boot Purge” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Business Day” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Capital Stock” means all classes or series of capital stock of a corporation, including (i) common stock, (ii) all options, warrants and other rights to acquire such capital stock and (iii) all instruments properly treated as stock in such corporation for U.S. federal Income Tax purposes.

Cash Boot” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

2


Closing of the Books Method” means the apportionment of items between portions of a Tax Period based on a closing of the books and records on the close of the Distribution Date (in the event that the Distribution Date is not the last day of the Tax Period, as if the Distribution Date were the last day of the Tax Period), subject to adjustment for items accrued on the Distribution Date that are properly allocable to the Tax Period following the Distribution Date, as jointly determined by Colfax and ESAB; provided, however, that with respect to Property Taxes, such apportionment shall be on the basis of elapsed days during the relevant portion of the Tax Period; provided, further, that any items required to be included in the gross income of a United States shareholder (as defined in Section 951(b) of the Code) under Sections 951 or 951A of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law) for a Straddle Period shall be apportioned between the Pre-Distribution Period and Post-Distribution Period as if the taxable year of each member of the Colfax Group and ESAB Group that is a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code ended on the Distribution Date.

Code” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Colfax” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Colfax Business” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Colfax Group” means Colfax and each Person that is a Subsidiary of Colfax (other than ESAB and any member of the ESAB Group).

Colfax Disqualifying Act” means, with respect to any Specified Separation Taxes, (a) any act, or failure or omission to act, including, without limitation, the breach of any covenant contained herein or in the Tax Materials, by any member of the Colfax Group following the Distribution that results in any Party (or any of its Affiliates) being liable for such Specified Separation Taxes pursuant to a Final Determination, (b) any event (or series of events) involving Capital Stock of Colfax or any assets of any member of the Colfax Group or (c) any failure to be true, inaccuracy in, or breach of any of the representations or statements contained in the Tax Materials to the extent descriptive of or otherwise relating to Colfax or any member of the Colfax Group or the Colfax Business; provided, that no action required by this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall be considered a Colfax Disqualifying Act.

Colfax Separate Return” means any Tax Return of or including any member of the Colfax Group (including any consolidated, combined or unitary return) that does not include any member of the ESAB Group.

Colfax Sharing Percentage” means fifty percent (50%).

Colfax Stock” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Contribution” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Controlling Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02(c) of this Agreement.

Distribution” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

3


Distribution Date” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Effective Time” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Employee Matters Agreement” means that Employee Matters Agreement, by and between Colfax and ESAB, dated as of [ ● ].

Equity-for-Debt Exchange” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

ESAB” has the meaning provided in the preamble to this Agreement.

ESAB Business” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

ESAB Carryback” means any net operating loss, net capital loss, excess Tax credit, or other similar Tax item of any member of the ESAB Group which may or must be carried from one Tax Period to another prior Tax Period under the Code or other applicable Tax Law.

ESAB Disqualifying Act” means, with respect to any Specified Separation Taxes, (a) any act, or failure or omission to act, including, without limitation, the breach of any covenant contained herein or in the Tax Materials, by any member of the ESAB Group following the Distribution that results in any Party (or any of its Affiliates) being liable for such Specified Separation Taxes pursuant to a Final Determination, regardless of whether such act or failure to act is covered by a Post-Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion, (b) any event (or series of events) involving Capital Stock of ESAB or any assets of any member of the ESAB Group, or (c) any failure to be true, inaccuracy in, or breach of any of the representations or statements contained in the Tax Materials to the extent descriptive of or otherwise relating to ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group or the ESAB Business; provided, that no action required by this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall be considered an ESAB Disqualifying Act.

ESAB Equity Awards” means options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, share units or other compensatory rights with respect to ESAB Stock.

ESAB Group” means ESAB and each Person that will be a Subsidiary of ESAB as of immediately after the Effective Time.

ESAB SAG” means the separate affiliated group of ESAB, within the meaning of Section 355(b)(3)(B) of the Code.

ESAB Sharing Percentage” means 100 percent (100%) minus the Colfax Sharing Percentage.

ESAB Stock” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

ESAB Separate Return” means any Tax Return of or including any member of the ESAB Group (including any consolidated, combined or unitary return) that does not include any member of the Colfax Group.

 

4


ESAB Unitary State Return” means any unitary state Tax Return filed by Colfax that (other than Colfax) includes only members of the ESAB Group.

Final Allocation” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.06(b) of this Agreement.

Final Determination” means the final resolution of liability for any Tax, which resolution may be for a specific issue or adjustment or for any Tax Period, (i) by IRS Form 870 or 870-AD (or any successor forms thereto), on the date of acceptance by or on behalf of the taxpayer, or by a comparable form under the laws of a state, local, or foreign taxing jurisdiction, except that an IRS Form 870 or 870-AD or comparable form shall not constitute a Final Determination to the extent that it reserves (whether by its terms or by operation of law) the right of the taxpayer to file a claim for refund or the right of the Tax Authority to assert a further deficiency in respect of such issue or adjustment or for such Tax Period (as the case may be); (ii) by a decision, judgment, decree, or other order by a court of competent jurisdiction, which has become final and unappealable; (iii) by a closing agreement or accepted offer in compromise under Sections 7121 or 7122 of the Code, or a comparable agreement under the laws of a state, local, or foreign taxing jurisdiction; (iv) by any allowance of a refund or credit in respect of an overpayment of a Tax, but only after the expiration of all periods during which such refund may be recovered (including by way of offset) by the jurisdiction imposing such Tax; (v) by a final settlement resulting from a treaty-based competent authority determination; or (vi) by any other final disposition, including by reason of the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, the execution of a pre-filing agreement with the IRS or other Tax Authority, or by mutual agreement of the Parties.

Governmental Authority” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Group” means (a) with respect to Colfax, the Colfax Group, and (b) with respect to ESAB, the ESAB Group, as the context requires.

Income Tax” means all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income, franchise or similar Taxes imposed on (or measured by) net income or net profits, and any interest, penalties, additions to Tax or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing.

Intended Tax Treatment” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Interest Rate” means, with respect to a date, the rate per annum in effect for such date for underpayments under Section 6621 of the Code.

IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or any successor agency.

Joint Return” means any Tax Return (other than an ESAB Unitary State Return) that includes, by election or otherwise, one or more members of the Colfax Group together with one or more members of the ESAB Group.

Law” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Loss” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02 of this Agreement.

 

5


Non-Controlling Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02(c) of this Agreement.

Notified Action” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(a) of this Agreement.

Other Separation Taxes” means any Taxes imposed on the Colfax Group or the ESAB Group in connection with the transactions comprising the Separation, other than Specified Separation Taxes.

Parties” and “Party” have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Past Practices” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a) of this Agreement.

Payment Date” means, with respect to a Tax Return, (A) the due date for any required installment of estimated Taxes, (B) the due date (determined without regard to extensions) for filing such Tax Return, or (C) the date such Tax Return is filed, as the case may be.

Payor” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02(a) of this Agreement.

Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization or a Governmental Authority or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof, without regard to whether any entity is treated as disregarded for U.S. federal Income Tax purposes.

Post-Distribution Period” means any Tax Period beginning after the Distribution Date and, in the case of any Straddle Period, the portion of such Tax Period beginning on the day after the Distribution Date.

Post-Distribution Ruling” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01(b) of this Agreement.

Pre-Distribution Period” means any Tax Period ending on or before the Distribution Date and, in the case of any Straddle Period, the portion of such Straddle Period ending on and including the Distribution Date.

Pre-Distribution Ruling” means any U.S. federal income Tax ruling and any supplements thereto, issued before the Distribution to Colfax by the IRS in connection with the Distribution and any related transactions.

Pre-Distribution Ruling Request” means any information provided by Colfax or its Tax Advisors to the IRS in connection with a Pre-Distribution Ruling.

Prior Group” means any group that filed or was required to file (or will file or be required to file) a Tax Return, for a Tax Period or portion thereof ending at or prior to the close of the Distribution Date, on an affiliated, consolidated, combined, unitary, fiscal unity or other group basis (including as permitted by Section 1501 of the Code) that includes at least one member of the ESAB Group.

 

6


Privilege” means any privilege that may be asserted under applicable law, including, any privilege arising under or relating to the attorney-client relationship (including the attorney-client and work product privileges), the accountant-client privilege and any privilege relating to internal evaluation processes.

Property Taxes” means all real property Taxes, personal property Taxes and similar ad valorem Taxes.

Proposed Acquisition Transaction” means a transaction or series of transactions (or any agreement, understanding or arrangement, within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code and Treasury Regulations § 1.355-7, or any other regulations promulgated thereunder, to enter into a transaction or series of transactions), whether such transaction is supported by ESAB management or shareholders, is a hostile acquisition, or otherwise, as a result of which any Person or any group of related Persons would (directly or indirectly) acquire, or have the right to acquire, any shares of Capital Stock in ESAB that would, when combined with any other post-Distribution direct or indirect acquisitions or changes in ownership of the Capital Stock in ESAB for purposes of Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, aggregate to five percent (5%) or more of the total combined value or voting power of all outstanding shares of Capital Stock of ESAB as of the date of such transaction, or in the case of a series of transactions, the date of the last transaction in such series. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Proposed Acquisition Transaction shall not include (i) the adoption by ESAB of a shareholder rights plan, (ii) issuances by ESAB that satisfy Safe Harbor VIII (relating to acquisitions in connection with a person’s performance of services) or Safe Harbor IX (relating to acquisitions by a retirement plan of an employer) of Treasury Regulations § 1.355-7(d), including such issuances net of exercise price and/or tax withholding (provided, however, that any sale of such stock in connection with a net exercise or tax withholding is not exempt under this clause (ii) unless it satisfies the requirements of Safe Harbor VII of Treasury Regulations § 1.355-7(d)), or (iii) acquisitions that satisfy Safe Harbor VII of Treasury Regulations § 1.355-7(d). For purposes of determining whether a transaction constitutes an indirect acquisition, any recapitalization resulting in a shift of voting power or any redemption of shares of stock shall be treated as an indirect acquisition of shares of stock by the non-exchanging shareholders. For purposes of this definition, each reference to ESAB shall include a reference to any entity treated as a successor thereto. This definition and the application thereof is intended to monitor compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code and shall be interpreted accordingly. Any clarification of, or change in, the statute or regulations promulgated under Section 355(e) of the Code shall be incorporated in this definition and its interpretation.

Proposed Allocation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.06(b) of this Agreement.

Protective Section 336(e) Election” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(a) of this Agreement.

Representation Letter” means the officer’s certificate and any other materials delivered or deliverable by Colfax, and any of its Affiliates, in connection with the rendering by Tax Advisors of the Tax Advice.

 

7


Required Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02(a) of this Agreement.

Responsible Party” means, with respect to any Tax Return, the Party having responsibility for preparing and filing such Tax Return under this Agreement.

Retained Stake” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Retention Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01 of this Agreement.

Section 336(e) Allocation Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(b) of this Agreement.

Section 336(e) Tax Benefit Percentage” means , with respect to any Specified Separation Taxes and Tax-Related Losses related to the Distribution, the percentage equal to one hundred percent (100%) minus the percentage of such Specified Separation Taxes and Tax-Related Losses related to the Distribution for which Colfax is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement.

Separation” means, collectively, all of the transactions undertaken to separate the ESAB Business from the Colfax Business in connection with and prior to the Distribution.

Separation Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Specified Separation Taxes” means any and all cash Taxes incurred by the Colfax Group or the ESAB Group as a result of the failure of the Intended Tax Treatment; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that Specified Separation Taxes shall not include the use of or diminution in value of any Tax Attribute.

Straddle Period” means any Tax Period that begins before and ends after the Distribution Date.

Subsequent Distributions” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Substantial Authority” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a) of this Agreement.

Tax” or “Taxes” means any income, gross income, gross receipts, profits, capital stock, franchise, withholding, payroll, social security, workers compensation, unemployment, disability, property, ad valorem, value added, stamp, excise, severance, occupation, service, sales, use, license, lease, transfer, import, export, escheat, alternative minimum, universal service fund, estimated or other tax (including any fee, assessment, or other charge in the nature of or in lieu of any tax), imposed by any Governmental Authority or political subdivision thereof, and any interest, penalty, additions to tax or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing.

Tax Advice” means any opinions or memoranda of Tax Advisors deliverable to Colfax in connection with the Distribution.

 

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Tax Advisor” means a Tax counsel or accountant, in each case of recognized national standing.

Tax Attribute” means a net operating loss, net capital loss, unused investment credit, unused foreign Tax credit, excess charitable contribution, general business credit, research and development credit, earnings and profits, basis, or any other Tax Item that could reduce a Tax or create a Tax Benefit.

Tax Authority” means, with respect to any Tax, the Governmental Authority or political subdivision thereof that imposes such Tax, and the agency (if any) charged with the collection of such Tax for such entity or subdivision.

Tax Benefit” means any refund, credit, or other item that causes reduction in otherwise required liability for Taxes.

Tax Contest” means an audit, review, examination, contest, litigation, investigation or any other administrative or judicial proceeding with the purpose or effect of redetermining Taxes (including any administrative or judicial review of any claim for refund).

Tax Item” means, with respect to any Income Tax, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit.

Tax Law” means the Law of any Governmental Authority or political subdivision thereof relating to any Tax.

Tax Materials” means all Pre-Distribution Rulings, Pre-Distribution Ruling Requests, the Tax Advice, the Representation Letter and any other materials delivered or deliverable or information provided by Colfax or ESAB, or their respective Tax Advisors or Affiliates, in connection with the issuance of any Pre-Distribution Ruling or the Tax Advice.

Tax Period” means, with respect to any Tax, the period for which the Tax is reported as provided under the Code or other applicable Tax Law.

Tax Records” means any (i) Tax Returns, (ii) Tax Return workpapers, (iii) documentation relating to any Tax Contests, and (iv) any other books of account or records (whether or not in written, electronic or other tangible or intangible forms and whether or not stored on electronic or any other medium) maintained or required to be maintained under the Code or other applicable Tax Laws or under any record retention agreement with any Tax Authority, in each case filed or required to be filed with respect to or otherwise relating to Taxes.

Tax-Related Losses” means, with respect to any Specified Separation Taxes, (i) all accounting, legal and other professional fees, and court costs incurred in connection with such Specified Separation Taxes, as well as any other out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with such Specified Separation Taxes; and (ii) all costs, expenses and damages associated with shareholder litigation or controversies and any amount paid by Colfax (or any Colfax Affiliate) or ESAB (or any ESAB Affiliate) in respect of the liability of shareholders, whether paid to shareholders or to the IRS or any other Tax Authority.

 

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Tax Return” means any report of Taxes due, any claim for refund of Taxes paid, any information return with respect to Taxes, or any other similar report, statement, declaration, or document filed or required to be filed under the Code or other Tax Law with respect to Taxes, including any attachments, exhibits, or other materials submitted with any of the foregoing, and including any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing.

Third Party” means any Person other than the Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries.

Treasury Regulations” means the regulations promulgated from time to time under the Code as in effect for the relevant Tax Period.

Unqualified Tax Opinion” means an unqualified “will” opinion of a Tax Advisor, which Tax Advisor is reasonably acceptable to Colfax, on which Colfax may rely to the effect that a transaction will not adversely affect the Intended Tax Treatment. Any such opinion must assume that the Distribution, any Subsequent Distributions, the Equity-for-Debt-Exchange and the Boot Purge would have qualified for the Intended Tax Treatment if the transaction in question did not occur.

Section 2. Allocation of Tax Liabilities and Tax-Related Losses.

Section 2.01 General Rule.

(a) Colfax Liability. Except with respect to Taxes and Tax-Related Losses described in Section 2.01(b) of this Agreement, Colfax shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the ESAB Group from and against any liability for:

(i) Taxes that are allocated to Colfax under this Section 2;

(ii) any Taxes resulting from a breach of any of Colfax’s covenants in this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement;

(iii) Specified Separation Taxes and Tax-Related Losses that are allocated to Colfax under Section 6.04(a) of this Agreement;

(iv) Other Separation Taxes for which any member of the Colfax Group is primarily liable under applicable Tax Law determined as if each member of the Colfax Group and each member of the ESAB Group filed its own separate Tax Returns rather than being included on Tax Returns of any consolidated, combined, unitary or similar group; and

(v) Taxes imposed on ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group pursuant to the provisions of Treasury Regulations § 1.1502-6 (or similar provisions of state, local, or foreign Tax Law) as a result of any such member being or having been a member of a Prior Group.

(b) ESAB Liability. ESAB shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Colfax Group from and against any liability for:

 

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(i) Taxes which are allocated to ESAB under this Section 2;

(ii) any Taxes resulting from a breach of any of ESAB’s covenants in this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement;

(iii) any Specified Separation Taxes and Tax-Related Losses that are allocated to ESAB under Section 6.04(a) of this Agreement; and

(iv) Other Separation Taxes for which any member of the ESAB Group is primarily liable under applicable Tax Law determined as if each member of the Colfax Group and each member of the ESAB Group filed its own separate Tax Returns rather than being included on Tax Returns of any consolidated, combined, unitary or similar group.

Section 2.02 General Allocation Principles. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 2 or in Section 6.04(a) of this Agreement, all Taxes shall be allocated as follows:

(a) Allocation of Taxes for Joint Returns.

(i) Colfax shall be responsible for all Taxes reported, or required to be reported, on any Joint Return that any member of the Colfax Group files or is required to file under the Code or other applicable Tax Law; provided, however, that to the extent any such Joint Return includes any Tax Items attributable to any member of the ESAB Group or to the ESAB Business for any Post-Distribution Period, ESAB shall be responsible for all Taxes attributable to such Tax Items, computed in a manner reasonably determined by Colfax.

(ii) Notwithstanding Section 2.02(a)(i), Colfax shall be responsible for the Colfax Sharing Percentage and ESAB shall be responsible for the ESAB Sharing Percentage of any increase in the amount of cash Taxes paid, or required to be paid, with respect to any Joint Return for a Tax Period ending prior to the Distribution Date as a result of any adjustment or redetermination or otherwise in connection with any Tax Contest relating to such Joint Return.

(b) Allocation of Taxes for Separate Returns.

(i) Colfax shall be responsible for all Taxes reported, or required to be reported, on a Colfax Separate Return.

(ii) ESAB shall be responsible for all Taxes reported, or required to be reported, on an ESAB Separate Return.

(c) Allocation of Taxes for ESAB Unitary State Returns. ESAB shall be responsible for all Taxes reported, or required to be reported, on an ESAB Unitary State Return; provided, however, that to the extent any such ESAB Unitary State Return includes any Tax Item attributable to any member of the Colfax Group or to the Colfax Business, Colfax shall be responsible for all Taxes attributable to such Tax Items, computed in a manner reasonably determined by Colfax. For the avoidance of doubt, Colfax shall be liable for all Taxes resulting for any disallowance of deductions for interest paid by Colfax reported on any such Tax Return for any Pre-Distribution Period.

 

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(d) Taxes Not Reported on Tax Returns.

(i) Colfax shall be responsible for any Tax attributable to any member of the Colfax Group or to the Colfax Business that is not required to be reported on a Tax Return.

(ii) ESAB shall be responsible for any Tax attributable to any member of the ESAB Group or to the ESAB Business that is not required to be reported on a Tax Return.

(e) Allocation of Installment Payments Under Section 965(h). Colfax shall be responsible for the Colfax Sharing Percentage and ESAB shall be responsible for the ESAB Sharing Percentage of all installment payments, including any acceleration thereof, payable by any member of the Colfax Group or the ESAB Group as a result of an election made pursuant to Section 965(h) of the Code in any Pre-Distribution Period.

Section 2.03 Allocation Conventions.

(a) All Taxes allocated pursuant to Section 2.02 of this Agreement shall be allocated in accordance with the Closing of the Books Method; provided, however, that if applicable Tax Law does not permit an ESAB Group member to close its Tax Period on the Distribution Date, the Tax attributable to the operations of the members of the ESAB Group for any Pre-Distribution Period shall be the Tax computed using the Closing of the Books Method.

(b) Any Tax Item of any member of the Colfax Group or ESAB Group arising from a transaction engaged in outside of the ordinary course of business on the Distribution Date after the Effective Time shall be properly allocable to such member’s Group and any such transaction occurring after the Effective Time shall be treated for all Tax purposes (to the extent permitted by applicable Tax Law) as occurring at the beginning of the day following the Distribution Date in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation § 1.1502-76(b) or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign Law.

Section 3. Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns.

Section 3.01 Colfax Separate Returns, Joint Returns and ESAB Unitary State Returns.

(a) Colfax shall prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, all Colfax Separate Returns, Joint Returns and ESAB Unitary State Returns, and each member of the ESAB Group to which any such Joint Return or ESAB Unitary State Return relates shall execute and file such consents, elections and other documents as Colfax may determine, after consulting with ESAB in good faith, are required or appropriate, or otherwise requested by Colfax in connection with the filing of such Joint Return or ESAB Unitary State Return. ESAB will elect and join, and will cause its respective Affiliates to elect and join, in filing any Joint Returns and ESAB Unitary State Returns that Colfax determines are required to be filed or that Colfax elects to file, in each case pursuant to this Section 3.01(a).

 

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(b) With respect to any Joint Return or ESAB Unitary State Return that could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect any member of the ESAB Group or that includes any Taxes for which ESAB could reasonably be expected to be responsible under the provisions of this Section 2, Colfax shall submit a draft of the portion of such Tax Return that pertains to the ESAB Group and an estimate (describing in reasonable detail the particulars relating thereto) of the amount of such Taxes shown thereon for which ESAB is responsible under the provisions of this Section 2 to ESAB at least thirty (30) days prior to the due date for the filing of such Tax Return (taking into account any applicable extensions), ESAB shall have the right to review such Tax Return and estimate and to submit to Colfax any reasonable changes to such Tax Return and estimate no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the due date for the filing of such Tax Return (taking into account any applicable extensions), and Colfax shall accept any such reasonable changes; provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent Colfax from timely filing (or causing to be timely filed) such Tax Return. The Parties agree to consult and to attempt to resolve in good faith any issues arising as a result of the review of any such Tax Return.

(c) The Parties and their respective Affiliates shall elect to close the Tax Period of each ESAB Group member on the Distribution Date, to the extent permitted by applicable Tax Law.

Section 3.02 ESAB Separate Returns. ESAB shall prepare and file (or cause to be prepared and filed) all ESAB Separate Returns. With respect to any ESAB Separate Return that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect any member of the Colfax Group, ESAB shall submit a draft of such Tax Return to Colfax at least thirty (30) days prior to the due date for the filing of such Tax Return (taking into account any applicable extensions), Colfax shall have the right to review such Tax Return and to submit to ESAB any reasonable changes to such Tax Return no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the due date for the filing of such Tax Return (taking into account any applicable extensions), and ESAB shall accept any such reasonable changes; provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent ESAB from timely filing (or causing to be timely filed) such Tax Return. The Parties agree to consult and to attempt to resolve in good faith any issues arising as a result of the review of any such Tax Return.

Section 3.03 Tax Reporting Practices.

(a) General Rule. Except as provided in Section 3.03(b) of this Agreement, Colfax shall prepare any Joint Return (with respect to a Straddle Period) and any ESAB Unitary State Return in accordance with past practices, permissible accounting methods, elections or conventions (“Past Practices”) used by the members of the Colfax Group and the members of the ESAB Group prior to the Distribution Date with respect to such Tax Return; provided, however, that to the extent the Parties jointly determine that there is not at least “substantial authority,” within the meaning of Section 6662(d)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, or any similar provision of applicable state, local or foreign Tax law (“Substantial Authority”) for the use of such Past Practices or any items, methods or positions are not covered by Past Practices, then Colfax shall prepare such Tax Return in accordance with reasonable Tax accounting practices selected by Colfax. With respect to any Tax Return that ESAB has the obligation and right to prepare, or cause to be prepared, under this Section 3, to the extent such Tax Return could affect Colfax and relates to a Pre-Distribution Period, such Tax Return shall be prepared in accordance with Past

 

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Practices used by the members of the Colfax Group and the members of the ESAB Group prior to the Distribution Date with respect to such Tax Return; provided, however, that to the extent the Parties jointly determine that there is not at least Substantial Authority for the use of such Past Practices or any items, methods or positions are not covered by Past Practices, such Tax Return shall be prepared in accordance with reasonable Tax accounting practices selected by ESAB.

(b) Consistency with Intended Tax Treatment. The Parties shall prepare all Tax Returns consistent with the Intended Tax Treatment unless, and then only to the extent, an alternative position is required pursuant to a Final Determination.

Section 3.04 Protective Section 336(e) Elections.

(a) General. The Parties hereby agree that, if Colfax shall determine in its sole discretion, prior to the applicable due dates of such elections, that the Parties should make protective elections under Section 336(e) of the Code (and any similar provision of applicable state or local Tax Law) with respect to the Distribution for ESAB and each member of the ESAB Group that is a domestic corporation for U.S. federal Income Tax purposes (the “Protective Section 336(e) Elections”), then the Parties shall enter into a written, binding agreement to make the Protective Section 336(e) Elections, and the Parties shall timely make the Protective Section 336(e) Elections in accordance with Treasury Regulations § 1.336-2(h). For the avoidance of doubt, such agreement is intended to constitute a written, binding agreement to make the Protective Section 336(e) Elections within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.336-2(h)(1)(i).

(b) Cooperation and Reporting. Colfax and ESAB shall cooperate in making the Protective Section 336(e) Elections, if any, including filing any statements, amending any Tax Returns or undertaking such other actions reasonably necessary to carry out the Protective Section 336(e) Elections. Colfax shall determine the “Aggregate Deemed Asset Disposition Price” and the “Adjusted Grossed-Up Basis” (each as defined under applicable Treasury Regulations) and the allocation of such Aggregate Deemed Asset Disposition Price and Adjusted Grossed-Up Basis among the disposition date assets of the applicable member or members of the Colfax Group or ESAB Group, each in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 336(e) of the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations (the “Section 336(e) Allocation Statement”). Colfax shall submit a draft of the Section 336(e) Allocation Statement to ESAB and accept any reasonable changes thereto requested by ESAB no later than sixty (60) days following ESAB’s receipt of such draft. Each Party agrees not to take any position (and to cause each of its Affiliates not to take any position) that is inconsistent with the Protective Section 336(e) Elections, including the Section 336(e) Allocation Statement, on any Tax Return, in connection with any Tax Contest or for any other Tax purposes (in each case, excluding any position taken for financial accounting purposes), except as may be required by a Final Determination.

 

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(c) Tax Benefit Payments by ESAB. In the event that the Distribution fails to qualify for the Intended Tax Treatment and Colfax is not entitled to indemnification for one hundred percent (100%) of any Specified Separation Taxes and Tax-Related Losses relating to the Distribution arising from such failure, Colfax shall be entitled to quarterly payments from ESAB equal to the Section 336(e) Tax Benefit Percentage of the actual Tax savings if, as and when realized by the ESAB Group arising from the step up in Tax basis (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any such step up attributable to payments made pursuant to this Section 3.04(c)) resulting from the Protective Section 336(e) Election, determined on a “with and without” basis (treating any deductions or amortization attributable to the step up in Tax basis resulting from the Protective 336(e) Election, or any other recovery of such step up, as the last items claimed for any taxable year, including after the utilization of any available net operating loss carryforwards); provided, however, that such payments: (i) shall be reduced by all reasonable costs incurred by any member of the ESAB Group to amend any Tax Returns or other governmental filings related to such Protective Section 336(e) Election and (ii) shall not exceed the amount of any Specified Separation Taxes and Tax-Related Losses relating to the Distribution incurred by the Colfax Group (not taking into account this Section 3.04(c)) as a result of such failure for which Colfax is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 3.05 ESAB Carrybacks and Claims for Refund.

(a) ESAB hereby agrees that, unless Colfax consents in writing (which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed) or as required by Law, (i) no member of the ESAB Group (nor its successors) shall file any Adjustment Request with respect to any Tax Return that could affect any Joint Return or any other Tax Return reflecting Taxes that are allocated to Colfax under Section 2 and (ii) any available elections to waive the right to claim any ESAB Carryback in any Joint Return or any other Tax Return reflecting Taxes that are allocated to Colfax under Section 2 shall be made, and no affirmative election shall be made to claim any such ESAB Carryback. In the event that ESAB (or the appropriate member of the ESAB Group) is prohibited by applicable Law from waiving or otherwise foregoing an ESAB Carryback or Colfax consents to an ESAB Carryback (which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed), Colfax shall cooperate with ESAB, at ESAB’s expense, in seeking from the appropriate Tax Authority such Tax Benefit as reasonably would result from such ESAB Carryback, to the extent that such Tax Benefit is directly attributable to such ESAB Carryback, and shall pay over to ESAB the amount of such Tax Benefit within ten (10) Business Days after such Tax Benefit is recognized by the Colfax Group; provided, however, that ESAB shall indemnify and hold the members of the Colfax Group harmless from and against any and all collateral Tax consequences resulting from or caused by any such ESAB Carryback, including, without limitation, the loss or postponement of any benefit from the use of Tax Attributes generated by a member of the Colfax Group if (i) such Tax Attributes expire unused, but would have been utilized but for such ESAB Carryback, or (ii) the use of such Tax Attributes is postponed to a later Tax Period than the Tax Period in which such Tax Attributes would have been used but for such ESAB Carryback.

(b) Colfax hereby agrees that, unless ESAB consents in writing (which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed) or as required by Law, no member of the Colfax Group shall file any Adjustment Request with respect to any ESAB Separate Return or ESAB Unitary State Return or with respect to any Joint Return if such Adjustment Request could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect any member of the ESAB Group result in any Taxes for which ESAB could reasonably be expected to be responsible under the provisions of Section 2.

 

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Section 3.06 Apportionment of Tax Attributes.

(a) Tax Attributes arising in a Pre-Distribution Period will be allocated to (and the benefits and burdens of such Tax Attributes will inure to) the members of the Colfax Group and the members of the ESAB Group in accordance with the Code, Treasury Regulations, and any other applicable Tax Law, and, in the absence of controlling legal authority or unless otherwise provided under this Agreement, Tax Attributes shall be allocated to the legal entity that created such Tax Attributes.

(b) On or before December 31, 2022, Colfax shall deliver to ESAB its determination in writing of the portion, if any, of any earnings and profits, Tax Attributes, overall foreign loss or other affiliated, consolidated, combined, unitary, fiscal unity or other group basis Tax Attribute which is allocated or apportioned to the members of the ESAB Group under applicable Tax Law and this Agreement (“Proposed Allocation). ESAB shall have sixty (60) days to review the Proposed Allocation and provide Colfax any comments with respect thereto. Colfax shall accept any such comments that are reasonable, and such resulting determination will become final (“Final Allocation”). All members of the Colfax Group and ESAB Group shall prepare all Tax Returns in accordance with the Final Allocation. In the event of an adjustment to the earnings and profits, any Tax Attributes, overall foreign loss or other affiliated, consolidated, combined, unitary, fiscal unity or other group basis attribute, Colfax shall promptly notify ESAB in writing of such adjustment. For the avoidance of doubt, Colfax shall not be liable to any member of the ESAB Group for any failure of any determination under this Section 3.06(b) to be accurate under applicable Tax Law; provided such determination was made in good faith.

(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, to the extent that the amount of any Tax Attribute is later reduced or increased by a Tax Authority or Tax Proceeding, such reduction or increase shall be allocated to the Party to which such Tax Attribute was allocated pursuant to Section 3.06(a) of this Agreement, as agreed by the Parties.

Section 4. Tax Payments.

Section 4.01 Taxes Shown on Tax Returns. Colfax shall pay (or cause to be paid) to the proper Tax Authority the Tax shown as due on any Tax Return that a member of the Colfax Group is responsible for preparing under Section 3 of this Agreement, and ESAB shall pay (or cause to be paid) to the proper Tax Authority the Tax shown as due on any Tax Return that a member of the ESAB Group is responsible for preparing under Section 3 of this Agreement. Unless the Parties agree to an alternative payment arrangement, at least seven (7) Business Days prior to any Payment Date for any Joint Return (with respect to a Straddle Period) or ESAB Unitary State Return, ESAB shall pay to Colfax the amount ESAB is responsible for under the provisions of Section 2 as calculated pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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Section 4.02 Indemnification Payments.

(a) Except as provided in the last sentence of Section 4.01 of this Agreement, if any Party (the “Payor”) is required under applicable Tax Law to pay to a Tax Authority a Tax that another Party (the “Required Party”) is liable for under this Agreement, including in the case of any adjustment pursuant to a Final Determination with respect to any Tax, the Required Party shall reimburse the Payor within ten (10) Business Days of delivery by the Payor to the Required Party of an invoice for the amount due, accompanied by evidence of payment and a statement detailing the Taxes paid and describing in reasonable detail the particulars relating thereto. Except as otherwise provided in the following sentence, the Required Party shall also pay to the Payor any reasonable costs and expenses related to the foregoing (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) within ten (10) Business Days after the Payor’s written demand therefor, accompanied by evidence of payment and a statement detailing the amounts paid and describing in reasonable detail the particulars relating thereto. If and to the extent any Specified Separation Taxes are determined regarding the failure of the Intended Tax Treatment, the Party allocated responsibility for Tax-Related Losses associated with such Specified Separation Taxes under Section 2.01 of this Agreement shall pay such Tax-Related Losses to Colfax (if such responsible Party is ESAB) or ESAB (if such responsible Party is Colfax) within ten (10) Business Days after written demand therefor, accompanied by evidence of payment and a statement detailing the amounts paid and describing in reasonable detail the particulars relating thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Colfax or ESAB disputes in good faith the fact or the amount of its obligation hereunder, then no payment of the amount in dispute shall be required until any such good faith dispute is resolved; provided, however, that any amount not paid by the due date otherwise provided in this Section 4 shall bear interest from such due date computed at the Interest Rate with respect to such due date or the maximum rate permitted by Law, whichever is less.

(b) All indemnification payments under this Agreement shall be made by Colfax directly to ESAB and by ESAB directly to Colfax; provided, however, that if the Parties mutually agree for administrative convenience with respect to any such indemnification payment, any member of the Colfax Group, on the one hand, may make such indemnification payment to any member of the ESAB Group, on the other hand, and vice versa.

Section 5. Tax Benefits.

Section 5.01 Tax Refunds. Colfax shall be entitled (subject to the limitations provided in Section 3.05 of this Agreement) to any refund (and any interest thereon received from the applicable Tax Authority) of Taxes for which Colfax is liable hereunder, and ESAB shall be entitled (subject to the limitations provided in Section 3.05 of this Agreement) to any refund (and any interest thereon received from the applicable Tax Authority) of Taxes for which ESAB is liable hereunder. Colfax shall be entitled to the Colfax Sharing Percentage and ESAB shall be entitled to the ESAB Sharing Percentage of any cash refunds (and any interest thereon received from the applicable Tax Authority) of Taxes reported on any Joint Return for any Tax Period ending prior to the Distribution Date as a result of any Tax Contest.

Section 5.02 Other Tax Benefits.

(a) If a member of the ESAB Group or Colfax Group actually realizes any Tax Benefit, as a result of any liability, obligation, loss or payment (each, a “Loss”) for which a member of one Party’s Group is required to indemnify any member of the other Party’s Group pursuant to this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (in each case, without duplication of any amounts payable or taken into account under this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement), and such Tax Benefit would not have arisen

 

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but for such adjustment or Loss (determined on a “with and without” basis), the Party whose Group actually recognizes such Tax Benefit in the Tax Period of the applicable Loss shall make a payment to the Party who provided the indemnity in an amount equal to the amount of such actually recognized Tax Benefit in cash within thirty (30) Business Days of actually recognizing such Tax Benefit. To the extent that any Tax Benefit (or portion thereof) in respect of which any amounts were paid over pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.02(a) is subsequently disallowed by the applicable Tax Authority, the Party that received such amounts shall repay such amounts (together with any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Tax Authority) to the other Party.

(b) No later than ten (10) Business Days after a Tax Benefit described in Section 5.02(a) is actually recognized by a member of the Colfax Group or a member of the ESAB Group in the Tax Period of the applicable Loss, Colfax or ESAB, as the case may be, shall provide the other Party with a written calculation of the amount payable to such other Party pursuant to Section 5.02(a). In the event that Colfax or ESAB, as the case may be, disagrees with any such calculation described in this Section 5.02(b), such Party shall so notify the other Party in writing within ten (10) Business Days of receiving such written calculation. The Parties shall endeavor in good faith to resolve such disagreement.

Section 6. Intended Tax Treatment.

Section 6.01 Restrictions on Members of the ESAB Group.

(a) ESAB will not, and will not permit any other member of the ESAB Group to, take or fail to take, as applicable, (i) any action where such action or failure to act would be inconsistent with or cause to be untrue any statement, information, covenant or representation in the Tax Materials, (ii) any action where such action or failure to act could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Intended Tax Treatment or (iii) without the prior written consent of Colfax (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) any position on a Tax Return if taking or failing to take such position, as applicable, is not required by applicable Tax Law and could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect any member of the Colfax Group.

(b) ESAB and each other member of the ESAB Group agrees that, from the Distribution Date until the first Business Day after the two-year anniversary of the Distribution Date:

(i) ESAB will continue and cause to be continued the Active Trade or Business of the ESAB SAG;

(ii) ESAB will not enter into any Proposed Acquisition Transaction or, to the extent ESAB or any other member of the ESAB Group has the right to prohibit any Proposed Acquisition Transaction, permit any Proposed Acquisition Transaction to occur (whether by (A) redeeming rights under a shareholder rights plan, (B) finding a tender offer to be a “permitted offer” under any such plan or otherwise causing any such plan to be inapplicable or neutralized with respect to any Proposed Acquisition Transaction, (C) approving any Proposed Acquisition

 

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Transaction, whether for purposes of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or any similar corporate statute, any “fair price” or other provision of the charter or bylaws of ESAB, (D) amending its certificate of incorporation to declassify its board of directors or approving any such amendment, or (E) otherwise);

(iii) ESAB will not, nor will it agree to, merge, consolidate or amalgamate with any other Person, unless, in the case of a merger, consolidation, ESAB is the survivor of the merger or consolidation;

(iv) ESAB will not in a single transaction or series of transactions sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of (including any transaction treated for U.S. federal Income Tax purposes as a sale, transfer or disposition), or permit any other member of the ESAB Group to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, thirty percent (30%) or more of the gross assets of the Active Trade or Business (such percentage to be measured based on fair market value as of the Distribution Date), in each case other than (A) sales, transfers or other dispositions of assets in the ordinary course of business, (B) any cash paid to acquire assets from an unrelated Person in an arm’s-length transaction, (C) any assets transferred to a Person that is disregarded as an entity separate from the transferor for U.S. federal Income Tax purposes, (D) any mandatory or optional repayment (or pre-payment) of any indebtedness of ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group, or (E) any sales, transfers or other dispositions of assets within the ESAB SAG;

(v) ESAB will not redeem or otherwise repurchase (directly or through an Affiliate) any stock, or rights to acquire stock, of ESAB, except (A) to the extent such repurchases satisfy Section 4.05(1)(b) of Revenue Procedure 96-30 (as in effect prior to the amendment of such Revenue Procedure by Revenue Procedure 2003-48), (B) to the extent reasonably necessary to pay the total tax liability arising from the vesting of an ESAB Equity Award, or (C) through a net exercise of an ESAB Equity Award;

(vi) ESAB will not amend, or permit any other member of the ESAB Group to amend, its certificate of incorporation (or other organizational documents), or take any other action, whether through a stockholder vote or otherwise, affecting the voting rights of Capital Stock of ESAB (including, without limitation, through the conversation of one class of Capital Stock of ESAB into another class of Capital Stock of ESAB); and

(vii) ESAB will not take, or permit any other member of the ESAB Group to take, any other action or actions (including any action or transaction that would be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with any representation made in the Tax Materials) which in the aggregate (and taking into account any other transactions described in this subparagraph (b)) would reasonably be expected to result in a failure to preserve the Intended Tax Treatment;

 

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unless prior to taking any such action set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) through (vii), (A) ESAB shall have obtained a ruling from the IRS to the effect that a transaction will not affect the Intended Tax Treatment (a “Post-Distribution Ruling”), and Colfax shall have received such a Post-Distribution Ruling in form and substance satisfactory to Colfax in its reasonable discretion, (B) ESAB shall have provided Colfax with an Unqualified Tax Opinion in form and substance satisfactory to Colfax in its reasonable discretion or (C) Colfax shall have waived the requirement to obtain such Post-Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion. In determining whether any Post-Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion is in form and substance satisfactory to Colfax in its reasonable discretion, Colfax (I) may consider, among other factors, the appropriateness of any underlying assumptions and management’s representations used as a basis for such Post-Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion and (II) must exercise such discretion in good faith solely to preserve the Intended Tax Treatment.

Section 6.02 Restrictions on Members of the Colfax Group. Colfax will not, and will not permit any other member of the Colfax Group to, take or fail to take, as applicable, any action where such action or failure to act would be inconsistent with or cause to be untrue any statement, information, covenant or representation in the Tax Materials. Colfax agrees that it will not take or fail to take, or permit any member of the Colfax Group, as the case may be, to take or fail to take, any action where such action or failure to act could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Intended Tax Treatment.

Section 6.03 Procedures Regarding Opinions and Post-Distribution Rulings.

(a) If ESAB notifies Colfax that it desires to take one of the actions described in Section 6.01(b) of this Agreement (a “Notified Action”), Colfax shall cooperate with ESAB and use its commercially reasonable efforts to seek to obtain a Post-Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion for the purpose of permitting ESAB to take the Notified Action unless Colfax shall have waived the requirement to obtain such Post-Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion. If such a Post-Distribution Ruling is to be sought, Colfax shall apply for such Post-Distribution Ruling and Colfax and ESAB shall jointly control the process of obtaining such Post-Distribution Ruling. In no event shall Colfax be required to file any request for a Post-Distribution Ruling under this Section 6.03(a) unless ESAB represents that (i) it has read such request, and (ii) all information and representations, if any, relating to any member of the ESAB Group, contained in such request documents are (subject to any qualifications therein) true, correct and complete. ESAB shall reimburse Colfax for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Colfax Group in connection with such cooperation within ten (10) Business Days after receiving an invoice from Colfax therefor, accompanied by evidence of payment and a statement detailing the amounts paid and describing in reasonable detail the particulars relating thereto.

(b) Colfax shall have the right to obtain a Post-Distribution Ruling or tax opinion at any time in its sole and absolute discretion. If Colfax determines to obtain a Post-Distribution Ruling or tax opinion, ESAB shall (and shall cause its Affiliates to) cooperate with Colfax and take any and all actions reasonably requested by Colfax in connection with obtaining the Post-Distribution Ruling or tax opinion (including, without limitation, by making any reasonable representation or covenant or providing any materials or information requested by the IRS or any Tax Advisor). Colfax shall reimburse ESAB for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the ESAB Group in connection with such cooperation within ten (10) Business Days after receiving an invoice from ESAB therefor, accompanied by evidence of payment and a statement detailing the amounts paid and describing in reasonable detail the particulars relating thereto.

 

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(c) Following the Effective Time, ESAB shall not, nor shall ESAB permit any of its Affiliates to, seek any guidance from the IRS or any other Tax Authority (whether written, verbal or otherwise) at any time concerning the Separation (including the impact of any transaction on the Intended Tax Treatment) without obtaining Colfax’s prior written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

Section 6.04 Liability for Specified Separation Taxes and Tax-Related Losses.

(a) In the event that Specified Separation Taxes become due and payable to a Tax Authority pursuant to a Final Determination, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement:

(i) if such Specified Separation Taxes are attributable to an ESAB Disqualifying Act, then ESAB shall be responsible for such Specified Separation Taxes and corresponding Tax-Related Losses;

(ii) if such Specified Separation Taxes are attributable to a Colfax Disqualifying Act, then Colfax shall be responsible for such Specified Separation Taxes and corresponding Tax-Related Losses; and

(iii) if such Specified Separation Taxes are attributable to both an ESAB Disqualifying Act and a Colfax Disqualifying Act, or are not attributable to either an ESAB Disqualifying Act or a Colfax Disqualifying Act, then Colfax shall bear the Colfax Sharing Percentage and ESAB shall the ESAB Sharing Percentage of such Specified Separation Taxes and corresponding Tax-Related Losses.

(b) ESAB shall pay Colfax the amount of any Specified Separation Taxes for which ESAB is responsible under this Section 6.04 as a result of a Final Determination no later than two (2) Business Days after the date such Specified Separation Taxes are determined as a result of a Final Determination to be due.

Section 7. Assistance and Cooperation.

Section 7.01 Assistance and Cooperation.

(a) The Parties shall cooperate (and cause their respective Affiliates to cooperate) with each other and with each other’s agents, including accounting firms and legal counsel, in connection with Tax matters relating to the Parties and their Affiliates, including (i) preparation and filing of Tax Returns, (ii) determining the liability for and amount of any Taxes due (including estimated Taxes) or the right to and amount of any refund of Taxes, (iii) examinations of Tax Returns, and (iv) any administrative or judicial proceeding in respect of Taxes assessed or proposed to be assessed. Such cooperation shall include making all information and documents in their possession relating to any other Party and its Affiliates reasonably available to such other

 

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Party as provided in Section 8 of this Agreement. Each of the Parties shall also make available to any other Party, as reasonably requested and available, personnel (including officers, directors, employees and agents of the Parties or their respective Affiliates) responsible for preparing, maintaining, and interpreting information and documents relevant to Taxes, and personnel reasonably required as witnesses or for purposes of providing information or documents in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings relating to Taxes. ESAB and each other member of the ESAB Group shall cooperate with Colfax and take any and all actions reasonably requested by Colfax in connection with the Pre-Distribution Ruling and Tax Advice (including, without limitation, by making any new representation or covenant, confirming any previously made representation or covenant or providing any materials or information requested by any Tax Advisor; provided, that neither ESAB nor any other member of the ESAB Group shall be required to make or confirm any representation or covenant that is inconsistent with historical facts or as to future matters or events over which it has no control).

(b) Any information or documents provided under this Agreement shall be kept confidential by the Party receiving the information or documents, except as may otherwise be necessary in connection with the filing of Tax Returns or in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings relating to Taxes. In addition, in the event that Colfax determines that the provision of any information or documents to ESAB or any ESAB Affiliate, or ESAB determines that the provision of any information or documents to Colfax or any Colfax Affiliate, could be commercially detrimental, violate any Law or agreement or waive any Privilege, the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to permit each other’s compliance with its obligations under this Section 7 in a manner that avoids any such harm or consequence.

Section 7.02 Tax Return Information. Each of Colfax and ESAB, and each member of their respective Groups, acknowledges that time is of the essence in relation to any request for information, assistance or cooperation made pursuant to Section 7.01 of this Agreement or this Section 7.02. Each of Colfax and ESAB, and each member of their respective Groups, acknowledges that failure to conform to the reasonable deadlines set by the Party making such request could cause irreparable harm. Each Party shall provide to the other Party information and documents relating to its Group reasonably required by the other Party to prepare Tax Returns, including any pro forma returns required by the Responsible Party for purposes of preparing such Tax Returns. Any information or documents the Responsible Party requires to prepare such Tax Returns shall be provided in such form as the Responsible Party reasonably requests and at or prior to the time reasonably specified by the Responsible Party so as to enable the Responsible Party to file such Tax Returns on a timely basis.

Section 7.03 Reliance by Colfax. If any member of the ESAB Group supplies information to a member of the Colfax Group in connection with a Tax liability and an officer of a member of the Colfax Group signs a statement or other document under penalties of perjury in reliance upon the accuracy of such information, then upon the written request of such member of the Colfax Group identifying the information being so relied upon, the chief financial officer of ESAB (or any officer of ESAB as designated by the chief financial officer of ESAB) shall certify in writing that to his or her knowledge (based upon consultation with appropriate employees) the information so supplied is accurate and complete. ESAB agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Colfax Group and its directors, officers and employees from and against any fine, penalty or other cost or expense of any kind attributable to a member of the ESAB Group having supplied, pursuant to this Section 7, a member of the Colfax Group with inaccurate or incomplete information in connection with a Tax liability.

 

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Section 7.04 Reliance by ESAB. If any member of the Colfax Group supplies information to a member of the ESAB Group in connection with a Tax liability and an officer of a member of the ESAB Group signs a statement or other document under penalties of perjury in reliance upon the accuracy of such information, then upon the written request of such member of the ESAB Group identifying the information being so relied upon, the chief financial officer of Colfax (or any officer of Colfax as designated by the chief financial officer of Colfax) shall certify in writing that to his or her knowledge (based upon consultation with appropriate employees) the information so supplied is accurate and complete. Colfax agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each member of the ESAB Group and its directors, officers and employees from and against any fine, penalty or other cost or expense of any kind attributable to a member of the Colfax Group having supplied, pursuant to this Section 7, a member of the ESAB Group with inaccurate or incomplete information in connection with a Tax liability.

Section 7.05 Other Separation Taxes. Colfax and ESAB shall (and shall cause their respective Affiliates to) reasonably cooperate to correct any errors in the chronology or completion of any transactions intended to facilitate, or otherwise effectuated in connection with, the Separation, and take any and all commercially reasonable actions requested by either Party to minimize any Other Separation Taxes.

Section 8. Tax Records.

Section 8.01 Retention of Tax Records. Each of Colfax and ESAB shall preserve and keep all Tax Records exclusively relating to the assets and activities of its Group for Pre-Distribution Periods, and Colfax shall preserve and keep all other Tax Records relating to Taxes of the Colfax and ESAB Groups for Pre-Distribution Periods, for so long as the contents thereof may be or become material in the administration of any matter under the Code or other applicable Tax Law, but in any event until the later of (i) the expiration of any applicable statutes of limitations, or (ii) seven (7) years after the Distribution Date (such later date, the “Retention Date”). After the Retention Date, each of Colfax and ESAB may dispose of such Tax Records at any time prior to receiving written notice from the other Party that such other Party will take possession of such Tax Records. If, prior to the Retention Date, (a) Colfax or ESAB reasonably determines that any Tax Records which it would otherwise be required to preserve and keep under this Section 8 are no longer material in the administration of any matter under the Code or other applicable Tax Law and the other Party agrees, then such first Party may dispose of such Tax Records upon sixty (60) Business Days’ prior notice to the other Party unless such Party receives prior written notice from such other Party that it will take possession of such Tax Records. Any notice of an intent to dispose given pursuant to this Section 8.01 shall include a list of the Tax Records to be disposed of describing in reasonable detail each file, book, or other record accumulation being disposed. A Party providing timely written notice that it intends to take possession of Tax Records pursuant to this Section 8.01 shall have the opportunity, at its cost and expense, to copy or remove, within sixty (60) Business Days of providing such notification, all or any part of such Tax Records. If, at any time prior to the Retention Date, a Party or any of its Affiliates determines to decommission or otherwise discontinue any computer program or information technology system used to access or store any Tax Records, then such program or system may be decommissioned or discontinued upon ninety (90) Business Days’ prior notice to the other Party and the other Party shall have the opportunity, at its cost and expense, to copy, within such ninety (90) Business Day period, all or any part of the underlying data relating to the Tax Records accessed by or stored on such program or system.

 

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Section 8.02 Access to Tax Records. The Parties and their respective Affiliates shall make available to each other for inspection and copying during normal business hours upon reasonable notice all Tax Records (and, for the avoidance of doubt, any pertinent underlying data accessed or stored on any computer program or information technology system) in their possession pertaining to (i) in the case of any Tax Return of the Colfax Group, the portion of such return that relates to Taxes for which the ESAB Group may be liable pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) in the case of any Tax Return of the ESAB Group, the portion of such return that relates to Taxes for which the Colfax Group may be liable pursuant to this Agreement, and shall permit the other Party and its Affiliates, authorized agents and representatives and any representative of a Tax Authority or other Tax auditor direct access, at the cost and expense of the requesting Party, during normal business hours upon reasonable notice to any computer program or information technology system used to access or store any Tax Records, in each case to the extent reasonably required by the other Party in connection with the preparation of Tax Returns or financial accounting statements, audits, litigation, or the resolution of items under this Agreement.

Section 8.03 Preservation of Privilege. The Parties and their respective Affiliates shall not provide access to, copies of, or otherwise disclose to any Person any documentation relating to Taxes existing prior to the Distribution Date to which Privilege may reasonably be asserted without the prior written consent of the other Party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

Section 9. Tax Contests.

Section 9.01 Notice. Each Party shall provide prompt notice to the other Party of any written communication from a Tax Authority regarding any pending Tax audit, assessment or proceeding or other Tax Contest of which it becomes aware (i) related to Taxes for Tax Periods for which it is indemnified by the other Party hereunder or for which it may be required to indemnify the other Party hereunder, (ii) relating to an ESAB Separate Return that could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect any member of the Colfax Group, (iii) relating to any Joint Return, Colfax Separate Return or ESAB Unitary State Return that could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect any member of the ESAB Group or (iv) otherwise relating to the Intended Tax Treatment or the Separation (including the resolution of any Tax Contest relating thereto). Such notice shall attach copies of the pertinent portion of any written communication from a Tax Authority and contain factual information (to the extent known) describing any asserted Tax liability in reasonable detail and shall be accompanied by copies of any notice and other documents received from any Tax Authority in respect of any such matters. If an indemnified Party has knowledge of an asserted Tax liability with respect to a matter for which it is to be indemnified hereunder and such Party fails to give the indemnifying Party prompt notice of such asserted Tax liability and the indemnifying Party is entitled under this Agreement to contest the asserted Tax liability, then (x) to the extent the indemnifying Party is precluded from contesting the asserted Tax liability in any forum as a result of the failure to

 

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give prompt notice, the indemnifying Party shall have no obligation to indemnify the indemnified Party for any Taxes arising out of such asserted Tax liability, and (y) to the extent the indemnifying Party is not precluded from contesting the asserted Tax liability in any forum, but such failure to give prompt notice results in a material monetary detriment to the indemnifying Party, then any amount which the indemnifying Party is otherwise required to pay the indemnified Party pursuant to this Agreement shall be reduced by the amount of such detriment.

Section 9.02 Control of Tax Contests.

(a) Colfax Control. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Colfax shall have the right to control any Tax Contest with respect to any Tax matters relating to (i) a Joint Return, (ii) a Colfax Separate Return, (iii) Specified Separation Taxes and (iv) Other Separation Taxes (unless all liability for such Other Separation Taxes would be the responsibility of ESAB under Section 2.01). Subject to Section 9.02(c) and Section 9.02(d) of this Agreement, Colfax shall have (x) reasonable discretion, after consultation with ESAB, with respect to any decisions to be made, or the nature of any action to be taken, with respect to any such Tax Contest that could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect any member of the ESAB Group and (y) absolute discretion with respect to any decisions to be made, or the nature of any action to be taken, with respect to any other such Tax Contest.

(b) ESAB Control. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 9.02, ESAB shall have the right to control any Tax Contest with respect to any Tax matters relating to any ESAB Separate Return, ESAB Unitary State Return or Other Separation Taxes. Subject to Section 9.02(c) and Section 9.02(d) of this Agreement, ESAB shall have (i) reasonable discretion, after consultation with Colfax, with respect to any decisions to be made, or the nature of any action to be taken, with respect to any such Tax Contest that could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect any member of the Colfax Group, and (ii) absolute discretion with respect to any decisions to be made, or the nature of any action to be taken, with respect to any other such Tax Contest.

(c) Settlement Rights. The Controlling Party shall have the sole right to contest, litigate, compromise and settle any Tax Contest without obtaining the prior consent of the Non-Controlling Party; provided, that to the extent any such Tax Contest (i) could give rise to a claim for indemnity by the Controlling Party or its Affiliates against the Non-Controlling Party or its Affiliates under this Agreement, or (ii) could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect any member of the other Party’s Group, then the Controlling Party shall not settle any such Tax Contest without the Non-Controlling Party’s prior written consent (which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed and, in the case of a Tax Contest relating to Specified Separation Taxes, must take into account the reasonable likelihood of success of such Tax Contest on its merits without regard to the ability of ESAB to pay). Subject to Section 9.02(e) of this Agreement, and unless waived by the Parties in writing, in connection with any potential adjustment in a Tax Contest as a result of which adjustment the Non-Controlling Party may reasonably be expected to become liable to make any indemnification payment to the Controlling Party under this Agreement: (I) the Controlling Party shall keep the Non-Controlling Party reasonably informed in a timely manner of all actions taken or proposed to be taken by the Controlling Party with respect to such potential adjustment in such Tax Contest; (II) the

 

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Controlling Party shall timely provide the Non-Controlling Party copies of any written materials relating to such potential adjustment in such Tax Contest received from any Tax Authority; (III) the Controlling Party shall timely provide the Non-Controlling Party with copies of the relevant portions of any correspondence or filings submitted to any Tax Authority or judicial authority in connection with such potential adjustment in such Tax Contest; (IV) the Controlling Party shall consult with the Non-Controlling Party and offer the Non-Controlling Party a reasonable opportunity to comment before submitting any written materials prepared or furnished in connection with such potential adjustment in such Tax Contest; and (V) the Controlling Party shall defend such Tax Contest diligently and in good faith. The failure of the Controlling Party to take any action specified in the preceding sentence with respect to the Non-Controlling Party shall not relieve the Non-Controlling Party of any liability and/or obligation which it may have to the Controlling Party under this Agreement except to the extent that the Non-Controlling Party was actually harmed by such failure, and in no event shall such failure relieve the Non-Controlling Party from any other liability or obligation which it may have to the Controlling Party. In the case of any Tax Contest described in this Section 9, “Controlling Party” means the Party entitled to control the Tax Contest under such Section and “Non-Controlling Party” means (x) Colfax if ESAB is the Controlling Party and (y) ESAB if Colfax is the Controlling Party.

(d) Tax Contest Participation. Subject to Section 9.02(e) of this Agreement, and unless waived by the Parties in writing, the Controlling Party shall provide the Non-Controlling Party with written notice reasonably in advance of, and the Non-Controlling Party shall have the right to attend, any formally scheduled meetings with Tax Authorities or hearings or proceedings before any judicial authorities in connection with any potential adjustment in a Tax Contest (i) pursuant to which the Non-Controlling Party may reasonably be expected to become liable to make any indemnification payment to the Controlling Party under this Agreement or (ii) that is with respect to an ESAB Separate Return or ESAB Unitary State Return that could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect any member of the Colfax Group. The failure of the Controlling Party to provide any notice specified in this Section 9.02(d) to the Non-Controlling Party shall not relieve the Non-Controlling Party of any liability or obligation which it may have to the Controlling Party under this Agreement except to the extent that the Non-Controlling Party was actually harmed by such failure, and in no event shall such failure relieve the Non-Controlling Party from any other liability or obligation which it may have to the Controlling Party.

(e) Joint Returns. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 9 to the contrary, in the case of a Tax Contest related to a Joint Return, the rights of ESAB and its Affiliates under Section 9.02(c) and Section 9.02(d) of this Agreement shall be limited in scope to the portion of such Tax Contest relating to Taxes for which ESAB may reasonably be expected to become liable to make any indemnification payment to Colfax under this Agreement.

(f) Power of Attorney. Each member of the ESAB Group shall execute and deliver to Colfax (or such member of the Colfax Group as Colfax shall designate) any power of attorney or other similar document reasonably requested by Colfax (or such designee) in connection with any Tax Contest (as to which Colfax is the Controlling Party) described in this Section 9. Each member of the Colfax Group shall execute and deliver to ESAB (or such member of the ESAB Group as ESAB shall designate) any power of attorney or other similar document reasonably requested by ESAB (or such designee) in connection with any Tax Contest (as to which ESAB is the Controlling Party) described in this Section 9.

 

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Section 10. Survival of Obligations. The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement shall be unconditional and absolute and shall remain in effect without limitation as to time.

Section 11. Tax Treatment of Payments.

Section 11.01 General Rule. Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the Parties will treat any indemnity payment made pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement by Colfax to ESAB, or vice versa, in the same manner as if such payment were a non-taxable distribution or capital contribution, as the case may be, made immediately prior to the Distribution, except to the extent that Colfax and ESAB treat a payment as the settlement of an intercompany liability; provided, however, that any such payment that is made or received by a Person other than Colfax or ESAB, as the case may be, shall be treated as if made or received by the payor or the recipient as agent for Colfax or ESAB, in each case as appropriate.

Section 11.02 Interest. Anything herein or in the Separation Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, to the extent one Party makes a payment of interest to the other Party under this Agreement with respect to the period from the date that the Party receiving the interest payment made a payment of Tax to a Tax Authority to the date that the Party making the interest payment reimbursed the Party receiving the interest payment for such Tax payment, the interest payment shall be treated as interest expense to the Party making such payment (deductible to the extent provided by Law) and as interest income by the Party receiving such payment (includible in income to the extent provided by Law). The amount of the payment shall not be adjusted to take into account any associated Tax Benefit to the Party making such payment or increase in Tax to the Party receiving such payment.

Section 12. Gross-Up of Indemnification Payments. Except to the extent provided in Section 11, any Tax indemnity payment made by a Party under this Agreement shall be increased as necessary so that after making all payments in respect to Taxes imposed on or attributable to such indemnity payment, the recipient Party receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such Taxes been imposed.

Section 13. General Provisions.

Section 13.01 Complete Agreement. This Agreement, the Separation Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter; for the avoidance of doubt, the preceding clause shall apply to all other agreements, whether or not written, in respect of any Tax between or among any member or members of the Colfax Group, on the one hand, and any member or members of the ESAB Group, on the other hand, which agreements shall be of no further effect between the parties thereto and any rights or obligations existing thereunder shall be fully and finally settled, calculated as of the date hereof. Except as expressly set forth in the Separation Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement: (i) all matters relating to Taxes and Tax Returns of the

 

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Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, to the extent such matters are the subject of this Agreement, shall be governed exclusively by this Agreement; and (ii) for the avoidance of doubt, in the event of any conflict between the Separation Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, on the one hand, and this Agreement, on the other hand, with respect to such matters, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall govern, except that, in the event of any conflict between the Employee Matters Agreement and this Agreement with respect to payroll Taxes, the CARES Act (as defined in the Employee Matters Agreement) or Code Section 409A, the terms and conditions of the Employee Matters Agreement shall govern.

Section 13.02 Other Agreements. Except as may be expressly stated herein, this Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Separation Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements.

Section 13.03 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 such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Party.

Section 13.04 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall reference this Agreement and shall be given or made by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by email with receipt confirmed, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the Parties at the following addresses (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

To Colfax:

Colfax Corporation (to be renamed Enovis Corporation)

2711 Centerville Road

Suite 400

Wilmington, DE 19808

Attention: General Counsel

Email: Brad.Tandy@enovis.com

To ESAB:

ESAB Corporation

909 Rose Avenue

8th Floor

Attention: General Counsel

Email: Curtis.Jewell@esab.com

Section 13.05 Waivers. Waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver by the waiving Party of any subsequent or other default, nor shall it prejudice the rights of the other Party. The failure of any Party to require strict performance by any other Party of any provision in this Agreement will not waive or diminish that Party’s right to demand strict performance thereafter of that or any other provision hereof.

 

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Section 13.06 Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the Parties.

Section 13.07 Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void; provided, however, that either Party may assign this Agreement to a purchaser of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Party so long as such purchaser expressly assumes, in a written instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to the non-assigning Party, the due and punctual performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Agreement on the part of the assigning Party to be performed or observed.

Section 13.08 Successors and Assigns. The provisions to this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

Section 13.09 Subsidiaries. Each of the Parties shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any entity that is a Subsidiary of such Party after the Effective Time.

Section 13.10 Titles and Headings. Titles and headings to Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Section 13.11 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the state of Delaware.

Section 13.12 Waiver of Jury Trial. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement.

Section 13.13 Specific Performance. From and after the Distribution, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the Party to this Agreement who is or is to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at Law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that, from and after the Distribution, the remedies at Law for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss, that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at Law would be adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are hereby waived.

 

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Section 13.14 Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

Section 13.15 Payment Terms.

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement, any amount to be paid or reimbursed by a Party (where applicable, or a member of such Party’s Group) to the other Party (where applicable, or a member of such other Party’s Group) under this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed hereunder within thirty (30) Business Days after presentation of an invoice or a written demand therefor, in either case setting forth, or accompanied by, reasonable documentation or other reasonable explanation supporting such amount.

(b) Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement, any amount not paid when due pursuant to this Agreement (and any amount billed or otherwise invoiced or demanded and properly payable that is not paid within thirty (30) Business Days of such bill, invoice or other demand) shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Interest Rate with respect to the due date of such payment or the maximum rate permitted by Law, whichever is less, calculated for the actual number of days elapsed, accrued from the date on which such payment was due up to the date of the actual receipt of payment.

(c) Without the consent of the Party receiving any payment under this Agreement specifying otherwise, all payments to be made by either Colfax or ESAB under this Agreement shall be made in U.S. dollars. Except as expressly provided herein, any amount which is not expressed in U.S. dollars shall be converted into U.S. dollars by using the exchange rate published on Bloomberg at 5:00 pm, Eastern time, on the day before the relevant date, or in The Wall Street Journal on such date if not so published on Bloomberg. Except as expressly provided herein, in the event that any Tax indemnity payment required to be made hereunder may be denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, the amount of such payment shall be converted into U.S. dollars on the date in which notice of the claim is given to the indemnifying Party.

Section 13.16 No Admission of Liability. The allocation of assets and liabilities herein is solely for the purpose of allocating such assets and liabilities between Colfax and ESAB and is not intended as an admission of liability or responsibility for any alleged liabilities vis-à -vis any Third Party, including with respect to the liabilities of any non-wholly owned subsidiary of Colfax or ESAB.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

COLFAX CORPORATION
By:                                                                                                  
Name:
Title:
ESAB CORPORATION
By:                                                                                                  
Name:
Title:

[Signature Page to Tax Matters Agreement]

Exhibit 10.3

FORM OF

EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

by and between

COLFAX CORPORATION

and

ESAB CORPORATION

Dated as of                    , 2022


TABLE OF CONTENTS

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     1  

Section 1.1

  General      1  

Section 1.2

  References; Interpretation      7  

ARTICLE II GENERAL PRINCIPLES

     8  

Section 2.1

  Nature of Liabilities      8  

Section 2.2

  Transfers of Employees and Independent Contractors Generally      8  

Section 2.3

  Assumption and Retention of Liabilities Generally      9  

Section 2.4

  Participation in Enovis Benefit Arrangements      10  

Section 2.5

  Service Recognition      10  

Section 2.6

  Collective Bargaining Agreements      10  

Section 2.7

  Information and Consultation      11  

Section 2.8

  WARN      11  

ARTICLE III CERTAIN BENEFIT PLAN PROVISIONS

     11  

Section 3.1

  Welfare Plans      11  

Section 3.2

  U.S. 401(k) Plan      12  

Section 3.3

  Deferred Compensation Plans      13  

Section 3.4

  Non-U.S. Plans      14  

Section 3.5

  Chargeback of Certain Costs      14  

ARTICLE IV EQUITY INCENTIVE AWARDS

     14  

Section 4.1

  Treatment of Enovis Stock Options      14  

Section 4.2

  Treatment of Enovis Time-Based Restricted Stock Units and Enovis Performance Stock Units      15  

Section 4.3

  ESAB Stock Plan      16  

Section 4.4

  General Terms      16  

ARTICLE V ADDITIONAL MATTERS

     17  

Section 5.1

  Cash Incentive Programs      17  

Section 5.2

  Time-Off Benefits      17  

Section 5.3

  Workers’ Compensation Liabilities      17  

Section 5.4

  COBRA Compliance in the United States      18  

Section 5.5

  Retention Bonuses      18  

Section 5.6

  Code Section 409A      18  

Section 5.7

  Payroll Taxes and Reporting; CARES Act      18  

Section 5.8

  Regulatory Filings      19  

Section 5.9

  Disability      19  

Section 5.10

  Certain Requirements      19  

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

         Page  

ARTICLE VI GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

     19  

Section 6.1

  Employer Rights      19  

Section 6.2

  Effect on Employment      19  

Section 6.3

  Consent of Third Parties      20  

Section 6.4

  Access to Employees      20  

Section 6.5

  Beneficiary Designation/Release of Information/Right to Reimbursement      20  

Section 6.6

  No Third Party Beneficiaries      20  

Section 6.7

  No Acceleration of Benefits      20  

Section 6.8

  Employee Benefits Administration      20  

ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS

     21  

Section 7.1

  Entire Agreement      21  

Section 7.2

  Counterparts      21  

Section 7.3

  Survival of Agreements      21  

Section 7.4

  Notices      21  

Section 7.5

  Waivers      21  

Section 7.6

  Assignment      21  

Section 7.7

  Successors and Assigns      22  

Section 7.8

  Termination and Amendment      22  

Section 7.9

  Subsidiaries      22  

Section 7.10

  Title and Headings      22  

Section 7.11

  Governing Law      22  

Section 7.12

  Severability      22  

Section 7.13

  Interpretation      22  

Section 7.14

  No Duplication; No Double Recovery      22  

Section 7.15

  No Waiver      23  

Section 7.16

  No Admission of Liability      23  

Section 7.17

  Tax Matters      23  

 

 

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FORM OF

EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of _____, 2022, is entered into by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Enovis”), and ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Enovis (“ESAB”). “Party” or “Parties” means Enovis or ESAB, individually or collectively, as the case may be. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in Section 1.1.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Enovis, acting through its direct and indirect Subsidiaries, currently conducts the Enovis Retained Business and the ESAB Business;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Enovis (the “Board”) has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of Enovis and its stockholders to separate Enovis into two separate, publicly traded companies, one for each of (i) the Enovis Retained Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by Enovis and its Subsidiaries (other than ESAB and its Subsidiaries) and (ii) the ESAB Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by ESAB and its Subsidiaries, in the manner contemplated by the Separation and Distribution Agreement by and between Enovis and ESAB, dated as of ______, 2022 (the “Separation Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Separation Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions applicable to the Distribution;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Enovis and ESAB have agreed to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of allocating Assets, Liabilities and responsibilities with respect to certain employee matters and employee compensation and benefit plans and programs between them and to address certain other employment-related matters.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

Section 1.1 General. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) “Accrued Incentive Amount” shall mean the aggregate amount accrued by Enovis in respect of ESAB Employees under any Enovis cash incentive compensation and sales commission plans and programs (including, without limitation, the Enovis AIP) applicable to such ESAB Employees and unpaid as of the date on which the employment or services of such ESAB Employees are transferred to the ESAB Group.

(2) “Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

 

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(3) “Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

(4) “Assets” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(5) “Benefit Arrangement” shall mean, with respect to an entity, each compensation or employee benefit plan, program, policy, agreement or other arrangement, whether or not “employee benefit plans” (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, whether or not subject to ERISA), including any Welfare Plan and any other benefit plan, program, policy, agreement or arrangement providing cash- or equity-based compensation or incentives, vacation, paid or unpaid leave, severance, retention, change in control, termination, deferred compensation, individual employment or consulting, , supplemental income, retiree benefit or other fringe benefit (whether or not taxable), or employee loans, that are sponsored or maintained by such entity (or to which such entity contributes or is required to contribute or in which it participates), and excluding workers’ compensation plans, policies, programs and arrangements.

(6) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of Enovis as set forth in the Recitals.

(7) “Business Day” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(8) “CARES Act” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.7(b).

(9) “COBRA” shall mean Section 4980B of the Code, Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA, or similar state Law.

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

(11) “Collective Bargaining Agreement” shall mean all agreements with the collective bargaining representatives, employee representatives, trade unions, labor or management organizations, groups of employees, or works councils or similar representative bodies of ESAB Employees, including all national or sector specific collective agreements which are applicable to ESAB Employees, in each case in effect immediately prior to the date on which the applicable ESAB Employees become employed by a member of the ESAB Group, that set forth terms and conditions of employment of ESAB Employees, and all modifications of, or amendments to, such agreements and any rules, procedures, awards or decisions of competent jurisdiction interpreting or applying such agreements.

(12) “Compensation Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.

(13) “Delayed Transfer Enovis Employee” shall mean any Enovis Employee whose employment is determined by Enovis to not be eligible to be transferred from a member of the ESAB Group to a member of the Enovis Group at or prior to the Effective Time as a result of (i) requirements under applicable Law, (ii) participation in a long-term disability plan or similar arrangement or (iii) a delay in setting up Enovis Retained Business operations in a particular jurisdiction sufficient to employ such Enovis Employee.

 

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(14) “Delayed Transfer Date” shall mean the date on which it is determined by Enovis that either (i) a Delayed Transfer ESAB Employee or Delayed Transfer Enovis Employee is permitted to transfer from the Enovis Group to the ESAB Group or from the ESAB Group to the Enovis Group, respectively, in accordance with applicable Law, or (ii) the necessary business operations are set up in the relevant jurisdiction to enable employment of the ESAB Employee or Enovis Employee by the ESAB Group or Enovis Group, as applicable.

(15) “Delayed Transfer ESAB Employee” shall mean any ESAB Employee whose employment is determined by Enovis to not be eligible to be transferred to a member of the ESAB Group at or prior to the Effective Time as a result of (i) requirements under applicable Law, (ii) participation in a long-term disability plan or similar arrangement or (iii) a delay in setting up ESAB Business operations in a particular jurisdiction sufficient to employ such ESAB Employee.

(16) “Distribution” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(17) “Distribution Date” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(18) “Effective Time” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(19) “Employee Representative” shall mean any works council, employee representative, trade union, labor or management organization, group of employees or similar representative body for ESAB Employees.

(20) “Enovis” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

(21) “Enovis AIP” shall mean the Enovis Corporation Annual Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2020.

(22) “Enovis Benefit Arrangement” shall mean any Benefit Arrangement, including an Enovis Welfare Plan, sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any member of the Enovis Group.

(23) “Enovis Common Stock” shall mean the common stock of Enovis, par value $0.001 per share.

(24) “Enovis DCP” shall mean the Enovis Corporation Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended.

(25) “Enovis Director DCP” shall mean the Enovis Corporation Director Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of December 6, 2017, as amended.

(26) “Enovis Employee” shall mean each employee of Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates who does not qualify as an ESAB Employee.

 

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(27) “Enovis Excess Benefit Plan” shall mean the Enovis Corporation Amended and Restated Excess Benefit Plan, as amended.

(28) “Enovis Group” shall have the meaning ascribed to “Colfax Group” in the Separation Agreement.

(29) “Enovis Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Enovis Common Stock granted pursuant to the Enovis Stock Plan.

(30) “Enovis Performance Stock Unit” shall mean an award granted by Enovis pursuant to the Enovis Stock Plan that was denominated as a “Performance Stock Unit” or “Performance Unit” under the terms of such plan and the related award agreement, and that vests based on achievement of specified financial performance targets.

(31) “Enovis Retained Business” shall have the meaning ascribed to “Colfax Business” in the Separation Agreement.

(32) “Enovis Retained Liabilities” shall have the meaning ascribed to “Colfax Liabilities” in the Separation Agreement.

(33) “Enovis Severance Plan” shall mean the Enovis Corporation Executive officer Severance Plan and Summary Plan Description effective September 18, 2013.

(34) “Enovis Stock Plan” shall mean, collectively, the Enovis Corporation 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Enovis Corporation 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as applicable.

(35) “Enovis Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit” shall mean an award granted by Enovis pursuant to the Enovis Stock Plan that was denominated as a “Restricted Stock Unit” or “Stock Unit” under the terms of such plan and the related award agreement, and vests solely based on the continued employment or service of the recipient.

(36) “Enovis U.S. 401(k) Plan” shall mean the Enovis Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan Plus, Plan No. 037.

(37) “Enovis U.S. Pension Plan” shall mean the Enovis Corporation Consolidated Retirement Plan, Plan No. 036.

(38) “Enovis U.S. Welfare Plan” shall mean the Group Insurance Plan for Employees of Enovis Corporation, Plan No. 501, and the Enovis Corporation Cafeteria Plan.

(39) “Enovis Welfare Plan” shall mean any Welfare Plan, including the Enovis U.S. Welfare Plan, sponsored and maintained by Enovis or any member of the Enovis Group.

(40) “Equity Award Adjustment Ratio” shall mean the adjustment ratio adopted by the Board, or by the Compensation Committee pursuant to a delegation by the Board, in its sole and absolute discretion for purposes of making equitable adjustments to the awards held by Enovis Employees and ESAB Employees under the Enovis Stock Plan.

 

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(41) “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

(42) “ESAB” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

(43) “ESAB AIP” shall mean the ESAB Corporation Annual Incentive Plan, effective January 1, 2022.

(44) “ESAB Benefit Arrangement” shall mean any Benefit Arrangement, including an ESAB Welfare Plan, sponsored, maintained or contributed to exclusively by any member of the ESAB Group.

(45) “ESAB Business” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(46) “ESAB Common Stock” shall mean the common stock of ESAB, par value $0.01 per share.

(47) “ESAB DCP” shall mean The ESAB Group, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2022.

(48) “ESAB Director DCP” shall mean the ESAB Corporation Director Deferred Compensation Plan, effective on the Separation Date.

(49) “ESAB Employee” shall mean each individual who is employed by (i) ESAB or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (excluding Enovis), and (ii) Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (excluding the ESAB Group) as of the date on which Enovis determines to transfer the employment of applicable individuals to ESAB or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and who Enovis determines as of such date is either (A) exclusively or primarily engaged in the ESAB Business or (B) necessary for the ongoing operation of the ESAB Business following the Effective Time, in each case regardless of whether any such employee is actively at work or is not actively at work as a result of disability or illness, an approved leave of absence (including military leave with reemployment rights under federal Law and leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993), vacation, personal day or similar short- or long-term absence.

(50) “ESAB Excess Benefits Plan” shall mean The ESAB Group, Inc. Excess Benefits Plan effective January 1, 2022.

(51) “ESAB Group” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(52) “ESAB Independent Contractor” shall mean each individual who is engaged as an independent contractor or consultant by Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates as of the date on which Enovis determines to transfer the contracts of service of applicable individuals to ESAB and who Enovis determines as of such date is either (i) exclusively or primarily engaged in the ESAB Business or (ii) necessary for the ongoing operation of the ESAB Business following the Effective Time.

 

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(53) “ESAB Liabilities” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(54) “ESAB Option” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

(55) “ESAB Performance Stock Unit” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.

(56) “ESAB Severance Plan” shall mean the ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan and Summary Plan Description effective on the Separation Date.

(57) “ESAB Stock Plan” shall mean the ESAB Corporation 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

(58) “ESAB Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.

(59) “ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan” shall mean The ESAB Group, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Plan No. 001.

(60) “ESAB U.S. Welfare Plan” shall mean the Group Insurance Plan for Employees of The ESAB Group, Inc., Plan No. 501, and The ESAB Group, Inc. Cafeteria Plan.

(61) “ESAB Welfare Plan” shall mean any Welfare Plan, including the ESAB U.S. Welfare Plan, sponsored and maintained by ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group.

(62) “Former ESAB Service Provider” shall mean (i) any individual who would qualify as an ESAB Employee or ESAB Independent Contractor, but whose employment or service with Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates terminated for any reason prior to the date on which such individual’s employment or service would otherwise have transferred to ESAB pursuant to this Agreement, (ii) any former employee, independent contractor or consultant of Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates who was exclusively or primarily engaged in an ESAB Former Business (A) at the time either (x) such business was sold, conveyed, assigned, transferred, spun-off, split-off or otherwise disposed of or divested (in whole or in part) to a Person that is not a member of the ESAB Group or the Enovis Group or (y) the operations, activities or production of which were discontinued, abandoned, completed or otherwise terminated (in whole or in part), or (B) at any other time, but in such case only to the extent relating to his or her service with such ESAB Former Business and (iii) any individual who is currently employed by Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates who was exclusively or primarily engaged in the ESAB Business, but whose employment was transferred to a member of the Enovis Group that is not a part of the ESAB Business prior to the date on which such individual’s employment or service would otherwise have transferred to ESAB pursuant to this Agreement, but in such case only to the extent relating to his or her service with the ESAB Business.

(63) “Law” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(64) “Liabilities” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

 

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(65) “Non-Automatic Transfer Employee” shall mean any ESAB Employee who is not employed by ESAB or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (excluding Enovis).

(66) “Non-U.S. Plans” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.

(67) “Open Incentive Obligations” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

(68) “Party” and “Parties” shall have the meanings set forth in the Preamble.

(69) “Person” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(70) “Plan Transition Date” shall mean the date, as applicable to each Enovis Benefit Arrangement, that is the earlier to occur of (i) the Distribution Date or (ii) such earlier date, commencing on or after January 1, 2022 as agreed between the Parties.

(71) “Separation Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

(72) “Subsidiary” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(73) “Tax” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(74) “Tax Matters Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(75) “Transition Services Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Separation Agreement.

(76) “Welfare Plan” shall mean, where applicable, a “welfare plan” (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA and in 29 C.F.R. §2510.3-1) or a “cafeteria plan” under Section 125 of the Code, and any benefits offered thereunder, and any other plan offering health benefits (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision and mental health and substance use disorder), disability benefits, or life, accidental death and disability, pre-tax premium conversion benefits, dependent care assistance programs, employee assistance programs, contribution funding toward a health savings account, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement or adoption assistance programs or cashable credits.

Section 1.2 References; Interpretation. References in this Agreement to any gender include references to all genders, and references to the singular include references to the plural and vice versa. Unless the context otherwise requires, the words “include”, “includes” and “including” when used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Agreement to Articles, Sections, Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires, the words “hereof”, “hereby” and “herein” and words of similar meaning when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular Article, Section or provision of this Agreement. The words “written request” when used in this Agreement shall include email.

 

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Reference in this Agreement to any time shall be to New York City, New York time unless otherwise expressly provided herein. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Agreement to “Enovis” shall also be deemed to refer to the applicable member of the Enovis Group, references to “ESAB” shall also be deemed to refer to the applicable member of the ESAB Group and, in connection therewith, any references to actions or omissions to be taken, or refrained from being taken, as the case may be, by Enovis or ESAB shall be deemed to require Enovis or ESAB, as the case may be, to cause the applicable members of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group, respectively, to take, or refrain from taking, any such action. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict which may arise in the application or interpretation of any of the definitions set forth in Section 1.1, for the purpose of determining what is and is not included in such definitions, any item explicitly included on a Schedule referred to in any such definition shall take priority over any provision of the text thereof.

ARTICLE II

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Section 2.1 Nature of Liabilities. All Liabilities assumed or retained by a member of the Enovis Group under this Agreement shall be Enovis Retained Liabilities. All Liabilities assumed or retained by a member of the ESAB Group under this Agreement shall be ESAB Liabilities.

Section 2.2 Transfers of Employees and Independent Contractors Generally.

(a) Subject to the requirements of applicable Law, no later than the Effective Time, Enovis shall use its reasonable best efforts to (i) cause the employment of any ESAB Employee not employed by a member of the ESAB Group and the contract of services of any ESAB Independent Contractor to be transferred from the Enovis Group to a member of the ESAB Group and (ii) cause the employment of any Enovis Employee who is employed by a member of the ESAB Group and the contract of services between any independent contractor or consultant that does not qualify as an ESAB Independent Contractor and a member of the ESAB Group to be transferred from the ESAB Group to a member of the Enovis Group.

(b) ESAB shall make a qualifying offer of employment in accordance with Section 2.4 to each Non-Automatic Transfer Employee prior to the Effective Time to become employed by a member of the ESAB Group effective as of no later than the Effective Time, or as of the applicable Delayed Transfer Date, if applicable; provided that (i) if ESAB fails to make such a qualifying offer of employment to a Non-Automatic Transfer Employee or (ii) such Non-Automatic Transfer Employee does not accept such qualifying offer of employment, and in each case such Non-Automatic Transfer does not become employed by ESAB and is terminated by Enovis as a result, then ESAB shall reimburse Enovis in accordance with Section 2.3(c) for any severance or termination costs incurred by Enovis in connection with such termination of employment.

(c) The Enovis Group and ESAB Group agree to execute, and to seek to have the applicable ESAB Employees execute, such documentation, if any, as may be necessary to reflect the transfer of employment described in this Section 2.2.

 

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Section 2.3 Assumption and Retention of Liabilities Generally.

(a) From and after the Effective Time, Enovis shall, or shall cause one or more members of the Enovis Group to, accept, assume (or, as applicable, retain) and perform, discharge and fulfill (i) all Liabilities under all Enovis Benefit Arrangements, whenever incurred; (ii) all Liabilities with respect to the employment, service, termination of employment or termination of service of all Enovis Employees and their respective dependents and beneficiaries (and any alternate payees in respect thereof), whenever incurred; and (iii) all other Liabilities or obligations expressly assigned to or assumed by a member of the Enovis Group under this Agreement.

(b) From and after the Effective Time, ESAB shall, or shall cause one or more members of the ESAB Group to, accept, assume (or, as applicable, retain) and perform, discharge and fulfill (i) all Liabilities under all ESAB Benefit Arrangements, whenever incurred; (ii) all Liabilities with respect to the employment, service, termination of employment or termination of service of all ESAB Employees, Former ESAB Service Providers and ESAB Independent Contractors and their respective dependents and beneficiaries (and any alternate payees in respect thereof), whenever incurred; and (iii) all other Liabilities or obligations expressly assigned to or assumed by a member of the ESAB Group under this Agreement.

(c) The Parties shall promptly reimburse one another, upon reasonable request of the Party requesting reimbursement and the presentation by such Party of such substantiating documentation as the other Party shall reasonably request, for the cost of any obligations or Liabilities satisfied or assumed by the Party requesting reimbursement or its Affiliates that are, or that have been made pursuant to this Agreement, the responsibility of the other Party or any of its Affiliates.

(d) Notwithstanding that a Delayed Transfer ESAB Employee or Delayed Transfer Enovis Employee shall not become employed by a member of the ESAB Group or Enovis Group, respectively, until the Delayed Transfer Date applicable to such employee, (i) ESAB or Enovis shall be responsible for, and shall timely reimburse the other for, all Liabilities incurred by Enovis or ESAB, respectively, with regard to each such Delayed Transfer ESAB Employee or Delayed Transfer Enovis Employee from the Effective Time to the Delayed Transfer Date applicable to such employee and (ii) the Parties shall use their reasonable efforts to effect the provisions of this Agreement with respect to the compensation and benefits of such Delayed Transfer ESAB Employees and Delayed Transfer Enovis Employees following the Delayed Transfer Date applicable to such employee, it being understood that it may not be possible to replicate the effect of such provisions under such circumstances.

(e) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or the Separation Agreement to the contrary, ESAB shall, or shall cause one or more members of the ESAB Group to, accept, assume (or, as applicable, retain) and perform, discharge and fulfill all Liabilities that have been accepted, assumed or retained under this Agreement irrespective of whether accruals for such Liabilities have been transferred to ESAB or a member of the ESAB Group or included on a combined balance sheet of the ESAB Business or whether any such accruals are sufficient to cover such Liabilities.

 

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Section 2.4 Participation in Enovis Benefit Arrangements. Except as provided in this Agreement or the Transition Services Agreement, effective no later than the Plan Transition Date, (i) ESAB and each member of the ESAB Group, to the extent applicable, shall cease to be a participating company in any Enovis Benefit Arrangement, and (ii) each ESAB Employee shall cease to participate in, be covered by, accrue benefits under, be eligible to contribute to or have any rights under any Enovis Benefit Arrangement (except to the extent of previously accrued obligations that remain a Liability of any member of the Enovis Group pursuant to this Agreement).

Section 2.5 Service Recognition.

(a) From and after the Effective Time, or if earlier and as applicable the Plan Transfer Date, and in addition to any applicable obligations under applicable Law, ESAB shall, and shall cause each member of the ESAB Group to, give each ESAB Employee full credit for purposes of eligibility, vesting, and determination of level of benefits under any ESAB Benefit Arrangement for such ESAB Employee’s prior service with any member of the Enovis Group or ESAB Group or any predecessor thereto, to the same extent such service was recognized by the applicable Enovis Benefit Arrangement; provided, that, such service shall not be recognized to the extent it would result in the duplication of benefits.

(b) Except to the extent prohibited by applicable Law, as soon as administratively practicable on or after the Plan Transition Date: (i) ESAB shall waive or cause to be waived all limitations as to preexisting conditions or waiting periods with respect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to each ESAB Employee under any ESAB Welfare Plan in which ESAB Employees participate (or are eligible to participate) to the same extent that such conditions and waiting periods were satisfied or waived under an analogous Enovis Welfare Plan, and (ii) ESAB shall provide or cause each ESAB Employee to be provided with credit for any co-payments, deductibles or other out-of-pocket amounts paid during the plan year in which the ESAB Employees become eligible to participate in the ESAB Welfare Plans in satisfying any applicable co-payments, deductibles or other out-of-pocket requirements under any such plans for such plan year.

Section 2.6 Collective Bargaining Agreements.

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Enovis and ESAB shall, to the extent required by applicable Law, take or cause to be taken all actions that are necessary (if any) for ESAB or a member of the ESAB Group to continue to maintain or to assume and comply with any Collective Bargaining Agreements and any pre-existing collective bargaining relationships (in each case including obligations that arise in respect of the period both before and after the date of employment by the ESAB Group) in respect of any ESAB Employees and any Employee Representatives.

(b) Effective no later than the Effective Time, ESAB shall, or shall cause a member of the ESAB Group to, continue to maintain or to assume and comply with, to the extent required by applicable Law, all Collective Bargaining Agreements and pre-existing collective bargaining relationships (in each case including obligations that arise in respect of the period both before and after the date of an ESAB Employee’s employment by the ESAB Group) that are applicable to any ESAB Employee.

 

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(c) Nothing in this Agreement is intended to alter the provisions of any Collective Bargaining Agreement or modify in any way the obligations of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group to any Employee Representative or any other Person as described in such agreement.

Section 2.7 Information and Consultation. The Parties shall comply with all requirements and obligations to inform, consult or otherwise notify any ESAB Employees or Enovis Employees or Employee Representatives in relation to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Separation Agreement, whether required pursuant to any Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Transfer Regulations or other applicable Law.

Section 2.8 WARN. Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Agreement to the contrary, none of the transactions contemplated by or undertaken by this Agreement is intended to and shall not constitute or give rise to an “employment loss” or employment separation within the meaning of the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, or any other federal, state, or local law or legal requirement addressing mass employment separations.

ARTICLE III

CERTAIN BENEFIT PLAN PROVISIONS

Section 3.1 Welfare Plans.

(a) (i) Effective as of the Plan Transition Date, the participation of each ESAB Employee who is a participant in an Enovis Welfare Plan shall automatically cease and (ii) Enovis shall cause a member of the ESAB Group (A) to have in effect, no later than the Plan Transition Date, ESAB Welfare Plans providing health and welfare benefits for the benefit of each ESAB Employee with terms that are substantially similar to those provided by the applicable Enovis Welfare Plan to the applicable ESAB Employee immediately prior to the date on which such ESAB Welfare Plans become effective; and (B) effective on and after the date of cessation described in subsection (i) above, to fully perform, pay and discharge all claims of ESAB Employees or Former ESAB Service Providers, including but not limited to any claims incurred under any Enovis Welfare Plan on or prior to the date on which such ESAB Welfare Plans become effective, that remain unpaid as of the date on which such ESAB Welfare Plans become effective, regardless of whether any such claim was presented for payment prior to, on or after such date.

(b) The applicable member of the ESAB Group shall not be required to reimburse the applicable Enovis Welfare Plan for any claims related to ESAB Employees or Former ESAB Service Providers paid by an Enovis Welfare Plan (whether prior to or after the Effective Time) and not charged back to the appropriate and applicable member of the ESAB Group prior to the Plan Transition Date.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.1, To the extent any ESAB Employee is, as of the Plan Transition Date, receiving payments as part of any short-term disability program that is part of the Enovis U.S. Welfare Plan, such ESAB Employee’s rights to continued short-term disability benefits (i) will end under the Enovis U.S. Welfare Plan as of the

 

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Plan Transition Date; and (ii) all remaining rights will be recognized under the ESAB U.S. Welfare Plan as of the Plan Transition Date, and the remainder (if any) of such ESAB Employee’s short-term disability benefits will be paid by the ESAB U.S. Welfare Plan. To the extent such ESAB Employee who is on short-term disability as of the Plan Transition Date under the Enovis U.S. Welfare Plan and who subsequently qualifies for long-term disability benefits, such ESAB Employee shall receive long-term disability benefits from the Enovis U.S. Welfare Plan instead of from the ESAB U. S. Welfare Plan; provided, however, that all other welfare benefits for such disabled ESAB Employee shall be provided by the ESAB U.S. Welfare Plan. Further notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.1, ESAB Employees will continue to be considered to be “participants” in the Enovis U.S Welfare Plan or Enovis Benefit Arrangement that is either a Code Section 125 health care flexible spending account program or a dependent-care flexible spending account program for the duration of any calendar year 2021 grace period and/or claims run-out period (in either case, solely as provided under the terms of such Enovis U.S. Welfare Plan or Enovis Benefit Arrangement), provided that such ESAB Employees will be considered to be participants solely for purposes of utilizing such grace period and/or claims run-out period; will not be allowed to make any deferral or contribution elections under such Enovis U.S. Welfare Plan or Enovis Benefit Arrangement for calendar year 2022 or beyond; and will cease to be participants in such Enovis U.S. Welfare Plan or Enovis Benefit Arrangement upon the expiration of any grace period and/or claims run-out period.

Section 3.2 U.S. 401(k) Plan; U.S. Pension Plan.

(a) (i) Effective as of the Plan Transition Date, Enovis and ESAB shall cause The ESAB Group, Inc. to have in effect the ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan and related trust that satisfies the requirements of Sections 401(a), 401(k) and 501(a) of the Code, with terms that are substantially similar to those provided by the Enovis U.S. 401(k) Plan immediately prior to the date on which such ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan becomes effective (other than the ability to make additional investments in an investment fund invested primarily in Enovis Common Stock), (ii) the participation of each ESAB Employee who is a participant in the Enovis U.S. 401(k) Plan shall automatically cease effective upon the date on which the ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan becomes effective, (iii) as soon as administratively practicable after the ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan becomes effective, Enovis shall cause the accounts (including any outstanding participant loan balances) in the Enovis U.S. 401(k) Plan attributable to ESAB Employees and all of the Assets in the Enovis U.S. 401(k) Plan related thereto to be transferred in-kind to the ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan and (iv) effective as of the Plan Transition Date, The ESAB Group, Inc., a member of the ESAB Group, shall be the plan sponsor of the ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan, and The ESAB Group, Inc. shall thereafter fully pay, perform and discharge, all obligations thereunder.

(b) Effective no later than the Effective Date, Enovis shall transfer to ESAB, or a member of the ESAB Group, the Enovis U.S. Pension Plan, and ESAB or such member of the ESAB Group shall thereafter fully pay, perform and discharge all obligations thereunder, including for those obligations associated with the Assets and Liabilities under the Enovis U.S. Pension Plan.

(c) The respective investment committees and other fiduciaries of the ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan, the Enovis U.S. 401(k) Plan and the Enovis U.S. Pension Plan shall determine (i) the period of time, if any, following the adoption of the ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan and following the transfer of the Enovis U.S. Pension Plan from Enovis to ESAB, during which ESAB Employees

 

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and Enovis Employees may receive distributions in kind from, respectively, the ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan and the Enovis U.S. 401(k) Plan, if, and to the extent, investments under such plans are comprised of ESAB Common Stock or Enovis Common Stock, and (ii) the extent to which and when Enovis Common Stock (in the case of the ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan) and ESAB Common Stock (in the case of the Enovis U.S. 401(k) Plan) shall cease to be investment alternatives of the respective plans.

(d) Enovis shall retain all accounts and all Assets and Liabilities relating to the Enovis U.S. 401(k) Plan in respect of each Former ESAB Service Provider; provided that if any ESAB Employee whose account balance is transferred from the Enovis U.S. 401(k) Plan to the ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan as set forth in Section 3.2(a) thereafter terminates employment prior to the Plan Transition Date, such individual’s account balance shall nonetheless continue to be held in, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the ESAB U.S. 401(k) Plan.

Section 3.3 Deferred Compensation Plans.

(a) (i) Effective as of the Plan Transition Date, Enovis and ESAB shall cause The ESAB Group, Inc. to have in effect the ESAB DCP and the ESAB Excess Benefits Plan, each a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of each ESAB Employee that is eligible to participate in the Enovis DCP and the Enovis Excess Benefit Plan immediately prior to the Plan Transition Date, with terms that are substantially similar to those provided to the applicable ESAB Employee under the Enovis DCP and the Enovis Excess Benefit Plan immediately prior to the date on which the ESAB DCP and the ESAB Excess Benefits Plan becomes effective, (ii) the participation of each ESAB Employee who is a participant in the Enovis DCP and the Enovis Excess Benefit Plan shall cease effective upon the date on which the ESAB DCP and the ESAB Excess Benefits Plan becomes effective, and (iii) each such ESAB Employee shall become a participant in the ESAB DCP and the ESAB Excess Benefits Plan and all contributions that otherwise would have been made to the Enovis DCP and the Enovis Excess Benefit Plan on or after the Plan Transition Date shall instead be applied to the ESAB DCP and the ESAB Excess Benefits Plan.

(b) Effective as of the Plan Transition Date or such later date agreed to by the Parties, (i) the account balances of each ESAB Employee under the Enovis DCP and the Enovis Excess Benefit Plan shall be transferred to the ESAB DCP the ESAB Excess Benefits Plan, and ESAB shall cause The ESAB Group, Inc. to fully perform, pay and discharge all obligations of the Enovis DCP and the Enovis Excess Benefit Plan relating to such account balances, (ii) any such account balances that are payable in shares of Enovis Common Stock shall be payable in shares of ESAB Common Stock in accordance with the terms applicable to such account balances, (iii) any such account balances that were credited with earnings based on a rate of return relating to notional shares of Enovis Common Stock shall instead be credited with earnings based on a rate of return relating to notional shares of ESAB Common Stock and (iv) notional shares of Enovis Common Stock and any shares of Enovis Common Stock in a deferred share account shall be adjusted in the same manner as set forth in Section 4.2 as if such shares or notional shares of Enovis Common Stock were Enovis Time-Based Restricted Stock Units.

(c) Enovis shall retain (i) all Assets, if any, relating to the Enovis DCP and the Enovis Excess Benefit Plan in respect of Enovis Employees, ESAB Employees and Former ESAB Service Providers, and (ii) all Liabilities in respect of each Former ESAB Service Provider in respect of the Enovis DCP and the Enovis Excess Benefit Plan.

 

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(d) Effective as of the Effective Time or such earlier date agreed to by the Parties, ESAB shall have in effect the ESAB Director DCP with terms that are substantially similar to those provided under the Enovis Director DCP. The Enovis Director DCP shall continue in effect after the Distribution Date in accordance with its terms, with payments made to current and former members of the Board pursuant to their applicable deferral elections.

Section 3.4 Non-U.S. Plans. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary other than as set forth in this Section 3.4 or Section 1.1, the treatment of each Enovis Benefit Arrangement and ESAB Benefit Arrangement that is maintained primarily in respect of individuals who are located outside of the United States (together, the “Non-U.S. Plans”) shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable Conveyancing and Assumption Instrument; provided that if the treatment of any such Non-U.S. Plan is not specifically covered by such Conveyancing and Assumption Instrument, then unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, (i) ESAB shall fully perform, pay and discharge all obligations of the Non-U.S. Plans relating to ESAB Employees, ESAB Independent Contractors and Former ESAB Service Providers, whenever incurred, (ii) Enovis shall fully perform, pay and discharge all obligations of the Non-U.S. Plans relating to Enovis Employees, whenever incurred, and (iii) the Parties shall agree on the extent to which any Assets held in respect of such Non-U.S. Plans shall be transferred to ESAB.

Section 3.5 Chargeback of Certain Costs. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit Enovis’s ability to charge back any Liabilities that it incurs in respect of any Enovis Benefit Arrangement to any of its operating companies in the ordinary course of business consistent with its past practices.

ARTICLE IV

EQUITY INCENTIVE AWARDS

Section 4.1 Treatment of Enovis Stock Options. Each Enovis Option that is outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution Date and that is held by an Enovis Employee or a member of the Board shall be adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Enovis Stock Plan. Each Enovis Option that is outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution Date and that is held by either an ESAB Employee who continues in employment through the Distribution Date or a member of the Board who is or becomes a member of the board of directors of ESAB effective as of the Distribution Date, whether vested or unvested, shall automatically be assumed by ESAB on the Distribution Date (each, an “ESAB Option”) and shall continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions (including the term, exercisability and vesting schedule) as were applicable to the corresponding Enovis Option immediately prior to the Distribution Date, except that each ESAB Option shall (i) relate to a number of shares of ESAB Common Stock (with each grant rounded to the nearest whole share) equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Enovis Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the corresponding Enovis Option immediately prior to the Distribution Date and (y) the Equity Award Adjustment Ratio, and (ii) have a per-share exercise price (rounded up to the nearest whole cent, subject to Section 4.4(a)) equal to the quotient determined by dividing (x) the per share exercise price of the corresponding Enovis Option by

 

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(y) the Equity Award Adjustment Ratio; provided, however, that the exercise price, the number of shares of ESAB Common Stock, and the terms thereof shall be determined in a manner consistent with the requirements of Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a member of the Board who continues as a Board member after the Distribution Date becomes a member of the board of directors of ESAB effective as of or prior to the Distribution Date, one-half of such individual’s Enovis Options shall be adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Enovis Stock Plan, and the remainder shall be assumed by ESAB and converted into ESAB Options, in each case as described above.

Section 4.2 Treatment of Enovis Time-Based Restricted Stock Units and Enovis Performance Stock Units.

(a) Each Enovis Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit that is outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution Date and that is held by an Enovis Employee or a member of the Board shall be adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Enovis Stock Plan. Each Enovis Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit that is outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution Date and that is held by either an ESAB Employee who continues in employment through the Distribution Date or a member of the Board who is or becomes a member of the board of directors of ESAB effective as of the Distribution Date, whether vested or unvested, shall automatically be assumed by ESAB on the Distribution Date (each, an “ESAB Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit”) and shall continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions (including vesting schedule) as were applicable to the corresponding Enovis Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit immediately prior to the Distribution Date, except that each award of ESAB Time-Based Restricted Stock Units shall (i) relate to that number of shares of ESAB Common Stock (with each award rounded to the nearest whole share, subject to Section 4.4(a)) equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Enovis Common Stock that were issuable upon the vesting of such Enovis Time-Based Restricted Stock Units immediately prior to the Distribution Date, and (y) the Equity Award Adjustment Ratio, and (ii) be subject to vesting solely based upon the satisfaction of any applicable continued employment or service requirements that apply to the corresponding Enovis Time-Based Restricted Stock Units immediately prior to the Distribution Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (a) a member of the Board who continues as a Board member after the Distribution Date, and/or (b) the Chief Financial Officer of Enovis becomes a member of the board of directors of ESAB effective as of or prior to the Distribution Date, one-half of such individual’s Enovis Time-Based Restricted Stock Units shall be adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Enovis Stock Plan, and the remainder shall be assumed by ESAB and converted into ESAB Time-Based Restricted Stock Units, in each case as described above.

(b) Each Enovis Performance Stock Unit that is outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution Date and that is held by an Enovis Employee shall be adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Enovis Stock Plan; provided that (i) Enovis Performance Stock Units that are unvested and outstanding on the Distribution Date will either (A) be earned at target if the performance period is less than fifty percent (50%) complete as of the Distribution Date or (B) be earned at the then current performance (as of the Distribution Date) if the performance period is fifty percent (50%) or more complete as of that date prior to such adjustment and (ii) such Enovis Performance Stock Units will not fully vest until the end of the performance period as set forth in the applicable award agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Chief Financial Officer of Enovis becomes a member of the board of directors of ESAB effective as of or prior to the Distribution Date, one-half of such individual’s Enovis Performance Stock Units will be adjusted and earned pursuant to this Section 4.2(b), and the remainder shall be earned and assumed by ESAB as provided in Section 4.2(c) in the same manner as Enovis Performance Stock Units held by an ESAB Employee.

 

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(c) Each Enovis Performance Stock Unit that is outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution Date and that is held by an ESAB Employee who continues in employment through the Distribution Date, shall (i) either (A) be earned at target if the performance period is less than fifty percent (50%) complete as of the Distribution Date or (B) be earned at the then current performance (as of the Distribution Date) if the performance period is fifty percent (50%) or more complete as of that date prior to such adjustment, and then (ii) automatically be assumed by ESAB on the Distribution Date (each, an “ESAB Performance Stock Unit”). Such ESAB Performance Stock Units will not fully vest until the end of the performance period as set forth in the applicable award agreement and shall otherwise continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the corresponding Enovis Performance Stock Unit immediately prior to the Distribution Date; provided that each award of ESAB Performance Stock Units shall (i) relate to that number of shares of ESAB Common Stock (with each award rounded to the nearest whole share, subject to Section 4.4(a)), equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Enovis Common Stock that were issuable upon the vesting of such Enovis Performance Stock Units immediately prior to ESAB’s assumption of the award on the Distribution Date, and (y) the Equity Award Adjustment Ratio, and (ii) subject to vesting based upon any applicable continued employment requirements that apply to the corresponding Enovis Performance Stock Units.

Section 4.3 ESAB Stock Plan. Effective as of the Effective Time, ESAB shall have adopted the ESAB Stock Plan, which shall permit the grant and issuance of equity incentive awards denominated in ESAB Common Stock as described in this Article IV.

Section 4.4 General Terms.

(a) All of the adjustments described in this Article IV shall be effected in accordance with Sections 424 and 409A of the Code, in each case to the extent applicable.

(b) The Parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to maintain effective registration statements with the Securities Exchange Commission with respect to the awards described in this Article IV, to the extent any such registration statement is required by applicable Law.

(c) The Parties hereby acknowledge that the provisions of this Article IV are intended to achieve certain Tax, legal and accounting objectives and, in the event such objectives are not achieved, the Parties agree to negotiate in good faith regarding such other actions that may be necessary or appropriate to achieve such objectives.

 

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ARTICLE V

ADDITIONAL MATTERS

Section 5.1 Cash Incentive Programs. Effective as of the Plan Transition Date, (i) Enovis shall cause ESAB to adopt the ESAB AIP, and (ii) Enovis and ESAB shall cause other members of the ESAB Group to adopt cash incentive compensation and sales commission plans and programs substantially similar to the Enovis and Enovis Group cash incentive compensation and sales commission plans and programs in which ESAB Employees participate. For any Enovis and Enovis Group cash incentive or sales commission measurement or performance period that has not ended as of the date on which the employment of applicable ESAB Employees is transferred to ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group (the “Open Incentive Obligations”), ESAB shall provide that each applicable ESAB Employee shall continue to be eligible to receive a cash incentive bonus or sales commission payment in accordance with the same terms and conditions as applied to such ESAB Employee under the corresponding Enovis or Enovis Group incentive or sales commission program as in effect immediately prior to the date of such employment transfer, as equitably adjusted (if applicable) by the Compensation Committee to the extent necessary to reflect the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement; provided that in no event shall the aggregate incentive amounts paid to the applicable ESAB Employees in respect of such applicable period be less than the Accrued Incentive Amount. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or the Separation Agreement to the contrary, (i) Enovis shall not transfer assets in respect of the Accrued Incentive Amount or the Open Incentive Obligations, and (ii) effective as of the date on which the employment of the applicable ESAB Employees is transferred to ESAB or members of the ESAB Group, ESAB shall assume all Liabilities and obligations in respect of the Accrued Incentive Amount and the Open Incentive Obligations.

Section 5.2 Time-Off Benefits. Unless otherwise required in a Collective Bargaining Agreement or applicable Law, ESAB shall (i) credit each ESAB Employee with the amount of accrued but unused vacation time, paid time-off and other time-off benefits as such ESAB Employee had with the Enovis Group as of immediately before the date on which the employment of the ESAB Employee transfers to ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group and (ii) permit each such ESAB Employee to use such accrued but unused vacation time, paid time off and other time-off benefits in the same manner and upon the same terms and conditions as the ESAB Employee would have been so permitted under the terms and conditions of the applicable Enovis policies in effect for the year in which such transfer of employment occurs, up to and including full exhaustion of such transferred unused vacation time, paid-time off and other time-off benefits (if such full exhaustion would be permitted under the applicable Enovis policies in effect for that year in which the transfer of employment occurs).

Section 5.3 Workers Compensation Liabilities. Effective no later than the Effective Time, ESAB shall, or shall cause a member of the ESAB Group to, assume all Liabilities for ESAB Employees, ESAB Independent Contractors and Former ESAB Service Providers related to any and all workers’ compensation injuries, incidents, conditions, claims or coverage, whenever incurred (including claims incurred prior to the Effective Time but not reported until after the Effective Time), and ESAB, or, as applicable, a member of the ESAB Group, shall be fully responsible for the administration, management and payment of all such claims and satisfaction of all such Liabilities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if ESAB, or a member of the ESAB Group, is unable to assume any such Liability or the administration, management or payment of any such claim solely because of the operation of applicable Law, Enovis shall retain such Liabilities and ESAB shall, or shall cause a member of the ESAB Group to, reimburse and otherwise fully indemnify Enovis for all such Liabilities, including the costs of administering the plans, programs or arrangements under which any such Liabilities have accrued or otherwise arisen.

 

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Section 5.4 COBRA Compliance in the United States. Effective as of the Plan Transition Date, Enovis and ESAB shall cause The ESAB Group, Inc. to assume and be responsible for administering compliance with the health care continuation requirements of COBRA, in accordance with the provisions of the ESAB U.S. Welfare Plan, with respect to ESAB Employees or ESAB Former Service Providers who incurred a COBRA qualifying event under the Enovis U.S. Welfare Plan at any time on or before the Plan Transition Date and/or any COBRA qualifying event in connection with the transactions described in the Separation Agreement. The ESAB Group, Inc. shall also be responsible for administering compliance with the health care continuation requirements of COBRA, and the corresponding provisions of the ESAB U.S. Welfare Plan with respect to ESAB Employees and their covered dependents who incur a COBRA qualifying event or loss of coverage under the ESAB U.S. Welfare Plan at any time after the Plan Transition Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, two former employees of ESAB who elected COBRA under a Kaiser health plan that is an Enovis Welfare Plan shall continue their COBRA continuation coverage under such Enovis Welfare Plan.

Section 5.5 Retention Bonuses. Any retention bonuses payable to any ESAB Employees that relate to the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement and become payable after the date on which the employment of the ESAB Employee transfers to ESAB shall be assumed by ESAB as of the date of such transfer and ESAB shall, or shall cause a member of the ESAB Group to, pay all amounts payable thereunder to the applicable ESAB Employees in accordance with the terms thereof.

Section 5.6 Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement to the contrary, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith regarding the need for any treatment different from that otherwise provided herein with respect to the payment of compensation to ensure that the treatment of such compensation does not cause the imposition of a Tax under Section 409A of the Code. In no event, however, shall any Party be liable to another in respect of any Taxes imposed under, or any other costs or Liabilities relating to, Section 409A of the Code.

Section 5.7 Payroll Taxes and Reporting; CARES Act. Notwithstanding anything in the Tax Matters Agreement to the contrary:

(a) The Parties shall, to the extent practicable, (i) treat ESAB or a member of the ESAB Group as a “successor employer” and Enovis (or the appropriate member of the Enovis Group) as a “predecessor,” within the meaning of Sections 3121(a)(1) and 3306(b)(1) of the Code, with respect to ESAB Employees for purposes of Taxes imposed under the United States Federal Unemployment Tax Act or the United States Federal Insurance Contributions Act, and (ii) cooperate with each other to avoid, to the extent possible, the filing of more than one IRS Form W-2 with respect to each ESAB Employee for the calendar year in which the Effective Time occurs.

(b) Effective as of the Effective Time (or, if later, the applicable Delayed Transfer Date), ESAB shall, or shall cause one or more members of the ESAB Group to, assume all Liabilities in respect of the payment of any employment taxes that have been delayed pursuant to Section 2302 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) with respect to any ESAB Employee or Former ESAB Service Provider, and, if applicable, shall timely reimburse Enovis in accordance with Section 2.3(c) for any such amounts that are required to be paid by Enovis in accordance with applicable Law. Enovis shall retain the benefit of any tax credit allowed pursuant to Section 2301 of the CARES Act with respect to any “qualified wages” (as defined in the CARES Act) paid to any ESAB Employee or Former ESAB Service Provider after March 12, 2020 and prior to the Effective Time (or, if later, the applicable Delayed Transfer Date).

 

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Section 5.8 Regulatory Filings. Subject to applicable Law and notwithstanding anything in the Tax Matters Agreement to the contrary, Enovis shall retain responsibility for all employee-related regulatory filings for reporting periods ending at or prior to the Effective Time, except for Equal Employment Opportunity Commission EEO-1 reports and affirmative action program (AAP) reports and responses to Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) submissions, for which Enovis shall provide data and information (to the extent permitted by applicable Laws) to ESAB, which shall be responsible for making, or causing a member of the ESAB Group to make, such filings in respect of ESAB Employees.

Section 5.9 Disability. For any Former ESAB Service Provider who is, as of the Effective Time, receiving payments as part of any long-term disability program that is part of an Enovis Welfare Plan, and has been receiving payments from such plan for twelve (12) months or fewer before the Effective Time, to the extent such Former ESAB Service may have any “return to work” rights under the terms of such Enovis Welfare Plan, such Former ESAB Service Provider’s eligibility for re-employment shall be with ESAB or a member of the ESAB Group, subject to availability of a suitable position (with such availability to be determined in the sole discretion by ESAB or the applicable member of the ESAB Group), provided however that, notwithstanding the foregoing, no Former ESAB Service Provider described in this subsection will be eligible for re-employment as described in this subsection after the first anniversary of the Effective Time.

Section 5.10 Certain Requirements. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the terms of a Collective Bargaining Agreement or applicable Law require that any assets or Liabilities be retained by the Enovis Group or transferred to or assumed by the ESAB Group in a manner that is different from that set forth in this Agreement, such retention, transfer or assumption shall be made in accordance with the terms of such Collective Bargaining Agreement or applicable Law and shall not be made as otherwise set forth in this Agreement.

ARTICLE VI

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Section 6.1 Employer Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to be an amendment to any Enovis Benefit Arrangement or ESAB Benefit Arrangement or to prohibit Enovis, ESAB, or any member of the Enovis Group or ESAB Group, as the case may be, from amending, modifying or terminating any Enovis Benefit Arrangement or ESAB Benefit Arrangement at any time within its sole discretion.

Section 6.2 Effect on Employment. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall confer upon any employee or former employee of Enovis, the Enovis Group, ESAB or the ESAB Group any right to continued employment, or any recall or similar rights to any such individual on layoff or any type of approved leave.

 

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Section 6.3 Consent of Third Parties. If any provision of this Agreement is dependent on the consent of any third party and such consent is withheld, the Parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to implement the applicable provisions of this Agreement to the fullest extent practicable. If any provision of this Agreement cannot be implemented due to the failure of such third party to consent, the Parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to implement the provision (as applicable) in a mutually satisfactory manner.

Section 6.4 Access to Employees. On and after the Effective Time, Enovis and ESAB shall, or shall cause each of their respective Affiliates to, make available to each other those of their employees who may reasonably be needed in order to defend or prosecute any legal or administrative action (other than a legal action between Enovis and ESAB) to which any employee or director of the Enovis Group or the ESAB Group or any Enovis Benefit Arrangement or ESAB Benefit Arrangement is a party and which relates to an Enovis Benefit Arrangement or ESAB Benefit Arrangement. The Party to whom an employee is made available in accordance with this Section 6.4 shall pay or reimburse the other Party for all reasonable expenses which may be incurred by such employee in connection therewith, including all reasonable travel, lodging, and meal expenses, but excluding any amount for such employee’s time spent in connection herewith.

Section 6.5 Beneficiary Designation/Release of Information/Right to Reimbursement. To the extent permitted by applicable Law and except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, all beneficiary designations, authorizations for the release of information and rights to reimbursement made by or relating to ESAB Employees under Enovis Benefit Arrangements shall be transferred to and be in full force and effect under the corresponding ESAB Benefit Arrangements until such beneficiary designations, authorizations or rights are replaced or revoked by, or no longer apply, to the relevant ESAB Employee.

Section 6.6 No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and, except to the extent otherwise expressly provided herein, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer any rights, benefits, remedies, obligations or Liabilities under this Agreement upon any Person, including any ESAB Employee or other current or former employee, officer, director or contractor of the Enovis Group or ESAB Group, other than the Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

Section 6.7 No Acceleration of Benefits. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no provision of this Agreement shall be construed to create any right, or accelerate vesting or entitlement, to any compensation or benefit whatsoever on the part of any ESAB Employee or other former, current or future employee of the Enovis Group or ESAB Group under any Enovis Benefit Arrangement or ESAB Benefit Arrangement.

Section 6.8 Employee Benefits Administration. At all times following the date hereof, the Parties will cooperate in good faith as necessary to facilitate the administration of employee benefits and the resolution of related employee benefit claims with respect to ESAB Employees, Former ESAB Service Providers and Enovis Employees and service providers of Enovis, as applicable, including with respect to the provision of employee level information necessary for the other Party to manage, administer, finance and file required reports with respect to such administration.

 

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ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 7.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Separation Agreement, including the Exhibits and Schedules thereto, shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments, course of dealings and writings with respect to such subject matter.

Section 7.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to each of the Parties.

Section 7.3 Survival of Agreements. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time and remain in full force and effect in accordance with their applicable terms.

Section 7.4 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in English, shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by email (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service) or by facsimile with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 7.4):

 

                To Colfax:   

Colfax Corporation

2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400

Wilmington, Delaware 19808

Attn: General Counsel

E-mail: brad.tandy@colfaxcorp.com

                To ESAB:   

ESAB Corporation

909 Rose Avenue, Suite 800

North Bethesda, Maryland 20852

Attn: General Counsel

E-mail: curtis.jewell@colfaxcorp.com

Section 7.5 Waivers. Any consent required or permitted to be given by any Party to the other Party under this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by the Party giving such consent and shall be effective only against such Party.

Section 7.6 Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party hereto without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be assignable to (i) with respect to Enovis, an Affiliate of Enovis, or (ii) a bona fide third party in connection with a merger, reorganization, consolidation or the sale of all or substantially all the assets of a party hereto so

 

21


long as the resulting, surviving or transferee entity assumes all the obligations of the relevant party hereto by operation of Law or pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other Party to this Agreement; provided however that in the case of each of the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), no assignment permitted by this Section 7.6 shall release the assigning Party from liability for the full performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

Section 7.7 Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement and the obligations and rights hereunder shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by (and against) the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

Section 7.8 Termination and Amendment. This Agreement may be terminated, modified or amended at any time prior to the Distribution Date by and in the sole discretion of Enovis without the approval of ESAB or the stockholders of Enovis. In the event of such termination, no Party shall have any liability of any kind to the other Party or any other Person. After the Distribution Date, this Agreement may not be terminated, modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by Enovis and ESAB.

Section 7.9 Subsidiaries. Each of the Parties shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any Subsidiary of such Party or by any entity that becomes a Subsidiary of such Party at and after the Effective Time, to the extent such Subsidiary remains a Subsidiary of the applicable Party.

Section 7.10 Title and Headings. Titles and headings to sections herein are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Section 7.11 Governing Law. This Agreement and any dispute arising out of, in connection with or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

Section 7.12 Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

Section 7.13 Interpretation. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the Party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.

Section 7.14 No Duplication; No Double Recovery. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer to or impose upon any Party a duplicative right, entitlement, obligation or recovery with respect to any matter arising out of the same facts and circumstances.

 

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Section 7.15 No Waiver. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of any Party, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver hereof; 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.

Section 7.16 No Admission of Liability. The allocation of Assets and Liabilities herein is solely for the purpose of allocating such Assets and Liabilities between Enovis and ESAB and is not intended as an admission of liability or responsibility for any alleged Liabilities vis-à -vis any third party, including with respect to the Liabilities of any non-wholly owned subsidiary of Enovis or ESAB.

Section 7.17 Tax Matters. The Parties agree that any payment made among the Parties pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated, to the extent permitted by Law, for all U.S. federal income tax purposes as either (i) a non-taxable contribution by Enovis to ESAB or (ii) a distribution by ESAB to Enovis, and, with respect to any payment made among the Parties pursuant to this Agreement after the Distribution, such payment shall be treated as having been made immediately prior to the Distribution; provided, however, that any such payment that is made or received by a Person other than Enovis or ESAB, as the case may be, shall be treated as if made or received by the payor or the recipient as agent for Enovis or ESAB, in each case as appropriate.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

By:

   

Name:

Title:

 

ESAB CORPORATION

By:

   

Name:

Title: 

 

 

[Employee Matters Agreement Signature Page]

Exhibit 10.4

FORM OF

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MATTERS AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

COLFAX CORPORATION

AND

ESAB CORPORATION

DATED AS OF [ • ]


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

     1  

1.1

  Definitions      1  

1.2

  Interpretation      4  

ARTICLE II. GRANT OF RIGHTS

     5  

2.1

  License to ESAB of Enovis Licensed IP      5  

2.2

  License to Enovis of ESAB Licensed IP      5  

2.3

  Limitations      5  

2.4

  Reservation of Rights      5  

2.5

  EBS      5  

ARTICLE III. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OWNERSHIP

     6  

3.1

  Ownership      6  

ARTICLE IV. PROSECUTION, MAINTENANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

     6  

4.1

  Responsibility      6  

4.2

  Defense and Enforcement      6  

4.3

  No Additional Obligations      6  

ARTICLE V. DISCLAIMERS; LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY AND REMEDIES

     6  

5.1

  Disclaimer of Warranties      6  

5.2

  Compliance with Laws      7  

ARTICLE VI. LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

     7  

6.1

  Liability; Indemnification; Procedures      7  

ARTICLE VII. CONFIDENTIALITY

     7  

7.1

  General Disclosure and Use Restrictions      7  

7.2

  Third Party Agreements      8  

7.3

  Standard of Care; Continued Use      8  

7.4

  Equitable Relief      8  

ARTICLE VIII. TERM

     9  

8.1

  Term      9  

8.2

  Effect of Expiration and Termination; Accrued Rights; Survival      9  

ARTICLE IX. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

     9  

9.1

  General Provisions      9  

9.2

  Negotiation by Steering Committee and Senior Executives      10  

9.3

  Arbitration      10  


ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS

     12  

10.1

   Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power      12  

10.2

   Governing Law      13  

10.3

   Assignability      13  

10.4

   Successors and Assigns      13  

10.5

   Third-Party Beneficiaries      13  

10.6

   Notices      13  

10.7

   Severability      14  

10.8

   Expenses      14  

10.9

   Headings      14  

10.10

   Waivers of Default      14  

10.11

   Amendments      14  

10.12

   Construction      14  

10.13

   Performance      15  

10.14

   Exclusivity of Tax Matters      15  

 

 

ii


FORM OF

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MATTERS AGREEMENT

This INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MATTERS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [ • ] (the “Effective Date”), by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Enovis”), and ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ESAB”). “Party” or “Parties” means Enovis or ESAB, individually or collectively, as the case may be.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Parties have entered into that certain Separation and Distribution Agreement as of [ • ] (as amended, restated, amended and restated, and otherwise modified from time to time, the “Separation Agreement”);

WHEREAS, it is anticipated that, immediately following the Distribution, “Colfax Corporation” will change its name to “Enovis Corporation”; and

WHEREAS, as of the Distribution Date, the Enovis Group may own certain Patents, Copyrights and Know-How that are necessary or used in the ESAB Business as of the Distribution Date, and the ESAB Group may own certain Patents, Copyrights and Know-How that are necessary or used in the Enovis Business as of the Distribution Date, and Enovis wishes to grant to ESAB, and ESAB wishes to grant to Enovis, a license to such Intellectual Property in accordance with the terms hereof.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

1.1 Definitions.

(a) Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein shall have the same meanings as in the Separation Agreement.

(b) The following capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below:

Affiliate” means, when used with respect to a specified Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person. For the purpose of this definition, “control” (including with correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”), when used with respect to any specified Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment, undertaking or otherwise. It is expressly agreed that for purposes of this Agreement, (i) no member of the ESAB


Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the Enovis Group, (ii) no member of the Enovis Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the ESAB Group and (iii) no joint venture formed on or after the Effective Date solely between one or more members of the ESAB Group, on the one hand, and one or more members of the Enovis Group, on the other hand, shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of, or owned or controlled by, any member of the ESAB Group or the Enovis Group for the purposes of this Agreement.

Confidential Information” means all non-public, confidential or proprietary information to the extent concerning a Party, its Group, and its or their businesses, including any such information that was acquired by either Party after the Distribution Date or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement, or that was provided to a Party by a third party in confidence, including (a) any and all technical information relating to the design, operation, testing, test results, development, and manufacture of any Party’s product (including product specifications and documentation; engineering, design, and manufacturing drawings, diagrams, and illustrations; formulations and material specifications; laboratory studies and benchmark tests; quality assurance policies procedures and specifications; evaluation and/validation studies; assembly code, software, firmware, programming data, databases, and all information referred to in the same); product costs, margins and pricing; as well as product marketing studies and strategies; all other methodologies, procedures, techniques and Know-How related to research, engineering, development and manufacturing; (b) information, documents and materials relating to the Party’s financial condition, management and other business conditions, prospects, plans, procedures, infrastructure, security, information technology procedures and systems, and other business or operational affairs; (c) pending unpublished patent applications and trade secrets; and (d) any other data or documentation resident, existing or otherwise provided in a database or in a storage medium, permanent or temporary, intended for confidential, proprietary and/or privileged use by a Party; except for any Information that is (i) in the public domain or known to the public through no fault of the receiving Party or its Group, (ii) lawfully acquired after the Effective Time by such Party or its Group from other sources not known to be subject to confidentiality obligations with respect to such information or (iii) independently developed by the receiving Party after the Effective Time without reference to any Confidential Information. As used herein, by example and without limitation, Confidential Information means any information of a Party intended or marked as confidential, proprietary and/or privileged.

Copyrights” shall mean copyrights and copyrightable subject matter, excluding Know-How.

EBS” shall have the meaning set forth in the EBS License Agreement.

EBS License Agreement” shall mean the EBS License Agreement of even date herewith by and between Enovis and ESAB.

Enovis Business” means the businesses of the Enovis Group conducted as of the Distribution Date, and all other businesses hereafter conducted by the Enovis Group in the Enovis Field of Use.

Enovis Field of Use” shall mean (a) all fields outside of the ESAB Business and (b) natural evolutions or extensions thereof.

 

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Enovis Group” means Enovis and its Affiliates.

Enovis Licensed Copyrights” shall mean the Copyrights that are (a) owned or Licensable by the Enovis Group as of the Distribution Date and (b) used in the ESAB Business as of the Distribution Date.

Enovis Licensed IP” shall mean the Enovis Licensed Copyrights, Enovis Licensed Know-How and Enovis Licensed Patents, excluding EBS (as licensed under the EBS License Agreement).

Enovis Licensed Know-How” shall mean the Know-How that is (a) owned or Licensable by the Enovis Group as of the Distribution Date and (b) used in the ESAB Business as of the Distribution Date.

Enovis Licensed Patents” shall mean (a) the Patents that are (i) owned or Licensable by the Enovis Group as of the Distribution Date and (ii) used in the ESAB Business as of the Distribution Date, and (b) all Valid Claims of other Patents that are owned by the Enovis Group that claim priority to the Patents described in clause (a) to the extent such Valid Claims are fully supported by such Patents.

ESAB Field of Use” shall mean (a) the field of the ESAB Business and (b) natural evolutions or extensions thereof.

ESAB Group” means ESAB and its Affiliates.

ESAB Licensed Copyrights” shall mean the Copyrights that are (a) owned or Licensable by the ESAB Group as of the Distribution Date and (b) used in the Enovis Business as of the Distribution Date.

ESAB Licensed IP” shall mean the ESAB Licensed Copyrights, ESAB Licensed Know-How and ESAB Licensed Patents.

ESAB Licensed Know-How” shall mean the Know-How that is (a) owned or Licensable by the ESAB Group as of the Distribution Date and (b) used in the Enovis Business as of the Distribution Date.

ESAB Licensed Patents” shall mean (a) the Patents that are (i) owned or Licensable by the ESAB Group as of the Distribution Date and (ii) used in the Enovis Business as of the Distribution Date, and (b) all Valid Claims of other Patents that are owned by the ESAB Group that claim priority to the Patents described in clause (a) to the extent such Valid Claims thereof are fully supported by such Patents.

Group(s)” means the Enovis Group and/or the ESAB Group, as applicable.

Know-How” shall mean trade secrets, and all other confidential or proprietary information, know-how, inventions, processes, formulae, models, and methodologies, but in each case excluding Patents.

 

3


Licensable” means, with respect to any Intellectual Property, the right to grant sublicenses to a Person within the scope of the licenses set forth in Section 2.1 or Section 2.2, as applicable, without (i) the requirement to obtain consent from, give notice to, or take any other action with respect to any Third Party or (ii) incurring fees, royalties, Liabilities or other costs in connection with such sublicense.

Licensed IP” shall mean (a) the ESAB Licensed IP, as licensed to Enovis hereunder and (b) the Enovis Licensed IP, as licensed to ESAB hereunder.

Licensee” shall mean (a) ESAB, with respect to the Enovis Licensed IP and (b) Enovis, with respect to the ESAB Licensed IP.

Licensee Field of Use” shall mean (a) with respect to ESAB, the ESAB Field of Use, and (b) with respect to Enovis, the Enovis Field of Use.

Licensor” shall mean (a) ESAB, with respect to the ESAB Licensed IP, and (b) Enovis, with respect to the Enovis Licensed IP.

Licensor IP” shall mean (a) with respect to ESAB, the ESAB Licensed IP and (b) with respect to Enovis, the Enovis Licensed IP.

Patents” shall mean patents and patent applications, and any and all related national or international counterparts thereto, including any divisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, reexaminations, substitutions and extensions thereof.

Third Party” means any Person other than Enovis, ESAB, and their respective Affiliates.

Valid Claim” means a claim of an issued and unexpired Patent that (i) has not been revoked or held unenforceable or invalid by a decision of a court or other Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction from which no appeal can be taken or has been taken within the time allowed for appeal and (ii) has not been abandoned, disclaimed, denied, or admitted to be invalid or unenforceable through reissue or disclaimer or otherwise in such country.

1.2 Interpretation. In this Agreement (a) words in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be deemed to include the other genders as the context requires; (b) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “herewith” and words of similar import, and the term “Agreement” or any other reference to an agreement shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement or the other applicable agreement as a whole (including all of the Schedules, Exhibits, Annexes and Appendices hereto and thereto) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement or such other agreement; (c) Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule and Appendix references are to the Articles, Sections, Exhibits, Schedules and Appendices to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; (d) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including, without limitation”; (e) the word “or” shall not be exclusive; (f) unless expressly stated to the contrary in this Agreement, all references to “the date hereof,” “the date of this Agreement,” and words of similar import shall all be references to the date first stated in the preamble to this Agreement, regardless of any amendment or restatement hereof; (g) unless otherwise provided, all references to “$” or “dollars” are to United States dollars; and (h) references to the performance, discharge or fulfillment of any Liability in accordance with its terms shall have meaning only to the extent such Liability has terms, and if the Liability does not have terms, the reference shall mean performance, discharge or fulfillment of such Liability.

 

4


ARTICLE II.

GRANT OF RIGHTS

2.1 License to ESAB of Enovis Licensed IP. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Enovis hereby grants, and shall cause its Affiliates to grant, to ESAB a non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, irrevocable, sublicensable (in connection with activities in the ESAB Field of Use by the ESAB Group but not for the independent use of Third Parties), and worldwide license to the Enovis Licensed IP in the ESAB Field of Use (“ESAB License”). Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the ESAB License shall include the right to exercise any and all rights in the Enovis Licensed IP in the ESAB Field of Use, including the right to use, practice, copy, perform, render, develop, modify, and make derivative works of the Enovis Licensed IP within the ESAB Field of Use and to make, have made, use, sell, offer for sale, export and import any products, services or technologies, in each case with respect to the ESAB Field of Use.

2.2 License to Enovis of ESAB Licensed IP. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, ESAB hereby grants, and shall cause its Affiliates to grant, to Enovis a non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, irrevocable, sublicensable (in connection with activities in the Enovis Field of Use by the Enovis Group but not for the independent use of Third Parties), and worldwide license to the ESAB Licensed IP solely within the Enovis Field of Use (“Enovis License”). Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the foregoing license shall include the right to exercise any and all rights in the ESAB Licensed IP in the Enovis Field of Use, including the right to use, practice, copy, perform, render, develop, modify, and make derivative works of the ESAB Licensed IP within the Enovis Field of Use and to make, have made, use, sell, offer for sale, export and import any products, services or technologies, in each case with respect to the Enovis Field of Use.

2.3 Limitations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the licenses hereunder are subject to any rights of or obligations owed to any Third Party under any Contracts existing as of the Distribution Date between Licensor or its Affiliates and any such Third Party.

2.4 Reservation of Rights. Each Party reserves its and its Affiliates’ rights in and to all Intellectual Property that is not expressly licensed hereunder. Without limiting the foregoing, this Agreement and the licenses and rights granted herein do not, and shall not be construed to, confer any rights upon either Party, its Affiliates, or its sublicensees by implication, estoppel, or otherwise as to any of the other Party’s or its Affiliates’ Intellectual Property, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein.

2.5 EBS. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no rights under or with respect to EBS are granted pursuant to this Agreement.

 

5


ARTICLE III.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OWNERSHIP

3.1 Ownership.

(a) As between the Parties, Licensee acknowledges and agrees that (i) Licensor owns the Licensor IP, (ii) none of Licensee, its Affiliates or its sublicensees, will acquire any rights in the Licensor IP, except for the licenses and sublicenses granted pursuant to Sections 2.1 and 2.2, and (iii) Licensee shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates and its sublicensees to not, represent that they have an ownership interest in any of the Licensor IP.

(b) As between the Parties, each Party shall own all improvements and modifications made by or on behalf of such Party with respect to the Licensed IP; provided that, with respect to Licensee, such improvements and modifications shall not include, and shall be subject to the provisions of this Agreement as they concern, the Licensed IP to which such improvements or modifications are made.

ARTICLE IV.

PROSECUTION, MAINTENANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

4.1 Responsibility. Subject to Section 4.2, Licensor shall be solely responsible for filing, prosecuting, and maintaining all Patents within the Licensor IP, in Licensor’s sole discretion. Licensor shall be responsible for any costs associated with filing, prosecuting, and maintaining such Patents.

4.2 Defense and Enforcement. Licensor shall have the sole right, but not the obligation, to elect to bring an Action or enter into settlement agreements regarding the Licensor IP, at Licensor’s sole cost and expense.

4.3 No Additional Obligations. This Agreement shall not obligate either Party to disclose or deliver to the other Party, or maintain, register, prosecute, pay for, enforce, or otherwise manage any Intellectual Property except as expressly set forth herein.

ARTICLE V.

DISCLAIMERS; LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY AND REMEDIES

5.1 Disclaimer of Warranties. Except as expressly set forth herein, the Parties acknowledge and agree that (a) the Licensor IP is provided as-is, (b) the Licensee assumes all risks and Liability arising from or relating to its use of and reliance upon the Licensor IP and (c) each Party makes no representation or warranty with respect thereto. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, THE LICENSOR HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING THE LICENSOR IP, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY IN REGARD TO QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, NONINFRINGEMENT, MISAPPROPRIATION, COMMERCIAL UTILITY, OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

 

6


5.2 Compliance with Laws. Each Party hereto shall be responsible for its own compliance with any and all Laws applicable to its performance under this Agreement. FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, THE LICENSOR EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OBLIGATION OR WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE LICENSOR IP THAT COULD BE CONSTRUED TO REQUIRE LICENSOR TO PROVIDE LICENSOR IP HEREUNDER IN SUCH A MANNER TO ALLOW LICENSEE TO ITSELF COMPLY WITH ANY LAW APPLICABLE TO THE ACTIONS OR FUNCTIONS OF SUCH LICENSEE (OR ITS AFFILIATES).

ARTICLE VI.

LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

6.1 Liability; Indemnification; Procedures. The provisions of Article V of the Separation Agreement shall govern any and all Liabilities and indemnification (including any Liabilities for Third-Party Claims that the use of the Licensed IP by the Licensee infringes the Intellectual Property rights of any third party) under or in connection with this Agreement, whether arising from statute, principle of common or civil law, principles of strict liability, tort, contract or otherwise under or in connection with this Agreement.

ARTICLE VII.

CONFIDENTIALITY

7.1 General Disclosure and Use Restrictions. Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, each of Enovis and ESAB shall hold, and shall cause their Affiliates and its and their respective officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors to hold, in strict confidence (and not to disclose or release or use, including for any ongoing or future commercial purpose, without the prior written consent of the Party to whom the Confidential Information relates (which may be withheld in such Party’s sole and absolute discretion, except where disclosure is required by applicable Law)), any and all Confidential Information concerning or belonging to the other Party or its Affiliates; provided that each Party may disclose, or may permit disclosure of, such Confidential Information (i) to its respective auditors, attorneys, financial advisors, bankers and other appropriate consultants and advisors who have a need to know such Information for auditing and other non-commercial purposes and are informed of the obligation to hold such Information confidential and in respect of whose failure to comply with such obligations, the applicable Party will be responsible, (ii) if any Party or any of its respective Affiliates is required or compelled to disclose any such Confidential Information by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of Law or stock exchange rule or is advised by outside counsel in connection with a proceeding brought by a Governmental Authority that it is advisable to do so, (iii) as required in connection with any legal or other proceeding by one Party against any other Party or in respect of claims by one Party against the other Party brought in a proceeding, (iv) as necessary in order to permit a Party to prepare and disclose its financial statements in connection with any regulatory filings or Tax Returns, (v) as necessary for a Party to enforce its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement, (vi) to Governmental Authorities in accordance with applicable procurement regulations and contract requirements or (vii) to other Persons in connection with their evaluation of, and negotiating and consummating, a potential strategic transaction, to the extent reasonably necessary in connection therewith,

 

7


provided an appropriate and customary confidentiality agreement has been entered into with the Person receiving such Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any demand or request for disclosure of Confidential Information is made by a Third Party pursuant to clause (ii), (iii), (v) or (vi) above, each Party, as applicable, shall promptly notify (to the extent permissible by Law) the Party to whom the Confidential Information relates of the existence of such request, demand or disclosure requirement and shall provide such affected Party a reasonable opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order or other remedy, which such Party will cooperate in obtaining to the extent reasonably practicable. In the event that such appropriate protective order or other remedy is not obtained, the Party which faces the disclosure requirement shall furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed and shall take commercially reasonable steps to ensure that confidential treatment is accorded such Confidential Information.

7.2 Third Party Agreements. Each Party acknowledges that it and the other members of its Group may have in its or their possession confidential or proprietary Information of Third Parties that was received under confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements with such Third Party while such Party and/or members of its Group were part of the Enovis Group. Each Party shall comply, and shall cause the other members of its Group to comply, and shall cause its and their respective officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors (or potential buyers) to comply, with all terms and conditions of any such third-party agreements entered into prior to the Distribution Date, with respect to any confidential and proprietary Information of Third Parties to which it or any other member of its Group has had access.

7.3 Standard of Care; Continued Use. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, (i) the Parties shall be deemed to have satisfied their obligations hereunder with respect to the Confidential Information of the other Party if they exercise at least the same degree of care that applies to Enovis’ confidential and proprietary information pursuant to policies in effect as of the Distribution Date and (ii) confidentiality obligations provided for in any Contract between each Party or its Affiliates and their respective employees shall remain in full force and effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Confidential Information of any Party in the possession of and used by the other Party as of the Distribution Date may continue to be used by such Party in possession of the Confidential Information in and only in the operation of the ESAB Business (in the case of the ESAB Group) or the Enovis Business (in the case of the Enovis Group).

7.4 Equitable Relief. The Parties agree that irreparable damage may occur in the event that the provisions of this Article VII were not performed in accordance with their specific terms. Accordingly, it is hereby agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.

 

8


ARTICLE VIII.

TERM

8.1 Term. The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the Distribution Date and shall continue in perpetuity, provided that, (a) the license granted to ESAB in Section 2.1 with respect to the Enovis Licensed Patents expires upon expiration of the last-to-expire of the Valid Claims included in the Enovis Licensed Patents, and (b) the license granted to Enovis in Section 2.2 with respect to the ESAB Licensed Patents expires upon expiration of the last-to-expire of the Valid Claims included in the ESAB Licensed Patents. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in Section 8.2, this Agreement may not be terminated unless agreed to in writing by the Parties.

8.2 Effect of Expiration and Termination; Accrued Rights; Survival.

(a) Accrued Rights. Upon the earlier of expiration or termination of this Agreement, in part or in its entirety, all licenses and rights granted to Licensee with respect to the Intellectual Property to which such expiration or termination relates shall immediately cease. Expiration and termination of this Agreement, in part or in its entirety, shall be without prejudice to any rights which shall have accrued to the benefit of either Party prior to such expiration and termination (as applicable).

(b) Termination of Sublicenses. Any sublicenses that have been granted by a Licensee to a sublicensee with respect to the Intellectual Property subject to expiration or termination of this Agreement, in part or in its entirety, shall automatically terminate upon such expiration or termination.

(c) Return/Destruction of Materials. Upon termination of this Agreement, Licensee shall, and shall ensure that its sublicensees, within fifteen (15) Business Days of any request by Licensor, return to Licensor, or at Licensor’s election destroy, all of such Licensor’s Know-How licensed hereunder that is in their possession or control as of the date of termination.

(d) Surviving Obligations. The following provisions of this Agreement, together with all other provisions of this Agreement that expressly specify that they survive, shall survive expiration and termination of this Agreement, in part or in its entirety: Section 2.4, this Section 8.2, and Articles III, V, VI, VII, IX and X.

ARTICLE IX.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

9.1 General Provisions.

(a) Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including with respect to the validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination of this Agreement, shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article IX (a “Dispute”), which shall be the sole and exclusive procedures for the resolution of any such Dispute unless otherwise specified in this Article IX.

(b) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BASED UPON, RELATING TO OR ARISING FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE

 

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TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE SUCH WAIVER, (II) IT UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH WAIVER, (III) IT MAKES SUCH WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (IV) IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9.1(B).

(c) The specific procedures set forth in this Article IX, including the time limits referenced herein, may be modified by agreement of both of the Parties in writing.

(d) Commencing with the Initial Notice contemplated by Section 9.2, all applicable statutes of limitations and defenses based upon the passage of time shall be tolled while the procedures specified in this Article IX are pending. The Parties shall take any necessary or appropriate action required to effectuate such tolling.

(e) Commencing with the Initial Notice contemplated by Section 9.2, any communications between the Parties or their Representatives in connection with the attempted negotiation of any Dispute shall be deemed to have been delivered in furtherance of a Dispute settlement and shall be exempt from disclosure and production, and shall not be admissible into evidence for any reason (whether as an admission or otherwise), in any arbitral or other proceeding for the adjudication of any Dispute; provided, that evidence that is otherwise subject to disclosure or admissible shall not be rendered outside the scope of disclosure or inadmissible as a result of its use in the negotiation.

9.2 Negotiation by Steering Committee and Senior Executives. The Parties shall seek to settle amicably all Disputes by negotiation. The Parties shall first attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute by negotiation among the members of the Steering Committee within thirty (30) days after written notice is received by either Party regarding the existence of a Dispute (the “Initial Notice”). If the Steering Committee is unable to resolve the Dispute within such thirty (30)-day period, the Parties shall then attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute by negotiation between executives designated by the Parties who hold, at a minimum, the office of Senior Vice President and/or General Counsel (such designated executives, the “Dispute Committee”). The Parties agree that the members of the Dispute Committee shall have full and complete authority on behalf of their respective Parties to resolve any Disputes submitted pursuant to this Section 9.2. Such Dispute Committee members and other applicable executives shall meet in person or by teleconference or video conference within forty (40) days of the date of the Initial Notice to seek a resolution of the Dispute. In the event that the Dispute Committee and other applicable executives are unable to agree to a format for such meeting, the meeting shall be convened in person at a mutually acceptable location in New York, New York.

9.3 Arbitration.

(a) Unless the Parties agree to continue negotiations between senior executives, any Dispute not finally resolved pursuant to Section 9.2 within sixty (60) days from the delivery of the Initial Notice shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the “ICC Rules”).

 

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(b) Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing, any Dispute to be decided in arbitration hereunder shall be decided (i) before a sole arbitrator if the amount in dispute, inclusive of all claims and counterclaims, totals less than $10,000,000; or (ii) by an arbitral tribunal of three (3) arbitrators if the amount in dispute, inclusive of all claims and counterclaims, is equal to or greater than $10,000,000.

(c) The language of the arbitration shall be English. The place of arbitration shall be New York, New York. Unless the Parties agree otherwise in writing, the Parties shall conduct the arbitration as quickly as is reasonably practicable and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the time between the date on which the sole arbitrator is confirmed or the tribunal is constituted, as the case may be, and the date of the commencement of the evidentiary hearing does not exceed one-hundred and eighty (180) days. Failure to meet the foregoing timeline will not render the award invalid, unenforceable or subject to being vacated, but the arbitrators may impose appropriate sanctions and draw appropriate adverse inferences against the Party primarily responsible for such failure.

(d) The sole arbitrator or arbitral tribunal shall not award any relief not specifically requested by the Parties.

(e) In addition to the ICC Rules, the Parties agree that the arbitration shall be conducted according to the IBA Rules of Evidence.

(f) The agreement to arbitrate any Dispute set forth in this Section 9.3 shall continue in full force and effect subsequent to, and notwithstanding the completion, expiration or termination of, this Agreement.

(g) Without prejudice to this binding arbitration agreement, each Party to this Agreement irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and the federal courts sitting within the State of Delaware in connection with any post-award proceedings or court proceedings in aid of arbitration that are authorized by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16). Judgment upon any awards rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Parties waive all objections that they may have at any time to the laying of venue of any proceedings brought in such courts, waive any claim that such proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and further waive the right to object with respect to such proceedings that any such court does not have jurisdiction over such Party.

(h) It is the intent of the Parties that the agreement to arbitrate any Dispute set forth in this Section 9.3 shall be interpreted and applied broadly such that all reasonable doubts as to arbitrability of a Dispute shall be decided in favor of arbitration.

(i) The Parties agree that any Dispute submitted to arbitration shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with Laws of the State of Delaware, as provided in Section 10.2 and, except as otherwise provided in this Article IX or mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties, the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq., shall govern any arbitration between the Parties pursuant to this Section 9.3.

 

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(j) The sole arbitrator or arbitral tribunal shall award to the prevailing Party, if any, the costs of the arbitrator or tribunal, expert witness fees, and attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by such prevailing Party or its Affiliates in connection with the arbitration.

(k) The Parties undertake to keep confidential all awards in their arbitration, together with all materials in the proceedings created for the purpose of the arbitration and all other documents produced by another Party in the proceedings not otherwise in the public domain, save and to the extent that disclosure may be required of a Party by legal duty, to protect or pursue a legal right or to enforce or challenge an award in legal proceedings before a court or other judicial authority.

ARTICLE X.

MISCELLANEOUS

10.1 Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power.

(a) 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 Party and delivered to each other Party. The exchange of a fully executed Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by facsimile, electronic mail (including .pdf, docusign or other electronic signature) or other transmission method shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

(b) This Agreement, the Separation Agreement, and the other Ancillary Agreements and the exhibits, annexes and schedules hereto and thereto, contain the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersede all previous agreements, negotiations, discussions, writings, understandings, commitments and conversations with respect to such subject matter and there are no agreements or understandings between the Parties with respect to such subject matter other than those set forth or referred to herein or therein. With respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, in the event of a conflict between this Agreement and the Separation Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement shall control.

(c) Enovis represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the Enovis Group, and ESAB represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the ESAB Group, as follows:

(i) each such Person has the requisite corporate or other power and authority and has taken all corporate or other action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and

(ii) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes or will constitute a valid and binding agreement of it enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

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10.2 Governing Law. This Agreement (and any claims or Disputes arising out of or related hereto or to the transactions contemplated hereby or to the inducement of any Party to enter herein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise) shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, irrespective of the choice of laws principles of the State of Delaware, including all matters of validity, construction, effect, enforceability, performance and remedies.

10.3 Assignability. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party hereto without the prior written consent of the other Party (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be assignable, in whole or in part, to (i) an Affiliate of a Party or (ii) a bona fide Third Party in connection with a merger, reorganization, consolidation or the sale of assets of a Party or its Affiliates related to this Agreement so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee entity assumes all the obligations of the relevant Party.

10.4 Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement and the obligations and rights hereunder shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by (and against) the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

10.5 Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy, claim, Liability, reimbursement, claim of Action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

10.6 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands or other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by email with receipt confirmed, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 10.6):

If to Enovis, to:

Colfax Corporation

2711 Centerville Road

Suite 400

Wilmington, DE 19808

Attention: General Counsel

Email: Brad.Tandy@enovis.com

If to ESAB, to:

ESAB Corporation

909 Rose Avenue

8th Floor

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Attention: General Counsel

Email: Curtis.Jewell@esab.com

 

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Either Party may, by notice to the other Party, change the address and contact person to which any such notices are to be given.

10.7 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof or thereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances or in jurisdictions other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby. Upon such determination, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon such a suitable and equitable provision to effect the original intent of the Parties.

10.8 Expenses. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein or in Schedule 10.9 of the Separation Agreement, each Party shall bear its own expenses hereunder.

10.9 Headings. The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

10.10 Waivers of Default. Waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver by the waiving Party of any subsequent or other default, nor shall it prejudice the rights of the other Party. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof prejudice any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

10.11 Amendments. No provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed waived, amended, supplemented or modified by a Party, unless such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is in writing and signed by the authorized representative of the Party against whom it sought to enforce such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is sought to be enforced.

10.12 Construction. This Agreement shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the Parties and no rule of construction or strict interpretation shall be applied against either Party. The Parties represent that this Agreement is entered into with full consideration of any and all rights which the Parties may have. The Parties have conducted such investigations they thought appropriate, and have consulted with such advisors as they deemed appropriate regarding this Agreement and their rights and asserted rights in connection therewith. The Parties are not relying upon any representations or statements made by the other Party, or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys, regarding this Agreement, except to the extent such representations are expressly set forth or incorporated in this Agreement or the Separation Agreement. The Parties are not relying upon a legal duty, if one exists, on the part of the other Party (or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys) to disclose any information in connection with the execution of this Agreement or their preparation, it being expressly understood that neither Party shall ever assert any failure to disclose information on the part of the other Party as a ground for challenging this Agreement.

 

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10.13 Performance. Each Party shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any Subsidiary or Affiliate of such Party.

10.14 Exclusivity of Tax Matters. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement shall exclusively govern all matters related to Taxes (including allocations thereof) addressed therein. If there is a conflict between any provision of this Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement, and such provisions relate to matters addressed by the Tax Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement shall control.

[Signature Page to Follow.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

 

COLFAX CORPORATION
By:    
Name:  
Its:  

[Signature Page to Intellectual Property Matters Agreement]


ESAB CORPORATION
By:    
Name:  
Its:  

[Signature Page to Intellectual Property Matters Agreement]

Exhibit 10.5

FORM OF

EBS LICENSE AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

COLFAX CORPORATION

AND

ESAB CORPORATION

DATED AS OF [ • ]

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

     1  

1.1

   Certain Defined Terms      1  

1.2

   Interpretation      3  

ARTICLE II. LICENSE GRANT

     4  

2.1

   License to ESAB      4  

2.2

   License to Enovis      4  

2.3

   Provision of Improvements      4  

ARTICLE III. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

     4  

3.1

   Enovis Ownership      4  

3.2

   ESAB Ownership      4  

ARTICLE IV. EBS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

     5  

4.1

   Treatment of EBS Confidential Information      5  

ARTICLE V. COMPENSATION

     5  

5.1

   Compensation      5  

ARTICLE VI. TERMINATION

     5  

6.1

   Term      5  

6.2

   Termination for Breach      5  

6.3

   Termination Upon Change of Control      5  

6.4

   Use of the Enovis Business System Name      5  

6.5

   Survival of Obligations; Return of Confidential Information      6  

ARTICLE VII. WARRANTIES AND COMPLIANCE

     6  

7.1

   Disclaimer of Warranties      6  

7.2

   Compliance with Laws      6  

ARTICLE VIII. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

     6  

8.1

   General Provisions      6  

8.2

   Negotiation by Steering Committee and Senior Executives      7  

8.3

   Arbitration      8  


ARTICLE IX. MISCELLANEOUS

     9  

9.1

   Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power      9  

9.2

   Governing Law      10  

9.3

   Assignability      10  

9.4

   Successors and Assigns      10  

9.5

   Third-Party Beneficiaries      10  

9.6

   Notices      10  

9.7

   Severability      11  

9.8

   Expenses      11  

9.9

   Headings      11  

9.10

   Waivers of Default      11  

9.11

   Amendments      11  

9.12

   Construction      11  

9.13

   Performance      12  

9.14

   Exclusivity of Tax Matters      12  

 

 

ii


FORM OF

EBS LICENSE AGREEMENT

This EBS LICENSE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [•] (the “Effective Date”), by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Enovis”), and ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ESAB”). “Party” or “Parties” means Enovis or ESAB, individually or collectively, as the case may be.

R E C I T A L S

WHEREAS, the Parties have entered into that certain Separation and Distribution Agreement as of [•] (as amended, restated, amended and restated, and otherwise modified from time to time, the “Separation Agreement”);

WHEREAS, it is anticipated that, immediately following the Distribution, “Colfax Corporation” will change its name to “Enovis Corporation”;

WHEREAS, Enovis owns the EBS (as defined below), which is used in the ESAB Business and in the other businesses of the Enovis Group as of the date hereof;

WHEREAS, the EBS includes certain trade secrets, know-how and other Intellectual Property of the Envois Group; and

WHEREAS, ESAB desires to obtain a license to use the EBS for its own business purposes on the terms set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

1.1 Certain Defined Terms.

(a) Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein shall have the same meanings as in the Separation Agreement.

(b) The following capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below:

Affiliate” means, when used with respect to a specified Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person. For the purpose of this definition, “control” (including with correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”), when used with respect to any specified Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease,


promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment, undertaking or otherwise. It is expressly agreed that for purposes of this Agreement, (i) no member of the ESAB Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the Enovis Group, (ii) no member of the Enovis Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the ESAB Group and (iii) no joint venture formed on or after the Effective Date solely between one or more members of the ESAB Group, on the one hand, and one or more members of the Enovis Group, on the other hand, shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of, or owned or controlled by, any member of the ESAB Group or the Enovis Group for the purposes of this Agreement.

Change of Control” means, with respect to a Person, the occurrence, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events: (i) any third party immediately prior to such transaction becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of such Person representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of such Person; (ii) there is consummated a merger, consolidation, or similar transaction involving such Person and, immediately after the consummation of such merger, consolidation, or similar transaction, the stockholders of such Person immediately prior to the consummation of such merger, consolidation, or similar transaction do not beneficially own, directly or indirectly, outstanding voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the surviving entity in such merger, consolidation, or similar transaction or more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the parent of the surviving entity in such merger, consolidation, or similar transaction; or (iii) a sale of all or substantially all of such Person’s assets or business to a third party.

Confidential Information” means all non-public, confidential or proprietary information to the extent concerning a Party, its Group, and its or their businesses, including any such information that was acquired by either Party after the Distribution Date or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement, or that was provided to a Party by a third party in confidence, including (a) any and all technical information relating to the design, operation, testing, test results, development, and manufacture of any Party’s product (including product specifications and documentation; engineering, design, and manufacturing drawings, diagrams, and illustrations; formulations and material specifications; laboratory studies and benchmark tests; quality assurance policies procedures and specifications; evaluation and/validation studies; assembly code, software, firmware, programming data, databases, and all information referred to in the same); product costs, margins and pricing; as well as product marketing studies and strategies; all other methodologies, procedures, techniques and Know-How related to research, engineering, development and manufacturing; (b) information, documents and materials relating to the Party’s financial condition, management and other business conditions, prospects, plans, procedures, infrastructure, security, information technology procedures and systems, and other business or operational affairs; (c) pending unpublished patent applications and trade secrets; and (d) any other data or documentation resident, existing or otherwise provided in a database or in a storage medium, permanent or temporary, intended for confidential, proprietary and/or privileged use by a Party; except for any Information that is (i) in the public domain or known to the public through no fault of the receiving Party or its Group, (ii) lawfully acquired after the Effective Time by such Party or its Group from other sources not known to be subject to confidentiality obligations with respect to such information or (iii) independently developed by the receiving Party after the Effective Time without reference to any Confidential Information. As used herein, by example and without limitation, Confidential Information means any information of a Party intended or marked as confidential, proprietary and/or privileged.

 

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EBS” means the Enovis Growth Excellence Business System (formerly known as the Colfax Business System) in existence as of the Distribution Date, which is a set of proprietary tools, processes, methodologies, practices and related training materials developed by or for and owned by the Enovis Group that are designed to continuously improve business management and performance in the critical areas of quality, delivery, cost, growth and innovation.

EBS Confidential Information” means all Confidential Information and materials (i) with respect to Enovis, forming part of the EBS or Enovis Improvements, or (ii) with respect to ESAB, forming part of ESAB Improvements.

Enovis Group” means Enovis and its Affiliates.

Enovis Improvements” means any material modification, enhancement or improvement to the EBS made by the Enovis Group within two (2) years following the Distribution Date.

ESAB Group” means ESAB and its Affiliates.

ESAB Improvements” means any material modification, enhancement or improvement to the EBS made by the ESAB Group within two (2) years following the Distribution Date.

Group(s)” means the Enovis Group and/or the ESAB Group, as applicable.

1.2 Interpretation. In this Agreement (a) words in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be deemed to include the other genders as the context requires; (b) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “herewith” and words of similar import, and the term “Agreement” or any other reference to an agreement shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement or the other applicable agreement as a whole (including all of the Schedules, Exhibits, Annexes and Appendices hereto and thereto) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement or such other agreement; (c) Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule and Appendix references are to the Articles, Sections, Exhibits, Schedules and Appendices to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; (d) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including, without limitation”; (e) the word “or” shall not be exclusive; (f) unless expressly stated to the contrary in this Agreement, all references to “the date hereof,” “the date of this Agreement,” and words of similar import shall all be references to the date first stated in the preamble to this Agreement, regardless of any amendment or restatement hereof; (g) unless otherwise provided, all references to “$” or “dollars” are to United States dollars; and (h) references to the performance, discharge or fulfillment of any Liability in accordance with its terms shall have meaning only to the extent such Liability has terms, and if the Liability does not have terms, the reference shall mean performance, discharge or fulfillment of such Liability.

 

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ARTICLE II.

LICENSE GRANT

2.1 License to ESAB. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Enovis hereby grants to ESAB a worldwide, non-exclusive, non-transferable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, perpetual license to use, modify, enhance and improve, the EBS and Enovis Improvements solely for the business purposes of the ESAB Group with respect to the ESAB Business. The foregoing license shall be sublicenseable solely (i) to other members of the ESAB Group, (ii) to third parties to the extent reasonably necessary to support the business of the ESAB Group and subject to appropriate confidentiality and non-use obligations, and (iii) to members of the ESAB Group in connection with the business or assets of such member, that, on or after the Effective Date are sold, spun-off, split-off, merged or otherwise transferred to a third party (for clarity, which sublicense shall continue after such sale, spin-off, merger or other transfer).

2.2 License to Enovis. ESAB hereby grants to Enovis a worldwide, non-exclusive, non-transferable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, irrevocable, perpetual license to use, modify, enhance and improve ESAB Improvements. The foregoing license shall be sublicenseable solely (i) to other members of the Enovis Group, (ii) to third parties to the extent reasonably necessary to support the business of the Enovis Group and subject to appropriate confidentiality and non-use obligations, and (iii) to members of the Enovis Group in connection with the business or assets of such member, that, on or after the Effective Date are sold, spun-off, split-off, merged or otherwise transferred to a third party (for clarity, which sublicense shall continue after such sale, spin-off, merger or other transfer).

2.3 Provision of Improvements. Upon reasonable, written request of a Party, the other Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the requesting Party with any Enovis Improvement or ESAB Improvement, as applicable. In no event may either Party make such a request more frequently than once per quarter. Neither Party shall be obligated to provide any information to the other Party to the extent such information would have a reasonable likelihood of disclosing such Party’s or its Affiliates’ material and sensitive non-public business, product or project plans.

ARTICLE III.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

3.1 Enovis Ownership. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, as between the Parties, Enovis is the owner of all right, title and interest in the Intellectual Property rights in the EBS and Enovis Improvements. Enovis shall retain the entire right, title and interest in and to the EBS and any improvements, enhancements and modifications thereof made by Enovis or its Affiliates (including, for clarity, any Enovis Improvements), and all Intellectual Property rights therein. For the avoidance of doubt, Enovis shall have the sole right to defend and enforce any and all Intellectual Property rights covering the EBS and any Enovis Improvements.

3.2 ESAB Ownership. ESAB shall retain the entire right, title and interest in and to any ESAB Improvements, and all Intellectual Property rights therein. For the avoidance of doubt, ESAB shall have the sole right to defend and enforce any and all Intellectual Property rights covering any ESAB Improvements.

 

4


ARTICLE IV.

EBS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

4.1 Treatment of EBS Confidential Information. Each Party shall (and shall cause each member of its respective Group to) maintain the EBS Confidential Information of the other Party in confidence, and shall not (and shall cause each member of the its respective Group not to) disclose, divulge or otherwise communicate such EBS Confidential Information to any person who is not employed by or a director of a member of its Group, or use it for any purpose, except pursuant to, and in order to carry out, the terms and objectives of this Agreement (including the granting of sublicenses in accordance with Article II, subject to confidentiality obligations at least as strict as those set forth herein), and hereby agrees to exercise (and cause each member of its respective Group to exercise) every reasonable precaution to prevent and restrain the unauthorized disclosure of such EBS Confidential Information by any directors, officers or employees of its respective Group. In addition, each Party shall (and shall cause each member of its respective Group to) treat the EBS Confidential Information of the other Party that is not in the public domain as trade secrets, and without limiting the foregoing shall take all actions required by applicable Law to preserve such EBS Confidential Information of the other Party as trade secrets.

ARTICLE V.

COMPENSATION

5.1 Compensation. The Parties agree that in light of the substantial contributions of the ESAB Group to the development of the EBS, no further consideration is payable by ESAB for the EBS license set forth in Section 2.1. The Parties further agree that (a) the consideration for the license to ESAB of the Enovis Improvements is the license to Enovis of the ESAB Improvements and (b) the consideration for the license to Enovis of the ESAB Improvements is the license to ESAB of the Enovis Improvements.

ARTICLE VI.

TERMINATION

6.1 Term. This Agreement shall remain in effect from the Effective Date until terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Article VI.

6.2 Termination for Breach. Enovis shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement immediately by providing written notice to ESAB upon material breach of this Agreement by ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group and failure to cure such breach within ten (10) days of written notice thereof. Upon termination of this Agreement, ESAB and each member of the ESAB Group shall cease any and all use of the EBS (including any Enovis Improvements).

6.3 Termination Upon Change of Control. Upon any Change of Control of ESAB or any member of the ESAB Group, Enovis’ obligations under Section 2.3 shall automatically terminate.

6.4 Use of the Enovis Business System Name. Within six (6) months following the Effective Date, ESAB and each member of the ESAB Group shall cease using the name “Enovis Growth Excellence”, “Enovis Business System” or “EBS” or any term similar thereto to describe the rights licensed hereunder or for any other purpose; provided, however, that ESAB shall be permitted to use the name “ESAB Business Excellence System” or “EBX”.

 

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6.5 Survival of Obligations; Return of Confidential Information. Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, the obligations of the Parties under Articles III, IV, VII, VIII and IX, as well as Sections 6.4 and this 6.5, shall survive and continue to be enforceable. Upon any termination of this Agreement, ESAB shall promptly (and in any event within thirty (30) days) return to Enovis or destroy (at Enovis’ option) all written EBS Confidential Information of Enovis, and all copies thereof then in ESAB’s possession.

ARTICLE VII.

WARRANTIES AND COMPLIANCE

7.1 Disclaimer of Warranties. Except as expressly set forth herein, the Parties acknowledge and agree that (a) the EBS, Enovis Improvements and ESAB Improvements, as applicable, are provided as-is, (b) each Party assumes all risks and Liability arising from or relating to its use of and reliance upon the EBS, Enovis Improvements and ESAB Improvements, as applicable, and (c) each Party makes no representation or warranty with respect thereto. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, EACH PARTY HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING THE EBS, ENOVIS IMPROVEMENTS AND ESAB IMPROVEMENTS, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY IN REGARD TO QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, NONINFRINGEMENT, MISAPPROPRIATION, COMMERCIAL UTILITY, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

7.2 Compliance with Laws. Each Party hereto shall be responsible for its own compliance with any and all Laws applicable to its performance under this Agreement. FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, EACH PARTY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OBLIGATION OR WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, TECHNOLOGY OR SERVICES THAT COULD BE CONSTRUED TO REQUIRE SUCH PARTY TO DELIVER ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, TECHNOLOGY OR SERVICES HEREUNDER IN SUCH A MANNER TO ALLOW THE RECEIVING PARTY THEREOF TO ITSELF COMPLY WITH ANY LAW APPLICABLE TO THE ACTIONS OR FUNCTIONS OF SUCH RECEIVING PARTY (OR ITS AFFILIATES).

ARTICLE VIII.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

8.1 General Provisions.

(a) Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including with respect to the validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination of this Agreement, shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article VIII (a “Dispute”), which shall be the sole and exclusive procedures for the resolution of any such Dispute unless otherwise specified in this Article VIII.

 

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(b) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BASED UPON, RELATING TO OR ARISING FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE SUCH WAIVER, (II) IT UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH WAIVER, (III) IT MAKES SUCH WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (IV) IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 8.1(B).

(c) The specific procedures set forth in this Article VIII, including the time limits referenced herein, may be modified by agreement of both of the Parties in writing.

(d) Commencing with the Initial Notice contemplated by Section 8.2, all applicable statutes of limitations and defenses based upon the passage of time shall be tolled while the procedures specified in this Article VIII are pending. The Parties shall take any necessary or appropriate action required to effectuate such tolling.

(e) Commencing with the Initial Notice contemplated by Section 8.2, any communications between the Parties or their Representatives in connection with the attempted negotiation of any Dispute shall be deemed to have been delivered in furtherance of a Dispute settlement and shall be exempt from disclosure and production, and shall not be admissible into evidence for any reason (whether as an admission or otherwise), in any arbitral or other proceeding for the adjudication of any Dispute; provided, that evidence that is otherwise subject to disclosure or admissible shall not be rendered outside the scope of disclosure or inadmissible as a result of its use in the negotiation.

8.2 Negotiation by Steering Committee and Senior Executives. The Parties shall seek to settle amicably all Disputes by negotiation. The Parties shall first attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute by negotiation among the members of the Steering Committee within thirty (30) days after written notice is received by either Party regarding the existence of a Dispute (the “Initial Notice”). If the Steering Committee is unable to resolve the Dispute within such thirty (30)-day period, the Parties shall then attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute by negotiation between executives designated by the Parties who hold, at a minimum, the office of Senior Vice President and/or General Counsel (such designated executives, the “Dispute Committee”). The Parties agree that the members of the Dispute Committee shall have full and complete authority on behalf of their respective Parties to resolve any Disputes submitted pursuant to this Section 8.2. Such Dispute Committee members and other applicable executives shall meet in person or by teleconference or video conference within forty (40) days of the date of the Initial Notice to seek a resolution of the Dispute. In the event that the Dispute Committee and other applicable executives are unable to agree to a format for such meeting, the meeting shall be convened in person at a mutually acceptable location in New York, New York.

 

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8.3 Arbitration.

(a) Unless the Parties agree to continue negotiations between senior executives, any Dispute not finally resolved pursuant to Section 8.2 within sixty (60) days from the delivery of the Initial Notice shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the “ICC Rules”).

(b) Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing, any Dispute to be decided in arbitration hereunder shall be decided (i) before a sole arbitrator if the amount in dispute, inclusive of all claims and counterclaims, totals less than $10,000,000; or (ii) by an arbitral tribunal of three (3) arbitrators if the amount in dispute, inclusive of all claims and counterclaims, is equal to or greater than $10,000,000.

(c) The language of the arbitration shall be English. The place of arbitration shall be New York, New York. Unless the Parties agree otherwise in writing, the Parties shall conduct the arbitration as quickly as is reasonably practicable and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the time between the date on which the sole arbitrator is confirmed or the tribunal is constituted, as the case may be, and the date of the commencement of the evidentiary hearing does not exceed one-hundred and eighty (180) days. Failure to meet the foregoing timeline will not render the award invalid, unenforceable or subject to being vacated, but the arbitrators may impose appropriate sanctions and draw appropriate adverse inferences against the Party primarily responsible for such failure.

(d) The sole arbitrator or arbitral tribunal shall not award any relief not specifically requested by the Parties.

(e) In addition to the ICC Rules, the Parties agree that the arbitration shall be conducted according to the IBA Rules of Evidence.

(f) The agreement to arbitrate any Dispute set forth in this Section 8.3 shall continue in full force and effect subsequent to, and notwithstanding the completion, expiration or termination of, this Agreement.

(g) Without prejudice to this binding arbitration agreement, each Party to this Agreement irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and the federal courts sitting within the State of Delaware in connection with any post-award proceedings or court proceedings in aid of arbitration that are authorized by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16). Judgment upon any awards rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Parties waive all objections that they may have at any time to the laying of venue of any proceedings brought in such courts, waive any claim that such proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and further waive the right to object with respect to such proceedings that any such court does not have jurisdiction over such Party.

(h) It is the intent of the Parties that the agreement to arbitrate any Dispute set forth in this Section 8.3 shall be interpreted and applied broadly such that all reasonable doubts as to arbitrability of a Dispute shall be decided in favor of arbitration.

 

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(i) The Parties agree that any Dispute submitted to arbitration shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with Laws of the State of Delaware, as provided in Section 9.2 and, except as otherwise provided in this Article VIII or mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties, the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq., shall govern any arbitration between the Parties pursuant to this Section 8.3.

(j) The sole arbitrator or arbitral tribunal shall award to the prevailing Party, if any, the costs of the arbitrator or tribunal, expert witness fees, and attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by such prevailing Party or its Affiliates in connection with the arbitration.

(k) The Parties undertake to keep confidential all awards in their arbitration, together with all materials in the proceedings created for the purpose of the arbitration and all other documents produced by another Party in the proceedings not otherwise in the public domain, save and to the extent that disclosure may be required of a Party by legal duty, to protect or pursue a legal right or to enforce or challenge an award in legal proceedings before a court or other judicial authority.

ARTICLE IX.

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1 Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power.

(a) 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 Party and delivered to each other Party. The exchange of a fully executed Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by facsimile, electronic mail (including .pdf, docusign or other electronic signature) or other transmission method shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

(b) This Agreement, the Separation Agreement, and the other Ancillary Agreements and the exhibits, annexes and schedules hereto and thereto, contain the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersede all previous agreements, negotiations, discussions, writings, understandings, commitments and conversations with respect to such subject matter and there are no agreements or understandings between the Parties with respect to such subject matter other than those set forth or referred to herein or therein. With respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, in the event of a conflict between this Agreement and the Separation Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement shall control.

(c) Enovis represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the Enovis Group, and ESAB represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the ESAB Group, as follows:

(i) each such Person has the requisite corporate or other power and authority and has taken all corporate or other action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and

(ii) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes or will constitute a valid and binding agreement of it enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

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9.2 Governing Law. This Agreement (and any claims or Disputes arising out of or related hereto or to the transactions contemplated hereby or to the inducement of any Party to enter herein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise) shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, irrespective of the choice of laws principles of the State of Delaware, including all matters of validity, construction, effect, enforceability, performance and remedies.

9.3 Assignability. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party hereto without the prior written consent of the other Party (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to Section 6.3, this Agreement shall be assignable to a bona fide third party in connection with a merger, reorganization, consolidation or the sale of all or substantially all the assets of a Party hereto so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee entity assumes all the obligations of the relevant Party hereto by operation of Law or pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other Party; provided, however, that in the case of each of the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), no assignment permitted by this Section 9.3 shall release the assigning Party from Liability for the full performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

9.4 Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement and the obligations and rights hereunder shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by (and against) the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

9.5 Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy, claim, Liability, reimbursement, claim of Action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

9.6 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands or other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by email with receipt confirmed, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 9.6):

If to Enovis, to:

Colfax Corporation

2711 Centerville Road

Suite 400

Wilmington, DE 19808

Attention: General Counsel

Email: Brad.Tandy@enovis.com

 

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If to ESAB, to:

ESAB Corporation

909 Rose Avenue

8th Floor

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Attention: General Counsel

Email: Curtis.Jewell@esab.com

Either Party may, by notice to the other Party, change the address and contact person to which any such notices are to be given.

9.7 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof or thereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances or in jurisdictions other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby. Upon such determination, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon such a suitable and equitable provision to effect the original intent of the Parties.

9.8 Expenses. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein or in Schedule 10.9 of the Separation Agreement, each Party shall bear its own expenses hereunder.

9.9 Headings. The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

9.10 Waivers of Default. Waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver by the waiving Party of any subsequent or other default, nor shall it prejudice the rights of the other Party. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof prejudice any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

9.11 Amendments. No provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed waived, amended, supplemented or modified by a Party, unless such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is in writing and signed by the authorized representative of the Party against whom it sought to enforce such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is sought to be enforced.

9.12 Construction. This Agreement shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the Parties and no rule of construction or strict interpretation shall be applied against either Party. The Parties represent that this Agreement is entered into with full consideration of any and all rights which the Parties may have. The Parties have conducted such investigations they thought appropriate, and have consulted with such advisors as they deemed appropriate regarding this Agreement and their rights and asserted rights in connection therewith. The Parties are not relying upon any representations or statements made by the other Party, or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys, regarding this Agreement, except to the extent such representations are expressly set forth or incorporated in this Agreement or the Separation Agreement. The Parties are not relying upon a legal duty, if one exists, on the part of the other Party (or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys) to disclose any information in connection with the execution of this Agreement or their preparation, it being expressly understood that neither Party shall ever assert any failure to disclose information on the part of the other Party as a ground for challenging this Agreement.

 

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9.13 Performance. Each Party shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any Subsidiary or Affiliate of such Party.

9.14 Exclusivity of Tax Matters. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement shall exclusively govern all matters related to Taxes (including allocations thereof) addressed therein. If there is a conflict between any provision of this Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement, and such provisions relate to matters addressed by the Tax Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement shall control.

[Signature Page to Follow.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

 

COLFAX CORPORATION
By:    
Name:  
Its:  

 

[Signature Page to EBS License Agreement]


ESAB CORPORATION
By:    
Name:  
Its:  

 

[Signature Page to EBS License Agreement]

Exhibit 10.6

FORM OF STOCKHOLDER’S AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This STOCKHOLDER’S AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of [ ● ], 2022 (this “Agreement”), is by and between ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ESAB”), and Colfax Corporation (to be renamed Enovis Corporation), a Delaware corporation (“Enovis”).

WHEREAS, Enovis currently owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of ESAB (“ESAB Common Stock”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of [ ● ], 2022, by and between Enovis and ESAB, Enovis will distribute [ ● ]% of the issued and outstanding shares of ESAB Common Stock to holders of shares of Enovis common stock, on a pro rata basis (the “Distribution”);

WHEREAS, Enovis intends for the Distribution to take place pursuant to a registration statement on Form 10 (the “Distribution Registration Statement”);

WHEREAS, following the Distribution, Enovis may effect distributions of any shares of ESAB Common Stock that are not distributed in the Distribution (such shares not distributed in the Distribution, the “Retained Shares”) to Enovis stockholders as dividends or in exchange for outstanding shares of Enovis common stock or through one or more subsequent exchanges of ESAB Common Stock for Enovis debt held by Enovis creditors, including pursuant to one or more transactions Registered under the Securities Act (as such terms are defined below);

WHEREAS, ESAB desires to grant to Enovis the Registration Rights (as defined below) for the Registrable Securities (as defined below), subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Enovis desires to grant to ESAB a proxy to vote the Retained Shares in proportion to the votes cast by ESAB’s other stockholders, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises, covenants and agreements of the parties hereto, and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

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

Action” means any demand, action, suit, countersuit, arbitration, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by or before any federal, state, local, foreign or international Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.


Affiliate” means, when used with respect to a specified Person, another Person that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Person specified; provided, however, that, for purposes of this Agreement, ESAB and its Subsidiaries shall not be considered to be “Affiliates” of Enovis and its Subsidiaries (other than ESAB and its Subsidiaries), and Enovis and its Subsidiaries (other than ESAB and its Subsidiaries) shall not be considered to be “Affiliates” of ESAB or its Subsidiaries. As used herein, “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract or otherwise.

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Ancillary Filings” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a)(i).

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions doing business in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law or required by executive order to be closed.

Convertible or Exchange Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.

Debt” means any indebtedness of any member of the Enovis Group, including debt securities, notes, credit facilities, credit agreements and other debt instruments, including, in each case, any amounts due thereunder.

Demand Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

Distribution” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Distribution Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Enovis” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement and shall include its successors, by merger, acquisition, reorganization or otherwise.

Enovis Group” means Enovis and each Person that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of Enovis as of immediately following the Distribution, and each Person that becomes a Subsidiary of Enovis after the Distribution (in each case other than any member of the ESAB Group).

ESAB” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement and shall include its successors, by merger, acquisition, reorganization or otherwise.

ESAB Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

ESAB Group” means ESAB and each Person that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of ESAB as of immediately following the Distribution, and each Person that becomes a Subsidiary of ESAB after the Distribution (in each case other than any member of the Enovis Group).

ESAB Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

 

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ESAB Public Sale” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).

ESAB Takedown Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(f).

Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor thereto, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

Exchange Offer” means an exchange offer of Registrable Securities for outstanding securities of a Holder.

Exchanges” means one or more Public Exchanges or Private Exchanges.

Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau, court, tribunal or other instrumentality, whether federal, state, local, domestic, foreign or multinational, exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, administrative or other similar functions of, or pertaining to, government and any executive official thereof.

Holder” means Enovis or any of its Subsidiaries, so long as such Person holds any Registrable Securities, and any Person owning Registrable Securities who is a Permitted Transferee of rights under Section 4.3.

Initiating Holder” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

Loss” or “Losses” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a).

Participating Banks” means such investment banks or other Persons that are not part of the Enovis Group that engage, directly or indirectly, in any Exchange with one or more members of the Enovis Group.

Permitted Transferee” means any Transferee and any Subsequent Transferee.

Person” means any individual, firm, limited liability company or partnership, joint venture, corporation, joint stock company, trust or unincorporated organization, incorporated or unincorporated association, government (or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

Piggyback Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).

Private Exchange” means a private exchange pursuant to which one or more members of the Enovis Group shall Sell some or all of their Registrable Securities to one or more Participating Banks in exchange, directly or indirectly, for any equity interest of Enovis or the satisfaction of Debt, in a transaction or series of transactions not required to be registered under the Securities Act.

 

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Prospectus” means the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, all amendments and supplements to such prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all other material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Public Exchange” means a public exchange pursuant to which one or more members of the Enovis Group shall Sell some or all of their Registrable Securities to one or more Participating Banks in exchange, directly or indirectly, for any equity interest of Enovis or the satisfaction of Debt, in a transaction or series of transactions registered under the Securities Act.

Registrable Securities” means any Retained Shares and any securities issued or issuable directly or indirectly with respect to, in exchange for, upon the conversion of or in replacement of the Retained Shares, whether by way of a dividend or distribution or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, exchange or other reorganization. The term “Registrable Securities” excludes any security (i) the offering and Sale of which has been effectively Registered under the Securities Act and which has been Sold in accordance with a Registration Statement or (ii) that has been Sold pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor provision) under the Securities Act.

Registration” means a registration with the SEC of the offer and Sale to the public of any ESAB Common Stock under a Registration Statement. The terms “Register,” “Registered” and “Registering” shall have a correlative meaning.

Registration Expenses” means all expenses incident to ESAB’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including all (i) registration, qualification and filing fees; (ii) expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, printing and filing under the Securities Act of the Registration Statement, any Prospectus and any issuer free writing prospectus and the distribution thereof; (iii) the fees and expenses of ESAB’s counsel and independent accountants (including the expenses of any comfort letters or costs associated with the delivery by ESAB Group members’ independent certified public accountants of comfort letters customarily requested by underwriters); (iv) the reasonable fees and expenses of not more than one firm of attorneys acting as legal counsel for all of the Holders in the relevant Registration and Sale; (v) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the registration or qualification and determination of eligibility for investment of the Shares under the state or foreign securities or blue sky laws and the preparation, printing and distribution of a Blue Sky Memorandum (including the related fees and expenses of counsel); (vi) the costs and charges of any transfer agent and any registrar; (vii) all expenses and application fees incurred in connection with any filing with, and clearance of an offering by, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; (viii) expenses incurred in connection with any “road show” presentation to potential investors; (ix) printing expenses, messenger, telephone and delivery expenses; (x) internal expenses of ESAB (including all salaries and expenses of employees of ESAB performing legal or accounting duties); and (xi) fees and expenses of listing any Registrable Securities on any securities exchange on which shares of ESAB Common Stock are then listed; but excluding any internal expenses of the Holder, any underwriting discounts or commissions attributable to the Sale of any Registrable Securities and any stock transfer taxes.

Registration Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(c).

 

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Registration Rights” means the rights of the Holders to cause ESAB to Register Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement.

Registration Statement” means any registration statement of ESAB filed with, or to be filed with, the SEC under the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act, including the related Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, and all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

Retained Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Sale” means the direct or indirect transfer, sale, assignment or other disposition of a security. The terms “Sell” and “Sold” have correlative meanings.

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

Shares” means all shares of ESAB Common Stock that are beneficially owned by Enovis or any Permitted Transferee from time to time, whether or not held immediately following the Distribution.

Shelf Registration” means a Registration Statement of ESAB for an offering to be made on a delayed or continuous basis of ESAB Common Stock pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or similar provisions then in effect).

Subsequent Transferee” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(b).

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, joint venture or partnership of which such Person (i) beneficially owns, either directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of (A) the total combined voting power of all classes of voting securities of such Person, (B) the total combined equity interests or (C) the capital or profit interests, in the case of a partnership, or (ii) otherwise has the power to vote, either directly or indirectly, sufficient securities to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body.

Takedown Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(f).

Transferee” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(b).

Underwritten Offering” means a Registration in which securities of ESAB are Sold to an underwriter or underwriters on a firm commitment basis for reoffering to the public.

1.2 General Interpretive Principles. Whenever used in this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires, any noun or pronoun shall be deemed to include the plural as well as the singular and to cover all genders. Whenever the

 

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words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Unless otherwise specified, the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and similar terms refer to this Agreement as a whole (including the exhibits hereto), and references herein to Articles, Sections and Exhibits refer to Articles, Sections and Exhibits of this Agreement. The word “or” shall have the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or.” Except as otherwise indicated, all periods of time referred to herein shall include all Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; provided, however, that if the date to perform the act or give any notice with respect to this Agreement shall fall on a day other than a Business Day, such act or notice may be performed or given timely if performed or given on the next succeeding Business Day. References to a Person are also to its permitted successors and assigns. The titles to Articles and headings of Sections contained in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as jointly drafted by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

2.1 Registration.

(a) Request. Any Holder(s) of Registrable Securities (collectively, the “Initiating Holder”) shall have the right (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with its rights pursuant to Section 2.7) to request that ESAB file a Registration Statement with the SEC on the appropriate registration form for all or part of the Registrable Securities held by such Initiating Holder by delivering a written request to ESAB specifying the number of shares of Registrable Securities such Initiating Holder wishes to Register (a “Demand Registration”). ESAB shall (i) within five (5) days of the receipt of such request, give written notice of such Demand Registration to all Holders of Registrable Securities (the “ESAB Notice”), (ii) use its reasonable best efforts to prepare and file a Registration Statement as expeditiously as possible in respect of such Demand Registration and in any event within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request, and (iii) use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective as expeditiously as possible. ESAB shall include in such Registration all Registrable Securities that the Holders request to be included within the ten (10) days following their receipt of the ESAB Notice.

(b) Limitations of Demand Registrations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.1(a), the Demand Registration rights granted in Section 2.1(a) are subject to the following limitations: (i) ESAB shall not be required to effect more than three (3) total Demand Registrations in the aggregate during the term of this Agreement or more than one Demand Registration in any sixty (60)-day period after the effective date of a previous registration by ESAB, other than a Shelf Registration, effected pursuant to this Section 2.1 (it being understood that the Distribution Registration Statement shall not be treated as a Demand Registration), and (ii) the Registrable Securities requested to be Registered pursuant to

 

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Section 2.1(a) must represent (a) an aggregate offering price of Registrable Securities that is reasonably expected to equal at least $10,000,000 (or its equivalent if the Registrable Securities are to be offered in an Exchange Offer) or (b) all of the remaining Registrable Securities owned by the requesting Holder and its Affiliates. In the event that any Person shall have received rights to Demand Registrations pursuant to Section 2.7 or Section 4.3, and such Person shall have made a Demand Registration request, such request shall be treated as having been made by the Holder(s).

(c) Effective Registration. ESAB shall be deemed to have effected a Registration for purposes of Section 2.1(a) if the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC or becomes effective upon filing with the SEC, and remains effective until the earlier of (i) the date when all Registrable Securities thereunder have been Sold and (ii) ninety (90) days from the effective date of the Registration Statement (the “Registration Period”). No Registration shall be deemed to have been effective if the conditions to closing specified in the underwriting agreement or dealer-manager agreement, if any, entered into in connection with such Registration are not satisfied by reason of any member of the ESAB Group. If, during the Registration Period, such Registration is interfered with by any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement of the SEC or other Governmental Authority or the need to update or supplement the Registration Statement, the Registration Period shall be extended on a day-for-day basis for any period the Holder is unable to complete an offering as a result of such stop order, injunction or other order or requirement of the SEC or other Governmental Authority. Any request for a Demand Registration shall count for purposes of the limitation on the number of Demand Registrations required to be effected set forth in Section 2.1(b) only if (i) all Registrable Securities requested to be Registered are, in fact, Registered, and (ii) the registration is closed or withdrawn at the request of Enovis (other than as a result of a material adverse change to ESAB).

(d) Underwritten Offering; Exchange Offer. If the Initiating Holder so indicates at the time of its request pursuant to Section 2.1(a), such offering of Registrable Securities shall be in the form of an Underwritten Offering or an Exchange Offer and ESAB shall include such information in the ESAB Notice. In the event that the Initiating Holder intends to Sell the Registrable Securities by means of an Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer, the right of any Holder to include Registrable Securities in such Registration shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in such Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer and the inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in the Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer.

(e) Priority of Securities in an Underwritten Offering. If the managing underwriter or underwriters of a proposed Underwritten Offering, including an Underwritten Offering from a Shelf Registration, pursuant to this Section 2.1 informs the Holders with Registrable Securities in the proposed Underwritten Offering in writing that, in its or their opinion, the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Underwritten Offering exceeds the number that can be Sold in such Underwritten Offering without being likely to have an adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the Registrable Securities offered or the market for the Registrable Securities offered, then the number of Registrable Securities to be included in such Underwritten Offering shall be reduced to such number that can be Sold without such adverse effect and the Registrable Securities to be included in such Underwritten Offering shall be: (i) first, Registrable Securities requested by Enovis to be included in such

 

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Underwritten Offering; (ii) second, Registrable Securities requested by all other Holders to be included in such Underwritten Offering on a pro rata basis calculated based on the number of shares requested to be registered; and (iii) third, all other Registrable Securities requested and otherwise eligible to be included in such Underwritten Offering (including Registrable Securities to be Sold for the account of ESAB) on a pro rata basis calculated based on the number of shares requested to be registered. In the event the Initiating Holder notifies ESAB that such Registration Statement shall be abandoned or withdrawn, such Holder shall not be deemed to have requested a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2.1(a), and ESAB shall not be deemed to have made a Demand Registration request pursuant to Section 2.1(a) and Section 2.1(c).

(f) Shelf Registration. At any time after the date hereof when ESAB is eligible to Register the applicable Registrable Securities on Form S-3 (or a successor form) and the Holder may request Demand Registrations, the requesting Holders may request ESAB to effect a Demand Registration as a Shelf Registration. There shall be no limitations on the number of Underwritten Offerings pursuant to a Shelf Registration. Any Holder of Registrable Securities included on a Shelf Registration shall have the right to request that ESAB cooperate in a shelf takedown at any time, including an Underwritten Offering, by delivering a written request thereof to ESAB specifying the number of shares of Registrable Securities such Holder wishes to include in the shelf takedown (“Takedown Notice”). ESAB shall (i) within five (5) days of the receipt of a Takedown Notice for an Underwritten Offering, give written notice of such Takedown Notice to all Holders of Registrable Securities included on such Shelf Registration (“ESAB Takedown Notice”), and (ii) take all actions reasonably requested by such Holder, including the filing of a Prospectus supplement and the other actions described in Section 2.4, in accordance with the intended method of distribution set forth in the Takedown Notice as expeditiously as possible. If the takedown is an Underwritten Offering, ESAB shall include in such Underwritten Offering all Registrable Securities that that the Holders request to be included within the two (2) days following their receipt of the ESAB Takedown Notice. If the takedown is an Underwritten Offering, the Registrable Securities requested to be included in a shelf takedown must represent (i) an aggregate offering price of Registrable Securities that is reasonably expected to equal at least $10,000,000 or (ii) all of the remaining Registrable Securities owned by the requesting Holder and its Affiliates. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, the requirement to deliver a Takedown Notice and the piggyback rights described in this Section 2.1(f) shall not apply to an Underwritten Offering that constitutes a block trade.

(g) SEC Form. Except as set forth in the next sentence, ESAB shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause Demand Registrations to be Registered on Form S-3 (or any successor form), and if ESAB is not then eligible under the Securities Act to use Form S-3, Demand Registrations shall be Registered on Form S-1 (or any successor form) or Form S-4 (in the case of an Exchange Offer). If a Demand Registration is a Convertible or Exchange Registration, ESAB shall effect such Registration on the appropriate Form under the Securities Act for such Registrations. ESAB shall use its reasonable best efforts to become eligible to use Form S-3 and, after becoming eligible to use Form S-3, shall use its reasonable best efforts to remain so eligible. All Demand Registrations shall comply with applicable requirements of the Securities Act and, together with each Prospectus included, filed or otherwise furnished by ESAB in connection therewith, shall not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

 

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2.2 Piggyback Registrations.

(a) Participation. If ESAB proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to any offering of ESAB Common Stock for its own account and/or for the account of any other Persons (other than a Registration (i) under Section 2.1 hereof, (ii) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-8 or Form S-4 or similar form that relates to a transaction subject to Rule 145 under the Securities Act, (iii) pursuant to any form that does not include substantially the same information as would be required to be included in a Registration Statement covering the Sale of Registrable Securities, (iv) in connection with any dividend reinvestment or similar plan, (v) for the sole purpose of offering securities to another entity or its security holders in connection with the acquisition of assets or securities of such entity or any similar transaction or (vi) in which the only ESAB Common Stock being Registered is ESAB Common Stock issuable upon conversion of debt securities that are also being Registered) (a “ESAB Public Sale”), then, as soon as practicable (but in no event less than fifteen (15) days prior to the proposed date of filing such Registration Statement), ESAB shall give written notice of such proposed filing to each Holder, and such notice shall offer such Holders the opportunity to Register under such Registration Statement such number of Registrable Securities as each such Holder may request in writing (a “Piggyback Registration”). Subject to Section 2.2(a) and Section 2.2(c), ESAB shall include in such Registration Statement all such Registrable Securities that are requested to be included therein within fifteen (15) days after the receipt of any such notice; provided, however, that if, at any time after giving written notice of its intention to Register any securities and prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement filed in connection with such Registration, ESAB shall determine for any reason not to Register or to delay Registration of such securities, ESAB may, at its election, give written notice of such determination to each such Holder and, thereupon, (i) in the case of a determination not to Register, shall be relieved of its obligation to Register any Registrable Securities in connection with such Registration, without prejudice, however, to the rights of any Holder to request that such Registration be effected as a Demand Registration under Section 2.1, and (ii) in the case of a determination to delay Registration, shall be permitted to delay Registering any Registrable Securities for the same period as the delay in Registering such other shares of ESAB Common Stock. No Registration effected under this Section 2.2 shall relieve ESAB of its obligation to effect any Demand Registration under Section 2.1. If the offering pursuant to a Registration Statement pursuant to this Section 2.2 is to be an Underwritten Offering, then each Holder making a request for a Piggyback Registration pursuant to this Section 2.2(a) shall, and ESAB shall use reasonable best efforts to coordinate arrangements with the underwriters so that each such Holder may, participate in such Underwritten Offering. If the offering pursuant to such Registration Statement is to be on any other basis, then each Holder making a request for a Piggyback Registration pursuant to this Section 2.2(a) shall, and ESAB shall use reasonable best efforts to coordinate arrangements so that each such Holder may, participate in such offering on such basis. ESAB’s filing of a Shelf Registration shall not be deemed to be a ESAB Public Sale; provided, however, that the proposal to file any Prospectus supplement filed pursuant to a Shelf Registration with respect to an offering of ESAB Common Stock for its own account and/or for the account of any other Persons will be a ESAB Public Sale unless such offering qualifies for an exemption from the ESAB Public Sale definition in this Section 2.2(a); provided, further that if ESAB files a Shelf Registration for its own account and/or for the account of any other Persons, ESAB agrees that it shall use its reasonable best efforts to include in such Registration Statement such disclosures as may be required by Rule 430B under the Securities Act in order to ensure that the Holders may be added to such Shelf Registration at a later time through the filing of a Prospectus supplement rather than a post-effective amendment.

 

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(b) Right to Withdraw. Each Holder shall have the right to withdraw such Holder’s request for inclusion of its Registrable Securities in any Underwritten Offering pursuant to this Section 2.2 at any time prior to the execution of an underwriting agreement with respect thereto by giving written notice to ESAB of such Holder’s request to withdraw and, subject to the preceding clause, each Holder shall be permitted to withdraw all or part of such Holder’s Registrable Securities from a Piggyback Registration at any time prior to the effective date thereof.

(c) Priority of Piggyback Registration. If the managing underwriter or underwriters of any proposed Underwritten Offering of a class of Registrable Securities included in a Piggyback Registration informs ESAB and the Holders in writing that, in its or their opinion, the number of securities of such class which such Holder and any other Persons intend to include in such Underwritten Offering exceeds the number which can be Sold in such Underwritten Offering without being likely to have an adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the securities offered or the market for the securities offered, then the securities to be included in such Underwritten Offering shall be reduced to such number that can be Sold without such adverse effect and the securities to be included in the Underwritten Offering shall be (i) first, all securities of ESAB or any other Persons for whom ESAB is effecting the Underwritten Offering, as the case may be, proposes to Sell; (ii) second, Registrable Securities requested by Enovis to be included in such Underwritten Offering; (iii) third, Registrable Securities requested by all other Holders to be included in such Underwritten Offering on a pro rata basis calculated based on the number of shares requested to be registered; and (iv) fourth, all other securities requested and otherwise eligible to be included in such Underwritten Offering (including securities to be Sold for the account of ESAB) on a pro rata basis calculated based on the number of shares requested to be registered.

2.3 Selection of Underwriter(s), Etc. In any Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section 2.1 or Section 2.2 that is not an ESAB Public Sale, Enovis, in the event Enovis is participating in such Underwritten Offering, or the Holders of a majority of the outstanding Registrable Securities being included in the Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer, in the event Enovis is not participating in such Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer, shall select the underwriter(s), dealer-manager(s), financial printer, solicitation and/or exchange agent (if any) and Holder’s counsel for such Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer. In any ESAB Public Sale, ESAB shall select the underwriter(s), dealer-manager(s), financial printer, solicitation and/or exchange agent (if any) and Enovis, in the event Enovis is participating in such Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer, or the Holders of a majority of the outstanding Registrable Securities being included in the ESAB Public Sale, in the event Enovis is not participating in such Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer, shall select counsel to the Holder(s).

2.4 Registration Procedures.

(a) In connection with the Registration and/or Sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement, through an Underwritten Offering or otherwise, ESAB shall use reasonable best efforts to effect or cause the Registration and the Sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended methods of Sale thereof and:

 

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(i) prepare and file the required Registration Statement including all exhibits and financial statements and, in the case of an Exchange Offer, any document required under Rule 425 or Rule 165 with respect to such Exchange Offer (collectively, the “Ancillary Filings”) required under the Securities Act to be filed therewith, and before filing with the SEC a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto, (A) furnish to the underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, and to the Holders, copies of all documents prepared to be filed, which documents shall be subject to the review and comment of such underwriters or dealer-managers and such Holders and their respective counsel, and provide such underwriters or dealers managers, if any, and such Holders and their respective counsel reasonable time to review and comment thereon and (B) not file with the SEC any Registration Statement or Prospectus or amendments or supplements thereto or any Ancillary Filing to which the Holders or the underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, shall reasonably object;

(ii) except in the case of a Shelf Registration or Convertible or Exchange Registration, prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the Sale of all of the Shares Registered thereon until the earlier of (A) such time as all of such Shares have been Sold in accordance with the intended methods of Sale set forth in such Registration Statement or (B) the expiration of nine (9) months after such Registration Statement becomes effective;

(iii) in the case of a Shelf Registration, prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the Sale of all Shares subject thereto for a period ending thirty-six (36) months after the effective date of such Registration Statement;

(iv) in the case of a Convertible or Exchange Registration, prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the Sale of all of the Shares subject thereto until such time as the rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities Act and the terms of any applicable convertible securities no longer require such Shares to be Registered under the Securities Act;

(v) notify the participating Holders and the managing underwriter or underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, and (if requested) confirm such advice in writing and provide copies of the relevant documents, as soon as reasonably practicable after notice thereof is received by ESAB (A) when the applicable Registration Statement or

 

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any amendment thereto has been filed or becomes effective, when the applicable Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to such Prospectus has been filed, or any Ancillary Filing has been filed, (B) of any written comments by the SEC or any request by the SEC or any other Governmental Authority for amendments or supplements to such Registration Statement or such Prospectus or any Ancillary Filing or for additional information, (C) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary or final Prospectus or any Ancillary Filing or the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for such purposes, (D) if, at any time, the representations and warranties of ESAB in any applicable underwriting agreement or dealer-manager agreements cease to be true and correct in all material respects, and (E) of the receipt by ESAB of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for offering or Sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose;

(vi) promptly notify each selling Holder and the managing underwriter or underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, when ESAB becomes aware of the occurrence of any event as a result of which the applicable Registration Statement or the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (as then in effect) or any Ancillary Filing contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of such Prospectus and any preliminary Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary during such time period to amend or supplement such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any Ancillary Filing in order to comply with the Securities Act and, in either case as promptly as reasonably practicable thereafter, prepare and file with the SEC, and furnish without charge to the selling Holder and the managing underwriter or underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, an amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any Ancillary Filing which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance;

(vii) use its reasonable best efforts to prevent or obtain the withdrawal of any stop order or other order suspending the use of any preliminary or final Prospectus;

(viii) promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as the managing underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, and the Holders may reasonably request in order to permit the intended method of distribution of the Registrable Securities; and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after being notified of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

(ix) furnish to each selling Holder and each underwriter or dealer-manager, if any, without charge, as many conformed copies as such Holder or underwriter or dealer-manager may reasonably request of the applicable Registration Statement and any amendment or post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits (including those incorporated by reference);

 

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(x) deliver to each selling Holder and each underwriter or dealer-manager, if any, without charge, as many copies of the applicable Prospectus (including each preliminary Prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Holder or underwriter or dealer-manager may reasonably request (it being understood that ESAB consents to the use of such Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by each selling Holder and the underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, in connection with the offering and Sale of the Registrable Securities covered by such Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto) and such other documents as such selling Holder or underwriter or dealer-manager may reasonably request in order to facilitate the Sale of the Registrable Securities by such Holder or underwriter or dealer-manager;

(xi) on or prior to the date on which the applicable Registration Statement is declared effective or becomes effective, use its reasonable best efforts to register or qualify, and cooperate with each selling Holder, the managing underwriter or underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, and their respective counsel, in connection with the registration or qualification of such Registrable Securities for offer and Sale under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of each state and other jurisdiction of the United States as any selling Holder or managing underwriter or underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, or their respective counsel reasonably request, and in any foreign jurisdiction mutually agreeable to ESAB and the participating Holders, in writing and do any and all other acts or things reasonably necessary or advisable to keep such registration or qualification in effect for so long as such Registration Statement remains in effect and so as to permit the continuance of Sales and dealings in such jurisdictions of the United States for so long as may be necessary to complete the distribution of the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement; provided that ESAB will not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified or to take any action which would subject it to taxation or general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

(xii) in connection with any Sale of Registrable Securities that will result in such securities no longer being Registrable Securities, cooperate with each participating Holder and the managing underwriter or underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be Sold and not bearing any restrictive Securities Act legends; and to register such Registrable Securities in such denominations and such names as such selling Holder or the underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, may request at least two (2) Business Days prior to such Sale of Registrable Securities; provided that ESAB may satisfy its obligations hereunder without issuing physical stock certificates through the use of the Depository Trust Company’s Direct Registration System;

(xiii) cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and each securities exchange, if any, on which any of ESAB’s securities are then listed or quoted and on each inter-dealer quotation system on which any of ESAB’s securities are then quoted, and in the performance of any

 

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due diligence investigation by any underwriter or dealer-manager (including any “qualified independent underwriter”) that is required to be retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of each such exchange, and use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriter or underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, to consummate the Sale of such Registrable Securities;

(xiv) not later than the effective date of the applicable 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 ESAB may satisfy its obligations hereunder without issuing physical stock certificates through the use of the Depository Trust Company’s Direct Registration System;

(xv) obtain for delivery to and addressed to each selling Holder and to the underwriter or underwriters or dealer-managers, if any, opinions from outside counsel and the general counsel for ESAB, in each case dated the effective date of the Registration Statement or, in the event of an Underwritten Offering, the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement or, in the event of an Exchange Offer, the date of the closing under the dealer-manager agreement or similar agreement or otherwise, and in each such case in customary form and content for the type of Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer, as applicable;

(xvi) in the case of an Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer, obtain for delivery to and addressed to ESAB and the underwriter or underwriters or dealer-managers and, to the extent requested, each participating Holder, a comfort letter from ESAB’s or other applicable independent certified public accountants in customary form and content for the type of Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer, dated the date of execution of the underwriting agreement or dealer-manager agreement, or, if none, the date of commencement of the Exchange Offer, and brought down to the closing, whether under the underwriting agreement or dealer-manager agreement, if applicable, or otherwise;

(xvii) in the case of an Exchange Offer that does not involve a dealer-manager, provide to each participating Holder such customary written representations and warranties or other covenants or agreements as may be requested by any participating Holder comparable to those that would be included in an underwriting agreement or dealer-manager agreement;

(xviii) use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and make generally available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, but no later than ninety (90) days after the end of the twelve (12)-month period beginning with the first day of ESAB’s first quarter commencing after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement, an earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and covering the period of at least twelve (12) months, but not more than eighteen (18) months, beginning with the first month after the effective date of the Registration Statement;

 

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(xix) provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement from and after a date not later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;

(xx) cause all Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange on which any of ESAB’s securities are then listed or quoted and on each inter-dealer quotation system on which any of ESAB’s securities are then quoted;

(xxi) provide (A) each Holder participating in the Registration, (B) the underwriters (which term, for purposes of this Agreement, shall include a Person deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act), if any, of the Registrable Securities to be Registered, (C) the Sale or placement agent therefor, if any, (D) the dealer-manager therefor, (E) counsel for such underwriters or agent or dealer-manager, and (F) any attorney, accountant or other agent or representative retained by such Holder or any such underwriter or dealer-manager, as selected by such Holder, the opportunity to participate in the preparation of such Registration Statement, each Prospectus included therein or filed with the SEC, and each amendment or supplement thereto, and to require the insertion therein of material, furnished to ESAB in writing, which in the reasonable judgment of such Holder(s) and their counsel should be included; and for a reasonable period prior to the filing of such Registration Statement, upon receipt of such confidentiality agreements as ESAB may reasonably request, make available upon reasonable notice at reasonable times and for reasonable periods for inspection by the parties referred to in (A) through (F) above, all pertinent financial and other records, pertinent corporate and other documents and properties of ESAB that are available to ESAB, and cause all of ESAB’s officers, directors and employees and the independent public accountants who have certified its financial statements to make themselves available at reasonable times and for reasonable periods to discuss the business of ESAB and to supply all information available to ESAB reasonably requested by any such Person in connection with such Registration Statement as shall be necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, subject to the foregoing;

(xxii) to cause the executive officers of ESAB to participate in customary “road show” presentations that may be reasonably requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters or dealer-managers in any Underwritten Offering or Exchange Offer and otherwise to facilitate, cooperate with, and participate in each proposed offering contemplated herein and customary selling efforts related thereto; and

(xxiii) take all other customary steps reasonably necessary to effect the Registration, offering and Sale of the Registrable Securities.

 

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(b) As a condition precedent to any Registration hereunder, ESAB may require each Holder as to which any Registration is being effected to furnish to ESAB such information regarding the distribution of such securities and such other information relating to such Holder, its ownership of Registrable Securities and other matters as ESAB may from time to time reasonably request in writing. Each such Holder agrees to furnish such information to ESAB and to cooperate with ESAB as reasonably necessary to enable ESAB to comply with the provisions of this Agreement.

(c) Enovis agrees, and any other Holder agrees by acquisition of such Registrable Securities, that, upon receipt of any written notice from ESAB of the occurrence of any event of the kind described in Section 2.4(a)(vi), such Holder will forthwith discontinue the Sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 2.4(a)(vi), or until such Holder is advised in writing by ESAB that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed, and if so directed by ESAB, such Holder will deliver to ESAB (at ESAB’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice. In the event ESAB shall give any such notice, the period during which the applicable Registration Statement is required to be maintained effective shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when each seller of Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement either receives the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 2.4(a)(vi) or is advised in writing by ESAB that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed.

2.5 Holdback Agreements. To the extent requested in writing by the managing underwriter or underwriters of any Underwritten Offering, ESAB agrees not to, and shall exercise reasonable best efforts to obtain agreements (in the underwriters’ customary form) from its directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of five percent (5%) or more of ESAB Common Stock not to, directly or indirectly offer, Sell, pledge, contract to Sell (including any short Sale), grant any option to purchase or otherwise Sell any equity securities of ESAB or enter into any hedging transaction relating to any equity securities of ESAB during the ninety (90) days beginning on pricing date of such Underwritten Offering (except as part of such Underwritten Offering or any Distribution or pursuant to registrations on Form S-8 or S-4 or any successor forms thereto) unless the managing underwriter or underwriters otherwise agree to a shorter period.

2.6 Underwritten Offerings; Exchange Offers. If requested by the managing underwriters for any Underwritten Offering or dealer-managers for any Exchange Offer, ESAB shall enter into an underwriting agreement or dealer-manager agreement with such underwriters or dealer-managers for such offering; provided, however, that no Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties to ESAB or the underwriters or dealer-managers (other than representations and warranties regarding such Holder and such Holder’s intended method of distribution) or to undertake any indemnification obligations to ESAB or the underwriters or dealer-managers with respect thereto, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.9 hereof.

 

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2.7 Convertible or Exchange Registration; Registration Rights with Participating Banks.

(a) If any Holder of Registrable Securities offers any options, rights, warrants or other securities issued by it or any other Person that are offered with, convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any Registrable Securities, the Registrable Securities underlying such options, rights, warrants or other securities shall be eligible for Registration pursuant to Section 2.1 and Section 2.2 hereof (a “Convertible or Exchange Registration”).

(b) If one or more members of the Enovis Group decides to engage, directly or indirectly, in an Exchange with one or more Participating Banks, ESAB shall, upon Enovis’ request, enter into a registration rights agreement with the Participating Banks in connection with such Exchange, as applicable, on terms and conditions consistent with this Agreement (other than the voting provisions contained in Article III hereof) and reasonably satisfactory to ESAB and the Enovis Group.

2.8 Registration Expenses Paid By ESAB. In the case of any Registration of Registrable Securities required pursuant to this Agreement (including any Registration that is delayed or withdrawn) or proposed Underwritten Offering pursuant to this Agreement, ESAB shall pay all Registration Expenses regardless of whether the Registration Statement becomes effective or the Underwritten Offering is completed.

2.9 Indemnification.

(a) Indemnification by ESAB. ESAB agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, to the full extent permitted by law, each Holder, such Holder’s Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, and agents and each Person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) such Persons from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (or actions in respect thereof, whether or not such indemnified party is a party thereto) and expenses, joint or several (including reasonable costs of investigation and legal expenses) (each, a “Loss” and collectively “Losses”) arising out of or based upon (i) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement under which the Sale of such Registrable Securities was Registered under the Securities Act (including any final or preliminary Prospectus contained therein or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any documents incorporated by reference therein), or any such statement made in any free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) that ESAB has filed or is required to file pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, or (ii) any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus or free writing prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading; provided, however, that ESAB shall not be liable to any particular indemnified party in any such case to the extent that any such Loss arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in any such Registration Statement in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to ESAB by such indemnified party expressly for use in the preparation thereof. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability ESAB may otherwise have. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Holder or any indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of such securities by such Holder.

 

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(b) Indemnification by the Selling Holder. Each selling Holder agrees (severally and not jointly) to indemnify and hold harmless, to the full extent permitted by law, ESAB, its directors, officers, employees, advisors, and agents and each Person who controls ESAB (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) from and against any Losses arising out of or based upon (i) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement under which the Sale of such Registrable Securities was Registered under the Securities Act (including any final or preliminary Prospectus contained therein or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any documents incorporated by reference therein), or any such statement made in any free writing prospectus that ESAB has filed or is required to file pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, or (ii) any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus or free writing prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading to the extent, but, in each case (i) or (ii), only to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information furnished in writing by such selling Holder to ESAB specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement, Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus or free writing prospectus. In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder under the Sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability the selling Holder may otherwise have. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of ESAB or any indemnified party.

(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder will (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that any delay or failure to so notify the indemnifying party shall relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder only to the extent that it is materially prejudiced by reason of such delay or failure) and (ii) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided, however, that any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to select and employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Person unless (i) the indemnifying party has agreed in writing to pay such fees or expenses, (ii) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim within a reasonable time after receipt of notice of such claim from the Person entitled to indemnification hereunder and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Person, (iii) the indemnified party has reasonably concluded (based on advice of counsel) that there may be legal defenses available to it or other indemnified parties that are different from or in addition to those available to the indemnifying party, or (iv) in the reasonable judgment of any such Person, based upon advice of its counsel, a conflict of interest may exist between such Person and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if the Person notifies the indemnifying party in writing that such Person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such Person). If such defense is not assumed by the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party will not be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its consent, but such consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. If the indemnifying party assumes the defense, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to settle such action without the consent of the indemnified party, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. No indemnifying party shall consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof

 

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the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of an unconditional release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. It is understood that the indemnifying party or parties shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of more than one separate firm admitted to practice in such jurisdiction at any one time from all such indemnified party or parties unless (x) the employment of more than one counsel has been authorized in writing by the indemnified party or parties, (y) an indemnified party has reasonably concluded (based on advice of counsel) that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the other indemnified parties or (z) a conflict or potential conflict exists or may exist (based on advice of counsel to an indemnified party) between such indemnified party and the other indemnified parties, in each of which cases the indemnifying party shall be obligated to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such additional counsel or counsels.

(d) Contribution. If for any reason the indemnification provided for in Section 2.9(a) or Section 2.9(b) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient to hold it harmless as contemplated by Section 2.9(a) or Section 2.9(b), then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such Loss in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other hand. The relative fault 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 the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.9(d) to the contrary, no indemnifying party (other than ESAB) shall be required pursuant to this Section 2.9(d) to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds received by such indemnifying party from the Sale of Registrable Securities in the offering to which the Losses of the indemnified parties relate (before deducting expenses, if any) exceeds the amount of any damages which such indemnifying party has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 2.9(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 2.9(d). No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party hereunder shall be deemed to include, for purposes of this Section 2.9(d), any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating, preparing to defend or defending against or appearing as a third party witness in respect of, or otherwise incurred in connection with, any such loss, claim, damage, expense, liability, action, investigation or proceeding. If indemnification is available under this Section 2.9, the indemnifying parties shall indemnify each indemnified party to the full extent provided in Section 2.9(a) and Section 2.9(b) hereof without regard to the relative fault of said indemnifying parties or indemnified party.

 

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2.10 Reporting Requirements; Rule 144. Until the expiration or termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, ESAB shall be and remain in compliance with the periodic filing requirements imposed under the SEC’s rules and regulations, including the Exchange Act, and any other applicable laws or rules, and shall timely file such information, documents and reports as the SEC may require or prescribe under Section 13 or 15(d) (whichever is applicable) of the Exchange Act. If ESAB is not required to file such reports, it will, upon the request of any Holder, make publicly available such necessary information for so long as necessary to permit Sales pursuant to Rule 144 or Regulation S under the Securities Act, and it will take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to Sell Registrable Securities without Registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by (a) Rule 144 or Regulation S under the Securities Act, as such Rules may be amended from time to time, or (b) any rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC. From and after the date hereof through the first anniversary of the date upon which no Holder owns any Registrable Securities, ESAB shall forthwith upon request furnish any Holder (i) a written statement by ESAB as to whether it has complied with such requirements and, if not, the specifics thereof, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of ESAB, and (iii) such other reports and documents filed by ESAB with the SEC as such Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of an exemption for the Sale of Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act.

2.11 Other Registration Rights. ESAB shall not grant to any Persons the right to request ESAB to Register any equity securities of ESAB, or any securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for such securities, whether pursuant to “demand,” “piggyback,” or other rights, unless such rights are subject and subordinate to the rights of the Holders under this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

VOTING RESTRICTIONS

3.1 Voting of ESAB Common Stock.

(a) From the date of the Distribution until the date that the Enovis Group ceases to own any Retained Shares, Enovis shall, and shall cause each member of the Enovis Group to (in each case, to the extent that they own any Retained Shares), be present, in person or by proxy, at each and every ESAB stockholder meeting, and otherwise to cause all Retained Shares owned by them to be counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum at any such meeting, and to vote or consent on any matter (including waivers of contractual or statutory rights), or cause to be voted or consented on any such matter, all such Retained Shares in proportion to the votes cast by the other holders of ESAB Common Stock on such matter.

(b) From the date of the Distribution until the date that the Enovis Group ceases to own any Retained Shares, Enovis hereby grants, and shall cause each member of the Enovis Group (in each case, to the extent that they own any Retained Shares) to grant, an irrevocable proxy, which shall be deemed coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable proxy to ESAB or its designees, to vote, with respect to any matter (including waivers of contractual or statutory rights), all Retained Shares owned by them, in proportion to the votes cast by the other holders of ESAB Common Stock on such matter; provided that (i) such proxy shall automatically be revoked as to a particular Retained Share upon any Sale of such Retained Share from a member of the Enovis Group to a Person other than a member of the Enovis Group and (ii) nothing in this Section 3.1(b) shall limit or prohibit any such Sale.

 

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(c) Enovis acknowledges and agrees (on behalf of itself and each member of the Enovis Group) that ESAB will be irreparably damaged in the event any of the provisions of this Article III are not performed by Enovis in accordance with their terms or are otherwise breached. Accordingly, it is agreed that ESAB shall be entitled to an injunction to prevent breaches of this Article III and to specific enforcement of the provisions of this Article III in any action instituted in any court of the United States or any state having subject matter jurisdiction over such action.

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

4.1 Term. This Agreement shall terminate upon such time as there are no Registrable Securities, except for the provisions of Section 2.8 and Section 2.9 and all of this Article IV, which shall survive any such termination.

4.2 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in English, shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service or by email (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 4.2):

To Enovis:

Enovis Corporation

2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400

Wilmington, DE 19808

Attn: General Counsel

Facsimile: (301) 323-9001

E-mail: brad.tandy@colfaxcorp.com

To ESAB:

ESAB Corporation

909 Rose Avenue, 8th Floor

North Bethesda, Maryland 20852

Attn: General Counsel

E-mail: Curtis.Jewell@esab.com

 

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4.3 Successors, Assigns and Transferees.

(a) The provisions of this Agreement and the obligations and rights hereunder shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by (and against) the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. ESAB may assign this Agreement at any time in connection with a Sale or acquisition of ESAB, whether by merger, consolidation, Sale of all or substantially all of ESAB’s assets, or similar transaction, without the consent of the Holders; provided that the successor or acquiring Person agrees in writing to assume all of ESAB’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Enovis may assign this Agreement to any member of the Enovis Group or at any time in connection with a sale or acquisition of Enovis, whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of Enovis’ assets, or similar transaction, without the consent of ESAB.

(b) In connection with the Sale of Registrable Securities, Enovis may assign its Registration-related rights and obligations under this Agreement relating to such Registrable Securities to the following transferees in such Sale: (i) a member of the Enovis Group to which Registrable Securities are Sold, (ii) one or more Participating Banks to which Registrable Securities are Sold, (iii) any other transferee to which Registrable Securities are Sold, if ESAB provides prior written consent to the transfer of such Registration-related rights and obligations along with the Sale of Registrable Securities or (iv) any other transferee that acquires at least five percent (5%) of the number of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by Enovis immediately following the completion of the Distribution; provided, that in the case of clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv), (x) ESAB is given written notice prior to or at the time of such Sale stating the name and address of the transferee and identifying the securities with respect to which the Registration-related rights and obligations are being Sold and (y) the transferee executes a counterpart in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and delivers the same to ESAB (any such transferee in such Sale, a “Transferee”). In connection with the Sale of Registrable Securities, a Transferee or Subsequent Transferee (as defined below) may assign its Registration-related rights and obligations under this Agreement relating to such Registrable Securities to the following subsequent transferees: (A) an Affiliate of such Transferee to which Registrable Securities are Sold, (B) any subsequent transferee to which Registrable Securities are Sold, if ESAB provides prior written consent to the transfer of such Registration-related rights and obligations along with the Sale of Registrable Securities or (C) any other subsequent transferee that acquires at least five percent (5%) of the number of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by Enovis immediately following the completion of the Distribution; provided, that in the case of clauses (A), (B) or (C), (x) ESAB is given written notice prior to or at the time of such Sale stating the name and address of the subsequent transferee and identifying the securities with respect to which the Registration-related rights and obligations are being assigned and (z) the subsequent transferee executes a counterpart in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and delivers the same to ESAB (any such subsequent transferee, a “Subsequent Transferee”).

4.4 GOVERNING LAW; NO JURY TRIAL.

(a) This Agreement and any dispute arising out of, in connection with or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

(b) In the event of a controversy, dispute or Action arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to the interpretation, performance, nonperformance, validity or breach of this Agreement or otherwise arising out of, or in any way related to, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including any Action based on contract, tort, statute or

 

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constitution (collectively, “Disputes”), the general counsels of the parties (or such other individuals designated by the respective general counsels) and/or the executive officers designated by the parties shall negotiate for a reasonable period of time to settle such Dispute; provided, that such reasonable period shall not, unless otherwise agreed by the parties in writing, exceed sixty (60) days (the “Negotiation Period”) from the time of receipt by a party of written notice of such Dispute (“Dispute Notice”) and settlement of such Dispute pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall be confidential, and no written or oral statements or offers made by the parties during such settlement negotiations shall be admissible for any purpose in any subsequent proceedings, including any arbitration proceeding pursuant to Section 4.4(c); provided further, that in the event of any arbitration in accordance with Section 4.4(c) hereof, the parties shall not assert the defenses of statute of limitations and laches arising during the period beginning after the date of receipt of the Dispute Notice, and any contractual time period or deadline under this Agreement to which such Dispute relates occurring after the Dispute Notice is received shall not be deemed to have passed until such Dispute has been resolved.

(c) If the Dispute has not been resolved for any reason after the Negotiation Period, such Dispute shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration administered in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) then in effect (the “Rules”), except as modified herein.

(i) The arbitration shall be conducted by a three-member arbitral tribunal (the “Arbitral Tribunal”). The claimant shall nominate one arbitrator in accordance with the Rules, and the respondent shall nominate one arbitrator in accordance with the Rules within twenty-one days (21) after the appointment of the first arbitrator. The third arbitrator, who shall serve as chair of the Arbitral Tribunal, shall be jointly nominated by the two party-nominated arbitrators within twenty-one (21) days of the confirmation of the appointment of the second arbitrator. If any arbitrator is not appointed within the time limit provided herein, such arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA in accordance with the listing, striking and ranking procedure in the Rules.

(ii) The arbitration shall be held, and the award shall be rendered, in New York, New York, in the English language.

(iii) For the avoidance of doubt, by submitting their dispute to arbitration under the Rules, the parties expressly agree that all issues of arbitrability, including all issues concerning the propriety and timeliness of the commencement of the arbitration (including any defense based on a statute of limitation, if applicable), the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal, and the procedural conditions for arbitration, shall be finally and solely determined by the Arbitral Tribunal.

(iv) Without derogating from Section 4.4(c)(v) below, the Arbitral Tribunal shall have the full authority to grant any pre-arbitral injunction, pre-arbitral attachment, interim or conservatory measure or other order in aid of arbitration proceedings (“Interim Relief”). The parties shall exclusively submit any application for Interim Relief to only: (A) the Arbitral Tribunal; or (B) prior to the constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal, an Emergency Arbitrator appointed in the manner provided for in the Rules. Any Interim Relief so issued shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be

 

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deemed a final arbitration award for purposes of enforceability, and, moreover, shall also be deemed a term and condition of this Agreement subject to specific performance in Section 4.5 below. The foregoing procedures shall constitute the exclusive means of seeking Interim Relief, provided, however, that (i) the Arbitral Tribunal shall have the power to continue, review, vacate or modify any Interim Relief granted by an Emergency Arbitrator; (ii) in the event an Emergency Arbitrator or the Arbitral Tribunal issues an order granting, denying or otherwise addressing Interim Relief (a “Decision on Interim Relief”), any party may apply to enforce or require specific performance of such Decision on Interim Relief in any court of competent jurisdiction; and (iii) either party shall retain the right to apply for freezing orders to prevent the improper dissipation of transfer of assets to a court of competent jurisdiction.

(v) The Arbitral Tribunal shall have the power to grant any remedy or relief that it deems just and equitable and that is in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including specific performance and temporary or final injunctive relief, provided, however, that the Arbitral Tribunal shall have no authority or power to limit, expand, alter, amend, modify, revoke or suspend any condition or provision of this Agreement, nor any right or power to award punitive, exemplary or treble damages.

(vi) The Arbitral Tribunal shall have the power to allocate the costs and fees of the arbitration, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs as well as those costs and fees addressed in the Rules, between the parties in the manner it deems fit.

(vii) Arbitration under this Section 4.4 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy for any Dispute, and any award rendered thereby shall be final and binding upon the parties as from the date rendered. Judgment on the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof, including any court having jurisdiction over the relevant Party or its Assets.

4.5 Specific Performance. In the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the parties agree that the party or parties to this Agreement who are or are to be thereby aggrieved shall, subject and pursuant to the terms of this Section 4.5 (including for the avoidance of doubt, after compliance with all notice and negotiation provisions herein), have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its or their rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss, that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are hereby waived.

4.6 Headings. The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

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4.7 Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

4.8 Amendment; Waiver.

(a) This Agreement may not be amended or modified and waivers and consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, except by an instrument or instruments in writing making specific reference to this Agreement and signed by ESAB and the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities; provided that if Enovis or any of its Affiliates owns Registrable Securities, no amendment to or waiver of any provision in this Agreement will be effected without the written consent of Enovis if such amendment or waiver adversely affects the rights of Enovis or such Affiliates of Enovis.

(b) No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of any party, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver hereof or thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or thereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.

4.9 Registrations, Exchanges, etc. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary that may be contained in this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall apply to the full extent set forth herein with respect to (a) any shares of ESAB Common Stock, now or hereafter authorized to be issued, (b) any and all securities of ESAB into which the shares of ESAB Common Stock are converted, exchanged or substituted in any recapitalization or other capital reorganization by ESAB and (c) any and all securities of any kind whatsoever of ESAB or any successor or permitted assign of ESAB (whether by merger, consolidation, Sale of assets or otherwise) which may be issued on or after the date hereof in respect of, in conversion of, in exchange for or in substitution of, the shares of ESAB Common Stock, and shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividends, or other distributions, stock splits or reverse stock splits, combinations, recapitalizations, mergers, consolidations, exchange offers or other reorganizations occurring after the date hereof.

4.10 Further Assurances. In addition to and without limiting the actions specifically provided for elsewhere in this Agreement and subject to the limitations expressly set forth in this Agreement each of the parties shall cooperate with each other and use (and shall cause its respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates to use) commercially reasonable efforts to take, or to cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or to cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary on its part under applicable law or contractual obligations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.11 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 party.

 

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Execution of this Agreement or any other documents pursuant to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic copy of a signature shall be deemed to be, and shall have the same effect as, executed by an original signature.

[The remainder of page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

COLFAX CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
ESAB CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Stockholder’s and Registration Rights Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

Form of Agreement to be Bound

THIS INSTRUMENT forms part of the Stockholder’s and Registration Rights Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of [ ● ], 2022, by and among ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ESAB”), and Colfax Corporation (to be renamed Enovis Corporation), a Delaware corporation (“Enovis”). The undersigned hereby acknowledges having received a copy of the Agreement and having read the Agreement in its entirety, and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, hereby agrees that the terms and conditions of the Agreement binding upon and inuring to the benefit of Enovis shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the undersigned and its successors and permitted assigns as if it were an original party to the Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this day of [ ● ].

 

 

(Signature of Transferee)

 

Print Name

Exhibit 10.7

FORM OF INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

This Indemnification Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of [ ● ], 2022 by and between ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and [ ● ] (“Indemnitee”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) believes that highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve publicly-held corporations as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers, and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”) require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). The Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the board of directors, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification may increase the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, as well as any rights of Indemnitees under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, and this Agreement shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and


WHEREAS, Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, and may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as an officer or director without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to serve as a [director] [officer] of the Company or, while a [director] [officer] of the Company, at the request of the Company, as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, member, employee, agent or fiduciary of another Enterprise or Other Enterprise. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by operation of law), in which event the Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to continue Indemnitee in such position. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or another Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee’s employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or another Enterprise), if any, is at will, and the Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or another Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director or officer of the Company, by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), the Bylaws, and the DGCL. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Agreement shall continue in force after Indemnitee has ceased to serve as an [officer] [director] of the Company, as provided in Section 16 hereof.

Section 2. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

(a) References to “agent” shall mean any person authorized by the Company to act for the Company, another Enterprise or Other Enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

(b) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

i. Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person (as defined below) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined below), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities unless the change in relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;

 

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ii. Change in Board. During any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 2(b)(i), 2(b)(iii) or 2(b)(iv) of this Agreement) 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 period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;

iii. Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the Surviving Entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Surviving Entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such Surviving Entity;

iv. Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and

v. Other Events. There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

For purposes of this Section 2(b), the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

(b) “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Person shall exclude (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, and (iii) any entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

(c) “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Beneficial Owner shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity.

(d) “Surviving Entity” shall mean the surviving entity in a merger or consolidation or any entity that controls, directly or indirectly, such surviving entity.

 

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(e) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, member, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of another Enterprise or Other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

(f) “Disinterested Director” shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

(g) “Enterprise” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or Other Enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, member, employee, agent or fiduciary.

(h) “Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees and other costs of experts and other professionals, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and all other disbursements, obligations or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with, or as a result of, prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a deponent or witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) Expenses incurred in connection with recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee is ultimately determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be, and (iii) for purposes of Section 14(d) of this Agreement only, Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, by litigation or otherwise. The parties agree that for the purpose of any advancement of Expenses for which Indemnitee has made written demand to the Company in accordance with this Agreement, all Expenses included in such demand that are certified by affidavit of Indemnitee’s counsel as being reasonable in the good faith judgment of such counsel shall be presumed conclusively to be reasonable. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

(i) “Independent Counsel” shall mean a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

 

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(j) The term “Proceeding” shall include any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, claim, counterclaim, cross claim, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, regulatory or investigative (formal or informal) nature, including any appeal therefrom, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, potential party, non-party witness or otherwise by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or failure to act) on Indemnitee’s part while acting pursuant to Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or Expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of Expenses can be provided under this Agreement. If the Indemnitee believes in good faith that a given situation may lead to or culminate in the institution of a Proceeding, this shall be considered a Proceeding under this paragraph.

(k) Reference to “Other Enterprise” shall include employee benefit plans (whether or not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”)) of any Enterprise (each an “employee benefit plan”); references to “fines” shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement.

Section 3. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal Proceeding had no reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

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Section 4. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court (as hereinafter defined) or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

Section 5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is a party to (or a participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with or related to each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter to the fullest extent permitted by law. For purposes of this Section 5 and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 6. Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a witness, is or was made (or asked) to respond to discovery requests in any Proceeding, or otherwise asked to participate in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith.

Section 7. Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of Expenses, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

Section 8. Additional Indemnification.

(a) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, or 5 of this Agreement, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status.

 

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(b) For purposes of Section 8(a) of this Agreement, the meaning of the phrase “to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law” shall include, but not be limited to:

i. to the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL, and

ii. to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 9. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnification payment in connection with any claim involving Indemnitee:

(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision; or

(b) for (i) an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined in Section 2(b) hereof) or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law, (ii) any reimbursement of the Company by the Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by the Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) or (iii) any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any compensation pursuant to any compensation recoupment or clawback policy adopted by the Board or the compensation committee of the Board, including but not limited to any such policy adopted to comply with stock exchange listing requirements implementing Section 10D of the Exchange Act; or

(c) except as provided in Section 14(d) of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) such payment arises in connection with any mandatory counterclaim or cross claim brought or raised by Indemnitee in any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding), or (iii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.

Section 10. Advances of Expenses. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary (other than Section 14(d) of this Agreement), the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, the Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) not initiated by Indemnitee or any Proceeding

 

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initiated by Indemnitee with the prior approval of the Board as provided in Section 9(c) of this Agreement, and such advancement shall be made within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. In accordance with Section 14(d) of this Agreement, advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. The Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that the Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced (without interest) by the Company pursuant to this Section 10, if and only to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. No other form of undertaking shall be required other than the execution of this Agreement. This Section 10 shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement.

Section 11. Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim.

(a) Indemnitee shall notify the Company in writing of any matter with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof. The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding. The omission by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

(b) The Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.

Section 12. Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification.

(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a) of this Agreement, a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case: (i) if a Change in Control shall have occurred, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; or (ii) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or,

 

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if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or Expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company promptly will advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied.

(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 12(b). If a Change in Control shall not have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising Indemnitee of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Change in Control shall have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Board, in which event the preceding sentence shall apply), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or the Delaware Court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after the later of submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a) hereof and the final disposition of the Proceeding, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by such court or by such other person as such court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 12(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

 

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(c) If the Company disputes a portion of the amounts for which indemnification is requested, the undisputed portion shall be paid and only the disputed portion withheld pending resolution of any such dispute.

Section 13. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.

(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 11(a) of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

(b) Subject to Section 14(e) of this Agreement, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 12 of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 13(b) shall not apply (i) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement and if (A) within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination the Board has resolved to submit such determination to the stockholders for their consideration at an annual meeting thereof to be held within seventy-five (75) days after such receipt and such determination is made thereat, or (B) a special meeting of stockholders is called within fifteen (15) days after such receipt for the purpose of making such determination, such meeting is held for such purpose within sixty (60) days after having been so called and such determination is made thereat, or (ii) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement.

 

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(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

(d) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors or officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser, financial advisor or other expert selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Enterprise. The provisions of this Section 13(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which the Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

(e) The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, member, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 14. Remedies of Indemnitee.

(a) Subject to Section 14(e) of this Agreement, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ninety (90) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 5, 6 or 7 of this Agreement or the second to last sentence of Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3, 4 or 8 of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) the Company or any other person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or Proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, the Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to the Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee’s entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee’s option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 14(a); provided, however, that the foregoing clause shall not apply in respect of a proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce its rights under Section 5 of this Agreement. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

 

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(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be.

(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to the Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company if, in the case of indemnification, Indemnitee is wholly successful on the underlying claims; if Indemnitee is not wholly successful on the underlying claims, then such indemnification shall be only to the extent Indemnitee is successful on such underlying claims or otherwise as permitted by law, whichever is greater.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement of Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding.

Section 15. Non-exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation.

(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement (i) shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise and (ii) shall be interpreted independently of, and without reference to, any other such rights to which

 

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Indemnitee may at any time be entitled. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

(b) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, trustees, partners, managing members, members, employees, agents or fiduciaries of the Enterprise or Other Enterprise, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, member, employee, agent or fiduciary under such policy or policies. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such claim or of the commencement of a Proceeding, as the case may be, to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable actions to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

(c) In the event of any payment made by the Company under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

(d) The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder (or for which advancement is provided hereunder) if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.

(e) The Company’s obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, member, employee, agent or fiduciary of another Enterprise or Other Enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement of Expenses from such Enterprise or Other Enterprise.

Section 16. Duration of Agreement. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of: (a) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as a [director] [officer] of the Company or, while a [director] [officer] of the Company, at the request of the Company, as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, member, employee,

 

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agent or fiduciary of an Enterprise or Other Enterprise or (b) one (1) year after the final termination of any Proceeding then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder and of any proceeding (including any appeal thereof) commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14 of this Agreement relating thereto. The indemnification and advancement of expenses rights provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, member, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other Enterprise or Other Enterprise, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s, heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, legatees and distributees. The Company shall require and shall cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company to, by written agreement, expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

Section 17. Severability. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to require or shall be construed as requiring the Company to do or fail to do any act in violation of applicable law. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

Section 18. Enforcement.

(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director or officer of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving or continuing to serve as a director or officer of the Company.

(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any directors’ and officers’ insurance maintained by the Company and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

 

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Section 19. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 20. Notice by Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to the Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise.

Section 21. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

(a) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

(b) If to the Company to

ESAB Corporation

909 Rose Avenue

8th Floor

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Attention: General Counsel

Email: Curtis.Jewell@esab.com

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 22. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

 

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Section 23. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Court”), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) appoint, to the extent such party is not otherwise subject to service of process in the State of Delaware, irrevocably The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801 as its agent in the State of Delaware as such party’s agent for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (iv) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (v) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

Section 24. Identical Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

Section 25. Miscellaneous. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

ESAB CORPORATION      INDEMNITEE
By:                                                                  
Name:     

 

Name:

Office:                                                            Address:                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                        

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit 10.8

ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

SECTION 1.

   PURPOSE      1  

SECTION 2.

   DEFINITIONS      1  

SECTION 3.

   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN      8  

3.1

   Board      8  

3.2

   Committee      8  

3.3

   Committee Authority      9  

3.4

   Deferral Arrangement      10  

3.5

   No Liability      10  

3.6

   Share Issuance/Book-Entry      10  

SECTION 4.

   STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN      11  

4.1

   Number of Shares      11  

4.2

   Incentive Stock Options      11  

4.3

   Reserved      11  

4.4

   Share Counting      11  

4.5

   Source of Shares of Stock      12  

4.6

   Fractional Shares of Stock      12  

SECTION 5.

   EFFECTIVE DATE, DURATION AND AMENDMENTS      12  

5.1

   Effective Date      12  

5.2

   Term      12  

5.3

   Amendment and Termination of the Plan      12  

SECTION 6.

   AWARD ELIGIBILITY AND LIMITATIONS      12  

6.1

   Service Providers      12  

6.2

   Successive Awards and Substitute Awards      13  

6.3

   Limitation on Awards to Outside Directors      13  

6.4

   Maximum Awards      13  

SECTION 7.

   AWARD AGREEMENT      13  

SECTION 8.

   TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS      13  

8.1

   Option Price      13  

8.2

   Vesting      14  

8.3

   Term      14  

8.4

   Termination of Service      14  

8.5

   Limitations on Exercise of Option      14  

8.6

   Method of Exercise      14  

 

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Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

          Page  

8.7

   Rights of Holders of Options      15  

8.8

   Delivery of Stock      15  

8.9

   Transferability of Options      15  

8.10

   Family Transfers      15  

8.11

   Limitations on Incentive Stock Options      15  

8.12

   Notice of Disqualifying Disposition      16  

8.13

   No Reloads      16  

8.14

   No Repricing      16  

SECTION 9.

   TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS      16  

9.1

   Right to Payment and Grant Price      16  

9.2

   Other Terms      16  

9.3

   Term      16  

9.4

   Transferability of SARS      16  

9.5

   Family Transfers      17  

9.6

   No Repricing      17  

SECTION 10.

   TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK AND STOCK UNITS      17  

10.1

   Grant of Restricted Stock or Stock Units      17  

10.2

   Restrictions; Minimum Vesting      17  

10.3

   Restricted Stock Certificates      17  

10.4

   Rights of Holders of Restricted Stock      18  

10.5

   Rights of Holders of Stock Units      18  

10.6

   Purchase of Restricted Stock      18  

10.7

   Delivery of Stock      18  

SECTION 11.

   TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF UNRESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS      19  

SECTION 12.

   FORM OF PAYMENT FOR OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK      19  

12.1

   General Rule      19  

12.2

   Surrender of Stock      19  

12.3

   Cashless Exercise; Net Exercise      19  

12.4

   Other Forms of Payment      19  

SECTION 13.

   TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT RIGHTS      19  

13.1

   Dividend Equivalent Rights      19  

 

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Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

          Page  

SECTION 14.

   TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERFORMANCE SHARES AND PERFORMANCE UNITS AWARDS      20  

14.1

   Grant of Performance Units/Performance Shares      20  

14.2

   Award Agreement      20  

14.3

   Performance Objectives      20  

14.4

   Timing For Establishing Performance Goals      20  

14.5

   Settlement of Performance Awards; Other Terms      21  

14.6

   Performance Measures      21  

14.7

   Dividends and Dividend Equivalents      21  

14.8

   Minimum Vesting Requirements      21  

SECTION 15.

   CONVERTED COLFAX AWARDS      22  

SECTION 16.

   PARACHUTE LIMITATIONS      22  

SECTION 17.

   REQUIREMENTS OF LAW      22  

17.1

   General      22  

17.2

   Rule 16b-3      23  

SECTION 18.

   ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION      23  

18.1

   Mandatory Adjustments      23  

18.2

   Discretionary Adjustments      24  

18.3

   No Fractional Shares, etc.      24  

18.4

   No Limitations on Company      24  

SECTION 19.

   GENERAL PROVISIONS      24  

19.1

   Disclaimer of Rights      24  

19.2

   Nonexclusivity of the Plan      25  

19.3

   Withholding Taxes      25  

19.4

   Captions      25  

19.5

   Other Provisions      25  

19.6

   Number and Gender      26  

19.7

   Severability      26  

19.8

   Governing Law      26  

19.9

   Section 409A of the Code      26  

19.10

   Clawback/Recoupment      26  
Appendix A      A-1  

 

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Table of Contents

ESAB Corporation

2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan

ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation, sets forth herein the terms of its 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as follows:

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

The Plan is intended to enhance the Company’s and its Affiliates’ (as defined herein) ability to attract and retain highly qualified officers, directors, and key employees, and to motivate such persons to serve the Company and its Affiliates and to expend maximum effort to improve the business results and earnings of the Company, by providing to such persons an opportunity to acquire or increase a direct proprietary interest in the operations and future success of the Company.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of interpreting the Plan and related documents (including Award Agreements), the following capitalized terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

2.1 “Affiliate” means, with respect to the Company, any company or other trade or business that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 of Regulation C under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, any Subsidiary. For purposes of granting stock options or stock appreciation rights, an entity may not be considered an Affiliate if it results in noncompliance with Code Section 409A.

2.2 “Award” means a grant of an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Unrestricted Stock, Stock Unit, Dividend Equivalent Right, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Substitute Award or Conversion Award under the Plan.

2.3 “Award Agreement” means any written agreement between the Company and a Grantee that evidences and sets out the terms and conditions of an Award. An Award Agreement may be provided in any medium, including any electronic medium.

2.4 “Benefit Arrangement” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.

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

2.6 “Business Combination has the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(3).

2.7 “Cause” means, as determined by the Board or the Committee and unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or other applicable agreement with the Company: (i) gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with the performance of duties; (ii) conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (iii) material breach of any term of any employment, consulting or other services, confidentiality, intellectual property or non-competition agreements, if any, between the Service Provider and the Company or any Affiliate.


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2.8 “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

  (1)

the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of more than fifty percent (50%) of either: (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“Voting Stock”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (1), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (iv) any acquisition by any Person (or more than one Person acting as a group) that owns more than fifty (50) percent of the Company Common Stock or Voting Stock and acquires additional shares, or (v) any acquisition by any Person pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of subsection (3) below; or

 

  (2)

individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (as modified by this subsection (2), the “Incumbent Board”), cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such nomination) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

 

  (3)

consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Company Common Stock and Voting Stock immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation,

 

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  an entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions relative to each other as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Company Common Stock and Voting Stock of the Company, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any entity resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or such entity resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%), respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination, or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or

 

  (4)

approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

A “Change in Control” will be deemed to occur (i) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (1) above, on the date that any Person becomes the beneficial owner of more than fifty percent (50%) of either the Company Common Stock or the Voting Stock, (ii) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (2) above, on the date the members of the Incumbent Board first cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to constitute at least a majority of the Board, (iii) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (3) above, on the date the applicable transaction closes and (iv) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (4) above, on the date of the stockholder approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of this Plan either solely because of a change in control of any Subsidiary by which the Grantee may be employed, or as a result of Colfax’s dividend of Stock to the stockholders of Colfax.

2.9 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now in effect or as hereafter amended.

2.10 “Colfax” means Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or its successors.

2.11 “Committee” means a committee of, and designated from time to time by resolution of, the Board, which shall be constituted as provided in Section 3.

2.12 “Company” means ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or its successors.

2.13 “Company Common Stock has the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(1).

2.14 “Conversion Award” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 15 of the Plan.

 

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2.15 “Disability” means the Grantee is unable to perform each of the essential duties of such Grantee’s position by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which is potentially permanent in character or which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months; provided, however, that, with respect to rules regarding expiration of an Incentive Stock Option following termination of the Grantee’s Service, Disability shall mean the Grantee is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.

2.16 “Dividend Equivalent Rightand “Dividend Equivalent” means a right, granted to a Grantee under Section 13 hereof, to receive cash, Stock, other Awards or other property in an amount equal in value to the dividends paid with respect to all or a specified number of shares of Stock, or other periodic payments.

2.17 “Effective Date” means the date on which the Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders.

2.18 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as now in effect or as hereafter amended.

2.19 “Exercise Price” means (a) in the case of an Option, the amount for which a share of Stock may be purchased upon exercise of such Option, and (b) in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right, the per share of Stock amount which is subtracted from the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock in determining the amount payable upon exercise of such SAR.

2.20 “Fair Market Value” means the value of a share of Stock, determined as follows: if on the Grant Date or other determination date the Stock is listed on an established national or regional stock exchange, is admitted to quotation on The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. or is publicly traded on an established securities market, the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock shall be the closing price of the Stock on such exchange or in such market (if there is more than one such exchange or market the Board or the Committee shall determine the appropriate exchange or market) on the Grant Date or such other determination date (or if there is no such reported closing price, the Fair Market Value shall be the average between the highest bid and lowest asked prices or between the high and low sale prices on such trading day) or, if no sale of Stock is reported for such trading day, on the next preceding day on which any sale shall have been reported. If the Stock is not listed on such an exchange, quoted on such system or traded on such a market, Fair Market Value shall be the value of the Stock as determined by the Board or the Committee in good faith in a manner consistent with Code Section 409A.

2.21 “Family Member” means a person who is a spouse, former spouse, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother, sister, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, of the Grantee, any person sharing the Grantee’s household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which any one or more of these persons have more than fifty percent (50%) of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which any one or more of these persons (or the Grantee) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which one or more of these persons (or the Grantee) own more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting interests.

 

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2.22 “Full Value Award” means any Award, other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, that is settled by the issuance of shares of Stock (or, at the direction of the Committee, settled in cash or other consideration by reference to the value of shares of Stock).

2.23 “Grant Date” means the date on which the Board or Committee, as applicable, adopts a resolution or takes other appropriate action, granting an Award to a Service Provider or, if a later date is set forth in such resolution, then such later date as set forth therein.

2.24 “Grantee” means a person who receives or holds an Award under the Plan.

2.25 “Incentive Stock Option” means an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, or the corresponding provision of any subsequently enacted tax statute, as amended from time to time.

2.26 “Incumbent Board has the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(2).

2.27 “Minimum Vesting Requirements” means, notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, on and after the Effective Date, the Committee shall not award more than five percent (5%) of the aggregate number of shares of Stock that are available for grant under this Plan as of the Effective Date pursuant to Awards that are solely subject to vesting conditions or performance periods that are less than one (1) year following the Grant Date of the applicable Award, subject, in each case to the Committee’s authority under this Plan to vest Awards earlier, as the Committee deems appropriate, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, in the event of a Service Provider’s termination of employment or Service or otherwise as permitted by this Plan.

2.28 “Net Exercise” means a Grantee’s ability (if authorized by the Board or the Committee) to exercise an Option by directing the Company to deduct from the shares of Stock issuable upon exercise of his or her Option a number of shares of Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the sum of the aggregate Option Price therefor plus the amount of the Grantee’s tax withholding described in Section 19.3 (if any), whereupon the Company shall issue to the Grantee the net remaining number of shares of Stock after such deduction.

2.29 “Non-qualified Stock Option” means an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

2.30 “Option” means an option to purchase one or more shares of Stock pursuant to the Plan that is either an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-qualified Stock Option.

2.31 “Option Price” means the Exercise Price for each share of Stock subject to an Option.

2.32 “Other Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.

2.33 “Outside Director” means a member of the Board who is not an officer or employee of the Company.

 

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2.34 “Performance Award” means an Award made subject to the attainment of one or more performance goals (as described in Section 14) over a Performance Period of up to ten (10) years.

2.35 “Performance-Based Compensation” means compensation under an Award that is intended to constitute performance-based compensation within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

2.36 “Performance Measures means measures as described in Section 14 and Appendix A on which the performance goals are based.

2.37 “Performance Period” means the period of time not in excess of ten (10) years during which the performance goals must be met in order to determine the degree of payout and/or vesting with respect to a Performance Award.

2.38 “Performance Share” means a Performance Award under Section 14 hereof and subject to the terms of this Plan, denominated in Stock, the value of which at the time it is payable is determined as a function of the extent to which corresponding performance criteria have been achieved.

2.39 “Performance Unit” means a Performance Award under Section 14 hereof and subject to the terms of this Plan, denominated in Stock Units, the value of which at the time it is payable is determined as a function of the extent to which corresponding performance criteria have been achieved.

2.40 “Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(1).

2.41 “Plan” means this ESAB Corporation 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as the same may be amended from time to time.

2.42 [Reserved]

2.43 “Purchase Price” means the purchase price paid by a Grantee for each share of Stock pursuant to a grant of Restricted Stock or Unrestricted Stock.

2.44 “Reporting Person” means a person who is required to file reports under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.

2.45 “Repricing” and “Repriced” means lowering of the Option Price or SAR Exercise Price or any other action that has the same effect or is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles, and includes a cancellation of an Option or SAR when its Option Price or SAR Exercise Price exceeds the Fair Market Value of the underlying Stock and exchange for another Option, SAR or other Award or a cash payment.

2.46 “Restricted Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.

2.47 “Restricted Stock” means one or more shares of Stock, awarded to a Grantee pursuant to Section 10 hereof.

 

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2.48 “SAR Exercise Price” means the per share Exercise Price of an SAR granted to a Grantee under Section 9 hereof.

2.49 “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as now in effect or as hereafter amended.

2.50 “Service” means (i) such term as defined in an applicable Award Agreement, if the Award Agreement so defines such term, or (ii) if not defined in an applicable Award Agreement, service as a Service Provider to the Company or an Affiliate. Unless otherwise stated in the applicable Award Agreement, a Grantee’s change in position or duties and periods of leave following which a Service Provider is expected to return to service with the Company or an Affiliate shall not result in interrupted or terminated Service, so long as such Grantee continues to be a Service Provider to the Company or an Affiliate. Any periods of garden leave prior to a Service Provider’s termination of service with the Company or an Affiliate shall not be considered periods of “Service” hereunder, unless the Committee determines otherwise. Subject to the preceding, whether a termination of Service shall have occurred for purposes of the Plan shall be determined by the Board or the Committee, which determination shall be final, binding and conclusive.

2.51 “Service Provider” means an employee, officer or director of the Company or an Affiliate, currently providing services to the Company or an Affiliate.

2.52 “Share Counting” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.

2.53 “Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company.

2.54 “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right granted to a Grantee under Section 9 hereof.

2.55 “Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing the equivalent of one share of Stock awarded to a Grantee pursuant to Section 10 hereof.

2.56 “Subsidiary” means any “subsidiary corporation” of the Company within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code.

2.57 “Substitute Award” means an Award granted upon assumption of, or in substitution for, an outstanding award previously granted by a company or other entity acquired by the Company or any Affiliate or with which the Company or any Affiliate combines.

2.58 “Ten Percent Stockholder” means an individual who owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of the Company, its parent or any of its Subsidiaries, within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code. In determining stock ownership, the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code shall be applied.

2.59 “Total Available Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

2.60 “Unrestricted Stock” means one or more shares of Stock, awarded to a Grantee pursuant to Section 11 hereof.

 

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2.61 “Voting Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(1).

SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

3.1 Board. The Board shall have such powers and authorities related to the administration of the Plan as are consistent with the Company’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws and applicable law. The Board shall have full power and authority to take all actions and to make all determinations required or provided for under the Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement, and shall have full power and authority to take all such other actions and make all such other determinations not inconsistent with the specific terms and provisions of the Plan that the Board deems to be necessary or appropriate to the administration of the Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement. All such actions and determinations shall be by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board present at a meeting or by unanimous consent of the Board executed in writing in accordance with the Company’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws and applicable law. The interpretation and construction by the Board of any provision of the Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement shall be final, binding and conclusive.

3.2 Committee. The Board hereby delegates to the Compensation Committee of the Board, which shall be the Committee hereunder until such time as a replacement Committee is so designated by the Board, such powers and authorities related to the administration and implementation of the Plan, as set forth in Section 3.1 above and Section 3.3 below.

(i) Except as provided in Subsection (ii) and except as the Board may otherwise determine, the Committee, and any successor thereto appointed by the Board to administer the Plan shall consist of two or more Outside Directors of the Company who meet such requirements as may be established from time to time by the Securities and Exchange Commission for plans intended to qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3 (or its successor) under the Exchange Act, and who comply with the independence requirements of the stock exchange on which the Stock is listed.

(ii) The Board may also appoint one or more separate committees, each composed of one or more directors of the Company who need not be Outside Directors or one or more officers of the Company who need not be members of the Board, who may, within specified parameters, administer the Plan with respect to employees or other Service Providers who are not officers or directors of the Company, may grant Awards under the Plan to such employees or other Service Providers, and may determine all terms of such Awards.

(iii) The Committee may delegate to any appropriate officer or employee of the Company or an Affiliate responsibility for performing ministerial and administrative functions under the Plan.

(iv) In the event that the Committee’s authority is delegated to any officer or employee in accordance with this Section 3.2, any actions undertaken by such person in accordance with the Committee’s delegation of authority shall have the same force and effect as if undertaken directly by the Committee, and any reference in the Plan to the Committee shall, to the extent consistent with the terms and limitations of such delegation, be deemed to include a reference to such officer or employee.

 

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In the event that the Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement entered into hereunder provides for any action to be taken by or determination to be made by the Board, such action may be taken or such determination may be made by the Committee if the power and authority to do so has been delegated to the Committee by the Board as provided for in this Section. Unless otherwise expressly determined by the Board, any such action or determination by the Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive. To the extent permitted by law, the Committee may delegate its authority under the Plan to a member of the Board.

3.3 Committee Authority. Subject to the other terms and conditions of the Plan, the Committee shall have full and final authority to:

(i) designate Grantees;

(ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be made to a Grantee;

(iii) determine the number of shares of Stock to be subject to an Award;

(iv) subject to the Minimum Vesting Requirements, establish the terms, conditions, restrictions and other provisions of each Award (including, but not limited to, the exercise price of any Option, the nature and duration of any restriction or condition (or provision for lapse thereof) relating to the vesting, exercise, transfer, or forfeiture of an Award or the shares of Stock subject thereto, and any terms or conditions that may be necessary to qualify Options as Incentive Stock Options);

(v) prescribe the form of each Award Agreement evidencing an Award, which need not be identical for each Grantee;

(vi) Grant Awards;

(vii) Establish performance conditions and goals for Performance Awards, and verify the level of performance attained with respect to such performance conditions and goals;

(viii) Adopt sub-plans or supplements to, or alternative versions of, the Plan as the Committee deems necessary or desirable to comply with laws or regulations or to accommodate the tax policy or custom of, foreign jurisdictions.

(ix) correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement,

(x) establish, adopt or revise rules, guidelines and policies for the administration of the Plan;

 

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(xi) amend, modify, or supplement the terms of any outstanding Award. Such authority specifically includes the authority, in order to effectuate the purposes of the Plan but without amending the Plan, to modify Awards to eligible individuals who are foreign nationals or are individuals who are employed outside the United States to recognize differences in local law, tax policy, or custom. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment, modification or supplement of any Award shall, without the consent of the Grantee, materially impair the Grantee’s rights under such Award. In addition, notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee shall not have the discretion to accelerate the vesting of any outstanding Awards, except that the Committee may accelerate the vesting of Awards in the event of a Grantee’s death or Disability or as provided in Section 18 of the Plan; and

(xii) make all other decisions and determinations, and take such other actions with respect to the Plan or any Award as the Committee shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable for the administration of the Plan and any Award.

The express grant of any specific power to the Committee, and the taking of any action by the Committee, shall not be construed as limiting any power or authority of the Committee. The Company may retain the right in an Award Agreement to cause a forfeiture of the gain realized by a Grantee on account of actions taken by the Grantee in violation or breach of or in conflict with any employment agreement, non-competition agreement, any agreement prohibiting solicitation of employees or clients of the Company or any Affiliate thereof or any confidentiality obligation with respect to the Company or any Affiliate thereof or otherwise in competition with the Company or any Affiliate thereof, to the extent specified in such Award Agreement applicable to the Grantee. Furthermore, the Company may annul an Award if the Grantee is an employee of the Company or an Affiliate thereof and is terminated for Cause.

3.4 Deferral Arrangement. The Board or the Committee may permit or require the deferral of any Award payment into a deferred compensation arrangement, subject to such rules and procedures as it may establish, which may include provisions for the payment or crediting of interest or dividend equivalents, including converting such credits into deferred Stock equivalents. Any such deferrals shall be made in a manner that complies with Code Section 409A.

3.5 No Liability. No member of the Board or of the Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award or Award Agreement.

3.6 Share Issuance/Book-Entry. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, the issuance of shares of Stock under the Plan may be evidenced in such a manner as the Board or Committee, in its discretion, deems appropriate, including, without limitation, book-entry registration on a non-certificated basis or issuance of one or more Stock certificates, subject to applicable law and the rules of the applicable stock exchange. Any reference to the issuance of Stock certificates to a Grantee shall be deemed to include any such issuance of the Stock.

 

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SECTION 4. STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

4.1 Number of Shares. Subject to the Share Counting rules set forth in Section 4.4 and to adjustment as provided in Section 18, the aggregate number of shares of Stock reserved and available for issuance pursuant to Awards (including Conversion Awards) granted under the Plan shall be 5,500,000 shares, which number may be increased by the number of shares available for issuance under a stockholder-approved plan of a business entity that is a party to an acquisition, merger or other transaction in which the Company or an Affiliate acquires the business entity (as appropriately adjusted, if necessary, to reflect such transaction) (“Total Available Shares”).

4.2 Incentive Stock Options. The maximum number of shares of Stock that may be issued upon exercise of Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be 5,500,000 shares, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 18.

4.3 [Reserved]

4.4 Share Counting.

(i) The number of shares of Stock covered by an Award, or to which an Award relates, shall be subtracted from the Total Available Shares reserve as of the Grant Date.

(ii) To the extent an Award (including any Conversion Award) is canceled, terminates, expires, is forfeited or lapses for any reason (in whole or in part), any unissued or forfeited shares of Stock subject to the Award shall be added back to the Total Available Shares reserve and available again for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan.

(iii) Any shares of Stock related to Awards that are settled in cash or other consideration in lieu of shares of Stock shall be added back to the Total Available Shares reserve and available again for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan.

(iv) Shares of Stock withheld or deducted from an Award by the Company to satisfy tax withholding requirements relating to Options or Stock Appreciation Rights shall not be added back to the Total Available Shares reserve and shall not again be available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan, but shares of Stock withheld or deducted by the Company to satisfy tax withholding requirements relating to Full Value Awards shall be added back to the Total Available Shares reserve and available again for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan. Shares of Stock delivered by a Grantee to the Company to satisfy tax withholding requirements shall be treated in the same way as shares of Stock withheld or deducted from an Award as specified above for purposes of Share Counting under this Section 4.4.

(v) If the full number of shares of Stock subject to an Option or a Stock-settled Stock Appreciation Right is not issued upon exercise of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right for any reason, including by reason of a net settlement or Net Exercise, all such shares of Stock that were covered by the exercised Option or SAR shall not be added back to the Total Available Shares reserve and shall not again be available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan.

(vi) If the Exercise Price of an Option is satisfied by the Grantee delivering shares of Stock to the Company (by either actual delivery or attestation), such shares of Stock shall not be added to the Total Available Shares reserve and shall not be available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan.

 

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(vii) To the extent that the full number of shares of Stock subject to a Performance Award (other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right) is not issued by reason of failure to achieve maximum performance goals, the number of shares of Stock not issued shall be added back to the Total Available Shares reserve and shall be available again for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan.

(viii) Shares of Stock repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of an Option exercise shall not be added to the Total Available Shares reserve and shall not be available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan.

(ix) Any Dividend Equivalent denominated in shares of Stock shall be counted against the Total Available Shares in such amount and at such time as the Dividend Equivalent first constitutes a commitment to issue shares of Stock.

(x) Substitute Awards granted shall not count against the Total Available Shares reserve.

4.5 Source of Shares of Stock. Shares of Stock issued under the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares of Stock.

4.6 Fractional Shares of Stock. No fractional shares of Stock shall be issued under or pursuant to the Plan or any Award and the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, whether cash shall be given in lieu of fractional shares of Stock or whether such fractional shares of Stock shall be eliminated by rounding down.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE, DURATION AND AMENDMENTS

5.1 Effective Date. The Plan shall be effective on the Effective Date.

5.2 Term. The Plan shall terminate automatically on the ten (10) year anniversary of the Effective Date set forth in Section 5.1 and may be terminated on any earlier date as provided in Section 5.3. Any Awards of Incentive Stock Options shall be granted within the time periods provided in Section 8.3. No termination of the Plan shall have any effect on any Awards then outstanding under the Plan.

5.3 Amendment and Termination of the Plan. The Board may, at any time and from time to time, amend, suspend, or terminate the Plan as to any shares of Stock as to which Awards have not been made. An amendment shall be contingent on approval of the Company’s stockholders to the extent stated by the Board, required by applicable law or required by applicable stock exchange listing requirements. No Awards shall be made after termination of the Plan. No amendment, suspension, or termination of the Plan shall, without the consent of the Grantee, materially impair rights or obligations under any Award theretofore awarded under the Plan.

SECTION 6. AWARD ELIGIBILITY AND LIMITATIONS

6.1 Service Providers. Subject to this Section 6, Awards may be made under the Plan to any Service Provider to the Company or of any Affiliate, including any Service Provider who is an officer or director of the Company or of any Affiliate, as the Board or the Committee shall determine and designate from time to time.

 

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6.2 Successive Awards and Substitute Awards. An eligible person may receive more than one Award, subject to such restrictions as are provided herein. Notwithstanding Sections 8.1 and 9.1, the Option Price of an Option or the grant price of an SAR that is a Substitute Award may be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the original date of grant; provided, that the Option Price or grant price is determined in accordance with the principles of Code Section 424, Code Section 409A, and the regulations thereunder. Substitute Awards may be granted (on such terms and conditions as the Committee determines appropriate) in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, stock and stock-based awards held by employees, directors and other service providers of another entity who, pursuant to an acquisition (whether by purchase, merger or other Change in Control) by the Company or an Affiliate, become employees, directors or other service providers of the Company or an Affiliate.

6.3 Limitation on Awards to Outside Directors. Subject to Section 15, the aggregate dollar value of equity-based (based on the Grant Date’s Fair Market Value of equity-based Awards) and cash compensation granted under this Plan or otherwise during any calendar year to any Outside Director shall not exceed Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000); provided, however, that in the calendar year in which an Outside Director first joins the Board or is first designated as Chairman of the Board or Lead Director, the maximum aggregate dollar value of equity-based and cash compensation granted to the Outside Director may be up to two hundred percent (200%) of the foregoing limit.

6.4 Maximum Awards. Subject to Section 15 and to adjustment as provided in Section 18, the maximum number of shares of Stock underlying Awards to any one Grantee during any fiscal year of the Company shall be 1,000,000.

SECTION 7. AWARD AGREEMENT

Each Award granted pursuant to the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, in such form or forms as the Board or the Committee shall from time to time determine. Award Agreements granted from time to time or at the same time need not contain similar provisions but shall be consistent with the terms of the Plan. Each Award Agreement evidencing an Award of Options shall specify whether such Options are intended to be Non-qualified Stock Options or Incentive Stock Options, and in the absence of such specification such Options shall be deemed Non-qualified Stock Options.

SECTION 8. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS

8.1 Option Price. The Option Price of each Option shall be fixed by the Board or the Committee and stated in the Award Agreement evidencing such Option. Except for Substitute Awards and Conversion Awards, the Option Price of each Option shall be at least the Fair Market Value on the Grant Date of a share of Stock; provided, however, that in the event that a Grantee is a Ten Percent Stockholder, the Option Price of an Option granted to such Grantee that is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the Grant Date. In no case shall the Option Price of any Option be less than the par value of a share of Stock.

 

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8.2 Vesting. Subject to Sections 8.3 and 18 hereof, each Option granted under the Plan shall become exercisable at such times and under such conditions (including conditions based on achievement of performance goals and/or future service requirements) as shall be determined by the Board or the Committee and stated in the Award Agreement. Except for Substitute Awards, Conversion Awards and the Minimum Vesting Requirements exceptions, Options shall have a vesting period of at least twelve (12) months from the Grant Date. For purposes of this Section 8.2, fractional numbers of shares of Stock subject to an Option shall be rounded down to the next nearest whole number.

8.3 Term. Each Option granted under the Plan shall terminate, and all rights to purchase shares of Stock thereunder shall cease, upon the expiration of ten (10) years from the date such Option is granted, or under such circumstances and on such date prior thereto as is set forth in the Plan or as may be fixed by the Board or the Committee and stated in the Award Agreement relating to such Option; provided, however, that (i) in the event that the Grantee is a Ten Percent Stockholder, an Option granted to such Grantee that is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall not be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from its Grant Date; and (ii) such term shall be automatically extended by thirty (30) days (but to no longer than ten (10) years for any Option that intended to be an Incentive Stock Option or to no longer than five (5) years for any Option that intended to be an Incentive Stock Option and is granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder) in the event that the original term of the Option is set to expire during a closed window period applicable to the Grantee. Any Award of an Incentive Stock Option must be made prior to April 3, 2030.

8.4 Termination of Service. Each Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the Grantee shall have the right to exercise the Option following termination of the Grantee’s Service. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Board or the Committee, need not be uniform among all Options granted pursuant to the Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination of Service.

8.5 Limitations on Exercise of Option. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, in no event may any Option be exercised, in whole or in part, prior to the date the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company as provided herein or after the occurrence of an event referred to in Section 18 hereof which results in termination of the Option.

8.6 Method of Exercise. Subject to such rules and procedures as may be established by the Board or the Committee, the provisions of this Section 8.6 shall apply to the exercise of Options. An Option that is exercisable may be exercised by the Grantee’s delivery to the Company of written notice of exercise on any business day, at the Company’s principal office, on the form specified by the Company. Such notice shall specify the number of shares of Stock with respect to which the Option is being exercised; and, subject to Section 12, unless the Board or Committee in its discretion permits payment through a “cashless exercise” or Net Exercise procedure, shall be accompanied by payment in full of the Option Price of the shares of Stock for which the Option is being exercised plus the amount (if any) of federal and/or other taxes which the Company may, in its judgment, be required to withhold with respect to an Award. The minimum number of shares of Stock with respect to which an Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, at any time shall be the lesser of (i) one hundred (100) shares or such lesser number set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and (ii) the maximum number of shares available for purchase under the Option at the time of exercise.

 

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8.7 Rights of Holders of Options. An individual holding or exercising an Option shall have none of the rights of a stockholder (for example, the right to receive cash or dividend payments or distributions attributable to the subject shares of Stock or to direct the voting of the subject shares of Stock) until the shares of Stock covered thereby are fully paid for and issued to the Grantee. Except as provided in Section 18 hereof, no adjustment shall be made for dividends, distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date of such issuance.

8.8 Delivery of Stock. Promptly after the exercise of an Option by a Grantee and the payment in full of the Option Price, such Grantee shall be entitled to the issuance of the shares of Stock subject to the Option pursuant to Section 3.6.

8.9 Transferability of Options. Except as provided in Section 8.10, during the lifetime of a Grantee, only the Grantee (or, in the event of legal incapacity or incompetency, the Grantee’s guardian or legal representative) may exercise an Option. Except as provided in Section 8.10, no Option shall be assignable or transferable by the Grantee to whom it is granted, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

8.10 Family Transfers. If authorized in the applicable Award Agreement, a Grantee may transfer, not for value, all or part of an Option which is not an Incentive Stock Option to any Family Member. For the purpose of this Section 8.10, a “not for value” transfer is a transfer which is (i) a gift, (ii) a transfer under a domestic relations order in settlement of marital property rights; or (iii) a transfer to an entity in which more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting interests are owned by Family Members (or the Grantee) in exchange for an interest in that entity. Following a transfer under this Section 8.10, any such Option shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to transfer. Subsequent transfers of transferred Options are prohibited except to Family Members of the original Grantee in accordance with this Section 8.10 or by will or the laws of descent and distribution. The events of termination of Service of Section 8.4 hereof shall continue to be applied with respect to the original Grantee, following which the Option shall be exercisable by the transferee only to the extent, and for the periods specified, in Section 8.4.

8.11 Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. An Option shall constitute an Incentive Stock Option only (i) if the Grantee of such Option is an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; (ii) to the extent specifically provided in the related Award Agreement; and (iii) to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time the Option is granted) of the shares of Stock with respect to which all Incentive Stock Options held by such Grantee become exercisable for the first time during any calendar year (under the Plan and all other plans of the Company and its Affiliates) does not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000). This limitation shall be applied by taking Options into account in the order in which they were granted.

 

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8.12 Notice of Disqualifying Disposition. If any Grantee shall make any disposition of shares of Stock issued pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option under the circumstances described in Code Section 421(b) (relating to certain disqualifying dispositions), such Grantee shall notify the Company of such disposition within ten (10) days thereof.

8.13 No Reloads. Award Agreements for Options shall not contain any provision entitling a Grantee to the automatic grant of additional Options in connection with the exercise of the original Option.

8.14 No Repricing. Except as contemplated by the provisions of Section 18, outstanding Options will not be repriced without the prior approval of the Company’s stockholders.

SECTION 9. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

9.1 Right to Payment and Grant Price. A Stock Appreciation Right shall confer on the Grantee to whom it is granted a right to receive, upon exercise thereof, the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the date of exercise over (B) the SAR Exercise Price as determined by the Board or the Committee. The Award Agreement for an SAR shall specify the SAR Exercise Price, which shall be at least the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the Grant Date. SARs may be granted in conjunction with all or part of an Option granted under the Plan or at any subsequent time during the term of such Option, in conjunction with all or part of any other Award or without regard to any Option or other Award; provided that an SAR that is granted subsequent to the Grant Date of a related Option must have a SAR Exercise Price that is no less than the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the Grant Date of the SAR.

9.2 Other Terms. The Board or the Committee shall determine at the Grant Date, the time or times at which and the circumstances under which an SAR may be exercised in whole or in part (including based on achievement of performance goals and/or future service requirements), the time or times at which SARs shall cease to be or become exercisable following termination of Service or upon other conditions, the method of exercise, method of settlement, form of consideration payable in settlement, method by or forms in which Stock will be delivered or deemed to be delivered to Grantees, whether or not an SAR shall be in tandem or in combination with any other Award, and any other terms and conditions of any SAR. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except for Substitute Awards, Conversion Awards and the Minimum Vesting Requirements exceptions, SARs shall have a vesting period of at least twelve (12) months from the Grant Date.

9.3 Term. Each SAR granted under the Plan shall terminate, and all rights thereunder shall cease, upon the expiration of ten years from the date such SAR is granted, or under such circumstances and on such date prior thereto as is set forth in the Plan or as may be fixed by the Board or the Committee and stated in the Award Agreement relating to such SAR; provided, however, that such term shall be automatically extended by thirty (30) days in the event that the original term of the SAR is set to expire during a closed window period applicable to the Grantee.

9.4 Transferability of SARS. Except as provided in Section 9.5, during the lifetime of a Grantee, only the Grantee (or, in the event of legal incapacity or incompetency, the Grantee’s guardian or legal representative) may exercise a SAR. Except as provided in Section 9.5, no SAR shall be assignable or transferable by the Grantee to whom it is granted, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

 

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9.5 Family Transfers. If authorized in the applicable Award Agreement, a Grantee may transfer, not for value, all or part of a SAR to any Family Member. For the purpose of this Section 9.5, a “not for value” transfer is a transfer which is (i) a gift, (ii) a transfer under a domestic relations order in settlement of marital property rights; or (iii) a transfer to an entity in which more than fifty percent of the voting interests are owned by Family Members (or the Grantee) in exchange for an interest in that entity. Following a transfer under this Section 9.5, any such SAR shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to transfer. Subsequent transfers of transferred SARs are prohibited except to Family Members of the original Grantee in accordance with this Section 9.5 or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

9.6 No Repricing. Except as contemplated by the provisions of Section 18, outstanding Stock Appreciation Rights will not be repriced without the prior approval of the Company’s stockholders.

SECTION 10. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK AND STOCK UNITS

10.1 Grant of Restricted Stock or Stock Units. Each Award of Restricted Stock or Stock Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and may be made for no consideration (other than par value of the shares of Stock which is deemed paid by Services already rendered). Settlement of each Award of Stock Units shall be in cash, Stock, other property or a combination thereof, in the discretion of the Committee.

10.2 Restrictions; Minimum Vesting. At the time a grant of Restricted Stock or Stock Units is made, the Board or the Committee may, in its sole discretion, establish a period of time (a “Restricted Period”) applicable to such Restricted Stock or Stock Units. Each Award of Restricted Stock or Stock Units may be subject to a different Restricted Period. The Board or the Committee may, in its sole discretion, at the time a grant of Restricted Stock or Stock Units is made, prescribe restrictions in addition to or other than the expiration of the Restricted Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except for Substitute Awards, Conversion Awards and the Minimum Vesting Requirements exceptions, Awards of Restricted Stock or Stock Units subject solely to continued Service with the Company or an Affiliate shall have a vesting period of at least twelve (12) months from the Grant Date. Neither Restricted Stock nor Stock Units may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of during the Restricted Period or prior to the satisfaction of any other restrictions prescribed by the Board or the Committee with respect to such Restricted Stock or Stock Units.

10.3 Restricted Stock Certificates. The Company shall issue, in the name of each Grantee to whom Restricted Stock has been granted, stock certificates or book-entry registered shares pursuant to Section 3.6 representing the total number of shares of Restricted Stock granted to the Grantee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Grant Date. The Secretary of the Company shall hold such certificates for the Grantee’s benefit until such time as the Restricted Stock is forfeited to the Company or the restrictions lapse, or such certificates or book-entry registered shares shall be delivered to the Grantee, provided, however, that such certificates or book-entry registered shares shall bear a legend or legends that comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and makes appropriate reference to the restrictions imposed under the Plan and the Award Agreement.

 

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10.4 Rights of Holders of Restricted Stock. Unless the Board or the Committee otherwise provides in an Award Agreement, holders of Restricted Stock shall have the right to vote such Stock and the right to receive any dividends declared or paid with respect to such Stock. The Board or the Committee may provide that any dividends paid on Restricted Stock must be reinvested in shares of Stock, which may or may not be subject to the same vesting conditions and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock. All distributions, if any, received by a Grantee with respect to Restricted Stock as a result of any stock split, stock dividend, combination of shares, or other similar transaction shall be subject to the restrictions applicable to the original Award.

10.5 Rights of Holders of Stock Units.

(i) Voting and Dividend Rights. Holders of Stock Units shall have no rights as stockholders of the Company. The Board or the Committee may provide in an Award Agreement evidencing a grant of Stock Units that the holder of such Stock Units shall be entitled to receive, upon the Company’s payment of a cash dividend on its outstanding Stock, a cash payment for each Stock Unit held equal to the per-share dividend paid on the Stock. Such Award Agreement may also provide that such cash payment will be deemed reinvested in additional Stock Units at a price per unit equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date that such dividend is paid.

(ii) Creditor’s Rights. A holder of Stock Units shall have no rights other than those of a general creditor of the Company. Stock Units represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Award Agreement.

10.6 Purchase of Restricted Stock. The Grantee shall be required, to the extent required by applicable law, to purchase the Restricted Stock from the Company at a Purchase Price equal to the greater of (i) the aggregate par value of the shares of Stock represented by such Restricted Stock, or (ii) the Purchase Price, if any, specified in the Award Agreement relating to such Restricted Stock. The Purchase Price shall be payable in a form described in Section 12 or, in the discretion of the Board or the Committee, in consideration for past Services rendered to the Company or an Affiliate.

10.7 Delivery of Stock. Upon the expiration or termination of any Restricted Period and the satisfaction of any other conditions prescribed by the Board or the Committee, the restrictions applicable to shares of Restricted Stock or Stock Units shall lapse, and, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, a stock certificate or book-entry registration for such shares shall be delivered, free of all such restrictions, to the Grantee or the Grantee’s beneficiary or estate, as the case may be. Neither the Grantee, nor the Grantee’s beneficiary or estate, shall have any further rights with regard to a Stock Unit once the share of Stock represented by the Stock Unit (or cash or other property, as applicable) has been delivered.

 

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SECTION 11. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF UNRESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS

The Board or the Committee may, in its sole discretion, grant (or sell at par value or such other higher Purchase Price determined by the Board or the Committee) an Award of Unrestricted Stock to any Grantee pursuant to which such Grantee may receive shares of Stock free of any restrictions (“Unrestricted Stock”) under the Plan. Awards of Unrestricted Stock may be granted or sold as described in the preceding sentence in respect of past Services and other valid consideration, or in lieu of, or in addition to, any cash compensation due to such Grantee.

SECTION 12. FORM OF PAYMENT FOR OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK

12.1 General Rule. Payment of the Option Price for the shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of an Option or the Purchase Price for Restricted Stock shall be made in cash or in cash equivalents acceptable to the Company.

12.2 Surrender of Stock. To the extent the Award Agreement so provides, payment of the Option Price for shares of Stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of an Option or the Purchase Price for Restricted Stock may be made all or in part through the tender to the Company of shares of Stock, which shall be valued, for purposes of determining the extent to which the Option Price or Purchase Price has been paid thereby, at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise or surrender.

12.3 Cashless Exercise; Net Exercise. With respect to an Option only (and not with respect to Restricted Stock), to the extent permitted by law and to the extent the Award Agreement so provides, payment of the Option Price for shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of an Option may be made all or in part by (i) delivery (on a form acceptable to the Board or the Committee) of an irrevocable direction to a licensed securities broker acceptable to the Company to sell shares of Stock and to deliver all or part of the sales proceeds to the Company in payment of the Option Price and any withholding taxes described in Section 19.3, or (ii) a Net Exercise.

12.4 Other Forms of Payment. To the extent the Award Agreement so provides, payment of the Option Price for shares purchased pursuant to exercise of an Option or the Purchase Price for Restricted Stock may be made in any other form that is consistent with applicable laws, regulations and rules.

SECTION 13. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT RIGHTS

13.1 Dividend Equivalent Rights. A Dividend Equivalent Right is an Award entitling the recipient to receive credits based on cash distributions that would have been paid on the shares of Stock specified in the Dividend Equivalent Right (or other Award to which it relates) if such shares of Stock had been issued to and held by the recipient. A Dividend Equivalent Right may be granted hereunder to any Grantee, provided that no Dividend Equivalent Rights may be granted in connection with, or related to, an Award of Options or SARs. The terms and conditions of Dividend Equivalent Rights shall be specified in the Award Agreement. Dividend Equivalents credited to the holder of a Dividend Equivalent Right may be paid currently or at the end of any applicable vesting period, or may be deemed to be reinvested in additional shares of Stock, which may thereafter accrue additional equivalents. Any such reinvestment shall be at Fair Market Value on the date of reinvestment. Dividend Equivalent Rights may be settled in cash or Stock or a

 

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combination thereof, in a single installment or installments, all determined in the sole discretion of the Board or the Committee. A Dividend Equivalent Right granted as a component of another Award may provide that such Dividend Equivalent Right shall be settled upon exercise, settlement, or payment of, or lapse of restrictions on, such other Award, and that such Dividend Equivalent Right shall expire or be forfeited or annulled under the same conditions as such other Award. A Dividend Equivalent Right granted as a component of another Award also may contain terms and conditions which are different from the terms and conditions of such other Award, provided that Dividend Equivalent Rights credited pursuant to a Dividend Equivalent Right granted as a component of another Award which vests or is earned based upon the achievement of performance goals shall not vest or become payable unless such performance goals for such underlying Award are achieved, and if such performance goals are not achieved, the Grantee of such Dividend Equivalent Rights shall promptly forfeit and repay to the Company payments made in connection with such Dividend Equivalent Rights. Awards of Dividend Equivalent rights shall be subject to the Minimum Vesting Requirements.

SECTION 14. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERFORMANCE SHARES AND PERFORMANCE UNITS AWARDS

14.1 Grant of Performance Units/Performance Shares. Subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, the Board or Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Awards of Performance Units and/or Performance Shares to Grantees in such amounts and upon such terms as the Board or Committee shall determine.

14.2 Award Agreement. Each Award of Performance Shares or Performance Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the number of Performance Shares or Performance Units subject to the Award, the performance objectives (which may include Performance Measures), the Performance Period applicable to the Award, any other conditions or restrictions on the Award, and such other terms and conditions as the Board or Committee, in its discretion, determines and as are consistent with this Plan. Each Performance Share shall have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date.

14.3 Performance Objectives. Any grant of Performance Shares or Performance Units shall specify performance objectives (which may include Performance Measures), which, if achieved, will result in payment or early payment of the Award. Each grant shall specify a minimum acceptable level of achievement of the performance objectives and shall set forth a formula for determining the number of Performance Shares or Performance Units that will be earned if performance is at or above minimum level, but falls short of full achievement of the specified performance objectives. Before the Performance Shares or Performance Units shall be earned and paid, the Committee must determine the level of achievement of the performance objectives.

14.4 Timing For Establishing Performance Goals. For Performance Awards other than Options that are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, performance goals shall be established not later than ninety (90) days after the beginning of any performance period applicable to such Awards, or at such other date as may be required or permitted for “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder.

 

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14.5 Settlement of Performance Awards; Other Terms. Settlement of Performance Awards shall be in cash, Stock, other property or a combination thereof, in the discretion of the Committee. The Committee may, in its discretion, reduce the amount of a settlement otherwise to be made in connection with such Performance Awards. The Committee shall specify the circumstances in which such Performance Awards shall be paid or forfeited in the event of termination of Service by the Grantee prior to the end of a performance period or settlement of Performance Awards.

14.6 Performance Measures. Any Performance Measure(s) may be used to measure the performance of the Company, any Subsidiary, and/or any Affiliate as a whole or any business unit of the Company, any Subsidiary, and/or any Affiliate or any combination thereof, as the Committee may deem appropriate, or any of the Performance Measures as compared to the performance of a group of comparator companies, or published or special index that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, or the Company may select share price, including growth measures and total stockholder return as compared to various stock market indices. The Committee also has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of any Performance Award based on the achievement of performance goals pursuant to the Performance Measures.

(i) Evaluation of Performance. The Committee may provide in any Award Agreement that any evaluation of performance may include or exclude any of the following events that occur during a Performance Period: (a) asset write-downs; (b) litigation or claim judgments or settlements; (c) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or provisions affecting reported results; (d) any reorganization and restructuring programs; (e) events or circumstances that are unusual in nature or infrequently occurring; (f) acquisitions or divestitures; and (g) foreign exchange gains and losses.

(ii) Adjustment of Performance-Based Compensation. Awards that are intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation may be adjusted upward or downward, either on a formula or discretionary basis, or any combination as the Committee determines.

14.7 Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. The Committee may, at the Grant Date of Performance Shares or Performance Units, provide for payment of dividends or dividend equivalents to the Grantee either in cash or in additional Shares, subject in all cases to deferral and payment on a contingent basis based on Grantee’s earning of the Performance Shares or Performance Units with respect to which such dividend equivalents or dividends are paid.

14.8 Minimum Vesting Requirements. Except for Substitute Awards, Conversion Awards and the Minimum Vesting Requirements exceptions, Awards of Performance Shares and Performance Units shall have a vesting period of at least twelve (12) months from the Grant Date.

 

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SECTION 15. CONVERTED COLFAX AWARDS

The Company is authorized to issue Awards (“Conversion Awards”) in connection with the equitable adjustment and/or replacement of certain equity-based awards granted by Colfax prior to the separation of the Company from Colfax (the “Separation”) (collectively, the “Colfax Awards”). Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, in accordance with a formula for conversion and/or replacement of the Colfax Awards as determined by the Company in a manner consistent with the Separation, the number of shares of Stock subject to a Conversion Award and the exercise price of any Conversion Award that is an Option shall be determined by the Committee.

SECTION 16. PARACHUTE LIMITATIONS

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan or of any Award Agreement or other agreement, contract, or understanding heretofore or hereafter entered into by a Grantee with the Company or any Affiliate, except an agreement, contract, or understanding that expressly addresses Section 280G or Section 4999 of the Code (an “Other Agreement”), and notwithstanding any formal or informal plan or other arrangement for the direct or indirect provision of compensation to the Grantee (including groups or classes of Grantees or beneficiaries of which the Grantee is a member), whether or not such compensation is deferred, is in cash, or is in the form of a benefit to or for the Grantee (a “Benefit Arrangement”), if the Grantee is a “disqualified individual,” as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code, any Option, Restricted Stock, Stock Unit, Performance Share or Performance Unit held by that Grantee and any right to receive any payment or other benefit under this Plan shall not become exercisable or vested (i) to the extent that such right to exercise, vesting, payment, or benefit, taking into account all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the Grantee under this Plan, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements, would cause any payment or benefit to the Grantee under this Plan to be considered a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code as then in effect (a “Parachute Payment”), and (ii) if, as a result of receiving a Parachute Payment, the aggregate after-tax amounts received by the Grantee from the Company under this Plan, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements would be less than the maximum after-tax amount that could be received by the Grantee without causing any such payment or benefit to be considered a Parachute Payment. In the event that the receipt of any such right to exercise, vesting, payment, or benefit under this Plan, in conjunction with all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the Grantee under any Other Agreement or any Benefit Arrangement would cause the Grantee to be considered to have received a Parachute Payment under this Plan that would have the effect of decreasing the after-tax amount received by the Grantee as described in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, then the Grantee shall have the right, in the Grantee’s sole discretion, to designate those rights, payments, or benefits under this Plan, any Other Agreements, and any Benefit Arrangements that should be reduced or eliminated so as to avoid having the payment or benefit to the Grantee under this Plan be deemed to be a Parachute Payment.

SECTION 17. REQUIREMENTS OF LAW

17.1 General. The Company shall not be required to sell or issue any shares of Stock under any Award if the sale or issuance of such shares of Stock would constitute a violation by the Grantee, any other individual exercising an Option, or the Company of any provision of any law or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation any federal or state securities laws or regulations. If at any time the Company shall determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of any shares of Stock subject to an Award upon any securities exchange or under any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a

 

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condition of, or in connection with, the issuance or purchase of shares of Stock hereunder, no shares of Stock may be issued or sold to the Grantee or any other individual exercising an Option pursuant to such Award unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company, and any delay caused thereby shall in no way affect the date of termination of the Award. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in connection with the Securities Act, upon the exercise of any Option or any SAR that may be settled in shares of Stock or the delivery of any shares of Stock underlying an Award, unless a registration statement under such Securities Act is in effect with respect to the shares of Stock covered by such Award, the Company shall not be required to sell or issue such shares unless the Board has received evidence satisfactory to it that the Grantee or any other individual exercising an Option may acquire such shares pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Any determination in this connection by the Board shall be final, binding, and conclusive. The Company may, but shall in no event be obligated to, register any securities covered hereby pursuant to the Securities Act. The Company shall not be obligated to take any affirmative action in order to cause the exercise of an Option or a SAR or the issuance of shares of Stock pursuant to the Plan to comply with any law or regulation of any governmental authority. As to any jurisdiction that expressly imposes the requirement that an Option (or SAR that may be settled in shares of Stock) shall not be exercisable until the shares of Stock covered by such Option (or SAR) are registered or are exempt from registration, the exercise of such Option (or SAR) under circumstances in which the laws of such jurisdiction apply shall be deemed conditioned upon the effectiveness of such registration or the availability of such an exemption.

17.2 Rule 16b-3. During any time when the Company has a class of equity security registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, it is the intent of the Company that Awards pursuant to the Plan and the exercise of Options and SARs granted hereunder will qualify for the exemption provided by Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. To the extent that any provision of the Plan or action by the Board does not comply with the requirements of Rule 16b-3, it shall be deemed inoperative to the extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Board, and shall not affect the validity of the Plan. In the event that Rule 16b-3 is revised or replaced, the Board may exercise its discretion to modify this Plan in any respect necessary to satisfy the requirements of, or to take advantage of any features of, the revised exemption or its replacement.

SECTION 18. ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION

18.1 Mandatory Adjustments. In the event of an ‘‘equity restructuring” (as such term is defined in Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, ‘‘Compensation — Stock Compensation”), including any stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, rights offering, or large nonrecurring cash dividend, the authorization limits under Sections 4.1, 4.2, and 6.4 shall be adjusted proportionately, and the Committee shall make such adjustments to the Plan and outstanding Awards as it deems necessary or appropriate, in its sole discretion, to prevent dilution or enlargement of benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, including: (a) adjustment of the number and kind of shares or securities that may be issued under the Plan; (b) adjustment of the number and kind of shares or securities subject to outstanding Awards; (c) adjustment of the Exercise Price of outstanding Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights or the measure to be used to determine the amount of the benefit payable on an Award; (d) adjustment to market price-based performance goals or performance goals set on a per-Share basis; and (e) any other adjustments that the Committee determines to be equitable.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall not make any adjustments to outstanding Stock Options or SARs to the extent that it causes such Stock Options or SARs to provide for a deferral of compensation subject to Code Section 409A. Without limiting the foregoing, in the event of a subdivision of the outstanding Common Stock (a stock split), a dividend payable in Shares, or a combination or consolidation of the outstanding Common Stock into a lesser number of Shares, the authorization limits under Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 6.4 shall automatically be adjusted proportionately, and the Shares then subject to each outstanding Award shall automatically, without the necessity for any additional action by the Committee, be adjusted proportionately without any change in the aggregate Exercise Price therefor.

18.2 Discretionary Adjustments. Upon the occurrence or in anticipation of any share combination, exchange or reclassification, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other corporate reorganization affecting the Common Stock, or any transaction described in Section 18.1, in addition to any of the actions described in Section 18.1, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide: (a) that Awards will be settled in cash rather than Shares; (b) that Awards will become immediately vested and exercisable and will expire after a designated period of time to the extent not then exercised; (c) that Awards will be equitably converted, adjusted or substituted in connection with such transaction; (d) that outstanding Awards may be settled by payment in cash or cash equivalents equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares as of a specified date associated with the transaction, over the Exercise Price of the Award; (e) that performance targets and Performance Periods for Performance Awards will be modified; or (f) any combination of the foregoing. The Committee’s determination need not be uniform and may be different for different Participants whether or not such Participants are similarly situated.

18.3 No Fractional Shares, etc. After giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to the provisions of this Section 18, the number of Shares subject to any Award denominated in whole Shares shall always be a whole number, unless otherwise determined by the Committee. Any discretionary adjustments made pursuant to the provisions of this Section 18 shall be subject to the provisions of Section 5. To the extent any adjustments made pursuant to this Section 18 cause Incentive Stock Options to cease to qualify as Incentive Stock Options, such Stock Options shall be deemed to be Non-Qualified Stock Options.

18.4 No Limitations on Company. The making of Awards pursuant to the Plan shall not affect or limit in any way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations, or changes of its capital or business structure or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, or liquidate, or to sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

SECTION 19. GENERAL PROVISIONS

19.1 Disclaimer of Rights. No provision in the Plan or in any Award or Award Agreement shall be construed to confer upon any individual the right to remain in the employ or service of the Company or any Affiliate, or to interfere in any way with any contractual or other right or authority of the Company either to increase or decrease the compensation or other payments to any individual at any time, or to terminate any employment or other relationship between any individual and the Company. In addition, notwithstanding anything contained in the Plan to the contrary, unless otherwise stated in the applicable Award Agreement, no Award granted under the Plan shall be affected by any change of duties or position of the Grantee, so long as such

 

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Grantee continues to be a director, officer, consultant or employee of the Company or an Affiliate. The obligation of the Company to pay any benefits pursuant to this Plan shall be interpreted as a contractual obligation to pay only those amounts described herein, in the manner and under the conditions prescribed herein. The Plan shall in no way be interpreted to require the Company to transfer any amounts to a third party trustee or otherwise hold any amounts in trust or escrow for payment to any Grantee or beneficiary under the terms of the Plan.

19.2 Nonexclusivity of the Plan. Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any submission of the Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations upon the right and authority of the Board to adopt such other incentive compensation arrangements (which arrangements may be applicable either generally to a class or classes of individuals or specifically to a particular individual or particular individuals) as the Board in its discretion determines desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock options otherwise than under the Plan.

19.3 Withholding Taxes. The Company or an Affiliate, as the case may be, shall have the right to deduct from payments of any kind otherwise due to a Grantee any federal, state, or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to the vesting of or other lapse of restrictions applicable to an Award or upon the issuance of any shares of Stock upon the exercise of an Option or pursuant to an Award. At the time of such vesting, lapse, or exercise, the Grantee shall pay to the Company or the Affiliate, as the case may be, any amount that the Company or the Affiliate may reasonably determine to be necessary to satisfy such withholding obligation. Subject to the prior approval of the Company or the Affiliate, which may be withheld by the Company or the Affiliate, as the case may be, in its sole discretion, the Grantee may elect to satisfy such obligations, in whole or in part, (i) by causing the Company or the Affiliate to withhold shares of Stock otherwise issuable to the Grantee or (ii) by delivering to the Company or the Affiliate shares of Stock already owned by the Grantee. The shares of Stock so delivered or withheld shall have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to such withholding obligations. The Fair Market Value of the shares of Stock used to satisfy such withholding obligation shall be determined by the Company or the Affiliate as of the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. A Grantee who has made an election pursuant to this Section 19.3 may satisfy his or her withholding obligation only with shares of Stock that are not subject to any repurchase, forfeiture, unfulfilled vesting, or other similar requirements. The maximum number of shares of Stock that may be withheld from any Award to satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding requirements upon the exercise, vesting, lapse of restrictions applicable to such Award or payment of shares pursuant to such Award, as applicable, cannot exceed such number of shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the maximum amount to be withheld and paid to any such federal, state or local taxing authority with respect to such exercise, vesting, lapse of restrictions or payment of shares, or such amount that will not cause an adverse accounting consequence or cost to the Company.

19.4 Captions. The use of captions in this Plan or any Award Agreement is for the convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision of the Plan or such Award Agreement.

19.5 Other Provisions. Each Award granted under the Plan may contain such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined by the Board or the Committee, in its sole discretion.

 

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19.6 Number and Gender. With respect to words used in this Plan, the singular form shall include the plural form, the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender, etc., as the context requires.

19.7 Severability. If any provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement shall be determined to be illegal or unenforceable by any court of law in any jurisdiction, the remaining provisions hereof and thereof shall be severable and enforceable in accordance with their terms, and all provisions shall remain enforceable in any other jurisdiction.

19.8 Governing Law. The validity and construction of this Plan and the instruments evidencing the Awards hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, other than any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Plan and the instruments evidencing the Awards granted hereunder to the substantive laws of any other jurisdiction.

19.9 Section 409A of the Code. The Board intends to comply with Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”), or an exemption to Section 409A, with regard to Awards hereunder that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A. To the extent that the Board or the Committee determines that a Grantee would be subject to the additional 20% tax imposed on certain nonqualified deferred compensation plans pursuant to Section 409A as a result of any provision of any Award granted under this Plan, such provision shall be deemed amended to the minimum extent necessary to avoid application of such additional tax. The nature of any such amendment shall be determined by the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company, the Board and the Committee shall have no liability to a Grantee, or any other party, if an Award that is intended to be exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant.

19.10 Clawback/Recoupment. Notwithstanding any other provisions herein to the contrary, any performance based compensation, or any other amount, paid to a Grantee pursuant to an Award, which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement, or any policy adopted by the Company will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement, or policy adopted by the Company.

 

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Table of Contents

APPENDIX A

 

   

net earnings or net income;

 

   

operating earnings;

 

   

pretax earnings;

 

   

pre-tax earnings per share;

 

   

earnings per share;

 

   

share price, including growth measures and total stockholder return;

 

   

earnings before interest and taxes;

 

   

earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization;

 

   

earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization as adjusted to exclude any one or more of the following:

 

   

stock-based compensation expense;

 

   

income from discontinued operations;

 

   

gain on cancellation of debt;

 

   

debt extinguishment and related costs;

 

   

restructuring, separation and/or integration charges and costs;

 

   

reorganization and/or recapitalization charges and costs;

 

   

impairment charges;

 

   

gain or loss related to investments;

 

   

sales and use tax settlement; and

 

   

gain on non-monetary transaction.

 

   

sales or revenue growth, whether in general, by type of product or service, or by type of customer;

 

   

gross or operating margins;

 

   

return measures, including total shareholder return, return on assets, capital, investment, equity, sales or revenue;

 

   

cash flow, including:

 

   

operating cash flow;

 

   

free cash flow, defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization (as adjusted to exclude any one or more of the items that may be excluded pursuant to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization above) less capital expenditures;

 

   

cash flow return on equity; and

 

   

cash flow return on investment.

 

   

productivity ratios;

 

   

expense targets;

 

   

market share;

 

   

working capital targets;

 

   

completion of acquisitions of businesses or companies (including metrics resulting from the same such as revenue or margin);

 

   

completion of divestitures and asset sales;

 

   

debt repayment targets, and debt/equity ratios;

 

   

bookings or completion of orders (including metrics resulting from the same such as revenue or margin);

 

   

project bookings, milestones or completion (including metrics related to the same such as revenue or margin); and

 

   

any combination of the foregoing business criteria.

 

A-1

Exhibit 10.9

ESAB CORPORATION

ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN

(Effective as of January 1, 2022)

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

1.  PURPOSE

     1  

2.  DEFINITIONS

     1  

3.  ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

     2  

3.1

  Committee      2  

3.2

  Deferral Arrangement      3  

4.  ELIGIBILITY

     3  

5.  ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARDS

     3  

5.1

  Granting Annual Incentive Awards      3  

5.2

  Determination of Annual Incentive Award      5  

5.3

  Time and Form of Payment      5  

6.  GENERAL PROVISIONS

     6  

6.1

  Disclaimer of Rights      6  

6.2

  Nonexclusivity of the Plan      6  

6.3

  Withholding Taxes      6  

6.4

  Captions      6  

6.5

  Other Provisions      6  

6.6

  Number and Gender      6  

6.7

  Severability      6  

6.8

  Governing Law      6  

6.9

  Section 409A      6  

6.10

  Recoupment      7  

6.11

  Amendment and Termination      7  

 

-i-


ESAB CORPORATION

ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN

(Effective as of January 1, 2022)

ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation, hereby adopts this ESAB Corporation Annual Incentive Plan effective as of January 1, 2022, as follows:

 

1.

PURPOSE

The Plan is intended to enhance the Company’s and its Affiliates’ ability to attract and retain highly qualified officers and key employees, and to motivate such persons to serve the Company and its Affiliates.

 

2.

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of interpreting the Plan and related documents, the following capitalized terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

2.1Affiliate” means, with respect to the Company, any company or other trade or business that is controlled by the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 of Regulation C under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, any Subsidiary.

2.2Annual Incentive Award” or “Award” means a bonus payable subject to attainment of Performance Goals over a Performance Period of up to one (1) year (the Company’s calendar fiscal year, unless otherwise specified by the Committee).

2.3Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.4Cause means, as determined by the Board and unless otherwise provided in an applicable agreement with the Company: (i) gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with the performance of duties; (ii) conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); or (iii) material breach of any term of any employment, consulting or other services, confidentiality, intellectual property or non-competition agreements, if any, between the Participant and the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.

2.5Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now in effect or as hereafter amended.

2.6Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board, which shall be comprised of not less than two (2) directors of the Board.

2.7Company” means ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or its successor.

2.8Disability” means the Participant is unable to perform each of the essential employment duties of such Participant’s position by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which is potentially permanent in character or which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.


2.9Participant” means, with respect to a Performance Period, each eligible officer or key employee designated by the Committee pursuant to Section 4 to receive an annual bonus payment contingent of achievement of specified Performance Goals.

2.10Performance Goals” means, as established by the Committee for a Participant, (i) performance goals for a Performance Period based upon the Performance Measures; and (ii) individual performance measures.

2.11Performance Measures means measures as described in Section 5.1.4 on which the Performance Goals are based.

2.12Performance Period” means the period during which the Performance Goals must be met in order to determine the degree of payout and/or vesting with respect to an Annual Incentive Award, which period shall be the Plan Year unless otherwise specified by the Committee.

2.13Plan” means this ESAB Corporation Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of January 1, 2022.

2.14 Plan Year means the Company’s fiscal year which begins January 1 and ends December 31.

2.15Retirement” means the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company and its Affiliates, other than for Cause, upon the attainment of at least (i) age fifty-five (55) with five (5) consecutive years of employment service; or (ii) age sixty-five (65).

2.16Section 409A” means Code Section 409A and the regulatory and other guidance promulgated thereunder.

2.17Subsidiary means any subsidiary corporation of the Company within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code.

 

3.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

3.1 Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall have the authority to establish and administer the Performance Goals and to determine the attainment of the Performance Goals as described in Section 5.2 below. The Committee shall have the full power and authority to construe, interpret and administer the Plan and shall have the exclusive right to make Awards under the Plan and to exercise discretion pursuant to Section 5.1.3 below. The Committee may take action at a meeting or by written consent. The Performance Goals may be ratified by the Board.

In administering the Plan, the Committee may at its option employ compensation consultants, accountants and counsel and other persons to assist or render advice to the Committee, all at the expense of the Company. Any determinations made by the Committee in connection with the Plan shall be final and binding on the Company, its Affiliates, their respective stockholders and each Participant.

 

- 2 -


3.2 Deferral Arrangement. The Board may permit or require the deferral of any Award payment into a deferred compensation arrangement, subject to such rules and procedures as it may establish, which may include provisions for the payment or crediting of interest or earnings. Any such deferrals shall be made in a manner that complies with Section 409A.

 

4.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility under this Plan is limited to eligible officers and key employees designated by the Committee, in its discretion. Upon such designation for a Performance Period, the executive or key employee shall become a “Participant” under the Plan.

 

5.

ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARDS

5.1 Granting Annual Incentive Awards. The Committee may grant an Annual Incentive Award to each Participant. In doing so, the Committee shall establish the Performance Goals applicable to determination of each such Participant’s Annual Incentive Award. The maximum Annual Incentive Award payable to a Participant under this Plan for a calendar fiscal year shall be Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000).

5.1.1 Performance Goals Generally. The Performance Goals for Annual Incentive Awards shall consist of one or more business criteria based upon the Performance Measures and a targeted level or levels of performance with respect to each of such criteria, as specified by the Committee consistent with this Section 5.1. Performance Goals shall be objective. The Committee may determine that such Awards shall be granted and/or settled upon achievement of any one Performance Goal or that two or more of the Performance Goals must be achieved as a condition to grant and/or settlement of such Annual Incentive Awards. Performance Goals may differ for Annual Incentive Awards granted to any one Participant or to different Participants.

5.1.2 Timing for Establishing Performance Goals. Performance Goals shall be established not later than ninety (90) days after the beginning of any Performance Period applicable to the Annual Incentive Awards, or at such other date as may be required or permitted under Code Section 409A.

5.1.3 Settlement of Awards; Other Terms. Settlement of Annual Incentive Awards shall be in cash or other property, in the discretion of the Committee. The Committee may, in its discretion, reduce or increase the amount of a settlement otherwise to be made in connection with an Annual Incentive Award. If, during a Performance Period, a Participant terminates employment with the Company and its Affiliates as a result of death or Disability, the Award will continue to vest in accordance with the original vesting schedule as if the Participant’s employment had not terminated, and Participant (or, in the event of the Participant’s death, the Participant’s estate) shall (subject to the provisions of this Section 5 including, without limitation, Section 5.3) receive a settlement of the Award with individual performance measures at the target level of achievement. If, during a Performance Period, a Participant terminates employment with the Company and its Affiliates as a result of Retirement, the Participant shall (subject to the provisions of this Section 5 including, without limitation, Section 5.3) receive a pro-rata settlement of the Award based on the number of full or partial months employed during the Performance Period with individual performance measures at the target level of achievement.

 

- 3 -


5.1.4 Performance Measures. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.1.7, the Performance Goals established by the Committee shall be based on one or more (i) individual performance measures, and (ii) of the following Performance Measures:

 

  (a)

net earnings or net income;

 

  (b)

operating earnings;

 

  (c)

pretax earnings;

 

  (d)

pre-tax earnings per share;

 

  (e)

earnings per share;

 

  (f)

share price, including growth measures and total stockholder return;

 

  (g)

earnings before interest and taxes;

 

  (h)

earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization;

 

  (i)

earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization as adjusted to exclude any one or more of the following:

 

   

stock-based compensation expense;

 

   

income from discontinued operations;

 

   

gain on cancellation of debt;

 

   

debt extinguishment and related costs;

 

   

restructuring, separation and/or integration charges and costs;

 

   

reorganization and/or recapitalization charges and costs;

 

   

impairment charges;

 

   

gain or loss related to investments;

 

   

sales and use tax settlement; and

 

   

gain on non-monetary transaction.

 

  (j)

sales or revenue growth, whether in general, by type of product or service, or by type of customer;

 

  (k)

gross or operating margins;

 

  (l)

return measures, including total shareholder return, return on assets, capital, investment, equity, sales or revenue;

 

   

operating cash flow;

 

   

free cash flow, defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization (as adjusted to exclude any one or more of the items that may be excluded pursuant to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization above) less capital expenditures;

 

   

cash flow return on equity; and

 

   

cash flow return on investment;

 

  (m)

productivity ratios;

 

  (n)

expense targets;

 

  (o)

market share;

 

  (p)

working capital targets;

 

  (q)

completion of acquisitions of businesses or companies;

 

  (r)

completion of divestitures and asset sales;

 

  (s)

debt repayment targets, and debt/equity ratios; and

 

  (t)

any combination of the foregoing business criteria.

 

- 4 -


Any one or more Performance Measure(s) may be used to measure the performance of the Company, Subsidiary, and/or Affiliate as a whole or any business unit of the Company, Subsidiary, and/or Affiliate or any combination thereof, as the Committee may deem appropriate, or any of the above Performance Measures as compared to the performance of a group of comparator companies, or published or special index that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, or the Company may select Performance Measure (e) above as compared to various stock market indices.

5.1.5 Evaluation of Performance. The Committee may provide with respect to Annual Incentive Awards that any evaluation of performance may include or exclude any of the following events that occur during a Performance Period: (a) asset write-downs; (b) litigation or claim judgments or settlements; (c) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or provisions affecting reported results; (d) any reorganization and restructuring programs; (e) extraordinary nonrecurring items as described in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 and/or in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Company’s annual report to shareholders for the applicable year; (f) acquisitions or divestitures; and (g) foreign exchange gains and losses.

5.1.6 Adjustment of Awards. The Committee shall retain the discretion to adjust any Awards downward or upward, either on a formula or discretionary basis, or any combination as the Committee determines.

5.1.7 Board Discretion. In the event that applicable laws permit Board discretion to alter the Performance Measures, the Board shall have sole discretion to make such changes provided the exercise of such discretion does not violate Section 409A. In addition, the Committee may grant and/or settle Awards based on Performance Measures other than those set forth in Section 5.1.4.

5.2 Determination of Annual Incentive Award. Payment of a Participant’s Annual Incentive Award, if any, is subject to the Committee’s determination that the Performance Goals have been satisfied to a particular extent and any other material terms and conditions for the earning and payment of the Annual Incentive Award have been satisfied. The amount of payment shall be further subject to the Committee’s right, in its sole discretion, to reduce or increase the Annual Incentive Award amount as so determined. The Committee’s determination is final and binding and the Participant shall have no right to receive the amount by which the Annual Incentive Award potential was reduced from the amount designated as payable upon achievement of the Performance Goals at a particular level.

5.3 Time and Form of Payment. Awards determined pursuant to Section 5.2 will be paid in a lump sum on an annual basis between January 1 and March 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year to which the Award relates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Company does not pay the Award within such specified January 1 and March 15 time period, the Company shall pay such Award in a lump sum no later than December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year to which the Award relates.

 

- 5 -


6.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

6.1 Disclaimer of Rights. No provision in the Plan or in any Annual Incentive Award shall be construed to confer upon any individual the right to remain in the employ or service of the Company or any Affiliate, or to interfere in any way with any contractual or other right or authority of the Company either to increase or decrease the compensation or other payments to any individual at any time, or to terminate any employment or other relationship between any individual and the Company. The obligation of the Company to pay any benefits pursuant to this Plan shall be interpreted as a contractual obligation to pay only those amounts described herein, in the manner and under the conditions prescribed herein. The Plan shall in no way be interpreted to require the Company to transfer any amounts to a third party trustee or otherwise hold any amounts in trust or escrow for payment to any Participant under the terms of the Plan.

6.2 Nonexclusivity of the Plan. The adoption of the Plan shall not be construed as creating any limitations upon the right and authority of the Board to adopt such other incentive compensation arrangements (which arrangements may be applicable either generally to a class or classes of individuals or specifically to a particular individual or particular individuals) as the Board in its discretion determines desirable.

6.3 Withholding Taxes. The Company or an Affiliate, as the case may be, shall have the right to deduct from Award payments of any kind otherwise due to a Participant any federal, state, or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to the vesting of or other lapse of restrictions applicable to an Award.

6.4 Captions. The use of captions in this Plan or any Award Agreement is for the convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision of the Plan.

6.5 Other Provisions. Each Award granted under the Plan may contain such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined by the Board, in its sole discretion.

6.6 Number and Gender. With respect to words used in this Plan, the singular form shall include the plural form, the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender, etc., as the context requires.

6.7 Severability. If any provision of the Plan shall be determined to be illegal or unenforceable by any court of law in any jurisdiction, the remaining provisions hereof and thereof shall be severable and enforceable in accordance with their terms, and all provisions shall remain enforceable in any other jurisdiction.

6.8 Governing Law. The validity and construction of this Plan and any instruments evidencing the Awards hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, other than any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Plan and the instruments evidencing the Awards granted hereunder to the substantive laws of any other jurisdiction.

6.9 Section 409A. The Plan, and the administration of the Plan, is intended to comply with Section 409A or an exemption to Section 409A, with regard to Awards hereunder.

 

- 6 -


6.10 Recoupment. Any amounts paid under the Plan will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company has adopted or hereafter adopts.

6.11 Amendment and Termination. The Board shall have the right, at any time without notice to Participants, to amend, modify, suspend or terminate the Plan from time to time, but no such amendment, modification, or suspension shall alter the business criteria on which the Performance Goals are based, increase the dollar maximum for an Annual Bonus under Section 5.1 or materially modify the requirements regarding eligibility for participation in the Plan, nor shall any such amendment, modification or suspension impair, without the consent of the Participant affected, any Annual Incentive Award payment that has been determined by the Committee prior to the effective date of the amendment, modification, suspension or termination.

*         *         *

To record the amendment and restatement of the Plan by the Board, on _________, 2021, the Company has caused its authorized officer to execute the Plan.

 

ESAB Corporation

 

By:  ____________________________________

 

Name: __________________________________

 

Title:____________________________________

 

- 7 -

Exhibit 10.10

THE ESAB GROUP, INC.

EXCESS BENEFITS PLAN

Effective January 1, 2022

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS

     1  

ARTICLE 2 SELECTION, ENROLLMENT, ELIGIBILITY

     5  

ARTICLE 3 DEFERRAL ELECTIONS

     5  

ARTICLE 4 SHORT-TERM PAYOUT; UNFORESEEABLE FINANCIAL EMERGENCIES

     9  

ARTICLE 5 BENEFITS

     10  

ARTICLE 6 BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION

     11  

ARTICLE 7 LEAVE OF ABSENCE

     12  

ARTICLE 8 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION

     12  

ARTICLE 9 ADMINISTRATION

     13  

ARTICLE 10 OTHER BENEFITS AND AGREEMENTS

     14  

ARTICLE 11 CLAIMS PROCEDURES

     14  

ARTICLE 12 TRUST

     14  

ARTICLE 13 MISCELLANEOUS

     15  

 

 

i


THE ESAB GROUP, INC. EXCESS BENEFITS PLAN

Effective January 1, 2022

Purpose

The ESAB Group, Inc. Excess Benefit Plan (the “Plan”) is established to provide specified benefits to a select group of management and highly compensated Employees of The ESAB Group, Inc. and its Affiliates for the purpose of providing maximum compensation deferrals, matching contributions and a two percent (2%) Company contribution to enhance retirement savings. The Plan is hereby adopted effective January 1, 2022, with respect to pay received on or after January 1, 2022. The Plan provides that Participants must affirmatively make deferral and distribution elections during each Plan enrollment period. The Plan is intended to provide benefits similar, but in addition, to benefits under the The ESAB Group, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan Plus (the “401(k) Plan”). The Plan shall be unfunded for tax purposes and for purposes of Title I of ERISA.

This Plan is intended to comply with all applicable law, including Code Section 409A and related Treasury guidance and Regulations, and shall be operated and interpreted in accordance with this intention.

ARTICLE 1

Definitions

For purposes of the Plan, unless otherwise clearly apparent from the context, the following phrases or terms shall have the following indicated meanings:

 

1.1

Account Balance” shall mean, with respect to a Participant, a credit on the records of the Company equal to the sum of (i) the Deferral Account balance, (ii) the Two Percent Company Contribution Account balance, (iii) the Company Matching Contribution Account balance, and (iv) the Transferred Colfax Account Balance. The Account Balance, and each other specified account balance, shall be a bookkeeping entry only and shall be utilized solely as a device for the measurement and determination of the amounts to be paid to a Participant, or his or her Beneficiary, pursuant to the Plan.

 

1.2

Affiliate” means any person with whom the Company would be considered a single employer under Code Sections 414(b) or (c) so as to fall within the definition of “service recipient” in Treasury Regulations section 1.409A-1(g). For purposes of determining a Separation from Service, the definition of Affiliate shall take into account the modifications specified in Treasury Regulations section 1.409A-1(h)(3). Colfax will be an Affiliate until Colfax completes a dividend of Company stock to the stockholders of Colfax.

 

1.3

Annual Installment Method” shall be an annual installment payment over the number of years selected by the Participant in accordance with the Plan, calculated as follows: (i) for the first annual installment, the vested Account Balance of the Participant shall be calculated as of the close of business on or around the last business day of the month preceding the month in which distribution commences, and (ii) for remaining annual installments, the vested Account Balance of the Participant shall be calculated on or around each applicable anniversary date thereafter. Each annual installment shall be calculated by multiplying this balance by a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is the remaining number of annual payments due the Participant. By way of example, if the Participant elects a ten (10) year Annual Installment Method, the first payment shall be 1/10 of the vested Account Balance, calculated as described in this definition. The following year, the payment shall be 1/9 of the vested Account Balance, calculated as described in this definition.

 

1.4

Beneficiary” shall mean the person or persons, designated in accordance with Article 6, that are entitled to receive benefits under the Plan upon the death of a Participant.

 

1.5

Beneficiary Designation Form” shall mean the form established from time to time by the Company that a Participant completes, signs and returns to the Company to designate one or more Beneficiaries.

 

1


1.6

Bonus Compensation” shall mean, with respect to a Participant, (i) the Participant’s annual incentive bonus payable during the calendar year with respect to services as an Employee during the prior year or (ii) the Participant’s long-term incentive bonus, if applicable, payable during the calendar year with respect to services as an Employee during a prior period longer than a year.

 

1.7

Change in Control” shall mean an event that constitutes a “change in control event” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations §1.409A-3(i)(5) and in accordance with the default rules thereunder, but excluding the dividend of Company stock by Colfax to the stockholders of Colfax.

 

1.8

Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

1.9

Colfax” shall mean Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

 

1.10

Colfax Account Balance” shall mean a Participant’s “Account Balance” under and as defined in the Colfax Plan.

 

1.11

Colfax Plan” means the Colfax Corporation Amended and Restated Excess Benefits Plan, effective January 1, 2013, as amended.

 

1.12

Colfax Plan Participant” means any Employee who is a participant in the Colfax Plan.

 

1.13

Colfax Deferral Account” shall mean a Participant’s “Deferral Account” under and as defined in the Colfax Plan.

 

1.14

Colfax Matching Contribution Account” shall mean a Participant’s “Company Matching Contribution Account” under and as defined in the Colfax Plan.

 

1.15

Colfax Two Percent Company Contribution Account” shall mean a Participant’s “Two Percent Company Contribution Account” under and as defined in the Colfax Plan.

 

1.16

Company” shall mean The ESAB Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor to all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or business.

 

1.17

Company Matching Contribution Account” shall mean Company Matching Contribution Amounts, plus (i) amounts credited in accordance with all the applicable crediting provisions of the Plan that relate to the Participant’s Company Matching Contribution Account, plus (ii) a Participant’s Transferred Colfax Matching Contribution Account Amount, less (iii) all distributions made to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary pursuant to the Plan that relate to the Participant’s Company Matching Contribution Account.

 

1.18

Company Matching Contribution Amount” shall mean, with respect to each Plan Year, the Company’s contribution to a Participant’s Company Matching Contribution Account equal to the amount determined by applying the rate of matching contribution applied under the 401(k) Plan to the Participant’s Total Deferral Amount under the Plan for such year, and reducing that amount by the matching contribution to be credited to the Participant under the 401(k) Plan. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, the Company reserves the right to adjust the rate of matching contribution to be applied under the Plan for subsequent years, without notice.

 

1.19

Compensation” shall be defined in the same manner as it is under Article 1.1, “Compensation,” in the 401(k) Plan, but excluding any Bonus Compensation.

 

1.20

Deferral Account” shall mean (i) the sum of all of a Participant’s Net Deferral Amounts, plus (ii) amounts credited in accordance with all the applicable crediting provisions of the Plan that relate to the Participant’s Deferral Account, plus (iii) a Participant’s Transferred Colfax Deferral Account Amount, less (iv) all distributions made to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary pursuant to the Plan that relate to his or her Deferral Account.

 

2


1.21

Disability Benefit” shall mean the benefit set forth in Section 5.3.

 

1.22

“Disability” or “Disabled” shall mean that a Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. A Participant shall be considered Disabled only if he or she meets one or more of the following criteria:

 

  (a)

He or she has been determined under the Employer’s long-term disability plan as eligible for benefits thereunder; or

 

  (b)

He or she has been determined by the Social Security Administration as eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

 

1.23

Election Form” shall mean (i) the form established from time to time by the Company that a Participant completes, signs and returns to the Company to make a deferral election with respect to Compensation or Bonus Compensation under the Plan, and (ii) Transferred Colfax Plan Election Forms.

 

1.24

Employee” shall mean a person who is an employee of the Company or its Affiliate.

 

1.25

ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

1.26

401(k) Plan” shall mean The ESAB Group, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan Plus effective January 1, 2022.

 

1.27

Key Employee” shall mean, in the event that the Company has stock which is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise, “key employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, unless otherwise stated in this Plan.

 

1.28

Net Deferral Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

 

1.29

Participant” shall mean any Employee (i) who is selected to participate in the Plan, (ii) who elects to participate in the Plan, (iii) who signs an Election Form and a Beneficiary Designation Form, (iv) whose signed Election Form and Beneficiary Designation Form are accepted by the Company, and (v) who commences participation in the Plan. A Participant shall also include any Colfax Plan Participant who has his Colfax Account Balance transferred by Colfax with the consent of the Company to this Plan. A spouse or former spouse of a Participant shall not be treated as a Participant in the Plan or have an Account Balance under the Plan, even if he or she has an interest in the Participant’s benefits under the Plan as a result of applicable law or property settlements resulting from legal separation or divorce.

 

1.30

Performance-Based Compensation” shall mean compensation the entitlement to which or amount of which is contingent on the satisfaction of pre-established organizational or individual performance criteria relating to a performance period of at least 12 consecutive months, as determined by the Company in accordance with Treasury Regulations §1.409A-1(e). For this purpose, organizational or individual performance criteria are considered pre-established if established in writing by not later than 90 days after the commencement of the period of service to which the criteria relates, provided that the outcome is substantially uncertain at the time the criteria are established.

 

1.31

Plan” shall mean this The ESAB Group, Inc. Excess Benefit Plan, as amended from time to time.

 

1.32

Plan Benefit” shall mean the benefit set forth in Section 5.1.

 

1.33

Plan Year” shall mean a period beginning on January 1 of each calendar year and continuing through December 31 of such calendar year.

 

1.34

Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefit” shall mean the benefit set forth in Section 5.2.

 

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1.35

Regular Separation from Service” means a Separation from Service for a reason other than death or becoming Disabled.

 

1.36

Separation from Service” means a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations §1.409A-1(h) and in accordance with the default rules thereunder, which includes termination of a Participant’s employment with the Company or its Affiliate, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, by reason of death, retirement, becoming Disabled, resignation or discharge. Transfer to employment with an Affiliate shall not be treated as a Separation from Service.

 

1.37

Short-Term Payout” shall mean the payout set forth in Section 4.1.

 

1.38

Termination Date” means the date the Participant has a Separation from Service.

 

1.39

Transferred Colfax Account Balance” shall mean a Participant’s Colfax Account Balance that is transferred by Colfax with the consent of the Company from the Colfax Plan to this Plan and added to the Participant’s Account Balance.

 

1.40

Transferred Colfax Deferral Account Amount” shall mean the amount credited to a Participant’s Colfax Deferral Account that is transferred by Colfax with the consent of the Company from the Colfax Plan to this Plan and credited to the Participant’s Deferral Account.

 

1.41

Transferred Colfax Election Form” shall mean a deferral election form completed and submitted pursuant to the Colfax Plan by a Participant who has a Transferred Colfax Account Balance, which Colfax Plan deferral election form shall continue to apply, as applicable, to a Participant’s Transferred Colfax Deferral Account Amount, Transferred Colfax Matching Contribution Account Amount, and Transferred Colfax Two Percent Company Contribution Account Amount.

 

1.42

Transferred Colfax Matching Contribution Account Amount” shall mean the amount credited to a Participant’s Colfax Company Matching Contribution Account that is transferred by Colfax with the consent of the Company from the Colfax Plan and credited to the Participant’s Company Matching Contribution Account.

 

1.43

Transferred Colfax Two Percent Company Contribution Account Amount” shall mean the amount credited to a Participant’s Colfax Two Percent Company Contribution Account that is transferred by Colfax with the consent of the Company from the Colfax Plan and credited to the Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account.

 

1.44

Two Percent Company Contribution Account” shall mean Two Percent Company Contribution Amounts, plus (i) amounts credited in accordance with all the applicable crediting provisions of the Plan that relate to the Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account, plus (ii) a Participant’s Transferred Colfax Two Percent Company Contribution Account Amount, less (iii) all distributions made to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary pursuant to the Plan that relate to the Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account.

 

1.45

Two Percent Company Contribution Amount” shall mean, with respect to each Plan Year, the Company’s contribution to a Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account equal to (i) two percent (2%) of the amount of the Participant’s Compensation and Bonus Compensation payable during such year, (ii) minus the amount credited for the year to the Participant’s account under Article VI of the 401(k) Plan as a non-elective employer contribution.

 

1.46

Total Deferral Amount” shall mean that portion of a Participant’s Compensation and Bonus Compensation, if any, that a Participant elects to have deferred under the Plan and the 401(k) Plan for any one Plan Year. The Total Deferral Amount shall equal the sum of all amounts of Compensation and Bonus Compensation to be deferred under the Plan and the 401(k) Plan for a Plan Year.

 

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1.47

Trust” shall mean one or more rabbi trusts established by the Company in accordance with Article 12 of the Plan as amended from time to time.

 

1.48

Unforeseeable Financial Emergency” shall mean a severe financial hardship to the Participant resulting from an illness or accident of the Participant, the Participant’s spouse, the Participant’s beneficiary, or the Participant’s dependent (as defined in Code Section 152, without regard to subsections 152(b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B)); loss of the Participant’s property due to casualty (including the need to rebuild a home following damage to a home not otherwise covered by insurance); or other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant.

ARTICLE 2

Selection, Enrollment, Eligibility

 

2.1

Selection by Company. Participation in the Plan shall be limited to those Employees who (i) are officers or other select managerial employees and (ii) are, upon recommendation of the Company, approved for such participation by the Company, in its sole discretion.

 

2.2

Enrollment Requirements. As a condition to participation, each selected Employee shall complete, execute and return to the Company, an Election Form and a Beneficiary Designation Form, all within 30 days (or such shorter time as the Company may determine) after he or she is selected to participate in the Plan, in accordance with the requirements of this Article 2 and Section 3.1(a). In addition, the Company shall establish from time to time such other enrollment requirements as it determines in its sole discretion are necessary.

 

2.3

Eligibility; Commencement of Participation. Provided an Employee selected to participate in the Plan has met all enrollment requirements set forth in the Plan and required by the Company, including returning all required documents to the Company within thirty (30) days (or such shorter time as the Company may determine) after he or she is selected to participate in the Plan, in accordance with the requirements of this Article 2 and Section 3.1(a), that Employee shall commence participation in the Plan on the first day of the month following the month in which the Employee completes all enrollment requirements. If an Employee fails to meet all such requirements within the period required, that Employee shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan until the first day of the Plan Year following the delivery to and acceptance by the Company of the required documents.

 

2.4

Termination of Deferrals. If the Company determines in good faith that a Participant no longer qualifies as a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees, as membership in such group is determined in accordance with Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of ERISA, the Company shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to prevent the Participant from making deferral elections for future calendar years. For the avoidance of doubt, any such action by the Company shall have no effect on the Participant’s deferral election for the current calendar year, which election, except as set forth in Section 4.3, shall remain irrevocable.

ARTICLE 3

Deferral Elections

 

3.1

Elections to Defer Compensation.

 

  (a)

Deferral Election for Compensation. In connection with a Participant’s commencement of participation in the Plan, a Participant may elect to defer Compensation by filing with the Company an Election Form that conforms with the requirements of Article 2 within the time period specified in Section 2.3. If a Participant does not make a deferral election with respect to the first Plan Year with respect to which the Participant is eligible to participate in the Plan, the Participant may elect to defer Compensation for any subsequent Plan year by filing with the Company an Election Form that conforms with the requirements of Article 2 before the start of that Plan Year.

 

5


  (b)

Amount of Deferral. Subject to Section 3.3, the amount of Compensation that a Participant may elect to defer is such Compensation received after the date on which the deferral election is effective, and may be an integral percentage, as selected by the Participant, which shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the Participant’s Compensation; provided that the total amount deferred by a Participant shall be limited in any calendar year, if necessary, to satisfy FICA, income tax, and employee benefit plan withholding requirements as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Company.

 

  (c)

Duration of Compensation Deferral Election. A Participant’s election to defer Compensation is effective only with respect to Compensation earned after the date on which the election is effective and, except as set forth in Section 4.3, is irrevocable with respect to Compensation earned in the Plan Year for which the election is made. A Participant must make a new deferral election for each subsequent Plan Year by filing a new Election Form with the Company prior to the beginning of such Plan Year, at such time as the Company may require, which election shall be effective on the first day of the next following Plan Year.

 

3.2

Elections to Defer Bonus Compensation. Subject to Section 3.3, in connection with a Participant’s commencement of participation in the Plan, and subject to the final sentence of this Section 3.2, a Participant may elect to defer up to fifty percent (50%) of his or her Bonus Compensation payable during a calendar year, by completing and filing an Election Form with the Company during the enrollment period established by the Company for deferral of that Bonus Compensation; provided that the total amount deferred by a Participant shall be limited in any calendar year, if necessary, to satisfy FICA, income tax, and employee benefit plan withholding requirements as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Company. For any Bonus Compensation that is Performance-Based Compensation, the enrollment period shall end no later than six (6) months prior to the end of the performance measurement period and, to the extent required by Code Section 409A, deferral elections for Bonus Compensation that is not Performance-Based Compensation shall be made no later than the year prior to the year in which the services relating to the Bonus Compensation are performed.

Except as set forth in Section 4.3, a Bonus Compensation deferral election made by a Participant shall become irrevocable as of the close of the enrollment period applicable to such Bonus Compensation and established by the Company in accordance with the preceding paragraph. The Bonus Compensation deferral election may be revoked in writing up to the end of the applicable enrollment period by completing and submitting a revocation prior to the enrollment-period close.

 

3.3

Net Deferral Amount. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article 3, the actual amount that will be deferred from a Participant’s Compensation and Bonus Compensation, if any, under the Plan in any Plan Year is the Participant’s Net Deferral Amount. The Net Deferral Amount for any Plan Year shall be equal to the Total Deferral Amount that a Participant elects to defer for such year, reduced by the amount of elective deferrals credited to the Participant’s account under the 401(k) Plan for such year. In the event of a Participant’s Separation from Service prior to the end of a Plan Year, such year’s Net Deferral Amount shall be the actual amount withheld prior to such event.

 

3.4

Withholding of Net Deferral Amounts. For each Plan Year, the Net Deferral Amount shall be withheld from each regularly scheduled payroll in equal amounts, as adjusted from time to time for increases and decreases in Compensation, and from each payment of Bonus Compensation for which a timely Election Form has been filed with the Company. In accordance with Sections 3.1 and 3.2, a Participant must complete separate Election Forms for the deferral of Compensation and Bonus Compensation for which separate elections for the deferral of Compensation and Bonus Compensation may be made, in the Company’s sole discretion, on the same Election Form, or as otherwise provided by the Company.

 

3.5

Annual Company Contributions. For each Plan Year, the Company will credit (a) each Participant’s Company Matching Contribution Account with the Company Matching Contribution Amount and (b) each Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account with the Two Percent Company Contribution Amount.

 

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3.6

Vesting.

 

  (a)

A Participant shall at all times be 100% vested in his or her Deferral Account.

 

  (b)

A Participant’s benefit under his or her Matching Contribution Account shall at all times be 100% vested.

 

  (c)

A Participant’s benefit under his or her Two Percent Company Contribution Account shall vest in accordance with the following schedule based on his or her years of vesting service under the 401(k) Plan :

 

Years of Vesting Service

   Vested Percentage  

Less than 2

     0

At least 2, but less than 3

     20

At least 3, but less than 4

     40

At least 4, but less than 5

     60

5 or more

     100

 

  (d)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant is employed by the Company on his or her Normal Retirement Date as defined under the 401(k) Plan, the date he or she becomes Disabled, or the date he or she dies, his or her vested interest in his or her Company Matching Contribution Account shall be 100%.

 

  (e)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section, in the event of a Change in Control, a Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account shall immediately become 100% vested (if not already vested in accordance with the above vesting schedule).

 

  (f)

Notwithstanding the previous subsections, the vesting schedule for a Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account shall not be accelerated to the extent that the Company determines that such acceleration would cause the deduction limitations of Code Section 280G to become effective. In the event that all of a Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account is not vested pursuant to such a determination, the Participant may request independent verification of the Company’s calculations with respect to the application of Code Section 280G. In such case, the Company must provide to the Participant within fifteen (15) business days of such a request an opinion from a nationally recognized accounting firm selected by the Participant (the “Accounting Firm”). If the Accounting Firm’s opinion is in agreement with the Company’s determination, the opinion shall state that any limitation in the vested percentage hereunder is necessary to avoid the limits of Code Section 280G and contain supporting calculations. The cost of such opinion shall be paid for by the Company. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, this Section 3.6(f) shall not supersede any employment or other agreement between the Company and a Participant regarding the effect of Code Section 280G on the Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account.

 

  (g)

Notwithstanding the previous subsections, the vesting provisions of the Colfax Plan shall apply to a Participant’s Transferred Two Percent Company Contribution Account Amount.

 

3.7

Deferral Accounts and Company Contribution Accounts. The Company shall establish a Deferral Account, a Two Percent Company Contribution Account and a Company Matching Contribution Account for each Participant under the Plan. Each Participant’s Deferral Account, Two Percent Company Contribution Account and Company Matching Contribution Account shall be further divided into separate subaccounts (“investment fund subaccounts”), each of which corresponds to an investment fund elected by the Participant. A Participant’s Deferral Account, Two Percent Company Contribution Account and Company Matching Contribution Account shall be credited as follows:

 

7


  (a)

After amounts are withheld and deferred from a Participant’s Compensation and/or Bonus Compensation, the Company shall credit the investment fund subaccounts of the Participant’s Deferral Account with an amount equal to the amount of Compensation and/or Bonus Compensation deferred by the Participant as of the date that the Compensation or Bonus Compensation would have been paid to the Participant, and the portion of the Participant’s deferred Compensation and/or Bonus Compensation that the Participant has deemed to be invested in a certain type of investment fund shall be credited to the investment fund subaccount corresponding to that investment fund.

 

  (b)

The Company shall credit the investment fund subaccounts of the Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account and Company Matching Contribution Account with the amounts equal to the Two Percent Company Contribution Amount and Company Matching Contribution Amount, respectively, if any, for that Participant, on the date or dates to be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and the portion of such amounts so credited that the Participant has deemed to be invested in a certain type of investment fund shall be credited to the investment fund subaccount corresponding to that investment fund.

 

  (c)

Each business day, each of the Participant’s investment fund subaccounts shall be credited with earnings or losses in an amount equal to that determined by multiplying the balance credited to such investment fund subaccount as of the prior day plus contributions allocated to the investment fund subaccount that day by the rate of net gain or loss for the corresponding investment fund for that day.

 

  (d)

Each of the Participant’s investment fund subaccounts shall be reduced pro rata by the amount of any distributions made to the Participant, as of the date of the distribution.

 

3.8

Investment Elections.

 

  (a)

The Company shall select from time to time, in its sole and absolute discretion, commercially available investment funds to be used to determine the amount of earnings or losses to be credited to the Participant’s Plan accounts under Section 3.7.

 

  (b)

At the time of making a deferral election, a Participant shall designate, on a form provided by the Company, the investment fund or funds in which the Participant’s Deferral Account attributable to deferrals of Compensation and/or Bonus Compensation and the Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account and Company Matching Contribution Account attributable to the annual Two Percent Company Contribution Amount and Company Matching Contribution Amount, if any, for the Plan Year to which the deferral election relates will be deemed to be invested for purposes of determining the amount of earnings or losses to be allocated to that Account. The Participant may specify the deemed investment, in whole percentage increments, in one or more of the investment funds as communicated from time to time by the Company. A Participant may change this investment designation by filing a change of election and making a new designation with the Company at such time as provided by the Company and in accordance with the procedures established by the Company from time to time.

 

  (c)

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan that may be interpreted to the contrary, the investment funds selected by the Company or designation of investment funds by a Participant shall not be considered or construed in any manner as an actual investment of the Participant. In the event that the Company or the trustee of the Trust, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall invest funds in any or all of the selected investment funds, no Participant shall have any rights in or to such investments. Without limiting the foregoing, a Participant’s Account Balance shall at all times be a bookkeeping entry only and shall not represent any investment made on his or her behalf by the Company or the Trust; the Participant shall remain at all times an unsecured creditor of the Company.

 

8


3.9

FICA and Other Taxes.

 

  (a)

Deferral Amounts. For each Plan Year in which a Net Deferral Amount is being withheld from a Participant, the Company shall withhold from that portion of the Participant’s Compensation and Bonus Compensation that is not being deferred, in a manner determined by the Company, the Participant’s share of FICA and other employment taxes on such Net Deferral Amount. If necessary, the Company may reduce the Net Deferral Amount in order to comply with this subsection (a).

 

  (b)

Company Contributions. When a Participant becomes vested in a portion of his or her Two Percent Company Contribution Account, the Company shall withhold from the Participant’s Compensation and Bonus Compensation that is not deferred, in a manner determined by the Company, the Participant’s share of FICA and other employment taxes. If necessary, the Company may reduce the vested portion of the Participant’s Two Percent Company Contribution Account in order to comply with this subsection (b).

 

  (c)

Distributions. The Company, or the trustee of the Trust, shall withhold from any payments made to a Participant under the Plan all federal, state and local income, employment and other taxes required to be withheld by the Company, or the trustee of the Trust, in connection with such payments, in amounts and in a manner to be determined in the sole discretion of the Company and the trustee of the Trust.

ARTICLE 4

Short-Term Payout; Unforeseeable Financial Emergencies

 

4.1

Short-Term Payout. In connection with each deferral election under the Plan, a Participant may elect to receive a Short-Term Payout from the Plan with respect to all or a portion of the Net Deferral Amount. The Short-Term Payout shall be a lump sum payment in an amount that is equal to the portion of the Net Deferral Amount that the Participant elected to have distributed as a Short-Term Payout, plus amounts credited or debited in the manner provided in Section 3.7 above on that amount, calculated as of the close of business on or around the date on which the Short-Term Payout becomes payable, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, each Short-Term Payout elected shall be paid out during a sixty (60) day period commencing immediately after the last day of any Plan Year designated by the Participant. The Plan Year designated by the Participant must be at least five (5) Plan Years after the Plan Year in which the Net Deferral Amount is actually deferred. By way of example, if a Short-Term Payout is elected for Net Deferral Amounts that are deferred in the Plan Year commencing January 1, 2022, the Short-Term Payout would become payable during a sixty (60) day period commencing January 1, 2027.

 

4.2

Other Benefits Take Precedence Over Short-Term. Should an event occur that triggers a benefit under Article 5, any Net Deferral Amount, plus amounts credited or debited thereon, that is subject to a Short-Term Payout election under Section 4.1 shall not be paid in accordance with Section 4.1 but shall be paid in accordance with Article 5.

 

4.3

Payout/Cancellation for Unforeseeable Financial Emergencies. If the Participant experiences an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency, the Participant may petition the Company to receive a partial or full payout from the Plan. The payout shall not exceed the lesser of the Participant’s vested Account Balance, calculated as if such Participant were receiving a Plan Benefit, or the amount reasonably needed to satisfy the Unforeseeable Financial Emergency plus amounts necessary to pay taxes reasonably anticipated as a result of the payout, after taking into account the extent to which such Unforeseeable Financial Emergency is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise, by liquidation of the Participant’s assets (to the extent such liquidation would not itself cause severe financial hardship), or by cessation of deferrals under the Plan. A Participant experiencing an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency may also petition for a cancellation of his or her deferral election in effect under the Plan. If, subject to the sole discretion of the Company, the petition for a cancellation and/or payout is approved, cancellation shall take effect upon the date of approval and any payout shall be made within sixty (60) days of the date of

 

9


  approval. In the event of any such cancellation, the deferral election under the Plan made by the Participant next following the cancellation of his or her deferral election due to an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency shall be treated as an initial deferral election with respect to Compensation earned after the date on which the election is effective, in accordance with Treasury Regulations §1.409A-2(a) and subject to the requirements of Article 3 hereunder, but shall in no event be treated as an election with respect to the first Plan Year with respect to which the Participant is eligible to participate in the Plan.

ARTICLE 5

Benefits

 

5.1

Plan Benefit. A Participant who experiences a Regular Separation from Service shall receive, as the Plan benefit, the vested portion of his or her Account Balance (the “Plan Benefit”).

 

  (a)

Payment Commencement Date for a Regular Separation from Service. A Participant shall designate on each Election Form the time as of which payment of his or her Plan Benefit with respect to the Compensation or Bonus Compensation deferred pursuant to such Election Form is to commence in the event of a Regular Separation from Service as one of the following alternatives. The Participant either may select:

 

  (1)

The last day of the month following the Participant’s Termination Date, except that, in the case of a Key Employee, that date shall be the last day of the month in which occurs the six (6) month anniversary of his or her Termination Date; or

 

  (2)

January 31 of any of the five (5) calendar years following the year that includes the Participant’s Termination Date, except that, in the case of a Key Employee, the first payment shall be made as of the later of (x) the selected January 31, or (y) the last day of the month in which occurs the six (6) month anniversary of his or her Termination Date.

In addition, if a payment commencement date under this Section is not established at the time a Participant submits his or her deferral Election Form, his or her Plan Benefit with respect to the Compensation or Bonus Compensation deferred pursuant to such Election Form shall be paid as a lump sum as of the last day of the month in which occurs the six (6) month anniversary of the Participant’s Termination Date.

With respect to a Key Employee who experiences a Separation from Service, unless the Company determines otherwise in accordance with Code Section 409A, the payments to which the Key Employee would otherwise be entitled during the period between his or her Termination Date and the payment commencement date determined in accordance with this Section 5.1(a) shall be accumulated and paid on the payment commencement date.

 

  (b)

Form of Benefit for a Regular Separation from Service. A Participant shall elect on each Election Form to receive the Plan Benefit with respect to the Compensation or Bonus Compensation deferred pursuant to such Election Form in a lump sum or pursuant to an Annual Installment Method over 2 years to 10 years. If a Participant does not make any election with respect to the payment of the Plan Benefit, then such benefit shall be payable in a lump sum.

 

  (c)

Death Prior to Completion of Benefit Payment. If a Participant dies after his or her Regular Separation from Service but before the Plan Benefit is paid in full, the Participant’s unpaid Plan Benefit payments shall continue and shall be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary over the remaining number of years and in the same amounts as that benefit would have been paid to the Participant had the Participant survived.

 

 

10


  (d)

Small Plan Benefit. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Plan, if the vested portion of the Participant’s Account Balance at the time of his or her Regular Separation from Service is less than $10,000, payment of his or her Plan Benefit shall be paid in a lump sum on or before the later of (i) December 31 of the calendar year in which occurs the Participant’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date 2-1/2 months after the Participant’s Separation from Service.

 

5.2

Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefit. The Participant’s Beneficiary shall receive a Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefit equal to the Participant’s Account Balance if the Participant dies before he or she experiences a Regular Separation from Service or receiving the Disability Benefit described in Section 5.3. A Participant’s Beneficiary shall receive the Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefit in a lump sum. The lump sum payment shall be made no later than 60 days after the last day of the Plan Year in which the Company is provided with proof that is satisfactory to the Company of the Participant’s death.

 

5.3

Disability Benefit. A Participant who while still an Employee is deemed Disabled shall, for benefit purposes under the Plan, be deemed to have experienced a Separation from Service as soon as practicable after such Participant is determined to be Disabled, in which case the Participant shall receive a Disability Benefit equal to the vested portion of his or her Account Balance. The Disability Benefit shall be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days of the Participant’s deemed Separation from Service, or, if the Participant is a Key Employee, as of the last day of the month in which occurs the six (6) month anniversary of the date of the Participant’s Separation from Service.

 

5.4

Change in Time or Form of Payment. Notwithstanding the method of payment for the Plan Benefit elected by a Participant on an Election Form with respect to the Compensation or Bonus Compensation deferred pursuant to such Election Form, the Participant may elect to change the time or form of such payment under a subsequent election only if the following requirements are met:

 

  (a)

The subsequent election may not take effect until at least twelve (12) months after the date on which the subsequent election is made.

 

  (b)

The subsequent election may not be made less than twelve (12) months prior to the date of the first scheduled payment under the current election.

 

  (c)

The first payment with respect to which the subsequent election is made must be deferred for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date such payment would otherwise have been made.

 

  (d)

The subsequent election may not accelerate the time of any payment.

The form of payment elected in a subsequent election also must be an election of the form and timing of payment that could have been made under Section 4.1 or Section 5.1 by the Participant at the time of original election. For purposes of this Section 5.4, installment payments elected by a Participant under the Plan shall be treated as a single payment to be made on the payment date for the first installment payment.

 

5.5

Limitation on Key Employees. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the payment of a Plan Benefit or Disability Benefit with respect to a Participant who is a “key employee” within the meaning of Code Section 416(i)(1), if at that time any stock of the Company is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise, shall not be made within six (6) months following his or her Separation from Service, except in the event of death.

ARTICLE 6

Beneficiary Designation

 

6.1

Beneficiary. Each Participant shall have the right, at any time, to designate his or her Beneficiary(ies) (both primary as well as contingent) to receive any benefits payable under the Plan to a Beneficiary upon the death of a Participant. The Beneficiary designated under the Plan may be the same as or different from the Beneficiary designation under any other plan of the Company in which the Participant participates.

 

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6.2

Beneficiary Designation; Change. A Participant shall designate his or her Beneficiary by completing and signing the Beneficiary Designation Form, and returning it to the Company. A Participant shall have the right to change a Beneficiary by completing, signing and otherwise complying with the terms of the Beneficiary Designation Form and the Company’s rules and procedures, as in effect from time to time. Upon the acceptance by the Company of a new Beneficiary Designation Form, all Beneficiary designations previously filed shall be canceled. The Company shall be entitled to rely on the last Beneficiary Designation Form filed by the Participant and accepted by the Company prior to his or her death.

 

6.3

Acknowledgment. No designation or change in designation of a Beneficiary shall be effective until received and acknowledged in writing by the Company.

 

6.4

No Beneficiary Designation. If a Participant fails to designate a Beneficiary as provided in Sections 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 above or if all Beneficiaries predecease the Participant or die prior to complete distribution of the Participant’s benefits, then the Participant’s Beneficiary shall be deemed to be his or her surviving spouse. If the Participant has no surviving spouse, the benefits remaining under the Plan to be paid to a Beneficiary shall be payable to the Participant’s estate.

 

6.5

Doubt as to Beneficiary. If the Company has any doubt as to the proper Beneficiary to receive payments pursuant to the Plan, the Company shall have the right, exercisable in its discretion, to cause the Company to withhold such payments until this matter is resolved to the Company’s satisfaction.

 

6.6

Discharge of Obligations. The payment of benefits under the Plan to a Beneficiary shall fully and completely discharge the Company from all further obligations under the Plan with respect to the Participant.

ARTICLE 7

Leave of Absence

 

7.1

Paid Leave of Absence. If a Participant is authorized by the Company or its Affiliate for any reason to take a paid leave of absence from the employment of the Company or its Affiliate (as applicable) and such leave of absence does not constitute a Separation from Service, the Participant shall continue to be considered employed by the Company or its Affiliate and the Net Deferral Amount shall continue to be withheld during such paid leave of absence in accordance with Sections 3.1 and 3.2.

 

7.2

Unpaid Leave of Absence. If a Participant is authorized by the Company or its Affiliate for any reason to take an unpaid leave of absence from the employment of the Company or its Affiliate (as applicable) and such leave of absence does not constitute a Separation from Service, the Participant shall continue to be considered employed by the Company or its Affiliate and the Participant shall be excused from making deferrals until the Participant returns to a paid employment status. Upon such return, deferrals shall resume for the remaining portion of the Plan Year in which the return occurs, based on the deferral election, if any, made for that Plan Year. If no election was made for that Plan Year, no deferral shall be withheld.

ARTICLE 8

Termination, Amendment or Modification

 

8.1

Termination. Although the Company anticipates that it will continue the Plan for an indefinite period of time, there is no guarantee that the Company will continue the Plan or will not terminate the Plan at any time in the future. Accordingly, the Company reserves the right to terminate the Plan, in its sole discretion, in whole or in part, and for any reason, by action of the Company. The Company may terminate the Plan with respect to the Participants employed or formerly employed by the Company, as follows:

 

  (a)

Partial Termination. The Company, in its sole discretion, may partially terminate the Plan by not accepting any additional deferral elections under the Plan. If such a partial termination occurs, the Plan shall continue to operate and be effective with regard to deferral elections properly completed and filed prior to the effective date of such partial termination.

 

12


  (b)

Complete Termination. The Company, in its sole discretion, may completely terminate the Plan by not accepting any additional deferral elections, and by terminating all existing Plan deferrals. In the event of complete termination, the Plan shall cease to operate and, to the extent permitted by Section 409A of the Code and subject to the rules thereunder, the Company shall distribute each vested Account Balance to the appropriate Participant.

 

8.2

Amendment. The Company may, at any time, amend or modify the Plan in whole or in part by the action of the Company; provided, however, that: (i) no amendment or modification shall be effective to decrease or restrict the value of a Participant’s Account Balance in existence at the time the amendment or modification is made, calculated as if the Participant had experienced a Regular Separation from Service as of the effective date of the amendment or modification, except that the Company may change the investment funds to be applied prospectively, and (ii) no amendment or modification of this Section 8.2 of the Plan shall be effective. The amendment or modification of the Plan shall not affect any Participant or Beneficiary who has become entitled to the payment of benefits under the Plan as of the date of the amendment or modification. The Company specifically reserves the right to amend the Plan to conform the provisions of the Plan to the guidance issued by the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to Code Section 409A, in accordance with such guidance.

 

8.3

Effect of Payment. The full payment of the applicable benefit under Articles 4 or 5 of the Plan shall completely discharge all obligations to a Participant and his or her Beneficiaries under the Plan.

ARTICLE 9

Administration

 

9.1

Administrative Duties. To the extent that ERISA applies to the Plan, the Company shall be the “named fiduciary” of the Plan and the “plan administrator” of the Plan. The Company shall be responsible for the general administration of the Plan. The Company will, subject to the terms of the Plan, have the authority to: (i) approve for participation employees who are recommended for participation by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, (ii) adopt, alter, and repeal administrative rules and practices governing the Plan, (iii) interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan, and (iv) otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan. All decisions by the Company will be made with the approval of not less than a majority of the members of its Board of Directors. The Company may delegate any of its authority to any other person or persons that it deems appropriate.

 

9.2

Agents. In the administration of the Plan, the Company may, from time to time, employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit (including acting through a duly appointed representative) and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to the Company.

 

9.3

Binding Effect of Decisions. All decisions by the Company, and by any other person or persons to whom the Company has delegated authority, shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Plan.

 

9.4

Indemnity of Company. The Company shall indemnify and hold any Employee to whom the duties of the Company may be delegated against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities arising from any action or failure to act with respect to the Plan, except in the case of willful misconduct by the Company or any such Employee.

 

9.5

Information. To perform its functions, any person or persons who the Company has deemed appropriate to administer the Plan shall supply full and timely information on all matters relating to the compensation of its Participants, the date and circumstances of the retirement, the Disabled status, death or other Separation from Service of its Participants, and such other pertinent information as the Company may reasonably require.

 

13


ARTICLE 10

Other Benefits and Agreements

 

10.1

Coordination with Other Benefits. The benefits provided for a Participant and Participant’s Beneficiary under the Plan are in addition to any other benefits available to such Participant under any other plan or program for employees of the Company. The Plan shall supplement and shall not supersede, modify or amend any other such plan or program except as may otherwise be expressly provided.

ARTICLE 11

Claims Procedures

 

11.1

Initial Claim. If a Participant believes he or she is entitled to payments under the Plan which have not been paid or have been paid in a lesser amount, the Participant may submit a written claim to the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for the Company. If the Senior Vice President of Human Resources determines that the claim should be denied, written notice of the decision will be furnished to the Participant within a reasonable period of time. This notice will set forth in clear and precise terms the specific reasons for the denial, specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based, a description of additional material or information necessary for the Participant to perfect the claim, and an explanation of the Plan’s review procedure. The written notice shall be given to the Participant within ninety (90) days after receipt of the claim, unless special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, in which case a decision will be rendered and written notice furnished within one hundred eighty (180) days after receipt of the claim. A written notice of such extension of time indicating the special circumstances and expected date of decision will be furnished to the Participant within the initial ninety (90) day period.

 

11.2

Claims Appeal. The Participant may, within sixty (60) days after receiving notice denying the claim, request a review of the decision by written application to the committee established by the Company to review appeals under this Plan (the “Review Panel”). The Participant may also review pertinent documents and submit issues and comments in writing. A written decision on the appeal will be made by the Review Panel not later than sixty (60) days after receipt of the appeal, unless special circumstances require an extension of time, in which case a decision will be rendered within a reasonable period of time, but in no event later than one hundred twenty (120) days after receipt of the appeal. A written notice of such extension of time will be furnished to the Participant before such extension begins. The decision will include the specific reason(s) for the decision and the specific reference(s) to the pertinent plan provisions on which the decision is based. The decision will be final. The Participant’s Beneficiary also may use the claim procedures set forth in Section 11.1 and this Section.

ARTICLE 12

Trust

 

12.1

Establishment of the Trust. The Company may establish one or more irrevocable Trusts to which the Company may transfer such assets as the Company determines in its sole discretion to assist in meeting its obligations under the Plan.

 

12.2

Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust. The provisions of the Plan shall govern the rights of a Participant to receive distributions pursuant to the Plan. The provisions of the Trust shall govern the rights of the Company, Participants and the creditors of the Company to the assets transferred to the Trust.

 

12.3

Distributions from the Trust. The Company’s obligations under the Plan may be satisfied with Trust assets distributed pursuant to the terms of the Trust, and any such distribution shall reduce the Company’s obligations under the Plan.

 

14


ARTICLE 13

Miscellaneous

 

13.1

Status of Plan. The Plan is intended to be a plan that is not qualified within the meaning of Code Section 401(a) and that “is unfunded and is maintained by an employer primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees” within the meaning of Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of ERISA. The Plan shall be administered and interpreted to the extent possible in a manner consistent with that intent.

 

13.2

Unsecured General Creditor. Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors and assigns shall have no legal or equitable rights, interests or claims in any property or assets of the Company. For purposes of the payment of benefits under the Plan, any and all of the Company’s assets shall be, and remain, the general, unpledged unrestricted assets of the Company. The Company’s obligation under the Plan shall be merely that of an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay money in the future.

 

13.3

Company’s Liability. The Company’s liability for the payment of benefits shall be defined only by the Plan. The Company shall have no obligation to a Participant under the Plan except as expressly provided in the Plan.

 

13.4

Nonassignability. Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, anticipate, mortgage or otherwise encumber, transfer, hypothecate, alienate or convey in advance of actual receipt, the amounts, if any, payable hereunder, or any part thereof, which are, and all rights to which are expressly declared to be, unassignable and non-transferable. No part of the amounts payable shall, prior to actual payment, be subject to seizure, attachment, garnishment or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance owed by a Participant or any other person, be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participant’s or any other person’s bankruptcy or insolvency or be transferable to a spouse as a result of a property settlement or otherwise.

 

13.5

Not a Contract of Employment. The terms and conditions of the Plan shall not be deemed to constitute a contract of employment between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant, either expressed or implied. Such employment is hereby acknowledged to be an “at will” employment relationship that can be terminated at any time for any reason, or no reason, with or without cause, and with or without notice, unless expressly provided in a written employment agreement. Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to give a Participant the right to be retained in the service of the Company or any Affiliate, or to interfere with the right of the Company or any Affiliate to discipline or discharge the Participant at any time.

 

13.6

Furnishing Information. A Participant or his or her Beneficiary will cooperate with the Company by furnishing any and all information requested by the Company and take such other actions as may be requested in order to facilitate the administration of the Plan and the payments of benefits hereunder, including but not limited to taking such physical examinations as the Company may deem necessary.

 

13.7

Terms. Whenever any words are used herein in the masculine, they shall be construed as though they were in the feminine in all cases where they would so apply; and whenever any words are used herein in the singular or in the plural, they shall be construed as though they were used in the plural or the singular, as the case may be, in all cases where they would so apply.

 

13.8

Captions. The captions of the articles, sections and paragraphs of the Plan are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of its provisions.

 

13.9

Governing Law. Subject to ERISA, the provisions of the Plan shall be construed and interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its conflicts of laws principles.

 

13.10

Notice. Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Company under the Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered, or sent by registered or certified mail, to the address below:

 

15


The ESAB Group, Inc.

909 Rose Avenue, Suite 800

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Attn: Director, Global Compensation & Benefits

Such notice shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery or, if delivery is made by mail, as of the date shown on the postmark on the receipt for registration or certification.

Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to a Participant under the Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered, or sent by mail, to the last known address of the Participant.

 

13.11

Successors. The provisions of the Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns and the Participant and the Participant’s Beneficiaries.

 

13.12

Spouse’s Interest. The interest in the benefits hereunder of a spouse of a Participant who has predeceased the Participant shall automatically pass to the Participant and shall not be transferable by such spouse in any manner, including but not limited to such spouse’s will, nor shall such interest pass under the laws of intestate succession.

 

13.13

Validity. In case any provision of the Plan shall be illegal or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts hereof, but the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provision had never been inserted herein.

 

13.14

Incompetent. If the Company determines in its discretion that a benefit under the Plan is to be paid to a minor, a person declared incompetent or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of that person’s property, the Company may direct payment of such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care and custody of such minor, incompetent or incapable person. The Company may require proof of minority, incompetence, incapacity or guardianship, as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Any payment of a benefit shall be a payment for the account of the Participant and the Participant’s Beneficiary, as the case may be, and shall be a complete discharge of any liability under the Plan for such payment amount.

 

13.15

Court Orders. The Company shall comply with domestic relations orders (as defined in Code Section 414(p)(1)(B)), pursuant to which a court has determined that a spouse or former spouse of a Participant has an interest in the Participant’s benefits under the Plan, and other court orders that do not contravene the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

 

13.16

Insurance. The Company, on its own behalf or on behalf of the trustee of the Trust, and, in its sole discretion, may apply for and procure insurance on the life of the Participant, in such amounts and in such forms as the Trust may choose. The Company or the trustee of the Trust, as the case may be, shall be the sole owner and beneficiary of any such insurance. The Participant shall have no interest whatsoever in any such policy or policies, and at the request of the Company shall submit to medical examinations and supply such information and execute such documents as may be required by the insurance company or companies to whom the Company has applied for insurance.

 

13.17

Distribution in the Event of Income Inclusion Under Code Section 409A. The Company intends for the Plan to comply with and be construed in accordance with Code Section 409A, but this is not a guarantee. In the event that it is determined that the Plan does not comply with Section 409A, if any portion of a Participant’s Account Balance under this Plan is required to be included in income by the Participant prior to receipt due to a failure of this Plan to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and related Treasury Regulations, the Company may determine that such Participant shall receive a distribution from the Plan in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the portion of his or her Account Balance required to be included in income as a result of the failure of the Plan to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and related Treasury Regulations, or (ii) the unpaid vested Account Balance.

 

16


13.18

Deduction Limitation on Benefit Payments. If the Company reasonably anticipates that the Company’s deduction with respect to any distribution from this Plan would be limited or eliminated by application of Code Section 162(m), the Company may, in its sole discretion, delay payment of any “grandfathered amounts” (as defined under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and regulations thereunder) to the extent necessary to ensure that the distribution from this Plan is deductible and that any such delay is permitted by Treasury Regulations §1.409A-2(b)(7)(i). Any amounts for which distribution is delayed due to the Company’s exercise of its discretion, pursuant to this Section 13.18, shall continue to be credited or debited with additional amounts in accordance with Section 3.7, and all such amounts shall be distributed to the Participant (or his or her Beneficiary in the event of the Participant’s death) at the earliest date the Company reasonably anticipates that the deduction of the payment of the amount will not be limited or eliminated by application of Code Section 162(m). In the event that such delayed distribution date is determined to be after a Participant’s Separation from Service and that the Participant to whom the payment relates is determined to be a Key Employee, then to the extent necessary to comply with Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(2), the delayed payment shall not made before the end of the six-month period following such Participant’s Separation from Service.

 

13.19

No Acceleration of Benefits. The acceleration of the time or schedule of any payment under the Plan is not permitted, except as provided in regulations by the Secretary of the Treasury.

 

13.20

Compliance with Code Section 409A. The Plan is intended to provide for the deferral of compensation in accordance with Code Section 409A.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has signed this The ESAB Group, Inc. Excess Benefit Plan, effective January 1, 2022.

 

THE ESAB GROUP, INC.
By:  

         

Title:  

 

 

 

17

Exhibit 10.11

The ESAB Group, Inc.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

Master Plan Document

 

 

Effective January 1, 2022


The ESAB Group, Inc.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

Master Plan Document

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

Article 1

  Definitions      1  

1.1

  “Account Balance”      1  

1.2

  “Annual Account”      1  

1.3

  “Annual Deferral Amount”      1  

1.4

  “Quarterly Installment Method”      2  

1.5

  “Base Salary”      2  

1.6

  “Beneficiary”      2  

1.7

  “Beneficiary Designation Form”      2  

1.8

  “Benefit Distribution Date”      2  

1.9

  “Board”      2  

1.10

  “Bonus”      2  

1.11

  “Change in Control”      3  

1.12

  “Claimant”      3  

1.13

  “Code”      3  

1.14

  “Committee”      3  

1.15

  “Company”      3  

1.16

  “Company Discretionary Contribution Amount”      3  

1.17

  “Company Matching Contribution Amount      3  

1.18

  “Company 401(k) Plan”      3  

1.19

  “Disability” or “Disabled”      3  

1.20

  “Disability Benefit”      3  

1.21

  “Election Form”      3  

1.22

  “Eligible Match Compensation”      3  

1.23

  “Employee”      4  

1.24

  “Employer(s)”      4  

1.25

  “ERISA”      4  

1.26

  “Forfeitable Right”      4  

1.27

  “Measurement Funds”      4  

1.28

  “Participant”      4  

1.29

  “Plan”      4  

1.30

  “Plan Year”      4  

1.31

  “Retirement Date”      4  

1.32

  “Scheduled Distribution”      4  

1.33

  “Separation Benefit”      4  

1.34

  “Separation from Service”      4  

1.35

  “Specified Employee”      4  

1.36

  “Survivor Benefit”      4  

1.37

  “Terminate the Plan,” “Termination of the Plan”      4  

1.38

  “Trust”      5  

1.39

  “Unforeseeable Financial Emergency”      5  

 

i


The ESAB Group, Inc.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

Master Plan Document

 

 

Article 2

  Selection, Enrollment, Eligibility      5  

2.1

  Selection by Committee      5  

2.2

  Enrollment and Eligibility Requirements; Commencement of Participation      5  

2.3

  Termination of a Participant’s Eligibility      6  

Article 3

  Deferral Commitments / Contribution Amounts / Vesting / Crediting / Taxes      6  

3.1

  Maximum Deferral      6  

3.2

  Election to Defer; Effect of Election Form      6  

3.3

  Withholding and Crediting of Annual Deferral Amounts      7  

3.4

  Company Matching Contribution Amount; Company Discretionary Contribution Amount      8  

3.5

  Vesting      8  

3.6

  Crediting/Debiting of Account Balances      8  

3.7

  FICA and Other Taxes      10  

Article 4

  Scheduled Distribution; Unforeseeable Financial Emergencies      10  

4.1

  Scheduled Distribution      10  

4.2

  Postponing Scheduled Distributions      10  

4.3

  Other Benefits Take Precedence Over Scheduled Distributions      11  

4.4

  Withdrawal Payout/Suspensions for Unforeseeable Financial Emergencies      11  

Article 5

  Separation Benefit      12  

5.1

  Separation Benefit      12  

5.2

  Payment of Separation Benefit      12  

5.3

  Small Plan Benefit      13  

Article 6

  Disability Benefit      13  

6.1

  Disability Benefit      13  

6.2

  Payment of Disability Benefit      13  

Article 7

  Survivor Benefit      13  

7.1

  Survivor Benefit      13  

7.2

  Payment of Survivor Benefit      14  

Article 8

  Beneficiary Designation      14  

8.1

  Beneficiary      14  

8.2

  Beneficiary Designation; Chance; Spousal Consent      14  

8.3

  Acknowledgment      14  

8.4

  No Beneficiary Designation      14  

8.5

  Doubt as to Beneficiary      14  

8.6

  Discharge of Obligations      14  

Article 9

  Leave of Absence      15  

9.1

  Paid Leave of Absence      15  

 

ii


The ESAB Group, Inc.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

Master Plan Document

 

 

9.2

  Unpaid Leave of Absence      15  

Article 10

  Termination of Plan, Amendment or Modification      15  

10.1

  Termination of Plan      15  

10.2

  Amendment      15  

10.3

  Effect of Payment      16  

Article 11

  Administration      16  

11.1

  Committee Duties      16  

11.2

  Administration Upon Change in Control      16  

11.3

  Agents      17  

11.4

  Binding Effect of Decisions      17  

11.5

  Indemnity of Committee      17  

11.6

  Employer Information      17  

Article 12

  Other Benefits and Agreements      17  

12.1

  Coordination with Other Benefits      17  

Article 13

  Claims Procedures      18  

13.1

  Presentation of Claim      18  

13.2

  Notification of Decision      18  

13.3

  Review of a Denied Claim      19  

13.4

  Decision on Review      19  

13.5

  Controlling Law      19  

Article 14

  Trust      20  

14.1

  Establishment of the Trust      20  

14.2

  Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust      20  

14.3

  Distributions From the Trust      20  

Article 15

  Miscellaneous      20  

15.1

  Status of Plan      20  

15.2

  Unsecured General Creditor      20  

15.3

  Employer’s Liability      20  

15.4

  Assignment      20  

15.5

  Not a Contract of Employment      21  

15.6

  Furnishing Information      21  

15.7

  Terms      21  

15.8

  Captions      21  

15.9

  Governing Law      21  

15.10

  Notice      22  

15.11

  Successors      22  

15.12

  Spouse’s Interest      22  

15.13

  Validity      22  

 

iii


The ESAB Group, Inc.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

Master Plan Document

 

 

15.14

  Incompetent      22  

15.15

  Court Order      22  

15.16

  Insurance      23  

15.17

  No Acceleration of Benefits      23  

 

iv


THE ESAB GROUP, INC.

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

Effective January 1, 2022

Purpose

The purpose of The ESAB Group, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) is to provide specified benefits to a select group of management or highly compensated Employees who contribute materially to the continued growth, development and future business success of ESAB Corporation and its subsidiaries, if any, that sponsor this Plan. This Plan shall be unfunded for tax purposes and for purposes of Title I of ERISA:

The Plan is intended to comply with all applicable law, including Code Section 409A and related Treasury guidance and Regulations, and shall be operated and interpreted in accordance with this intention.

ARTICLE 1

Definitions

For the purposes of this Plan, unless otherwise clearly apparent from the context, the following phrases or terms shall have the following indicated meanings:

 

1.1

“Account Balance” shall mean, with respect to a Participant, an entry on the records of the Employer equal to the sum of (i) the Participant’s Annual Accounts, less (ii) all distributions made to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary pursuant to this Plan. The Account Balance shall be a bookkeeping entry only and shall be utilized solely as a device for the measurement and determination of the amounts to be paid to a Participant, or his or her designated Beneficiary, pursuant to this Plan.

 

1.2

“Annual Account” shall mean, with respect to a Participant, an entry on the records of the Employer equal to the following amount: (i) the sum of the Participant’s Annual Deferral Amount, Company Discretionary Contribution Amount and Company Matching Contribution Amount for any one Plan Year, plus (ii) amounts credited or debited to such amounts pursuant to this Plan, less (iii) all distributions made to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary pursuant to this Plan that relate to the Annual Account for such Plan Year. The Annual Account shall be a bookkeeping entry only and shall be utilized solely as a device for the measurement and determination of the amounts to be paid to a Participant, or his or her designated Beneficiary, pursuant to this Plan.

 

1.3

“Annual Deferral Amount” shall mean that portion of a Participant’s Base Salary and/or Bonus that a Participant defers in accordance with Article 3 for any one Plan Year, without regard to whether such amounts are withheld and credited during such Plan Year. In the event of a Participant’s Separation from Service, Disability or death prior to the end of a Plan Year, such year’s Annual Deferral Amount shall be the actual amount withheld prior to such event.

 

1


1.4

“Quarterly Installment Method” shall be a quarterly installment payment over the number of years selected by the Participant in accordance with this Plan, calculated as follows: (i) for the first quarterly installment, the vested portion of each Annual Account shall be calculated as of the close of business on or around the Participant’s Benefit Distribution Date or Scheduled Distribution Date, as applicable, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, and (ii) for remaining quarterly installments, the vested portion of each applicable Annual Account shall be calculated on or around the first business day of each fiscal quarter of the Company following the initial installment payment. Each quarterly installment shall be calculated by multiplying this balance by a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is the remaining number of quarterly payments due to the Participant.

 

1.5

“Base Salary” shall mean an Employee’s regular base salary paid by any Employer.

 

1.6

“Beneficiary” shall mean one or more persons, trusts, estates or other entities, designated in accordance with Article 8, that are entitled to receive benefits under this Plan upon the death of a Participant.

 

1.7

“Beneficiary Designation Form” shall mean the form established from time to time by the Committee that a Participant completes, signs and returns to the Committee to designate one or more Beneficiaries.

 

1.8

“Benefit Distribution Date” shall mean a date that automatically triggers distribution of a Participant’s vested benefits. A Benefit Distribution Date for a Participant shall be determined upon the occurrence of any one of the following:

 

  (a)

If the Participant experiences a Separation from Service, the Benefit Distribution Date for his or her vested Account Balance shall be the date on which the Participant experiences a Separation from Service; provided, however, in the event the Participant changes the Separation Benefit election for one or more Annual Accounts in accordance with Section 5.2(b), the Benefit Distribution Date for such Annual Account(s) shall be postponed in accordance with such Section 5.2(b); or

 

  (b)

If the Participant dies prior to the complete distribution of his or her vested Account Balance, the Participant’s Benefit Distribution Date shall be the date on which the Committee is provided with proof that is satisfactory to the Committee of the Participant’s death; or

 

  (c)

If the Participant becomes Disabled, the Participant’s Benefit Distribution Date shall be the date on which the Participant becomes Disabled.

 

1.9

“Board” shall mean the board of directors of the Company.

 

1.10

“Bonus” shall mean one or more cash bonuses designated from time to time by the Committee as eligible for deferral under this Plan, including, without limitation, bonuses under The ESAB Group, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan, but excluding all retention bonuses and change in control bonuses unless the Committee otherwise determines that retention and change in control bonuses will be included.

 

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1.11

“Change in Control” shall mean any “change in control event” as defined in accordance with Treasury guidance and Regulations related to Code Section 409A, including but not limited to IRS Notice 2005-1 and such other Treasury guidance or Regulations issued after the effective date of this Plan, but excluding the dividend of Company stock by Colfax Corporation to the stockholders of Colfax Corporation.

 

1.12

“Claimant” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.1.

 

1.13

“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

1.14

“Committee” shall mean the committee described in Article 11.

 

1.15

“Company” shall mean The ESAB Group, Inc. and any successor to all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or business.

 

1.16

“Company Discretionary Contribution Amount” shall mean, for any one Plan Year, the amount determined in accordance with Section 3.4(b).

 

1.17

“Company Matching Contribution Amount” shall mean, for any one plan Year, the amount determined in accordance with section 3.4(a).

 

1.18

“Company 401(k) Plan” shall mean The ESAB Group, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan Plus, effective as of January 1, 2022, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

1.19

“Disability” or “Disabled” shall mean that a Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months. A Participant shall be considered Disabled only if he or she meets one or both of the following criteria:

(a) He or she has been determined under the Employer’s long-term disability plan as eligible for benefits thereunder; or

(b) He or she has been determined by the Social Security Administration as eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

 

1.20

“Disability Benefit” shall mean the benefit set forth in Article 6.

 

1.21

“Election Form” shall mean the form, which may be in electronic format, established from time to time by the Committee that a Participant completes, signs and returns to the Committee to make an election under the Plan.

 

1.22

“Eligible Match Compensation” shall mean, for any one Plan Year, “Compensation” (as defined in the Company 401(k) Plan) in excess of the annual Code Section 401(a)(17) limit in effect for such Plan Year excluding from such “Compensation” amounts that are not a Bonus as defined in Section 1.10.

 

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1.23

“Employee” shall mean a person who is an employee of any Employer.

 

1.24

“Employer(s)” shall mean the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries (now in existence or hereafter formed or acquired) that have been selected by the Board to participate in the Plan and have adopted the Plan as a sponsor.

 

1.25

“ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

1.26

“Forfeitable Right” shall mean an amount to which a Participant has a legally binding right that is payable in a subsequent year and requires continued service by the Participant for a period of at least twelve (12) months to avoid forfeiture of such amount.

 

1.27

“Measurement Funds” shall have the definition set forth in Section 3.6(a).

 

1.28

“Participant” shall mean any Employee selected to participate in the Plan by the Committee who submits an executed Election Form and Beneficiary Designation Form which are accepted by the Committee.

 

1.29

“Plan” shall mean The ESAB Group, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of January 1, 2022, which shall be evidenced by this instrument, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

1.30

“Plan Year” shall mean a period beginning on January 1 of each calendar year and continuing through December 31 of such calendar year.

 

1.31

“Retirement Date” shall mean a Participants Separation from Service upon reaching age sixty-five (65) with five (5) years of Vesting Service (as defined for purposes of the Company 401(k) Plan) or age fifty-five (55) with ten (10) years of Vesting Service (as defined for purposes of the Company 401(k) Plan).

 

1.32

“Scheduled Distribution” shall mean the distribution set forth in Section 4.1.

 

1.33

“Separation Benefit” shall mean the benefit set forth in Article 5.

 

1.34

“Separation from Service” shall mean the separation from service with all Employers, voluntarily or involuntarily, for any reason other than death, Disability, or an authorized leave of absence, as determined in accordance with Code Section 409A and related Treasury guidance and Regulations.

 

1.35

“Specified Employee” shall mean “specified employee” as defined under Code Section 409A.

 

1.36

“Survivor Benefit” shall mean the benefit set forth in Article 7.

 

1.37

“Terminate the Plan,” “Termination of the Plan” shall mean a determination by an Employer’s board of directors that (i) all of its Participants shall no longer be eligible to participate in the Plan, (ii) all deferral elections for such Participants shall terminate, and (iii) such Participants shall no longer be eligible to receive Company contributions under this Plan.

 

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1.38

“Trust” shall mean one or more trusts established by the Company in accordance with Article 14.

 

1.39

“Unforeseeable Financial Emergency” shall mean an unforeseeable emergency that is caused by an event beyond the control of the Participant that would result in severe financial hardship to the Participant resulting from (i) a sudden and unexpected illness or accident of the Participant, the Participant’s spouse, or a dependent (as defined in Code Section 152(a)) of the Participant, (ii) a loss of the Participant’s property due to casualty, or (iii) such other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant, all as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

ARTICLE 2

Selection, Enrollment, Eligibility

 

2.1

Selection by Committee. Participation in the Plan shall be limited to those Employees who (i) are officers or other select managerial employees and (ii) are, upon recommendation of the Company, approved for such participation by the Company, in its sole discretion.

 

2.2

Enrollment and Eligibility Requirements; Commencement of Participation.

 

  (a)

As a condition to participation, each selected Employee or Employee who otherwise is eligible to participate in the Plan as of the first day of a Plan Year shall complete, execute and return to the Committee an Election Form and a Beneficiary Designation Form, prior to the first day of such Plan Year, or such other deadline as may be established by the Committee in its sole discretion. In addition, the Committee shall establish from time to time such other enrollment requirements as it determines, in its sole discretion, are necessary.

 

  (b)

An Employee who first becomes eligible to participate in this Plan after the first day of a Plan Year must complete these requirements within thirty (30) days after he or she first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan, or within such other earlier deadline as may be established by the Committee, in its sole discretion, in order to participate for that Plan Year. In such event, such Employee’s participation in this Plan shall not commence earlier than the date determined by the Committee pursuant to Section 2.2(c) and such Employee shall not be permitted to defer under this Plan any amount earned with respect to services performed prior to his or her participation commencement date.

 

  (c)

Each selected Employee who is eligible to participate in the Plan shall commence participation in the Plan on the date that the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that the Employee has met all enrollment requirements set forth in this Plan and required by the Committee, including returning all required documents to the Committee within the specified time period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall process such Participant’s deferral election as soon as administratively practicable after such deferral election is submitted to and accepted by the Committee.

 

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  (d)

If an Employee fails to meet all requirements contained in this Section 2.2 within the period required, that Employee shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan during such Plan Year.

 

2.3

Termination of a Participants Eligibility. If the Committee determines that a Participant no longer qualifies as a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees, as membership in such group is determined in accordance with Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of ERISA, the Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to prevent the Participant from making future deferral elections and/or take further action that the Committee deems appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Termination of the Plan, the termination of the affected Participants’ eligibility for participation in the Plan shall not be governed by this Section 2.3, but rather shall be governed by Section 10.1. In the event that a Participant is no longer eligible to defer compensation under this Plan, the Participant’s Account Balance shall continue to be governed by the terms of this Plan until such time as the Participant’s Account Balance is paid in accordance with the terms of this Plan.

ARTICLE 3

Deferral Commitments / Contribution Amounts / Vesting / Crediting / Taxes

 

3.1

Maximum Deferral.

 

  (a)

Annual Deferral Amount. For each Plan Year, a Participant may elect to defer, as his or her Annual Deferral Amount, a maximum of up to 75% of his or her Bonus and up to 50% of Base Salary.

 

  (b)

Short Plan Year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant first becomes a Participant after the first day of a Plan Year, the maximum Annual Deferral Amount shall be limited to the amount of compensation not yet earned by the Participant as of the date the Participant submits an Election Form to the Committee for acceptance.

 

3.2

Election to Defer; Effect of Election Form.

 

  (a)

First Plan Year. In connection with a Participant’s commencement of participation in the Plan, the Participant shall make an irrevocable deferral election for the Plan Year in which the Participant commences participation in the Plan, along with such other elections as the Committee deems necessary or desirable under the Plan. For these elections to be valid, the Election Form must be completed and executed by the Participant, timely delivered to the Committee (in accordance with Section 2.2 above) and accepted by the Committee.

 

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  (b)

Subsequent Plan Years. For each succeeding Plan Year, an irrevocable deferral election for that Plan Year, and such other elections as the Committee deems necessary or desirable under the Plan, shall be made by timely delivering a new Election Form to the Committee, in accordance with its rules and procedures, before the end of the Plan Year preceding the Plan Year for which the election is made.

 

  (c)

Performance-Based Compensation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine that an irrevocable deferral election pertaining to performance-based compensation may be made by timely delivering an Election Form to the Committee, in accordance with its rules and procedures, no later than six (6) months before the end of the performance service period. “Performance-based compensation” shall be compensation based on services performed over a period of at least twelve (12) months, in accordance with Code Section 409A and related Treasury Regulations.

 

  (d)

Short-Term Deferrals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine that an irrevocable deferral election pertaining to certain amounts that would otherwise be considered exempt from Section 409A of the Code as short-term deferrals may be made by timely delivering an Election Form to the Committee, in accordance with its rules and procedures, no later than twelve (12) months before the date the substantial risk of forfeiture with respect to such payment lapses. Such deferral election shall be treated as subsequent deferral election and subject to the provisions of Section 4.2 below.

 

  (e)

Forfeitable Rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine that an irrevocable deferral election pertaining to a Forfeitable Right may be made by timely delivering an Election Form to the Committee, in accordance with its rules and procedures, no later than thirty (30) days after the Participant obtains a legally binding right to the Forfeitable Right; provided that the election is made at least twelve (12) months in advance of the earliest date at which the forfeiture condition to which the Forfeitable Right is subject could lapse (other than as a result of the Participant’s death or Disability or the occurrence of a Change in Control).

 

  (f)

Improper Election. If the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, prior to the beginning of a Plan Year that a Participant has made an election for less than the stated minimum amounts, or if no election is made, the amount deferred shall be zero. If the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, at any time after the beginning of a Plan Year that a Participant has deferred less than the stated minimum amounts for that Plan Year, any amount credited to the Participant’s applicable Annual Account as the Annual Deferral Amount for that Plan Year shall be distributed to the Participant within sixty (60) days after the last day of the Plan Year in which the Committee determination was made.

 

3.3

Withholding and Crediting of Annual Deferral Amounts. For each Plan Year, the Annual Deferral Amount shall be withheld at the time the Bonus and/or Base Salary, as the case may be, is or otherwise would be paid to the Participant, whether or not this occurs during the Plan Year itself. The Annual Deferral Amount shall be credited to the Participant’s Annual Account for such Plan Year at the time such amounts would otherwise have been paid to the Participant.

 

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3.4

Company Matching Contribution Amount; Company Discretionary Contribution Amount.

 

  (a)

Company Matching Contribution Amount. For each Plan Year, an Employer shall credit an amount to each Participant’s Annual Account under the Plan equal to a percentage (which percentage may be zero) of the Participant’s Eligible Match Compensation as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion. Such amount shall be credited to the Participant’s Annual Account for the applicable Plan Year on a date or dates to be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion.

 

  (b)

Company Discretionary Contribution Amount. For each Plan Year, an Employer, in its sole discretion, may, but is not required to, credit any amount it desires to any Participant’s Annual Account under this Plan, which amount shall be part of the Participant’s Company Discretionary Contribution Amount for that Plan Year. The amount so credited to a Participant may be smaller or larger than the amount credited to any other Participant, and the amount credited to any Participant for a Plan Year may be zero, even though one or more other Participants receive a Company Discretionary Contribution Amount for that Plan Year. The Company Discretionary Contribution Amount described in this Section 3.4(b), if any, shall be credited to the Participant’s Annual Account for the applicable Plan Year on a date or dates to be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion.

 

3.5

Vesting. A Participant shall at all times be 100% vested in his or her deferrals of Bonus and Base Salary. A Participant shall be vested in the portion of his or her Account Balance attributable to any Company Discretionary Contribution Amount and Company Matching Contribution Amount, upon such vesting schedule as may be established by the Committee, in its sole discretion.

 

3.6

Crediting/Debiting of Account Balances. In accordance with, and subject to, the rules and procedures that are established from time to time by the Committee, in its sole discretion, amounts shall be credited or debited to a Participant’s Account Balance in accordance with the following rules:

 

  (a)

Measurement Funds. The Committee shall select from time to time certain mutual funds, insurance company separate accounts, indexed rates or other methods (the “Measurement Funds”) for purposes of crediting or debiting additional amounts to Participants’ Account Balances. The Committee may discontinue, substitute or add a Measurement Fund, in its sole discretion.

 

  (b)

Election of Measurement Funds. A Participant, in connection with each Plan Year deferral election made in accordance with Section 3.2 above, shall elect, on the Election Form, one or more Measurement Fund(s) (as described in Section 3.6(a) above) to be used to determine the amounts to be credited or debited to his or her Account Balance. If a Participant does not elect any of the Measurement Funds as

 

8


  described in the previous sentence, the Participant’s Account Balance shall automatically be allocated by the Committee, in its sole discretion. A Participant may (but is not required to) elect, by submitting an Election Form to the Committee that is accepted by the Committee, to add or delete one or more Measurement Fund(s) to be used to determine the amounts to be credited or debited to his or her Account Balance, or to change the portion of his or her Account Balance allocated to each previously or newly elected Measurement Fund. If an election is made in accordance with the previous sentence, it shall apply as of the first business day deemed reasonably practicable by the Committee, in its sole discretion, and shall continue thereafter for each subsequent day in which the Participant participates in the Plan, unless changed in accordance with the previous sentence. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may impose limitations on the frequency with which one or more of the Measurement Funds elected in accordance with this Section 3.6(b) may be added or deleted by such Participant; furthermore, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may impose limitations on the frequency with which the Participant may change the portion of his or her Account Balance allocated to each previously or newly elected Measurement Fund.

 

  (c)

Proportionate Allocation. In making any election described in Section 3.6(b) above, the Participant shall specify on the Election Form, in increments of one percent (1%), the percentage of his or her Account Balance or Measurement Fund, as applicable, to be allocated/reallocated.

 

  (d)

Crediting or Debiting Method. The performance of each Measurement Fund (either positive or negative) will be determined on a daily basis based on the manner in which such Participant’s Account Balance has been hypothetically allocated among the Measurement Funds by the Participant.

 

  (e)

No Actual Investment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan that may be interpreted to the contrary, the Measurement Funds are to be used for measurement purposes only, and a Participant’s election of any such Measurement Fund, the allocation of his or her Account Balance thereto, the calculation of additional amounts and the crediting or debiting of such amounts to a Participant’s Account Balance shall not be considered or construed in any manner as an actual investment of his or her Account Balance in any such Measurement Fund. In the event that the Company or the Trustee (as that term is defined in the Trust), in its own discretion, decides to invest funds in any or all of the investments on which the Measurement Funds are based, no Participant shall have any rights in or to such investments themselves. Without limiting the foregoing, a Participant’s Account Balance shall at all times be a bookkeeping entry only and shall not represent any investment made on his or her behalf by the Company or the Trust.

 

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3.7

FICA and Other Taxes.

 

  (a)

Deferrals and Contributions. With respect to deferrals and other contributions to the Plan, a Participant’s Employer(s) either shall withhold from that portion of the Participant’s Bonus, Base Salary or other compensation that is not being deferred, or shall reduce the amounts contributed to the Participant’s Annual Account by, the Participant’s share of FICA and other employment taxes on such deferrals and contributions. Withholdings and reductions pursuant to this Section 3.8(a) shall be undertaken in a manner determined by the Employer(s).

 

  (b)

Distributions. The Participant’s Employer(s), or the trustee of the Trust, shall withhold from any payments made to a Participant under this Plan all federal, state and local income, employment and other taxes required to be withheld by the Employer(s), or the trustee of the Trust, in connection with such payments, in amounts and in a manner to be determined in the sole discretion of the Employer(s) and the trustee of the Trust.

ARTICLE 4

Scheduled Distribution; Unforeseeable Financial Emergencies

 

4.1

Scheduled Distribution. In connection with each election to defer an Annual Deferral Amount, a Participant may irrevocably elect to receive a Scheduled Distribution, in the form of a lump sum payment or pursuant to a Quarterly Installment Method to be paid quarterly over two (2) to ten (10) years, from the Plan with respect to his or her Annual Account for such Plan Year. The Scheduled Distribution shall be in an amount that is equal to the portion of the Annual Account the Participant elected to have distributed as a Scheduled Distribution, plus amounts credited or debited in the manner provided in Section 3.6 above on that amount, calculated as of the close of business on or around the date on which the Scheduled Distribution becomes payable (or calculated in accordance with the Quarterly Installment Method, if selected), as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Subject to the other terms and conditions of this Plan, each Scheduled Distribution elected shall be paid out (or shall commence, with respect to a Quarterly Installment Method) during a sixty (60) day period commencing immediately after the first day of any Plan Year designated by the Participant (the “Scheduled Distribution Date”). Remaining installments, if any, shall be paid in accordance with the Quarterly Installment Method. The Plan Year designated by the Participant must be at least one (1) Plan Year after the end of the Plan Year to which the Participant’s deferral election described in Section 3.2 relates.

 

4.2

Postponing Scheduled Distributions. A Participant may elect to postpone a Scheduled Distribution described in Section 4.1 above, and have such amount paid out during a sixty (60) day period commencing immediately after an allowable alternative distribution date designated by the Participant in accordance with this Section 4.2. In order to make this election, the Participant must submit a new Scheduled Distribution Election Form to the Committee in accordance with the following criteria:

 

  (a)

Such Scheduled Distribution Election Form must be submitted to and accepted by the Committee in its sole discretion at least twelve (12) months prior to the Participant’s previously designated Scheduled Distribution Date;

 

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  (b)

Either (X) the lump sum payment or the entire series of installment payments, as the case may be, shall be delayed at least five (5) years from the original Scheduled Distribution Date (provided, however, that the number of installments may be changed), or (Y) the entire series of installment payments shall be converted into a lump sum payable not sooner than five (5) years after the original Scheduled Distribution Date; and

 

  (c)

The election of the new Scheduled Distribution Date shall have no effect until at least twelve (12) months after the date on which the election is made.

 

4.3

Other Benefits Take Precedence Over Scheduled Distributions. Should a Benefit Distribution Date occur that triggers a benefit under Articles 5, 6 or 7, any Annual Deferral Amount that is subject to a Scheduled Distribution election under Section 4.1 shall not be paid in accordance with Section 4.1, but shall be paid in accordance with the other applicable Article. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall interpret this Section 4.3 in a manner that is consistent with Code Section 409A and other applicable tax law, including but not limited to Treasury guidance and Regulations issued after the effective date of this Plan.

 

4.4

Withdrawal Payout/Suspensions for Unforeseeable Financial Emergencies.

 

  (a)

If the Participant experiences an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency, the Participant may petition the Committee to suspend deferrals of Bonus and Base Salary to the extent deemed necessary by the Committee to satisfy the Unforeseeable Financial Emergency. If suspension of deferrals is not sufficient to satisfy the Participant’s Unforeseeable Financial Emergency, or if suspension of deferrals is not required or permitted under Code Section 409A and other applicable tax law, the Participant may further petition the Committee to receive a partial or full payout from the Plan. The Participant shall only receive a payout from the Plan to the extent such payout is deemed necessary by the Committee to satisfy the Participant’s Unforeseeable Financial Emergency, plus amounts reasonably necessary to pay taxes reasonably anticipated as a result of the distribution.

 

  (b)

The payout shall not exceed the lesser of (i) the Participant’s Account Balance, calculated as of the close of business on or around the date on which the amount becomes payable, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, or (ii) the amount necessary to satisfy the Unforeseeable Financial Emergency, plus amounts reasonably necessary to pay taxes reasonably anticipated as a result of the distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may not receive a payout from the Plan to the extent that the Unforeseeable Financial Emergency is or may be relieved (A) through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise, (B) by liquidation of the Participant’s assets, to the extent the liquidation of such assets would not itself cause severe financial hardship or (C) by suspension of deferrals under this Plan, if the Committee, in its sole discretion, determines that suspension is required by Code Section 409A and other applicable tax law.

 

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  (c)

If the Committee, in its sole discretion, approves a Participant’s petition for suspension, the Participant’s deferrals under this Plan shall be suspended as of the date of such approval. If the Committee, in its sole discretion, approves a Participant’s petition for suspension and payout, the Participant’s deferrals under this Plan shall be suspended as of the date of such approval and the Participant shall receive a payout from the Plan within sixty (60) days of the date of such approval.

 

  (d)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall interpret all provisions relating to suspension and/or payout under this Section 4.4 in a manner .that is consistent with Code Section 409A and other applicable tax law, including but not limited to Treasury guidance and Regulations issued after the effective date of this Plan.

ARTICLE 5

Separation Benefit

 

5.1

Separation Benefit. A Participant who experiences a Separation from Service shall receive, as a Separation Benefit, his or her vested Account Balance, calculated as of the close of business on or around the Participant’s Benefit Distribution Date.

 

5.2

Payment of Separation Benefit.

 

  (a)

In connection with a Participant’s election to defer an Annual Deferral Amount, the Participant shall elect (regardless of whether the Participant also has elected a Scheduled Distribution pursuant to Section 4.1) the form in which his or her Annual Account for such Plan Year will be paid upon Separation from Service. The Participant may elect to receive each Annual Account in the form of a lump sum or pursuant to a Quarterly Installment Method payable quarterly over two (2) to ten (10) years. If a Participant does not make any election with respect to the payment of an Annual Account, then the Participant shall be deemed to have elected to receive such Annual Account as a lump sum at Separation of Service.

 

  (b)

A Participant may change the form of payment (including the number of installments) for an Annual Account by submitting an Election Form to the Committee (which the Committee may accept, in its sole discretion) in accordance with the following criteria:

 

  (i)

The election to modify the form of payment must be made at least twelve (12) months before a Participant experiences a Separation from Service;

 

  (ii)

The election to modify the form of payment shall have no effect until at least twelve (12) months after the date on which the election is made; and

 

  (iii)

Either (X) the lump sum payment or the entire series of installment payments, as the case may be, shall be delayed at least five (5) years from the original Benefit Distribution Date (provided, however, that the number of installments may be changed), or (Y) the entire series of installment payments shall be converted into a lump sum payable not sooner than five (5) years after the original Benefit Distribution Date.

 

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The Election Form most recently accepted by the Plan committee in accordance with the criteria set forth above shall govern the payout of the applicable Annual Account. For avoidance of doubt, a Participant may not make changes to his or her Separation Benefit election after a Separation from Service.

 

  (c)

Subject to Section 5.2(d), the lump sum payment shall be made, or the first installment payment shall be made, no later than sixty (60) days after the Benefit Distribution Date. Remaining installments, if any, shall be paid in accordance with the Quarterly Installment Method.

 

  (d)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, if the Participant is a Specified Employee, the lump sum payment or any installment payment that would have been paid within six (6) months after the Participant’s Separation from Service shall be delayed until six (6) months after the Participant’s Separation from Service, and shall be paid on or as soon as administratively practicable after the first day of the seventh month. If the Participant has elected a Quarterly Installment Method, subsequent installments will be made pursuant to the original installment schedule pursuant to Section 5.2(c).

 

5.3

Small Plan Benefit. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Plan, if a Participant’s vested Account Balance at the time of his or her Separation from Service is less than $15,000, payment of his or her vested Account Balance shall be paid in a lump sum on or before the later of (i) December 31 of the calendar year in which occurs the Participant’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date 2-1/2 months after the Participant’s Separation from Service.

ARTICLE 6

Disability Benefit

 

6.1

Disability Benefit. Upon a Participant’s Disability, the Participant shall receive a Disability Benefit, which shall be equal to the Participant’s vested Account Balance, calculated as of the close of business on or around the Participant’s Benefit Distribution Date.

 

6.2

Payment of Disability Benefit. The Disability Benefit shall be paid to the Participant in a lump sum payment no later than sixty (60) days after the Participant’s Benefit Distribution Date.

ARTICLE 7

Survivor Benefit

 

7.1

Survivor Benefit. The Participant’s Beneficiary(ies) shall receive a Survivor Benefit upon the Participant’s death which will be equal to the Participant’s vested Account Balance, calculated as of the close of business on or around the Participant’s Benefit Distribution Date.

 

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7.2

Payment of Survivor Benefit. The Survivor Benefit shall be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary(ies) in a lump sum payment no later than sixty (60) days after the Participant’s Benefit Distribution Date.

ARTICLE 8

Beneficiary Designation

 

8.1

Beneficiary. Each Participant shall have the right, at any time, to designate his or her Beneficiary(ies) (both primary as well as contingent) to receive any benefits payable under the Plan to a beneficiary upon the death of a Participant. The Beneficiary designated under this Plan may be the same as or different from the Beneficiary designation under any other plan of an Employer in which the Participant participates.

 

8.2

Beneficiary Designation; Chance; Spousal Consent. A Participant shall designate his or her Beneficiary by completing and signing the Beneficiary Designation Form, and returning it to the Committee or its designated agent. A Participant shall have the right to change a Beneficiary by completing, signing and otherwise complying with the terms of the Beneficiary Designation Form and the Committee’s rules and procedures, as in effect from time to time. If the Participant names someone other than his or her spouse as a Beneficiary, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine that spousal consent is required to be provided in a form designated by the Committee, executed by such Participant’s spouse and returned to the Committee. Upon the acceptance by the Committee of a new Beneficiary Designation Form, all Beneficiary designations previously filed shall be canceled. The Committee shall be entitled to rely on the last Beneficiary Designation Form filed by the Participant and accepted by the Committee prior to his or her death.

 

8.3

Acknowledgment. No designation or change in designation of a Beneficiary shall be effective until received and acknowledged in writing by the Committee or its designated agent.

 

8.4

No Beneficiary Designation. If a Participant fails to designate a Beneficiary as provided in Sections 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 above or, if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the Participant or die prior to complete distribution of the Participant’s benefits, then the Participant’s designated Beneficiary shall be deemed to be his or her surviving spouse. If the Participant has no surviving spouse, the benefits remaining under the Plan to be paid to a Beneficiary shall be payable to the executor or personal representative of the Participant’s estate.

 

8.5

Doubt as to Beneficiary. If the Committee has any doubt as to the proper Beneficiary to receive payments pursuant to this Plan, the Committee shall have the right, exercisable in its discretion, to cause the Participant’s Employer to withhold such payments until this matter is resolved to the Committee’s satisfaction.

 

8.6

Discharge of Obligations. The payment of benefits under the Plan to a Beneficiary shall fully and completely discharge all Employers and the Committee from all further obligations under this Plan with respect to the Participant.

 

14


ARTICLE 9

Leave of Absence

 

9.1

Paid Leave of Absence. If a Participant is authorized by the Participant’s Employer to take a paid leave of absence from the employment of the Employer, (i) the Participant shall continue to be considered eligible for the benefits provided in Articles 4, 5, 6 or 7 in accordance with the provisions of those Articles, and (ii) the Annual Deferral Amount shall continue to be withheld during such paid leave of absence in accordance with Section 3.3.

 

9.2

Unpaid Leave of Absence. If a Participant is authorized by the Participant’s Employer to take an unpaid leave of absence from the employment of the Employer for any reason, such Participant shall continue to be eligible for the benefits provided in Articles 4, 5, 6 or 7 in accordance with the provisions of those Articles. In addition, such Participant’s deferral elections will remain in effect for the Plan Year that includes the commencement date of such unpaid leave, to the extent that his or her Annual Deferral Amount is actually earned for the Plan Year that includes the commencement date of such unpaid leave.

ARTICLE 10

Termination of Plan, Amendment or Modification

 

10.1

Termination of Plan. Although each Employer anticipates that it will continue the Plan for an indefinite period of time, there is no guarantee that any Employer will continue the Plan or will not terminate the Plan at any time in the future. Accordingly, each Employer reserves the right to Terminate the Plan. In the event of a Termination of the Plan, the Measurement Funds available to Participants following the Termination of the Plan shall be comparable in number and type to those Measurement Funds available to Participants in the Plan Year preceding the Plan Year in which the Termination of the Plan is effective. Following a Termination of the Plan, Participant Account Balances shall remain in the Plan until the Participant becomes eligible for the benefits provided in Articles 4, 5, 6, or 7 in accordance with the provisions of those Articles. The Termination of the Plan shall not adversely affect any Participant or Beneficiary who has become entitled to the payment of any benefits under the Plan as of the date of termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permissible under Code Section 409A and other applicable tax law, including but not limited to applicable IRS Notices and such other Treasury guidance or Regulations issued after the effective date of this Plan, following a Change in Control the Employer shall be permitted to (i) terminate the Plan by action of its board of directors, and (ii) distribute the vested Account Balances to Participants in a lump sum no later than twelve (12) months after the Change in Control.

 

10.2

Amendment.

 

  (a)

Any Employer may, at any time, amend or modify the Plan in whole or in pan with respect to that Employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no amendment or modification shall be effective to decrease the value of a Participant’s vested Account Balance in existence at the time the amendment or modification is made, and (ii) no amendment or modification of this Section 10.2 or Section 11.2 of the Plan shall be effective.

 

15


  (b)

Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that the Company determines that any provision of the Plan may cause amounts deferred under the Plan to become immediately taxable to any Participant under Code Section 409A and related Treasury guidance or Regulations, the Company may (i) adopt such amendments to the Plan and appropriate policies and procedures, including amendments and policies with retroactive effect, that the Company determines necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of the Plan benefits provided by the Plan and/or (ii) take such other actions as the Company determines necessary or appropriate to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and related Treasury guidance or Regulations.

 

10.3

Effect of Payment. The full payment of the Participant’s vested Account Balance under Articles 4, 5, 6 or 7 of the Plan shall completely discharge all obligations to a Participant and his or her designated Beneficiaries under this Plan.

ARTICLE 11

Administration

 

11.1

Committee Duties. Except as otherwise provided in this Article 11, this Plan shall be administered by a Committee, which shall consist of the Board, or such committee as the Board shall appoint. Members of the Committee may be Participants under this Plan. The Committee shall also have the discretion and authority to (i) make, amend, interpret, and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of this Plan, and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions including interpretations of this Plan, as may arise in connection with the Plan. The Committee is authorized to delegate the day-to-day administration of the Plan to one or more officers or employees of the Company. Any individual serving on the Committee who is a Participant shall not vote or act on any matter relating solely to himself or herself. When making a determination or calculation, the Committee shall be entitled to rely on information furnished by a Participant or the Company.

 

11.2

Administration Upon Change in Control. For purposes of this Plan, the Committee shall be the “Administrator” at all times prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control. Within one hundred and twenty (120) days following a Change in Control, an independent third-party “Administrator” may be selected by the individual who, immediately prior to the Change in Control, was the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or, if not so identified, the Company’s highest ranking officer (the “Ex-CEO”), and approved by the Trustee. The Committee, as constituted prior to the Change in Control, shall continue to be the Administrator until the earlier of (i) the date on which such independent third party is selected and approved, or (ii) the expiration of the one hundred and twenty (120) day period following the Change in Control. If an independent third party is not selected within one hundred and twenty (120) days of such Change in Control, the Committee, as described in Section 11.1 above, shall be the Administrator. The Administrator shall have the discretionary power to determine all questions arising in connection with the administration of the Plan and the interpretation of the Plan and Trust including, but not limited to benefit entitlement determinations; provided, however, upon and after the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Administrator shall have no power to direct the investment of Plan or Trust

 

16


  assets or select any investment manager or custodial firm for the Plan or Trust. Upon and after the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Company must: (1) pay all reasonable administrative expenses and fees of the Administrator; (2) indemnify the Administrator against any costs, expenses and liabilities including, without limitation, attorney’s fees and expenses arising in connection with the performance of the Administrator hereunder, except with respect to matters resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrator or its employees or agents; and (3) supply full and timely information to the Administrator on all matters relating to the Plan, the Trust, the Participants and their Beneficiaries, the Account Balances of the Participants, the date and circumstances of the Separation from Service, Disability or death of the Participants, and such other pertinent information as the Administrator may reasonably require. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator may be terminated (and a replacement appointed) by the Trustee only with the approval of the Ex-CEO. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator may not be terminated by the Company.

 

11.3

Agents. In the administration of this Plan, the Committee may, from time to time, employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit (including acting through a duly appointed representative) and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to any Employer.

 

11.4

Binding Effect of Decisions. The decision or action of the Administrator with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Plan.

 

11.5

Indemnity of Committee. All Employers shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee, any Employee to whom the duties of the Committee may be delegated, and the Administrator against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of willful misconduct by the Committee, any of its members, any such Employee or the Administrator.

 

11.6

Employer Information. To enable the Committee and/or Administrator to perform its functions, the Company and each Employer shall supply full and timely information to the Committee and/or Administrator, as the case may be, on all matters relating to the Plan, the Trust, the Participants and their Beneficiaries, the Account Balances of the Participants, the compensation of its Participants, the date and circumstances of the Separation from Service, Disability or death of its Participants, and such other pertinent information as the Committee or Administrator may reasonably require.

ARTICLE 12

Other Benefits and Agreements

 

12.1

Coordination with Other Benefits. The benefits provided for a Participant and Participant’s Beneficiary under the Plan are in addition to any other benefits available to such Participant under any other plan or program for employees of the Participant’s Employer. The Plan shall supplement and shall not supersede, modify or amend any other such plan or program except as may otherwise be expressly provided.

 

17


ARTICLE 13

Claims Procedures

 

13.1

Presentation of Claim. Any Participant or Beneficiary of a deceased Participant (such Participant or Beneficiary being referred to below as a “Claimant”) may deliver to the Committee a written claim for a determination with respect to the amounts distributable to such Claimant from the Plan. If such a claim relates to the contents of a notice received by the Claimant, the claim must be made within sixty (60) days after such notice was received by the Claimant. All other claims must be made within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date on which the event that caused the claim to arise occurred. The claim must state with particularity the determination desired by the Claimant.

 

13.2

Notification of Decision. The Committee shall consider a Claimant’s claim within a reasonable time, but no later than ninety (90) days after receiving the claim. If the Committee determines that special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, written notice of the extension shall be furnished to the Claimant prior to the termination of the initial ninety (90) day period. In no event shall such extension exceed a period of ninety (90) days from the end of the initial period. The extension notice shall indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Committee expects to render the benefit determination. The Committee shall notify the Claimant in writing:

 

  (a)

that the Claimant’s requested determination has been made, and that the claim has been allowed in full; or

 

  (b)

that the Committee has reached a conclusion contrary, in whole or in part, to the Claimant’s requested determination, and such notice must set forth in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant:

 

  (i)

the specific reason(s) for the denial of the claim, or any part of it;

 

  (ii)

specific reference(s) to pertinent provisions of the Plan upon which such denial was based;

 

  (iii)

a description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect the claim, and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary;

 

  (iv)

an explanation of the claim review procedure set forth in Section 13.3 below; and

 

  (v)

a statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review.

 

18


13.3

Review of a Denied Claim. On or before sixty (60) days after receiving a notice from the Committee that a claim has been denied, in whole or in part, a Claimant (or the Claimant’s duly authorized representative) may file with the Committee a written request for a review of the denial of the claim. The Claimant (or the Claimant’s duly authorized representative):

 

  (a)

may, upon request and free of charge, have reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the claim for benefits;

 

  (b)

may submit written comments or other documents; and/or

 

  (c)

may request a hearing, which the Committee, in its sole discretion, may grant.

 

13.4

Decision on Review. The Committee shall render its decision on review promptly, and no later than sixty (60) days after the Committee receives the Claimant’s written request for a review of the denial of the claim. If the Committee determines that special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, written notice of the extension shall be furnished to the Claimant prior to the termination of the initial sixty (60) day period. In no event shall such extension exceed a period of sixty (60) days from the end of the initial period. The extension notice shall indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Committee expects to render the benefit determination. In rendering its decision, the Committee shall take into account all comments, documents, records and other information submitted by the Claimant relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. The decision must be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, and it must contain:

 

  (a)

specific reasons for the decision;

 

  (b)

specific reference(s) to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the decision was based;

 

  (c)

a statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the Claimant’s claim for benefits; and

 

  (d)

a statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a).

 

13.5

Controlling Law. The provisions of this Plan shall be construed, interpreted, administered, and enforced according to applicable federal law and the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereunder and to the extent not preempted by federal law.

 

19


ARTICLE 14

Trust

 

14.1

Establishment of the Trust. In order to provide assets from which to fulfill the obligations of the Participants and their beneficiaries under the Plan, the Company may establish a trust by a trust agreement with a third party, the trustee, to which each Employer may, in its discretion, contribute cash or other property, including securities issued by the Company, to provide for the benefit payments under the Plan (the “Trust”).

 

14.2

Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust. The provisions of the Plan shall govern the rights of a Participant to receive distributions pursuant to the Plan. The provisions of the Trust shall govern the rights of the Employers, Participants and the creditors of the Employers to the assets transferred to the Trust. Each Employer shall at all times remain liable to carry out its obligations under the Plan.

 

14.3

Distributions From the Trust. Each Employer’s obligations under the Plan may be satisfied with Trust assets distributed pursuant to the terms of the Trust, and any such distribution shall reduce the Employer’s obligations under this Plan.

ARTICLE 15

Miscellaneous

 

15.1

Status of Plan. The Plan is intended to be a plan that is not qualified within the meaning of Code Section 401(a) and that “is unfunded and is maintained by an employer primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees” within the meaning of ERISA Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1). The Plan shall be administered and interpreted (i) to the extent possible in a manner consistent with the intent described in the preceding sentence, and (ii) in accordance with Code Section 409A and related Treasury guidance and Regulations.

 

15.2

Unsecured General Creditor. Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors and assigns shall have no legal or equitable rights, interests or claims in any property or assets of an Employer. For purposes of the payment of benefits under this Plan, any and all of an Employer’s assets shall be, and remain, the general, unpledged unrestricted assets of the Employer. An Employer’s obligation under the Plan shall be merely that of an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay money in the future.

 

15.3

Employers Liability. An Employer’s liability for the payment of benefits shall be defined only by the Plan. An Employer shall have no obligation to a Participant under the Plan except as expressly provided in the Plan.

 

15.4

Assignment.

 

  (a)

Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, anticipate, mortgage or otherwise encumber, transfer, hypothecate, alienate or convey in advance of actual receipt, the amounts, if any, payable hereunder, or any part thereof, which are, and all rights to which are expressly declared to be, unassignable and non-transferable. No part of the amounts

 

20


  payable shall, prior to actual payment, be subject to seizure, attachment, garnishment or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance owed by a Participant or any other person, be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participant’s or any other person’s bankruptcy or insolvency or be transferable to a spouse as a result of a property settlement or otherwise.

 

  (b)

The procedures established by the Company for the determination of the qualified status of domestic relations orders and for making distributions under qualified domestic relations orders, as provided in Section 206(d) of ERISA, shall apply to the Plan, to the extent pertinent. Amounts awarded to an alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order shall be distributed in the form of a lump sum distribution as soon as administratively feasible following the determination of the qualified status of the domestic relations order; provided, however, that no portion of a Participant’s Account Balance may be awarded to an alternate payee to the extent such Account Balance is not yet vested in accordance with Section 3.5.

 

15.5

Not a Contract of Employment. The terms and conditions of this Plan shall not be deemed to constitute a contract of employment between any Employer and the Participant. Such employment is hereby acknowledged to be an “at will” employment relationship that can be terminated at any time for any reason, or no reason, with or without cause, and with or without notice, unless expressly provided in a written employment agreement. Nothing in this Plan shall be deemed to give a Participant the right to be retained in the service of any Employer, or to interfere with the right of any Employer to discipline or discharge the Participant at any time.

 

15.6

Furnishing Information. A Participant or his or her Beneficiary will cooperate with the Committee by furnishing any and all information requested by the Committee and take such other actions as may be requested in order to facilitate the administration of the Plan and the payments of benefits hereunder, including but not limited to taking such physical examinations as the Committee may deem necessary.

 

15.7

Terms. Whenever any words are used herein in the masculine, they shall be construed as though they were in the feminine in all cases where they would so apply; and whenever any words are used herein in the singular or in the plural, they shall be construed as though they were used in the plural or the singular, as the case may be, in all cases where they would so apply.

 

15.8

Captions. The captions of the articles, sections and paragraphs of this Plan are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of its provisions.

 

15.9

Governing Law. Subject to ERISA, the provisions of this Plan shall be construed and interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

 

21


15.10

Notice. Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Committee under this Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered, or sent by registered or certified mail, to the address below:

The ESAB Group, Inc.

Attn: Director, Global Compensation & Benefits

909 Rose Avenue, Suite 800

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Such notice shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery or, if delivery is made by mail, as of the date shown on the postmark on the receipt for registration or certification.

Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to a Participant under this Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered, or sent by mail, to the last known address of the Participant.

 

15.11

Successors. The provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Participant’s Employer and its successors and assigns and the Participant and the Participant’s designated Beneficiaries.

 

15.12

Spouses Interest. The interest in the benefits hereunder of a spouse of a Participant who has predeceased the Participant shall automatically pass to the Participant and shall not be transferable by such spouse in any manner, including but not limited to such spouse’s will, nor shall such interest pass under the laws of intestate succession.

 

15.13

Validity. In case any provision of this Plan shall be illegal or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts hereof, but this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provision had never been inserted herein.

 

15.14

Incompetent. If the Committee determines in its discretion that a benefit under this Plan is to be paid to a minor, a person declared incompetent or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of that person’s property, the Committee may direct payment of such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care and custody of such minor, incompetent or incapable person. The Committee may require proof of minority, incompetence, incapacity or guardianship, as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Any payment of a benefit shall be a payment for the account of the Participant and the Participant’s Beneficiary, as the case may be, and shall be a complete discharge of any liability under the Plan for such payment amount.

 

15.15

Court Order. The Committee is authorized to comply with any court order in any action in which the Plan or the Committee has been named as a party, including any action involving a determination of the rights or interests in a Participant’s benefits under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall interpret this provision in a manner that is consistent with Code Section 409A and other applicable tax law, including but not limited to guidance issued after the effective date of this Plan.

 

22


15.16

Insurance. The Employers, on their own behalf or on behalf of the trustee of the Trust, and, in their sole discretion, may apply for and procure insurance on the life of the Participant, in such amounts and in such forms as the Trust may choose. The Employers or the trustee of the Trust, as the case may be, shall be the sole owner and beneficiary of any such insurance. The Participant shall have no interest whatsoever in any such policy or policies, and at the request of the Employers shall submit to medical examinations and supply such information and execute such documents as may be required by the insurance company or companies to whom the Employers have applied for insurance.

 

15.17

No Acceleration of Benefits. The acceleration of the time or schedule of any payment under the Plan is not permitted, except as provided in regulations by the Secretary of the Treasury.

 

23


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has signed this Plan document effective as of January 1, 2022, but on the actual date below.

 

“Company”
The ESAB Group, Inc.
By:                                                                                                  
Title:                                                                                              
Date:                                                                                              

 

24

Exhibit 10.12

ESAB Corporation

Executive Officer Severance Plan

and

Summary Plan Description


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Introduction and Highlights

     1  

Eligibility to Participate

     1  

Eligibility for Severance Benefits

     2  

Severance Payments and Benefits

     5  

Amendment and Plan Termination

     8  

Additional Plan Information

     8  

Administrative Information about Your Plan

     10  

Your Rights and Privileges under ERISA

     12  

Other Administrative Facts

     14  

Glossary

     15  

Exhibit A

     17  

 

-i-


Introduction and Highlights

ESAB Corporation (the “Company”) has adopted the ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan (the “Plan”) for eligible executive officer level employees of the Company and its participating subsidiaries and affiliates (“Participating Employers”) who are not otherwise contractually entitled to severance compensation. The purpose of the Plan is to provide equitable treatment for terminated eligible employees in concert with the Company’s values and culture, provide financial support for such employees seeking new employment, and recognize such employees’ contributions to the Company. The Company further believes that the Plan will aid the Company in attracting and retaining highly qualified executive officer level employees who are essential to its success.

This document sets out the Plan’s provisions on its effective date, which is _______, 2022. This document serves as the Plan’s official document and summary plan description. It replaces and supersedes any plan document, summary, or description you may have previously received regarding the Company’s or its affiliates’ severance benefits as they apply to you. The Glossary at the end of this document defines the capitalized terms used in the Plan or tells you where in this document to find a term’s meaning. When you encounter a capitalized term, turn to the Glossary to find its meaning.

You are eligible to receive Severance Pay and other benefits under the Plan if (i) you meet the applicable eligibility criteria and you are not otherwise contractually entitled to severance compensation, (ii) your employment terminates under circumstances which entitle you to benefits hereunder, (iii) you timely sign and return a Waiver and Release Agreement, (iv) the Waiver and Release Agreement has become effective as described below, and (v) you comply with the covenants set forth in this Plan, including the confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement covenants herein. The “Covenant and Release Requirements” will be considered satisfied as of a specified date if the requirements set forth in the forgoing clauses (iii), (iv), and (v) are met as of such date.

Severance Pay is based on your position and is equal to a multiple of your base salary. Severance Pay also includes payment of a pro-rated portion of your annual bonus. As set forth below, certain benefits coverage may continue to be available for a specified time period after your Termination Date.

Eligibility to Participate

You are eligible to participate in the Plan only if you are an active, full-time executive officer level employee of the Company or a Participating Employer. For the avoidance of doubt, “executive officer” has the definition given under Rule 3b-7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Who Is Not Eligible to Participate

Notwithstanding any other Plan provision, you are not eligible to participate in the Plan and will be excluded from coverage under the Plan if you are:

 

(A)

an employee who is a party to an individual arrangement or a written employment agreement providing severance compensation other than pursuant to the Plan (for the avoidance of doubt, employees party to such an arrangement or agreement as of the effective date of this Plan are not eligible to participate until such arrangement or agreement ends or is otherwise terminated and it is the intention of the Company to not enter into non-Plan based severance arrangements from the effective date hereof);

 

(B)

employed in a position that is not eligible to participate in the Plan; or

 

The ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan & SPD        1


(C)

covered by a local practice or local law outside the U.S. that provides for severance payments and/or benefits in connection with a voluntary or involuntary termination of employment that are greater than the severance payments and/or benefits set forth in the Plan.

Eligibility for Severance Benefits

Right to Severance Payments and Benefits

You will be eligible to receive severance payments and benefits from the Company as set forth in the Severance Payments and Benefits Section of this Plan if your Termination Date occurs for any one or more of the following reasons:

 

(A)

Your employment is terminated by the Company or a Participating Employer, other than for Cause; or

 

(B)

You terminate your employment for Good Reason.

To qualify for severance payments and benefits under the Plan upon voluntary termination for Good Reason, you must notify the Company and Participating Employer in writing of termination for Good Reason, specifying the event constituting Good Reason, within thirty (30) calendar days after the occurrence of the event that you believe constitutes Good Reason. Failure for any reason to give written notice of termination of employment for Good Reason in accordance with the foregoing period will be deemed a waiver of the right to voluntarily terminate your employment for that Good Reason event. The Company or Participating Employer will have a period of thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of your notice in which to cure the Good Reason. If the Good Reason is cured within this period, you will not be entitled to severance payments and benefits under the Plan. If the Company or Participating Employer waives its right to cure or does not, within the thirty (30) day period, cure the Good Reason, you will be entitled to severance payments and benefits under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions hereof, and your actual Termination Date will be determined in the sole discretion of the Company, but in no event will it be later than thirty (30) days from the date the Company or Participating Employer waives its right to cure or the end of the thirty (30) day period in which to cure the Good Reason, whichever is earlier.

Ineligibility for Severance Benefits

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, you will not be eligible for severance payments and benefits under the Plan if:

 

  (1)

You terminate your employment (including by reason of retirement) other than for Good Reason;

 

  (2)

You terminate your employment as a result of Disability;

 

  (3)

You are terminated for Cause;

 

  (4)

You refuse to accept a transfer to a position with the Company or a Participating Employer, as applicable, for which you are qualified, as determined by the Company, by reason of your knowledge, training, and experience, provided that the transfer would not constitute Good Reason for termination; or

 

  (5)

You violate the Covenant and Release Requirements described below.

 

The ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan & SPD        2


Covenant and Release Requirements

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, you will not be eligible for severance payments and benefits (or continued receipt of severance payments and benefits), if you violate any of the following Covenant and Release Requirements:

Release

You must execute and deliver to the Company or a Participating Employer a Waiver and Release Agreement within forty-five (45) calendar days following your receipt of such Waiver and Release Agreement, which Waiver and Release Agreement must be provided to you within seven (7) calendar days following your Termination Date, and the Waiver and Release Agreement must have become effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms.

Confidentiality

During the course of your employment with the Company or a Participating Employer, you may receive special training and/or may be given access to or may become acquainted with Confidential Information of the Company. As used in this section, “Confidential Information” of the Company means all trade practices, business plans, price lists, supplier lists, customer lists, marketing plans, financial information, software and all other information which relates to the business of the Company, a Participating Employer, or to any of their subsidiaries, and which has not been disclosed by the Company to the public, or which is not otherwise generally available to the public.

You acknowledge that the Confidential Information of the Company, as such may exist from time to time, is a valuable, confidential, special and unique asset of the Company and its subsidiaries, expensive to produce and maintain and essential for the profitable operation of their respective businesses. You agree that, during the course of your employment with the Company or a Participating Employer, or at any time thereafter, you will not, directly or indirectly, communicate, disclose or divulge to any Person, or use for your benefit or the benefit of any Person, in any manner, any Confidential Information of the Company, acquired during your employment with the Company or a Participating Employer or any other confidential information concerning the conduct and details of the businesses of the Company and its subsidiaries, except as required in the course of your employment with the Company or a Participating Employer or as otherwise may be required by law. For the purposes of this section, “Person” shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity or any government, governmental agency or political subdivision.

All documents and other materials relating to the businesses of the Company and its affiliates including, without limitation, Confidential Information of the Company, whether prepared by you or otherwise coming into your possession, are the exclusive property of the Company and such respective subsidiaries, and must not be removed from the premises of the Company, except as required in the course of your employment with the Company or a Participating Employer. You will return all such documents and materials (including any copies thereof, electronic or otherwise) to the Company or a Participating Employer when you cease to be employed by the Company or a Participating Employer or upon the earlier request of the Company or the Company’s Board of Directors.

Agreement Not to Compete

While employed by the Company or a Participating Employer and thereafter until the later of (i) one (1) year following your Termination Date or (ii) the expiration of your Severance Pay Period (as defined below), you shall not, except with the Company’s express prior written consent, for the benefit of any entity or person (including yourself) compete with the Business (as defined below) within the Territory (as defined below). For these purposes, “Business” means an entity engaged in the same or similar business as the Company or its subsidiaries, including any entity which competes with the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ products or services, or may reasonably be construed to compete with the Company’s or its

 

The ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan & SPD        3


subsidiaries’ products and services at the time of Executive’s termination of employment. For these purposes, “Territory” means those states in the United States of America in which the Company or a Participating Employer is operating and those countries abroad in which the Company or a Participating Employer has significant operations at the time of Executive’s termination of employment.

Agreement Not to Solicit Employees or Clients

While employed by the Company or a Participating Employer and for a period of two (2) years following your Termination Date, you shall not, except with the Company’s express prior written consent, for the benefit of any entity or person (including yourself) solicit, induce or encourage any employee of the Company, a Participating Employer or any of their subsidiaries, to leave the employment of the Company, or solicit or accept business from any customer or client of the Company, a Participating Employer or any of their subsidiaries or solicit, induce or encourage any customer, or client of the Company, a Participating Employer or any of their subsidiaries, to cease or reduce its business with the Company, a Participating Employer or any of their subsidiaries.

Non-Disparagement

You shall not, at any time while employed by the Company or a Participating Employer or thereafter make statements or representations, or otherwise communicate, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the Company, a Participating Employer or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates or their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, businesses customers, suppliers, investors or other associated third parties or their respective reputations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Plan shall preclude you from making truthful statements that are required by applicable law, regulation or legal process.

Nothing in this Plan prohibits, limits, or restricts, or shall be construed to prohibit, limit, or restrict, you from exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder), without notice to or consent from the Company or a Participating Employer. Moreover, the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 immunizes you against criminal and civil liability under federal or state trade secret laws under certain circumstances if you disclose a trade secret for the purpose of reporting a suspected violation of law. Immunity is available if you disclose a trade secret in either of these two circumstances: (1) you disclose the trade secret (a) in confidence, (b) directly or indirectly to a government official (federal, state or local) or to a lawyer, and (c) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) in a legal proceeding, you disclose the trade secret in the complaint or other documents filed in the case, so long as the document is filed “under seal” (meaning that it is not accessible to the public).

Disability

“Disability” means that you are unable, due to a physical or mental condition, to perform the essential functions of your position with or without reasonable accommodation for six (6) months in the aggregate during any twelve (12) month period or based on the written certification by two licensed physicians of the likely continuation of such condition for such period. This definition will be interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Section 409A of the Code and other applicable law.

Cause

“Cause” means the following:

 

  (1)

Your conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere for commission of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude;

 

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  (2)

Your willful commission of any act of theft, fraud, embezzlement or misappropriation against the Company, a Participating Employer or their subsidiaries or affiliates; or

 

  (3)

Your continued failure to substantially perform your duties (other than such failure resulting from your incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which failure is not remedied within thirty (30) calendar days after written demand for substantial performance is delivered by the Company or the Participating Employer that specifically identifies the manner in which the Company or Participating employer believes that you have not substantially performed your duties; or

 

  (4)

Your material violation of the Company’s written policies or codes of conduct, including written policies related to discrimination, harassment, performance of illegal or unethical activities, and ethical misconduct.

“Cause” will be interpreted, in good faith, by the Compensation Committee (or its designee) in its sole discretion and such interpretation will be conclusive and binding on all parties.

Good Reason

“Good Reason” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events which occur without your express written consent:

 

  (1)

The assignment to you of duties materially inconsistent with your position and status or an alteration, materially adverse to you, in the nature of your duties, responsibilities, and authorities, your position or the conditions of your employment (other than inadvertent actions which are promptly remedied); except the foregoing will not constitute Good Reason if occurring (A) in connection with the termination of your employment for Cause, Disability, or as a result of your death, (B) as a result of action by or with your consent or (C) as a result of reasonable adjustments in your range of duties, responsibilities and authorities as needed to accommodate a change in the size of the Company or Participating Employer (which is to include a change in title or reporting to another senior executive officer); provided, however, that such adjustments do not reduce your compensation; or

 

  (2)

The Company or a Participating Employer requiring you to relocate your principal place of business for the Company or Participating Employer to a location at least fifty (50) miles from your current place of business, and which is at least fifty (50) miles longer distance from your place of residence.

Severance Payments and Benefits

Under the Plan, you are eligible to receive Severance Pay and benefits as set forth below, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for participation in the Plan and for the receipt of severance payments and benefits described in the Plan.

Cash Severance Payments

General

If you are eligible for severance benefits, as defined by the Plan, you will be entitled to Severance Pay, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan in an amount equal to twelve (12) months’ of your Base Salary, plus payment of your pro-rated Bonus for the year of termination.

 

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Payments of Severance Pay will begin as of the date that is sixty (60) days after your Termination Date (the “Payment Start Date”) provided that the Covenant and Release Requirements are satisfied as of such date. Thereafter, payment of Severance Pay will be made in substantially equal installments over the Severance Pay Period at regular payroll intervals according to your pay schedule prior to your Termination Date (unless otherwise required under Section 409A of the Code) for so long as the Covenant and Release Requirements remain satisfied. Your “Severance Pay Period” shall mean the twelve (12) month period included in your severance multiplier. If the Covenant and Release Requirements are not satisfied as of the Payment Start Date or any scheduled payment date, you will not receive (or continue to receive) Severance Pay (or other benefits) under the Plan.

No Duplication of Benefits/No Substitution

Nothing in the Plan, a change in control plan or agreement, an offer letter or letter agreement from the Company or a Participating Employer, a prevailing practice of the Company or a Participating Employer, or any oral statement made by or on behalf of the Company or a Participating Employer will entitle you to receive duplicate benefits in connection with a voluntary or involuntary termination of employment. For example, you are not eligible for payments and benefits under both this Plan and an employment or change in control letter agreement between you and the Company or a Participating Employer. The Company’s (or any Participating Employer’s) obligation to make payments under the Plan will be expressly conditioned upon you not receiving duplicate payments. In addition, if you are entitled to Severance Pay under the Plan, you will not receive payment of your Bonus for the year in which your Termination Date occurs (other than a pro-rated portion of the Bonus as described above).

To the extent that any amounts would otherwise be payable (or benefits would otherwise be provided) to an employee under another plan of the Company or a Participating Employer (or their affiliates) or an agreement with an employee and the Company or a Participating Employer (or their affiliates), including an employment agreement, change in control plan or agreement, offer letter or letter agreement, and to the extent that such other payments or benefits or the severance payments and benefits provided under this Plan are subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Plan shall be administered to ensure that no payment or benefit under the Plan will be (i) accelerated in violation of Section 409A of the Code or (ii) further deferred in violation of Section 409A of the Code.

Offset for U.S. Expatriates

The amount of the total Severance Pay to which you are entitled under the Plan will be reduced (but not below zero) for U.S. expatriates by an amount equal to any payments of severance required to be paid by law in any country other than the U.S., and the payments and benefits under the Plan are conditioned upon any such payments required to be paid by law being offset. Any offset shall be applied in a manner consistent with Section 409A of the Code to the extent that either the Severance Pay or the payments required to be paid are subject to Section 409A of the Code.

Debt owed to the Company or a Participating Employer

If you owe the Company or a Participating Employer money for any reason, the Company or Participating Employer may offset the amount of the debt from Severance Pay to the extent permitted by law; provided, however, that, any such offset shall be applied in a manner consistent with Section 409A of the Code to the extent that the Severance Pay is subject to Section 409A of the Code..

Continuation of Employee Benefits/Special Benefits

During your Severance Pay Period (and from and after your Termination Date), you are not considered an employee of the Company or a Participating Employer for any purpose — including eligibility under any Company or Participating Employer or affiliate’s employee benefit plan. The following benefits, however, will continue to be available as outlined below:

 

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Health Care Plans

If you and your dependents were enrolled in the Company’s or Participating Employer’s or affiliate’s medical and/or dental plan on your Termination Date, this coverage will continue until the end of the month in which you are no longer employed with the Company or a Participating Employer, as applicable. At termination of employment, you and your enrolled eligible dependents will be offered the opportunity to elect to continue your current plan coverage beyond the end of the month in which you are no longer employed with the Company or a Participating Employer under one of two options, to the extent permitted by applicable law. The option that applies to you will depend upon whether or not the Covenant and Release Requirements have been satisfied as of the Payment Start Date.

Option I applies to you if the Covenant and Release Requirements are satisfied as of the Payment Start Date. Under Option I, your eligibility for Company-, or Participating Employer-, paid medical and/or dental plan coverage will continue for you and your family until the earliest of (i) the end of your Severance Pay Period, (ii) the date you begin new employment, (iii) the date that COBRA coverage would otherwise end by its terms, provided, in any case, that you timely elect COBRA continuation coverage for you and your family on the forms provided to you, or (iv) the date that you violate the Covenant and Release Requirements. Option I continuation coverage is COBRA continuation coverage, but its cost is paid by the Company or a Participating Employer. Please remember that your eligible dependents will be able to continue their medical and/or dental coverage under Option I only if you are also entitled to continue coverage under this option.

Option II applies to you if the Covenant and Release Requirements are not satisfied as of the Payment Start Date. Option II provides for the continuation of medical and/or dental plan coverage as required under COBRA. Under COBRA you are required to pay the full cost of coverage for you and your covered dependents plus a 2% administrative fee. The COBRA continuation period begins as of the first day following the month in which your Termination Date occurs. As with Option I, you are only entitled to COBRA continuation coverage if you timely elect the coverage on the forms provided to you.

If Option I applies to you, then after your Company-, or Participating Employer-, paid continuation coverage ends, you can continue COBRA coverage, if any. In any event, any medical and/or dental coverage that continues during your Severance Pay Period is also applied toward your maximum continuation period and does not extend the COBRA continuation coverage period.

Detailed information about the two benefit continuation options described above will be mailed to you at the time of termination.

Outplacement

You will be eligible for outplacement services with one of the Company’s or Participating Employer’s preferred providers in accordance with the Company’s or Participating Employer’s outplacement services that are in effect for employees at your level as of your Termination Date during your Severance Pay Period; provided, however, that no outplacement services will be provided if the Covenant and Release Requirements are not satisfied.

Other Benefits

Accrued and unused vacation days (including banked vacation), long-term performance awards, and vesting and exercising of equity awards will be determined in accordance with the applicable Company or Participating Employer plans, programs and/or policies. All other benefits coverage and eligibility to participate in the Company’s or Participating Employer’s benefit plans will end as of your Termination Date except as otherwise expressly provided by the terms of the applicable benefit plans.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you are entitled to Severance Pay under the Plan, you will not receive payment of any portion of your Bonus for the year in which your Termination Date occurs (other than a prorated portion of the Bonus as described above.

Amendment and Plan Termination

The Company reserves the right to terminate or amend the Plan, in whole or in part, at any time in the Company’s sole discretion. The Company reserves the right to implement changes even if the changes have not been reprinted or substituted in this document.

Additional Plan Information

Employment Status

The Plan does not constitute a contract of employment, and nothing in the Plan provides or may be construed to provide that participation in the Plan is a guarantee of continued employment with the Company, a Participating Employer, or any of their respective affiliates.

Withholding of Taxes

The Company or a Participating Employer will withhold from any amounts payable under the Plan all Federal, state, local or other taxes that are legally required to be withheld from your severance payments.

No Effect on Other Benefits

Neither the provisions of this Plan nor the severance payments and benefits provided for under the Plan will reduce any amounts otherwise payable to you under any incentive, retirement, stock option, stock bonus, stock ownership, group insurance or other benefit plan.

Validity and Severability

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Plan will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of the Plan, which will remain in full force and effect, and any prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction will not invalidate that provision, or render it unenforceable, in any other jurisdiction.

Unfunded Obligation

All severance payments and benefits under the Plan constitute unfunded obligations of the Company and the Participating Employers. Severance payments will be made, as due, from the general funds of the Company or the Participating Employers. The Plan constitutes solely an unsecured promise by the Company and the Participating Employers to provide severance benefits to you to the extent provided in the Plan. For avoidance of doubt, any medical or dental insurance coverage to which you may be entitled under the Plan will be provided under other applicable employee benefit plans of the Company or Participating Employer.

Type of Plan and Governing Law

This Plan is designed to qualify as a severance pay arrangement within the meaning of Section 3(2)(B)(i) of ERISA and is intended to be excepted from the definitions of “employee pension benefit plan” and “pension plan” set forth under Section 3(2) of ERISA and is intended to meet the descriptive requirements of a plan constituting a “severance pay plan” within the meaning of the regulations published by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, the Plan is intended to be a plan that primarily for the purpose of providing benefits to a select group of management or highly compensated employees within the meaning of ERISA Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1). The Plan and all rights under it will be governed and construed in accordance with ERISA and, to the extent not preempted by Federal law, with the laws of the State of Delaware, excluding choice of law rules.

 

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Section 409A

Exemption

It is intended that payments of Severance Pay under the Plan will be exempt from Section 409A of the Code to the extent payments (i) do not exceed two times the lesser of (1) the employee’s total annual compensation based on the employee’s annual rate of pay for the prior taxable year (adjusted for any increase that was expected to continue indefinitely) or (2) the limitation under Code Section 401(a)(17) for the year in which the employee has a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) ($290,000 in 2021 (2x = $580,000)), and (ii) are paid in full no later than December 31 of the second year following a separation from service, or to the extent that such payments otherwise fit within an exemption provided by Section 409A of the Code or applicable guidance. Similarly, other benefits provided under the Plan are intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code to the extent an applicable exemption is applicable.

Specified Employees

In general, Section 409A of the Code prohibits certain payments of nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) to “Specified Employees” within 6 months following the Specified Employee’s separation from service. This rule does not apply to amounts which are exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. To comply with this rule and notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, if any payment or benefit under the Plan is subject to Section 409A of the Code, and if such payment or benefit is to be paid or provided on account of the employee’s separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) and if the employee is a Specified Employee (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) and if any such payment or benefit is required to be made or provided prior to the first day of the seventh month following the employee’s separation from service, such payment or benefit shall be delayed until the first day of the seventh month following the Executive’s separation from service and shall at that time be paid on a lump sum (or, in the case of a non-cash benefit, shall be provided in a manner that is consistent with Section 409A of the Code). Any amount that would have been paid or provided during this six month period will be paid on the first business day of the seventh month following the separation from service, or, if earlier, the date of the individual’s death.

Statement of Intent

To the fullest extent possible, amounts and other benefits payable under the Plan are intended to be exempt from the definition of “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code in accordance with one or more exemptions available under the final Treasury regulations promulgated under Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that any such amount or benefit is or becomes subject to Section 409A of the Code, this Plan is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code with respect to those amounts or benefits so as to avoid the imposition of taxes and penalties. This Plan will be interpreted and administered to the extent possible in a manner consistent with the foregoing statement of intent.

The Company in its sole discretion may modify the timing of payments and benefits under the Plan for the sole purpose of exempting those payments and benefits from Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that any payment or benefit under the Plan is modified to comply with Section 409A of the Code or to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code, the modification or exemption will be made in good faith and will, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to you and the Company of the applicable payment or benefit without violating the provisions of Section 409A of the Code.

 

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In no event whatsoever will the Company, a Participating Employer or any of their affiliates be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on you by Section 409A of the Code or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A of the Code.

Each payment under the Plan is intended to be a “separate payment” and not a series of payments for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. References in this Agreement to Section 409A of the Code include rules, regulations, and guidance of general application issued by the Department of the Treasury under Code Section 409A. Any payments or reimbursements of any expenses provided for under this Agreement shall be made in accordance with Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv).

Assignment

The Plan will inure to the benefit of and will be enforceable by your personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If you should die while any amount is still payable to you under the Plan had you continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of the Plan to your estate. Your rights under the Plan will not otherwise be transferable or subject to lien or attachment.

Other Benefits

Nothing in this document is intended to guarantee that benefit levels or costs will remain unchanged in the future in any other plan, program or arrangement of the Company or a Participating Employer. The Company, a Participating Employer and their affiliates and subsidiaries reserve the right to terminate, amend, modify, suspend, or discontinue any other plan, program or arrangement of the Company, a Participating Employer or their subsidiaries or affiliates in accordance with the terms of that plan, program or arrangement and applicable law.

Oral Statements

The provisions of this document supersede any oral statements made by any employee, officer, or Board member of the Company or any Participating Employer regarding eligibility, severance payments and benefits.

Successors and Assigns

This Plan will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns and will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of you and your legal representatives, heirs and legatees.

Administrative Information about Your Plan

Employer Identification Number

ESAB Corporation’s employer identification number is 87-0923837.

Claim for Benefits

If you believe that you are entitled to payments and benefits under the Plan that are not provided to you, or you disagree with any other action taken by the Plan Administrator with respect to the Plan, then you may submit a claim to the Plan Administrator in writing. A claim must be made in writing and submitted within six (6) months of your Termination Date. In the event you make a claim for benefits beyond six (6) months of your Termination Date, then you are expressly precluded from receiving any severance payments and/or benefits under the Plan.

 

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Claims Review Procedures

You will be notified in writing by the Plan Administrator if your claim under the Plan is denied.

If a claim for benefits under the Plan is denied in full or in part, you may appeal the decision to the Plan Administrator.

To appeal a decision, you must submit a written document through the U.S. Postal Service or other courier service appealing the denial of the claim within sixty (60) days after you receive notice of the claim denial described above. You may also include information or other documentation in support of your claim.

You will be notified of a decision within ninety (90) days (which may be extended to one hundred eighty (180) days, if required) of the date your appeal is received. To the extent applicable, this notice will include the reasons for the denial and the specific provision(s) on which the denial is based, a description of any additional information needed to resubmit the claim, and an explanation of the claims review procedure. If the Plan Administrator requires an extension of time to respond to your appeal, you will receive notice of the reason for the extension within the initial ninety (90) day period and a date by which you can expect a decision.

If the original denial is upheld on first appeal, you may request a review of this decision. You may submit a written request for reconsideration to the Plan Administrator (as listed on the last page of this Section) within sixty (60) days after receiving the denial.

You can review all plan documents in preparing your appeal and you may have a qualified person represent you- during the appeal process. Any documents or records that support your position must be submitted with your appeal letter.

The case will be reviewed, and you will receive written notice of the decision within sixty (60) days (which may be extended to one hundred twenty (120) days, if required). The written notice will include the specific reasons for the decision and specific reference to the Plan provision(s) on which the decision is based.

Any decision on final appeal will be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties. If the final appeal is denied, however, you will be advised of your right to file a claim in court. It is the Company’s intent that in any challenge to a denial of benefits on final appeal under these procedures, the court of law or a professional arbitrator conducting the review will apply to a deferential (“arbitrary and capricious”) standard and not a de novo review.

Legal Action

You may not bring a lawsuit to recover benefits under the Plan until you have exhausted the internal administrative process described above. No legal action may be commenced at all unless commenced no later than one (1) year following the issuance of a final decision on the claim for benefits, or the expiration of the appeal decision period if no decision is issued. This one (1) year statute of limitations on suits for all benefits will apply in any forum where you may initiate such a suit.

 

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Participating Employers

A complete list of ESAB Corporation’s affiliates, subsidiaries or divisions that participate in the Plan may be obtained from the Plan Administrator by written request. See the chart at the end of this Section for the name and address of the Plan Administrator.

Plan Administrator

The administration of the Plan is the responsibility of the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator has the discretionary authority and responsibility for, among other things, determining eligibility for benefits and construing and interpreting the terms of the Plan. In addition, the Plan Administrator has the authority, at its discretion, to delegate its responsibility to others. The rules, interpretations, computations and other actions of the Plan Administrator or its delegate will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons. The chart at the end of this Section contains the name and address of the Plan Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if and to the extent required by applicable law, the rules of any applicable securities exchange on which the shares of Company common stock is traded or the Company’s by-laws or articles of incorporation, the Plan will be administered by the Company’s Board or the Compensation Committee.

Your Rights and Privileges under ERISA

As a participant in the Plan, you are entitled to certain rights and protection under Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). ERISA provides that you shall be entitled to:

Receive Information about Your Plan and Benefits

Examine, without charge, at the Company’s offices and at other specified locations all documents governing the Plan filed by the Plan with the U.S. Department of Labor and available at the Public Disclosure Room of the Employee Benefits Security Administration.

Obtain, upon written request to the Plan Administrator, copies of documents governing the operation of the Plan and updated summary plan description. The Plan Administrator may make a reasonable charge for the copies.

Enforce Your Rights

If your claim for a welfare benefit is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you have a right to know why this was done, to obtain copies of documents relating to the decision without charge, and to appeal any denial, all within certain time schedules.

Under ERISA, there are steps you can take to enforce the above rights. For instance, if you request a copy of Plan documents or the latest annual report from the Plan and do not receive them within thirty (30) days, you may file suit in a Federal court. In such a case, the court may require the Plan Administrator to provide the materials and pay you up to $110 a day until you receive the materials, unless the materials were not sent because of reasons beyond the control of the administrator.

If you have a claim for benefits which is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you may file suit in a state or Federal court.

If it should happen that you are discriminated against for asserting your rights, you may seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor, or you may file suit in a Federal court. The court will decide who should pay court costs and legal fees. If you are successful, the court may order the person you sued to pay these costs and fees. If you lose, the court may order you to pay these costs and fees, for example, if it finds your claim is frivolous.

 

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Assistance with Your Questions

If you have any questions about the Plan, you should contact the Plan Administrator. If you have any questions about this statement or about your rights under ERISA, or if you need assistance in obtaining documents from the Plan Administrator, you should contact the nearest office of the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, listed in your telephone directory or the Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

You may also obtain certain publications about your rights and responsibilities under ERISA by calling the publications hotline of the Employee Benefits Security Administration at 1-866-444-EBSA (3272) or accessing their website at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa.

 

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Other Administrative Facts

 

    

Severance Plan

Name of Plan

   ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan

Type of Plan

   ERISA “welfare plan” that is a severance pay arrangement

Plan Records

   Kept on a calendar-year basis

Plan Year

   January 1 — December 31

Plan Funding

   Unfunded—Company and Participating Employers provide severance benefits from general assets.

Plan Sponsor

   ESAB Corporation

Plan Administrator

and Named Fiduciary

  

ESAB Corporation

909 Rose Avenue, Suite 800

North Bethesda, Maryland 20852

Agent for

Service of Legal

Process on the Plan

  

ESAB Corporation

c/o General Counsel

909 Rose Avenue, Suite 800

North Bethesda, Maryland 20852

Trustee

   Not applicable

Insurance Company

   Not applicable

 

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Glossary

It is important to know about the following terms as they apply to the Plan.

 

Base Salary    Your base rate of salary in effect as of the effective date of your Termination Date (determined without regard to any reduction in your rate of base salary under circumstances that constitute Good Reason), including salary reductions under Code Sections 132(f), 125, 137, or 401(k), and excluding overtime, bonuses, income from stock options, stock grants, dividend equivalents, benefits-in-kind, allowances (including, but not limited to, car values, vacation bonuses, food coupons) or other incentives, and any other forms of extra compensation. No foreign service or expatriate allowances shall be included in determining base salary or the amount of severance payments payable under the Plan.
Bonus    Your target annual incentive bonus for the year in which your Termination Date occurs as determined under the Company’s or Participating Employer’s annual incentive bonus plan.
Business    Business is defined on page 3 in the Eligibility For Severance Benefits Section, under the subheading, “Agreement Not to Compete”.
Cause    Cause is defined beginning on page 4 in the Eligibility For Severance Benefits Section; under the subheading, “Cause”.
COBRA    The continuation coverage provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended.
Code    The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Company    ESAB Corporation
Compensation Committee    The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of ESAB Corporation
Covenant and Release Requirements    Covenant and Release Requirements is defined on page 1 in the Introduction and Highlights Section.
Disability    Disability is defined on page 4 in the Eligibility for Severance Benefits Section, under the subheading “Disability”.
ERISA    The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, which is a Federal employee benefits law.
Waiver and Release Agreement    A Waiver and Release Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Good Reason    Good Reason is defined on page 5 in the Eligibility for Severance Benefits Section, under the subheading “Good Reason”.
Participating Employer    A subsidiary or affiliate of the Company that participates in the Plan.

 

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Payment Start Date    Payment Start Date is defined on page 6 in the Severance Payments and Benefits Section, under the subheading “Cash Severance Payments”.
Plan    ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan, as set forth in this document and as it may be amended from time to time.
Severance Pay    Severance Pay is the cash severance benefits to which you are entitled under the Plan, as described in the Severance Payments and Benefits Section, under the subheading “Cash Severance Payments”.
Severance Pay Period    Severance Pay Period is defined on page 6 in the Severance Payments and Benefits Section, under the subheading “Cash Severance Payments”.
Specified Employee    Specified Employee is defined on page 9 in the Section 409A Section, under the subheading “Specified Employees”.
Termination Date    The date on which your employment with the Company, the Participating Employers and their respective affiliates terminates for any reason. To the extent that any payments or benefits under the Plan are subject to Section 409A of the Code, the determination of whether your Termination Date has occurred (or whether you have otherwise had a termination of employment) shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the guidance issued thereunder without application of any alternative levels of reductions of bona fide services permitted thereunder.
Territory    Territory is defined on page 3 in the Eligibility For Severance Benefits Section, under the subheading, “Agreement Not to Compete”.

* * *

 

The ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan & SPD        16


WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT is entered into as of [TO BE DETERMINATED AT TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT] (the “Effective Date”), by [NAME OF EXECUTIVE]    (the “Executive”) in consideration of the severance pay (the “Severance Payment”) provided to the Executive by [ ESAB CORPORATION OR THE PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER] (the “Company”) pursuant to The ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan (the “Plan”).

 

1.

Waiver and Release. The Executive, on his or her own behalf and on behalf of his or her heirs, executors, administrators, attorneys and assigns, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably releases, waives and forever discharges the Company and each of its affiliates, parents, successors, predecessors, and the subsidiaries, directors, owners, members, shareholders, officers, agents, and employees of the Company and its affiliates, parents, successors, predecessors, and subsidiaries (collectively, all of the foregoing are referred to as the “Employer”), from any and all causes of action, claims and damages, including attorneys’ fees, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, presently asserted or otherwise arising through the date of his or her signing of the Waiver and Release Agreement, concerning his or her employment or separation from employment and any other acts or omissions related to any matter occurring on or prior to the Effective Date. This release includes, but is not limited to, any claim or entitlement to salary, bonuses, any other payments, benefits or damages arising under any federal law (including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Executive Order 11246, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, each as amended); the West Virginia Human Rights Act; the Massachusetts Wage Act; S.D. Codified Laws § 20-7-11; N.D. Cent. Code § 9-13-02; any claim arising under any state or local laws, ordinances or regulations (including, but no limited to, any state or local laws, ordinances or regulations requiring that advance notice be given of certain workforce reductions); any allegation for costs, fees or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in the matters referenced herein; and any claim arising under any common law principle or public policy, including, but not limited to, all suits in tort or contract, such as wrongful termination, defamation, emotional distress, invasion of privacy or loss of consortium.

The Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement precludes the Executive from filing any charge with or communicating with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other state or federal governmental agency or from testifying, assisting, or participating in any investigation, hearing, or proceeding of governmental agency. However, the Executive agrees to forever waive the Executive’s right to recover or receive any personal relief, monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, back pay, reinstatement or injunctive relief from the Company and/or Employer relating to any matter whatsoever up to the date of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement (i) prohibits, limits or restricts, or shall be construed to prohibit, limit or restrict, the Executive from exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations thereunder), without notice to or consent from the Company, or (ii) to the extent required by law, prohibits or shall be construed to prohibit the Executive from receiving a reward from the Securities and Exchange Commission or other applicable government agency pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act or other applicable whistleblower or other law or regulation in connection therewith.

The Executive further agrees without any reservation whatsoever, never to sue the Employer or become a party to a lawsuit on the basis of any and all claims of any type lawfully and validly released in this Waiver and Release Agreement.

 

2.

Acknowledgments. The Executive is signing this Waiver and Release Agreement knowingly and voluntarily. He or she acknowledges that:

 

  (a)

He or she is hereby advised in writing to consult an attorney before signing this Waiver and Release Agreement;

 

The ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan & SPD        17


  (b)

He or she has relied solely on his or her own judgment and/or that of his or her attorney regarding the consideration for and the terms of the Waiver and Release Agreement and is signing this Waiver and Release Agreement knowingly and voluntarily of his or her own free will;

 

  (c)

He or she is not entitled to the Severance Payment unless he or she agrees to and honors the terms of this Waiver and Release Agreement;

 

  (d)

He or she has been given at least forty-five (45) calendar days to consider this Waiver and Release Agreement, or he or she expressly waives his or her right to have at least forty-five (45) days to consider this Waiver and Release Agreement;

 

  (e)

He or she may revoke this Waiver and Release Agreement within seven (7) calendar days after signing it by submitting a written notice of revocation to the Company. He or she further understands that this Waiver and Release Agreement is not effective or enforceable until after the seven (7) day period of revocation has expired without revocation, and that if he or she revokes this Waiver and Release Agreement within the seven (7) day revocation period, he or she will not receive the Severance Payment;

 

  (f)

He or she has read and understands the Waiver and Release Agreement and further understands that it includes a general release of any and all known and unknown, foreseen and unforeseen claims presently asserted or otherwise arising through the date of his or her signing of this Waiver and Release Agreement that he or she may have against the Employer; and

 

  (g)

No statements made or conduct by the Employer has in any way coerced or unduly influenced him or her to execute this Waiver and Release Agreement.

 

3.

No Admission of Liability. This Waiver and Release Agreement does not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing on the part of the Employer, the Employer does not admit there has been any wrongdoing whatsoever against the Executive, and the Employer expressly denies that any wrongdoing has occurred.

 

4.

Entire Agreement. There are no other agreements of any nature between the Employer and the Executive with respect to the matters discussed in this Waiver and Release Agreement, except as expressly stated herein, and in signing this Waiver and Release Agreement, the Executive is not relying on any agreements or representations, except those expressly contained in this Waiver and Release Agreement

 

5.

Execution. It is not necessary that the Employer sign this Waiver and Release Agreement following the Executive’s full and complete execution of it for it to become fully effective and enforceable.

 

6.

Severability. If any provision of this Waiver and Release Agreement is found, held or deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be void, unlawful or unenforceable under any applicable statute or controlling law, the remainder of this Waiver and Release Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

 

7.

Governing Law. This Waiver and Release Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, excluding the choice of law rules thereof.

 

8.

Headings. Section and subsection headings contained in this Waiver and Release Agreement are inserted for the convenience of reference only. Section and subsection headings shall not be deemed to be a part of this Waiver and Release Agreement for any purpose, and they shall not in any way define or affect the meaning, construction or scope of any of the provisions hereof.

 

The ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan & SPD        18


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Waiver and Release Agreement as of the day and year first herein above written.

 

 

 

The ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan & SPD        19

Exhibit 10.13

 

LOGO

 

Date of Employment    We anticipate that you will begin employment before May 15, 2016.
Base Salary    Your starting annual salary will be US $470,000 payable bi-weekly. You will be eligible for an annual merit increase based on benchmarks and company merit increase guidelines, effective date April 1, 2017.
Annual Bonus    You will be eligible to participate in our Management Incentive Compensation Plan (MIP) with a target of 70% of your base salary. The actual MIP payout is based on the achievement of Colfax financial performance against pre-set threshold, target, and maximum and your individual performance factor of up to 1.5 times the financial factor. The maximum payout is 250% of target. Your 2016 MIP award will be guaranteed to be a minimum of a full year target award.
Equity Awards    You will be provided an up-front equity award of $2,050,000. The grant date will be the first day of the month after your start date or the nearest non blackout date after your hire.
   In consideration of your buyout, $1,150,000 of the $2,050,000 will be granted as restricted stock units with 50% vesting three years after the grant date and the remaining 50% vesting four years after the grant date.
   The remaining $900,000 of the $2,050,000 represents your 2016 annual grant. This annual grant portion will vest as follows: 25% as stock options to be vested 33 1/3% each year on the 1st—3rd anniversaries of grant, 25% as restricted stock units to be vested 33 1/3% each year on the 2nd through the 4th anniversaries of grant, and 25% as performance-based restricted stock units to be vested 50% each year on the 3rd and 4th anniversaries of grant. The performance metric for your PRSU grant is $1.76 EPS. The metric is achieved when adjusted EPS within any four consecutive quarters in the performance period meets or exceeds $1.76. The performance period begins in the second quarter of 2016 and ends on the last full quarter in 2018. If the performance metric is achieved within the performance period, you are eligible to vest in all of the units according to the vesting schedule. If the performance metric is not met within the performance period, all the units will be forfeited.

 

Colfax Corporation

420 National Business Parkway, 5th Floor

Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

t: 301-323-9000 f: 301-323-9001

Colfaxcorp.com


   The strike price of the stock options will be determined by the Fair Market Value of Colfax Corporation common stock on the effective date of the grant, which is the first business day after you start with Colfax unless it is a blackout period for Colfax stock; and then it is the first business day after the blackout period is lifted. Options are valued based on Black Scholes model prepared by management. Specific number of performance-based restricted stock, time-based restricted stock units and stock options will be determined near, or on, the effective grant date.
   In addition, you will be eligible for future annual equity grants starting in 2017 based on your position and performance in accordance with our equity guidelines. The current target for your position is 1.9x to 2.5x of salary. Annual equity awards are currently delivered in 50% stock options and 50% performance-based restricted stock units. The terms and conditions of equity awards will be in accordance with the Colfax’s 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan or successor plan.
401(k)    You will have the opportunity to participate in the Colfax 401(k) Savings Plan with matching contributions. Colfax matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, Colfax will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account. These non-elective contributions vest over five years.
NQ Deferred Comp    You will have the opportunity to defer up to 50% of base salary and 75% of your annual bonus in the nonqualified deferred compensation plan. The plan offers up to 6% matching contributions on base and bonus earnings over the IRS 401(k) maximums.
Transition Bonus    You will receive a transition bonus of US $1,300,000 with $250,000 of this amount payable within 30 days of your start date, $330,000 payable on your 1st year anniversary and $330,000 payable on your 2nd year anniversary and $130,000 payable on each of your 3rd, 4th, and 5th year anniversaries. If you resign from the company within the first 3 years of employment, you are required to reimburse the company based on how much was paid and the percent of the three years that you were employed based on a monthly pro rata basis. In the event of a change in control or your involuntary termination not for cause, any remainder of this $1,300,000 payment will be payable to you upon consummation of a change in control business transaction or upon your involuntary not for cause separation from Colfax Corporation.

 

Colfax Corporation

420 National Business Parkway, 5th Floor

Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

t: 301-323-9000 f: 301-323-9001

Colfaxcorp.com


Relocation    You will eligible for Colfax’s relocation managed by our relocation vendor, Lexicon. You have two years from your hire date to complete your relocation, unless an exception is approved. Part of your relocation is taxable and part of it is non-taxable in accordance with IRS guidelines. It is important to note that for Officers, Colfax does not provide loans per our policy and we only gross up the temporary living component of relocation. Additionally, if you resign from the company within the first 2 years of employment, you are required to reimburse the company for amounts paid on your behalf at a rate of 100% of the total costs paid by the company within one year and 50% of total costs after that up to end of year two.
Health Benefits    You and your family will be eligible to participate in the health & welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Vacation & Holidays    You will eligible for five weeks of vacation, plus three floating holidays and any company-paid holidays.
Severance    You are eligible for the Colfax Executive Officer Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”). The Severance Plan is applicable to all involuntary termination scenarios except for cause including change in control, restructuring and performance. Additionally, our equity award agreements will confirm the terms of how equity is treated in a change in control.

Shyam, we also want to confirm that your employment is “at will”. This means that your employment is for no definite period of time, and either you or the company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. In accordance with Colfax policy, this offer is contingent upon acceptance of the confidentiality agreement and code of conduct. You agree that during your employment, and for two years after termination of your employment, you will not directly or indirectly, for yourself or on behalf of any other person, partnership, company, corporation, or other entity, solicit, induce, recruit, encourage, or otherwise endeavor to cause or attempt to cause any employee or consultant of Colfax, or any independent contractor providing services to Colfax, to terminate his or her relationship with Colfax. You agree that the harm caused to Colfax by violation of this provision would amount to irreparable harm justifying entry of a temporary restraining order and/or a preliminary injunction and an award of attorney fees to Colfax.

 

Sincerely,                   ACKNOWLEGED & ACCEPTED:

/s/ Matthew L. Trerotola

    

/s/ Shyam Kambeyanda

Matthew L. Trerotola
President and Chief Executive Officer
Colfax Corporation
     Shyam Kambeyanda

CC: Lynn H. Clark, SVP Human Resources

 

Colfax Corporation

420 National Business Parkway, 5th Floor

Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

t: 301-323-9000 f: 301-323-9001

Colfaxcorp.com

Exhibit 10.14

 

LOGO

April 26, 2019

Mr. Kevin Johnson

Via Email

Strictly private and confidential

Dear Kevin,

Congratulations! We are very pleased to extend you an employment offer for the position of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, ESAB, reporting to Shyam Kambeyanda, President ESAB and Senior Vice President, Colfax Corporation.

We look forward to having you as a part of our team, adding your skills, experiences and talent to ESAB. Below you will find the specific terms of our offer.

 

Date of Employment    We anticipate that you will begin your new role effective May 13, 2019.
Base Salary    Your starting annual salary will be US $318,000 payable semi-monthly. You will be eligible for annual merit increases, beginning in 2020, consistent with our annual merit cycle, based on benchmarks and company merit increase guidelines.
Annual Cash Bonus    You will be eligible to participate in our Management Incentive Compensation Plan (MIP) with a target of 50% of your base salary. The actual MIP payout is based on the achievement of ESAB financial performance against pre-set thresholds, targets, and maximums. The maximum payout is 250% of target. Your 2019 MIP award will be prorated based on your start date with ESAB and transition from your current role.
Equity Awards   

You will be eligible for annual equity grants starting in February 2020 based on your position and performance in accordance with our equity guidelines. The current target for your position is 60% of your base salary. Your award can be more or less than this target depending on your performance and company affordability. Annual equity awards are currently delivered in 50% stock options and 50% restricted stock units. Annual equity awards vest 33 1/3% each year on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd anniversaries of the grant.

The terms and conditions of equity awards will be in accordance with Colfax’s 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan or successor plan.


401(k)    You will continue to have the opportunity to participate in the Colfax 401(k) Savings Plan with matching contributions. Colfax matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, Colfax will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account. These non-elective contributions vest over five years.
NQ Deferred Comp    You will continue to have the opportunity to defer up to 50% of base salary and 75% of your annual bonus in the nonqualified deferred compensation plan. The plan offers up to 4% matching contributions and a company discretionary 2% contribution on base and bonus earnings over the IRS 401(k) maximums.
Retirement    Contingent on your pre-tax participation and contributions in the 401K and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Program, the company will provide a pretax contribution equal to or greater than $19,000 per year. You will be required to contribute pretax amounts to your accounts in both plans of approximately 5% of base salary in total.
Relocation Benefits    You will be eligible for ESAB’s domestic relocation program managed by our relocation vendor, Lexicon, and in accordance with ESAB’s relocation policy. This relocation benefit pertains to your move from Wilmington, DE to Maryland, or such location that allows you to operate out of ESAB’s Annapolis Junction, MD office. You are required to complete this relocation on or before May 13, 2021. In the event you choose to terminate the employment relationship with the company prior to the expiration of two (2) years after the effective date of your relocation, you shall repay to the Company a pro-rata share of the relocation expenses.
Repatriation    ESAB agrees to pay the full cost of moving you, your wife, and children, and your normal household belongings to Australia in the event that your employment is involuntarily terminated by ESAB while you are in this VP, CFO role.

 

2


Health Benefits    You and your family will continue to be eligible to participate in health & welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Tax Prep./Equalization    While you are in this role, ESAB will provide company paid tax preparation, and tax equalization will be paid by ESAB for you and your spouse’s earnings in the Australian Superannuation Fund.
Vacation    You are eligible for 4 weeks of paid vacation per year and company holidays (approximately 10 days)
Car Allowance    As per your prior Colfax agreement, your monthly car allowance will be discontinued upon your start date in this role. However, to assist in this transition, ESAB will pay you a lump sum equal to 50% of your previous annual allowance ($6,000 gross). This payment will be made within approximately 30 days from your start date.

Kevin, we also want to confirm that your employment is “at will”. This means that your employment is for no definite period of time, and either you or the company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.

We look forward to having you join ESAB. It will be an excellent opportunity to work together to take the business to the next level of growth and success!

 

Sincerely,     ACKNOWLEGED & ACCEPTED:
/s/ Shyam Kambeyanda     /s/ Kevin Johnson                                                  Date: 4/26/19

 

   

 

Shyam Kambeyanda
President ESAB and SVP
Colfax Corporation
    Kevin Johnson

 

3

Exhibit 10.15

 

LOGO

April 4, 2017

Mr. Olivier Biebuyck

Via Email

Strictly private and confidential

Dear Olivier,

Congratulations! We are very pleased to extend you an employment offer for the position of Vice President & General Manager, Filler Metals, ESAB, reporting to Shyam Kambeyanda, President ESAB and Senior Vice President, Colfax Corporation.

We look forward to having you as a part of our team, adding your skills, experiences and talent to our company. We believe Colfax is the type of organization that has the vision, culture and opportunities to further your career success and you will have a tremendous opportunity to build long-term wealth in the growth and profitability of Colfax.

 

Date of Employment    We anticipate that you will begin employment May 1, 2017.
Base Salary    Your starting annual salary will be US $360,000 payable semi-monthly. You will be eligible for annual merit increases consistent with our annual merit cycle, based on benchmarks and company merit increase guidelines.
Annual Cash Bonus    You will be eligible to participate in our Management Incentive Compensation Plan (MIP) with a target of 55% of your base salary. The actual MIP payout is based on the achievement of ESAB financial performance against pre-set thresholds, targets, and maximums. The maximum payout is 250% of target. Your 2017 MIP award will be prorated based on the time you were employed at ESAB in 2017.


Transition Bonuses    You will receive a transition bonus of US $150,000. The transition bonus will be paid in 3 equal installments. The first $50,000 will be paid within 30 days of your start date. The second $50,000 will be paid one year from your start date. The final $50,000 will be paid two years from your start date. In the event you choose to terminate the employment relationship with the company prior to the expiration of two (2) years after your start date, you shall repay to the Company a pro-rata share of the transition bonus, which share shall be equal to 1/24th of the amount paid, multiplied by the number of months remaining in the first two years after your start date, determined as of the date of your termination.
   In addition, you will receive a one-time cash bonus of US $45,000 in consideration of your 2017 annual bonus for the period January 1 through April 30, 2017. This payment will be made within 30 days of your date of hire.
Equity Awards    You will be provided an up-front equity award of $845,000 upon hire. The grant date will be the first day of the month after your start date or the nearest non blackout date after your hire.
   In consideration of your buy-out, $630,000 of the $845,000 will be granted as restricted stock units (RSUs) to be vested 33 1/3% each year on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd anniversaries of your grant.
   The remaining $215,000 represents your 2017 annual equity award as an ESAB Associate. This award will be delivered in 50% stock options and 50% restricted stock units, and will vest 33 1/3% each year on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd anniversaries of the grant.
   In addition, you will be eligible for future annual equity grants starting in February, 2018 based on your position and performance in accordance with our equity guidelines. The current target for your position is 60% of your base salary. Annual equity awards are currently delivered in 50% stock options and 50% restricted stock units. Annual equity awards vest 33 1/3% each year on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd anniversaries of the grant.
   The terms and conditions of equity awards will be in accordance with Colfax’s 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan or successor plan.
401(k)    You will have the opportunity to participate in the Colfax 401(k) Savings Plan with matching contributions. Colfax matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, Colfax will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account. These non-elective contributions vest over five years.

 

2


NQ Deferred Comp    You will have the opportunity to defer up to 50% of base salary and 75% of your annual bonus in the nonqualified deferred compensation plan. The plan offers up to 4% matching contributions and a company discretionary 2% contribution on base and bonus earnings over the IRS 401(k) maximums.
Relocation    ESAB will compensate you for any relocation payback requirements related to your current employer, up to a maximum of $70,000, subject to documentation.
Health Benefits    Effective the first of the month following your date of hire, you and your family will be eligible to participate in health & welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Vacation & Holidays    You will eligible for four weeks of vacation, plus three floating holidays and any company-paid holidays.

Olivier, we also want to confirm that your employment is “at will”. This means that your employment is for no definite period of time, and either you or the company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. In accordance with Colfax policy, this offer is contingent upon acceptance of the Colfax code of conduct agreement, as well as acceptance of the ESAB Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement. Finally, this offer is contingent on successful completion of all reference and background checks, including drug screen.

We look forward to having you join us. It will be an excellent opportunity to work together to take the business to the next level of growth and success!

 

Sincerely,                   ACKNOWLEGED & ACCEPTED:

/s/ Shyam Kambeyanda

    

/s/ Olivier Biebuyck Date: 04/04/2017

Shyam Kambeyanda
President ESAB and SVP
Colfax Corporation
     Olivier Biebuyck

 

3

Exhibit 10.16

 

LOGO

September 14, 2017

Mr. Larry Coble

Via Email

Strictly private and confidential

Dear Larry,

Congratulations! We are very pleased to extend you an employment offer for the position of Vice President, Colfax Business Systems (CBS), ESAB, reporting to me.

We look forward to having you as a part of our team, adding your skills, experiences and talent to our company. We believe Colfax is the type of organization that has the vision, culture and opportunities to further your career success and you will have a tremendous opportunity to build long-term wealth in the growth and profitability of Colfax.

 

Date of Employment    We anticipate that you will begin employment October 16, 2017.
Base Salary    Your starting annual salary will be US $330,000 payable semi-monthly. You will be eligible for annual merit increases consistent with our annual merit cycle, based on benchmarks and company merit increase guidelines.
   Effective April 1, 2018 your annual base salary will be adjusted to $340,000. You will also be awarded a one off $20,000 cash payment at this time.
Annual Cash Bonus    You will be eligible to participate in our Management Incentive Compensation Plan (MIP) with a target of 50% of your base salary. The actual MIP payout is based on the achievement of ESAB financial performance against pre-set thresholds, targets, and maximums. The maximum payout is 250% of target. Your 2017 MIP award will be prorated based on the time you were employed at ESAB in 2017.
Transition Bonus    You will receive a transition bonus of US $223,000, 100% paid within 60 days of your start date. In the event you choose to terminate the employment relationship with the company prior to the expiration of two (2) years after your start date, you shall repay to the Company a pro-rata share of the transition bonus, which share shall be equal to 1/24th of the total amount paid, multiplied by the number of months remaining in the first two years after your start date, determined as of the date of your termination.


Equity Awards    You will be provided an up-front equity award of $610,000 upon hire. The grant will occur as soon as administratively possible following you date of hire. Grants typically occur within 30 days of hire date, or the nearest non-blackout date after your hire.
   Your up-front equity award will be delivered in 50% stock options and 50% restricted stock units. These awards will vest 33 1/3% each year on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd anniversaries of the grant.
   In addition, you will be eligible for future annual equity grants starting in February, 2018 based on your position and performance in accordance with our equity guidelines. The current target for your position is 50% of your base salary. Annual equity awards are currently delivered in 50% stock options and 50% restricted stock units. Annual equity awards vest 33 1/3% each year on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd anniversaries of the grant.
   The terms and conditions of equity awards will be in accordance with Colfax’s 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan or successor plan.
401(k)    You will have the opportunity to participate in the Colfax 401(k) Savings Plan with matching contributions. Colfax matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, Colfax will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account. These non-elective contributions vest over five years.
Health Benefits    Effective the first of the month following your date of hire, you and your family will be eligible to participate in health & welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Vacation & Holidays    You will be eligible to accrue 13.34 hours per month worked for a maximum of 20 days of vacation annually. Vacation is based on a current calendar year accrual system. You are also edible for one floating holiday and any company-paid holidays.

Larry, we also want to confirm that your employment is “at will”. This means that your employment is for no definite period of time, and either you or the company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. In accordance with Colfax policy, this offer is contingent upon acceptance of the Colfax code of conduct agreement, as well as acceptance of the ESAB Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement. Finally, this offer is contingent on successful completion of all reference and background checks, including drug screen.


We look forward to having you join us. It will be an excellent opportunity to work together to take the business to the next level of growth and success!

 

Sincerely,      ACKNOWLEGED & ACCEPTED:

/s/ Shyam Kambeyanda

    

/s/ Larry Coble Date: 9/19/17

Shyam Kambeyanda
President ESAB and SVP
Colfax Corporation
     Larry Coble

Exhibit 10.17

 

LOGO

December 14, 2021

Kevin Johnson

Via Email

Dear Kevin,

As you know, Colfax Corporation (“Colfax”) announced on March 4, 2021 to separate its ESAB business into a standalone publicly-traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the ESAB business’ equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise (the “Transaction”). Contingent on the consummation of the Transaction, we are very pleased to extend you an employment offer for the position of Chief Financial Officer for ESAB Corporation, reporting to Shyam Kambeyanda, Chief Executive Officer, in our ESAB’s headquarters at 909 Rose Avenue, Suite 800, North Bethesda, MD 20852.

We are excited about you joining our team as you bring a unique set of skills, experiences and overall talent to our Company. We believe that you will grow and thrive within our organization enabling you to further your career success and grow wealth as you and the Company both continue to prosper together. At ESAB, our values and behaviors are critical to our success.

Our core value of Continuous Improvement is our way of life. Continuous improvement is at the heart of who we are. It’s in our DNA and it’s what makes us great. We know that the power to create better – for our customers, our shareholders and each other – begins with having the best team, united in its pursuits, operating at the highest levels and delivering extraordinary outcomes. We are unique individuals who work together to create sustained performance to the benefit of our customers, associates and the communities where we work.

 

Date of Employment -    We anticipate that you will begin employment on the date of the consummation of the Transaction.
Base Salary -    Your starting annual salary will be $595,000.00 payable bi-weekly.
Annual Cash Bonus -    You will be eligible to participate in our Management Incentive Compensation Plan (MIP) with a target of 75% of your base salary beginning January 1, 2022. The actual MIP payout is based on the achievement of ESAB financial performance against pre-set thresholds, targets, maximums, and your individual performance factor of up to 1.5 times the financial factor. The maximum payout is 250% of target.
Equity Awards -    You will be eligible for an equity grant for 2022 in an amount equal to $1,338,750.00. In subsequent years you will be eligible for equity grants based on your position and performance in accordance with our equity guidelines.
   The terms and conditions of equity awards will be in accordance with ESAB’s 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan or successor plan.
401(k) -    You will have the opportunity to participate in the ESAB 401(k) Savings Plan Plus plan with matching contributions. ESAB matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, ESAB will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account, vesting immediately.
Perquisites -    ESAB will agree to reimburse you for (i) up to $10,000 per year for financial planning, and (ii) up to $4,000 per year in out of pocket costs for an executive physical examination.
NQ Deferred Comp -    You will have the opportunity to defer up to 50% of base salary and 75% bonus in the nonqualified deferred compensation and optimize the company matching contribution above the IRS thresholds in 401(k). ESAB matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, ESAB will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account as long as you contribute at least 1% of base salary. These non-elective contributions vest immediately.


Health Benefits -    You and your family will be eligible to participate in the health & welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long- term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Benefits will be eligible on your hire date with ESAB.
Vacation & Holidays -    You will eligible for 20 days of vacation, floating holidays and company-paid holidays.

Kevin, we also want to confirm that your employment is “at will”. This means that your employment is for no definite period of time, and either you or the company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. In accordance with ESAB policy, this offer is contingent upon acceptance of the ESAB code of conduct agreement, as well as acceptance of the Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement.

This offer letter embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the parties, and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, offer letters, agreements, or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, related to the subject matter hereof.

It will be an excellent opportunity to work together to take the business to the next level of growth and success!

Sincerely,

Shyam Kambeyanda

Chief Executive Officer

ACKNOWLEGED & ACCEPTED:

 

/s/ Kevin Johnson

      12/17/2021
Kevin Johnson       Date

 

2

Exhibit 10.18

 

LOGO

November 30, 2021

Olivier Biebuyck

Via Email

Dear Olivier,

As you know, Colfax Corporation announced on March 4, 2021 to separate its ESAB business into a standalone publicly-traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the ESAB business’ equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise (the “Transaction”). Contingent on the consummation of the Transaction, we are very pleased to extend you an employment offer for the position of President EMEAR & Products for ESAB Corporation (“ESAB”), reporting to Shyam Kambeyanda, Chief Executive Officer, in ESAB’s headquarters at 909 Rose Avenue, Suite 800, North Bethesda, MD 20852.

We are excited about you joining our team as you bring a unique set of skills, experiences and overall talent to our Company. We believe that you will grow and thrive within our organization enabling you to further your career success and grow wealth as you and the Company both continue to prosper together. At ESAB, our values and behaviors are critical to our success.

Our core value of Continuous Improvement is our way of life. Continuous improvement is at the heart of who we are. It’s in our DNA and it’s what makes us great. We know that the power to create better – for our customers, our shareholders and each other – begins with having the best team, united in its pursuits, operating at the highest levels and delivering extraordinary outcomes. We are unique individuals who work together to create sustained performance to the benefit of our customers, associates and the communities where we work.

 

Date of Employment -    We anticipate that you will begin employment on the date of the consummation of the Transaction.
Base Salary -    Your starting annual salary will be $500,000.00 payable bi-weekly.
Annual Cash Bonus -    You will be eligible to participate in our Management Incentive Compensation Plan (MIP) with a target of 75% of your base salary beginning January 1, 2022. The actual MIP payout is based on the achievement of ESAB financial performance against pre-set thresholds, targets, maximums, and your individual performance factor of up to 1.5 times the financial factor. The maximum payout is 250% of target.
Equity Awards -    You will be eligible for an equity grant for 2022 in an amount equal to $875,000.00. In subsequent years you will be eligible for equity grants based on your position and performance in accordance with our equity guidelines.
   The terms and conditions of equity awards will be in accordance with ESAB’s 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan or successor plan.
401(k) -    You will have the opportunity to participate in the ESAB 401(k) Savings Plan Plus plan with matching contributions. ESAB matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, ESAB will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account, vesting immediately.
NQ Deferred Comp -    You will have the opportunity to defer up to 50% of base salary and 75% bonus in the nonqualified deferred compensation and optimize the company matching contribution above the IRS thresholds in 401(k). ESAB matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, ESAB will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account as long as you contribute at least 1% of base salary. These non-elective contributions vest immediately.

 


Health Benefits -    You and your family will be eligible to participate in the health & welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long- term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Benefits will be eligible on your hire date with ESAB.
Vacation & Holidays -    You will eligible for 25 days of vacation, floating holidays and company-paid holidays.

Olivier, we also want to confirm that your employment is “at will”. This means that your employment is for no definite period of time, and either you or the company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. In accordance with ESAB policy, this offer is contingent upon acceptance of the ESAB code of conduct agreement, as well as acceptance of the Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement. Finally, this offer is contingent on successful completion of all reference and background checks, including drug screen.

It will be an excellent opportunity to work together to take the business to the next level of growth and success!

Sincerely,

Shyam Kambeyanda

Chief Executive Officer

ACKNOWLEGED & ACCEPTED:

 

/s/ Olivier Biebuyck                                            12/12/2021
Olivier Biebuyck   Date

 

2

Exhibit 10.19

 

LOGO

November 30, 2021

Larry Coble

Via Email

Dear Larry,

As you know, Colfax Corporation announced on March 4, 2021 to separate its ESAB business into a standalone publicly-traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the ESAB business’ equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise (the “Transaction”). Contingent on the consummation of the Transaction, we are very pleased to extend you an employment offer for the position of CBS/Operations for ESAB Corporation (“ESAB”), reporting to Shyam Kambeyanda, Chief Executive Officer, in ESAB’s headquarters at 909 Rose Avenue, Suite 800, North Bethesda, MD 20852.

We are excited about you joining our team as you bring a unique set of skills, experiences and overall talent to our Company. We believe that you will grow and thrive within our organization enabling you to further your career success and grow wealth as you and the Company both continue to prosper together. At ESAB, our values and behaviors are critical to our success.

Our core value of Continuous Improvement is our way of life. Continuous improvement is at the heart of who we are. It’s in our DNA and it’s what makes us great. We know that the power to create better – for our customers, our shareholders and each other – begins with having the best team, united in its pursuits, operating at the highest levels and delivering extraordinary outcomes. We are unique individuals who work together to create sustained performance to the benefit of our customers, associates and the communities where we work.

 

Date of Employment -    We anticipate that you will begin employment on the date of the consummation of the Transaction.
Base Salary -    Your starting annual salary will be $450,000.00 payable bi-weekly.
Annual Cash Bonus -    You will be eligible to participate in our Management Incentive Compensation Plan (MIP) with a target of 70% of your base salary beginning January 1, 2022. The actual MIP payout is based on the achievement of ESAB financial performance against pre-set thresholds, targets, maximums, and your individual performance factor of up to 1.5 times the financial factor. The maximum payout is 250% of target.
Equity Awards -    You will be eligible for an equity grant for 2022 in an amount equal to $630,000.00. In subsequent years you will be eligible for equity grants based on your position and performance in accordance with our equity guidelines.
   The terms and conditions of equity awards will be in accordance with ESAB’s 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan or successor plan.
401(k) -    You will have the opportunity to participate in the ESAB 401(k) Savings Plan Plus plan with matching contributions. ESAB matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, ESAB will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account, vesting immediately.
NQ Deferred Comp -   

You will have the opportunity to defer up to 50% of base salary and 75% bonus in the nonqualified deferred compensation and optimize the company matching contribution above the IRS thresholds in 401(k). ESAB matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, ESAB will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account as long as you contribute at least 1% of base salary. These non-elective contributions vest immediately.


Health Benefits -    You and your family will be eligible to participate in the health & welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long- term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Benefits will be eligible on your hire date with ESAB.
Vacation & Holidays -    You will eligible for 25 days of vacation, floating holidays and company-paid holidays.

Larry, we also want to confirm that your employment is “at will”. This means that your employment is for no definite period of time, and either you or the company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. In accordance with ESAB policy, this offer is contingent upon acceptance of the ESAB code of conduct agreement, as well as acceptance of the Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement. Finally, this offer is contingent on successful completion of all reference and background checks, including drug screen.

It will be an excellent opportunity to work together to take the business to the next level of growth and success!

Sincerely,

Shyam Kambeyanda

Chief Executive Officer

ACKNOWLEGED & ACCEPTED:

 

/s/ Larry Coble

    12/10/2021
Larry Coble     Date

 

2

Exhibit 10.20

 

LOGO

November 30, 2021

Curtis Jewell

Via Email

Dear Curtis,

As you know, Colfax Corporation announced on March 4, 2021 to separate its ESAB business into a standalone publicly-traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the ESAB business’ equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise (the “Transaction”). Contingent on the consummation of the Transaction, we are very pleased to extend you an employment offer for the position of General Counsel for ESAB Corporation (“ESAB”), reporting to Shyam Kambeyanda, Chief Executive Officer, in ESAB’s headquarters at 909 Rose Avenue, Suite 800, North Bethesda, MD 20852.

We are excited about you joining our team as you bring a unique set of skills, experiences and overall talent to our Company. We believe that you will grow and thrive within our organization enabling you to further your career success and grow wealth as you and the Company both continue to prosper together. At ESAB, our values and behaviors are critical to our success.

Our core value of Continuous Improvement is our way of life. Continuous improvement is at the heart of who we are. It’s in our DNA and it’s what makes us great. We know that the power to create better – for our customers, our shareholders and each other – begins with having the best team, united in its pursuits, operating at the highest levels and delivering extraordinary outcomes. We are unique individuals who work together to create sustained performance to the benefit of our customers, associates and the communities where we work.

 

Date of Employment -    We anticipate that you will begin employment on the date of the consummation of the Transaction.
Base Salary -    Your starting annual salary will be $450,000.00 payable bi-weekly.
Annual Cash Bonus -    You will be eligible to participate in our Management Incentive Compensation Plan (MIP) with a target of 70% of your base salary beginning January 1, 2022. The actual MIP payout is based on the achievement of ESAB financial performance against pre-set thresholds, targets, maximums, and your individual performance factor of up to 1.5 times the financial factor. The maximum payout is 250% of target.
Equity Awards -    You will be eligible for an equity grant for 2022 in an amount equal to $675,000.00. In subsequent years you will be eligible for equity grants based on your position and performance in accordance with our equity guidelines.
   The terms and conditions of equity awards will be in accordance with ESAB’s 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan or successor plan.
401(k) -    You will have the opportunity to participate in the ESAB 401(k) Savings Plan Plus plan with matching contributions. ESAB matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, ESAB will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account, vesting immediately.
NQ Deferred Comp -    You will have the opportunity to defer up to 50% of base salary and 75% bonus in the nonqualified deferred compensation and optimize the company matching contribution above the IRS thresholds in 401(k). ESAB matches 100% of the first 4% that you contribute, and these matching contributions vest immediately. In addition, at its discretion, ESAB will make non-elective contributions of 2% into your account as long as you contribute at least 1% of base salary. These non-elective contributions vest immediately.


Health Benefits -    You and your family will be eligible to participate in the health & welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long- term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Vacation & Holidays -    You will eligible for 25 days of vacation, floating holidays and company-paid holidays.

Curtis, we also want to confirm that your employment is “at will”. This means that your employment is for no definite period of time, and either you or the company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. In accordance with ESAB policy, this offer is contingent upon acceptance of the ESAB code of conduct agreement, as well as acceptance of the Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement.

It will be an excellent opportunity to work together to take the business to the next level of growth and success!

Sincerely,

 

Shyam Kambeyanda      
Chief Executive Officer      
ACKNOWLEGED & ACCEPTED:      

/s/ Curtis Jewell

    12/10/2021  
Curtis Jewell     Date  

 

2

Exhibit 10.21

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the 21st day of February, 2022, by and among ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Shyam Kambeyanda, an individual (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company;

WHEREAS, the Executive desires to accept such employment as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which hereby are acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Employment Agreement. On the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company agrees to employ the Executive and the Executive agrees to continue to be employed by the Company for the Employment Period set forth in Section 2 and in the positions and with the duties set forth in Section 3.

2. Term. The initial term of employment under this Agreement shall be for a period beginning on the consummation of the Spin-Off Transaction (as defined below) (the “Effective Date”) and ending on the third anniversary thereof, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter set forth; provided that, on the third anniversary of the Effective Date and on each annual anniversary thereafter (such date and each annual anniversary thereof, a “Renewal Date”), the Agreement shall be deemed to be automatically extended upon the same terms and conditions (except for such terms and conditions that expire prior to any extension period), for successive periods of one year, unless the Company or the Executive provides written notice of its intention not to extend the term of the Agreement at least ninety (90) days’ prior to the applicable Renewal Date. The period during which the Executive is employed by the Company hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the “Term” or the “Employment Period.”

3. Position and Duties.

(a) Executive Positions. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) the Company. In such capacities, the Executive shall report to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) and perform the duties and responsibilities as the Board may from time to time determine to assign to the Executive. The Executive’s employment shall be subject to the policies maintained and established by the Company, as the same may be amended from time to time. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive owes a fiduciary duty of loyalty, fidelity and allegiance to act at all times in the best interests of the Company and to do no act that would intentionally injure the business, interests, or reputation of the Company or its subsidiaries and affiliates. In keeping with these duties, the Executive shall make full disclosure to the Board of all business opportunities pertaining to the business of the Company and should not appropriate for the Executive’s own benefit business opportunities that fall within the scope of the businesses conducted by the Company. The Executive shall also devote the Executive’s reasonable best efforts and full business time to the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder and the advancement of the business and affairs of the Company.

 

Page 1 of 17


(b) The Executive shall be appointed as a member of the Board of the Company as of the Effective Date and serve in this capacity without additional compensation and in advance of the expiration of each term as a director, in due course, shall be nominated for election (and re-election) to the Board so long as he is then serving as CEO of the Company and is eligible to be a member of the Board of Directors under applicable law or rules of the national securities exchange on which the Company’s common stock is then listed, if any. The Executive’s continued membership on the Board shall be subject to election in accordance with the by-laws of the Company and applicable law, and shall not be considered a condition to Executive’s performance of his obligations hereunder, nor shall failure to be elected to the Board be considered a diminution of Executive’s duties, responsibilities, title, status, role or position pursuant to Section 6(iii) below. The Executive also agrees to serve without additional compensation, if elected or appointed thereto, as a director or member of any of the Company’s subsidiaries or affiliates and in one or more executive offices of any of the Company’s subsidiaries or affiliates.

(c) Executive acknowledges that Executive shall be subject to and must comply with the Company’s policy with respect to ownership of Company common stock as it may be in effect from time to time.

4. Compensation and Benefits.

(a) Base Salary. Commencing on the Effective Date, the Company shall pay to the Executive a base salary at the initial rate of $1,000,000 per calendar year (the “Base Salary”), and prorated for any partial year. The Base Salary shall be reviewed by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) no less frequently than annually and may adjusted in the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Any such adjustment in Base Salary shall constitute the “Base Salary” for purposes of this Agreement. The Base Salary shall be paid in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures and policies in effect from time to time.

(b) Annual Bonus. For each calendar year that ends during the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus pursuant to the ESAB Corporation Annual Incentive Plan that is in effect from time to time (“Incentive Bonus”). The Executive’s target Incentive Bonus amount for calendar year 2022 shall equal one hundred and fifteen percent (115%) of the Executive’s Base Salary for 2022 (the “Target Bonus Amount”); provided that the Executive’s actual Incentive Bonus amount for a particular calendar year shall be determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole and unfettered discretion based on performance objectives (which shall include corporate and individual objectives) established with respect to that particular calendar year by the Compensation Committee (after consultation with the Executive), and may be more or less than the Target Bonus Amount. Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Executive must be actively employed by the Company throughout the applicable bonus measurement period and shall not have given notice of termination (other than for Good Reason (as set forth below), or been given notice by the Company of the termination of this Agreement for Cause (as set forth below) where such breach giving rise to Cause or Good Reason is not cured, at any time during the applicable bonus measurement period to be eligible to receive the Incentive Bonus.

 

Page 2 of 17


(c) Long-Term Incentives. In 2022, the Executive shall be granted awards under the Company’s 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan with a value of Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00) less the value of awards granted to the Executive in February 2022 by Colfax Corporation under the Colfax Corporation 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, with the type of awards and vesting determined by the Compensation Committee and subject to the terms and conditions of the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan. In subsequent calendar years, the Executive shall be eligible to receive awards under the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan as determined by the Compensation Committee based on his position and performance.

(d) Employee Benefits; Perquisites. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans, practices and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time, that are generally made available to senior executives of the Company. The Executive shall also be entitled to: (i) 25 working days of vacation per year plus floating holidays, (ii) use of a private aircraft for personal purposes and tax and financial planning services provided by a third-party financial planner or tax professional, in combination for an amount not exceeding such amount that would cause him to recognize $80,000 in compensation income per calendar year in accordance with the most favorable method to the Executive available under applicable Treasury Regulations, with a maximum on the usage of a private aircraft for personal purposes of $250,000 in actual cost to the Company per calendar year. The Company reserves the right to amend, modify or cancel any employee benefit plans, practices and programs, and any fringe benefits and perquisites, as applicable to executives of the Company generally, at any time and without the consent of the Executive.

(e) Company Compensation Plans. Except as otherwise provided herein, all compensation provided to the Executive pursuant to Section 4 shall be in accordance with the Company’s compensation plans and policies.

(f) Clawback/Recoupment. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, any incentive-based compensation, or any other compensation, paid to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement, will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company to comply with any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement).

5. Expenses. The Executive is expected and is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in the performance of his duties hereunder. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all such expenses reasonably and actually incurred in accordance with policies which may be adopted from time to time by the Company promptly upon periodic presentation by the Executive of an itemized account, including reasonable substantiation, of such expenses.

 

Page 3 of 17


6. Termination of Employment.

(a) Termination. During the Employment Period, this Agreement and the employment of Executive by the Company may be terminated at any time as follows:

(i) By mutual agreement of the Parties;

(ii) By the Company if Executive dies or becomes Disabled;

(iii) By the Company for Cause immediately upon notice;

(iv) By the Company without Cause upon thirty (30) days’ written notice;

(v) By Executive for Good Reason; or

(vi) By Executive, voluntarily, at any time; provided that Executive agrees to give the Company not less than thirty (30) days written notice of Executive’s resignation unless such notice period is waived by the Company.

(b) Notice of Termination. Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or the Executive (other than because of the Executive’s death) shall be communicated by a written Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with the requirements of this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the Treasury Regulations thereunder (collectively, “Section 409A”), references to Executive’s termination of employment (and corollary terms) with the Company shall be construed to refer to Executive’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h)) with the Company.

(c) Resignation of All Other Positions. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all positions that the Executive holds as an officer or member of the board of directors (or a committee thereof) of the Company or any Company subsidiaries or affiliates.

(d) Notice Period. During the period following delivery of notice of the Executive’s termination, whether voluntarily by the Executive or by the Company, and prior to the effective date of the Executive’s termination, the Company may, in its sole discretion: (i) require the Executive to perform only such duties as it may allocate to the Executive; (ii) require the Executive not to perform any of the Executive’s duties; (iii) to the extent practical given the Company’s requirements under subsection (i) above, require the Executive not to have any contact with employees, clients or vendors of the Company as the Company shall determine; and (iv) exclude the Executive from the Company premises.

 

Page 4 of 17


(e) Payment in Lieu of Notice. The Company may, at its absolute discretion, when terminating the Executive’s employment without Cause pursuant to Sections 6(a)(iv), elect to notify the Executive in writing that it is exercising its right to dismiss the Executive with immediate effect and that it will be making a payment to the Executive in lieu of notice. The Company’s payment in lieu of notice shall be equivalent to the Base Salary which would have been payable or have accrued during the Executive’s notice period.

7. Compensation Upon Termination.

(a) Death. If the Executive’s employment is terminated during the Employment Period as a result of the Executive’s death, this Agreement and the Employment Period shall terminate without further notice or any action required by the Company or the Executive’s legal representatives. Within thirty (30) days following the Executive’s death, the Company shall pay to the Executive’s legal representative or estate, as applicable, (i) the Executive’s Base Salary and accrued unused vacation due through the Date of Termination, and (ii) all Accrued Benefits, if any, to which the Executive is entitled as of the Date of Termination at the time such payments are due. The Executive shall also be entitled to payment of any Incentive Bonus earned for a previous performance period and unpaid on the Date of Termination and a Partial Year Bonus (defined below). A Partial Year Bonus is payable to the Executive for the year of the Executive’s employment termination in the event the Company performance criteria for payment of an Incentive Bonus are achieved as of the close of the year at the level required for a payout (as determined without any exercise of negative discretion unless such exercise is applicable to all “covered employees” (within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code) with like force and effect). Should any such Partial Year Bonus become payable under this Agreement, payment shall be made to the Executive (or his legal representative) at the same time as payment is made to all other participants under the Incentive Bonus compensation program following the close of the year. Except as set forth herein, the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates shall have no further obligation to the Executive or his legal representatives, estate or heirs upon his death under this Agreement.

(b) Disability. If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period because of the Executive’s Disability pursuant to Section 6(a)(ii), the Company shall pay to the Executive (i) the Executive’s Base Salary and accrued unused vacation due through the Date of Termination, and (ii) all Accrued Benefits, if any, to which the Executive is entitled as of the Date of Termination at the time such payments are due. The Executive shall also be entitled to payment of any Incentive Bonus earned for a previous performance period and unpaid on the Date of Termination and a Partial Year Bonus in the manner provided in Section 7(a). Except as set forth herein, the Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive under this Agreement upon Executive’s termination due to Disability pursuant to Section 6(a)(ii).

(c) Termination by the Company for Cause, by the Executive without Good Reason, or due to Non-Renewal by the Executive. If, during the Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for Cause pursuant to Section 6(a)(iii) or the Executive terminates his employment without Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(a)(vi) or the Agreement terminates due to a non-renewal of the Agreement pursuant to Section 2 by the Executive, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Executive’s Base Salary and accrued unused vacation due through the Date of Termination and all Accrued Benefits, if any, to which the Executive is entitled as of the Date of Termination, at the time such payments are due. Except as set forth herein, the Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive under this Agreement upon such termination.

 

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(d) Termination by the Company without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason, or at any time following a Non-Renewal by the Company. If during the Employment Period or at any time on or following the expiration of the Employment Period due to a notice non-renewal of the Employment Period by the Company to the Executive pursuant to Section 2, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause pursuant to Section 6(a)(iv) or the Executive terminates his employment with Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(a)(vi), the Company shall pay to the Executive (i) the Executive’s Base Salary and accrued unused vacation due through the Date of Termination and (ii) all Accrued Benefits, if any, to which the Executive is entitled as of the Date of Termination, in each case at the time such payments are due. The Executive shall also be entitled to payment of any Incentive Bonus earned for a previous performance period and unpaid on the Date of Termination. The Executive shall also be entitled to receive, subject to his compliance with the restrictive covenants in Section 8 and his execution and non-revocation of the Release, the following severance benefits (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”): (1) the Executive’s Base Salary, less all applicable payroll deductions, for twenty-four (24) months paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, (2) an amount equal to 200% of the target Incentive Bonus for the year of termination, less all applicable payroll deductions, paid in substantially equal proportionate installments for a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months, (3) a Partial Year Bonus (as described below) and (4) provided the Executive and his eligible dependents timely and properly elect to continue health care coverage under COBRA, the Executive and such eligible dependents shall be entitled to continue to participate in such basic medical insurance programs of the Company as in effect from time to time, on the same terms and conditions as applicable to active senior executives of the Company, and the Company shall pay for the employer portion of the premiums for such benefits for twenty-four (24) months or, if earlier, until the date the Executive becomes eligible to receive coverage from another Company or is otherwise no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of the employer portion of the premiums would result in a violation of the nondiscrimination rules of Section 105(h)(2) of the Code or any other Code section, law or regulation of similar effect (including but not limited to the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of providing the subsidized premiums described above, the Company shall instead pay a fully taxable monthly cash payment in an amount such that, after payment by the Executive of all taxes on such payment, the Executive retains an amount equal to the Company’s portion of the applicable premiums for such month, with such monthly payment being made on the last day of each month for the remainder of the twenty-four (24) month period. A Partial Year Bonus is payable to the Executive for the year of the Executive’s employment termination in the event the Company performance criteria for payment of an Incentive Bonus are achieved as of the close of the year at the level required for a payout (as determined without any exercise of negative discretion unless such exercise is applicable to all “covered employees” (within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code) with like force and effect). Should any such Partial Year Bonus become payable under this Agreement, payment shall be made to the Executive at the same time as payment is made to all other participants under the Incentive Bonus compensation program following the close of the year. Further, if during the Employment Period or at any time on or following the expiration of the Employment Period due to a notice non-renewal of the Employment Period by the Company to

 

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the Executive pursuant to Section 2, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause pursuant to Section 6(a)(iv) or the Executive terminates his employment with Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(a)(vi), then, subject to Executive’s execution and non-revocation of a Release, (A) the unvested non-qualified stock options and unvested restricted stock units that were granted to Executive by Colfax Corporation under the Colfax Corporation 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan and Colfax Corporation 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Enovis Stock Plan”) in either 2020 or 2021 (and assumed by the Company and converted into awards under the Company’s 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan) will immediately become one hundred percent (100%) vested, and (B) Executive will be eligible to continue to vest a prorated amount, measured from the original grant date by Colfax Corporation to the Date of Termination, of outstanding performance stock units granted to Executive by Colfax Corporation under the Enovis Stock Plan in either 2020 or 2021 (and assumed by the Company and converted into awards under the Company’s 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan) as if Executive were still employed by the Company.

The amounts described in clauses (1) and (2) of this Section 7(d) will be paid in twenty-four (24) equal installments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule, beginning within sixty (60) days following the Date of Termination, provided that Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate) has executed and delivered to the Company not later than forty-five (45) days following the date of termination a Release and the latest date on which the Release is subject to revocation has expired. To the extent that, as a result of the timing of the Executive’s return of the Release to the Company, any payroll date following the Date of Termination has elapsed without a payment being made, the missed installment payment(s) shall be made together with the first permitted installment payment of Severance Benefits hereunder (without interest). As to any amount described in clauses (1) and (2) of this Section 7(d) that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Section 409A”), if the sixty (60) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in a second (2nd) calendar year, payment shall always be paid in the second (2nd) calendar year. All payments of amounts described in clauses (1) and (2) of this Section 7(d) are subject to clawback by the Company in the event of any knowing breach by Executive of the provisions of Section 8 hereof.

(e) Section 409A. To the extent the Executive would be subject to the additional 20% tax imposed on certain deferred compensation arrangements pursuant to Section 409A as a result of any provision of this Agreement, such provision shall be deemed amended to the minimum extent necessary to avoid application of such tax and preserve to the maximum extent possible the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company, and the parties shall promptly execute any amendment reasonably necessary to implement this Section 7(g).

(i) For purposes of Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.

(ii) The Executive will be deemed to have a Date of Termination for purposes of determining the timing of any payments or benefits hereunder that are classified as deferred compensation only upon a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

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(iii) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if at the time of the Executive’s separation from service, (i) the Executive is a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time), and (ii) the Company makes a good faith determination that an amount payable on account of such separation from service to the Executive constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) the payment of which is required to be delayed pursuant to the six-month delay rule set forth in Section 409A in order to avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A (the “Delay Period”), then the Company will not pay such amount on the otherwise scheduled payment date but will instead pay it in a lump sum on the first business day after such six-month period (or upon the Executive’s death, if earlier), together with interest for the period of delay, compounded annually, equal to the prime rate (as published in the Wall Street Journal) in effect as of the dates the payments should otherwise have been provided. To the extent that any benefits to be provided during the Delay Period are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A provided on account of a “separation from service,” and such benefits are not otherwise exempt from Section 409A, the Executive shall pay the cost of such benefit during the Delay Period, and the Company shall reimburse the Executive, to the extent that such costs would otherwise have been paid by the Company or to the extent that such benefits would otherwise have been provided by the Company at no cost to the Executive, the Company’s share of the cost of such benefits upon expiration of the Delay Period, and any remaining benefits shall be reimbursed or provided by the Company in accordance with the procedures specified herein.

(iv) (A) Any amount that the Executive is entitled to be reimbursed under this Agreement will be reimbursed to the Executive as promptly as practical and in any event not later than the last day of the calendar year after the calendar year in which the expenses are incurred, (B) any right to reimbursement or in kind benefits will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (C) the amount of the expenses eligible for reimbursement during any taxable year will not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year.

(v) Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within sixty (60) days following the Date of Termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.

8. Confidentiality, Non-Disclosure and Non-Competition Agreement. The Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that during the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive will have access to and may assist in developing Company Confidential Information and will occupy a position of trust and confidence with respect to the Company’s affairs and business and the affairs and business of the Company subsidiaries and affiliates. For purposes of this Agreement, “Company Confidential Information” means information known to the Executive to constitute confidential or proprietary information belonging to the Company or Company subsidiaries or affiliates or other non-public information, confidential financial information, operating budgets, strategic plans or research methods, personnel data, projects or plans, methods, techniques, technology, research, strategy, plans, customer or supplier information, customer or supplier lists, financial data, technical data, computer files, and computer

 

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software, including any of the foregoing that is in any stage of research, development, or planning, and any other information which the Executive obtained while employed by, or otherwise serving or acting on behalf of, the Company or which the Executive may possess or have under his control, that is not generally known (except for unauthorized disclosures) to the public or within the industry in which the Company does business. The Executive agrees that the following obligations are necessary to preserve the confidential and proprietary nature of Company Confidential Information and to protect the Company and Company subsidiaries and affiliates against harmful solicitation of employees and customers, harmful effects on operations and other actions by the Executive that would result in serious adverse consequences for the Company and Company subsidiaries and affiliates:

(a) Non-Disclosure. During the Executive’s employment with the Company and at all times thereafter, the Executive will not knowingly, directly or indirectly through an intermediary, use, disclose or transfer any Company Confidential Information other than (1) as authorized in writing by the Company or the Board, or (2) during such employment, is within the scope of the Executive’s duties with the Company as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Executive. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the provisions of this Section 8(a) shall not apply (i) when disclosure is required by law or by any court, arbitrator, mediator or administrative or legislative body (including any committee thereof) with actual or apparent jurisdiction to order the Executive to disclose or make accessible any information; (ii) with respect to any other litigation, arbitration or mediation involving this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the enforcement of this Agreement; (iii) as to information that becomes generally known to the public or within the relevant trade or industry other than due to the Executive’s violation of this Section 8(a); (iv) as to information that is or becomes available to the Executive on a non-confidential basis from a source which is entitled to disclose it to the Executive; or (v) as to information that the Executive possessed prior to the commencement of employment with the Company. In the event the Executive is required or compelled by legal process to disclose any Company Confidential Information, he will immediately inform the Company so that the Company may present and preserve any objections that it may have to such disclosure and/or seek an appropriate protective order.

(b) Permitted Governmental Disclosures. The federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 immunizes employees against criminal and civil liability under federal or state trade secret laws – under certain circumstances – if Executive discloses a trade secret for the purpose of reporting a suspected violation of law. Pursuant to such Act, immunity is available if Executive discloses a trade secret in either of these two circumstances: (1) Executive discloses the trade secret (a) in confidence, (b) directly or indirectly to a government official (federal, state or local) or to a lawyer, (c) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) in a legal proceeding, Executive discloses the trade secret in the complaint or other documents filed in the case, so long as the document is filed “under seal” (meaning that it is not accessible to the public). Further, nothing in this Employment Agreement prohibits Executive from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, and any federal Inspector General, or from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Executive does not need prior authorization to make any such reports or disclosures and is not required to notify the Company or the Board that he has made such reports or disclosures.

 

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(c) Materials. The Executive will not remove, directly or indirectly through an intermediary, any Company Confidential Information or any other property of the Company from the Company’s premises or make copies of such materials except for normal and customary use in the Company’s business as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Executive. The Executive will return to the Company all Company Confidential Information and copies thereof, including but not limited to computer data, files, software, and hardware, and all other property of the Company at any time upon the request of the Company and to the extent consistent with the Executive’s ability to perform his duties hereunder, and in any event promptly after termination of Executive’s employment.

(d) Non-Solicitation. During the Non-Solicitation Period, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly through an intermediary, (i) solicit, entice, persuade or induce any individual who is employed by the Company or any Company subsidiary (or who was so employed within twelve (12) months prior to the Executive’s action, other than any such individual whose employment was involuntarily terminated by the Company or any Company subsidiary) to terminate or refrain from continuing such employment or to become employed by or enter into contractual relations with any other individual or entity other than the Company or a Company subsidiary, and the Executive shall not hire, directly or indirectly, as an employee, consultant or otherwise, any such person, or (ii) solicit, induce or encourage any client or customer of the Company or any Company subsidiary, or any person or entity who was a client or customer within twelve (12) months prior to the Executive’s action, to terminate, reduce or alter in a manner adverse to the Company or any Company subsidiary any existing business arrangements with the Company or any Company subsidiary or to transfer existing business from the Company or any Company subsidiary to any other person or entity. “Non-Solicitation Period” shall mean the period of Executive’s employment with the Company and the thirty-six (36) months following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a thirty-six (36) month Non-Solicitation Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company, the Non-Solicitation Period shall be the period of Executive’s employment with the Company and twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a twenty-four (24) month Non-Solicitation Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company, the Non-Solicitation Period shall be the period of Executive’s employment with the Company and eighteen (18) months immediately following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a eighteen (18) month Non-Solicitation Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company, the Non-Solicitation Period shall be the period of Executive’s employment with the Company and twelve (12) months immediately following the Date of Termination.

(e) Non-Competition.

(i) During the Restriction Period, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly through an intermediary, anywhere in the Territory or any other jurisdiction in which the Company is engaged or has reasonably firm plans to engage in the manufacture and/or sale of fabrication technology products and services that are produced by the Company or an Affiliate or that are competitive with any of the fabrication technology products and services that are produced by the Company, or an Affiliate, any other products actively produced by the Company or an Affiliate at the time of Executive’s termination of employment, or under active development by the Company at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment (the “Business”), (A) be

 

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engaged by, or have a financial or any other interest in, any corporation, firm, partnership, proprietorship or other business entity or enterprise, whether as a principal, agent, employee, director, consultant, stockholder, partner or in any other capacity, which competes with the Business, or competed with the Business during the Executive’s tenure with the Company, or (B) own an interest in any entity described in subsection (A) immediately above; provided, however, that the Executive may own, as a passive investor, securities of any such entity that has outstanding publicly traded securities so long as his direct holdings in any such entity shall not in the aggregate constitute more than 3% of the voting power of such entity and does not otherwise violate any Company policy applicable to the Executive. The Executive agrees that, before providing services, whether as an employee or consultant or in any other capacity, to any entity during the Restriction Period, he will provide a copy of the restrictive covenants sections of this Agreement to such entity and authorizes the Company to provide a copy of the restrictive covenants sections of this Agreement to third parties, including but not limited to, the Executive’s subsequent, anticipated or possible future employer. The Executive acknowledges that this covenant has a unique, very substantial and immeasurable value to the Company, that the Executive has sufficient assets and skills to provide a livelihood for the Executive while such covenant remains in force and that, as a result of the foregoing, in the event that the Executive breaches such covenant, monetary damages would be an insufficient remedy for the Company and equitable enforcement of the covenant would be proper. “Restriction Period” shall mean the period of Executive’s employment with the Company and the twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a twenty-four (24) month Restriction Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company, the Restriction Period shall be the period of Executive’s employment with the Company and eighteen (18) months immediately following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a eighteen (18) month Restriction Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company, the Restriction Period shall be the period of Executive’s employment with the Company and twelve (12) months immediately following the Date of Termination. “Territory” means the United States of America; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that the United States of America is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company, the Territory shall be those locations in the United States of America in which the Company or an Affiliate is operating; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that the foregoing states are not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company, the Territory shall be the state(s) or geographic area(s) in which Executive was assigned for management or operational responsibility on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate as of the Date of Termination.

(ii) If the restrictions contained in Sections 8(c) or 8(d)(i) shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of their extending for too great a period of time or over too great a geographical area or by reason of their being too extensive in any other respect, that section shall be modified to be effective for the maximum period of time for which it may be enforceable and over the maximum geographical area as to which it may be enforceable and to the maximum extent in all other respects as to which it may be enforceable.

 

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(f) Compliance with Company’s Policies. The Executive agrees to observe and comply with the policies and rules of the Company unless such compliance is inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement.

(g) Non-Disparagement. Executive shall not, at any time during the term and thereafter make statements or representations, or otherwise communicate, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the Company, its Affiliates or their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, businesses or reputations, nor shall members of the Board of Directors or Company officers make any statements or representations, or otherwise communicate, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action, which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the Executive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Executive, members of the Board of Directors or officers from making truthful statements that are required by applicable law, regulation or legal process.

(h) Cooperation. The parties agree that certain matters in which the Executive will be involved during the Employment Period may necessitate the Executive’s cooperation in the future. Accordingly, during the twelve-month period following the termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, to the extent reasonably requested by the Company, the Executive shall cooperate with the Company and its counsel, in connection with matters arising out of or relating in any way to the Executive’s service to the Company, including information requests relating to the business or affairs of the Company, as well as any investigation, litigation, arbitration or other proceeding related to the business or affairs of the Company; provided that, the Company shall make reasonable efforts to minimize disruption of the Executive’s other activities. The cooperation includes the Executive making himself available for reasonable periods of time upon reasonable notice to the Executive in any such litigation or investigation and providing testimony before or during such litigation or investigation. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such cooperation.

(i) Enforcement. The Executive acknowledges that in the event of any breach of this Section 8, the business interests of the Company will be irreparably injured, the full extent of the damages to the Company will be impossible to ascertain, monetary damages will not be an adequate remedy for the Company, and the Company will be entitled to enforce this Agreement by a temporary, preliminary and/or permanent injunction or other equitable relief, without the necessity of posting bond or security, which the Executive expressly waives. The Executive understands that the Company may waive some of the requirements expressed in this Agreement, but that such a waiver to be effective must be made in writing and should not in any way be deemed a waiver of the Company’s right to enforce any other requirements or provisions of this Agreement. The Executive agrees that each of the Executive’s obligations specified in this Agreement is a separate and independent covenant and that the unenforceability of any of them shall not preclude the enforcement of any other covenants in this Agreement. The Executive further agrees that any breach of this Agreement by the Company prior to the Date of Termination shall not release the Executive from compliance with his obligations under this Section 8.

 

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9. Parachute Limitations. If any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by the Executive (including, without limitation, any payment or benefits received in connection with the Executive’s termination of employment), whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement, or otherwise (all such payments collectively referred to herein as the “280G Payments”) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and would, but for this Section 9, be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then prior to making the 280G Payments, a calculation shall be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to the Executive of the 280G Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to the Executive if the 280G Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above will the 280G Payments be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the Covered Payments is subject to the Excise Tax (that amount, the “Reduced Amount”). “Net Benefit” shall mean the present value of the 280G Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment and excise taxes. Any such reduction shall be made in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and the following:

(a) the Covered Payments which do not constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be reduced first; and

(b) all other Covered Payments shall then be reduced as follows: (A) cash payments shall be reduced before non-cash payments; and (B) payments to be made on a later payment date shall be reduced before payments to be made on an earlier payment date.

All calculations and determinations under this Section 9 shall be made by an independent accounting firm or independent tax counsel appointed by the Company (the “Tax Counsel”) whose determinations shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and the Executive for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations and determinations required by this Section 9, the Tax Counsel may rely on reasonable, good faith assumptions and approximations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and the Executive shall furnish the Tax Counsel with such information and documents as the Tax Counsel may reasonably request in order to make its determinations under this Section 9. The Company shall bear all costs the Tax Counsel may reasonably incur in connection with its services.

10. Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify the Executive to the maximum extent that its officers, directors and employees are entitled to indemnification pursuant to the Company’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws, and any indemnification agreements then in force, subject to applicable law. The Executive shall also be covered as an insured under any contract of directors and officers liability insurance to the same extent as such contract covers members of the Board. The Executive’s rights under this Section 10 shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement and any termination of the Executive’s employment for all periods thereafter during which the Executive may be subject to liability for any acts or omissions occurring during his employment or service as a member of the Board that is otherwise subject to indemnification and coverage under directors and officers liability insurance.

11. Notices. All notices, demands, requests, or other communications which may be or are required to be given or made by any party to any other party pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be hand delivered, mailed by first-class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, delivered by overnight air courier, addressed as follows:

 

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  (i)

If to the Company:

ESAB Corporation

909 Rose Avenue, Suite 800

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Attn: Chairman of the Board

 

  (ii)

If to the Executive:

Shyam Kambeyanda

At the most recent address for the Executive shown on the

Company’s payroll records.

Each party may designate by notice in writing a new address to which any notice, demand, request or communication may thereafter be so given, served or sent. Each notice, demand, request, or communication that shall be given or made in the manner described above shall be deemed sufficiently given or made for all purposes at such time as it is delivered to the addressee (with the return receipt, the delivery receipt, confirmation of facsimile transmission or the affidavit of messenger being deemed conclusive but not exclusive evidence of such delivery) or at such time as delivery is refused by the addressee upon presentation.

12. Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

13. Effect on Other Agreements; Inconsistency. This Agreement, the Change in Control Agreement and the Retention Agreement between Executive and Colfax Corporation dated March 5, 2021 (the “Retention Agreement”), and all other agreements identified hereunder constitute the entire agreement between the parties respecting the employment of the Executive and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any other plan, program, practice or agreement of the Company in which the Executive is a participant or a party, whether applicable on the Effective Date or at any time thereafter, this Agreement shall control unless, with the Executive’s prior written consent, such other plan, program or practice, or in such agreement with the Executive, specifically refers to this Agreement as not so controlling.

14. Survival. It is the express intention and agreement of the parties hereto that the provisions of Sections 4(f), 4(g), 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22 and 23 hereof and this Section 14 shall survive the termination of employment of the Executive or the termination or expiration of the Agreement pursuant a non-renewal by either party under Section 2. In addition, all obligations of the Company to make payments hereunder shall survive any termination of this Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

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15. Assignment. The rights and obligations of the parties to this Agreement shall not be assignable or delegable, except that (i) in the event of the Executive’s death, the personal representative or legatees or distributees of the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall have the right to receive any amount owing and unpaid to the Executive hereunder, and (ii) the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder shall be assignable and delegable in connection with any subsequent merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the assets or equity interests of the Company or similar transaction involving the Company or a successor entity.

16. Binding Effect. Subject to any provisions hereof restricting assignment, this Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, legal representatives and permitted successors and assigns.

17. Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement shall not be amended, altered or modified except by an instrument in writing duly executed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. Neither the waiver by either of the parties hereto of a breach of or a default under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor the failure of either of the parties, on one or more occasions, to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or to exercise any right or privilege hereunder, shall thereafter be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of a similar nature, or as a waiver of any such provisions, rights or privileges hereunder.

18. Headings. Section and subsection headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only, shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement for any purpose, and shall not in any way define or affect the meaning, construction or scope of any of the provisions hereof.

19. Governing Law: Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement, for all purposes, shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Delaware without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any action or proceeding by either of the parties to enforce this Agreement shall be brought only in a state or federal court located in the state of Delaware. The parties hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waive the defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding in such venue.

20. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Change in Control Agreement and the Retention Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties respecting the employment of the Executive, there being no representations, warranties or commitments except as set forth herein.

21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

22. Withholding. The Company may withhold from any benefit payment or any other payment or amount under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as shall be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.

23. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) “Accrued Benefits” means (i) any compensation deferred by the Executive prior to the Date of Termination and not paid by the Company or otherwise specifically addressed by this Agreement; (ii) any amounts or benefits owing to the Executive or to the Executive’s beneficiaries under the then applicable benefit plans of the Company; (iii) any amounts owing to the Executive for reimbursement of expenses properly incurred by the Executive prior to the Date of Termination and which are reimbursable in accordance with Section 5; and (iv) any other benefits or amounts due and owing to the Executive under the terms of any plan, program or arrangement of the Company.

 

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(b) “Affiliate” shall mean, any employer with which the Company would be considered a single employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code (as defined below), applied using fifty percent (50%) as the percentage of ownership required under such Code sections, including (i) any Person (as defined below), any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with, such specified Person and (ii) any Person that is a natural Person, the spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants of such Person, any limited partnership or limited liability company controlled by such Person or such Person’s spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants or in which such Person or such Person’s spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants hold a majority interest, any trust established for the benefit of any of them and such Person’s estate or legal representative.

(c) “Cause” shall mean Executive shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with Executive’s duties or in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of the Company; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of the Company; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; (vi) any such act which shall have been materially harmful to the Company taken as a whole; or (vii) substantial and repeated failure to perform his material duties hereunder, after demand for performance is delivered by the Company that identifies the manner in which the Company believes that the Executive had not performed his material duties, which is not cured within thirty (30) days after notice of such failure has been given to the Executive by the Company.

(d) “Date of Termination” means (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated because of the Executive’s Disability pursuant to Section 6(a)(ii), thirty (30) days after Notice of Termination is given by either party to the other party, provided that the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of the Executive’s duties on a full-time basis during such 30-day period; or (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section 6(a)(iii)-(iv) or by the Executive pursuant to Section 6(a)(v)-(vi), the date specified in the Notice of Termination.

(e) “Disability” shall mean (i) the Executive’s is unable, due to a physical or mental condition, to perform the essential functions of Executive’s position with or without reasonable accommodation for six (6) months in the aggregate during any twelve (12) month period or based on the written certification by two licensed physicians of the likely continuation of such condition for such period. This definition will be interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Section 409A of the Code and other applicable law.

 

Page 16 of 17


(f) “Good Reason” shall mean (i) any material diminution in the Executive’s title, reporting relationships, duties, status, role, authority or responsibilities; (ii) removal of the Executive from the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company; (iii) any relocation of the Executive’s principal office after the Effective Date by more than fifty (50) miles from its current location in North Bethesda, Maryland; (iv) the failure of the Company to assign or for any successor to assume the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; (vi) a breach of a material provision of this Agreement by the Company; provided, that Good Reason shall not exist unless and until Executive provides the Company with written notice of the act(s) alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of such act(s) and describing such act(s) in reasonably sufficient detail to allow the Company to cure the act(s), and the Company fails to cure such act(s) within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of such notice. Further, Executive must then exercise his right to terminate his employment for Good Reason within sixty (60) calendar days thereafter, in order for the termination to be for Good Reason.

(g) “Notice of Termination” shall mean a notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, if any, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

(h) “Partial Year Bonus” shall equal the Executive’s Incentive Bonus compensation so earned multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days the Executive was employed by the Company in the annual or other performance period for the Incentive Bonus award in which such termination occurs and the denominator of which is the total number of days included within such annual or partial year performance period.

(i) “Release” shall mean an irrevocable general waiver and release of claims in the form provided by the Company to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate) after Executive’s termination.

(j) “Spin-Off Transaction” shall mean Colfax Corporation’s distribution of at least 80.1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company to the stockholders of Colfax Corporation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed and delivered this Agreement, or have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered on their behalf.

 

ESAB CORPORATION

/s/ Christopher M. Hix

Name: Christopher M. Hix

Title: Chairman
EXECUTIVE

/s/ Shyam P. Kambeyanda

Shyam P. Kambeyanda

 

Page 17 of 17

Exhibit 10.22

Form of Change in Control AGREEMENT

This AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), dated as of _____, 20__, by and between COLFAX CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and _____ (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to employ the Employee or, if the Employee is already employed by the Company, the Company wishes to continue to employ the Employee;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to set forth the general terms of the Employee’s employment with the Company in connection with a Change in Control (as defined below);

[WHEREAS, the Company and the Employee entered into an offer letter agreement dated _____, 20__ (the “Offer Letter”);]1

WHEREAS, the Employee is a key employee who is expected to make, or continue to make, major contributions to the profitability, growth and financial strength of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as that term is hereafter defined);

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that, as is the case for most publicly held companies, the possibility of a Change in Control (as that term is hereafter defined) exists;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to assure itself and its Subsidiaries of both present and future continuity of management in the event of a Change in Control and desires to establish certain minimum compensation rights for key employees, including the Employee, applicable in the event of a Change in Control;

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to ensure that key employees are not practically disabled from discharging their duties upon a Change in Control; and

WHEREAS, the Employee is willing to render services on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the Company and the Employee agree as follows.

 

1.

Certain Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

 

(a)

Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(b)

Business” means a company involved in any of the manufacture and/or sale of orthopedic and fabrication technology products and services that are produced by the Company or a Subsidiary or that are competitive with any of the orthopedic and fabrication technology products and services that are produced by the Company or a Subsidiary, or any other products actively produced by the Company or a Subsidiary at the time of Employee’s termination of employment.

 

1

Provision included as applicable.


(c)

Cause” means that, prior to any termination pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof for “Cause”, the Employee shall have committed:

 

(i)

an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with his or her duties or in the course of his or her employment with the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

(ii)

intentional wrongful damage to property of the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

(iii)

intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

(iv)

conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); or

 

(v)

intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty (“Competitive Activity”)

and any such act shall have been materially harmful to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. For purposes of this Agreement, no act, or failure to act, on the part of the Employee shall be deemed “intentional” if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence, but shall be deemed “intentional” only if done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his or her action or omission was in or not opposed to the best interest of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employee shall not be deemed to have been terminated for “Cause” hereunder unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the Board then in office at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to the Employee and an opportunity for the Employee, together with his or her counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Employee had committed an act set forth above in this Section 1(c) and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Nothing herein shall limit the right of the Employee or his or her beneficiaries to contest the validity or propriety of any such determination.

 

(d)

Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following during the Term:

 

2


(i)

the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of more than fifty percent (50%) of either: (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“Voting Stock”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (1), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (iv) any acquisition by any Person (or more than one Person acting as a group) that owns more than fifty (50) percent of the Company Common Stock or Voting Stock and acquires additional shares, or (v) any acquisition by any Person pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of subsection (3) below; or

 

(ii)

individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (as modified by this subsection (2), the “Incumbent Board”), cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such nomination) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

 

(iii)

consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Company Common Stock and Voting Stock immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly

 

3


  or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions relative to each other as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Company Common Stock and Voting Stock of the Company, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any entity resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or such entity resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination, or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or

 

(iv)

approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

A “Change in Control” will be deemed to occur (i) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (1) above, on the date that any Person becomes the beneficial owner of more than fifty percent (50%) of either the Company Common Stock or the Voting Stock, (ii) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (2) above, on the date the members of the Incumbent Board first cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to constitute at least a majority of the Board, (iii) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (3) above, on the date the applicable transaction closes and (iv) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (4) above, on the date of the stockholder approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of this Agreement solely because of a change in control of any Subsidiary by which the Employee may be employed.

 

(e)

Date of Termination” means the date on which the Employee incurs a “separation from service,” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), with the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

(f)

Disabled” means the Employee has become permanently disabled within the meaning of, and begins actually to receive disability benefits pursuant to, the long-term disability plan in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control for key employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

(g)

Good Reason” means:

 

4


(i)

failure to elect, reelect or otherwise maintain the Employee in the offices or positions in the Company or any Subsidiary which the Employee held immediately prior to a Change in Control, or the removal of the Employee as a director of the Company (or any successor thereto) if the Employee shall have been a director of the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

(ii)

a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with the Company and its Subsidiaries which the Employee held immediately prior to the Change in Control, a material reduction in the aggregate of the Employee’s Base Pay (as that term is hereafter defined) and Incentive Pay (as that term is hereafter defined) opportunity received from the Company, or the termination of the Employee’s rights to any material Employee Benefits (as that term is hereafter defined) to which he or she was entitled immediately prior to the Change in Control or a material reduction in scope or value thereof without the prior written consent of the Employee;

 

(iii)

the liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company or transfer of all or a significant portion of its business and/or assets, unless the successor or successors (by liquidation, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to which all or a significant portion of its business and/or assets have been transferred (directly or by operation of law) shall have assumed all duties and obligations of the Company under this Agreement pursuant to Section 13 hereof;

 

(iv)

the Company shall relocate its principal executive offices, or the Company or any Subsidiary shall require the Employee to have his or her principal location of work changed, to any location which is in excess of 50 miles from the location thereof immediately prior to the Charge in Control or the Company or any Subsidiary shall require the Employee to travel away from his or her office in the course of discharging his or her responsibilities or duties hereunder significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of him or her prior to the Change in Control without, in either case, the Employee’s prior written consent; or

 

(v)

without limiting the generality or the effect of the foregoing, any material breach of this Agreement by the Company or any successor thereto. The Employee is not entitled to assert that his or her termination is for Good Reason unless the Employee gives the Company written notice of the event or events that are the basis for such claim within ninety (90) days after the event or events occur, describing such claim in reasonably sufficient detail to allow the Company to address the event or events and a period of not less than thirty (30) days after to cure the alleged condition.

 

5


(h)

Nonsolicitation Period” shall mean the period of Employee’s employment or services with the Company or Subsidiary and the twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a twenty-four (24) month Nonsolicitation Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Nonsolicitation Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment with the Company or Subsidiary and eighteen (18) months immediately following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a eighteen (18) month Nonsolicitation Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Nonsolicitation Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment with the Company or Subsidiary and twelve (12) months immediately following the Date of Termination.2

 

(i)

Restriction Period” shall mean the twelve (12) months immediately following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a twelve (12) month Restriction Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Restriction Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment or services with the Company or Subsidiary and nine (9) months immediately following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a nine (9) month Restriction Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Restriction Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment or services with the Company and six (6) months immediately following the Date of Termination.3

 

(j)

Subsidiary” means a corporation, company or other entity (i) more than fifty percent (50%) of whose outstanding shares or securities (representing the right to vote for the election of directors or other managing authority) are, or (ii) which does not have outstanding shares or securities (as may be the case in a partnership, joint venture or unincorporated association), but more than fifty percent (50%) of whose ownership interest representing the right generally to make decisions for such other entity is, now or hereafter owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company, but such corporation, company or other entity shall be deemed to be a Subsidiary only so long as such ownership or control exists.

 

(k)

Term” means the period commencing as of the date hereof and expiring as of the close of business two years from the date of the Agreement, provided, however, that (i) commencing on January 1, 20__ and each January 1 thereafter, the Term shall automatically be extended for an additional year unless, not later than September 30 of the year immediately preceding such January 1, the Company or the Employee shall have given notice that it or he/she, as the case may be, does not wish to have the Term extended and (ii) upon a Change in Control, the Term shall be extended to the third anniversary of such Change in Control.

 

2

Or such shorter period as required by applicable law.

3

Or such shorter period as required by applicable law.

 

6


Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to Section 11 hereof, if, at any time prior to a Change in Control, the Employee for any reason is no longer an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary, thereupon the Term shall be deemed to have expired.

 

(l)

Territory” means those locations in the United States of America in which the Company or a Subsidiary is operating and those locations abroad in which the Company or a Subsidiary has significant operations; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that the foregoing states are not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company, the Territory shall be the state(s) or geographic area(s) in which Employee was assigned for management or operational responsibility on behalf of the Company or a Subsidiary as of the date of Employee’s separation of employment or a sales territory.

 

2.

Acknowledgment of Consideration. The Employee agrees that this Agreement was entered into for good and valuable consideration, including, but not limited to the Company’s employment or continued employment of the Employee, the Company’s provision of Protected Information (as that term is hereafter defined) to the Employee, and the compensation and benefits associated with that employment.

 

3.

Employment Prior to a Change in Control. Prior to a Change in Control, the following terms shall govern the Employee’s employment.

 

(a)

Employment. [The Employee is employed on an indefinite term contract subject to the terms of the Offer Letter.]4 The Employee understands and agrees that nothing in this Agreement constitutes an express or implied contract, or any promise or commitment, guaranteeing continued employment with the Company.

 

(b)

General Employment Duties. The Employee agrees to diligently perform his or her job duties as may be assigned by the Company to the best of his or her ability. The Employee will keep informed of the Company’s policies, procedures, and practices, and will comply with them at all times. The Employee also agrees that, while employed by the Company, the Employee shall not engage in any activity that might impair or otherwise interfere with the proper performance of the Employee’s duties or responsibilities.

 

4.

Employment Following a Change in Control. Effective only upon a Change in Control, the following terms shall apply:

 

(a)

The Employee shall devote substantially all of his or her time during normal business hours (subject to vacations, sick leave and other absences in accordance with the policies of the Company and its Subsidiaries as in effect for key employees immediately prior to the Change in Control) to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries, but nothing in this Agreement shall preclude

 

4

Provision included as applicable.

 

7


  the Employee from devoting reasonable periods of time during normal business hours to (i) serving as a director, trustee or member of or participant in any organization or business so long as such activity is not directly competitive with the business of the Company as then being carried on, (ii) engaging in charitable and community activities, or (iii) managing his or her personal investments.

 

(b)

For his or her services pursuant to Section 4(a) hereof, the Employee shall (i) be paid an annual base salary at a rate not less than the Employee’s annual fixed or base compensation (payable monthly or otherwise as in effect for key employees of the Company immediately prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control) or such higher rate as may be approved from time to time by the Board, the Compensation Committee thereof or management (which base salary at such rate is herein referred to as “Base Pay”) and (ii) have a bona fide opportunity to earn an annual amount equal to not less than the annual bonus, incentive or other opportunity for payments of cash compensation in addition to the amounts referred to in clause (i) above made or to be made in regard to services rendered in any calendar year during the year in which the Change in Control occurred pursuant to any bonus, incentive, profit-sharing, performance, discretionary pay or similar policy, plan, program or arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary or any successor thereto providing an annual cash bonus opportunity at least equal to the cash bonus opportunity payable thereunder (in both value and achievability) prior to a Change in Control (“Incentive Pay”); provided, however, that with the prior written consent of the Employee, nothing herein shall preclude a change in the mix between Base Pay and Incentive Pay so long as the aggregate annual cash compensation opportunity for the Employee in any one calendar year is not reduced in connection therewith or as a result thereof; and provided further, however, that in no event shall any increase in the Employee’s aggregate cash compensation or any portion thereof in any way diminish any other obligation of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(c)

For his or her services pursuant to Section 4(a) hereof, the Employee shall be a full participant in, and shall be entitled to the perquisites, benefits and service credit for benefits as provided under, any and all employee retirement, income and welfare benefit policies, plans, programs or arrangements in which key employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries participate, including without limitation any stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation, restricted stock grant, savings, pension, supplemental retirement or other retirement, income or welfare benefit, deferred compensation, group and/or executive life, health, medical/hospital or other insurance (whether funded by actual insurance or self-insured by the Company or any Subsidiary), disability, salary continuation, expense reimbursement, financial planning and other employee benefit policies, plans, programs or arrangements that may now exist or any equivalent successor policies, plans, programs, or arrangements that may be adopted hereafter by the Company or any Subsidiary providing perquisites, benefits and service credit for benefits at least equal to those provided or are payable thereunder prior to a

 

8


  Change in Control (collectively, “Employee Benefits”). If and to the extent such perquisites, benefits or service credit for benefits are not payable or provided under any such policy, plan, program or arrangement as a result of the amendment or termination thereof, then the Company shall itself pay or provide therefor. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude improvement or enhancement of any such Employee Benefits, provided that no such improvement shall in any way diminish any other obligation of the Company under this Agreement.

 

5.

Termination of Employment Following a Change in Control.

 

(a)

Death or Disability. The Employee’s employment shall terminate automatically if the Employee dies or becomes Disabled following a Change in Control.

 

(b)

Cause. The Company may terminate the Employee’s employment for Cause or without Cause following a Change in Control.

 

(c)

Good Reason. The Employee’s employment may be terminated by the Employee for Good Reason or by the Employee voluntarily without Good Reason following a Change in Control.

 

(d)

Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by the Employee for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 13(b). “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Employee’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the termination date is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which termination date shall be not more than thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by the Employee or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Employee or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Employee or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Employee’s or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.

 

6.

Exclusive Obligations of the Company upon Certain Terminations Following a Change in Control.

 

(a)

Good Reason; Other Than for Cause. If, during the two (2) year period following a Change in Control, (X) the Company terminates the Employee’s employment other than for Cause, death, or Disability or (Y) the Employee resigns for Good Reason, the Company shall pay to the Employee (or the Employee’s estate or beneficiary, in the event of the Employee’s death after the Date of Termination), at the time specified herein (except as otherwise provided by Section 13(d)), the following amounts: a lump sum payment

 

9


  equal to the sum of (i) [•]5 times the Base Pay of the Employee plus (ii) [•] times the target annual Incentive Pay of the Employee, in lieu of any further payments to the Employee for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination (collectively, the “Severance Payment”), payable within sixty (60) business days following the Date of Termination, provided all conditions to payment have been satisfied. If such sixty (60) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in the following calendar year, the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment of such lump sum amount.

 

(b)

Release. As a condition to receiving payments under this Section 6, no later than forty five (45) days after having been presented such release by the Company, the Employee shall have executed and delivered to the Company a general release of claims in favor of the Company, its current and former Subsidiaries, affiliates and stockholders, and the current and former directors, officers, employees and agents of the Company in a form acceptable to the Company, and the Employee’s general release shall have become irrevocable.

 

(c)

Failure to Pay. Without limiting the rights of the Employee at law or in equity, if the Company fails to make any payment required to be made under Sections 4 and 6 of this Agreement on a timely basis, the Company shall pay interest on the amount thereof to the Employee until the date such payment is made at an annualized rate of interest equal to twelve percent (12%).

 

7.

No Set-Off; Company’s Obligations; Mitigation. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other claim, right or action that the Company may have against the Employee or others. In no event shall the Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Employee obtains other employment.

 

8.

Indemnification of Legal Fees. Effective only upon a Change in Control, it is the intent of the Company that the Employee not be required to incur the expenses associated with the enforcement of his or her rights under this Agreement following such a Change in Control by litigation or other legal action because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits and payments intended to be extended to the Employee hereunder following a Change in Control. Accordingly, following a Change in Control if it should appear to the Employee that the Company has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement which arose following a Change in Control or in the event that the Company or any other person takes any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation designed to deny, or to recover from, the Employee the benefits intended to be provided to the Employee hereunder, the Company irrevocably authorizes the Employee from time to time to retain counsel of his or her choice, at the expense of the Company as hereafter provided, to

 

5

Provision may be one, one and a half or two, as applicable, for the level of employment.

 

10


  represent the Employee in connection with the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action with respect to this Agreement, whether by or against the Company, or any Subsidiary, director, officer, stockholder or other person affiliated with the Company. Notwithstanding any existing or prior attorney-client relationship between the Company and such counsel, the Company irrevocably consents to the Employee’s entering into an attorney-client relationship with such counsel, and in that connection the Company and the Employee agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between the Employee and such counsel. Following a Change in Control, the Company shall pay or cause to be paid and shall be solely responsible for any and all attorneys’ and related fees and expenses incurred by the Employee as a result of the Company’s failure to perform this Agreement or any provision hereof or as a result of the Company or any person contesting the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any provision hereof as aforesaid.

 

9.

Section 280G.

 

(a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or other agreement, contract, or understanding heretofore or hereafter entered into by the Employee with the Company or any Subsidiary, except an agreement, contract, or understanding that expressly addresses Section 280G or Section 4999 of the Code (an “Other Agreement”), and notwithstanding any formal or informal plan or other arrangement for the direct or indirect provision of compensation to the Employee (including groups or classes of Employees or beneficiaries of which the Employee is a member), whether or not such compensation is deferred, is in cash, or is in the form of a benefit to or for the Employee (a “Benefit Arrangement”), if the Employee is a “disqualified individual,” as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code, any right to receive any payment or other benefit under this Agreement shall not become due (i) to the extent that such right to payment or benefit, taking into account all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the Employee under this Agreement, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements, would cause any payment or benefit to the Employee under this Agreement to be considered a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code as then in effect (a “Parachute Payment”), and (ii) if, as a result of receiving a Parachute Payment, the aggregate after-tax amounts received by the Employee from the Company under this Agreement, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements would be less than the maximum after-tax amount that could be received by the Employee without causing any such payment or benefit to be considered a Parachute Payment. In the event that the receipt of any such right to payment or benefit under this Agreement, in conjunction with all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the Employee under any Other Agreement or any Benefit Arrangement would cause the Employee to be considered to have received a Parachute Payment under this Agreement that would have the effect of decreasing the after-tax amount received by the Employee as described in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, then the Employee shall have the right, in the Employee’s sole discretion, to designate those rights, payments, or benefits under this Agreement, any Other Agreements, and any Benefit Arrangements that should be reduced or eliminated so as to avoid having the payment or benefit to the Employee under this Agreement be deemed to be a Parachute Payment.

 

11


(b)

At the time that payments are made under this Agreement, the Company will provide the Employee with a written statement setting forth the manner in which such payments were calculated and the basis for such calculations, including any opinions or other advice the Company received from tax counsel, its auditor, or other advisors or consultants (and any such opinions or advice which are in writing will be attached to the statement). All such calculations and opinions shall be binding on the Company and the Employee.

 

10.

Covenants of Employee.

 

(a)

Confidentiality. During the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary, Employee may receive special training and/or may be given access to or may become acquainted with Confidential Information of the Company or a Subsidiary. As used in this section, “Confidential Information” of the Company means all trade practices, business plans, price lists, supplier lists and data, customer lists and data, marketing plans, financial information, product development, employee lists and data, software and all other compilations of information which relate to the business of the Company or a Subsidiary and which have not been disclosed by the Company to the public, or which are not otherwise generally available to the public.

Employee acknowledges that the Confidential Information of the Company, as such may exist from time to time, is a valuable, confidential, special and unique asset of the Company and its Subsidiaries, expensive to produce and maintain and essential for the profitable operation of their respective businesses. Employee agrees that, during the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary, or at any time thereafter, Employee will not, directly or indirectly, communicate, disclose or divulge to any Person, or use for Employee’s benefit or the benefit of any Person, in any manner, any Confidential Information of the Company or a Subsidiary, acquired during Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary or any other Confidential Information concerning the conduct and details of the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries, except as required in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary or as otherwise may be required by law. For the purposes of this section, “Person” shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity or any government, governmental agency or political subdivision.

All documents relating to the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries including, without limitation, Confidential Information of the Company, whether prepared by Employee or otherwise coming into Employee’s possession, are the exclusive property of the Company and such respective Subsidiaries, and must not be removed from the premises of the Company, except as required in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiary. Employee will immediately return all such documents (including any copies thereof) to the Company or its Subsidiary when Employee ceases to be employed by the Company or its Subsidiary or upon the earlier request of the Company or the Board.

 

12


(b)

Agreement Not to Compete. While employed by the Company or a Subsidiary and during the Restriction Period, Employee shall not, except with the Company’s express prior written consent, for the benefit of any entity or person (including Employee) take any steps preparatory to, be employed by, or be engaged or concerned or interested in or provide technical, commercial or professional advice to any with the Business within the Territory; however, the foregoing shall not prohibit Employee from acquiring, solely as an investment and through market purchases, securities of any entity which are registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and which are publicly traded, so long as Employee is not part of any control group of such entity and such securities, if converted, do not constitute more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding voting power of that entity.

 

(c)

Agreement Not to Solicit Clients. During the Nonsolicitation Period, Employee shall not, except with the Company’s express prior written consent, for the benefit of any entity or person (including Employee) solicit, induce or encourage any customer or client of the Company or a Subsidiary, which during the preceding twelve (12) months of Employee’s employment with the Company or Subsidiary Employee was either involved (directly or indirectly) or about which Employee received Confidential Information, to cease or reduce its business with the Company or a Subsidiary.

 

(d)

Agreement Not to Solicit Employees. During the Nonsolicitation Period, Employee shall not, except with the Company’s express prior written consent, for the benefit of any entity or person (including Employee) solicit, induce or encourage any employee of the Company or a Subsidiary, to leave the employment of the Company or a Subsidiary.

 

(e)

Nondisparagement. Employee shall not, at any time while employed by the Company or a Subsidiary or thereafter make statements or representations, or otherwise communicate, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the Company, a Subsidiary or their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, businesses or reputations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Plan shall preclude you from making truthful statements that are required by applicable law, regulation or legal process.

 

13


(f)

Employee Disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement prohibits, limits, or restricts, or shall be construed to prohibit, limit, or restrict, Employee from exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder), without notice to or consent from the Company. Moreover, the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 immunizes Employee against criminal and civil liability under federal or state trade secret laws—under certain circumstances—if Employee discloses a trade secret for the purpose of reporting a suspected violation of law. Immunity is available if Employee discloses a trade secret in either of these two circumstances: (1) Employee discloses the trade secret (a) in confidence, (b) directly or indirectly to a government official (federal, state or local) or to a lawyer, and (c) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) In a legal proceeding, Employee discloses the trade secret in the complaint or other documents filed in the case, so long as the document is filed “under seal” (meaning that it is not accessible to the public).

 

(g)

Reasonableness of Restrictions. The Employee acknowledges that he or she has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon him or her, and the rights and remedies conferred upon the Company in this Agreement, and acknowledges and agrees that the same: (i) are reasonable in scope, territory, and duration; (ii) are designed to eliminate competition which otherwise would be unfair to the Company; (iii) do not stifle his or her inherent skill and experience; (iv) would not operate as a bar to his or her sole means of support; (v) are fully required to protect the legitimate interests of the Company; and (vi) do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of the Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Employee is employed in the State of California upon the execution of this Agreement, Sections 10(b) and (c) are not applicable.

 

11.

Employment Rights. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement shall create any right or duty on the part of the Company or the Employee to have the Employee remain in the employment of the Company or any Subsidiary prior to or after any Change in Control; provided, however, that any termination of employment of the Employee or the removal of the Employee from such Employee’s office or position (other than a termination by the Company for Cause, or termination for death or Disability) in the three (3) month period preceding a Change in Control shall be deemed to be a termination or removal of the Employee after a Change in Control for purposes of this Agreement.

 

12.

Successors.

 

(a)

The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Employee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor to the

 

14


  Company, including without limitation any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise (and such successor shall thereafter be deemed the “Company” for the purposes of this Agreement), but shall not otherwise be assignable, transferable or delegable by the Company.

 

(b)

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Employee’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees and/or legatees.

 

(c)

This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign, transfer or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder except as expressly provided in Section 12(a) hereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Employee’s right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable, transferable or delegable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest or otherwise, other than by a transfer by his or her will or by the laws of descent and distribution and, in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this Section 12(c), the Company shall have no liability to pay any amount so attempted to be assigned, transferred or delegated.

 

(d)

The Company and the Employee recognize that each party will have no adequate remedy at law for breach by the other of any of the agreements contained herein and, in the event of any such breach, the Company and the Employee hereby agree and consent that the other shall be entitled to a decree of specific performance, mandamus or other appropriate remedy to enforce performance of this Agreement.

 

13.

Miscellaneous.

 

(a)

This Agreement and all matters relating to Employee’s employment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof. Each party to this Agreement (i) consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts having jurisdiction in New Castle County, Delaware, (ii) stipulates that the proper, exclusive, and convenient forum and venue for legal adjudication of any issue arising out of this Agreement or relating to claims between the parties is New Castle County, Delaware for state court proceedings, and the United States District Court District of Delaware, location, for federal district court proceedings, and (iii) waives any defense, whether asserted by a motion or pleading, that New Castle County, Delaware, or the United States District Court District of Delaware, is an improper or inconvenient venue. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Employee is employed in the State of California upon the execution of this Agreement, then: (i) this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof; and (ii) each party to this Agreement consents that the proper, exclusive, and convenient forum and venue for legal adjudication of any issue arising out of this Agreement or relating to claims between the parties are the state and/or federal courts for San Diego County, California.

 

15


(b)

Any notices, requests, demands, or other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if sent by registered or certified mail to the Employee at the last address he or she has filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal offices.

 

(c)

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. Any invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement to the extent of its invalidity or unenforceability, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain that particular provision to the extent of its invalidity or unenforceability, provided that in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and enforceable.

 

(d)

The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent subject thereto, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted and administered to be in compliance therewith. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, the Employee shall not be considered to have terminated employment with the Company for purposes of this Agreement and no payments shall be due to the Employee under Section 6 of this Agreement until the Employee would be considered to have incurred a “separation from service” from the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of this Agreement, each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, and any payments that are due within the “short term deferral period” as defined in Section 409A of the Code shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless applicable law requires otherwise. To the extent required to avoid an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, amounts reimbursable to the Employee under this Agreement shall be paid to the Employee on or before the last day of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred and the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement (and in-kind benefits provided to the Employee) during any one year may not affect amounts reimbursable or provided in any subsequent year; provided, however, that with respect to any reimbursements for any taxes which the Employee would become entitled to under the terms of the Agreement, the payment of such reimbursements shall be

 

16


  made by the Company no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Employee remits the related taxes were incurred. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Employee is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and determined pursuant to any policies adopted by the Company consistent with Section 409A of the Code (a “Specified Employee”)), at the time of the Employee’s separation from service and if any portion of the payments or benefits to be received by the Employee upon separation from service would be considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and cannot be paid or provided to the Employee during the six-month period immediately following the Employee’s separation from service without the Executive incurring taxes, interest or penalties under Section 409A of the Code, such amounts that would otherwise be payable pursuant to this Agreement and benefits that would otherwise be provided pursuant to this Agreement, in each case, during the six-month period immediately following the Employee’s separation from service will instead be paid or made available on the earlier of (i) first business day after the date that is six (6) months following the Employee’s separation from service and (ii) the Executive’s death.

 

(e)

The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as shall be required pursuant to any law or government regulation or ruling.

 

(f)

Treatment of outstanding long-term equity incentive awards shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award agreements and plan pursuant to which the incentives were granted.

 

(g)

No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by the Employee and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto or compliance with any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

17


(h)

The Employee and the Company acknowledge that, except as provided in any other written agreement between the Employee and the Company, the employment of the Employee by the Company is “at will” and, prior to or after the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Employee’s employment may be terminated by either the Employee or the Company at any time. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and replaces any and all prior agreements pertaining thereto between the Employee and the Company, [provided the Offer Letter shall be in full force and effect and to the extent there are inconsistences between this Agreement and the Offer Letter, the terms that are more favorable to the Employee shall control]6. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, expressed or implied with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement [or the Offer Letter]7.

 

6

Provision to be included as applicable.

7

Provision to be included as applicable.

 

18


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

COLFAX CORPORATION:

 

By:  

 

Title:  

 

EMPLOYEE:

 

 

19

Exhibit 10.23

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

This AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), dated as of October 30, 2020, by and between COLFAX CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and SHYAM KAMBEYANDA (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to employ the Employee or, if the Employee is already employed by the Company, the Company wishes to continue to employ the Employee;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to set forth the general terms of the Employee’s employment with the Company in connection with a Change in Control (as defined below);

WHEREAS, the Company and the Employee previously entered into a letter agreement on or around April 18, 2016 (the “Letter Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Employee is a key employee who is expected to make, or continue to make, major contributions to the profitability, growth and financial strength of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as that term is hereafter defined);

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that, as is the case for most publicly held companies, the possibility of a Change in Control (as that term is hereafter defined) exists;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to assure itself and its Subsidiaries of both present and future continuity of management in the event of a Change in Control and desires to establish certain minimum compensation rights for key employees, including the Employee, applicable in the event of a Change in Control;

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to ensure that key employees are not practically disabled from discharging their duties upon a Change in Control; and

WHEREAS, the Employee is willing to render services on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the Company and the Employee agree as follows.

 

1.

Certain Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

 

  (a)

Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

  (b)

Business” means a company involved in any of the manufacture and/or sale of orthopedic and fabrication technology products and services that are produced by the Company or a Subsidiary or that are competitive with any of the orthopedic and fabrication technology products and services that are produced by the Company or a Subsidiary, or any other products actively produced by the Company or a Subsidiary at the time of Employee’s termination of employment.


  (c)

Cause” means that, prior to any termination pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof for “Cause”, the Employee shall have committed:

 

  (1)

an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with his or her duties or in the course of his or her employment with the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

  (2)

intentional wrongful damage to property of the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

  (3)

intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

  (4)

conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); or

 

  (5)

intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty (“Competitive Activity”)

and any such act shall have been materially harmful to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. For purposes of this Agreement, no act, or failure to act, on the part of the Employee shall be deemed “intentional” if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence, but shall be deemed “intentional” only if done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his or her action or omission was in or not opposed to the best interest of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employee shall not be deemed to have been terminated for “Cause” hereunder unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the Board then in office at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to the Employee and an opportunity for the Employee, together with his or her counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Employee had committed an act set forth above in this Section 1(c) and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Nothing herein shall limit the right of the Employee or his or her beneficiaries to contest the validity or propriety of any such determination.

 

  (d)

Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following during the Term:

 

  (1)

the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of more than fifty percent (50%) of either: (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“Voting

 

2


  Stock”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (1), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (iv) any acquisition by any Person (or more than one Person acting as a group) that owns more than fifty (50) percent of the Company Common Stock or Voting Stock and acquires additional shares, or (v) any acquisition by any Person pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of subsection (3) below; or

 

  (2)

individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (as modified by this subsection (2), the “Incumbent Board”), cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such nomination) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

 

  (3)

consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Company Common Stock and Voting Stock immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions relative to each other as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Company Common Stock and Voting Stock of the Company, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any entity resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or such entity resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or

 

3


  indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination, or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or

 

  (4)

approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

A “Change in Control” will be deemed to occur (i) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (1) above, on the date that any Person becomes the beneficial owner of more than fifty percent (50%) of either the Company Common Stock or the Voting Stock, (ii) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (2) above, on the date the members of the Incumbent Board first cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to constitute at least a majority of the Board, (iii) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (3) above, on the date the applicable transaction closes and (iv) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (4) above, on the date of the stockholder approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of this Agreement solely because of a change in control of any Subsidiary by which the Employee may be employed.

 

  (e)

Date of Termination” means the date on which the Employee incurs a “separation from service,” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), with the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

  (f)

Disabled” means the Employee has become permanently disabled within the meaning of, and begins actually to receive disability benefits pursuant to, the long-term disability plan in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control for key employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

  (g)

Good Reason” means:

 

  (1)

failure to elect, reelect or otherwise maintain the Employee in the offices or positions in the Company or any Subsidiary which the Employee held immediately prior to a Change in Control, or the removal of the Employee as a director of the Company (or any successor thereto) if the Employee shall have been a director of the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

4


  (2)

a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with the Company and its Subsidiaries which the Employee held immediately prior to the Change in Control, a material reduction in the aggregate of the Employee’s Base Pay (as that term is hereafter defined) and Incentive Pay (as that term is hereafter defined) opportunity received from the Company, or the termination of the Employee’s rights to any material Employee Benefits (as that term is hereafter defined) to which he or she was entitled immediately prior to the Change in Control or a material reduction in scope or value thereof without the prior written consent of the Employee;

 

  (3)

the liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company or transfer of all or a significant portion of its business and/or assets, unless the successor or successors (by liquidation, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to which all or a significant portion of its business and/or assets have been transferred (directly or by operation of law) shall have assumed all duties and obligations of the Company under this Agreement pursuant to Section 13 hereof;

 

  (4)

the Company shall relocate its principal executive offices, or the Company or any Subsidiary shall require the Employee to have his or her principal location of work changed, to any location which is in excess of 50 miles from the location thereof immediately prior to the Charge in Control or the Company or any Subsidiary shall require the Employee to travel away from his or her office in the course of discharging his or her responsibilities or duties hereunder significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of him or her prior to the Change in Control without, in either case, the Employee’s prior written consent; or

 

  (5)

without limiting the generality or the effect of the foregoing, any material breach of this Agreement by the Company or any successor thereto.

The Employee is not entitled to assert that his or her termination is for Good Reason unless the Employee gives the Company written notice of the event or events that are the basis for such claim within ninety (90) days after the event or events occur, describing such claim in reasonably sufficient detail to allow the Company to address the event or events and a period of not less than thirty (30) days after to cure the alleged condition.

 

  (h)

Nonsolicitation Period” shall mean the period of Employee’s employment or services with the Company or Subsidiary and the twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a twenty-four (24) month Nonsolicitation Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Nonsolicitation Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment with the Company or Subsidiary and eighteen (18) months immediately following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a eighteen (18) month Nonsolicitation Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Nonsolicitation Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment with the Company or Subsidiary and twelve (12) months immediately following the Date of Termination.

 

5


  (i)

Restriction Period” shall mean the twelve (12) months immediately following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a twelve (12) month Restriction Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Restriction Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment or services with the Company or Subsidiary and nine (9) months immediately following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a nine (9) month Restriction Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Restriction Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment or services with the Company and six (6) months immediately following the Date of Termination.

 

  (j)

Subsidiary” means a corporation, company or other entity (i) more than fifty percent (50%) of whose outstanding shares or securities (representing the right to vote for the election of directors or other managing authority) are, or (ii) which does not have outstanding shares or securities (as may be the case in a partnership, joint venture or unincorporated association), but more than fifty percent (50%) of whose ownership interest representing the right generally to make decisions for such other entity is, now or hereafter owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company, but such corporation, company or other entity shall be deemed to be a Subsidiary only so long as such ownership or control exists.

 

  (k)

Term” means the period commencing as of the date hereof and expiring as of the close of business two years from the date of the Agreement, provided, however, that (i) commencing on January 1, 2022 and each January 1 thereafter, the Term shall automatically be extended for an additional year unless, not later than September 30 of the year immediately preceding such January 1, the Company or the Employee shall have given notice that it or he/she, as the case may be, does not wish to have the Term extended and (ii) upon a Change in Control, the Term shall be extended to the third anniversary of such Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to Section 11 hereof, if, at any time prior to a Change in Control, the Employee for any reason is no longer an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary, thereupon the Term shall be deemed to have expired.

 

  (l)

Territory” means those locations in the United States of America in which the Company or a Subsidiary is operating and those locations abroad in which the Company or a Subsidiary has significant operations; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that the foregoing states are not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company, the Territory shall be the state(s) or geographic area(s) in which Employee was assigned for management or operational responsibility on behalf of the Company or a Subsidiary as of the date of Employee’s separation of employment or a sales territory.

 

6


2.

Acknowledgment of Consideration. The Employee agrees that this Agreement was entered into for good and valuable consideration, including, but not limited to the Company’s employment or continued employment of the Employee, the Company’s provision of Protected Information (as that term is hereafter defined) to the Employee, and the compensation and benefits associated with that employment.

 

3.

Employment Prior to a Change in Control. Prior to a Change in Control, the following terms shall govern the Employee’s employment.

 

  (a)

Employment. The Employee is employed on an indefinite term contract subject to the terms of the Letter Agreement. The Employee understands and agrees that nothing in this Agreement constitutes an express or implied contract, or any promise or commitment, guaranteeing continued employment with the Company.

 

  (b)

General Employment Duties. The Employee agrees to diligently perform his or her job duties as may be assigned by the Company to the best of his or her ability. The Employee will keep informed of the Company’s policies, procedures, and practices, and will comply with them at all times. The Employee also agrees that, while employed by the Company, the Employee shall not engage in any activity that might impair or otherwise interfere with the proper performance of the Employee’s duties or responsibilities.

 

4.

Employment Following a Change in Control. Effective only upon a Change in Control, the following terms shall apply:

 

  (a)

The Employee shall devote substantially all of his or her time during normal business hours (subject to vacations, sick leave and other absences in accordance with the policies of the Company and its Subsidiaries as in effect for key employees immediately prior to the Change in Control) to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries, but nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Employee from devoting reasonable periods of time during normal business hours to (i) serving as a director, trustee or member of or participant in any organization or business so long as such activity is not directly competitive with the business of the Company as then being carried on, (ii) engaging in charitable and community activities, or (iii) managing his or her personal investments.

 

  (b)

For his or her services pursuant to Section 4(a) hereof, the Employee shall (i) be paid an annual base salary at a rate not less than the Employee’s annual fixed or base compensation (payable monthly or otherwise as in effect for key employees of the Company immediately prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control) or such higher rate as may be approved from time to time by the Board, the Compensation Committee thereof or management (which base salary at such rate is herein referred to as “Base Pay”) and (ii) have a bona fide opportunity to earn an annual amount equal to not less than the annual bonus, incentive or other opportunity for payments of cash compensation in addition to the amounts referred to in clause (i) above made or to be made in regard to services rendered in any calendar year during the year in which the Change in Control occurred

 

7


  pursuant to any bonus, incentive, profit-sharing, performance, discretionary pay or similar policy, plan, program or arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary or any successor thereto providing an annual cash bonus opportunity at least equal to the cash bonus opportunity payable thereunder (in both value and achievability) prior to a Change in Control (“Incentive Pay”); provided, however, that with the prior written consent of the Employee, nothing herein shall preclude a change in the mix between Base Pay and Incentive Pay so long as the aggregate annual cash compensation opportunity for the Employee in any one calendar year is not reduced in connection therewith or as a result thereof; and provided further, however, that in no event shall any increase in the Employee’s aggregate cash compensation or any portion thereof in any way diminish any other obligation of the Company under this Agreement.

 

  (c)

For his or her services pursuant to Section 4(a) hereof, the Employee shall be a full participant in, and shall be entitled to the perquisites, benefits and service credit for benefits as provided under, any and all employee retirement, income and welfare benefit policies, plans, programs or arrangements in which key employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries participate, including without limitation any stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation, restricted stock grant, savings, pension, supplemental retirement or other retirement, income or welfare benefit, deferred compensation, group and/or executive life, health, medical/hospital or other insurance (whether funded by actual insurance or self-insured by the Company or any Subsidiary), disability, salary continuation, expense reimbursement, financial planning and other employee benefit policies, plans, programs or arrangements that may now exist or any equivalent successor policies, plans, programs, or arrangements that may be adopted hereafter by the Company or any Subsidiary providing perquisites, benefits and service credit for benefits at least equal to those provided or are payable thereunder prior to a Change in Control (collectively, “Employee Benefits”). If and to the extent such perquisites, benefits or service credit for benefits are not payable or provided under any such policy, plan, program or arrangement as a result of the amendment or termination thereof, then the Company shall itself pay or provide therefor. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude improvement or enhancement of any such Employee Benefits, provided that no such improvement shall in any way diminish any other obligation of the Company under this Agreement.

 

5.

Termination of Employment Following a Change in Control.

 

  (a)

Death or Disability. The Employee’s employment shall terminate automatically if the Employee dies or becomes Disabled following a Change in Control.

 

  (b)

Cause. The Company may terminate the Employee’s employment for Cause or without Cause following a Change in Control.

 

  (c)

Good Reason. The Employee’s employment may be terminated by the Employee for Good Reason or by the Employee voluntarily without Good Reason following a Change in Control.

 

8


  (d)

Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by the Employee for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 13(b). “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Employee’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the termination date is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which termination date shall be not more than thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by the Employee or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Employee or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Employee or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Employee’s or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.

 

6.

Exclusive Obligations of the Company upon Certain Terminations Following a Change in Control.

 

  (a)

Good Reason; Other Than for Cause. If, during the two (2) year period following a Change in Control, (X) the Company terminates the Employee’s employment other than for Cause, death, or Disability or (Y) the Employee resigns for Good Reason, the Company shall pay to the Employee (or the Employee’s estate or beneficiary, in the event of the Employee’s death after the Date of Termination), at the time specified herein (except as otherwise provided by Section 13(d)), the following amounts: a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (i) two times the Base Pay of the Employee plus (ii) two times the target annual Incentive Pay of the Employee, in lieu of any further payments to the Employee for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination (collectively, the “Severance Payment”), payable within sixty (60) business days following the Date of Termination, provided all conditions to payment have been satisfied. If such sixty (60) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in the following calendar year, the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment of such lump sum amount.

 

  (b)

Release. As a condition to receiving payments under this Section 6, no later than forty five (45) days after having been presented such release by the Company, the Employee shall have executed and delivered to the Company a general release of claims in favor of the Company, its current and former Subsidiaries, affiliates and stockholders, and the current and former directors, officers, employees and agents of the Company in a form acceptable to the Company, and the Employee’s general release shall have become irrevocable.

 

  (c)

Failure to Pay. Without limiting the rights of the Employee at law or in equity, if the Company fails to make any payment required to be made under Sections 4 and 6 of this Agreement on a timely basis, the Company shall pay interest on the amount thereof to the Employee until the date such payment is made at an annualized rate of interest equal to twelve percent (12%).

 

9


7.

No Set-Off; Company’s Obligations; Mitigation. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other claim, right or action that the Company may have against the Employee or others. In no event shall the Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Employee obtains other employment.

 

8.

Indemnification of Legal Fees. Effective only upon a Change in Control, it is the intent of the Company that the Employee not be required to incur the expenses associated with the enforcement of his or her rights under this Agreement following such a Change in Control by litigation or other legal action because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits and payments intended to be extended to the Employee hereunder following a Change in Control. Accordingly, following a Change in Control if it should appear to the Employee that the Company has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement which arose following a Change in Control or in the event that the Company or any other person takes any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation designed to deny, or to recover from, the Employee the benefits intended to be provided to the Employee hereunder, the Company irrevocably authorizes the Employee from time to time to retain counsel of his or her choice, at the expense of the Company as hereafter provided, to represent the Employee in connection with the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action with respect to this Agreement, whether by or against the Company, or any Subsidiary, director, officer, stockholder or other person affiliated with the Company. Notwithstanding any existing or prior attorney-client relationship between the Company and such counsel, the Company irrevocably consents to the Employee’s entering into an attorney-client relationship with such counsel, and in that connection the Company and the Employee agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between the Employee and such counsel. Following a Change in Control, the Company shall pay or cause to be paid and shall be solely responsible for any and all attorneys’ and related fees and expenses incurred by the Employee as a result of the Company’s failure to perform this Agreement or any provision hereof or as a result of the Company or any person contesting the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any provision hereof as aforesaid.

 

9.

Section 280G.

 

  (a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or other agreement, contract, or understanding heretofore or hereafter entered into by the Employee with the Company or any Subsidiary, except an agreement, contract, or understanding that expressly addresses Section 280G or Section 4999 of the Code (an “Other Agreement”), and notwithstanding any formal or informal plan or other arrangement for the direct or indirect provision of compensation to the Employee (including groups or classes of Employees or beneficiaries of which the

 

10


  Employee is a member), whether or not such compensation is deferred, is in cash, or is in the form of a benefit to or for the Employee (a “Benefit Arrangement”), if the Employee is a “disqualified individual,” as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code, any right to receive any payment or other benefit under this Agreement shall not become due (i) to the extent that such right to payment or benefit, taking into account all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the Employee under this Agreement, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements, would cause any payment or benefit to the Employee under this Agreement to be considered a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code as then in effect (a “Parachute Payment”), and (ii) if, as a result of receiving a Parachute Payment, the aggregate after-tax amounts received by the Employee from the Company under this Agreement, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements would be less than the maximum after-tax amount that could be received by the Employee without causing any such payment or benefit to be considered a Parachute Payment. In the event that the receipt of any such right to payment or benefit under this Agreement, in conjunction with all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the Employee under any Other Agreement or any Benefit Arrangement would cause the Employee to be considered to have received a Parachute Payment under this Agreement that would have the effect of decreasing the after-tax amount received by the Employee as described in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, then the Employee shall have the right, in the Employee’s sole discretion, to designate those rights, payments, or benefits under this Agreement, any Other Agreements, and any Benefit Arrangements that should be reduced or eliminated so as to avoid having the payment or benefit to the Employee under this Agreement be deemed to be a Parachute Payment.

 

  (b)

At the time that payments are made under this Agreement, the Company will provide the Employee with a written statement setting forth the manner in which such payments were calculated and the basis for such calculations, including any opinions or other advice the Company received from tax counsel, its auditor, or other advisors or consultants (and any such opinions or advice which are in writing will be attached to the statement). All such calculations and opinions shall be binding on the Company and the Employee.

 

10.

Covenants of Employee.

 

  (a)

Confidentiality. During the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary, Employee may receive special training and/or may be given access to or may become acquainted with Confidential Information of the Company or a Subsidiary. As used in this section, “Confidential Information” of the Company means all trade practices, business plans, price lists, supplier lists and data, customer lists and data, marketing plans, financial information, product development, employee lists and data, software and all other compilations of information which relate to the business of the Company or a Subsidiary and which have not been disclosed by the Company to the public, or which are not otherwise generally available to the public.

 

11


Employee acknowledges that the Confidential Information of the Company, as such may exist from time to time, is a valuable, confidential, special and unique asset of the Company and its Subsidiaries, expensive to produce and maintain and essential for the profitable operation of their respective businesses. Employee agrees that, during the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary, or at any time thereafter, Employee will not, directly or indirectly, communicate, disclose or divulge to any Person, or use for Employee’s benefit or the benefit of any Person, in any manner, any Confidential Information of the Company or a Subsidiary, acquired during Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary or any other Confidential Information concerning the conduct and details of the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries, except as required in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary or as otherwise may be required by law. For the purposes of this section, “Person” shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity or any government, governmental agency or political subdivision.

All documents relating to the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries including, without limitation, Confidential Information of the Company, whether prepared by Employee or otherwise coming into Employee’s possession, are the exclusive property of the Company and such respective Subsidiaries, and must not be removed from the premises of the Company, except as required in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiary. Employee will immediately return all such documents (including any copies thereof) to the Company or its Subsidiary when Employee ceases to be employed by the Company or its Subsidiary or upon the earlier request of the Company or the Board.

 

  (b)

Agreement Not to Compete. While employed by the Company or a Subsidiary and during the Restriction Period, Employee shall not, except with the Company’s express prior written consent, for the benefit of any entity or person (including Employee) take any steps preparatory to, be employed by, or be engaged or concerned or interested in or provide technical, commercial or professional advice to any with the Business within the Territory; however, the foregoing shall not prohibit Employee from acquiring, solely as an investment and through market purchases, securities of any entity which are registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and which are publicly traded, so long as Employee is not part of any control group of such entity and such securities, if converted, do not constitute more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding voting power of that entity.

 

  (c)

Agreement Not to Solicit Clients. During the Nonsolicitation Period, Employee shall not, except with the Company’s express prior written consent, for the benefit of any entity or person (including Employee) solicit, induce or encourage any customer or client of the Company or a Subsidiary, which during the preceding twelve (12) months of Employee’s employment with the Company or Subsidiary Employee was either involved (directly or indirectly) or about which Employee received Confidential Information, to cease or reduce its business with the Company or a Subsidiary.

 

12


  (d)

Agreement Not to Solicit Employees. During the Nonsolicitation Period, Employee shall not, except with the Company’s express prior written consent, for the benefit of any entity or person (including Employee) solicit, induce or encourage any employee of the Company or a Subsidiary, to leave the employment of the Company or a Subsidiary.

 

  (e)

Nondisparagement. Employee shall not, at any time while employed by the Company or a Subsidiary or thereafter make statements or representations, or otherwise communicate, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the Company, a Subsidiary or their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, businesses or reputations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Plan shall preclude you from making truthful statements that are required by applicable law, regulation or legal process.

 

  (f)

Employee Disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement prohibits, limits, or restricts, or shall be construed to prohibit, limit, or restrict, Employee from exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder), without notice to or consent from the Company. Moreover, the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 immunizes Employee against criminal and civil liability under federal or state trade secret laws—under certain circumstances—if Employee discloses a trade secret for the purpose of reporting a suspected violation of law. Immunity is available if Employee discloses a trade secret in either of these two circumstances: (1) Employee discloses the trade secret (a) in confidence, (b) directly or indirectly to a government official (federal, state or local) or to a lawyer, and (c) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) In a legal proceeding, Employee discloses the trade secret in the complaint or other documents filed in the case, so long as the document is filed “under seal” (meaning that it is not accessible to the public).

 

  (g)

Reasonableness of Restrictions. The Employee acknowledges that he or she has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon him or her, and the rights and remedies conferred upon the Company in this Agreement, and acknowledges and agrees that the same: (i) are reasonable in scope, territory, and duration; (ii) are designed to eliminate competition which otherwise would be unfair to the Company; (iii) do not stifle his or her inherent skill and experience; (iv) would not operate as a bar to his or her sole means of support; (v) are fully required to protect the legitimate interests of the Company; and (vi) do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of the Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Employee is employed in the State of California upon the execution of this Agreement, Sections 10(b) and (c) are not applicable.

 

13


11.

Employment Rights. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement shall create any right or duty on the part of the Company or the Employee to have the Employee remain in the employment of the Company or any Subsidiary prior to or after any Change in Control; provided, however, that any termination of employment of the Employee or the removal of the Employee from such Employee’s office or position (other than a termination by the Company for Cause, or termination for death or Disability) in the three (3) month period preceding a Change in Control shall be deemed to be a termination or removal of the Employee after a Change in Control for purposes of this Agreement.

 

12.

Successors.

 

  (a)

The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Employee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor to the Company, including without limitation any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise (and such successor shall thereafter be deemed the “Company” for the purposes of this Agreement), but shall not otherwise be assignable, transferable or delegable by the Company.

 

  (b)

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Employee’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees and/or legatees.

 

  (c)

This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign, transfer or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder except as expressly provided in Section 12(a) hereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Employee’s right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable, transferable or delegable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest or otherwise, other than by a transfer by his or her will or by the laws of descent and distribution and, in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this Section 12(c), the Company shall have no liability to pay any amount so attempted to be assigned, transferred or delegated.

 

  (d)

The Company and the Employee recognize that each party will have no adequate remedy at law for breach by the other of any of the agreements contained herein and, in the event of any such breach, the Company and the Employee hereby agree and consent that the other shall be entitled to a decree of specific performance, mandamus or other appropriate remedy to enforce performance of this Agreement.

 

14


13.

Miscellaneous.

 

  (a)

This Agreement and all matters relating to Employee’s employment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof. Each party to this Agreement (i) consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts having jurisdiction in New Castle County, Delaware, (ii) stipulates that the proper, exclusive, and convenient forum and venue for legal adjudication of any issue arising out of this Agreement or relating to claims between the parties is New Castle County, Delaware for state court proceedings, and the United States District Court District of Delaware, location, for federal district court proceedings, and (iii) waives any defense, whether asserted by a motion or pleading, that New Castle County, Delaware, or the United States District Court District of Delaware, is an improper or inconvenient venue. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Employee is employed in the State of California upon the execution of this Agreement, then: (i) this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof; and (ii) each party to this Agreement consents that the proper, exclusive, and convenient forum and venue for legal adjudication of any issue arising out of this Agreement or relating to claims between the parties are the state and/or federal courts for San Diego County, California.

 

  (b)

Any notices, requests, demands, or other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if sent by registered or certified mail to the Employee at the last address he or she has filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal offices.

 

  (c)

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. Any invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement to the extent of its invalidity or unenforceability, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain that particular provision to the extent of its invalidity or unenforceability, provided that in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and enforceable.

 

  (d)

The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent subject thereto, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted and administered to be in compliance therewith. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, the Employee shall not be considered to have terminated employment with the Company for purposes of this Agreement and no payments shall be due to the Employee under Section 6 of this Agreement until the Employee would be

 

15


  considered to have incurred a “separation from service” from the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of this Agreement, each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, and any payments that are due within the “short term deferral period” as defined in Section 409A of the Code shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless applicable law requires otherwise. To the extent required to avoid an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, amounts reimbursable to the Employee under this Agreement shall be paid to the Employee on or before the last day of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred and the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement (and in-kind benefits provided to the Employee) during any one year may not affect amounts reimbursable or provided in any subsequent year; provided, however, that with respect to any reimbursements for any taxes which the Employee would become entitled to under the terms of the Agreement, the payment of such reimbursements shall be made by the Company no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Employee remits the related taxes were incurred. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Employee is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and determined pursuant to any policies adopted by the Company consistent with Section 409A of the Code (a “Specified Employee”)), at the time of the Employee’s separation from service and if any portion of the payments or benefits to be received by the Employee upon separation from service would be considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and cannot be paid or provided to the Employee during the six-month period immediately following the Employee’s separation from service without the Executive incurring taxes, interest or penalties under Section 409A of the Code, such amounts that would otherwise be payable pursuant to this Agreement and benefits that would otherwise be provided pursuant to this Agreement, in each case, during the six-month period immediately following the Employee’s separation from service will instead be paid or made available on the earlier of (i) first business day after the date that is six (6) months following the Employee’s separation from service and (ii) the Executive’s death.

 

  (e)

The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as shall be required pursuant to any law or government regulation or ruling.

 

  (f)

Treatment of outstanding long-term equity incentive awards shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award agreements and plan pursuant to which the incentives were granted.

 

  (g)

No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by the Employee and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto or compliance with any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

16


  (h)

The Employee and the Company acknowledge that, except as provided in any other written agreement between the Employee and the Company, the employment of the Employee by the Company is “at will” and, prior to or after the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Employee’s employment may be terminated by either the Employee or the Company at any time. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and replaces any and all prior agreements pertaining thereto between the Employee and the Company, provided the Letter Agreement shall be in full force and effect and to the extent there are inconsistences between this Agreement and the Letter Agreement, the terms that are more favorable to the Employee shall control. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, expressed or implied with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement or the Letter Agreement.

 

17


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

COLFAX CORPORATION:

/s/ Patty Lang

By: Patty Lang
Title: Colfax, SVP & CHRO
EMPLOYEE:

/s/ Shyam Kambeyanda

Shyam Kambeyanda

 

18

Exhibit 10.24

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Change in Control Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of March 5, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and [_______] (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, the Company considers the continued availability of the Employee’s services to be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders, and desires to reduce (a) the potential distraction of the Employee occasioned by the possibility of a Change in Control of the Division for which the Employee performs services, and (b) the likelihood that the Employee would seek other employment following the announcement of a Change in Control of the Division and if such announced transaction were not consummated, the Division would be seriously harmed.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these promises, the parties agree that the following shall constitute the agreement between the Company and the Employee:

1. Definitions. Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:

1.01 Administrator” shall mean the Board or its delegate.

1.02 Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

1.03 Cause” shall mean Employee shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of the Company; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of the Company; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or (vi) any such act shall have been materially harmful to the Company taken as a whole. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause under this Agreement unless and until there has been delivered to Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company then in office at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Employee and an opportunity for Employee, together with Employee’s counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, Employee had committed an act set forth above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit Employee’s right or the right of your beneficiaries to contest the validity or propriety of any such determination.

1.04 Change in Control” means and includes the consummation by the Company (whether directly involving the Company or indirectly involving the Company through one or more intermediaries) of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Division’s assets in any single transaction or series of related transactions to 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). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control hereunder if it is (i) effected for the purpose of changing the place of incorporation or form of organization of the ultimate parent entity (including where the Company is succeeded by an issuer incorporated under the laws of another state, country or foreign government for such purpose and whether or not the Company remains in existence following such transaction) where all or substantially all of the persons or group that beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company’s voting securities immediately prior to the transaction beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company in substantially the same proportions of their ownership after the transaction, or (ii) where there is a Spin Off.

1.05 “Change in Control Termination” shall mean a termination of employment of the Employee during the Protected Period for which a Notice of Termination has been provided to the other party where such termination results from (a) termination by the Company or a party effecting a Change in Control of the Company other than for Employee’s death, Employee’s Permanent Disability or for Cause, or (b) the Employee resigns with Good Reason.

 

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1.06 Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

1.07 Date of Termination” shall mean the date, as the case may be, for the following events: (a) if the Employee’s employment is terminated by death, the date of death; (b) if the Employee’s employment is terminated due to a Permanent Disability, thirty (30) days after the Notice of Termination is given (provided that the Employee shall not have returned to the performance of his or her duties on a full-time basis during such period); (c) if the Employee’s employment is terminated pursuant to a termination for Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; (d) if the Employee’s employment is terminated in a Change in Control Termination, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; and (e) if the Employee’s employment is terminated for any other reason, fifteen (15) days after delivery of the Notice of Termination unless otherwise agreed by the Employee and the Company.

1.08 Disability” shall mean that Employee has become permanently disabled within the meaning of, and begin actually to receive disability benefits pursuant to, the long-term disability plan in effect immediately prior to the date of this Agreement for key employees of the Company.

1.09 Division” shall mean the fabrication technology business division under the ESAB brand.

1.10 Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

1.11 Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following, without the Employee’s express written consent, within a Protected Period: (i) if there is a Change in Control and Employee does not continue to report to the principal executive officer of the most senior resulting entity of the affiliated group of which the Division is a member; (ii) a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with the Company which Employee held immediately prior to entering into this Agreement, a material reduction in the aggregate of Employee’s base salary and incentive pay opportunity to which (s)he was entitled immediately prior to entering into this Agreement or the termination of Employee’s rights to any material employee benefits to which (s)he was entitled immediately prior to the entering into this Agreement or a material reduction in scope or value thereof; or (iii) the Company or its successor shall relocate its principal executive offices, Employee is required to have Employee’s principal assigned location of work changed, to any location which shall be in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location thereof immediately prior to entering into this Agreement or Employee is required to travel away from Employee’s office in the course of discharging Employee’s responsibilities or duties significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of Employee prior to Employee entering into this Agreement; provided, that Good Reason shall not exist unless and until Employee provides the Company or a successor with written notice of the act(s) alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of such act(s) and describing such act(s) in reasonably sufficient detail to allow the Company or a successor to cure the act(s), and the Company or a successor fails to cure such act(s) within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of such notice. Further, Employee must then exercise Employee’s right to terminate Employee’s employment for Good Reason within sixty (60) calendar days thereafter, in order for the termination to be for Good Reason.

1.12 Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that indicates the Date of Termination and the basis for termination, including in the case of resignation for Good Reason, the particular facts and circumstances asserted as giving rise to Good Reason.

1.13 Permanent Disability” shall mean if, as a result of the Employee’s Disability, the Employee shall have been absent from his or her duties with the Company on a full-time basis for a total of six (6) months of any consecutive eight (8) month period.

1.14 Protected Period” shall mean a period (a) commencing upon the earlier of (i) execution by the Company of a definitive agreement, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control (and such Change in Control contemplated by the definitive agreement does in fact occur) or (ii) ninety (90) days prior to a Change in Control, and (b) ending eighteen (18) months after such Change in Control.

 

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1.15 Separation from Service” means the date upon which the Employee dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder. To the greatest extent permissible consistent with Section 409A, a Separation from Service shall include any termination of the employee-employer relationship between the Employee and the Company for any reason, voluntary or involuntary, with or without Cause, including, without limitation, a termination by reason of resignation (whether for Good Reason or otherwise), discharge (with or without Cause), Permanent Disability, death or retirement.

1.16Spin Off” shall mean the completion of the strategic transaction announced by the Company on March 4, 2021, which will separate the Division into a standalone publicly traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the Division’s equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise.

2. Term. This Agreement shall terminate if (a) the Agreement is mutually terminated by the parties, or (b) Employee’s employment is terminated in a manner that does not constitute a Change in Control Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall not terminate and the Company shall not be entitled to deliver such notice of termination while the Company or a Division is party to a definitive agreement, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control.

3. Compensation Upon Change in Control Termination.

3.01 Change in Control Termination Payments. If there is a Change in Control Termination, then, subject to Section 3.02 and provided that the Employee executes and does not revoke the release of claims and separation agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”) and provided such Release becomes effective (without having been revoked) by the 60th day following Employee’s Separation from Service or such earlier date required by the release (such effectiveness deadline, the “Release Deadline”), the Employee shall receive the following payments, which are in addition to any amounts owed to Employee pursuant to any retention agreement, payments or benefits Employee is entitled to under the Colfax Executive Severance Plan, and/or as earned but unpaid wages through the Date of Termination and accrued but unused vacation, if any, through the Date of Termination. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no payment or benefit shall be provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement unless a Change in Control is consummated within the Protected Period. No payments will be paid until the Release becomes effective. If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Employee will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement.

(a) An amount equal to two-hundred percent (200%) the Employee’s annual base salary. For purposes of this clause, base salary shall be defined as the greater of (x) the Employee’s base salary at the time of the Change in Control or (y) the Employee’s base salary at the time of the Change in Control Termination. Such cash payment shall be payable in a single sum on the later of (i) sixtieth (60th) day following the Employee’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date of the Change in Control, provided if such sixty (60) day period spans two calendar years the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment.

(b) An amount equal to the greatest of (x) two-hundred percent (200%) of the Employee’s full Target Bonus pursuant to the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan for the last full fiscal year of the Company preceding the Change in Control Termination, or (y) two-hundred percent (200%) of the Employee’s full Target Bonus pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan for the full fiscal year of the Company in which the Change in Control Termination occurs. Such cash payment shall be payable in a single sum on the later of (i) sixtieth (60th) day following the Employee’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date of the Change in Control, provided if such sixty (60) day period spans two calendar years the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment.

 

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3.02 Federal Excise Tax Under Section 4999 of the Code.

(a) Excess Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit Employee would receive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “Payments”) would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and, but for this Section 3.02(a), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any similar or successor provision (the “Excise Tax”), then the aggregate amount of the Payments will be either (i) the largest portion of the Payments that would result in no portion of the Payments (after reduction) being subject to the Excise Tax or (ii) the entire Payments, whichever amount after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from a deduction of such state and local taxes), results in Employee’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of the Payments. Any reduction in the Payments required by this Section will be made in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) reduction of accelerated vesting of equity awards other than stock options; (iii) reduction of accelerated vesting of stock options; and (iv) reduction of other benefits paid or provided to Employee. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Employee’s equity awards. If two or more equity awards are granted on the same date, the accelerated vesting of each award will be reduced on a pro-rata basis.

(b) Determination by Tax Firm. The professional firm engaged by the Company for general tax purposes as of the day prior to the date of the event that might reasonably be anticipated to result in Payments that would otherwise be subject to the Excise Tax will perform the foregoing calculations. If the tax firm so engaged by the Company is serving as accountant or auditor for the acquiring company, the Company will appoint a nationally recognized tax firm to make the determinations required by this Section. The Company will bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such firm required to be made by this Section. The Company and Employee shall furnish such tax firm such information and documents as the tax firm may reasonably request in order to make its required determination. The tax firm will provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to the Company and Employee as soon as practicable following its engagement. Any good faith determinations of the tax firm made hereunder will be final, binding and conclusive upon the Company and Employee.

4. Limitation on Rights.

4.01 No Employment Contract. This Agreement shall not be deemed to create a contract of employment between the Company and the Employee and shall not create any right in the Employee to continue in the Company’s employment for any specific period of time. This Agreement shall not restrict the right of the Company to terminate the employment of Employee for any reason, or no reason at all, or restrict the right of the Employee to terminate his or her employment.

4.02 No Other Exclusions. This Agreement shall not be construed to exclude the Employee from participation in any other compensation or benefit programs in which he or she is specifically eligible to participate either prior to or following the Effective Date of this Agreement, or any such programs that generally are available to other employee personnel of the Company.

5. No Mitigation. The Employee shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payments provided for by this Agreement by seeking employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any cash payments or benefits provided under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation or benefits earned by the Employee after his or her Date of Termination.

6. Tax Matters.

6.01 Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

6.02 Section 409A. It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto, “Section 409A”) so as not to subject the Employee to payment of any additional tax, penalty or interest imposed under Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to avoid the imputation of any such additional tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to the Employee. However, the Company does not guarantee any particular tax effect for income provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement. In any event, except for the

 

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Company’s responsibility to withhold applicable income and employment taxes from compensation paid or provided to the Employee, the Company shall not be responsible for the payment of any taxes, penalties, interest, costs, fees, including attorneys’ fees or accountants’ fees, or other liability incurred by the Employee in connection with compensation paid or provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement is intended to constitute, nor does it constitute, tax advice, and in all cases, the Employee should obtain and rely solely on the tax advice provided by the Employee’s own independent tax advisors (and not the Company, any of the Company’s affiliates, or any officer, employee or agent of the Company or any of its affiliates).

7. Miscellaneous.

7.01 Administration. The Administrator shall administer this Agreement and the benefits provided for herein.

7.02 Assignment and Binding Effect. No right or interest to or in this Agreement, or any payment or benefit to the Employee under this Agreement shall be assignable by the Employee except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. No right, benefit or interest of the Employee hereunder shall be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, hypothecation or set off in respect of any claim, debt or obligation, or to execution, attachment, levy or similar process or assignment by operation of law. Any attempt, voluntarily or involuntarily, to effect any action specified in the immediately preceding sentences shall, to the full extent permitted by law, be null, void and of no effect; provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude the Employee from designating one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable to the Employee under this Agreement after his or her death and shall not preclude the legal representatives of the Employee’s estate from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto under his or her will, or, in the case of intestacy, to the person or persons entitled thereto under the laws of intestacy applicable to his or her estate. However, this Agreement shall be assignable by the Company to, binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor of the Company, and any successor shall be deemed substituted for the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof.

7.03 No Waiver. No waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances shall be deemed or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such term, provision or condition or as a waiver of any other term, provision or condition of this Agreement.

7.04 Rules of Construction.

(a) This Agreement has been executed in, and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the principles of conflict of laws.

(b) Captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered or referred to in resolving questions of interpretation with respect to this Agreement.

(c) If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto will not be materially or adversely affected thereby, (i) such provision will be fully severable, (ii) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, (iii) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom and (iv) in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible.

7.05 Notices. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing, delivered by hand or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by a nationally recognized courier service (regularly providing proof of delivery) or by facsimile or telecopy, addressed to the Board and the Company and, if other than the Board, the Administrator, at the Company’s then principal office, or to the Employee at the address set forth in the records of the Company, as the case may be, or to such other address or addresses the Company or the Employee may from time to time specify in writing. Notices shall be deemed given: (i) when delivered if delivered personally (including by courier); (ii) on the third day after mailing, if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested); (iii) on the day after mailing if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service which maintains records of the time, place, and recipient of delivery; and (iv) upon receipt of a confirmed transmission, if sent by telecopy or facsimile transmission.

 

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7.06 Modification. This Agreement may be modified only by an instrument in writing signed by the Employee and an authorized representative of the Company.

7.07 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Company and the Employee concerning the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all other agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to such subject matter (including, but not limited to, (a) any Change in Control Agreement previously entered into by the Company and the Employee and (b) any conflicting provision in any past or future equity award agreements, unless such future equity award agreements specifically reference this Agreement and specify that such equity award agreement is intended to supersede some portion of this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement does not affect or supersede the Employee’s right to participate in the Company’s Change in Control Plan. This is an integrated agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement does not supersede any retention agreement or confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-competition or similar agreements.

7.08 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart, when executed, shall have the efficacy of a signed original. Copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

7.09 Good Faith Determinations. No member of the Board shall be liable, with respect to this Agreement, for any act, whether of commission or omission, taken by any other member of the Board or by any officer, agent, or employee of the Company, nor, excepting circumstances involving his or her own bad faith, for anything done or omitted to be done by himself or herself. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Board from and against any liability or expense hereunder, except in the case of such member’s own bad faith.

7.10 Arbitration. Any controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement, arbitrability or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, or any other controversy arising out of or relating in any way to the subject matter contained herein, shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration. Any arbitration hereunder shall be in Wilmington, Delaware before a sole arbitrator selected from Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc., or its successor (“JAMS”), or if JAMS is no longer able to supply the arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be selected from the American Arbitration Association. Final resolution of any dispute through arbitration may include any remedy or relief which the Arbitrator deems just and equitable, including any and all remedies provided by applicable state or federal statutes. At the conclusion of the arbitration, the Arbitrator shall issue a written decision that sets forth the essential findings and conclusions upon which the Arbitrator’s award or decision is based. Any award or relief granted by the Arbitrator hereunder shall be final and binding on the parties hereto and may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties acknowledge and agree that they are hereby waiving any rights to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either of the parties against the other in connection with any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this Agreement or the subject matter contained herein. The parties further agree that in any proceeding to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the nonprevailing party shall pay (1) the prevailing party’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with resolution of the dispute in addition to any other relief granted, and (2) all costs of the arbitration, including, but not limited to, the arbitrator’s fees, court reporter fees, and any and all other administrative costs of the arbitration, and that the nonprevailing party promptly shall reimburse the prevailing party for any portion of such costs previously paid by the prevailing party. The arbitrator shall resolve any dispute as to the reasonableness of any fee or cost.

 

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COLFAX CORPORATION      EMPLOYEE

By:

    

 

Name:      Name:
Title:          
Date:      Date:

 

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EXHIBIT A

RELEASE OF CLAIMS AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT

This Release of Claims and Separation Agreement (the “Release”) is made by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and                  (“Employee”). The Employee and the Company may be referred to herein as the “Parties.”

WHEREAS, if there is a Change in Control, and subject to the terms and conditions of the CIC Agreement, including the requirement to execute and not revoke this Release, Employee shall receive the severance payments set forth in the Employee’s Change in Control Agreement, dated [                ], 2021 (the “CIC Agreement”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and benefits set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Separation Payments. In consideration for Employee signing and not revoking this Release and complying with Employee’s obligations under the CIC Agreement and obligations hereunder, the Company will provide the severance payments to Employee as provided in the CIC Agreement.

2. Release and Covenant Not To Sue. In exchange for the payments set forth in the CIC Agreement, Employee, on behalf of Employee and Employee’s heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, forever releases the Company and its subsidiaries and each of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ successors, assigns, predecessors, affiliates, divisions, directors, officers, shareholders, employees, representatives, agents, counsel, and insurers, and any persons acting with them (collectively “Releasees”) from, and covenants not to bring suit or otherwise institute legal proceedings against any of them arising in whole or in part from, all claims that Employee now has or may have or that Employee may hereafter have of any nature whatsoever, that arose out of or are related to any matter occurring prior to the execution date, be they common law or statutory, legal or equitable, in contract or tort, including but not limited to claims arising out of the CIC Agreement, the Employee’s employment with the Company, and including but not limited to claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. §2000e, et seq.); the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 or 1871 (42 U.S.C. §§1981, 1983, 1985, et seq.); the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”); the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”); the Fair Labor Standards and the Equal Pay Acts (“FLSA”); the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”); Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”); Older Worker Benefit Protection Act (“OWBPA”); the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (“WARN”); the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (“COBRA”); Occupational Health & Safety Act (“OSHA”); and any similar state or local or other applicable jurisdiction’s laws; claims relating to any rights under company policies or otherwise relating to compensation or benefits (including but not limited to sales commission); claims for damages of any kind and nature including compensatory, general, special or punitive; and/or claims for attorney’s fees and/or costs. This Release does not waive any right that cannot be waived by law.

Employee hereby represents and warrants that (s)he has not filed or reported any claims or complaints in any forum and that (s)he has not assigned to any third party or filed with any agency or court any claim released by this paragraph 2, except for any claims, reports or information filed with or provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or other government agency or court confidentially pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Employee is not waiving any claim for workers’ compensation, although Employee acknowledges (s)he has not sustained a work-related injury or illness. Nothing in this Release prohibits Employee from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board or a comparable state or local administrative agency related to Employee’s employment or separation of employment. Employee does forever waive his right to recover or receive any monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, back pay, reinstatement or injunctive relief from the Company and/or Releasees relating to any matter whatsoever up to the date of this Release. However, nothing in this Release (i) prohibits, limits or restricts, or shall be construed to prohibit, limit or restrict, Employee from exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder), without notice to or consent from the Company, or (ii) to the extent required by law, prohibits or shall be construed to prohibit Employee from receiving a reward from the SEC or other applicable government agency pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act or other applicable whistleblower or other law or regulation in connection therewith.

 

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3. Consideration of Agreement by Employee.

(a) The Company hereby advises Employee and Employee acknowledges that Employee has been so advised, to consult with an attorney before executing this Release.

(b) Employee acknowledges that, before entering into this Release, Employee had twenty-one (21) calendar days after receipt of this Release (the “Consideration Period”) to consider this Release before signing it. Employee and the Company agree that no changes to this Release will re-start the Consideration Period. If Employee signs this Release, the date on which he signs the Release shall be the “Execution Date.” In the event Employee executes and returns this Release prior to the end of the Consideration Period, he acknowledges that his decision to do so was voluntary and that he had the opportunity to consider this Release for the entire Consideration Period.

(c) The Parties agree that this Release will not become effective until seven (7) calendar days after the Execution Date and that Employee may, within seven (7) calendar days after the Execution Date, revoke the Release in its entirety by providing written notice to the General Counsel at the Company. If written notice of revocation is not received by the Company by the 8th day after the execution of this Release, this Release will become effective and enforceable on that day (the “Effective Date”).

4. Employee’s Representations and Warranties. By Employee’s signature below, Employee represents and warrants that: (i) Employee is not aware of any unpaid wages, vacation, bonuses, expense reimbursements, or other amounts owed to Employee by the Company; (ii) however, to the extent Employee is aware of any claims for unpaid wages, severance, benefits, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation of any kind, there is a bona fide dispute between the Parties regarding the fact of and amount of such claims, and Employee further agrees to release such claims and acknowledges that Employee’s release is not barred or void under California Labor Code section 206.5; (iii) Employee is not aware of any violations by the Company of any applicable laws, including without limitation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or any other state or federal laws, regulations, or ordinances applicable to Employee’s employment or to the Company’s financial operations and dealings; however, to the extent Employee has been aware of any violation(s), Employee has complied with all legally-mandated reporting requirements; (iv) Employee has no knowledge of any wrongdoing involving improper or false claims against a federal or state governmental agency, or any other wrongdoing that involves Employee or other present or former the Company employees. The Company’s obligations under the CIC Agreement are contingent upon Employee’s compliance with all terms and conditions provided for herein.

THE PARTIES HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.

 

       COLFAX CORPORATION
Dated:  

 

     By:   

 

       Name:   
            Title:   
       EMPLOYEE
Dated:  

 

     Signature:   

 

       Name:   

 

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Exhibit 10.25

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Change in Control Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of March 5, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Shyam Kambeyanda (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, the Company considers the continued availability of the Employee’s services to be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders, and desires to reduce (a) the potential distraction of the Employee occasioned by the possibility of a Change in Control of the Division for which the Employee performs services, and (b) the likelihood that the Employee would seek other employment following the announcement of a Change in Control of the Division and if such announced transaction were not consummated, the Division would be seriously harmed.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these promises, the parties agree that the following shall constitute the agreement between the Company and the Employee:

1. Definitions. Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:

1.01 Administrator” shall mean the Board or its delegate.

1.02 Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

1.03 Cause” shall mean Employee shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of the Company; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of the Company; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or (vi) any such act shall have been materially harmful to the Company taken as a whole. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause under this Agreement unless and until there has been delivered to Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company then in office at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Employee and an opportunity for Employee, together with Employee’s counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, Employee had committed an act set forth above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit Employee’s right or the right of your beneficiaries to contest the validity or propriety of any such determination.

1.04 Change in Control” means and includes the consummation by the Company (whether directly involving the Company or indirectly involving the Company through one or more intermediaries) of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Division’s assets in any single transaction or series of related transactions to 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). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control hereunder if it is (i) effected for the purpose of changing the place of incorporation or form of organization of the ultimate parent entity (including where the Company is succeeded by an issuer incorporated under the laws of another state, country or foreign government for such purpose and whether or not the Company remains in existence following such transaction) where all or substantially all of the persons or group that beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company’s voting securities immediately prior to the transaction beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company in substantially the same proportions of their ownership after the transaction, or (ii) where there is a Spin Off.

 

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1.05 “Change in Control Termination” shall mean a termination of employment of the Employee during the Protected Period for which a Notice of Termination has been provided to the other party where such termination results from (a) termination by the Company or a party effecting a Change in Control of the Company other than for Employee’s death, Employee’s Permanent Disability or for Cause, or (b) the Employee resigns with Good Reason.

1.06 Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

1.07 Date of Termination” shall mean the date, as the case may be, for the following events: (a) if the Employee’s employment is terminated by death, the date of death; (b) if the Employee’s employment is terminated due to a Permanent Disability, thirty (30) days after the Notice of Termination is given (provided that the Employee shall not have returned to the performance of his or her duties on a full-time basis during such period); (c) if the Employee’s employment is terminated pursuant to a termination for Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; (d) if the Employee’s employment is terminated in a Change in Control Termination, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; and (e) if the Employee’s employment is terminated for any other reason, fifteen (15) days after delivery of the Notice of Termination unless otherwise agreed by the Employee and the Company.

1.08 Disability” shall mean that Employee has become permanently disabled within the meaning of, and begin actually to receive disability benefits pursuant to, the long-term disability plan in effect immediately prior to the date of this Agreement for key employees of the Company.

1.09 Division” shall mean the fabrication technology business division under the ESAB brand.

1.10 Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

1.11 Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following, without the Employee’s express written consent, within a Protected Period: (i) if there is a Change in Control and Employee does not continue to report to the principal executive officer of the most senior resulting entity of the affiliated group of which the Division is a member; (ii) a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with the Company which Employee held immediately prior to entering into this Agreement, a material reduction in the aggregate of Employee’s base salary and incentive pay opportunity to which (s)he was entitled immediately prior to entering into this Agreement or the termination of Employee’s rights to any material employee benefits to which (s)he was entitled immediately prior to the entering into this Agreement or a material reduction in scope or value thereof; or (iii) the Company or its successor shall relocate its principal executive offices, Employee is required to have Employee’s principal assigned location of work changed, to any location which shall be in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location thereof immediately prior to entering into this Agreement or Employee is required to travel away from Employee’s office in the course of discharging Employee’s responsibilities or duties significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of Employee prior to Employee entering into this Agreement; provided, that Good Reason shall not exist unless and until Employee provides the Company or a successor with written notice of the act(s) alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of such act(s) and describing such act(s) in reasonably sufficient detail to allow the Company or a successor to cure the act(s), and the Company or a successor fails to cure such act(s) within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of such notice. Further, Employee must then exercise Employee’s right to terminate Employee’s employment for Good Reason within sixty (60) calendar days thereafter, in order for the termination to be for Good Reason.

1.12 Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that indicates the Date of Termination and the basis for termination, including in the case of resignation for Good Reason, the particular facts and circumstances asserted as giving rise to Good Reason.

1.13 Permanent Disability” shall mean if, as a result of the Employee’s Disability, the Employee shall have been absent from his or her duties with the Company on a full-time basis for a total of six (6) months of any consecutive eight (8) month period.

1.14 Protected Period” shall mean a period (a) commencing upon the earlier of (i) execution by the Company of a definitive agreement, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control (and such Change in Control contemplated by the definitive agreement does in fact occur) or (ii) ninety (90) days prior to a Change in Control, and (b) ending eighteen (18) months after such Change in Control.

 

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1.15 Separation from Service” means the date upon which the Employee dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder. To the greatest extent permissible consistent with Section 409A, a Separation from Service shall include any termination of the employee-employer relationship between the Employee and the Company for any reason, voluntary or involuntary, with or without Cause, including, without limitation, a termination by reason of resignation (whether for Good Reason or otherwise), discharge (with or without Cause), Permanent Disability, death or retirement.

1.16Spin Off” shall mean the completion of the strategic transaction announced by the Company on March 4, 2021, which will separate the Division into a standalone publicly traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the Division’s equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise.

2. Term. This Agreement shall terminate if (a) the Agreement is mutually terminated by the parties, (b) Employee’s employment is terminated in a manner that does not constitute a Change in Control Termination, or (c) December 31, 2022 if a Spin Off has not been consummated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall not terminate and the Company shall not be entitled to deliver such notice of termination while the Company or a Division is party to a definitive agreement, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control.

3. Compensation Upon Change in Control Termination.

3.01 Change in Control Termination Payments. If there is a Change in Control Termination, then, subject to Section 3.02 and provided that the Employee executes and does not revoke the release of claims and separation agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”) and provided such Release becomes effective (without having been revoked) by the 60th day following Employee’s Separation from Service or such earlier date required by the release (such effectiveness deadline, the “Release Deadline”), the Employee shall receive the following payments, which are in addition to any amounts owed to Employee pursuant to any retention agreement, payments or benefits Employee is entitled to under the Colfax Executive Severance Plan, and/or as earned but unpaid wages through the Date of Termination and accrued but unused vacation, if any, through the Date of Termination. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no payment or benefit shall be provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement unless a Change in Control is consummated within the Protected Period. No payments will be paid until the Release becomes effective. If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Employee will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement.

(a) An amount equal to two-hundred percent (200%) the Employee’s annual base salary. For purposes of this clause, base salary shall be defined as the greater of (x) the Employee’s base salary at the time of the Change in Control or (y) the Employee’s base salary at the time of the Change in Control Termination. Such cash payment shall be payable in a single sum on the later of (i) sixtieth (60th) day following the Employee’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date of the Change in Control, provided if such sixty (60) day period spans two calendar years the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment.

(b) An amount equal to the greatest of (x) two-hundred percent (200%) of the Employee’s full Target Bonus pursuant to the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan for the last full fiscal year of the Company preceding the Change in Control Termination, or (y) two-hundred percent (200%) of the Employee’s full Target Bonus pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan for the full fiscal year of the Company in which the Change in Control Termination occurs. Such cash payment shall be payable in a single sum on the later of (i) sixtieth (60th) day following the Employee’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date of the Change in Control, provided if such sixty (60) day period spans two calendar years the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment.

 

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3.02 Federal Excise Tax Under Section 4999 of the Code.

(a) Excess Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit Employee would receive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “Payments”) would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and, but for this Section 3.02(a), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any similar or successor provision (the “Excise Tax”), then the aggregate amount of the Payments will be either (i) the largest portion of the Payments that would result in no portion of the Payments (after reduction) being subject to the Excise Tax or (ii) the entire Payments, whichever amount after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from a deduction of such state and local taxes), results in Employee’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of the Payments. Any reduction in the Payments required by this Section will be made in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) reduction of accelerated vesting of equity awards other than stock options; (iii) reduction of accelerated vesting of stock options; and (iv) reduction of other benefits paid or provided to Employee. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Employee’s equity awards. If two or more equity awards are granted on the same date, the accelerated vesting of each award will be reduced on a pro-rata basis.

(b) Determination by Tax Firm. The professional firm engaged by the Company for general tax purposes as of the day prior to the date of the event that might reasonably be anticipated to result in Payments that would otherwise be subject to the Excise Tax will perform the foregoing calculations. If the tax firm so engaged by the Company is serving as accountant or auditor for the acquiring company, the Company will appoint a nationally recognized tax firm to make the determinations required by this Section. The Company will bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such firm required to be made by this Section. The Company and Employee shall furnish such tax firm such information and documents as the tax firm may reasonably request in order to make its required determination. The tax firm will provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to the Company and Employee as soon as practicable following its engagement. Any good faith determinations of the tax firm made hereunder will be final, binding and conclusive upon the Company and Employee.

4. Limitation on Rights.

4.01 No Employment Contract. This Agreement shall not be deemed to create a contract of employment between the Company and the Employee and shall not create any right in the Employee to continue in the Company’s employment for any specific period of time. This Agreement shall not restrict the right of the Company to terminate the employment of Employee for any reason, or no reason at all, or restrict the right of the Employee to terminate his or her employment.

4.02 No Other Exclusions. This Agreement shall not be construed to exclude the Employee from participation in any other compensation or benefit programs in which he or she is specifically eligible to participate either prior to or following the Effective Date of this Agreement, or any such programs that generally are available to other employee personnel of the Company.

5. No Mitigation. The Employee shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payments provided for by this Agreement by seeking employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any cash payments or benefits provided under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation or benefits earned by the Employee after his or her Date of Termination.

6. Tax Matters.

6.01 Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

6.02 Section 409A. It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto, “Section 409A”) so as not to subject the Employee to payment of any additional tax, penalty or interest imposed under Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to avoid the imputation of any such additional tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to the Employee. However, the Company does not guarantee any particular tax effect for income provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement. In any event, except for the

 

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Company’s responsibility to withhold applicable income and employment taxes from compensation paid or provided to the Employee, the Company shall not be responsible for the payment of any taxes, penalties, interest, costs, fees, including attorneys’ fees or accountants’ fees, or other liability incurred by the Employee in connection with compensation paid or provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement is intended to constitute, nor does it constitute, tax advice, and in all cases, the Employee should obtain and rely solely on the tax advice provided by the Employee’s own independent tax advisors (and not the Company, any of the Company’s affiliates, or any officer, employee or agent of the Company or any of its affiliates).

7. Miscellaneous.

7.01 Administration. The Administrator shall administer this Agreement and the benefits provided for herein.

7.02 Assignment and Binding Effect.

(a) No right or interest to or in this Agreement, or any payment or benefit to the Employee under this Agreement shall be assignable by the Employee except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. No right, benefit or interest of the Employee hereunder shall be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, hypothecation or set off in respect of any claim, debt or obligation, or to execution, attachment, levy or similar process or assignment by operation of law. Any attempt, voluntarily or involuntarily, to effect any action specified in the immediately preceding sentences shall, to the full extent permitted by law, be null, void and of no effect; provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude the Employee from designating one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable to the Employee under this Agreement after his or her death and shall not preclude the legal representatives of the Employee’s estate from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto under his or her will, or, in the case of intestacy, to the person or persons entitled thereto under the laws of intestacy applicable to his or her estate. However, this Agreement shall be assignable by the Company to, binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor of the Company, and any successor shall be deemed substituted for the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof.

(b) The Company will require any successor (whether by purchase of assets, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Division to expressly assume and agree to perform all of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement (including the obligation to cause any subsequent successor to also assume the obligations of this Agreement) unless such assumption occurs by operation of law.

7.03 No Waiver. No waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances shall be deemed or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such term, provision or condition or as a waiver of any other term, provision or condition of this Agreement.

7.04 Rules of Construction.

(a) This Agreement has been executed in, and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the principles of conflict of laws.

(b) Captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered or referred to in resolving questions of interpretation with respect to this Agreement.

(c) If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto will not be materially or adversely affected thereby, (i) such provision will be fully severable, (ii) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, (iii) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom and (iv) in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible.

7.05 Notices. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing, delivered by hand or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by a nationally recognized courier service (regularly providing proof of delivery) or by facsimile or telecopy, addressed to the Board and the Company and, if other than the Board, the Administrator, at the Company’s then principal office, or to the Employee at the address set forth in the records of the Company, as the case may be, or to such other address or addresses the Company or the Employee may from time to time specify in writing. Notices shall be deemed given: (i) when

 

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delivered if delivered personally (including by courier); (ii) on the third day after mailing, if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested); (iii) on the day after mailing if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service which maintains records of the time, place, and recipient of delivery; and (iv) upon receipt of a confirmed transmission, if sent by telecopy or facsimile transmission.

7.06 Modification. This Agreement may be modified only by an instrument in writing signed by the Employee and an authorized representative of the Company.

7.07 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Company and the Employee concerning the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all other agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to such subject matter (including, but not limited to, (a) any Change in Control Agreement previously entered into by the Company and the Employee and (b) any conflicting provision in any past or future equity award agreements, unless such future equity award agreements specifically reference this Agreement and specify that such equity award agreement is intended to supersede some portion of this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement does not affect or supersede the Employee’s right to participate in the Company’s Change in Control Plan. This is an integrated agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement does not supersede any retention agreement or confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-competition or similar agreements.

7.08 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart, when executed, shall have the efficacy of a signed original. Copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

7.09 Good Faith Determinations. No member of the Board shall be liable, with respect to this Agreement, for any act, whether of commission or omission, taken by any other member of the Board or by any officer, agent, or employee of the Company, nor, excepting circumstances involving his or her own bad faith, for anything done or omitted to be done by himself or herself. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Board from and against any liability or expense hereunder, except in the case of such member’s own bad faith.

7.10 Arbitration. Any controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement, arbitrability or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, or any other controversy arising out of or relating in any way to the subject matter contained herein, shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration. Any arbitration hereunder shall be in Wilmington, Delaware before a sole arbitrator selected from Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc., or its successor (“JAMS”), or if JAMS is no longer able to supply the arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be selected from the American Arbitration Association. Final resolution of any dispute through arbitration may include any remedy or relief which the Arbitrator deems just and equitable, including any and all remedies provided by applicable state or federal statutes. At the conclusion of the arbitration, the Arbitrator shall issue a written decision that sets forth the essential findings and conclusions upon which the Arbitrator’s award or decision is based. Any award or relief granted by the Arbitrator hereunder shall be final and binding on the parties hereto and may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties acknowledge and agree that they are hereby waiving any rights to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either of the parties against the other in connection with any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this Agreement or the subject matter contained herein. The parties further agree that in any proceeding to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the nonprevailing party shall pay (1) the prevailing party’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with resolution of the dispute in addition to any other relief granted, and (2) all costs of the arbitration, including, but not limited to, the arbitrator’s fees, court reporter fees, and any and all other administrative costs of the arbitration, and that the nonprevailing party promptly shall reimburse the prevailing party for any portion of such costs previously paid by the prevailing party. The arbitrator shall resolve any dispute as to the reasonableness of any fee or cost.

 

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COLFAX CORPORATION       SHYAM KAMBEYANDA
By:   /s/ Matthew L. Trerotola       /s/ Shyam Kambeyanda
Name:   Matthew L. Trerotola       Name: Shyam Kambeyanda
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer      
Date:   March 5, 2021       Date: March 5, 2021

 

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EXHIBIT A

RELEASE OF CLAIMS AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT

This Release of Claims and Separation Agreement (the “Release”) is made by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Shyam Kambeyanda (“Employee”). The Employee and the Company may be referred to herein as the “Parties.”

WHEREAS, if there is a Change in Control, and subject to the terms and conditions of the CIC Agreement, including the requirement to execute and not revoke this Release, Employee shall receive the severance payments set forth in the Employee’s Change in Control Agreement, dated [                ], 2021 (the “CIC Agreement”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and benefits set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Separation Payments. In consideration for Employee signing and not revoking this Release and complying with Employee’s obligations under the CIC Agreement and obligations hereunder, the Company will provide the severance payments to Employee as provided in the CIC Agreement.

2. Release and Covenant Not To Sue. In exchange for the payments set forth in the CIC Agreement, Employee, on behalf of Employee and Employee’s heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, forever releases the Company and its subsidiaries and each of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ successors, assigns, predecessors, affiliates, divisions, directors, officers, shareholders, employees, representatives, agents, counsel, and insurers, and any persons acting with them (collectively “Releasees”) from, and covenants not to bring suit or otherwise institute legal proceedings against any of them arising in whole or in part from, all claims that Employee now has or may have or that Employee may hereafter have of any nature whatsoever, that arose out of or are related to any matter occurring prior to the execution date, be they common law or statutory, legal or equitable, in contract or tort, including but not limited to claims arising out of the CIC Agreement, the Employee’s employment with the Company, and including but not limited to claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. §2000e, et seq.); the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 or 1871 (42 U.S.C. §§1981, 1983, 1985, et seq.); the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”); the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”); the Fair Labor Standards and the Equal Pay Acts (“FLSA”); the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”); Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”); Older Worker Benefit Protection Act (“OWBPA”); the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (“WARN”); the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (“COBRA”); Occupational Health & Safety Act (“OSHA”); and any similar state or local or other applicable jurisdiction’s laws; claims relating to any rights under company policies or otherwise relating to compensation or benefits (including but not limited to sales commission); claims for damages of any kind and nature including compensatory, general, special or punitive; and/or claims for attorney’s fees and/or costs. This Release does not waive any right that cannot be waived by law.

Employee hereby represents and warrants that (s)he has not filed or reported any claims or complaints in any forum and that (s)he has not assigned to any third party or filed with any agency or court any claim released by this paragraph 2, except for any claims, reports or information filed with or provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or other government agency or court confidentially pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Employee is not waiving any claim for workers’ compensation, although Employee acknowledges (s)he has not sustained a work-related injury or illness. Nothing in this Release prohibits Employee from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board or a comparable state or local administrative agency related to Employee’s employment or separation of employment. Employee does forever waive his right to recover or receive any monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, back pay, reinstatement or injunctive relief from the Company and/or Releasees relating to any matter whatsoever up to the date of this Release. However, nothing in this Release (i) prohibits, limits or restricts, or shall be construed to prohibit, limit or restrict, Employee from exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder), without notice to or consent from the Company, or (ii) to the extent required by law, prohibits or shall be construed to prohibit Employee from receiving a reward from the SEC or other applicable government agency pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act or other applicable whistleblower or other law or regulation in connection therewith.

 

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3. Consideration of Agreement by Employee.

(a) The Company hereby advises Employee and Employee acknowledges that Employee has been so advised, to consult with an attorney before executing this Release.

(b) Employee acknowledges that, before entering into this Release, Employee had twenty-one (21) calendar days after receipt of this Release (the “Consideration Period”) to consider this Release before signing it. Employee and the Company agree that no changes to this Release will re-start the Consideration Period. If Employee signs this Release, the date on which he signs the Release shall be the “Execution Date.” In the event Employee executes and returns this Release prior to the end of the Consideration Period, he acknowledges that his decision to do so was voluntary and that he had the opportunity to consider this Release for the entire Consideration Period.

(c) The Parties agree that this Release will not become effective until seven (7) calendar days after the Execution Date and that Employee may, within seven (7) calendar days after the Execution Date, revoke the Release in its entirety by providing written notice to the General Counsel at the Company. If written notice of revocation is not received by the Company by the 8th day after the execution of this Release, this Release will become effective and enforceable on that day (the “Effective Date”).

4. Employee’s Representations and Warranties. By Employee’s signature below, Employee represents and warrants that: (i) Employee is not aware of any unpaid wages, vacation, bonuses, expense reimbursements, or other amounts owed to Employee by the Company; (ii) however, to the extent Employee is aware of any claims for unpaid wages, severance, benefits, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation of any kind, there is a bona fide dispute between the Parties regarding the fact of and amount of such claims, and Employee further agrees to release such claims and acknowledges that Employee’s release is not barred or void under California Labor Code section 206.5; (iii) Employee is not aware of any violations by the Company of any applicable laws, including without limitation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or any other state or federal laws, regulations, or ordinances applicable to Employee’s employment or to the Company’s financial operations and dealings; however, to the extent Employee has been aware of any violation(s), Employee has complied with all legally-mandated reporting requirements; (iv) Employee has no knowledge of any wrongdoing involving improper or false claims against a federal or state governmental agency, or any other wrongdoing that involves Employee or other present or former the Company employees. The Company’s obligations under the CIC Agreement are contingent upon Employee’s compliance with all terms and conditions provided for herein.

THE PARTIES HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.

 

   COLFAX CORPORATION
Dated:                                                                                                                          By:                                                                                                                      
   Name:
   Title:
   SHYAM KAMBEYANDA
Dated:                                                                                                                          Signature:                                                                                                         
   Name:

 

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Exhibit 10.26

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Change in Control Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of March 5, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Larry Coble (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, the Company considers the continued availability of the Employee’s services to be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders, and desires to reduce (a) the potential distraction of the Employee occasioned by the possibility of a Change in Control of the Division for which the Employee performs services, and (b) the likelihood that the Employee would seek other employment following the announcement of a Change in Control of the Division and if such announced transaction were not consummated, the Division would be seriously harmed.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these promises, the parties agree that the following shall constitute the agreement between the Company and the Employee:

1.    Definitions. Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:

1.01Administrator” shall mean the Board or its delegate.

1.02    “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

1.03    “Cause” shall mean Employee shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of the Company; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of the Company; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or (vi) any such act shall have been materially harmful to the Company taken as a whole. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause under this Agreement unless and until there has been delivered to Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company then in office at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Employee and an opportunity for Employee, together with Employee’s counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, Employee had committed an act set forth above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit Employee’s right or the right of your beneficiaries to contest the validity or propriety of any such determination.

1.04    “Change in Control” means and includes the consummation by the Company (whether directly involving the Company or indirectly involving the Company through one or more intermediaries) of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Division’s assets in any single transaction or series of related transactions to 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). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control hereunder if it is (i) effected for the purpose of changing the place of incorporation or form of organization of the ultimate parent entity (including where the Company is succeeded by an issuer incorporated under the laws of another state, country or foreign government for such purpose and whether or not the Company remains in existence following such transaction) where all or substantially all of the persons or group that beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company’s voting securities immediately prior to the transaction beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company in substantially the same proportions of their ownership after the transaction, or (ii) where there is a Spin Off.

 

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1.05    “Change in Control Termination” shall mean a termination of employment of the Employee during the Protected Period for which a Notice of Termination has been provided to the other party where such termination results from (a) termination by the Company or a party effecting a Change in Control of the Company other than for Employee’s death, Employee’s Permanent Disability or for Cause, or (b) the Employee resigns with Good Reason.

1.06    “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

1.07    “Date of Termination” shall mean the date, as the case may be, for the following events: (a) if the Employee’s employment is terminated by death, the date of death; (b) if the Employee’s employment is terminated due to a Permanent Disability, thirty (30) days after the Notice of Termination is given (provided that the Employee shall not have returned to the performance of his or her duties on a full-time basis during such period); (c) if the Employee’s employment is terminated pursuant to a termination for Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; (d) if the Employee’s employment is terminated in a Change in Control Termination, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; and (e) if the Employee’s employment is terminated for any other reason, fifteen (15) days after delivery of the Notice of Termination unless otherwise agreed by the Employee and the Company.

1.08    “Disability” shall mean that Employee has become permanently disabled within the meaning of, and begin actually to receive disability benefits pursuant to, the long-term disability plan in effect immediately prior to the date of this Agreement for key employees of the Company.

1.09    “Division” shall mean the fabrication technology business division under the ESAB brand.

1.10    “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

1.11    “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following, without the Employee’s express written consent, within a Protected Period: (i) if there is a Change in Control and Employee does not continue to report to the principal executive officer of the most senior resulting entity of the affiliated group of which the Division is a member; (ii) a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with the Company which Employee held immediately prior to entering into this Agreement, a material reduction in the aggregate of Employee’s base salary and incentive pay opportunity to which (s)he was entitled immediately prior to entering into this Agreement or the termination of Employee’s rights to any material employee benefits to which (s)he was entitled immediately prior to the entering into this Agreement or a material reduction in scope or value thereof; or (iii) the Company or its successor shall relocate its principal executive offices, Employee is required to have Employee’s principal assigned location of work changed, to any location which shall be in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location thereof immediately prior to entering into this Agreement or Employee is required to travel away from Employee’s office in the course of discharging Employee’s responsibilities or duties significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of Employee prior to Employee entering into this Agreement; provided, that Good Reason shall not exist unless and until Employee provides the Company or a successor with written notice of the act(s) alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of such act(s) and describing such act(s) in reasonably sufficient detail to allow the Company or a successor to cure the act(s), and the Company or a successor fails to cure such act(s) within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of such notice. Further, Employee must then exercise Employee’s right to terminate Employee’s employment for Good Reason within sixty (60) calendar days thereafter, in order for the termination to be for Good Reason.

1.12    “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that indicates the Date of Termination and the basis for termination, including in the case of resignation for Good Reason, the particular facts and circumstances asserted as giving rise to Good Reason.

1.13    “Permanent Disability” shall mean if, as a result of the Employee’s Disability, the Employee shall have been absent from his or her duties with the Company on a full-time basis for a total of six (6) months of any consecutive eight (8) month period.

 

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1.14    “Protected Period” shall mean a period (a) commencing upon the earlier of (i) execution by the Company of a definitive agreement, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control (and such Change in Control contemplated by the definitive agreement does in fact occur) or (ii) ninety (90) days prior to a Change in Control, and (b) ending eighteen (18) months after such Change in Control.

1.15    “Separation from Service” means the date upon which the Employee dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder. To the greatest extent permissible consistent with Section 409A, a Separation from Service shall include any termination of the employee-employer relationship between the Employee and the Company for any reason, voluntary or involuntary, with or without Cause, including, without limitation, a termination by reason of resignation (whether for Good Reason or otherwise), discharge (with or without Cause), Permanent Disability, death or retirement.

1.16    “Spin Off” shall mean the completion of the strategic transaction announced by the Company on March 4, 2021, which will separate the Division into a standalone publicly traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the Division’s equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise.

2.    Term. This Agreement shall terminate if (a) the Agreement is mutually terminated by the parties, or (b) Employee’s employment is terminated in a manner that does not constitute a Change in Control Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall not terminate and the Company shall not be entitled to deliver such notice of termination while the Company or a Division is party to a definitive agreement, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control.

3.    Compensation Upon Change in Control Termination.

3.01    Change in Control Termination Payments. If there is a Change in Control Termination, then, subject to Section 3.02 and provided that the Employee executes and does not revoke the release of claims and separation agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”) and provided such Release becomes effective (without having been revoked) by the 60th day following Employee’s Separation from Service or such earlier date required by the release (such effectiveness deadline, the “Release Deadline”), the Employee shall receive the following payments, which are in addition to any amounts owed to Employee pursuant to any retention agreement, payments or benefits Employee is entitled to under the Colfax Executive Severance Plan, and/or as earned but unpaid wages through the Date of Termination and accrued but unused vacation, if any, through the Date of Termination. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no payment or benefit shall be provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement unless a Change in Control is consummated within the Protected Period. No payments will be paid until the Release becomes effective. If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Employee will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement.

(a)    An amount equal to two-hundred percent (200%) the Employee’s annual base salary. For purposes of this clause, base salary shall be defined as the greater of (x) the Employee’s base salary at the time of the Change in Control or (y) the Employee’s base salary at the time of the Change in Control Termination. Such cash payment shall be payable in a single sum on the later of (i) sixtieth (60th) day following the Employee’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date of the Change in Control, provided if such sixty (60) day period spans two calendar years the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment.

(b)    An amount equal to the greatest of (x) two-hundred percent (200%) of the Employee’s full Target Bonus pursuant to the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan for the last full fiscal year of the Company preceding the Change in Control Termination, or (y) two-hundred percent (200%) of the Employee’s full Target Bonus pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan for the full fiscal year of the Company in which the Change in Control Termination occurs. Such cash payment shall be payable in a single sum on the later of (i) sixtieth (60th) day following the Employee’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date of the Change in Control, provided if such sixty (60) day period spans two calendar years the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment.

 

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3.02    Federal Excise Tax Under Section 4999 of the Code.

(a)    Excess Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit Employee would receive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “Payments”) would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and, but for this Section 3.02(a), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any similar or successor provision (the “Excise Tax”), then the aggregate amount of the Payments will be either (i) the largest portion of the Payments that would result in no portion of the Payments (after reduction) being subject to the Excise Tax or (ii) the entire Payments, whichever amount after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from a deduction of such state and local taxes), results in Employee’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of the Payments. Any reduction in the Payments required by this Section will be made in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) reduction of accelerated vesting of equity awards other than stock options; (iii) reduction of accelerated vesting of stock options; and (iv) reduction of other benefits paid or provided to Employee. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Employee’s equity awards. If two or more equity awards are granted on the same date, the accelerated vesting of each award will be reduced on a pro-rata basis.

(b)    Determination by Tax Firm. The professional firm engaged by the Company for general tax purposes as of the day prior to the date of the event that might reasonably be anticipated to result in Payments that would otherwise be subject to the Excise Tax will perform the foregoing calculations. If the tax firm so engaged by the Company is serving as accountant or auditor for the acquiring company, the Company will appoint a nationally recognized tax firm to make the determinations required by this Section. The Company will bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such firm required to be made by this Section. The Company and Employee shall furnish such tax firm such information and documents as the tax firm may reasonably request in order to make its required determination. The tax firm will provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to the Company and Employee as soon as practicable following its engagement. Any good faith determinations of the tax firm made hereunder will be final, binding and conclusive upon the Company and Employee.

4.    Limitation on Rights.

4.01    No Employment Contract. This Agreement shall not be deemed to create a contract of employment between the Company and the Employee and shall not create any right in the Employee to continue in the Company’s employment for any specific period of time. This Agreement shall not restrict the right of the Company to terminate the employment of Employee for any reason, or no reason at all, or restrict the right of the Employee to terminate his or her employment.

4.02    No Other Exclusions. This Agreement shall not be construed to exclude the Employee from participation in any other compensation or benefit programs in which he or she is specifically eligible to participate either prior to or following the Effective Date of this Agreement, or any such programs that generally are available to other employee personnel of the Company.

5.    No Mitigation. The Employee shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payments provided for by this Agreement by seeking employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any cash payments or benefits provided under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation or benefits earned by the Employee after his or her Date of Termination.

6.    Tax Matters.

6.01    Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

 

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6.02    Section 409A. It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto, “Section 409A”) so as not to subject the Employee to payment of any additional tax, penalty or interest imposed under Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to avoid the imputation of any such additional tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to the Employee. However, the Company does not guarantee any particular tax effect for income provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement. In any event, except for the Company’s responsibility to withhold applicable income and employment taxes from compensation paid or provided to the Employee, the Company shall not be responsible for the payment of any taxes, penalties, interest, costs, fees, including attorneys’ fees or accountants’ fees, or other liability incurred by the Employee in connection with compensation paid or provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement is intended to constitute, nor does it constitute, tax advice, and in all cases, the Employee should obtain and rely solely on the tax advice provided by the Employee’s own independent tax advisors (and not the Company, any of the Company’s affiliates, or any officer, employee or agent of the Company or any of its affiliates).

7.    Miscellaneous.

7.01    Administration. The Administrator shall administer this Agreement and the benefits provided for herein.

7.02    Assignment and Binding Effect. No right or interest to or in this Agreement, or any payment or benefit to the Employee under this Agreement shall be assignable by the Employee except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. No right, benefit or interest of the Employee hereunder shall be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, hypothecation or set off in respect of any claim, debt or obligation, or to execution, attachment, levy or similar process or assignment by operation of law. Any attempt, voluntarily or involuntarily, to effect any action specified in the immediately preceding sentences shall, to the full extent permitted by law, be null, void and of no effect; provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude the Employee from designating one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable to the Employee under this Agreement after his or her death and shall not preclude the legal representatives of the Employee’s estate from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto under his or her will, or, in the case of intestacy, to the person or persons entitled thereto under the laws of intestacy applicable to his or her estate. However, this Agreement shall be assignable by the Company to, binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor of the Company, and any successor shall be deemed substituted for the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof.

7.03    No Waiver. No waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances shall be deemed or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such term, provision or condition or as a waiver of any other term, provision or condition of this Agreement.

7.04    Rules of Construction.

(a)    This Agreement has been executed in, and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the principles of conflict of laws.

(b)    Captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered or referred to in resolving questions of interpretation with respect to this Agreement.

(c)    If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto will not be materially or adversely affected thereby, (i) such provision will be fully severable, (ii) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, (iii) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom and (iv) in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible.

 

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7.05    Notices. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing, delivered by hand or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by a nationally recognized courier service (regularly providing proof of delivery) or by facsimile or telecopy, addressed to the Board and the Company and, if other than the Board, the Administrator, at the Company’s then principal office, or to the Employee at the address set forth in the records of the Company, as the case may be, or to such other address or addresses the Company or the Employee may from time to time specify in writing. Notices shall be deemed given: (i) when delivered if delivered personally (including by courier); (ii) on the third day after mailing, if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested); (iii) on the day after mailing if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service which maintains records of the time, place, and recipient of delivery; and (iv) upon receipt of a confirmed transmission, if sent by telecopy or facsimile transmission.

7.06    Modification. This Agreement may be modified only by an instrument in writing signed by the Employee and an authorized representative of the Company.

7.07    Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Company and the Employee concerning the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all other agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to such subject matter (including, but not limited to, (a) any Change in Control Agreement previously entered into by the Company and the Employee and (b) any conflicting provision in any past or future equity award agreements, unless such future equity award agreements specifically reference this Agreement and specify that such equity award agreement is intended to supersede some portion of this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement does not affect or supersede the Employee’s right to participate in the Company’s Change in Control Plan. This is an integrated agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement does not supersede any retention agreement or confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-competition or similar agreements.

7.08    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart, when executed, shall have the efficacy of a signed original. Copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

7.09    Good Faith Determinations. No member of the Board shall be liable, with respect to this Agreement, for any act, whether of commission or omission, taken by any other member of the Board or by any officer, agent, or employee of the Company, nor, excepting circumstances involving his or her own bad faith, for anything done or omitted to be done by himself or herself. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Board from and against any liability or expense hereunder, except in the case of such member’s own bad faith.

7.10    Arbitration. Any controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement, arbitrability or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, or any other controversy arising out of or relating in any way to the subject matter contained herein, shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration. Any arbitration hereunder shall be in Wilmington, Delaware before a sole arbitrator selected from Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc., or its successor (“JAMS”), or if JAMS is no longer able to supply the arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be selected from the American Arbitration Association. Final resolution of any dispute through arbitration may include any remedy or relief which the Arbitrator deems just and equitable, including any and all remedies provided by applicable state or federal statutes. At the conclusion of the arbitration, the Arbitrator shall issue a written decision that sets forth the essential findings and conclusions upon which the Arbitrator’s award or decision is based. Any award or relief granted by the Arbitrator hereunder shall be final and binding on the parties hereto and may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties acknowledge and agree that they are hereby waiving any rights to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either of the parties against the other in connection with any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this Agreement or the subject matter contained herein. The parties further agree that in any proceeding to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the nonprevailing party shall pay (1) the prevailing party’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with resolution of the dispute in addition to any other relief granted, and (2) all costs of the arbitration, including, but not limited to, the arbitrator’s fees, court reporter fees, and any and all other administrative costs of the arbitration, and that the nonprevailing party promptly shall reimburse the prevailing party for any portion of such costs previously paid by the prevailing party. The arbitrator shall resolve any dispute as to the reasonableness of any fee or cost.

 

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COLFAX CORPORATION     EMPLOYEE
By:    

/s/ Patty Lang

   

/s/ Larry Coble

Name: Patty Lang     Name: Larry Coble
Title: SVP & CHRO    
Date: 3/5/2021     Date: 4/8/2021

 

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EXHIBIT A

RELEASE OF CLAIMS AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT

This Release of Claims and Separation Agreement (the “Release”) is made by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and                  (“Employee”). The Employee and the Company may be referred to herein as the “Parties.”

WHEREAS, if there is a Change in Control, and subject to the terms and conditions of the CIC Agreement, including the requirement to execute and not revoke this Release, Employee shall receive the severance payments set forth in the Employee’s Change in Control Agreement, dated [                ], 2021 (the “CIC Agreement”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and benefits set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1.    Separation Payments. In consideration for Employee signing and not revoking this Release and complying with Employee’s obligations under the CIC Agreement and obligations hereunder, the Company will provide the severance payments to Employee as provided in the CIC Agreement.

2.    Release and Covenant Not To Sue. In exchange for the payments set forth in the CIC Agreement, Employee, on behalf of Employee and Employee’s heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, forever releases the Company and its subsidiaries and each of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ successors, assigns, predecessors, affiliates, divisions, directors, officers, shareholders, employees, representatives, agents, counsel, and insurers, and any persons acting with them (collectively “Releasees”) from, and covenants not to bring suit or otherwise institute legal proceedings against any of them arising in whole or in part from, all claims that Employee now has or may have or that Employee may hereafter have of any nature whatsoever, that arose out of or are related to any matter occurring prior to the execution date, be they common law or statutory, legal or equitable, in contract or tort, including but not limited to claims arising out of the CIC Agreement, the Employee’s employment with the Company, and including but not limited to claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. §2000e, et seq.); the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 or 1871 (42 U.S.C. §§1981, 1983, 1985, et seq.); the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”); the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”); the Fair Labor Standards and the Equal Pay Acts (“FLSA”); the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”); Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”); Older Worker Benefit Protection Act (“OWBPA”); the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (“WARN”); the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (“COBRA”); Occupational Health & Safety Act (“OSHA”); and any similar state or local or other applicable jurisdiction’s laws; claims relating to any rights under company policies or otherwise relating to compensation or benefits (including but not limited to sales commission); claims for damages of any kind and nature including compensatory, general, special or punitive; and/or claims for attorney’s fees and/or costs. This Release does not waive any right that cannot be waived by law.

Employee hereby represents and warrants that (s)he has not filed or reported any claims or complaints in any forum and that (s)he has not assigned to any third party or filed with any agency or court any claim released by this paragraph 2, except for any claims, reports or information filed with or provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or other government agency or court confidentially pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Employee is not waiving any claim for workers’ compensation, although Employee acknowledges (s)he has not sustained a work-related injury or illness. Nothing in this Release prohibits Employee from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board or a comparable state or local administrative agency related to Employee’s employment or separation of employment. Employee does forever waive his right to recover or receive any monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, back pay, reinstatement or injunctive relief from the Company and/or Releasees relating to any matter whatsoever up to the date of this Release. However, nothing in this Release (i) prohibits, limits or restricts, or shall be construed to prohibit, limit or restrict, Employee from exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder), without notice to or consent from the Company, or (ii) to the extent required by law, prohibits or shall be construed to prohibit Employee from receiving a reward from the SEC or other applicable government agency pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act or other applicable whistleblower or other law or regulation in connection therewith.

 

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3.    Consideration of Agreement by Employee.

(a)    The Company hereby advises Employee and Employee acknowledges that Employee has been so advised, to consult with an attorney before executing this Release.

(b)    Employee acknowledges that, before entering into this Release, Employee had twenty-one (21) calendar days after receipt of this Release (the “Consideration Period”) to consider this Release before signing it. Employee and the Company agree that no changes to this Release will re-start the Consideration Period. If Employee signs this Release, the date on which he signs the Release shall be the “Execution Date.” In the event Employee executes and returns this Release prior to the end of the Consideration Period, he acknowledges that his decision to do so was voluntary and that he had the opportunity to consider this Release for the entire Consideration Period.

(c)    The Parties agree that this Release will not become effective until seven (7) calendar days after the Execution Date and that Employee may, within seven (7) calendar days after the Execution Date, revoke the Release in its entirety by providing written notice to the General Counsel at the Company. If written notice of revocation is not received by the Company by the 8th day after the execution of this Release, this Release will become effective and enforceable on that day (the “Effective Date”).

4.    Employee’s Representations and Warranties. By Employee’s signature below, Employee represents and warrants that: (i) Employee is not aware of any unpaid wages, vacation, bonuses, expense reimbursements, or other amounts owed to Employee by the Company; (ii) however, to the extent Employee is aware of any claims for unpaid wages, severance, benefits, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation of any kind, there is a bona fide dispute between the Parties regarding the fact of and amount of such claims, and Employee further agrees to release such claims and acknowledges that Employee’s release is not barred or void under California Labor Code section 206.5; (iii) Employee is not aware of any violations by the Company of any applicable laws, including without limitation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or any other state or federal laws, regulations, or ordinances applicable to Employee’s employment or to the Company’s financial operations and dealings; however, to the extent Employee has been aware of any violation(s), Employee has complied with all legally-mandated reporting requirements; (iv) Employee has no knowledge of any wrongdoing involving improper or false claims against a federal or state governmental agency, or any other wrongdoing that involves Employee or other present or former the Company employees. The Company’s obligations under the CIC Agreement are contingent upon Employee’s compliance with all terms and conditions provided for herein.

THE PARTIES HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.

 

      COLFAX CORPORATION
Dated:                                By:  

         

      Name:
      Title:
      EMPLOYEE
Dated:                               Signature:                                                                                                            
      Name:                                                                                                                  

 

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Exhibit 10.27

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Change in Control Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of March 5, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Olivier Biebuyck (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, the Company considers the continued availability of the Employee’s services to be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders, and desires to reduce (a) the potential distraction of the Employee occasioned by the possibility of a Change in Control of the Division for which the Employee performs services, and (b) the likelihood that the Employee would seek other employment following the announcement of a Change in Control of the Division and if such announced transaction were not consummated, the Division would be seriously harmed.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these promises, the parties agree that the following shall constitute the agreement between the Company and the Employee:

1. Definitions. Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:

1.01 “Administrator” shall mean the Board or its delegate.

1.02 “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

1.03 “Cause” shall mean Employee shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of the Company; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of the Company; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or (vi) any such act shall have been materially harmful to the Company taken as a whole. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause under this Agreement unless and until there has been delivered to Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company then in office at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Employee and an opportunity for Employee, together with Employee’s counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, Employee had committed an act set forth above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit Employee’s right or the right of your beneficiaries to contest the validity or propriety of any such determination.

1.04 “Change in Control” means and includes the consummation by the Company (whether directly involving the Company or indirectly involving the Company through one or more intermediaries) of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Division’s assets in any single transaction or series of related transactions to 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). Notwithstanding anything to the


contrary in the foregoing, a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control hereunder if it is (i) effected for the purpose of changing the place of incorporation or form of organization of the ultimate parent entity (including where the Company is succeeded by an issuer incorporated under the laws of another state, country or foreign government for such purpose and whether or not the Company remains in existence following such transaction) where all or substantially all of the persons or group that beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company’s voting securities immediately prior to the transaction beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company in substantially the same proportions of their ownership after the transaction, or (ii) where there is a Spin Off.

1.05 “Change in Control Termination” shall mean a termination of employment of the Employee during the Protected Period for which a Notice of Termination has been provided to the other party where such termination results from (a) termination by the Company or a party effecting a Change in Control of the Company other than for Employee’s death, Employee’s Permanent Disability or for Cause, or (b) the Employee resigns with Good Reason.

1.06 “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

1.07 “Date of Termination” shall mean the date, as the case may be, for the following events: (a) if the Employee’s employment is terminated by death, the date of death; (b) if the Employee’s employment is terminated due to a Permanent Disability, thirty (30) days after the Notice of Termination is given (provided that the Employee shall not have returned to the performance of his or her duties on a full-time basis during such period); (c) if the Employee’s employment is terminated pursuant to a termination for Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; (d) if the Employee’s employment is terminated in a Change in Control Termination, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; and (e) if the Employee’s employment is terminated for any other reason, fifteen (15) days after delivery of the Notice of Termination unless otherwise agreed by the Employee and the Company.

1.08 “Disability” shall mean that Employee has become permanently disabled within the meaning of, and begin actually to receive disability benefits pursuant to, the long-term disability plan in effect immediately prior to the date of this Agreement for key employees of the Company.

1.09 “Division” shall mean the fabrication technology business division under the ESAB brand.

1.10 “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

1.11 “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following, without the Employee’s express written consent, within a Protected Period: (i) if there is a Change in Control and Employee does not continue to report to the principal executive officer of the most senior resulting entity of the affiliated group of which the Division is a member; (ii) a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with the Company which Employee held immediately prior to entering into this Agreement, a material reduction in the aggregate of Employee’s base salary and incentive pay opportunity to

 

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which (s)he was entitled immediately prior to entering into this Agreement or the termination of Employee’s rights to any material employee benefits to which (s)he was entitled immediately prior to the entering into this Agreement or a material reduction in scope or value thereof; or (iii) the Company or its successor shall relocate its principal executive offices, Employee is required to have Employee’s principal assigned location of work changed, to any location which shall be in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location thereof immediately prior to entering into this Agreement or Employee is required to travel away from Employee’s office in the course of discharging Employee’s responsibilities or duties significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of Employee prior to Employee entering into this Agreement; provided, that Good Reason shall not exist unless and until Employee provides the Company or a successor with written notice of the act(s) alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of such act(s) and describing such act(s) in reasonably sufficient detail to allow the Company or a successor to cure the act(s), and the Company or a successor fails to cure such act(s) within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of such notice. Further, Employee must then exercise Employee’s right to terminate Employee’s employment for Good Reason within sixty (60) calendar days thereafter, in order for the termination to be for Good Reason.

1.12 “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that indicates the Date of Termination and the basis for termination, including in the case of resignation for Good Reason, the particular facts and circumstances asserted as giving rise to Good Reason.

1.13 “Permanent Disability” shall mean if, as a result of the Employee’s Disability, the Employee shall have been absent from his or her duties with the Company on a full-time basis for a total of six (6) months of any consecutive eight (8) month period.

1.14 “Protected Period” shall mean a period (a) commencing upon the earlier of (i) execution by the Company of a definitive agreement, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control (and such Change in Control contemplated by the definitive agreement does in fact occur) or (ii) ninety (90) days prior to a Change in Control, and (b) ending eighteen (18) months after such Change in Control.

1.15 “Separation from Service” means the date upon which the Employee dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder. To the greatest extent permissible consistent with Section 409A, a Separation from Service shall include any termination of the employee-employer relationship between the Employee and the Company for any reason, voluntary or involuntary, with or without Cause, including, without limitation, a termination by reason of resignation (whether for Good Reason or otherwise), discharge (with or without Cause), Permanent Disability, death or retirement.

1.16 “Spin Off” shall mean the completion of the strategic transaction announced by the Company on March 4, 2021, which will separate the Division into a standalone publicly traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the Division’s equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise.

 

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2. Term. This Agreement shall terminate if (a) the Agreement is mutually terminated by the parties, or (b) Employee’s employment is terminated in a manner that does not constitute a Change in Control Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall not terminate and the Company shall not be entitled to deliver such notice of termination while the Company or a Division is party to a definitive agreement, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control.

3. Compensation Upon Change in Control Termination.

3.01 Change in Control Termination Payments. If there is a Change in Control Termination, then, subject to Section 3.02 and provided that the Employee executes and does not revoke the release of claims and separation agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”) and provided such Release becomes effective (without having been revoked) by the 60th day following Employee’s Separation from Service or such earlier date required by the release (such effectiveness deadline, the “Release Deadline”), the Employee shall receive the following payments, which are in addition to any amounts owed to Employee pursuant to any retention agreement, payments or benefits Employee is entitled to under the Colfax Executive Severance Plan, and/or as earned but unpaid wages through the Date of Termination and accrued but unused vacation, if any, through the Date of Termination. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no payment or benefit shall be provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement unless a Change in Control is consummated within the Protected Period. No payments will be paid until the Release becomes effective. If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Employee will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement.

(a) An amount equal to two-hundred percent (200%) the Employee’s annual base salary. For purposes of this clause, base salary shall be defined as the greater of (x) the Employee’s base salary at the time of the Change in Control or (y) the Employee’s base salary at the time of the Change in Control Termination. Such cash payment shall be payable in a single sum on the later of (i) sixtieth (60th) day following the Employee’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date of the Change in Control, provided if such sixty (60) day period spans two calendar years the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment.

(b) An amount equal to the greatest of (x) two-hundred percent (200%) of the Employee’s full Target Bonus pursuant to the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan for the last full fiscal year of the Company preceding the Change in Control Termination, or (y) two-hundred percent (200%) of the Employee’s full Target Bonus pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan for the full fiscal year of the Company in which the Change in Control Termination occurs. Such cash payment shall be payable in a single sum on the later of (i) sixtieth (60th) day following the Employee’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date of the Change in Control, provided if such sixty (60) day period spans two calendar years the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment.

3.02 Federal Excise Tax Under Section 4999 of the Code.

 

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(a) Excess Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit Employee would receive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “Payments”) would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and, but for this Section 3.02(a), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any similar or successor provision (the “Excise Tax”), then the aggregate amount of the Payments will be either (i) the largest portion of the Payments that would result in no portion of the Payments (after reduction) being subject to the Excise Tax or (ii) the entire Payments, whichever amount after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from a deduction of such state and local taxes), results in Employee’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of the Payments. Any reduction in the Payments required by this Section will be made in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) reduction of accelerated vesting of equity awards other than stock options; (iii) reduction of accelerated vesting of stock options; and (iv) reduction of other benefits paid or provided to Employee. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Employee’s equity awards. If two or more equity awards are granted on the same date, the accelerated vesting of each award will be reduced on a pro-rata basis.

(b) Determination by Tax Firm. The professional firm engaged by the Company for general tax purposes as of the day prior to the date of the event that might reasonably be anticipated to result in Payments that would otherwise be subject to the Excise Tax will perform the foregoing calculations. If the tax firm so engaged by the Company is serving as accountant or auditor for the acquiring company, the Company will appoint a nationally recognized tax firm to make the determinations required by this Section. The Company will bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such firm required to be made by this Section. The Company and Employee shall furnish such tax firm such information and documents as the tax firm may reasonably request in order to make its required determination. The tax firm will provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to the Company and Employee as soon as practicable following its engagement. Any good faith determinations of the tax firm made hereunder will be final, binding and conclusive upon the Company and Employee.

4. Limitation on Rights.

4.01 No Employment Contract. This Agreement shall not be deemed to create a contract of employment between the Company and the Employee and shall not create any right in the Employee to continue in the Company’s employment for any specific period of time. This Agreement shall not restrict the right of the Company to terminate the employment of Employee for any reason, or no reason at all, or restrict the right of the Employee to terminate his or her employment.

4.02 No Other Exclusions. This Agreement shall not be construed to exclude the Employee from participation in any other compensation or benefit programs in which he or she is specifically eligible to participate either prior to or following the Effective Date of this Agreement, or any such programs that generally are available to other employee personnel of the Company.

5. No Mitigation. The Employee shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payments provided for by this Agreement by seeking employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any cash payments or benefits provided under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation or benefits earned by the Employee after his or her Date of Termination.

 

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6. Tax Matters.

6.01 Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

6.02 Section 409A. It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto, “Section 409A”) so as not to subject the Employee to payment of any additional tax, penalty or interest imposed under Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to avoid the imputation of any such additional tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to the Employee. However, the Company does not guarantee any particular tax effect for income provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement. In any event, except for the Company’s responsibility to withhold applicable income and employment taxes from compensation paid or provided to the Employee, the Company shall not be responsible for the payment of any taxes, penalties, interest, costs, fees, including attorneys’ fees or accountants’ fees, or other liability incurred by the Employee in connection with compensation paid or provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement is intended to constitute, nor does it constitute, tax advice, and in all cases, the Employee should obtain and rely solely on the tax advice provided by the Employee’s own independent tax advisors (and not the Company, any of the Company’s affiliates, or any officer, employee or agent of the Company or any of its affiliates).

7. Miscellaneous.

7.01 Administration. The Administrator shall administer this Agreement and the benefits provided for herein.

7.02 Assignment and Binding Effect. No right or interest to or in this Agreement, or any payment or benefit to the Employee under this Agreement shall be assignable by the Employee except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. No right, benefit or interest of the Employee hereunder shall be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, hypothecation or set off in respect of any claim, debt or obligation, or to execution, attachment, levy or similar process or assignment by operation of law. Any attempt, voluntarily or involuntarily, to effect any action specified in the immediately preceding sentences shall, to the full extent permitted by law, be null, void and of no effect; provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude the Employee from designating one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable to the Employee under this Agreement after his or her death and shall not preclude the legal representatives of the Employee’s estate from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto under his or her will, or, in the case of intestacy, to the person or persons entitled thereto under the laws of intestacy applicable to his or her estate. However, this Agreement shall be assignable by the Company to, binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor of the Company, and any successor shall be deemed substituted for the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof.

 

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7.03 No Waiver. No waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances shall be deemed or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such term, provision or condition or as a waiver of any other term, provision or condition of this Agreement.

7.04 Rules of Construction.

(a) This Agreement has been executed in, and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the principles of conflict of laws.

(b) Captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered or referred to in resolving questions of interpretation with respect to this Agreement.

(c) If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto will not be materially or adversely affected thereby, (i) such provision will be fully severable, (ii) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, (iii) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom and (iv) in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible.

7.05 Notices. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing, delivered by hand or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by a nationally recognized courier service (regularly providing proof of delivery) or by facsimile or telecopy, addressed to the Board and the Company and, if other than the Board, the Administrator, at the Company’s then principal office, or to the Employee at the address set forth in the records of the Company, as the case may be, or to such other address or addresses the Company or the Employee may from time to time specify in writing. Notices shall be deemed given: (i) when delivered if delivered personally (including by courier); (ii) on the third day after mailing, if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested); (iii) on the day after mailing if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service which maintains records of the time, place, and recipient of delivery; and (iv) upon receipt of a confirmed transmission, if sent by telecopy or facsimile transmission.

7.06 Modification. This Agreement may be modified only by an instrument in writing signed by the Employee and an authorized representative of the Company.

 

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7.07 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Company and the Employee concerning the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all other agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to such subject matter (including, but not limited to, (a) any Change in Control Agreement previously entered into by the Company and the Employee and (b) any conflicting provision in any past or future equity award agreements, unless such future equity award agreements specifically reference this Agreement and specify that such equity award agreement is intended to supersede some portion of this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement does not affect or supersede the Employee’s right to participate in the Company’s Change in Control Plan. This is an integrated agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement does not supersede any retention agreement or confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-competition or similar agreements.

7.08 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart, when executed, shall have the efficacy of a signed original. Copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

7.09 Good Faith Determinations. No member of the Board shall be liable, with respect to this Agreement, for any act, whether of commission or omission, taken by any other member of the Board or by any officer, agent, or employee of the Company, nor, excepting circumstances involving his or her own bad faith, for anything done or omitted to be done by himself or herself. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Board from and against any liability or expense hereunder, except in the case of such member’s own bad faith.

7.10 Arbitration. Any controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement, arbitrability or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, or any other controversy arising out of or relating in any way to the subject matter contained herein, shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration. Any arbitration hereunder shall be in Wilmington, Delaware before a sole arbitrator selected from Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc., or its successor (“JAMS”), or if JAMS is no longer able to supply the arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be selected from the American Arbitration Association. Final resolution of any dispute through arbitration may include any remedy or relief which the Arbitrator deems just and equitable, including any and all remedies provided by applicable state or federal statutes. At the conclusion of the arbitration, the Arbitrator shall issue a written decision that sets forth the essential findings and conclusions upon which the Arbitrator’s award or decision is based. Any award or relief granted by the Arbitrator hereunder shall be final and binding on the parties hereto and may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties acknowledge and agree that they are hereby waiving any rights to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either of the parties against the other in connection with any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this Agreement or the subject matter contained herein. The parties further agree that in any proceeding to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the nonprevailing party shall pay (1) the prevailing party’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with resolution of the dispute in addition to any other relief granted, and (2) all costs of the arbitration, including, but not limited to, the arbitrator’s fees, court reporter fees, and any and all other administrative costs of the arbitration, and that the nonprevailing party promptly shall reimburse the prevailing party for any portion of such costs previously paid by the prevailing party. The arbitrator shall resolve any dispute as to the reasonableness of any fee or cost.

 

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COLFAX CORPORATION

    EMPLOYEE
By:  

/s/ Patty Lang

    By:  

/s/ Olivier Biebuyck

Name:   Patty Lang     Name: Olivier Biebuyck
Title:   SVP & CHRO     Title: Vice President
Date:   3/5/2021     Date: March 5, 2021

 

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EXHIBIT A

RELEASE OF CLAIMS AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT

This Release of Claims and Separation Agreement (the “Release”) is made by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and___________________ (“Employee”). The Employee and the Company may be referred to herein as the “Parties.

WHEREAS, if there is a Change in Control, and subject to the terms and conditions of the CIC Agreement, including the requirement to execute and not revoke this Release, Employee shall receive the severance payments set forth in the Employee’s Change in Control Agreement, dated [__], 2021 (the “CIC Agreement”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and benefits set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Separation Payments. In consideration for Employee signing and not revoking this Release and complying with Employee’s obligations under the CIC Agreement and obligations hereunder, the Company will provide the severance payments to Employee as provided in the CIC Agreement.

2. Release and Covenant Not To Sue. In exchange for the payments set forth in the CIC Agreement, Employee, on behalf of Employee and Employee’s heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, forever releases the Company and its subsidiaries and each of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ successors, assigns, predecessors, affiliates, divisions, directors, officers, shareholders, employees, representatives, agents, counsel, and insurers, and any persons acting with them (collectively “Releasees”) from, and covenants not to bring suit or otherwise institute legal proceedings against any of them arising in whole or in part from, all claims that Employee now has or may have or that Employee may hereafter have of any nature whatsoever, that arose out of or are related to any matter occurring prior to the execution date, be they common law or statutory, legal or equitable, in contract or tort, including but not limited to claims arising out of the CIC Agreement, the Employee’s employment with the Company, and including but not limited to claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. §2000e, et seq.); the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 or 1871 (42 U.S.C. §§1981, 1983, 1985, et seq.); the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”); the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”); the Fair Labor Standards and the Equal Pay Acts (“FLSA”); the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”); Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”); Older Worker Benefit Protection Act (“OWBPA”); the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (“WARN”); the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (“COBRA”); Occupational Health & Safety Act (“OSHA”); and any similar state or local or other applicable jurisdiction’s laws; claims relating to any rights under company policies or otherwise relating to compensation or benefits (including but not limited to sales commission); claims for damages of any kind and nature including compensatory, general, special or punitive; and/or claims for attorney’s fees and/or costs. This Release does not waive any right that cannot be waived by law.

 

A-1


Employee hereby represents and warrants that (s)he has not filed or reported any claims or complaints in any forum and that (s)he has not assigned to any third party or filed with any agency or court any claim released by this paragraph 2, except for any claims, reports or information filed with or provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or other government agency or court confidentially pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Employee is not waiving any claim for workers’ compensation, although Employee acknowledges (s)he has not sustained a work-related injury or illness. Nothing in this Release prohibits Employee from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board or a comparable state or local administrative agency related to Employee’s employment or separation of employment. Employee does forever waive his right to recover or receive any monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, back pay, reinstatement or injunctive relief from the Company and/or Releasees relating to any matter whatsoever up to the date of this Release. However, nothing in this Release (i) prohibits, limits or restricts, or shall be construed to prohibit, limit or restrict, Employee from exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder), without notice to or consent from the Company, or (ii) to the extent required by law, prohibits or shall be construed to prohibit Employee from receiving a reward from the SEC or other applicable government agency pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act or other applicable whistleblower or other law or regulation in connection therewith.

3. Consideration of Agreement by Employee.

(a) The Company hereby advises Employee and Employee acknowledges that Employee has been so advised, to consult with an attorney before executing this Release.

(b) Employee acknowledges that, before entering into this Release, Employee had twenty-one (21) calendar days after receipt of this Release (the “Consideration Period”) to consider this Release before signing it. Employee and the Company agree that no changes to this Release will re-start the Consideration Period. If Employee signs this Release, the date on which he signs the Release shall be the “Execution Date.” In the event Employee executes and returns this Release prior to the end of the Consideration Period, he acknowledges that his decision to do so was voluntary and that he had the opportunity to consider this Release for the entire Consideration Period.

(c) The Parties agree that this Release will not become effective until seven (7) calendar days after the Execution Date and that Employee may, within seven (7) calendar days after the Execution Date, revoke the Release in its entirety by providing written notice to the General Counsel at the Company. If written notice of revocation is not received by the Company by the 8th day after the execution of this Release, this Release will become effective and enforceable on that day (the “Effective Date”).

 

A-2


4. Employee’s Representations and Warranties. By Employee’s signature below, Employee represents and warrants that: (i) Employee is not aware of any unpaid wages, vacation, bonuses, expense reimbursements, or other amounts owed to Employee by the Company; (ii) however, to the extent Employee is aware of any claims for unpaid wages, severance, benefits, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation of any kind, there is a bona fide dispute between the Parties regarding the fact of and amount of such claims, and Employee further agrees to release such claims and acknowledges that Employee’s release is not barred or void under California Labor Code section 206.5; (iii) Employee is not aware of any violations by the Company of any applicable laws, including without limitation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or any other state or federal laws, regulations, or ordinances applicable to Employee’s employment or to the Company’s financial operations and dealings; however, to the extent Employee has been aware of any violation(s), Employee has complied with all legally-mandated reporting requirements; (iv) Employee has no knowledge of any wrongdoing involving improper or false claims against a federal or state governmental agency, or any other wrongdoing that involves Employee or other present or former the Company employees. The Company’s obligations under the CIC Agreement are contingent upon Employee’s compliance with all terms and conditions provided for herein.

THE PARTIES HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.

 

      COLFAX CORPORATION
      By:  

 

Date:  

 

    Name:  
      Title:  
      EMPLOYEE
      Signature:  

 

Date:  

 

    Name:  

 

A-3

Exhibit 10.28

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Change in Control Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of March 5, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Curtis Jewell (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, the Company considers the continued availability of the Employee’s services to be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders, and desires to reduce (a) the potential distraction of the Employee occasioned by the possibility of a Change in Control of the Division for which the Employee performs services, and (b) the likelihood that the Employee would seek other employment following the announcement of a Change in Control of the Division and if such announced transaction were not consummated, the Division would be seriously harmed.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these promises, the parties agree that the following shall constitute the agreement between the Company and the Employee:

1.    Definitions. Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:

1.01    “Administrator” shall mean the Board or its delegate.

1.02    “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

1.03    “Cause” shall mean Employee shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of the Company; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of the Company; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or (vi) any such act shall have been materially harmful to the Company taken as a whole. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause under this Agreement unless and until there has been delivered to Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company then in office at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Employee and an opportunity for Employee, together with Employee’s counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, Employee had committed an act set forth above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit Employee’s right or the right of your beneficiaries to contest the validity or propriety of any such determination.

1.04    “Change in Control” means and includes the consummation by the Company (whether directly involving the Company or indirectly involving the Company through one or more intermediaries) of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Division’s assets in any single transaction or series of related transactions to 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). Notwithstanding anything to the


contrary in the foregoing, a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control hereunder if it is (i) effected for the purpose of changing the place of incorporation or form of organization of the ultimate parent entity (including where the Company is succeeded by an issuer incorporated under the laws of another state, country or foreign government for such purpose and whether or not the Company remains in existence following such transaction) where all or substantially all of the persons or group that beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company’s voting securities immediately prior to the transaction beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company in substantially the same proportions of their ownership after the transaction, or (ii) where there is a Spin Off.

1.05    “Change in Control Termination” shall mean a termination of employment of the Employee during the Protected Period for which a Notice of Termination has been provided to the other party where such termination results from (a) termination by the Company or a party effecting a Change in Control of the Company other than for Employee’s death, Employee’s Permanent Disability or for Cause, or (b) the Employee resigns with Good Reason.

1.06    “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

1.07    “Date of Termination” shall mean the date, as the case may be, for the following events:

(a)    if the Employee’s employment is terminated by death, the date of death; (b) if the Employee’s employment is terminated due to a Permanent Disability, thirty (30) days after the Notice of Termination is given (provided that the Employee shall not have returned to the performance of his or her duties on a full-time basis during such period); (c) if the Employee’s employment is terminated pursuant to a termination for Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; (d) if the Employee’s employment is terminated in a Change in Control Termination, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; and (e) if the Employee’s employment is terminated for any other reason, fifteen (15) days after delivery of the Notice of Termination unless otherwise agreed by the Employee and the Company.

1.08    “Disability” shall mean that Employee has become permanently disabled within the meaning of, and begin actually to receive disability benefits pursuant to, the long-term disability plan in effect immediately prior to the date of this Agreement for key employees of the Company.

1.09    “Division” shall mean the fabrication technology business division under the ESAB brand.

1.10    “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

1.11    “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following, without the Employee’s express written consent, within a Protected Period: (i) if there is a Change in Control and Employee does not continue to report to the principal executive officer of the most senior resulting entity of the affiliated group of which the Division is a member; (ii) a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with the Company which Employee held immediately prior to entering into this Agreement, a

 

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material reduction in the aggregate of Employee’s base salary and incentive pay opportunity to which (s)he was entitled immediately prior to entering into this Agreement or the termination of Employee’s rights to any material employee benefits to which (s)he was entitled immediately prior to the entering into this Agreement or a material reduction in scope or value thereof; or (iii) the Company or its successor shall relocate its principal executive offices, Employee is required to have Employee’s principal assigned location of work changed, to any location which shall be in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location thereof immediately prior to entering into this Agreement or Employee is required to travel away from Employee’s office in the course of discharging Employee’s responsibilities or duties significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of Employee prior to Employee entering into this Agreement; provided, that Good Reason shall not exist unless and until Employee provides the Company or a successor with written notice of the act(s) alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of such act(s) and describing such act(s) in reasonably sufficient detail to allow the Company or a successor to cure the act(s), and the Company or a successor fails to cure such act(s) within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of such notice. Further, Employee must then exercise Employee’s right to terminate Employee’s employment for Good Reason within sixty (60) calendar days thereafter, in order for the termination to be for Good Reason.

1.12    “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that indicates the Date of Termination and the basis for termination, including in the case of resignation for Good Reason, the particular facts and circumstances asserted as giving rise to Good Reason.

1.13    “Permanent Disability” shall mean if, as a result of the Employee’s Disability, the Employee shall have been absent from his or her duties with the Company on a full-time basis for a total of six (6) months of any consecutive eight (8) month period.

1.14    “Protected Period” shall mean a period (a) commencing upon the earlier of (i) execution by the Company of a definitive agreement, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control (and such Change in Control contemplated by the definitive agreement does in fact occur) or (ii) ninety (90) days prior to a Change in Control, and (b) ending eighteen (18) months after such Change in Control.

1.15    “Separation from Service” means the date upon which the Employee dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder. To the greatest extent permissible consistent with Section 409A, a Separation from Service shall include any termination of the employee-employer relationship between the Employee and the Company for any reason, voluntary or involuntary, with or without Cause, including, without limitation, a termination by reason of resignation (whether for Good Reason or otherwise), discharge (with or without Cause), Permanent Disability, death or retirement.

1.16    “Spin Off” shall mean the completion of the strategic transaction announced by the Company on March 4, 2021, which will separate the Division into a standalone publicly traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the Division’s equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise.

 

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2.    Term. This Agreement shall terminate if (a) the Agreement is mutually terminated by the parties, or (b) Employee’s employment is terminated in a manner that does not constitute a Change in Control Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall not terminate and the Company shall not be entitled to deliver such notice of termination while the Company or a Division is party to a definitive agreement, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control.

3.    Compensation Upon Change in Control Termination.

3.01    Change in Control Termination Payments. If there is a Change in Control Termination, then, subject to Section 3.02 and provided that the Employee executes and does not revoke the release of claims and separation agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”) and provided such Release becomes effective (without having been revoked) by the 60th day following Employee’s Separation from Service or such earlier date required by the release (such effectiveness deadline, the “Release Deadline”), the Employee shall receive the following payments, which are in addition to any amounts owed to Employee pursuant to any retention agreement, payments or benefits Employee is entitled to under the Colfax Executive Severance Plan, and/or as earned but unpaid wages through the Date of Termination and accrued but unused vacation, if any, through the Date of Termination. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no payment or benefit shall be provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement unless a Change in Control is consummated within the Protected Period. No payments will be paid until the Release becomes effective. If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Employee will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement.

(a)    An amount equal to two-hundred percent (200%) the Employee’s annual base salary. For purposes of this clause, base salary shall be defined as the greater of (x) the Employee’s base salary at the time of the Change in Control or (y) the Employee’s base salary at the time of the Change in Control Termination. Such cash payment shall be payable in a single sum on the later of (i) sixtieth (60th) day following the Employee’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date of the Change in Control, provided if such sixty (60) day period spans two calendar years the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment.

(b)    An amount equal to the greatest of (x) two-hundred percent (200%) of the Employee’s full Target Bonus pursuant to the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan for the last full fiscal year of the Company preceding the Change in Control Termination, or (y) two-hundred percent (200%) of the Employee’s full Target Bonus pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan for the full fiscal year of the Company in which the Change in Control Termination occurs. Such cash payment shall be payable in a single sum on the later of (i) sixtieth (60th) day following the Employee’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date of the Change in Control, provided if such sixty (60) day period spans two calendar years the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment.

3.02    Federal Excise Tax Under Section 4999 of the Code.

 

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(a)    Excess Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit Employee would receive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “Payments”) would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and, but for this Section 3.02(a), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any similar or successor provision (the “Excise Tax”), then the aggregate amount of the Payments will be either (i) the largest portion of the Payments that would result in no portion of the Payments (after reduction) being subject to the Excise Tax or (ii) the entire Payments, whichever amount after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from a deduction of such state and local taxes), results in Employee’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of the Payments. Any reduction in the Payments required by this Section will be made in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) reduction of accelerated vesting of equity awards other than stock options; (iii) reduction of accelerated vesting of stock options; and (iv) reduction of other benefits paid or provided to Employee. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Employee’s equity awards. If two or more equity awards are granted on the same date, the accelerated vesting of each award will be reduced on a pro-rata basis.

(b)    Determination by Tax Firm. The professional firm engaged by the Company for general tax purposes as of the day prior to the date of the event that might reasonably be anticipated to result in Payments that would otherwise be subject to the Excise Tax will perform the foregoing calculations. If the tax firm so engaged by the Company is serving as accountant or auditor for the acquiring company, the Company will appoint a nationally recognized tax firm to make the determinations required by this Section. The Company will bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such firm required to be made by this Section. The Company and Employee shall furnish such tax firm such information and documents as the tax firm may reasonably request in order to make its required determination. The tax firm will provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to the Company and Employee as soon as practicable following its engagement. Any good faith determinations of the tax firm made hereunder will be final, binding and conclusive upon the Company and Employee.

4.    Limitation on Rights.

4.01    No Employment Contract. This Agreement shall not be deemed to create a contract of employment between the Company and the Employee and shall not create any right in the Employee to continue in the Company’s employment for any specific period of time. This Agreement shall not restrict the right of the Company to terminate the employment of Employee for any reason, or no reason at all, or restrict the right of the Employee to terminate his or her employment.

4.02    No Other Exclusions. This Agreement shall not be construed to exclude the Employee from participation in any other compensation or benefit programs in which he or she is specifically eligible to participate either prior to or following the Effective Date of this Agreement, or any such programs that generally are available to other employee personnel of the Company.

5.    No Mitigation. The Employee shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payments provided for by this Agreement by seeking employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any cash payments or benefits provided under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation or benefits earned by the Employee after his or her Date of Termination.

 

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6.    Tax Matters.

6.01    Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

6.02    Section 409A. It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto, “Section 409A”) so as not to subject the Employee to payment of any additional tax, penalty or interest imposed under Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to avoid the imputation of any such additional tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to the Employee. However, the Company does not guarantee any particular tax effect for income provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement. In any event, except for the Company’s responsibility to withhold applicable income and employment taxes from compensation paid or provided to the Employee, the Company shall not be responsible for the payment of any taxes, penalties, interest, costs, fees, including attorneys’ fees or accountants’ fees, or other liability incurred by the Employee in connection with compensation paid or provided to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement is intended to constitute, nor does it constitute, tax advice, and in all cases, the Employee should obtain and rely solely on the tax advice provided by the Employee’s own independent tax advisors (and not the Company, any of the Company’s affiliates, or any officer, employee or agent of the Company or any of its affiliates).

7.    Miscellaneous.

7.01    Administration. The Administrator shall administer this Agreement and the benefits provided for herein.

7.02    Assignment and Binding Effect. No right or interest to or in this Agreement, or any payment or benefit to the Employee under this Agreement shall be assignable by the Employee except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. No right, benefit or interest of the Employee hereunder shall be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, hypothecation or set off in respect of any claim, debt or obligation, or to execution, attachment, levy or similar process or assignment by operation of law. Any attempt, voluntarily or involuntarily, to effect any action specified in the immediately preceding sentences shall, to the full extent permitted by law, be null, void and of no effect; provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude the Employee from designating one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable to the Employee under this Agreement after his or her death and shall not preclude the legal representatives of the Employee’s estate from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto under his or her will, or, in the case of intestacy, to the person or persons entitled thereto under the laws of intestacy applicable to his or her estate. However, this Agreement shall be assignable by the Company to, binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor of the Company, and any successor shall be deemed substituted for the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof.

 

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7.03    No Waiver. No waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances shall be deemed or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such term, provision or condition or as a waiver of any other term, provision or condition of this Agreement.

7.04    Rules of Construction.

(a)    This Agreement has been executed in, and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the principles of conflict of laws.

(b)    Captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered or referred to in resolving questions of interpretation with respect to this Agreement.

(c)    If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto will not be materially or adversely affected thereby, (i) such provision will be fully severable, (ii) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, (iii) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom and (iv) in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible.

7.05    Notices. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing, delivered by hand or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by a nationally recognized courier service (regularly providing proof of delivery) or by facsimile or telecopy, addressed to the Board and the Company and, if other than the Board, the Administrator, at the Company’s then principal office, or to the Employee at the address set forth in the records of the Company, as the case may be, or to such other address or addresses the Company or the Employee may from time to time specify in writing. Notices shall be deemed given: (i) when delivered if delivered personally (including by courier); (ii) on the third day after mailing, if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested); (iii) on the day after mailing if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service which maintains records of the time, place, and recipient of delivery; and (iv) upon receipt of a confirmed transmission, if sent by telecopy or facsimile transmission.

7.06    Modification. This Agreement may be modified only by an instrument in writing signed by the Employee and an authorized representative of the Company.

 

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7.07    Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Company and the Employee concerning the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all other agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to such subject matter (including, but not limited to, (a) any Change in Control Agreement previously entered into by the Company and the Employee and (b) any conflicting provision in any past or future equity award agreements, unless such future equity award agreements specifically reference this Agreement and specify that such equity award agreement is intended to supersede some portion of this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement does not affect or supersede the Employee’s right to participate in the Company’s Change in Control Plan. This is an integrated agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement does not supersede any retention agreement or confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-competition or similar agreements.

7.08    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart, when executed, shall have the efficacy of a signed original. Copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

7.09    Good Faith Determinations. No member of the Board shall be liable, with respect to this Agreement, for any act, whether of commission or omission, taken by any other member of the Board or by any officer, agent, or employee of the Company, nor, excepting circumstances involving his or her own bad faith, for anything done or omitted to be done by himself or herself. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Board from and against any liability or expense hereunder, except in the case of such member’s own bad faith.

7.10    Arbitration. Any controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement, arbitrability or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, or any other controversy arising out of or relating in any way to the subject matter contained herein, shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration. Any arbitration hereunder shall be in Wilmington, Delaware before a sole arbitrator selected from Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc., or its successor (“JAMS”), or if JAMS is no longer able to supply the arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be selected from the American Arbitration Association. Final resolution of any dispute through arbitration may include any remedy or relief which the Arbitrator deems just and equitable, including any and all remedies provided by applicable state or federal statutes. At the conclusion of the arbitration, the Arbitrator shall issue a written decision that sets forth the essential findings and conclusions upon which the Arbitrator’s award or decision is based. Any award or relief granted by the Arbitrator hereunder shall be final and binding on the parties hereto and may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties acknowledge and agree that they are hereby waiving any rights to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either of the parties against the other in connection with any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this Agreement or the subject matter contained herein. The parties further agree that in any proceeding to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the nonprevailing party shall pay (1) the prevailing party’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with resolution of the dispute in addition to any other relief granted, and (2) all costs of the arbitration, including, but not limited to, the arbitrator’s fees, court reporter fees, and any and all other administrative costs of the arbitration, and that the nonprevailing party promptly shall reimburse the prevailing party for any portion of such costs previously paid by the prevailing party. The arbitrator shall resolve any dispute as to the reasonableness of any fee or cost.

 

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COLFAX CORPORATION     EMPLOYEE  
By:  

/s/ Patty Lang

    By:  

/s/ Curtis Jewell

Name:   Patty Lang     Name:   Curtis Jewell
Title:   SVP & CHRO     Title:   ESAB General Counsel
Date:   3/5/2021     Date:   April 5, 2021

 

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EXHIBIT A

RELEASE OF CLAIMS AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT

This Release of Claims and Separation Agreement (the “Release”) is made by and between Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and ___________________ (“Employee”). The Employee and the Company may be referred to herein as the “Parties.

WHEREAS, if there is a Change in Control, and subject to the terms and conditions of the CIC Agreement, including the requirement to execute and not revoke this Release, Employee shall receive the severance payments set forth in the Employee’s Change in Control Agreement, dated [___], 2021 (the “CIC Agreement”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and benefits set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1.    Separation Payments. In consideration for Employee signing and not revoking this Release and complying with Employee’s obligations under the CIC Agreement and obligations hereunder, the Company will provide the severance payments to Employee as provided in the CIC Agreement.

2.    Release and Covenant Not To Sue. In exchange for the payments set forth in the CIC Agreement, Employee, on behalf of Employee and Employee’s heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, forever releases the Company and its subsidiaries and each of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ successors, assigns, predecessors, affiliates, divisions, directors, officers, shareholders, employees, representatives, agents, counsel, and insurers, and any persons acting with them (collectively “Releasees”) from, and covenants not to bring suit or otherwise institute legal proceedings against any of them arising in whole or in part from, all claims that Employee now has or may have or that Employee may hereafter have of any nature whatsoever, that arose out of or are related to any matter occurring prior to the execution date, be they common law or statutory, legal or equitable, in contract or tort, including but not limited to claims arising out of the CIC Agreement, the Employee’s employment with the Company, and including but not limited to claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. §2000e, et seq.); the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 or 1871 (42 U.S.C. §§1981, 1983, 1985, et seq.); the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”); the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”); the Fair Labor Standards and the Equal Pay Acts (“FLSA”); the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”); Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”); Older Worker Benefit Protection Act (“OWBPA”); the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (“WARN”); the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (“COBRA”); Occupational Health & Safety Act (“OSHA”); and any similar state or local or other applicable jurisdiction’s laws; claims relating to any rights under company policies or otherwise relating to compensation or benefits (including but not limited to sales commission); claims for damages of any kind and nature including compensatory, general, special or punitive; and/or claims for attorney’s fees and/or costs. This Release does not waive any right that cannot be waived by law.

 

A-1


Employee hereby represents and warrants that (s)he has not filed or reported any claims or complaints in any forum and that (s)he has not assigned to any third party or filed with any agency or court any claim released by this paragraph 2, except for any claims, reports or information filed with or provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or other government agency or court confidentially pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Employee is not waiving any claim for workers’ compensation, although Employee acknowledges (s)he has not sustained a work-related injury or illness. Nothing in this Release prohibits Employee from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board or a comparable state or local administrative agency related to Employee’s employment or separation of employment. Employee does forever waive his right to recover or receive any monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, back pay, reinstatement or injunctive relief from the Company and/or Releasees relating to any matter whatsoever up to the date of this Release. However, nothing in this Release (i) prohibits, limits or restricts, or shall be construed to prohibit, limit or restrict, Employee from exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder), without notice to or consent from the Company, or (ii) to the extent required by law, prohibits or shall be construed to prohibit Employee from receiving a reward from the SEC or other applicable government agency pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act or other applicable whistleblower or other law or regulation in connection therewith.

3.    Consideration of Agreement by Employee.

(a)    The Company hereby advises Employee and Employee acknowledges that Employee has been so advised, to consult with an attorney before executing this Release.

(b)    Employee acknowledges that, before entering into this Release, Employee had twenty-one (21) calendar days after receipt of this Release (the “Consideration Period”) to consider this Release before signing it. Employee and the Company agree that no changes to this Release will re-start the Consideration Period. If Employee signs this Release, the date on which he signs the Release shall be the “Execution Date.” In the event Employee executes and returns this Release prior to the end of the Consideration Period, he acknowledges that his decision to do so was voluntary and that he had the opportunity to consider this Release for the entire Consideration Period.

(c)    The Parties agree that this Release will not become effective until seven (7) calendar days after the Execution Date and that Employee may, within seven (7) calendar days after the Execution Date, revoke the Release in its entirety by providing written notice to the General Counsel at the Company. If written notice of revocation is not received by the Company by the 8th day after the execution of this Release, this Release will become effective and enforceable on that day (the “Effective Date”).

 

A-2


4.    Employee’s Representations and Warranties. By Employee’s signature below, Employee represents and warrants that: (i) Employee is not aware of any unpaid wages, vacation, bonuses, expense reimbursements, or other amounts owed to Employee by the Company; (ii) however, to the extent Employee is aware of any claims for unpaid wages, severance, benefits, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation of any kind, there is a bona fide dispute between the Parties regarding the fact of and amount of such claims, and Employee further agrees to release such claims and acknowledges that Employee’s release is not barred or void under California Labor Code section 206.5; (iii) Employee is not aware of any violations by the Company of any applicable laws, including without limitation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or any other state or federal laws, regulations, or ordinances applicable to Employee’s employment or to the Company’s financial operations and dealings; however, to the extent Employee has been aware of any violation(s), Employee has complied with all legally-mandated reporting requirements; (iv) Employee has no knowledge of any wrongdoing involving improper or false claims against a federal or state governmental agency, or any other wrongdoing that involves Employee or other present or former the Company employees. The Company’s obligations under the CIC Agreement are contingent upon Employee’s compliance with all terms and conditions provided for herein.

THE PARTIES HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.

 

    COLFAX CORPORATION
Date:                          By:                                                                                                                      
    Name:
    Title:
    EMPLOYEE
    Signature:                                                                                                         
Date:                          Name:

 

A-3

Exhibit 10.29

 

LOGO

March 5, 2021

Shyam Kambeyanda

420 National Business Parkway

5th Floor

Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

Re: Retention Agreement

Dear Shyam:

In light of the strategic decision Colfax Corporation (“Colfax”) has made to separate its ESAB and DJO businesses into two independent, publicly-traded companies (the “Transaction”), Colfax considers your continued services to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of Colfax and its stockholders. For this reason Colfax would like to extend the following offer to you, in order to encourage your continued employment during the period prior to the completion of the Transaction. Except as otherwise provided in this Retention Agreement, your acceptance of this offer (the “Retention Agreement”) shall rescind and replace all prior and contemporaneous understandings, discussions, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to any retention payment or benefit; provided, however, that this Retention Agreement shall not supersede any other agreements between Colfax and you, and any employment letter, severance agreement, change in control agreement, and/or restrictive covenant agreement to which you and Colfax are a party shall remain in full force and effect. Further, this Retention Agreement does not supersede or effect your ability for benefits under any severance plan.

1. Retention Bonus. In the event that (i) the Transaction is not consummated on or before the End Date, and (ii) you remain employed with Colfax or a Successor through the End Date, subject to the conditions provided in this Retention Agreement, then you shall receive a payment of $1,260,000.00 (your “Retention Bonus”), less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum on the first regular payroll following the End Date (the “Payment Date”), subject to any applicable requirements of Internal Revenue Code §409A.

2. Payment of Retention Bonus Upon Termination. In the event that, prior to the End Date, (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax or a Successor, (b) Colfax or a Successor terminates your employment without Cause, or (c) upon your death, then Colfax or a Successor shall pay you (or your estate) the Retention Bonus, less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum within sixty (60) days following your separation from employment. The payment of the Retention Bonus pursuant to this paragraph 2 shall be subject to and conditioned upon you (or your estate) delivering to Colfax or a Successor an executed copy of a general release of any and all claims you may have against Colfax or a Successor, its successors, assigns, affiliates, employees, officers, and directors, in form and substance satisfactory to Colfax or a Successor (the “Release”), the revocation period required by applicable law expiring without your revocation of the Release, and the Release becoming effective, enforceable, and irrevocable in accordance with its terms on or before the 60th day after the date of termination of employment.

 

Page 1 of 4


3. Restricted Stock Unit Grant. Prior to April 30, 2021, Colfax will grant you an additional 17,422 Restricted Stock Units that will vest ratably over the three-year period from the date of grant (the “Retention Units”) and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Colfax 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan and applicable award agreement thereunder. This grant will be subject to you executing the award agreement and being employed by Colfax or a Successor on the date of grant.

4. Equity. In connection with the Transaction and in accordance with the agreements related thereto, all outstanding awards of Colfax equity held by you will be adjusted in accordance with the terms of the applicable long-term incentive compensation plan and applicable law. Performance Stock Units that are unvested and outstanding on the date of the consummation of the Transaction will either (i) be earned at target if the performance period is less than fifty percent (50%) complete as of the Transaction date or (ii) be earned at the then current performance (as of the Transaction date) if the performance period is fifty percent (50%) or more complete as of that date. Performance Stock Units will not fully vest until the end of the applicable performance period. In the event that (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax or a Successor, (b) Colfax or a Successor terminates your employment without Cause, or (c) upon your death, then, subject to your execution and non-revocation of a Release, (A) all unvested Non-Qualified Stock Options and unvested Restricted Stock Units will immediately become one hundred percent (100%) vested, and (B) you (or your estate) will be eligible to continue to vest all outstanding Performance Stock Units as if you were still employed by Colfax or a Successor.

5. Early Termination Provisions. You further understand that this Retention Agreement shall immediately terminate (an “Early Termination without a Retention Benefit”), and Colfax or a Successor shall be relieved of any obligation to provide the Retention Bonus or the Retention Units (to the extent they have not already been granted) to you or your estate if any of the following occurs prior to the Payment Date:

 

i.

the Transaction is consummated on or prior to the End Date;

 

ii.

you voluntarily terminate your employment with Colfax or a Successor without mutual consent by Colfax or a Successor;

 

iii.

you violate the confidentiality provisions contained in this Retention Agreement; or

 

iv.

Colfax or a Successor terminates your employment for Cause.

6. Termination of Retention Agreement. This Retention Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the date the Transaction is consummated; (ii) the date on which an Early Termination without a Retention Benefit occurs; or (iii) the Payment Date; provided, however, that the confidentiality provisions of this Retention Agreement and any obligations on the part of Colfax which arise under this Retention Agreement, or triggered under this Retention Agreement on the date of its termination, shall survive the termination of this Retention Agreement.

 

Page 2 of 4


7. Assignment. You understand and agree that Colfax shall assign this Retention Agreement to any successor in interest to Colfax, whether by merger, reorganization, acquisition, sale or otherwise, to which you become employed (a “Successor”), and thereby require such Successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Retention Agreement.

8. Employment. This Retention Agreement does not, in any way, constitute a contract or agreement guaranteeing your continued employment. Colfax reserves the right to terminate your employment at any time, with or without Cause or notice.

9. Confidentiality. You agree that you shall keep the terms of this Retention Agreement completely confidential, and that you shall not disclose any information concerning this Retention Agreement to anyone except your immediate family, financial advisor and/or attorney, each of whom shall be required to agree in advance to keep this information confidential and not disclose it to others.

10. Change in Control Agreement. You agree that for purposes of any Change in Control Agreement to which you are a party with Colfax, a “Change in Control” as defined in such agreement shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of the Transaction and such Change in Control Agreement will remain in effect in accordance with its terms after consummation of the Transaction.

11. Modification. This Retention Agreement may be modified or amended only by a writing signed by both parties.

12. Governing Law. This Retention Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws, except to the extent governed by federal law in which case federal law shall govern.

13. Definitions. For purposes of this Retention Agreement, the term:

Cause” means you shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of your employment with Colfax or a Successor; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of Colfax or a Successor; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of Colfax or a Successor; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or (vi) any such act which shall have been materially harmful to Colfax or a Successor taken as a whole.

End Date” shall mean December 31, 2022.

If you agree with the foregoing, please sign and date this Retention Agreement in the space provided for your signature, and return a signed copy to Patricia Lang prior to March 12, 2021.

 

Page 3 of 4


We look forward to your continued employment with Colfax.

 

Sincerely,
Colfax Corporation
By:  

/s/ Matthew L. Trerotola

Name:   Matthew L. Trerotola
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

Agreed to and accepted by:

/s/ Shyam Kambeyanda                            

Name: Shyam Kambeyanda

 

Page 4 of 4

Exhibit 10.30

Executive Retention Agreement - ESAB

 

LOGO

March 5, 2021

[Addressee]

[Address Line #1]

[Address Line #2]

[City, State and Zip Code]

Re: Retention Agreement

Dear [Employee Name]:

In light of the strategic decision Colfax Corporation (“Colfax”) has made to separate its ESAB and DJO businesses into two independent, publicly-traded companies (the “Transaction”), Colfax considers your continued services to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of Colfax and its stockholders. For this reason Colfax would like to extend the following offer to you, in order to encourage your continued employment during the period prior to the completion of the Transaction. Except as otherwise provided in this Retention Agreement, your acceptance of this offer (the “Retention Agreement”) shall rescind and replace all prior and contemporaneous understandings, discussions, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to any retention payment or benefit; provided, however, that this Retention Agreement shall not supersede any other agreements between Colfax and you, and any employment letter, severance agreement, change in control agreement, and/or restrictive covenant agreement to which you and Colfax are a party shall remain in full force and effect. Further, this Retention Agreement does not supersede or effect your ability for benefits under any severance plan.

1. Retention Bonus. In the event that (i) the Transaction is not consummated on or before the End Date, and (ii) you remain employed with Colfax or a Successor through the End Date, subject to the conditions provided in this Retention Agreement, then you shall receive a payment of $____________1 (your “Retention Bonus”), less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum on the first regular payroll following the End Date (the “Payment Date”), subject to any applicable requirements of Internal Revenue Code §409A.

2. Payment of Retention Bonus Upon Termination. In the event that, prior to the End Date, (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax or a Successor, (b) Colfax or a Successor terminates your employment without Cause, or (c) upon your death, then Colfax or a Successor shall pay you (or your estate) the Retention Bonus, less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum within sixty (60) days following your separation from employment. The payment of the Retention Bonus pursuant to this paragraph 2 shall be subject to and conditioned upon you (or your estate) delivering to Colfax or a Successor an executed copy of a general release of any and all claims you may have against Colfax or a Successor, its successors, assigns, affiliates, employees, officers, and directors, in form and substance satisfactory to Colfax or a Successor (the “Release”), the revocation period required by applicable law expiring without your revocation of the Release, and the Release becoming effective, enforceable, and irrevocable in accordance with its terms on or before the 60th day after the date of termination of employment.

 

1 

NTD: This amount to be base salary plus target bonus.

 

Page 1 of 3


Executive Retention Agreement - ESAB

 

3. Equity. In connection with the Transaction and in accordance with the agreements related thereto, all outstanding awards of Colfax equity held by you will be adjusted in accordance with the terms of the applicable long-term incentive compensation plan and applicable law. In the event that (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax or a Successor, (b) Colfax or a Successor terminates your employment without Cause, or (c) upon your death, then, subject to your execution and non-revocation of a Release, all unvested Non-Qualified Stock Options and unvested Restricted Stock Units will immediately become one hundred percent (100%) vested.

4. Early Termination Provisions. You further understand that this Retention Agreement shall immediately terminate (an “Early Termination without a Retention Benefit”), and Colfax or a Successor shall be relieved of any obligation to provide the Retention Bonus to you or your estate if any of the following occurs prior to the Payment Date:

 

i.

the Transaction is consummated on or prior to the End Date;

 

ii.

you voluntarily terminate your employment with Colfax or a Successor without mutual consent by Colfax or a Successor;

 

iii.

you violate the confidentiality provisions contained in this Retention Agreement; or

 

iv.

Colfax or a Successor terminates your employment for Cause.

5. Termination of Retention Agreement. This Retention Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the date the Transaction is consummated; (ii) the date on which an Early Termination without a Retention Benefit occurs; or (iii) the Payment Date; provided, however, that the confidentiality provisions of this Retention Agreement and any obligations on the part of Colfax which arise under this Retention Agreement, or triggered under this Retention Agreement on the date of its termination, shall survive the termination of this Retention Agreement.

6. Assignment. You understand and agree that Colfax shall assign this Retention Agreement to any successor in interest to Colfax, whether by merger, reorganization, acquisition, sale or otherwise, to which you become employed (a “Successor”), and thereby require such Successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Retention Agreement.

7. Employment. This Retention Agreement does not, in any way, constitute a contract or agreement guaranteeing your continued employment. Colfax reserves the right to terminate your employment at any time, with or without Cause or notice.

8. Confidentiality. You agree that you shall keep the terms of this Retention Agreement completely confidential, and that you shall not disclose any information concerning this Retention Agreement to anyone except your immediate family, financial advisor and/or attorney, each of whom shall be required to agree in advance to keep this information confidential and not disclose it to others.

 

Page 2 of 3


Executive Retention Agreement - ESAB

 

9. Change in Control Agreement. You agree that for purposes of any Change in Control Agreement to which you are a party with Colfax, a “Change in Control” as defined in such agreement shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of the Transaction.

10. Modification. This Retention Agreement may be modified or amended only by a writing signed by both parties.

11. Governing Law. This Retention Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws, except to the extent governed by federal law in which case federal law shall govern.

12. Definitions. For purposes of this Retention Agreement, the term:

Cause” means you shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of your employment with Colfax or a Successor; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of Colfax or a Successor; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of Colfax or a Successor; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or (vi) any such act which shall have been materially harmful to Colfax or a Successor taken as a whole.

End Date” shall mean December 31, 2022.

If you agree with the foregoing, please sign and date this Retention Agreement in the space provided for your signature, and return a signed copy to Patricia Lang prior to March 12, 2021.

We look forward to your continued employment with Colfax.

 

 

 

Sincerely,
Colfax Corporation
By:  

 

Name:   Matthew L. Trerotola
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

Agreed to and accepted by:

 

 

Name:

 

Page 3 of 3

Exhibit 10.31

FORM OF CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

This AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), dated as of _____, 20__, by and between ESAB CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and _____ (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to employ the Employee or, if the Employee is already employed by the Company, the Company wishes to continue to employ the Employee;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to set forth the general terms of the Employee’s employment with the Company in connection with a Change in Control (as defined below);

[WHEREAS, the Company and the Employee entered into an offer letter agreement dated _____, 20__ (the “Offer Letter”);]1

WHEREAS, the Employee is a key employee who is expected to make, or continue to make, major contributions to the profitability, growth and financial strength of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as that term is hereafter defined);

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that, as is the case for most publicly held companies, the possibility of a Change in Control (as that term is hereafter defined) exists;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to assure itself and its Subsidiaries of both present and future continuity of management in the event of a Change in Control and desires to establish certain minimum compensation rights for key employees, including the Employee, applicable in the event of a Change in Control;

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to ensure that key employees are not practically disabled from discharging their duties upon a Change in Control; and

WHEREAS, the Employee is willing to render services on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the Company and the Employee agree as follows.

 

1.

Certain Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

 

  (a)

Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

  (b)

Business” means a company involved in any of the manufacture and/or sale of fabrication technology products and services that are produced by the Company or a Subsidiary or that are competitive with any of the fabrication technology products and services that are produced by the Company or a Subsidiary, or any other products actively produced by the Company or a Subsidiary at the time of Employee’s termination of employment.

 

1 

Provision included as applicable.


  (c)

Cause” means that, prior to any termination pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof for “Cause”, the Employee shall have committed:

 

  (1)

an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with his or her duties or in the course of his or her employment with the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

  (2)

intentional wrongful damage to property of the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

  (3)

intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

  (4)

conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); or

 

  (5)

intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty (“Competitive Activity”)

and any such act shall have been materially harmful to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. For purposes of this Agreement, no act, or failure to act, on the part of the Employee shall be deemed “intentional” if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence, but shall be deemed “intentional” only if done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his or her action or omission was in or not opposed to the best interest of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employee shall not be deemed to have been terminated for “Cause” hereunder unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the Board then in office at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to the Employee and an opportunity for the Employee, together with his or her counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Employee had committed an act set forth above in this Section 1(c) and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Nothing herein shall limit the right of the Employee or his or her beneficiaries to contest the validity or propriety of any such determination.

 

  (d)

Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following during the Term:

 

  (1)

the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of more than fifty percent (50%) of either: (A) the then-outstanding shares

 

2


  of common stock of the Company (the “Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“Voting Stock”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (1), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (iv) any acquisition by any Person (or more than one Person acting as a group) that owns more than fifty (50) percent of the Company Common Stock or Voting Stock and acquires additional shares, or (v) any acquisition by any Person pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of subsection (3) below; or

 

  (2)

individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (as modified by this subsection (2), the “Incumbent Board”), cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such nomination) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

 

  (3)

consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Company Common Stock and Voting Stock immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions relative to each other as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Company Common Stock and Voting Stock of the Company, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any entity

 

3


  resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or such entity resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination, or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or

 

  (4)

approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

A “Change in Control” will be deemed to occur (i) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (1) above, on the date that any Person becomes the beneficial owner of more than fifty percent (50%) of either the Company Common Stock or the Voting Stock, (ii) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (2) above, on the date the members of the Incumbent Board first cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to constitute at least a majority of the Board, (iii) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (3) above, on the date the applicable transaction closes and (iv) with respect to a Change in Control pursuant to subsection (4) above, on the date of the stockholder approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of this Agreement solely because of a change in control of any Subsidiary by which the Employee may be employed.

 

  (e)

Date of Termination” means the date on which the Employee incurs a “separation from service,” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), with the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

  (f)

Disabled” means the Employee has become permanently disabled within the meaning of, and begins actually to receive disability benefits pursuant to, the long-term disability plan in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control for key employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

  (g)

Good Reason” means:

 

  (1)

failure to elect, reelect or otherwise maintain the Employee in the offices or positions in the Company or any Subsidiary which the Employee held immediately prior to a Change in Control, or the removal of the Employee as a director of the Company (or any successor thereto) if the Employee shall have been a director of the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

4


  (2)

a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with the Company and its Subsidiaries which the Employee held immediately prior to the Change in Control, a material reduction in the aggregate of the Employee’s Base Pay (as that term is hereafter defined) and Incentive Pay (as that term is hereafter defined) opportunity received from the Company, or the termination of the Employee’s rights to any material Employee Benefits (as that term is hereafter defined) to which he or she was entitled immediately prior to the Change in Control or a material reduction in scope or value thereof without the prior written consent of the Employee;

 

  (3)

the liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company or transfer of all or a significant portion of its business and/or assets, unless the successor or successors (by liquidation, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to which all or a significant portion of its business and/or assets have been transferred (directly or by operation of law) shall have assumed all duties and obligations of the Company under this Agreement pursuant to Section 13 hereof;

 

  (4)

the Company shall relocate its principal executive offices, or the Company or any Subsidiary shall require the Employee to have his or her principal location of work changed, to any location which is in excess of 50 miles from the location thereof immediately prior to the Charge in Control or the Company or any Subsidiary shall require the Employee to travel away from his or her office in the course of discharging his or her responsibilities or duties hereunder significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of him or her prior to the Change in Control without, in either case, the Employee’s prior written consent; or

 

  (5)

without limiting the generality or the effect of the foregoing, any material breach of this Agreement by the Company or any successor thereto.

The Employee is not entitled to assert that his or her termination is for Good Reason unless the Employee gives the Company written notice of the event or events that are the basis for such claim within ninety (90) days after the event or events occur, describing such claim in reasonably sufficient detail to allow the Company to address the event or events and a period of not less than thirty (30) days after to cure the alleged condition.

 

  (h)

Nonsolicitation Period” shall mean the period of Employee’s employment or services with the Company or Subsidiary and the twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a twenty-four (24) month Nonsolicitation Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Nonsolicitation Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment with the Company or Subsidiary and eighteen (18) months immediately following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a eighteen (18) month

 

5


  Nonsolicitation Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Nonsolicitation Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment with the Company or Subsidiary and twelve (12) months immediately following the Date of Termination.2

 

  (i)

Restriction Period” shall mean the twelve (12) months immediately following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a twelve (12) month Restriction Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Restriction Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment or services with the Company or Subsidiary and nine (9) months immediately following the Date of Termination; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that a nine (9) month Restriction Period is not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company or a Subsidiary, the Restriction Period shall be the period of Employee’s employment or services with the Company and six (6) months immediately following the Date of Termination.3

 

  (j)

Subsidiary” means a corporation, company or other entity (i) more than fifty percent (50%) of whose outstanding shares or securities (representing the right to vote for the election of directors or other managing authority) are, or (ii) which does not have outstanding shares or securities (as may be the case in a partnership, joint venture or unincorporated association), but more than fifty percent (50%) of whose ownership interest representing the right generally to make decisions for such other entity is, now or hereafter owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company, but such corporation, company or other entity shall be deemed to be a Subsidiary only so long as such ownership or control exists.

 

  (k)

Term” means the period commencing as of the date hereof and expiring as of the close of business two years from the date of the Agreement, provided, however, that (i) commencing on January 1, 20__ and each January 1 thereafter, the Term shall automatically be extended for an additional year unless, not later than September 30 of the year immediately preceding such January 1, the Company or the Employee shall have given notice that it or he/she, as the case may be, does not wish to have the Term extended and (ii) upon a Change in Control, the Term shall be extended to the third anniversary of such Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to Section 11 hereof, if, at any time prior to a Change in Control, the Employee for any reason is no longer an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary, thereupon the Term shall be deemed to have expired.

 

2 

Or such shorter period as required by applicable law.

3 

Or such shorter period as required by applicable law.

 

6


  (l)

Territory” means those locations in the United States of America in which the Company or a Subsidiary is operating and those locations abroad in which the Company or a Subsidiary has significant operations; except that if a court or arbitrator finds that the foregoing states are not reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests of the Company, the Territory shall be the state(s) or geographic area(s) in which Employee was assigned for management or operational responsibility on behalf of the Company or a Subsidiary as of the date of Employee’s separation of employment or a sales territory.

 

2.

Acknowledgment of Consideration. The Employee agrees that this Agreement was entered into for good and valuable consideration, including, but not limited to the Company’s employment or continued employment of the Employee, the Company’s provision of Protected Information (as that term is hereafter defined) to the Employee, and the compensation and benefits associated with that employment.

 

3.

Employment Prior to a Change in Control. Prior to a Change in Control, the following terms shall govern the Employee’s employment.

 

  (a)

Employment. [The Employee is employed on an indefinite term contract subject to the terms of the Offer Letter.]4 The Employee understands and agrees that nothing in this Agreement constitutes an express or implied contract, or any promise or commitment, guaranteeing continued employment with the Company.

 

  (b)

General Employment Duties. The Employee agrees to diligently perform his or her job duties as may be assigned by the Company to the best of his or her ability. The Employee will keep informed of the Company’s policies, procedures, and practices, and will comply with them at all times. The Employee also agrees that, while employed by the Company, the Employee shall not engage in any activity that might impair or otherwise interfere with the proper performance of the Employee’s duties or responsibilities.

 

4.

Employment Following a Change in Control. Effective only upon a Change in Control, the following terms shall apply:

 

  (a)

The Employee shall devote substantially all of his or her time during normal business hours (subject to vacations, sick leave and other absences in accordance with the policies of the Company and its Subsidiaries as in effect for key employees immediately prior to the Change in Control) to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries, but nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Employee from devoting reasonable periods of time during normal business hours to (i) serving as a director, trustee or member of or participant in any organization or business so long as such activity is not directly competitive with the business of the Company as then being carried on, (ii) engaging in charitable and community activities, or (iii) managing his or her personal investments.

 

4 

Provision included as applicable.

 

7


  (b)

For his or her services pursuant to Section 4(a) hereof, the Employee shall (i) be paid an annual base salary at a rate not less than the Employee’s annual fixed or base compensation (payable monthly or otherwise as in effect for key employees of the Company immediately prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control) or such higher rate as may be approved from time to time by the Board, the Compensation Committee thereof or management (which base salary at such rate is herein referred to as “Base Pay”) and (ii) have a bona fide opportunity to earn an annual amount equal to not less than the annual bonus, incentive or other opportunity for payments of cash compensation in addition to the amounts referred to in clause (i) above made or to be made in regard to services rendered in any calendar year during the year in which the Change in Control occurred pursuant to any bonus, incentive, profit-sharing, performance, discretionary pay or similar policy, plan, program or arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary or any successor thereto providing an annual cash bonus opportunity at least equal to the cash bonus opportunity payable thereunder (in both value and achievability) prior to a Change in Control (“Incentive Pay”); provided, however, that with the prior written consent of the Employee, nothing herein shall preclude a change in the mix between Base Pay and Incentive Pay so long as the aggregate annual cash compensation opportunity for the Employee in any one calendar year is not reduced in connection therewith or as a result thereof; and provided further, however, that in no event shall any increase in the Employee’s aggregate cash compensation or any portion thereof in any way diminish any other obligation of the Company under this Agreement.

 

  (c)

For his or her services pursuant to Section 4(a) hereof, the Employee shall be a full participant in, and shall be entitled to the perquisites, benefits and service credit for benefits as provided under, any and all employee retirement, income and welfare benefit policies, plans, programs or arrangements in which key employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries participate, including without limitation any stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation, restricted stock grant, savings, pension, supplemental retirement or other retirement, income or welfare benefit, deferred compensation, group and/or executive life, health, medical/hospital or other insurance (whether funded by actual insurance or self-insured by the Company or any Subsidiary), disability, salary continuation, expense reimbursement, financial planning and other employee benefit policies, plans, programs or arrangements that may now exist or any equivalent successor policies, plans, programs, or arrangements that may be adopted hereafter by the Company or any Subsidiary providing perquisites, benefits and service credit for benefits at least equal to those provided or are payable thereunder prior to a Change in Control (collectively, “Employee Benefits”). If and to the extent such perquisites, benefits or service credit for benefits are not payable or provided under any such policy, plan, program or arrangement as a result of the amendment or termination thereof, then the Company shall itself pay or provide therefor. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude improvement or enhancement of any such Employee Benefits, provided that no such improvement shall in any way diminish any other obligation of the Company under this Agreement.

 

8


5.

Termination of Employment Following a Change in Control.

 

  (a)

Death or Disability. The Employee’s employment shall terminate automatically if the Employee dies or becomes Disabled following a Change in Control.

 

  (b)

Cause. The Company may terminate the Employee’s employment for Cause or without Cause following a Change in Control.

 

  (c)

Good Reason. The Employee’s employment may be terminated by the Employee for Good Reason or by the Employee voluntarily without Good Reason following a Change in Control.

 

  (d)

Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by the Employee for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 13(b). “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Employee’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the termination date is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which termination date shall be not more than thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by the Employee or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Employee or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Employee or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Employee’s or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.

 

6.

Exclusive Obligations of the Company upon Certain Terminations Following a Change in Control.

 

  (a)

Good Reason; Other Than for Cause. If, during the two (2) year period following a Change in Control, (X) the Company terminates the Employee’s employment other than for Cause, death, or Disability or (Y) the Employee resigns for Good Reason, the Company shall pay to the Employee (or the Employee’s estate or beneficiary, in the event of the Employee’s death after the Date of Termination), at the time specified herein (except as otherwise provided by Section 13(d)), the following amounts: a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (i) [•]5 times the Base Pay of the Employee plus (ii) [•] times the target annual Incentive Pay of the Employee, in lieu of any further payments to the Employee for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination (collectively, the “Severance Payment”), payable within sixty (60) business days following the Date of Termination, provided all conditions to payment have been satisfied. If such sixty (60) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in the following calendar year, the Employee shall not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment of such lump sum amount.

 

5 

Provision may be one, one and a half or two, as applicable, for the level of employment.

 

9


  (b)

Release. As a condition to receiving payments under this Section 6, no later than forty five (45) days after having been presented such release by the Company, the Employee shall have executed and delivered to the Company a general release of claims in favor of the Company, its current and former Subsidiaries, affiliates and stockholders, and the current and former directors, officers, employees and agents of the Company in a form acceptable to the Company, and the Employee’s general release shall have become irrevocable.

 

  (c)

Failure to Pay. Without limiting the rights of the Employee at law or in equity, if the Company fails to make any payment required to be made under Sections 4 and 6 of this Agreement on a timely basis, the Company shall pay interest on the amount thereof to the Employee until the date such payment is made at an annualized rate of interest equal to twelve percent (12%).

 

7.

No Set-Off; Company’s Obligations; Mitigation. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other claim, right or action that the Company may have against the Employee or others. In no event shall the Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Employee obtains other employment.

 

8.

Indemnification of Legal Fees. Effective only upon a Change in Control, it is the intent of the Company that the Employee not be required to incur the expenses associated with the enforcement of his or her rights under this Agreement following such a Change in Control by litigation or other legal action because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits and payments intended to be extended to the Employee hereunder following a Change in Control. Accordingly, following a Change in Control if it should appear to the Employee that the Company has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement which arose following a Change in Control or in the event that the Company or any other person takes any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation designed to deny, or to recover from, the Employee the benefits intended to be provided to the Employee hereunder, the Company irrevocably authorizes the Employee from time to time to retain counsel of his or her choice, at the expense of the Company as hereafter provided, to represent the Employee in connection with the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action with respect to this Agreement, whether by or against the Company, or any Subsidiary, director, officer, stockholder or other person affiliated with the Company. Notwithstanding any existing or prior attorney-client relationship between the Company and such counsel, the Company irrevocably consents to the Employee’s entering into an attorney-client relationship with such counsel, and in that connection the Company and the Employee agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between the Employee and such counsel. Following a Change in Control, the Company shall pay or cause to be paid

 

10


  and shall be solely responsible for any and all attorneys’ and related fees and expenses incurred by the Employee as a result of the Company’s failure to perform this Agreement or any provision hereof or as a result of the Company or any person contesting the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any provision hereof as aforesaid.

 

9.

Section 280G.

 

  (a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or other agreement, contract, or understanding heretofore or hereafter entered into by the Employee with the Company or any Subsidiary, except an agreement, contract, or understanding that expressly addresses Section 280G or Section 4999 of the Code (an “Other Agreement”), and notwithstanding any formal or informal plan or other arrangement for the direct or indirect provision of compensation to the Employee (including groups or classes of Employees or beneficiaries of which the Employee is a member), whether or not such compensation is deferred, is in cash, or is in the form of a benefit to or for the Employee (a “Benefit Arrangement”), if the Employee is a “disqualified individual,” as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code, any right to receive any payment or other benefit under this Agreement shall not become due (i) to the extent that such right to payment or benefit, taking into account all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the Employee under this Agreement, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements, would cause any payment or benefit to the Employee under this Agreement to be considered a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code as then in effect (a “Parachute Payment”), and (ii) if, as a result of receiving a Parachute Payment, the aggregate after-tax amounts received by the Employee from the Company under this Agreement, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements would be less than the maximum after-tax amount that could be received by the Employee without causing any such payment or benefit to be considered a Parachute Payment. In the event that the receipt of any such right to payment or benefit under this Agreement, in conjunction with all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the Employee under any Other Agreement or any Benefit Arrangement would cause the Employee to be considered to have received a Parachute Payment under this Agreement that would have the effect of decreasing the after-tax amount received by the Employee as described in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, then the Employee shall have the right, in the Employee’s sole discretion, to designate those rights, payments, or benefits under this Agreement, any Other Agreements, and any Benefit Arrangements that should be reduced or eliminated so as to avoid having the payment or benefit to the Employee under this Agreement be deemed to be a Parachute Payment.

 

  (b)

At the time that payments are made under this Agreement, the Company will provide the Employee with a written statement setting forth the manner in which such payments were calculated and the basis for such calculations, including any opinions or other advice the Company received from tax counsel, its auditor, or other advisors or consultants (and any such opinions or advice which are in writing will be attached to the statement). All such calculations and opinions shall be binding on the Company and the Employee.

 

11


10.

Covenants of Employee.

 

  (a)

Confidentiality. During the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary, Employee may receive special training and/or may be given access to or may become acquainted with Confidential Information of the Company or a Subsidiary. As used in this section, “Confidential Information” of the Company means all trade practices, business plans, price lists, supplier lists and data, customer lists and data, marketing plans, financial information, product development, employee lists and data, software and all other compilations of information which relate to the business of the Company or a Subsidiary and which have not been disclosed by the Company to the public, or which are not otherwise generally available to the public.

Employee acknowledges that the Confidential Information of the Company, as such may exist from time to time, is a valuable, confidential, special and unique asset of the Company and its Subsidiaries, expensive to produce and maintain and essential for the profitable operation of their respective businesses. Employee agrees that, during the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary, or at any time thereafter, Employee will not, directly or indirectly, communicate, disclose or divulge to any Person, or use for Employee’s benefit or the benefit of any Person, in any manner, any Confidential Information of the Company or a Subsidiary, acquired during Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary or any other Confidential Information concerning the conduct and details of the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries, except as required in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary or as otherwise may be required by law. For the purposes of this section, “Person” shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity or any government, governmental agency or political subdivision.

All documents relating to the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries including, without limitation, Confidential Information of the Company, whether prepared by Employee or otherwise coming into Employee’s possession, are the exclusive property of the Company and such respective Subsidiaries, and must not be removed from the premises of the Company, except as required in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiary. Employee will immediately return all such documents (including any copies thereof) to the Company or its Subsidiary when Employee ceases to be employed by the Company or its Subsidiary or upon the earlier request of the Company or the Board.

 

  (b)

Agreement Not to Compete. While employed by the Company or a Subsidiary and during the Restriction Period, Employee shall not, except with the Company’s express prior written consent, for the benefit of any entity or person (including Employee) take any steps preparatory to, be employed by, or be engaged or concerned or interested in or provide technical, commercial or professional advice to any with the Business within the Territory; however, the foregoing shall not

 

12


  prohibit Employee from acquiring, solely as an investment and through market purchases, securities of any entity which are registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and which are publicly traded, so long as Employee is not part of any control group of such entity and such securities, if converted, do not constitute more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding voting power of that entity.

 

  (c)

Agreement Not to Solicit Clients. During the Nonsolicitation Period, Employee shall not, except with the Company’s express prior written consent, for the benefit of any entity or person (including Employee) solicit, induce or encourage any customer or client of the Company or a Subsidiary, which during the preceding twelve (12) months of Employee’s employment with the Company or Subsidiary Employee was either involved (directly or indirectly) or about which Employee received Confidential Information, to cease or reduce its business with the Company or a Subsidiary.

 

  (d)

Agreement Not to Solicit Employees. During the Nonsolicitation Period, Employee shall not, except with the Company’s express prior written consent, for the benefit of any entity or person (including Employee) solicit, induce or encourage any employee of the Company or a Subsidiary, to leave the employment of the Company or a Subsidiary.

 

  (e)

Nondisparagement. Employee shall not, at any time while employed by the Company or a Subsidiary or thereafter make statements or representations, or otherwise communicate, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the Company, a Subsidiary or their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, businesses or reputations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Plan shall preclude you from making truthful statements that are required by applicable law, regulation or legal process.

 

  (f)

Employee Disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement prohibits, limits, or restricts, or shall be construed to prohibit, limit, or restrict, Employee from exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder), without notice to or consent from the Company. Moreover, the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 immunizes Employee against criminal and civil liability under federal or state trade secret laws—under certain circumstances—if Employee discloses a trade secret for the purpose of reporting a suspected violation of law. Immunity is available if Employee discloses a trade secret in either of these two circumstances: (1) Employee discloses the trade secret (a) in confidence, (b) directly or indirectly to a government official (federal, state or local) or to a lawyer, and (c) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) In a legal proceeding, Employee discloses the trade secret in the complaint or other documents filed in the case, so long as the document is filed “under seal” (meaning that it is not accessible to the public).

 

13


  (g)

Reasonableness of Restrictions. The Employee acknowledges that he or she has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon him or her, and the rights and remedies conferred upon the Company in this Agreement, and acknowledges and agrees that the same: (i) are reasonable in scope, territory, and duration; (ii) are designed to eliminate competition which otherwise would be unfair to the Company; (iii) do not stifle his or her inherent skill and experience; (iv) would not operate as a bar to his or her sole means of support; (v) are fully required to protect the legitimate interests of the Company; and (vi) do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of the Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Employee is employed in the State of California upon the execution of this Agreement, Sections 10(b) and (c) are not applicable.

 

11.

Employment Rights. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement shall create any right or duty on the part of the Company or the Employee to have the Employee remain in the employment of the Company or any Subsidiary prior to or after any Change in Control; provided, however, that any termination of employment of the Employee or the removal of the Employee from such Employee’s office or position (other than a termination by the Company for Cause, or termination for death or Disability) in the three (3) month period preceding a Change in Control shall be deemed to be a termination or removal of the Employee after a Change in Control for purposes of this Agreement.

 

12.

Successors.

 

  (a)

The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Employee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor to the Company, including without limitation any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise (and such successor shall thereafter be deemed the “Company” for the purposes of this Agreement), but shall not otherwise be assignable, transferable or delegable by the Company.

 

  (b)

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Employee’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees and/or legatees.

 

  (c)

This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign, transfer or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder except as expressly provided in Section 12(a) hereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Employee’s right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable, transferable or delegable,

 

14


  whether by pledge, creation of a security interest or otherwise, other than by a transfer by his or her will or by the laws of descent and distribution and, in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this Section 12(c), the Company shall have no liability to pay any amount so attempted to be assigned, transferred or delegated.

 

  (d)

The Company and the Employee recognize that each party will have no adequate remedy at law for breach by the other of any of the agreements contained herein and, in the event of any such breach, the Company and the Employee hereby agree and consent that the other shall be entitled to a decree of specific performance, mandamus or other appropriate remedy to enforce performance of this Agreement.

 

13.

Miscellaneous.

 

  (a)

This Agreement and all matters relating to Employee’s employment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof. Each party to this Agreement (i) consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts having jurisdiction in New Castle County, Delaware, (ii) stipulates that the proper, exclusive, and convenient forum and venue for legal adjudication of any issue arising out of this Agreement or relating to claims between the parties is New Castle County, Delaware for state court proceedings, and the United States District Court District of Delaware, location, for federal district court proceedings, and (iii) waives any defense, whether asserted by a motion or pleading, that New Castle County, Delaware, or the United States District Court District of Delaware, is an improper or inconvenient venue. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Employee is employed in the State of California upon the execution of this Agreement, then: (i) this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof; and (ii) each party to this Agreement consents that the proper, exclusive, and convenient forum and venue for legal adjudication of any issue arising out of this Agreement or relating to claims between the parties are the state and/or federal courts for San Diego County, California.

 

  (b)

Any notices, requests, demands, or other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if sent by registered or certified mail to the Employee at the last address he or she has filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal offices.

 

  (c)

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. Any invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement to the extent of its invalidity or unenforceability, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain that particular provision to the extent of its invalidity or unenforceability, provided that in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and enforceable.

 

15


  (d)

The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent subject thereto, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted and administered to be in compliance therewith. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, the Employee shall not be considered to have terminated employment with the Company for purposes of this Agreement and no payments shall be due to the Employee under Section 6 of this Agreement until the Employee would be considered to have incurred a “separation from service” from the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of this Agreement, each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, and any payments that are due within the “short term deferral period” as defined in Section 409A of the Code shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless applicable law requires otherwise. To the extent required to avoid an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, amounts reimbursable to the Employee under this Agreement shall be paid to the Employee on or before the last day of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred and the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement (and in-kind benefits provided to the Employee) during any one year may not affect amounts reimbursable or provided in any subsequent year; provided, however, that with respect to any reimbursements for any taxes which the Employee would become entitled to under the terms of the Agreement, the payment of such reimbursements shall be made by the Company no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Employee remits the related taxes were incurred. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Employee is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and determined pursuant to any policies adopted by the Company consistent with Section 409A of the Code (a “Specified Employee”)), at the time of the Employee’s separation from service and if any portion of the payments or benefits to be received by the Employee upon separation from service would be considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and cannot be paid or provided to the Employee during the six-month period immediately following the Employee’s separation from service without the Executive incurring taxes, interest or penalties under Section 409A of the Code, such amounts that would otherwise be payable pursuant to this Agreement and benefits that would otherwise be provided pursuant to this Agreement, in each case, during the six-month period immediately following the Employee’s separation from service will instead be paid or made available on the earlier of (i) first business day after the date that is six (6) months following the Employee’s separation from service and (ii) the Executive’s death.

 

16


  (e)

The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as shall be required pursuant to any law or government regulation or ruling.

 

  (f)

Treatment of outstanding long-term equity incentive awards shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award agreements and plan pursuant to which the incentives were granted.

 

  (g)

No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by the Employee and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto or compliance with any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

  (h)

The Employee and the Company acknowledge that, except as provided in any other written agreement between the Employee and the Company, the employment of the Employee by the Company is “at will” and, prior to or after the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Employee’s employment may be terminated by either the Employee or the Company at any time. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and replaces any and all prior agreements pertaining thereto between the Employee and the Company, [provided the Offer Letter shall be in full force and effect and to the extent there are inconsistences between this Agreement and the Offer Letter, the terms that are more favorable to the Employee shall control]6. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, expressed or implied with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement [or the Offer Letter]7.

 

 

 

6 

Provision to be included as applicable.

7 

Provision to be included as applicable.

 

17


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

ESAB CORPORATION:
 

 

By:
Title:
EMPLOYEE:
 

 

18

Exhibit 10.32

LOGO

November 30, 2021

Kevin Johnson

420 National Business Parkway

5th Floor

Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

Re: Amended and Restated Retention Agreement

Dear Kevin:

In light of the strategic decision announce by Colfax Corporation (“Colfax”) on March 4, 2021 to separate its ESAB business into a standalone publicly-traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the ESAB business’ equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise (the “Transaction”), Colfax considers your continued services to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of Colfax and its stockholders. For this reason Colfax would like to extend the following offer to you, in order to encourage your continued employment during the period prior to the completion of the Transaction. Except as otherwise provided in this Retention Agreement, your acceptance of this offer (the “Retention Agreement”) shall rescind and replace all prior and contemporaneous understandings, discussions, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to any retention payment or benefit, including the previous Retention Agreement dated March 5, 2021; provided, however, that this Retention Agreement shall not supersede any other agreements between Colfax and you, and any employment letter, severance agreement, change in control agreement, and/or restrictive covenant agreement to which you and Colfax are a party shall remain in full force and effect. Further, this Retention Agreement does not supersede or effect your ability for benefits under any severance plan.

1. Retention Bonus. Subject to the conditions set forth below, you will be eligible for a retention bonus pursuant to either paragraph 1(a) or paragraph 1(b).

a. In the event that (i) the Transaction is not consummated on or before the End Date, and (ii) you remain employed with Colfax or a Successor through the End Date, subject to the conditions provided in this Retention Agreement, then you shall receive a payment of $675,000.00 (your “Retention Bonus”), less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum on the first regular payroll following the End Date (the “Payment Date”), subject to any applicable requirements of Internal Revenue Code §409A.

b. In the event that the Transaction is consummated prior to the End Date and you remain employed with Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company through the twelve (12) month anniversary of the consummation of the Transaction (the “Spin Retention Date”), subject to the conditions provided in this Retention Agreement, then you shall

 

Page 1 of 5


receive a payment of $380,000.00 (your “Spin Retention Bonus”), less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum on the first regular payroll following the six (6) month anniversary of the consummation of the Transaction (the “Spin Payment Date”), subject to any applicable requirements of Internal Revenue Code §409A. However, in the event that you receive the Spin Retention Bonus but, prior to the Spin Retention Date, (y) your employment is terminated by you without Good Reason or (z) Colfax, Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment for Cause, then you will be required to repay fifty percent (50%) of the Spin Retention Bonus, less applicable withholdings (the “Repayment Amount”) to Colfax, Successor or Spin Company, within thirty (30) days following your separation from employment with Colfax, Successor or Spin Company. You agree that Colfax, Successor or Spin Company may deduct the Repayment Amount from any compensation or expenses owed to you.

2. Payment of Retention Bonus or Spin Retention Bonus Upon Termination. In the event that, prior to the End Date or Spin Payment Date, (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company, (b) your employment is terminated by you with Good Reason after the consummation of the Transaction, (c) Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment without Cause, or (d) upon your death, then Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall pay you (or your estate) the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus if the Transaction has been consummated, less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum within sixty (60) days following your separation from employment. The payment of the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus pursuant to this paragraph 2 shall be subject to and conditioned upon you (or your estate) delivering to Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company an executed copy of a general release of any and all claims you may have against Colfax, a Successor and the Spin Company, their successors, assigns, affiliates, employees, officers, and directors, in form and substance satisfactory to Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company (the “Release”), the revocation period required by applicable law expiring without your revocation of the Release, and the Release becoming effective, enforceable, and irrevocable in accordance with its terms on or before the 60th day after the date of termination of employment.

3. Equity. In connection with the Transaction and in accordance with the agreements related thereto, all outstanding awards of Colfax equity held by you will be adjusted in accordance with the terms of the applicable long-term incentive compensation plan and applicable law. In the event that (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company, (b) you terminate your employment with Good Reason after the Transaction, (c) Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment without Cause, or (d) upon your death, then, subject to your execution and non-revocation of a Release, all unvested Non-Qualified Stock Options and unvested Restricted Stock Units will immediately become one hundred percent (100%) vested.

4. Early Termination Provisions. You further understand that this Retention Agreement shall immediately terminate (an “Early Termination without a Retention Benefit”), and Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall be relieved of any obligation to provide the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus to you or your estate if any of the following occurs prior to the Payment Date or the Spin Payment Date:

 

Page 2 of 5


  i.

you voluntarily terminate your employment with Colfax, Successor or Spin Company without mutual consent by Colfax, Successor or Spin Company or without Good Reason that occurs after the date of the Transaction;

 

  ii.

your employment is terminated by Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company as a result of your refusal to accept employment in a new or different position with Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company, except if such change in position would give rise to you having Good Reason to terminate your employment that occurs after the date of the Transaction;

 

  iii.

you violate the confidentiality provisions contained in this Retention Agreement; or

 

  iv.

Colfax, or Successor or the Spin Company terminates your employment for Cause.

5. Termination of Retention Agreement. This Retention Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the twelve (12) month anniversary of the date the Transaction is consummated; (ii) the date on which an Early Termination without a Retention Benefit occurs; or (iii) if the Transaction has not been consummated prior to the End Date, the End Date; provided, however, that the confidentiality provisions of this Retention Agreement and any obligations on the part of Colfax or the Spin Company which arise under this Retention Agreement, or triggered under this Retention Agreement on the date of its termination, shall survive the termination of this Retention Agreement.

6. Assignment. You understand and agree that Colfax shall assign this Retention Agreement to any successor in interest to Colfax, whether by merger, reorganization, acquisition, sale or otherwise, to which you become employed (a “Successor”), and thereby require such Successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Retention Agreement. You also understand and agree that Colfax shall assign this Retention Agreement to the Spin Company upon the consummation of the Transaction, and thereby require Spin Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Retention Agreement.

7. Employment. This Retention Agreement does not, in any way, constitute a contract or agreement guaranteeing your continued employment. Colfax reserves the right to terminate your employment at any time, with or without Cause or notice.

8. Confidentiality. You agree that you shall keep the terms of this Retention Agreement completely confidential, and that you shall not disclose any information concerning this Retention Agreement to anyone except your immediate family, financial advisor and/or attorney, each of whom shall be required to agree in advance to keep this information confidential and not disclose it to others.

9. Change in Control Agreement. You agree that for purposes of any Change in Control Agreement to which you are a party with Colfax, a “Change in Control” as defined in such agreement shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of the Transaction and such Change in Control Agreement will remain in effect in accordance with its terms after consummation of the Transaction.

10. Modification. This Retention Agreement may be modified or amended only by a writing signed by both parties.

 

Page 3 of 5


11. Governing Law. This Retention Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws, except to the extent governed by federal law in which case federal law shall govern.

12. Definitions. For purposes of this Retention Agreement, the term:

Cause” means you shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of your employment with Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or (vi) any such act which shall have been materially harmful to Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company taken as a whole.

End Date” shall mean December 31, 2022.

Good Reason” shall be defined as (i) a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with Colfax which you held immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement (which will not include any new position with the Spin Company), a material reduction in the aggregate of your base salary and incentive pay opportunity to which you were entitled immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement or the termination of your rights to any material employee benefits to which you were entitled immediately prior to the entering into this Retention Agreement or a material reduction in scope or value thereof without your prior written consent; (ii) Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company (whichever you are employed by) shall relocate its principal executive offices, or Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall require you to have your assigned principal location of work changed, to any location which shall be in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location thereof immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement or Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall require you to travel away from your office in the course of discharging your responsibilities or duties significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of you prior to you entering into this Retention Agreement without, in either case, your prior written consent; or (iii) without limiting the generality of or the effect of the foregoing, any material breach of this Retention Agreement by Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; provided, that Good Reason shall not exist unless and until you provide Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company with written notice of the act(s) alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of such act(s) and describing such act(s) in reasonably sufficient detail to allow Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company to cure the act(s), and Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company fails to cure such act(s) within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of such notice. Further, you must then exercise your right to terminate your employment for Good Reason within sixty (60) calendar days thereafter, in order for the termination to be for Good Reason.

 

Page 4 of 5


Spin Company” shall mean the standalone publicly traded company created for the fabrication technology business division under the ESAB brand pursuant to the completion of the transaction announced by Colfax on March 4, 2021.

If you agree with the foregoing, please sign and date this Retention Agreement in the space provided for your signature, and return a signed copy to Patricia Lang prior to November 30, 2021.

We look forward to your continued employment with Colfax.

 

Sincerely,
Colfax Corporation
By:  

/s/ Matthew L. Trerotola

Name:   Matthew L. Trerotola
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

Agreed to and accepted by:

/s/ Kevin Johnson                                

Name: Kevin Johnson

 

Page 5 of 5

Exhibit 10.33

 

LOGO

November 30, 2021

Olivier Biebuyck

420 National Business Parkway

5th Floor

Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

Re: Amended and Restated Retention Agreement

Dear Olivier:

In light of the strategic decision announce by Colfax Corporation (“Colfax”) on March 4, 2021 to separate its ESAB business into a standalone publicly-traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the ESAB business’ equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise (the “Transaction”), Colfax considers your continued services to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of Colfax and its stockholders. For this reason Colfax would like to extend the following offer to you, in order to encourage your continued employment during the period prior to the completion of the Transaction. Except as otherwise provided in this Retention Agreement, your acceptance of this offer (the “Retention Agreement”) shall rescind and replace all prior and contemporaneous understandings, discussions, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to any retention payment or benefit, including the previous Retention Agreement dated March 5, 2021; provided, however, that this Retention Agreement shall not supersede any other agreements between Colfax and you, and any employment letter, severance agreement, change in control agreement, and/or restrictive covenant agreement to which you and Colfax are a party shall remain in full force and effect. Further, this Retention Agreement does not supersede or effect your ability for benefits under any severance plan.

1. Retention Bonus. Subject to the conditions set forth below, you will be eligible for a retention bonus pursuant to either paragraph 1(a) or paragraph 1(b).

a. In the event that (i) the Transaction is not consummated on or before the End Date, and (ii) you remain employed with Colfax or a Successor through the End Date, subject to the conditions provided in this Retention Agreement, then you shall receive a payment of $628,333.00 (your “Retention Bonus”), less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum on the first regular payroll following the End Date (the “Payment Date”), subject to any applicable requirements of Internal Revenue Code §409A.

b. In the event that the Transaction is consummated prior to the End Date and you remain employed with Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company through the twelve (12) month anniversary of the consummation of the Transaction (the “Spin Retention Date”), subject to the conditions provided in this Retention Agreement, then you shall

 

Page 1 of 5


receive a payment of $322,500.00 (your “Spin Retention Bonus”), less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum on the first regular payroll following the six (6) month anniversary of the consummation of the Transaction (the “Spin Payment Date”), subject to any applicable requirements of Internal Revenue Code §409A. However, in the event that you receive the Spin Retention Bonus but, prior to the Spin Retention Date, (y) your employment is terminated by you without Good Reason or (z) Colfax, Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment for Cause, then you will be required to repay fifty percent (50%) of the Spin Retention Bonus, less applicable withholdings (the “Repayment Amount”) to Colfax, Successor or Spin Company, within thirty (30) days following your separation from employment with Colfax, Successor or Spin Company. You agree that Colfax, Successor or Spin Company may deduct the Repayment Amount from any compensation or expenses owed to you.

2. Payment of Retention Bonus or Spin Retention Bonus Upon Termination. In the event that, prior to the End Date or Spin Payment Date, (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company, (b) your employment is terminated by you with Good Reason after the consummation of the Transaction, (c) Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment without Cause, or (d) upon your death, then Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall pay you (or your estate) the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus if the Transaction has been consummated, less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum within sixty (60) days following your separation from employment. The payment of the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus pursuant to this paragraph 2 shall be subject to and conditioned upon you (or your estate) delivering to Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company an executed copy of a general release of any and all claims you may have against Colfax, a Successor and the Spin Company, their successors, assigns, affiliates, employees, officers, and directors, in form and substance satisfactory to Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company (the “Release”), the revocation period required by applicable law expiring without your revocation of the Release, and the Release becoming effective, enforceable, and irrevocable in accordance with its terms on or before the 60th day after the date of termination of employment.

3. Equity. In connection with the Transaction and in accordance with the agreements related thereto, all outstanding awards of Colfax equity held by you will be adjusted in accordance with the terms of the applicable long-term incentive compensation plan and applicable law. In the event that (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company, (b) you terminate your employment with Good Reason after the Transaction, (c) Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment without Cause, or (d) upon your death, then, subject to your execution and non-revocation of a Release, all unvested Non-Qualified Stock Options and unvested Restricted Stock Units will immediately become one hundred percent (100%) vested.

4. Early Termination Provisions. You further understand that this Retention Agreement shall immediately terminate (an “Early Termination without a Retention Benefit”), and Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall be relieved of any obligation to provide the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus to you or your estate if any of the following occurs prior to the Payment Date or the Spin Payment Date:

 

Page 2 of 5


  i.

you voluntarily terminate your employment with Colfax, Successor or Spin Company without mutual consent by Colfax, Successor or Spin Company or without Good Reason that occurs after the date of the Transaction;

 

  ii.

your employment is terminated by Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company as a result of your refusal to accept employment in a new or different position with Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company, except if such change in position would give rise to you having Good Reason to terminate your employment that occurs after the date of the Transaction;

 

  iii.

you violate the confidentiality provisions contained in this Retention Agreement; or

 

  iv.

Colfax, or Successor or the Spin Company terminates your employment for Cause.

5. Termination of Retention Agreement. This Retention Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the twelve (12) month anniversary of the date the Transaction is consummated; (ii) the date on which an Early Termination without a Retention Benefit occurs; or (iii) if the Transaction has not been consummated prior to the End Date, the End Date; provided, however, that the confidentiality provisions of this Retention Agreement and any obligations on the part of Colfax or the Spin Company which arise under this Retention Agreement, or triggered under this Retention Agreement on the date of its termination, shall survive the termination of this Retention Agreement.

6. Assignment. You understand and agree that Colfax shall assign this Retention Agreement to any successor in interest to Colfax, whether by merger, reorganization, acquisition, sale or otherwise, to which you become employed (a “Successor”), and thereby require such Successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Retention Agreement. You also understand and agree that Colfax shall assign this Retention Agreement to the Spin Company upon the consummation of the Transaction, and thereby require Spin Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Retention Agreement.

7. Employment. This Retention Agreement does not, in any way, constitute a contract or agreement guaranteeing your continued employment. Colfax reserves the right to terminate your employment at any time, with or without Cause or notice.

8. Confidentiality. You agree that you shall keep the terms of this Retention Agreement completely confidential, and that you shall not disclose any information concerning this Retention Agreement to anyone except your immediate family, financial advisor and/or attorney, each of whom shall be required to agree in advance to keep this information confidential and not disclose it to others.

9. Change in Control Agreement. You agree that for purposes of any Change in Control Agreement to which you are a party with Colfax, a “Change in Control” as defined in such agreement shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of the Transaction and such Change in Control Agreement will remain in effect in accordance with its terms after consummation of the Transaction.

10. Modification. This Retention Agreement may be modified or amended only by a writing signed by both parties.

 

Page 3 of 5


11. Governing Law. This Retention Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws, except to the extent governed by federal law in which case federal law shall govern.

12. Definitions. For purposes of this Retention Agreement, the term:

Cause” means you shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of your employment with Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or (vi) any such act which shall have been materially harmful to Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company taken as a whole.

End Date” shall mean December 31, 2022.

Good Reason” shall be defined as (i) a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with Colfax which you held immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement (which will not include any new position with the Spin Company), a material reduction in the aggregate of your base salary and incentive pay opportunity to which you were entitled immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement or the termination of your rights to any material employee benefits to which you were entitled immediately prior to the entering into this Retention Agreement or a material reduction in scope or value thereof without your prior written consent; (ii) Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company (whichever you are employed by) shall relocate its principal executive offices, or Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall require you to have your assigned principal location of work changed, to any location which shall be in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location thereof immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement or Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall require you to travel away from your office in the course of discharging your responsibilities or duties significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of you prior to you entering into this Retention Agreement without, in either case, your prior written consent; or (iii) without limiting the generality of or the effect of the foregoing, any material breach of this Retention Agreement by Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; provided, that Good Reason shall not exist unless and until you provide Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company with written notice of the act(s) alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of such act(s) and describing such act(s) in reasonably sufficient detail to allow Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company to cure the act(s), and Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company fails to cure such act(s) within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of such notice. Further, you must then exercise your right to terminate your employment for Good Reason within sixty (60) calendar days thereafter, in order for the termination to be for Good Reason.

 

Page 4 of 5


Spin Company” shall mean the standalone publicly traded company created for the fabrication technology business division under the ESAB brand pursuant to the completion of the transaction announced by Colfax on March 4, 2021.

If you agree with the foregoing, please sign and date this Retention Agreement in the space provided for your signature, and return a signed copy to Patricia Lang prior to November 30, 2021.

We look forward to your continued employment with Colfax.

 

Sincerely,
Colfax Corporation
    By:  

/s/ Matthew L. Trerotola

    Name:   Matthew L. Trerotola
    Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

Agreed to and accepted by:

/s/ Olivier Biebuyck                                

Name: Olivier Biebuyck

 

Page 5 of 5

Exhibit 10.34

 

LOGO

November 30, 2021

Larry Coble

420 National Business Parkway

5th Floor

Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

Re: Amended and Restated Retention Agreement

Dear Larry:

In light of the strategic decision announce by Colfax Corporation (“Colfax”) on March 4, 2021 to separate its ESAB business into a standalone publicly-traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the ESAB business’ equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise (the “Transaction”), Colfax considers your continued services to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of Colfax and its stockholders. For this reason Colfax would like to extend the following offer to you, in order to encourage your continued employment during the period prior to the completion of the Transaction. Except as otherwise provided in this Retention Agreement, your acceptance of this offer (the “Retention Agreement”) shall rescind and replace all prior and contemporaneous understandings, discussions, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to any retention payment or benefit, including the previous Retention Agreement dated March 5, 2021; provided, however, that this Retention Agreement shall not supersede any other agreements between Colfax and you, and any employment letter, severance agreement, change in control agreement, and/or restrictive covenant agreement to which you and Colfax are a party shall remain in full force and effect. Further, this Retention Agreement does not supersede or effect your ability for benefits under any severance plan.

1. Retention Bonus. Subject to the conditions set forth below, you will be eligible for a retention bonus pursuant to either paragraph 1(a) or paragraph 1(b).

a. In the event that (i) the Transaction is not consummated on or before the End Date, and (ii) you remain employed with Colfax or a Successor through the End Date, subject to the conditions provided in this Retention Agreement, then you shall receive a payment of $600,000.00 (your “Retention Bonus”), less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum on the first regular payroll following the End Date (the “Payment Date”), subject to any applicable requirements of Internal Revenue Code §409A.

b. In the event that the Transaction is consummated prior to the End Date and you remain employed with Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company through the twelve (12) month anniversary of the consummation of the Transaction (the “Spin Retention Date”), subject to the conditions provided in this Retention Agreement, then you shall

 

Page 1 of 5


receive a payment of $281,250.00 (your “Spin Retention Bonus”), less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum on the first regular payroll following the six (6) month anniversary of the consummation of the Transaction (the “Spin Payment Date”), subject to any applicable requirements of Internal Revenue Code §409A. However, in the event that you receive the Spin Retention Bonus but, prior to the Spin Retention Date, (y) your employment is terminated by you without Good Reason or (z) Colfax, Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment for Cause, then you will be required to repay fifty percent (50%) of the Spin Retention Bonus, less applicable withholdings (the “Repayment Amount”) to Colfax, Successor or Spin Company, within thirty (30) days following your separation from employment with Colfax, Successor or Spin Company. You agree that Colfax, Successor or Spin Company may deduct the Repayment Amount from any compensation or expenses owed to you.

2. Payment of Retention Bonus or Spin Retention Bonus Upon Termination. In the event that, prior to the End Date or Spin Payment Date, (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company, (b) your employment is terminated by you with Good Reason after the consummation of the Transaction, (c) Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment without Cause, or (d) upon your death, then Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall pay you (or your estate) the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus if the Transaction has been consummated, less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum within sixty (60) days following your separation from employment. The payment of the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus pursuant to this paragraph 2 shall be subject to and conditioned upon you (or your estate) delivering to Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company an executed copy of a general release of any and all claims you may have against Colfax, a Successor and the Spin Company, their successors, assigns, affiliates, employees, officers, and directors, in form and substance satisfactory to Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company (the “Release”), the revocation period required by applicable law expiring without your revocation of the Release, and the Release becoming effective, enforceable, and irrevocable in accordance with its terms on or before the 60th day after the date of termination of employment.

3. Equity. In connection with the Transaction and in accordance with the agreements related thereto, all outstanding awards of Colfax equity held by you will be adjusted in accordance with the terms of the applicable long-term incentive compensation plan and applicable law. In the event that (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company, (b) you terminate your employment with Good Reason after the Transaction, (c) Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment without Cause, or (d) upon your death, then, subject to your execution and non-revocation of a Release, all unvested Non-Qualified Stock Options and unvested Restricted Stock Units will immediately become one hundred percent (100%) vested.

4. Early Termination Provisions. You further understand that this Retention Agreement shall immediately terminate (an “Early Termination without a Retention Benefit”), and Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall be relieved of any obligation to provide the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus to you or your estate if any of the following occurs prior to the Payment Date or the Spin Payment Date:

 

Page 2 of 5


  i.

you voluntarily terminate your employment with Colfax, Successor or Spin Company without mutual consent by Colfax, Successor or Spin Company or without Good Reason that occurs after the date of the Transaction;

 

  ii.

your employment is terminated by Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company as a result of your refusal to accept employment in a new or different position with Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company, except if such change in position would give rise to you having Good Reason to terminate your employment that occurs after the date of the Transaction;

 

  iii.

you violate the confidentiality provisions contained in this Retention Agreement; or

 

  iv.

Colfax, or Successor or the Spin Company terminates your employment for Cause.

5. Termination of Retention Agreement. This Retention Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the twelve (12) month anniversary of the date the Transaction is consummated; (ii) the date on which an Early Termination without a Retention Benefit occurs; or (iii) if the Transaction has not been consummated prior to the End Date, the End Date; provided, however, that the confidentiality provisions of this Retention Agreement and any obligations on the part of Colfax or the Spin Company which arise under this Retention Agreement, or triggered under this Retention Agreement on the date of its termination, shall survive the termination of this Retention Agreement.

6. Assignment. You understand and agree that Colfax shall assign this Retention Agreement to any successor in interest to Colfax, whether by merger, reorganization, acquisition, sale or otherwise, to which you become employed (a “Successor”), and thereby require such Successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Retention Agreement. You also understand and agree that Colfax shall assign this Retention Agreement to the Spin Company upon the consummation of the Transaction, and thereby require Spin Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Retention Agreement.

7. Employment. This Retention Agreement does not, in any way, constitute a contract or agreement guaranteeing your continued employment. Colfax reserves the right to terminate your employment at any time, with or without Cause or notice.

8. Confidentiality. You agree that you shall keep the terms of this Retention Agreement completely confidential, and that you shall not disclose any information concerning this Retention Agreement to anyone except your immediate family, financial advisor and/or attorney, each of whom shall be required to agree in advance to keep this information confidential and not disclose it to others.

9. Change in Control Agreement. You agree that for purposes of any Change in Control Agreement to which you are a party with Colfax, a “Change in Control” as defined in such agreement shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of the Transaction and such Change in Control Agreement will remain in effect in accordance with its terms after consummation of the Transaction.

10. Modification. This Retention Agreement may be modified or amended only by a writing signed by both parties.

 

Page 3 of 5


11. Governing Law. This Retention Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws, except to the extent governed by federal law in which case federal law shall govern.

12. Definitions. For purposes of this Retention Agreement, the term:

Cause” means you shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of your employment with Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or (vi) any such act which shall have been materially harmful to Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company taken as a whole.

End Date” shall mean December 31, 2022.

Good Reason” shall be defined as (i) a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with Colfax which you held immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement (which will not include any new position with the Spin Company), a material reduction in the aggregate of your base salary and incentive pay opportunity to which you were entitled immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement or the termination of your rights to any material employee benefits to which you were entitled immediately prior to the entering into this Retention Agreement or a material reduction in scope or value thereof without your prior written consent; (ii) Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company (whichever you are employed by) shall relocate its principal executive offices, or Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall require you to have your assigned principal location of work changed, to any location which shall be in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location thereof immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement or Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall require you to travel away from your office in the course of discharging your responsibilities or duties significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of you prior to you entering into this Retention Agreement without, in either case, your prior written consent; or (iii) without limiting the generality of or the effect of the foregoing, any material breach of this Retention Agreement by Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; provided, that Good Reason shall not exist unless and until you provide Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company with written notice of the act(s) alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of such act(s) and describing such act(s) in reasonably sufficient detail to allow Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company to cure the act(s), and Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company fails to cure such act(s) within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of such notice. Further, you must then exercise your right to terminate your employment for Good Reason within sixty (60) calendar days thereafter, in order for the termination to be for Good Reason.

 

Page 4 of 5


Spin Company” shall mean the standalone publicly traded company created for the fabrication technology business division under the ESAB brand pursuant to the completion of the transaction announced by Colfax on March 4, 2021.

If you agree with the foregoing, please sign and date this Retention Agreement in the space provided for your signature, and return a signed copy to Patricia Lang prior to November 30, 2021.

We look forward to your continued employment with Colfax.

 

Sincerely,
Colfax Corporation
    By:  

/s/ Matthew L. Trerotola

    Name:   Matthew L. Trerotola
    Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

Agreed to and accepted by:

 

/s/ Larry Coble

Name: Larry Coble

 

Page 5 of 5

Exhibit 10.35

 

 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

dated as of

[    ], 2022

among

ESAB CORPORATION

The Other Loan Parties Party Hereto

The Lenders Party Hereto

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

as Administrative Agent

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, CITIZENS BANK, N.A., BNP PARIBAS, BANK OF MONTREAL and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Co-Syndication Agents

[    ] and [    ],

as Co-Documentation Agents

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

as Sustainability Structuring Agent

 

 

BOFA SECURITIES, INC., JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA CITIZENS BANK, N.A., BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES CORP., BMO CAPITAL MARKETS CORP. and WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC

as Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Arrangers

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

     1  

SECTION 1.01.

  Defined Terms      1  

SECTION 1.02.

  Classification of Loans and Borrowings      38  

SECTION 1.03.

  Terms Generally      39  

SECTION 1.04.

  Accounting Terms; GAAP; Pro Forma Calculations; Limited Condition Transactions      39  

SECTION 1.05.

  Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents      41  

SECTION 1.06.

  Additional Alternative Currencies      41  

SECTION 1.07.

  Change of Currency      42  

ARTICLE II THE CREDITS

     42  

SECTION 2.01.

  Commitments      42  

SECTION 2.02.

  Loans and Borrowings      43  

SECTION 2.03.

  Requests for Borrowings      44  

SECTION 2.04.

  Determination of Dollar Amounts      44  

SECTION 2.05.

  Swingline Loans      45  

SECTION 2.06.

  [Intentionally Omitted]      46  

SECTION 2.07.

  Funding of Borrowings      47  

SECTION 2.08.

  Interest Elections      47  

SECTION 2.09.

  Termination and Reduction of Commitments      49  

SECTION 2.10.

  Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt      49  

SECTION 2.11.

  Prepayment of Loans      50  

SECTION 2.12.

  Fees      52  

SECTION 2.13.

  Interest      52  

SECTION 2.14.

  Alternate Rate of Interest      53  

SECTION 2.15.

  Increased Costs      55  

SECTION 2.16.

  Break Funding Payments      57  

SECTION 2.17.

  Taxes      57  

SECTION 2.18.

  Payments Generally; Allocations of Proceeds; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Setoffs      60  

SECTION 2.19.

  Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders      62  

SECTION 2.20.

  Incremental Facilities      63  

SECTION 2.21.

  Judgment Currency      65  

SECTION 2.22.

  Defaulting Lenders      65  

SECTION 2.23.

  Extension of Maturity Date      67  

SECTION 2.24.

  Designated Subsidiary Borrowers      69  

SECTION 2.25.

  Designated Lenders      70  

SECTION 2.26.

  Sustainability Adjustments; Successor Sustainability Structuring Agent      70  

SECTION 2.27.

  Illegality      72  


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

          Page  

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     72  

SECTION 3.01.

   Existence, Qualification and Power      72  

SECTION 3.02.

   Authorization; No Contravention      73  

SECTION 3.03.

   Governmental Authorization; Other Consents      73  

SECTION 3.04.

   Binding Effect      73  

SECTION 3.05.

   Litigation      73  

SECTION 3.06.

   Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect      73  

SECTION 3.07.

   Disclosure      74  

SECTION 3.08.

   Margin Regulations      74  

SECTION 3.09.

   Investment Company Act      74  

SECTION 3.10.

   Solvency      74  

SECTION 3.11.

   ERISA Compliance      74  

SECTION 3.12.

   Environmental Compliance      75  

SECTION 3.13.

   Taxes      75  

SECTION 3.14.

   Use of Proceeds      75  

SECTION 3.15.

   Anti-Corruption Laws; Anti-Terrorism Laws; OFAC      75  

SECTION 3.16.

   Affected Financial Institutions      76  

ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS

     76  

SECTION 4.01.

   Effective Date      76  

SECTION 4.02.

   Each Borrowing      77  

ARTICLE V AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     78  

SECTION 5.01.

   Compliance with Laws      78  

SECTION 5.02.

   Payment of Obligations      78  

SECTION 5.03.

   Compliance with Environmental Laws      78  

SECTION 5.04.

   Maintenance of Insurance      79  

SECTION 5.05.

   Preservation of Existence, Etc      79  

SECTION 5.06.

   Inspection Rights      79  

SECTION 5.07.

   Books and Records      79  

SECTION 5.08.

   Maintenance of Properties      79  

SECTION 5.09.

   Transactions with Affiliates      79  

SECTION 5.10.

   Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Provide Security      80  

SECTION 5.11.

   Use of Proceeds      80  

SECTION 5.12.

   Reporting Requirements      80  

SECTION 5.13.

   Financial Covenants      82  

ARTICLE VI NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     82  

SECTION 6.01.

   Liens      83  

SECTION 6.02.

   Debt      83  

SECTION 6.03.

   Change in Nature of Business      85  

SECTION 6.04.

   Fundamental Changes      85  

SECTION 6.05.

   Dispositions      85  

SECTION 6.06.

   Investments      86  

SECTION 6.07.

   Restricted Payments      87  

SECTION 6.08.

   Accounting Changes      89  

SECTION 6.09.

   Speculative Transactions      89  

SECTION 6.10.

   Anti-Corruption; Sanctions Laws and Regulations      89  

ARTICLE VII EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     90  

SECTION 7.01.

   Events of Default      90  

SECTION 7.02.

   Remedies Upon an Event of Default      92  

SECTION 7.03.

   Application of Payments      92  

 

ii


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

          Page  

ARTICLE VIII THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

     93  

SECTION 8.01.

   Authorization and Action      93  

SECTION 8.02.

   Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Indemnification, Etc      95  

SECTION 8.03.

   Posting of Communications      96  

SECTION 8.04.

   The Administrative Agent Individually      97  

SECTION 8.05.

   Successor Administrative Agent      98  

SECTION 8.06.

   Acknowledgements of Lenders      98  

SECTION 8.07.

   Recovery of Erroneous Payment      99  

SECTION 8.08.

   [Reserved]      99  

SECTION 8.09.

   Certain ERISA Matters      99  

SECTION 8.10.

   Withholding Taxes      101  

ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS

     101  

SECTION 9.01.

   Notices      101  

SECTION 9.02.

   Waivers; Amendments      102  

SECTION 9.03.

   Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver      105  

SECTION 9.04.

   Successors and Assigns      106  

SECTION 9.05.

   Survival      110  

SECTION 9.06.

   Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution      110  

SECTION 9.07.

   Severability      111  

SECTION 9.08.

   Right of Setoff      111  

SECTION 9.09.

   Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process      112  

SECTION 9.10.

   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      112  

SECTION 9.11.

   Headings      113  

SECTION 9.12.

   Confidentiality      113  

SECTION 9.13.

   USA PATRIOT Act      114  

SECTION 9.14.

   Release of Subsidiary Guarantors      114  

SECTION 9.15.

   [Reserved]      114  

SECTION 9.16.

   Interest Rate Limitation      114  

SECTION 9.17.

   No Fiduciary Duty, etc.      115  

SECTION 9.18.

   Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions      115  

SECTION 9.19.

   Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs      116  

ARTICLE X GUARANTY

     116  

SECTION 10.01.

   Guaranty, Limitation of Liability      116  

SECTION 10.02.

   Guaranty Absolute.      117  

SECTION 10.03.

   Waivers and Acknowledgments.      118  

SECTION 10.04.

   Subrogation      119  

SECTION 10.05.

   Guaranty Supplements      119  

SECTION 10.06.

   Subordination.      120  

SECTION 10.07.

   Continuing Guaranty; Assignments      120  

SECTION 10.08.

   Guaranty Fallaway Provision      120  

SECTION 10.09.

   Keepwell      121  

 

iii


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

SCHEDULES:

Schedule 1.01(A) – Administrative Agent’s Office

Schedule 2.01 – Commitments

EXHIBITS:

Exhibit A – Form of Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit B – List of Closing Documents

Exhibit C – Form of Solvency Certificate

Exhibit D-1 – Form of U.S. Tax Certificate (Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships)

Exhibit D-2 – Form of U.S. Tax Certificate (Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships)

Exhibit D-3 – Form of U.S. Tax Certificate (Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships)

Exhibit D-4 – Form of U.S. Tax Certificate (Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships)

Exhibit E-1 – Form of Borrowing Request

Exhibit E-2 – Form of Interest Election Request

Exhibit F – Form of Guaranty Supplement

Exhibit G – Form of Compliance Certificate

Exhibit H – Form of Designated Subsidiary Borrower Request and Assumption Agreement

Exhibit I – Form of Designated Subsidiary Borrower Notice

 

iv


CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of [    ], 2022 among ESAB CORPORATION (the “Lead Borrower”), certain Subsidiaries of the Lead Borrower party hereto pursuant to Section 2.24 (each, a “Designated Subsidiary Borrower” and, together with the Lead Borrower, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), the other LOAN PARTIES from time to time party hereto, the LENDERS from time to time party hereto, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

WHEREAS, Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation and the parent company of the Lead Borrower (“Colfax”), and its Subsidiaries intend to complete a series of internal reorganization transactions (such transactions, collectively, the “Pre-Spin-Off Reorganization”), pursuant to which the Lead Borrower will hold, directly or through its Subsidiaries, Colfax’s fabrication technology business (the “Spin-Off Business”);

WHEREAS, the Lead Borrower (x) has requested that the Lenders provide the Term Loans and the Revolving Commitments, (y) will use the proceeds from the initial borrowings hereunder, together with a portion of the Net Proceeds from the incurrence of any Additional Permanent Financing, to fund a special payment to Colfax (the “Special Payment”) and to pay fees and expenses related to the Transactions and (z) will use the proceeds from Revolving Loans borrowed after the Effective Date for general corporate purposes of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

WHEREAS, substantially simultaneously with initial borrowings hereunder and the payment of the Special Payment, Colfax will make a distribution to its stockholders of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Lead Borrower (the “Spin-Off”), and the Lead Borrower’s common stock will be traded on the New York Stock Exchange;

WHEREAS, the Lenders have indicated their willingness to lend on the terms and subject to the conditions and for the purposes set forth herein;

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

ARTICLE I

Definitions

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

ABR” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.

Additional Commitment Lender” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.23(d).

Additional Guarantor” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 10.05(b).

Additional Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(c).

Additional Permanent Financing” means any debt for borrowed money of the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries incurred on or prior to the Effective Date (but excluding (1) intercompany Debt, (2) Debt incurred under this Agreement and (3) Debt under working capital facilities of the Lead Borrower’s Subsidiaries).

 


Administrative Agent” means Bank of America, N.A. (or any of its designated branch offices or affiliates), in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.

Administrative Agent’s Office” means, with respect to any currency, the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 1.01(A) with respect to such currency, or such other address or account with respect to such currency as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Lead Borrower and the Lenders.

Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.

Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person or is a director or officer of such Person. For purposes of this definition, the term “control” (including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) of a Person means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to vote 10% or more of the Voting Interests of such Person or to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of Voting Interests, by contract or otherwise.

Aggregate Revolving Commitment” means the aggregate of the Revolving Commitments of all of the Revolving Lenders, as reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof.

Agreed Currency” means Dollars and any Alternative Currency, as applicable.

Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph.

Agreement Value” means, for each Hedge Agreement, on any date of determination, an amount determined by the Administrative Agent equal to the mark-to-market value of such Hedge Agreement, which will be the unrealized loss on such Hedge Agreement to the Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party party to such Hedge Agreement determined by the Administrative Agent as the amount, if any, by which (a) the present value of the future cash flows (determined in accordance with the Master Agreement (Multicurrency Cross Border) published by the International Swap and Derivatives Association, Inc. with respect to such Hedge Agreement) to be paid by such Loan Party or Subsidiary exceeds (b) the present value of the future cash flows (as so determined) to be received by such Loan Party or Subsidiary pursuant to such Hedge Agreement.

Alternate Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its “prime rate”, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 12 of 1% and (c) the Term SOFR plus 1%. The “prime rate” is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such prime rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Term SOFR Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Term SOFR Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate, respectively. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Alternate Base Rate as determined pursuant to the foregoing would be less than 1.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 1.00% for purposes of this Agreement.

 

2


Alternative Currency” means each of the following currencies: Dollars, Euros, and Pounds Sterling, together with each other currency (other than Dollars) that is approved in accordance with Section 1.06; provided that for each Alternative Currency, such requested currency is an Eligible Currency.

Alternative Currency Daily Rate” means, for any day, with respect to any Borrowing:

(a) denominated in Sterling, the rate per annum equal to SONIA determined pursuant to the definition thereof plus the SONIA Adjustment; and

(b) denominated in any other Alternative Currency (to the extent such Loans denominated in such currency will bear interest at a daily rate), the daily rate per annum as designated with respect to such Alternative Currency at the time such Alternative Currency is approved by the Administrative Agent and the relevant Lenders pursuant to Section 1.06(a) plus the adjustment (if any) determined by the Administrative Agent and the relevant Lenders pursuant to Section 1.06(a);

provided, that, if any Alternative Currency Daily Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement. Any change in an Alternative Currency Daily Rate shall be effective from and including the date of such change without further notice.

Alternative Currency Daily Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the definition of “Alternative Currency Daily Rate.” All Alternative Currency Daily Rate Loans must be denominated in an Alternative Currency.

Alternative Currency Equivalent” means, at any time, with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the equivalent amount thereof in the applicable Alternative Currency as determined by the Administrative Agent by reference to Bloomberg (or such other publicly available service for displaying exchange rates), to be the exchange rate for the purchase of such Alternative Currency with Dollars at approximately 11:00 a.m. on the date two (2) Business Days prior to the date as of which the foreign exchange computation is made; provided, however, that if no such rate is available, the “Alternative Currency Equivalent” shall be determined by the Administrative Agent using any reasonable method of determination it deems appropriate in its sole discretion (and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error).

Alternative Currency Loan” means an Alternative Currency Daily Rate Loan or an Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan, as applicable.

Alternative Currency Term Rate” means, for any Interest Period, with respect to any Borrowing:

(a) denominated in Euros, the rate per annum equal to the Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”), as published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) on the day that is two TARGET Days preceding the first day of such Interest Period with a term equivalent to such Interest Period; or

(b) denominated in any other Alternative Currency (to the extent such Loans denominated in such currency will bear interest at a term rate), the term rate per annum as designated with respect to such Alternative Currency at the time such Alternative Currency is approved by the Administrative Agent and the relevant Lenders pursuant to Section 1.06(a) plus the adjustment (if any) determined by the Administrative Agent and the relevant Lenders pursuant to Section 1.06(a); provided, that, if any Alternative Currency Term Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement.

 

3


Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the definition of “Alternative Currency Term Rate.” All Alternative Currency Term Rate Loans must be denominated in an Alternative Currency.

Ancillary Document” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06.

Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption, including but not limited to, the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010 and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977.

Applicable Authority” means (a) with respect to Daily SOFR, the Daily SOFR Administrator or any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent or the Daily SOFR Administrator, (b) with respect to Term SOFR, CME or any successor administrator of the Term SOFR Screen Rate or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent or such administrator with respect to its publication of Term SOFR and (c) with respect to any Alternative Currency, the applicable administrator for the Relevant Rate for such Alternative Currency or any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent or such administrator.

Applicable Maturity Date” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.23(a).

Applicable Party” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.03(c).

Applicable Percentage” means, with respect to any Lender, (a) with respect to Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans, the percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and the denominator of which is the aggregate Revolving Commitments of all Revolving Lenders (if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon the Revolving Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments); (b) with respect to the Term A-1 Loans, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s outstanding principal amount of the Term A-1 Loans and the denominator of which is the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term A-1 Loans of all Term A-1 Lenders; and (c) with respect to the Term A-2 Loans, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s outstanding principal amount of the Term A-2 Loans and the denominator of which is the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term A-2 Loans of all Term A-2 Lenders; provided that in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (a), (b) and (c), in the case of Section 2.22 when a Defaulting Lender shall exist, any such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment, outstanding Term A-1 Loans and/or outstanding Term A-2 Loans shall be disregarded in the calculation.

Applicable Rate” means, for any day:

(a) with respect to the Tranche A-2 Term Loans, (i) in the case of ABR Loans, 0.375% (which percentage shall increase to 0.500% after the sixth-month anniversary of the Effective Date) and (ii) in the case of Daily SOFR Loans and Term SOFR Loans, 1.375% (which percentage shall increase to 1.500% after the sixth-month anniversary of the Effective Date); and

 

4


(b) with respect to the Tranche A-1 Term Loans and the Revolving Loans, in the case of any Daily SOFR Loan, any Term SOFR Loan, any Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan, any Alternative Currency Daily Rate Loan, any ABR Loan or with respect to the commitment fees payable hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption “Daily SOFR Spread”, “Term SOFR Spread”, “Alternative Currency Term Rate Spread”, “Alternative Currency Daily Rate Spread”, “ABR Spread” or “Commitment Fee Rate”, as the case may be:

 

Pricing Level

   Total Leverage Ratio:    Applicable Rate     Commitment
Fee Rate
 
   Daily SOFR Spread /
Term SOFR Spread
/Alternative
Currency Term Rate
Spread / Alternative
Currency Daily
Rate Spread
    ABR
Spread
 

1

   > 3.50 to 1.00      1.750     0.750     0.250

2

   < 3.50 to 1.00 but

> 2.50 to 1.00

     1.500     0.500     0.200

3

   < 2.50 to 1.00 but

> 1.50 to 1.00

     1.250     0.250     0.175

4

   < 1.50 to 1.00      1.125     0.125     0.150

For purposes of this definition, until the date on which the Administrative Agent receives a Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 5.12(c) for the Lead Borrower’s first full Fiscal Quarter ending after the Effective Date, the Applicable Rate will be based on Pricing Level 2 in respect of the table above. Thereafter, the Applicable Rate will be based on the Pricing Level, as determined by reference to the Total Leverage Ratio (as set forth in the most recent Compliance Certificate received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.12(b) or 5.12(c)).

Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from (i) a change in the Total Leverage Ratio shall become effective as of the first Business Day immediately following the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 5.12(b) or 5.12(c), as applicable, or (ii) a publicly announced change in the Applicable Ratings Level shall become effective on the date of the public announcement thereof through the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change; provided, however, that (i) if a Compliance Certificate is not delivered when due in accordance with such Section 5.12, then Pricing Level 1 shall apply as of the first Business Day after the date on which such Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered and shall remain in effect until the date on which such Compliance Certificate is delivered and (ii) Pricing Level 1 shall apply at all times during which an Event of Default exists.

Applicant Borrower” has the meaning specified in Section 2.24(a).

Appropriate Lender” means, at any time, (a) with respect to any of the Revolving Loans and/or Revolving Commitments, Term A-1 Loans or Term A-2 Loans, a Lender that has a Revolving Commitment and/or holds a Revolving Loan, a Term A-1 Loan or a Term A-2 Loan, respectively, at such time, and (b) with respect to the Swingline Sublimit, (i) the Swingline Lender and (ii) if any Swingline Loans are outstanding pursuant to Section 2.05(a), the Revolving Lenders.

 

5


Approved Electronic Platform” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.03(a).

Approved Fund” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

Arranger” means each of BofA Securities, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Citizens Bank, N.A., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., BMO Capital Markets Corp. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC in its capacity as a joint lead arranger hereunder.

Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption agreement entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form (including electronic records generated by the use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.

Audited Financial Statements” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.01(d).

Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments.

Available Revolving Commitment” means, at any time with respect to any Lender, the Revolving Commitment of such Lender then in effect minus the Revolving Credit Exposure of such Lender at such time; it being understood and agreed that any Lender’s Swingline Exposure shall not be deemed to be a component of the Revolving Credit Exposure for purposes of calculating the commitment fee under Section 2.12(a).

Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.

Bail-In Legislation” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, regulation, rule or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).

Bank Guarantee” means a guarantee issued by a bank or other financial institution, for the account of the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, to support obligations of such Person incurred in the ordinary course of such Person’s business.

Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors.

Banking Services” means each and any of the following bank services provided to the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary by any Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) credit cards for commercial customers (including, without limitation, commercial credit cards and purchasing cards), (b) stored value cards, (c) merchant processing services and (d) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, zero balance arrangements, cash sweeps, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, any direct debit scheme or arrangement, overdrafts, interstate depository network services and cash pooling services).

 

6


Banking Services Agreement” means any agreement entered into by the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with Banking Services.

Banking Services Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services.

Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy”, as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.

Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, such Person becomes the subject of a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business appointed for it, or, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment or has had any order for relief in such proceeding entered in respect thereof, provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person by a Governmental Authority or instrumentality thereof, unless such ownership interest results in or provides such Person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permits such Person (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person.

Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership or control as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.

Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in Section 4975 of the Code to which Section 4975 of the Code applies, and (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”.

BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.

Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

Bookrunner” means each of BofA Securities, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Citizens Bank, N.A., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., BMO Capital Markets Corp. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC in its capacity as joint bookrunner for the credit facilities evidenced by this Agreement.

Borrower” and “Borrowers” each has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Borrower Materials” means, collectively, all materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Lead Borrower hereunder.

 

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Borrowing” means (a) Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term SOFR Loans and Alternative Currency Term Rate Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect, (b) a Term Loan of the same Type and Class, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term SOFR Loans and Alternative Currency Term Rate Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect or (c) a Swingline Loan.

Borrowing Request” means a request by the Lead Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03, which shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E-1 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent (including any form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the applicable Borrower.

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state of New York; provided that:

(a) if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to an Alternative Currency Loan denominated in Euros, any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in Euro in respect of any such Alternative Currency Loan, or any other dealings in euro to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such Alternative Currency Loan, means a Business Day that is also a TARGET Day;

(b) if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to an Alternative Currency Loan denominated in Pounds Sterling, means a day other than a day banks are closed for general business in London because such day is a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday under the laws of the United Kingdom;

(c) if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to an Alternative Currency Loan denominated in a currency other than, Euros or Pounds Sterling, means any such day on which dealings in deposits in the relevant currency are conducted by and between banks in the applicable offshore interbank market for such currency; and

(d) if such day relates to any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in a currency other than Euros in respect of an Alternative Currency Loan denominated in a currency other than Euros, or any other dealings in any currency other than Euros to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such Alternative Currency Loan (other than any interest rate settings), means any such day on which banks are open for foreign exchange business in the principal financial center of the country of such currency.

Capitalized Leases” means all leases that have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases or finance leases.

Cash Equivalents” means any of the following, to the extent owned by the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and having a maturity of not greater than 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof: (a) readily marketable direct obligations of the government of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the federal government of the United States, (b) insured certificates of deposit of or time deposits with any commercial bank that is a Lender or a member of the Federal Reserve System, issues (or the parent of which issues) commercial paper rated as described in clause (c) below, is organized under the laws of the United States or any State thereof and has combined capital and surplus of at least $1,000,000,000 and time deposits (or any equivalent thereof) with a Lender or other financial institution in the United Kingdom and South Africa

 

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or other jurisdiction as approved by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion, (c) commercial paper in an aggregate amount of no more than $1,000,000 per issuer outstanding at any time, issued by any corporation organized under the laws of the United States or any State thereof and rated at least “Prime 1” (or the then equivalent grade) by Moody’s or “A 1” (or the then equivalent grade) by S&P, (d) Investments, classified in accordance with GAAP as Current Assets of the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, in money market investment programs registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which are administered by financial institutions that have the highest rating obtainable from either Moody’s or S&P, and the portfolios of which are limited solely to Investments of the character, quality and maturity described in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of this definition, or (e) in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary only, (i) direct obligations of the sovereign nation (or any agency thereof) in which such Foreign Subsidiary is organized and is conducting business or in obligations fully and unconditionally guaranteed by such sovereign nation (or any agency thereof) provided such sovereign nation or agency thereof has a rating by Moody’s and S&P equal to, or better than, the federal government of the United States or (ii) money market securities investment funds administered by reputable financial institutions in India, the portfolios of which are limited primarily to the equivalents in India of the investments of the character described in clauses (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)(i) of this definition.

CFC” means a Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957(a) of the Code.

CFC Holding Company” means any Person that owns no material assets other than the stock of one or more CFCs; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that an entity shall not cease to be a CFC Holding Company by virtue of temporarily holding cash as long as it promptly distributes such cash to its owners or contributes such cash to one or more of the CFCs that it owns.

Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement or, with respect to any Lender, such later date on which such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement of (a) the adoption of or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) compliance by any Lender (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s holding company, if any) with any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall, in each case, be deemed to be a “Change in Law,” regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.

Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following: (a) any Person or two or more Persons (other than the Equity Investors) acting in concert shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), directly or indirectly, of Voting Interests of the Lead Borrower (or other securities convertible into such Voting Interests) representing 40% or more of the combined voting power of all Voting Interests of the Lead Borrower, (b) during any period of up to twelve consecutive months, the majority of seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Borrower cease to be occupied by persons who either (i) were members of the board of directors of the Borrower at the beginning of the twelve consecutive month period or (ii) were nominated for election by the board of directors of the Borrower, a majority of whom are directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously approved by a majority of such directors or (c) a “change of control”, “fundamental change”, “make-whole fundamental change” or any comparable term under and as defined in any agreement governing any Permitted Convertible Indebtedness.

 

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Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.16.

Class”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Term A-1 Loans, Term A-2 Loans or Swingline Loans.

CME” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited.

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

Commitment” means, (a) the Revolving Commitments, the Term A-1 Loan Commitments and the Term A-2 Loan Commitments and (b) with respect to each Lender, the sum of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, Term A-1 Loan Commitment and Term A-2 Loan Commitment. The amount of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment, Term A-1 Loan Commitment and Term A-2 Loan Commitment as of the Effective Date is set forth on Schedule 2.01, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation contemplated hereby pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, Term A-1 Loan Commitment and/or Term A-2 Loan Commitment pursuant to the terms hereof, as applicable.

Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed by the Administrative Agent, any Lender by means of electronic communications pursuant to Section 8.03(c), including through an Approved Electronic Platform.

Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit G.

Computation Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.04.

Conforming Changes” means, with respect to the use of, administration of or any conventions associated with SOFR, SONIA or any proposed Successor Rate for an Agreed Currency or Term SOFR, as applicable, any conforming changes to the definitions of “Alternative Base Rate”, “SOFR”, “Term SOFR”, “SONIA”, “Interest Period”, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other technical, administrative or operational matters (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the definition of “Business Day”, “U.S. Government Securities Business Day”, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices and length of lookback periods) as may be appropriate, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, to reflect the adoption and implementation of such applicable rate(s) and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice for such Agreed Currency (or, if the Administrative Agent determines that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or that no market practice for the administration of such rate for such Agreed Currency exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent determines is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and any other Loan Document).

 

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Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

Consolidated” means the consolidation of accounts in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Intangible Assets” means, on any date, the consolidated intangible assets of the Lead Borrower and the Subsidiaries, as such amounts would appear on a consolidated balance sheet of the Lead Borrower prepared in accordance with GAAP. As used herein, “intangible assets” means the value (net of any applicable reserves) as shown on such balance sheet of (i) all patents, patent rights, trademarks, trademark registrations, servicemarks, trade names, business names, brand names, copyrights, designs (and all reissues, divisions, continuations and extensions thereof), or any right to any of the foregoing, (ii) goodwill, and (iii) all other intangible assets.

Consolidated Interest Charges” means, for any Measurement Period, the sum of (a) all interest, premium payments, debt discount, fees, charges and related expenses in connection with borrowed money (including capitalized interest) or in connection with the deferred purchase price of assets, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, (b) all interest paid or payable with respect to discontinued operations, or (c) the portion of rent expense under Capitalized Leases that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, in each case, of or by the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the most recently completed Measurement Period.

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (or net loss) of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries (calculated on a Consolidated basis) for such period; provided that the following items shall be excluded in computing Consolidated Net Income (without duplication): (a) the net income (or loss) of any Person in which a Person or Persons other than the Lead Borrower and its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries has an Equity Interest or Equity Interests (i) if such Person is a Subsidiary Consolidated with the Lead Borrower, to the extent of any such Equity Interests held by Persons other than the Lead Borrower and its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries in such Person and (ii) if such Person is not a Subsidiary Consolidated with the Lead Borrower, other than to the extent of the amount of dividends or other distributions actually paid in cash by such Person, (b) except as expressly set forth in the definition of “EBITDA”, the net income (or loss) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower or all or substantially all of the property or assets of such Person are acquired by a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower and (c) the net income of any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower (other than the Lead Borrower) to the extent that the declaration or payment of cash dividends or similar cash distributions by such Subsidiary of such net income is not at the time permitted by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to such Subsidiary.

Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means, on any date of determination, the excess of Consolidated Total Assets over Consolidated Intangible Assets.

Consolidated Total Assets” means, as of any date of determination, the total assets of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP, as set forth on the consolidated balance sheet of the Lead Borrower as of such date.

Consolidated Total Debt” means, as of any date of determination, all items that, in accordance with GAAP, would be classified as indebtedness on a Consolidated balance sheet (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any Debt incurred pursuant to trade payables not overdue by more than 90 days incurred in the ordinary course of business by using any purchase or credit card) as of such date minus an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the aggregate amount of unrestricted, unencumbered (other than as permitted under Section 6.01(e)) and freely transferrable cash and Cash Equivalent Investments of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of such date and (y) $100,000,000.

 

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Contingent Obligation” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation or arrangement of such Person to guarantee or intended to guarantee any Debt or other payment obligations (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, (a) the direct or indirect guarantee, endorsement (other than for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business), co-making, discounting with recourse or sale with recourse by such Person of the obligation of a primary obligor, (b) the obligation to make take-or-pay or similar payments, if required, regardless of nonperformance by any other party or parties to an agreement or (c) any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent, (i) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor, (ii) to advance or supply funds (A) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (B) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, (iii) to purchase property, assets, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation or (iv) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made (or, if less, the maximum amount of such primary obligation for which such Person may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument evidencing such Contingent Obligation) or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such Person is required to perform thereunder), as determined by such Person in good faith.

Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. The terms “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

Controlled Investment Affiliates” means as, to any Person, (a) any other Person which directly or indirectly is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person and is organized by such Person (or any Person controlling such Person) primarily for making equity or debt investments in one or more companies, or (b) any fund or account managed by such Person, or by the same manager or advisor as such Person or an Affiliate of such Person or such manager or advisor. Solely for the purposes of this definition “control” shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” shall have meanings correlative thereto.

Covered Entity” means any of the following:

(i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

(ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or

(iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

Covered Party” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.19.

Co-Documentation Agents” means each of [    ] and [    ] in its capacity as a co-documentation agent for the credit facilities evidenced by this Agreement.

 

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Co-Syndication Agents” means each of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Citizens Bank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Bank of Montreal and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association in its capacity as a co-syndication agent for the credit facilities evidenced by this Agreement.

Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the sum of (a) such Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure at such time, plus (b) an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of its Term Loans outstanding at such time.

Credit Party” means the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender.

Cross-Default Reference Obligation” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “Permitted Convertible Indebtedness”.

Current Assets” of any Person means all assets of such Person that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified as current assets of a company conducting a business the same as or similar to that of such Person, after deducting adequate reserves in each case in which a reserve is proper in accordance with GAAP.

Daily SOFR” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to SOFR for the day that is five U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such day determined pursuant to the definition of SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment. Any change in Daily SOFR shall be effective from and including the date of such change without further notice. If the rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

Daily SOFR Administrator” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as the administrator of SOFR, or any successor administrator of SOFR designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or other Person acting as the Daily SOFR Administrator at such time that is satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Daily SOFR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on Daily SOFR.

Debt” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person for the deferred purchase price of property or services, (c) all obligations of such Person evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments, (d) all obligations of such Person created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (e) all obligations of such Person as lessee under Capitalized Leases, (f) all obligations of such Person under acceptance, letter of credit or similar facilities, or in respect of any Bank Guarantee, (g) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise make any payment in respect of any Equity Interests in such Person (other than, with respect to the Lead Borrower, any obligation to satisfy the conversion by holders of (including any cash payment upon conversion), or make any required payment of any principal or premium on, or required payment of any interest with respect to, any Permitted Convertible Indebtedness, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing such Permitted Convertible Indebtedness) or any other Person or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such Equity Interests, in each case, in cash and valued, in the case of Redeemable Preferred Interests, at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, (h) all obligations of such Person in respect of Hedge Agreements, valued at the Agreement Value thereof, (i) all Contingent Obligations of such Person, (j) Off Balance Sheet Obligations of such Person and (k) all indebtedness and other payment obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (j) above of another Person secured by (or for which the holder of such Debt has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on

 

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property (including, without limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness or other payment obligations; provided that the following items shall not be considered Debt: (x) trade payables not overdue by more than 90 days incurred in the ordinary course of business, (y) guarantees of obligations (which guaranteed obligations do not themselves constitute Debt) and (z) any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction, any Permitted Warrant Transaction, and any obligations thereunder.

Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two (2) Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans, (ii) fund any portion of its participations in Swingline Loans or (iii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified the Lead Borrower or any Credit Party in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a Loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after request by a Credit Party, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations (and is financially able to meet such obligations as of the date of certification) to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Swingline Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent, or (d) has become the subject of (i) a Bankruptcy Event or (ii) a Bail-In Action.

Designated Person” means a person or entity:

(a) listed on the “Specially Designated National and Blocked Person” list maintained by OFAC or any similar list maintained by the United States, the United Nations, the EU, any EU member state, the United Kingdom, or any other relevant governmental entity; or

(b) with which any Loan Party is prohibited from dealing or otherwise engaging in any transaction by any Sanctions Laws and Regulations; or

(c) owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b).

Designated Lender” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.25.

Designated Subsidiary Borrower” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.

 

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Designated Subsidiary Borrower Notice” means the notice substantially in the form of Exhibit I attached hereto.

Designated Subsidiary Borrower Request and Assumption Agreement” means the notice substantially in the form of Exhibit H attached hereto.

Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any Sale and Leaseback Transaction and whether effected pursuant to a Division or otherwise) of any property by any Person (or the granting of any option or other right to do any of the foregoing), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith, but excluding the granting of any Liens permitted pursuant to Section 6.01.

Dividing Person” has the meaning assigned to it in the definition of “Division”.

Division” means the division of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations of a Person (the “Dividing Person”) among two or more Persons (whether pursuant to a “plan of division” or similar arrangement), which may or may not include the Dividing Person and pursuant to which the Dividing Person may or may not survive.

Division Successor” means any Person that, upon the consummation of a Division of a Dividing Person, holds all or any portion of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations previously held by such Dividing Person immediately prior to the consummation of such Division. A Dividing Person which retains any of its assets, liabilities and/or obligations after a Division shall be deemed a Division Successor upon the occurrence of such Division.

Dollar Amount” means, for any amount, at the time of determination thereof, (a) if such amount is expressed in Dollars, such amount, (b) if such amount is expressed in an Alternative Currency, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars determined by using the rate of exchange for the purchase of dollars with the Alternative Currency last provided (either by publication or otherwise provided to the Administrative Agent) by the applicable Bloomberg source (or such other publicly available source for displaying exchange rates) on date that is two (2) Business Days immediately preceding the date of determination (or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide such rate of exchange, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent using any method of determination it deems appropriate in its sole discretion) and (c) if such amount is denominated in any other currency, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent using any method of determination it deems appropriate in its sole discretion. Any determination by the Administrative Agent pursuant to clause (b) or (c) above shall be conclusive absent manifest error. “Dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.

Domestic Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

EBITDA” means, for any period, (a) the sum, determined on a Consolidated basis for the most recently completed Measurement Period, of (i) Consolidated Net Income, and, to the extent reflected in the calculation of such net income (or net loss), (ii) net interest expense, (iii) income tax expense, (iv) depreciation expense, (v) amortization expense, (vi) noncash impairment charges, (vii) losses from discontinued operations, extraordinary losses and losses from sales of assets outside the ordinary course of business, (viii) other noncash expenses and losses, (ix) noncash equity compensation expenses, (x) non-recurring and other one-time expenses incurred in connection with the Restructuring in an amount not to exceed $150,000,000 in the aggregate for all such periods commencing after the Effective Date and non-recurring and other one-time expenses incurred in connection with the Restructuring in the four fiscal

 

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quarters immediately prior to the Effective Date, to the extent such expenses were permitted to be added back to the calculation of EBITDA pursuant to the definition thereof under the Existing Credit Agreement, (xi) expenses associated with the settlement or payment of asbestos or welding fumes liabilities, (xii) costs associated with the action of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries against its asbestos or welding fumes insurers for coverage in respect of asbestos liabilities, (xiii) cash or non-cash charges, including legal and advisor fees and other transaction expenses, incurred in connection with Permitted Acquisitions or financing transactions permitted under the Loan Documents, (xiv) fees, expenses and other costs incurred in connection with the Spin-Off so long as the aggregate amount of such fees, expenses and costs do not exceed $100,000,000 and (xv) the amount of cost savings and other operating improvements and cost synergies projected by the Lead Borrower in good faith to be realized as a result of any acquisition, merger, other business combination, investment or Disposition (including the termination or discontinuance of activities constituting such business) of business entities or properties or assets, constituting a division or line of business of any business entity, division or line of business that is the subject of any such acquisition or Disposition, or from any operational change taken or committed to be taken during such period (in each case calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings and other operating improvements and cost synergies had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions to the extent already included in the Consolidated Net Income for such period; provided that such cost savings, operating improvements and cost synergies are reasonably anticipated to result from any action taken or expected to be taken within 18 months following such acquisition, merger, other business combination, investment, disposition or operational change; provided, further, that the aggregate amount of adjustments in respect of cost synergies, cost savings and other operating improvements, when aggregated with the aggregate amount of adjustments in respect of pro forma cost synergies, cost savings and other operating improvements pursuant to the proviso to this definition, shall not exceed 20% of EBITDA for such period prior to giving effect to such cost synergies, cost savings and other operating improvements for such period); minus (b) gains from discontinued operations, extraordinary gains and gains from sales of assets outside the ordinary course of business, in each case of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and, to the extent otherwise reflected in the calculation of net income (or net loss) for such period, any gains associated with asbestos or welding fumes claims, in each case determined (except as otherwise provided herein) in accordance with GAAP for the most recently completed Measurement Period, it being understood that “EBITDA” shall, for purposes of calculating compliance with the Total Leverage Ratio in Section 5.13 and for purposes of determining the Applicable Rate, be (1) increased for any Measurement Period in which the purchase or other acquisition of all of the Equity Interests in, or all or substantially all of the property and assets of, any Person, has occurred, by the EBITDA of the Person or assets being acquired using the historical financial statements (including audited financial statements, to the extent available) for such Person and (2) decreased for any Measurement Period in which the sale, transfer or other disposition of all of the Equity Interests in, or all or substantially all of the property and assets of, any Person, has occurred, by, in each case, the EBITDA of the Person or assets being acquired or sold, as applicable, using the historical financial statements (including audited financial statements, to the extent available) for such Person, and all such adjustments to the EBITDA of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries as specified in the foregoing clauses (1) and (2) shall be accompanied by a certification of a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower stating that such adjustments have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.

ECP” means an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1(a)(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and the applicable rules issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or the SEC.

EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clause (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

 

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EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).

Electronic Signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a Person with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or record.

Eligible Currency” means any lawful currency other than Dollars that is readily available, freely transferable and convertible into Dollars in the international interbank market available to the Lenders in such market and as to which a Dollar Amount may be readily calculated. If, after the designation by the Lenders of any currency as an Alternative Currency, any change in currency controls or exchange regulations or any change in the national or international financial, political or economic conditions are imposed in the country in which such currency is issued, result in, in the reasonable opinion of the Required Lenders (in the case of any Loans to be denominated in an Alternative Currency), (a) such currency no longer being readily available, freely transferable and convertible into Dollars, (b) a Dollar Amount is no longer readily calculable with respect to such currency, (c) providing such currency is impracticable for the Lenders or (d) no longer a currency in which the Required Lenders are willing to make such Borrowings (each of clauses (a), (b), (c), and (d) a “Disqualifying Event”), then the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders and the Lead Borrower, and such country’s currency shall no longer be an Alternative Currency until such time as the Disqualifying Event(s) no longer exist(s). Within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such notice from the Administrative Agent, the Lead Borrower shall repay all Loans in such currency to which the Disqualifying Event applies or convert such Loans into the Dollar Amount of Loans in Dollars, subject to the other terms contained herein.

Environment” shall mean ambient air, indoor air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface, sediments, and subsurface strata & natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna.

Environmental Action” means any action, suit, demand, demand letter, claim, notice of non-compliance or violation, notice of liability or potential liability, investigation, proceeding, consent order or consent agreement arising under or with respect to any Environmental Law, any Environmental Permit or Hazardous Material or arising from alleged injury or threat to health, safety or the environment, including, without limitation, (a) by any governmental or regulatory authority for enforcement, cleanup, removal, response, remedial or other actions or damages and (b) by any governmental or regulatory authority or third party for damages, contribution, indemnification, cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief; provided, however, that Environmental Action shall not include any asbestos-related litigation.

Environmental Law” means any applicable federal, state, local or foreign statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, code, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree or judicial or agency interpretation, policy or guidance relating to pollution or protection of the Environment, health, safety or natural resources, including, without limitation, those relating to the use, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, Release or threat-of, Release of, or exposure to, Hazardous Materials.

 

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Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials into the Environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

Environmental Permit” means any permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization required under any Environmental Law.

Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any of the foregoing.

Equity Investors” means Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales, their respective heirs and any estate-planning trust for the benefit of members of their immediate families with respect to which either Mitchell P. Rales or Steven M. Rales is the trustee.

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

ERISA Affiliate” means any Person that for purposes of Title IV of ERISA is a member of the controlled group of any Loan Party, or under common control with any Loan Party, within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code.

ERISA Event” means (a) (i) the occurrence of a Reportable Event, or (ii) the requirements of Section 4043(b) of ERISA apply with respect to a contributing sponsor, as defined in Section 4001(a)(13) of ERISA, of a Plan, and an event described in paragraph (9), (10), (11), (12) or (13) of Section 4043(c) of ERISA is reasonably expected to occur with respect to such Plan within the following 30 days; (b) the failure to satisfy the minimum funding standard under Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, whether or not waived, with respect to a Plan; (c) the application for a minimum funding waiver with respect to a Plan; (d) the provision by the administrator of any Plan of a notice of intent to terminate such Plan, pursuant to Section 4041(a)(2) of ERISA (including any such notice with respect to a plan amendment referred to in Section 4041(e) of ERISA); (e) the cessation of operations at a facility of any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate in the circumstances described in Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (f) the withdrawal by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiple Employer Plan during a plan year for which it was a substantial employer, as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA; (g) the conditions for imposition of a lien under Section 303(k) of ERISA shall have been met with respect to any Plan; (h) a determination that any Plan is in “at risk” status (within the meaning of Section 303 of ERISA); or (i) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Plan pursuant to Section 4042 of ERISA, or the occurrence of any event or condition described in Section 4042 of ERISA that constitutes grounds for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, such Plan.

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor Person), as in effect from time to time.

 

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Euro” and/or “” means the single currency of the Participating Member States.

Event of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.01.

Excluded Subsidiary” means (a) any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower that does not own or hold any assets or property and has no Debt outstanding, in each case, in excess of $5,000,000, except Equity Interests of any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower that is an Excluded Subsidiary, (b) any Receivables Subsidiary, (c) any CFC Holding Company and (d) any Domestic Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall a Designated Subsidiary Borrower constitute an Excluded Subsidiary.

Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan Party, any Specified Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Loan Party of, or the grant by such Loan Party of a security interest to secure, such Specified Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Loan Party’s failure for any reason to constitute an ECP at the time the Guarantee of such Loan Party or the grant of such security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Specified Swap Obligation. If a Specified Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Specified Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.

Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the applicable Commitment or, if such Lender did not fund the applicable Loan pursuant to a prior Commitment, the date on which such Lender acquires the applicable interest in such Loan (in each case, other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Lead Borrower under Section 2.19(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender acquired the applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(f) and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2018 (as amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof), among Colfax, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and swing line lender, the Lenders party thereto from time to time and the other parties thereto.

Extended Maturity Date” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.23(a).

Extending Lender” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.23(b).

Extension Date” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.23(a).

 

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FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations thereunder or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to current Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code (or any amended or successor version described above) and any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities (or any related Laws) implementing the foregoing.

Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depository institutions (as determined in such manner as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shall set forth on its public website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the federal funds effective rate; provided that if the Federal Funds Effective Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.

Financial Officer” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of the Lead Borrower.

First Tier Foreign Subsidiary” means each Foreign Subsidiary with respect to which any one or more of the Lead Borrower and any other Loan Party directly owns or Controls more than 50% of such Foreign Subsidiary’s issued and outstanding Equity Interests.

Fiscal Quarter” means a fiscal quarter of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Fiscal Year” means a fiscal year of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries ending on December 31 in any calendar year.

Foreign Currencies” means Agreed Currencies other than Dollars.

Foreign Currency Sublimit” means $300,000,000. The Foreign Currency Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Revolving Commitments.

Foreign Lender” means, with respect to the Lead Borrower or any other Borrower that is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person.

Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary which is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including, without limitation, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority and any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Governmental Authorization” means any authorization, approval, consent, franchise, license, covenant, order, ruling, permit, certification, exemption, notice, declaration or similar right, undertaking or other action of, to or by, or any filing, qualification or registration with, any Governmental Authority.

 

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Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Debt or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Debt or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Debt or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Debt or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Debt or obligation; provided, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.

Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.01(a).

Guarantors” means the Lead Borrower (solely with respect to the obligations of the Subsidiaries (including any Designated Subsidiary Borrower)), each Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary (other than any Excluded Subsidiary) on the date hereof, each Designated Subsidiary Borrower (solely with respect to the obligations of the other Loan Parties) and any other Subsidiary that executes and delivers to the Administrative Agent a Guaranty Supplement.

Guaranty” means the guaranty set forth in Article X, together with each other guaranty and guaranty supplement, in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion, delivered pursuant to Section 5.10, in each case as amended, amended and restated, modified or otherwise supplemented, guaranteeing the Guaranteed Obligations.

Guaranty Supplement” means the guaranty supplement in substantially the form of Exhibit F hereto.

Hazardous Materials” means (a) petroleum or petroleum products, by products or breakdown products, radioactive materials, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalklyl substances, polychlorinated biphenyls, toxic mold, and radon gas and (b) any other chemicals, materials or substances designated, classified or regulated under any Environmental Law.

Hedge Agreements” means interest rate swap, cap or collar agreements, interest rate future or option contracts, currency swap agreements, currency future or option contracts and other hedging agreements, and any guaranty thereof.

Incremental Amendment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(c).

Incremental Facilities” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(a).

Incremental Revolving Commitments” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(a).

Incremental Term Loan” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(a).

Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (a) hereof, Other Taxes.

Indemnitee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(b).

 

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Ineligible Institution” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

Information” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.12.

Interest Coverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) EBITDA to (b) Consolidated Interest Charges for the most recently completed Measurement Period.

Interest Election Request” means a request by a the Lead Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.08, which shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E-2 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent, including any form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower.

Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan or Swingline Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the applicable Maturity Date, (b) with respect to any Term SOFR Loan or Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period and the applicable Maturity Date, (c) with respect to any Daily SOFR Loan, the last Business Day of each month and the applicable Maturity Date, and (d) with respect to any Alternative Currency Daily Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each month and the applicable Maturity Date.

Interest Period” means, as to each Term SOFR Loan and Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Term SOFR Loan or Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan, as applicable, and ending on the date one, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the applicable Borrower in its Borrowing Request, or such other period that is twelve months or less requested by the applicable Borrower and consented to by all the Appropriate Lenders and the Administrative Agent (in the case of each requested Interest Period, subject to availability); provided that:

(i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;

(ii) any Interest Period pertaining to a Term SOFR Loan or Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and

(iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the applicable Maturity Date.

Investment” in any Person means any loan or advance to such Person, any purchase or other acquisition of any Equity Interests or Debt or the assets comprising a division or business unit or a substantial part or all of the business of such Person, any capital contribution to such Person or any other direct or indirect investment in such Person, including, without limitation, any acquisition by way of a merger or consolidation (or similar transaction) and any arrangement pursuant to which the investor incurs Debt of the types referred to in clause (i), (j) or (k) of the definition of “Debt” in respect of such Person.

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

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Latest Maturity Date” means, at any date of determination, the latest Maturity Date applicable to any Loan or Commitment hereunder at such time, in each case as extended in accordance with this Agreement from time to time.

Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case, whether or not having the force of law.

Lead Bookrunner” means each of BofA Securities, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Citizens Bank, N.A., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., BMO Capital Markets Corp. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC in its capacity as a joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner hereunder.

Lender Notice Date” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.23(b).

Lender Parent” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person as to which such Lender is, directly or indirectly, a subsidiary.

Lender Party” and “Lender Recipient Party” means any Lender or any Swingline Lender.

Lender-Related Person” means the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Co-Documentation Agent, any Co-Syndication Agent and any Lender, and any Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons.

Lenders” means the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01 and any other Person that shall have become a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 2.20 or pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lender. The term “Lenders” shall include any Designated Lender who has funded any Borrowing.

Liabilities” means any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind.

Lien” means any lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance of any kind, or any other type of preferential arrangement, including, without limitation, the lien or retained security title of a conditional vendor.

Limited Condition Transaction” means any acquisition, including by way of merger, amalgamation, consolidation or other business combination or the acquisition of Equity Interests or otherwise, of any assets, business or Person, or any other Investment by one or more of the Borrowers and its Subsidiaries permitted by this Agreement, in each case, whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third-party financing.

LLC” means any Person that is a limited liability company under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation.

 

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Loan Documents” means this Agreement (including schedules and exhibits hereto), any promissory notes issued pursuant to Section 2.10(g), each Designated Subsidiary Borrower Request and Assumption Agreement and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the Administrative Agent or any Lenders and including all powers of attorney, consents, assignments, other contracts, notices and all other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party, or any employee of any Loan Party, and delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Any reference in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to this Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.

Loan Obligations” means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, all accrued and unpaid fees and all expenses, reimbursements, indemnities and other obligations and indebtedness (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), and other liabilities of any of the Lead Borrower and the other Loan Parties to any of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent or any indemnified party, individually or collectively, existing on the Effective Date or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, in each case, arising or incurred under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Lead Borrower, each Designated Subsidiary Borrower and the Guarantors.

Loans” means the loans made by the Lenders to the Lead Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.

Local Time” means (i) New York City time in the case of a Loan or Borrowing denominated in Dollars and (ii) local time in the case of a Loan or Borrowing denominated in a Foreign Currency (it being understood that such local time shall mean London, England time unless otherwise notified by the Administrative Agent).

Margin Stock” has the meaning specified in Regulation U of the Board, as in effect from time to time.

Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect on, the operations, business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), or financial condition of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent or any Lender under any Loan Document, or of the ability of any Loan Party to perform its payment or other material obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Loan Party of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

Maturity Date” means the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, the Term A-1 Loan Maturity Date or the Term A-2 Loan Maturity Date, as the context requires.

Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.16.

Measurement Period” means each period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending on the last day of a Fiscal Quarter for which financial statements have been or are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.12(b) or 5.12(c) (or, prior to the delivery of any such financial statements, the most recently completed four consecutive Fiscal Quarters covered in the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(d)).

 

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Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan, as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate is making or accruing an obligation to make contributions, or has within any of the preceding five plan years made or accrued an obligation to make contributions.

Multiple Employer Plan” means an “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) that (a) is maintained for employees of any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate and at least one Person other than the Loan Parties and the ERISA Affiliates or (b) was so maintained and in respect of which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate could have liability under Section 4064 or 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

Net Proceeds” means, with respect to any event, (a) the cash (which term, for purposes of this definition, shall include cash equivalents) proceeds received in respect of such event, including any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but excluding any interest payments), but only as and when received, minus (b) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid to third parties (other than Affiliates) in connection with such event.

Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(e).

Non-Extending Lender” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.23(b).

Obligations” means all Loan Obligations, together with all Swap Obligations and Banking Services Obligations owing to one or more Lenders or their respective Affiliates; provided that the definition of “Obligations” shall not create or include any guarantee by any Loan Party of any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Loan Party for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Party.

OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Off Balance Sheet Obligation” means, with respect to any Person, any (a) repurchase obligation or liability of such Person with respect to accounts or notes receivable sold by such Person, (b) liability of such Person under any Sale and Leaseback Transactions that do not create a liability on the balance sheet of such Person, (c) obligation under a Synthetic Lease or (d) obligation arising with respect to any other transaction which is the functional equivalent of or takes the place of borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the balance sheet of such Person.

Organization Documents” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any foreign jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust, unlimited liability company or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any foreign jurisdiction) of such entity.

 

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Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 2.19).

Overnight Rate” means, for any day, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the greater of (i) the Federal Funds Effective Rate and (ii) an overnight rate determined by the Administrative Agent or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be, in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in an Alternative Currency, an overnight rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

Participant” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

Participant Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

Participating Member State” means any member state of the European Union that adopts or has adopted the Euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Union relating to economic and monetary union.

Patriot Act” means the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001.

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

Pension Funding Rules” means the rules of the Code and ERISA regarding minimum required contributions (including any installment payment thereof) to a Plan and set forth in Sections 412 and 430 of the Code and Sections 302 and 303 of ERISA.

Permitted Acquisition” means an Investment permitted under Section 6.06(g).

Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction” means any call or capped call option (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) relating to the Lead Borrower’s common stock (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the common stock of the Lead Borrower) purchased by the Lead Borrower in connection with the issuance of any Permitted Convertible Indebtedness; provided that, the purchase price for such Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction, less the proceeds received by the Lead Borrower from the sale of any related Permitted Warrant Transaction, does not exceed the net proceeds received by Borrower from the issuance of such Permitted Convertible Indebtedness in connection with such Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction.

 

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Permitted Convertible Indebtedness” means any unsecured notes issued by the Lead Borrower that are convertible into a fixed number (subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, “make-whole” increases and other customary changes thereto) of shares of common stock of the Lead Borrower (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the common stock of the Lead Borrower), cash or any combination thereof (with the amount of such cash or such combination determined by reference to the market price of such common stock or such other securities); provided that, the Indebtedness thereunder must satisfy each of the following conditions: (i) both immediately prior to and after giving effect (including pro forma effect) thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall exist or result therefrom, (ii) such Debt is not guaranteed by any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower, (iii) any cross-default or cross-acceleration event of default (each howsoever defined) provision contained therein that relates to indebtedness or other payment obligations of the Lead Borrower or any Borrower (such indebtedness or other payment obligations, a “Cross-Default Reference Obligation”) contains a cure period of at least thirty (30) calendar days (after written notice to the issuer of such Debt by the trustee or to such issuer and such trustee by holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of such Debt then outstanding) before a default, event of default, acceleration or other event or condition under such Cross-Default Reference Obligation results in an event of default under such cross-default or cross-acceleration provision and (iv) the terms, conditions and covenants of such Debt must be customary for convertible Debt of such type (as determined by the board of directors of the Lead Borrower, or a committee thereof, in good faith).

Permitted Liens” means: (a) Liens for taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies to the extent not required to be paid under Section 6.02 or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP; (b) Liens imposed by law, such as materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, warehousemen’s, landlords’, workmen’s and repairmen’s Liens and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business securing obligations that (i) are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days and (ii) individually or together with all other Permitted Liens outstanding on any date of determination do not materially adversely affect the use of the property to which they relate or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP; (c) pledges or deposits to secure obligations under workers’ compensation laws or similar legislation or to secure public or statutory obligations; (d) judgment Liens in existence less than 30 days after entry thereof or with respect to which execution is stayed; (e) Liens arising out of title retention provisions in any contract in the ordinary course of business; and (f) easements, rights of way, restrictions, minor defects or irregularities in title and other similar encumbrances affecting real property that, in the aggregate are not substantial in amount, and that do not in any case materially detract from the value of the property subject thereto or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the applicable Person and leases and subleases of real property granted to others and licenses of other assets entered into in the ordinary course of business, in each case no interfering in any material respect with the business of the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

Permitted Warrant Transaction” means any call option, warrant or right to purchase (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) relating to the Lead Borrower’s common stock (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the common stock of the Lead Borrower) and/or cash (in an amount determined by reference to the price of such common stock) sold by the Lead Borrower substantially concurrently with any purchase by the Lead Borrower of a related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction.

Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Plan” means a Single Employer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan.

 

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Plan Asset Regulations” means 29 CFR § 2510.3-101 et seq., as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA, as amended from time to time.

Post Petition Interest” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.06(b).

Pounds Sterling”, “Sterling” and “£” means the lawful currency of the United Kingdom.

Preferred Interests” means, with respect to any Person, Equity Interests issued by such Person that are entitled to a preference or priority over any other Equity Interests issued by such Person upon any distribution of such Person’s property and assets, whether by dividend or upon liquidation.

Pro Forma Financial Statements” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.01(d).

PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.

QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall

be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).

QFC Credit Support” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.19.

Qualified ECP Guarantor” means, in respect of any Specified Swap Obligation, each Loan Party that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant Guarantee or grant of the relevant security interest becomes effective with respect to such Specified Swap Obligation or such other person as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Receivables Assets” means any accounts receivable owed to the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower (whether now existing or arising or acquired in the future) arising in the ordinary course of business from the sale of goods or services, all collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and contract rights and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, all proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets (including contract rights) which are of the type customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with securitizations of accounts receivable and which, in each case, are sold, conveyed, assigned or otherwise transferred or in which a security interest is granted by the Lead Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower to either (a) a Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower or (b) a Receivables Subsidiary that in turn sells, conveys, assigns, grants a security interest in or otherwise transfers such Receivables Assets to a Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower.

Receivables Facility” means any of one or more receivables financing facilities as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated or refunded from time to time, all obligations in respect of which are non-recourse (except for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made in connection with such facilities) to the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) pursuant to which the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries sells, conveys, assigns, grants an interest in or otherwise transfers Receivables Assets to either (a) a Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower or (b) a Receivables Subsidiary that in turn sells, conveys, assigns, grants a security interest in or otherwise transfers such Receivables Assets to a Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower.

 

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Receivables Facility Documents” means each of the documents and agreements entered into in connection with any Receivables Facility, in each case as such documents and agreements may be amended, modified, supplemented, refinanced or replaced from time to time.

Receivables Sellers” means the Lead Borrower and those Subsidiaries that are from time to time party to the Receivables Facility Documents (other than any Receivables Subsidiary).

Receivables Subsidiary” means a special-purpose Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower whose sole purpose is to purchase Receivables Assets from the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) and to resell, convey, assign, grant a security interest in or otherwise transfer such Receivables Assets to a Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower pursuant to a Receivables Facility and which engages in no other activities other than the foregoing and other activities reasonably related thereto.

Recipient” means (a) the Administrative Agent and (b) any Lender, as applicable.

Redeemable” means, with respect to any Equity Interest, any Debt or any other right or obligation, any such Equity Interest, Debt, right or obligation that (a) the issuer has undertaken to redeem at a fixed or determinable date or dates, whether by operation of a sinking fund or otherwise, or upon the occurrence of a condition not solely within the control of the issuer or (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder.

Refinancing Convertible Notes” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.07.

Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Regulation X” means Regulation X of the Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.

Release” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, dumping, injection, pouring, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching or migration into or through the Environment or within, from or into any building, structure, facility or fixture.

Relevant Governmental Body” means (a) with respect to Loans denominated in Dollars, the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, (b) with respect to Loans denominated in Sterling, the Bank of England, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Bank of England or, in each case, any successor thereto, (c) with respect to Loans denominated in Euros, the European Central Bank, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the European Central Bank or, in each case, any successor thereto, and (d) with respect to Loans denominated in any other Agreed Currency, (i) the central bank for the currency in which such Loan is denominated or

 

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any central bank or other supervisor which is responsible for supervising either (x) such Successor Rate or (y) the administrator of such Successor Rate or (ii) any working group or committee officially endorsed or convened by (w) the central bank for the currency in which such Successor Rate is denominated, (x) any central bank or other supervisor that is responsible for supervising either (A) such Successor Rate or (B) the administrator of such Successor Rate, (y) a group of those central banks or other supervisors or (z) the Financial Stability Board or any part thereof.

Relevant Jurisdiction” means, in respect of any Person, the jurisdiction of the country in which such Person is incorporated and, if different, where it is resident and has its principal place of business, and each jurisdiction or state in which it owns or leases property or otherwise conducts its business.

Relevant Rate” means with respect to any Borrowing denominated in (a) Dollars, Term SOFR or Daily SOFR, (b) Pounds Sterling, SONIA, and (c) Euros, EURIBOR, as applicable.

Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, other than events for which the 30-day notice period has been waived.

Required ESG Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.22, at any time, Term A-1 Lenders and Revolving Lenders having Term A-1 Loans, Revolving Loans and Unfunded Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total outstanding principal amount of Term A-1 Loans, Revolving Loans and Unfunded Commitments at such time.

Required Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.22, at any time, Lenders having Credit Exposures (provided, that, as to any Lender, clause (a) of the definition of “Swingline Exposure” shall only be applicable in calculating a Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure to the extent such Lender shall have funded its respective participations in the outstanding Swingline Loans) and Unfunded Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total Credit Exposures and Unfunded Commitments at such time; provided that for purposes of declaring the Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Section 7.02, and for all purposes after the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Section 7.02 or the Revolving Commitments expire or terminate, then, as to each Lender, the Unfunded Commitment of each Lender shall be deemed to be zero.

Required Revolving Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.22, at any time, Lenders having Revolving Credit Exposures (provided, that, as to any Lender, clause (a) of the definition of “Swingline Exposure” shall only be applicable in calculating a Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure to the extent such Lender shall have funded its respective participations in the outstanding Swingline Loans) and Unfunded Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure and Unfunded Commitments at such time; provided that for purposes of declaring the Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Section 7.02, and for all purposes after the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Section 7.02 or the Commitments expire or terminate, then, as to each Lender, the Unfunded Commitment of each Lender shall be deemed to be zero.

Required Term A-1 Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.22, at any time, Term A-1 Lenders having Term A-1 Loans and unused Term A-1 Loan Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total outstanding principal amount of Term A-1 Loans and unused Term A-1 Loan Commitments at such time.

Required Term A-2 Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.22, at any time, Term A-2 Lenders having Term A-2 Loans and unused Term A-2 Loan Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total outstanding principal amount of Term A-2 Loans and unused Term A-2 Loan Commitments at such time.

 

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Required Term Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.22, at any time, Term Lenders having Term Loans and unused Term Loan Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total outstanding principal amount of Term Loans and unused Term Loan Commitments at such time.

Rescindable Amount” has the meaning as defined in Section 2.18.

Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.

Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, vice president of taxes, treasury manager, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of a Loan Party and any other duly authorized officer, agent or representative of the applicable Loan Party so designated by any of the foregoing officers or by the applicable Loan Party in a notice to the Administrative Agent. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

Restricted Payment” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 6.07.

Restructuring” means the disposition of certain assets and restructuring of certain Subsidiaries of the Lead Borrower, in each instance financially beneficial to the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Revaluation Date” means with respect to any Loan, each of the following: (i) each date of a Borrowing of an Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan, (ii) each date of a continuation of an Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan pursuant to Section 2.02, and (iii) such additional dates as the Administrative Agent shall determine or the Required Lenders shall require.

Revolving Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, as of the Effective Date, the amount set forth on Schedule 2.01 opposite such Lender’s name under the heading “Revolving Commitment”, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) contemplated hereby pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, as applicable, and after giving effect to (a) any reduction in such amount from time to time pursuant to Section 2.09, (b) any increase from time to time pursuant to Section 2.20 and (c) any reduction or increase in such amount from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04; provided that at no time shall the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender exceed its Revolving Commitment.

Revolving Credit Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans and its Swingline Exposure at such time.

Revolving Credit Facility” means, at any time, the aggregate amount of the Revolving Lenders’ Revolving Commitments at such time.

 

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Revolving Credit Maturity Date” means the date that occurs on [ ]1 as extended (in the case of each Revolving Lender consenting thereto) pursuant to Section 2.23; provided, however, if such date is not a Business Day, the Revolving Credit Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.

Revolving Lender” means, as of any date of determination, each Lender that has a Revolving Commitment or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, a Lender with Revolving Credit Exposure.

Revolving Loan” means a Loan made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to Section 2.01(a).

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business.

Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means any sale or other transfer of any property or asset by any Person with the intent to lease such property or asset as lessee.

Same Day Funds” means (a) with respect to disbursements and payments in Dollars, immediately available funds, and (b) with respect to disbursements and payments in an Alternative Currency, same day or other funds as may be determined by the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, to be customary in the place of disbursement or payment for the settlement of international banking transactions in the relevant Alternative Currency.

Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the target of any country-wide, region-wide or territory-wide Sanctions Laws and Regulations (at the time of this Agreement, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).

Sanctions Laws and Regulations” means economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including as administered by OFAC, as based upon the obligations or authorities set forth in, the Executive Order, the USA PATRIOT Act, the U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq.), the U.S. Trading with the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App. §§ 1 et seq.), the U.S. United Nations Participation Act, the U.S. Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act, the U.S. Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 or the Iran Sanctions Act, Section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012, all as amended, or any of the foreign assets control regulations (including but not limited to 31 C.F.R., Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any other law or executive order relating thereto, (b) the United Nations Security Council, (c) the European Union (“EU”) in the framework of its Common Foreign and Security Policy or any supplementary measures adopted by any of the EU member states, and (d) Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom.

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America.

Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933.

Single Employer Plan” means a single employer plan, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, that (a) is maintained for employees of any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate and no Person other than the Loan Parties and the ERISA Affiliates or (b) was so maintained and in respect of which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate could have liability under Section 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

 

1 

To be 5 years from the Effective Date.

 

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SOFR” means the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator).

SOFR Adjustment” means, (x) with respect to Daily SOFR, 0.10% (10 basis points); and (y) with respect to Term SOFR, (i) 0.10% (10 basis points) for an Interest Period of one-month’s duration, (ii) 0.15% (15 basis points) for an Interest Period of three-month’s duration, and (iii) 0.25% (25 basis points) for an interest period of six-months’ duration.

Solvent” and “Solvency” mean, with respect to any Person on a particular date, that on such date (a) the sum of the fair value of the assets, at a fair valuation, of such Person and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) will exceed their debt, (b) the sum of the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) will exceed their debt, (c) such Person and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) have not incurred and do not intend to incur, and do not believe that they will incur, debts beyond their ability to pay such debts as such debts mature and (d) such Person and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) will have sufficient capital with which to conduct their business. For purposes of this definition, “debt” means any liability on a claim, and “claim” means (a) right to payment, whether or not such a right is reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured, or unsecured or (b) right to an equitable remedy for breach of performance if such breach gives rise to a payment, whether or not such right to an equitable remedy is reduced to judgment, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, secured or unsecured. The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

SONIA” means, with respect to any applicable determination date, the Sterling Overnight Index Average Reference Rate published on the fifth Business Day preceding such date on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time); provided however that if such determination date is not a Business Day, SONIA means such rate that applied on the first Business Day immediately prior thereto.

SONIA Adjustment” means, with respect to SONIA, 0.0326% per annum.

Specified Default” means an Event of Default arising under either or both of Sections 7.01(a) and/or 7.01(f).

Specified Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan Party, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction, any Permitted Warrant Transaction, and any obligations thereunder, in each case, shall not constitute Specified Swap Obligations.

Subordinated Obligations” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 10.06.

subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, Controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled by the parent and/or one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

 

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Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of the Lead Borrower.

Subsidiary Guarantor” mean any Subsidiary that constitutes a Guarantor.

Supported QFC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.19.

Sustainability Structuring Agent” shall mean Bank of America in its capacity as Sustainability Structuring Agent.

Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Lead Borrower or the Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement; provided, further, that no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction shall constitute a Swap Agreement.

Swap Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any and all Swap Agreements permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, and (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any such Swap Agreement transaction.

Swingline Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be the sum of (a) its Applicable Percentage of the total Swingline Exposure at such time, other than with respect to any Swingline Loans made by such Lender in its capacity as a Swingline Lender, and (b) the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans made by such Lender as a Swingline Lender outstanding at such time (less the amount of participations funded by the other Revolving Lenders in such Swingline Loans).

Swingline Lender” means Bank of America, N.A., through itself or through one of its designated Affiliates or branch offices, in its capacity as the lender of Swingline Loans hereunder.

Swingline Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.05.

Swingline Sublimit” means $50,000,000. The Swingline Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Revolving Commitments.

Synthetic Lease” means a lease transaction under which the parties intend that (i) the lease will be treated as an “operating lease” by the lessee and (ii) the lessee will be entitled to various tax and other benefits ordinarily available to owners (as opposed to lessees) of like property.

TARGET2” means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer payment system which utilizes a single shared platform and which was launched on November 19, 2007.

 

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TARGET Day” means any day on which TARGET2 (or, if such payment system ceases to be operative, such other payment system, if any, determined by the Administrative Agent to be a suitable replacement) is open for the settlement of payments in Euros.

Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), value added taxes, or any other goods and services, use or sales taxes, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

Term A-1 Lender” means, as of any date of determination, each Lender having a Term A-1 Loan Commitment or that holds Term A-1 Loans.

Term A-1 Loan Commitment” means (a) with respect to any Term A-1 Lender, as of the Effective Date, the amount that was set forth on Schedule 2.01 opposite such Lender’s name under the heading “Term A-1 Loan Commitment”, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) contemplated hereby pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Term A-1 Loan Commitment, as applicable, and after giving effect to (i) any reduction in such amount from time to time pursuant to Section 2.09 and (ii) any reduction or increase in such amount from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04 and (b) as to all Term A-1 Lenders, the aggregate commitments of all Term A-1 Lenders to make Term A-1 Loans. After advancing the Term A-1 Loan, each reference to a Term A-1 Lender’s Term A-1 Loan Commitment shall refer to that Term A-1 Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Term A-1 Loans.

Term A-1 Loan Maturity Date” means the date that occurs on [ ]2 as extended (in the case of each Term A-1 Lender consenting thereto) pursuant to Section 2.23; provided, however, if such date is not a Business Day, the Term A-1 Loan Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.

Term A-1 Loans” means the term loans made by the Term A-1 Lenders to the Lead Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01(b).

Term A-2 Lender” means, as of any date of determination, each Lender having a Term A-2 Loan Commitment or that holds Term A-2 Loans.

Term A-2 Loan Commitment” means (a) as of the Effective Date, with respect to any Term A-2 Lender, the amount that was set forth on Schedule 2.01 opposite such Lender’s name under the heading “Term A-2 Loan Commitment”, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) contemplated hereby pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Term A-2 Loan Commitment, as applicable, and after giving effect to (i) any reduction in such amount from time to time pursuant to Section 2.09 and (ii) any reduction or increase in such amount from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04 and (b) as to all Term A-2 Lenders, the aggregate commitments of all Term A-2 Lenders to make Term A-2 Loans; provided that such amount shall be automatically and immediately reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the first $600,000,000 of Net Proceeds from the incurrence or issuance of any Additional Permanent Financing. After advancing the Term A-2 Loan, each reference to a Term A-2 Lender’s Term A-2 Loan Commitment shall refer to that Term A-2 Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Term A-2 Loans.

 

 

2 

To be 5 years from the Effective Date.

 

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Term A-2 Loan Maturity Date” means the date that occurs on [ ]3, as extended (in the case of each Term A-2 Lender consenting thereto) pursuant to Section 2.23; provided, however, if such date is not a Business Day, the Term A-2 Loan Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.

Term A-2 Loans” means the term loans made by the Term A-2 Lenders to the Lead Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01(c).

Term Lender” means a Term A-1 Lender or a Term A-2 Lender or both, as the context requires.

Term Loan Commitment” means the Term A-1 Loan Commitment or the Term A-2 Loan Commitment or both, as the context requires.

Term Loans” means the Term A-1 Loans and the Term A-2 Loans.

Term SOFR” means:

(a) for any Interest Period with respect to a Term SOFR Loan, the rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Screen Rate two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period with a term equivalent to such Interest Period; provided that if the rate is not published prior to 11:00 a.m. on such determination date then Term SOFR means the Term SOFR Screen Rate on the first U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately prior thereto, in each case, plus the SOFR Adjustment for such Interest Period; and

(b) for any interest calculation with respect to an ABR Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Screen Rate for a term of one month on the day that is two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such day, plus the SOFR Adjustment for such Interest Period;

provided that if the Term SOFR determined in accordance with either of the foregoing provisions (a) or (b) of this definition would otherwise be less than zero, the Term SOFR shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement.

Term SOFR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of Term SOFR.

Term SOFR Screen Rate” means the forward-looking SOFR term rate administered by CME (or any successor administrator satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) and published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time).

Termination Date Conditions” means the termination of all the Commitments and the payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Obligations (other than Swap Obligations, Banking Services Obligations and Unliquidated Obligations, in each case, not then due and payable).

Total Leverage Ratio” means, at any date of determination, the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt on such date to EBITDA of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the most recently completed Measurement Period.

 

 

3 

To be 364 days after the Effective Date

 

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Total Revolving Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of all Revolving Lenders’ Revolving Loans and their Swingline Exposure at such time; provided, that clause (a) of the definition of “Swingline Exposure” shall only be applicable to the extent Revolving Lenders shall have funded their respective participations in the outstanding Swingline Loans.

Transaction Costs” means any fees or expenses incurred or paid by the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with the Transactions, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

Transactions” means (a) the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the borrowing of Loans and other credit extensions under this Agreement on the Effective Date and the use of the proceeds thereof, (b) the Spin-Off, (c) the Special Payment, (d) the consummation of any other transactions in connection with the foregoing and (e) the payment of the fees, premiums and expenses incurred in connection with any of the foregoing.

Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate Loan, an Alternative Currency Daily Rate Loan, an Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan, a Term SOFR Loan or a Daily SOFR Loan.

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York or any other state the laws of which are required to be applied in connection with the issue of perfection of security interests.

UK Financial Institution” means any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person falling within IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.

UK Resolution Authority” means the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.

Unaudited Financial Statements” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.01(d).

Unfunded Commitment” means, with respect to each Revolving Lender, the Revolving Commitment of such Revolving Lender less its Revolving Credit Exposure; provided, that, as to any Revolving Lender, clause (a) of the definition of “Swingline Exposure” shall only be applicable in calculating a Revolving Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure to the extent such Lender shall have funded its respective participations in the outstanding Swingline Loans.

Unfunded Pension Liability” means the excess of a Plan’s benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value of that Plan’s assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding the Plan pursuant to the Pension Funding Rules for the applicable plan year.

United States” or “U.S.” mean the United States of America.

Unliquidated Obligations” means, at any time, any Obligations (or portion thereof) that are contingent in nature or unliquidated at such time, including any Obligation that is (i) an obligation to reimburse a bank for drawings not yet made under a letter of credit issued by it; (ii) any other obligation (including any guarantee) that is contingent in nature at such time; or (iii) an obligation to provide collateral to secure of the foregoing types of obligations.

 

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U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any Business Day, except any Business Day on which any of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the New York Stock Exchange or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is not open for business because such day is a legal holiday under the federal laws of the United States or the laws of the State of New York, as applicable.

U.S. Person” means a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

U.S. Special Resolution Regime” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.19.

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.17(f)(ii)(B)(3).

Voting Interests” means shares of capital stock issued by a corporation, or equivalent Equity Interests in any other Person, the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to vote for the election of directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such Person, even if the right so to vote has been suspended by the happening of such a contingency.

Wholly-Owned” means, with respect to any Subsidiary, that all of the Equity Interests (except for directors’, foreign national qualifying and other nominal shares required to be held by such person under applicable law) in such Subsidiary are owned by the Lead Borrower and/or one or more Subsidiaries thereof (or by the Subsidiary thereof to which reference is made in the applicable provision hereof). Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Soldex S.A., a company organized under the laws of the Republic of Peru, shall be deemed to be a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary so long as at least 95% of the Equity Interests in Soldex S.A. are owned by the Lead Borrower and/or one or more Subsidiaries of the Lead Borrower.

Withdrawal Liability” has the meaning specified in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.

SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term SOFR Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term SOFR Revolving Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term SOFR Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term SOFR Revolving Borrowing”).

 

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SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. The word “law” shall be construed as referring to all statutes, rules, regulations, codes and other laws (including official rulings and interpretations thereunder having the force of law or with which affected Persons customarily comply), and all judgments, orders and decrees, of all Governmental Authorities. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any definition of or reference to any statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws), (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignment set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof, (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (e) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement, (f) any reference to any law, rule or regulation herein shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law, rule or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and (g) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP; Pro Forma Calculations; Limited Condition Transactions. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the Lead Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Lead Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Lead Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made without giving effect to (i) any election under Accounting Standards Codification 825-10-25 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Debt or other liabilities of the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein and (ii) any treatment of Debt in respect of convertible debt instruments under Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Debt in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Debt shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, and without limitation of the foregoing, Permitted Convertible Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof and shall not include any reduction or appreciation in value of the shares deliverable upon conversion thereof.

 

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(b) All pro forma computations required to be made hereunder giving effect to any acquisition or disposition, or issuance, incurrence or assumption of Debt, or other transaction shall in each case be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto (and, in the case of any pro forma computation made hereunder to determine whether such acquisition or disposition, or issuance, incurrence or assumption of Debt, or other transaction is permitted to be consummated hereunder, to any other such transaction consummated since the first day of the most recent Measurement Period and on or prior to the date of such computation) as if such acquisition or disposition, or issuance, incurrence or assumption of Debt, or other transaction had occurred on the first day of the most recent Measurement Period, and, to the extent applicable, to the historical earnings and cash flows associated with the assets acquired or disposed of (but without giving effect to any cost synergies or cost savings) and any related incurrence or reduction of Debt, all in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act. If any Debt bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Debt shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of determination had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Swap Agreement applicable to such Debt).

(c) In connection with any Limited Condition Transaction and any related transactions (including any financing thereof), at the Lead Borrower’s election, (i) compliance with any requirement relating to the absence of a Default or an Event of Default may be determined as of the date (the “LCT Determination Date”) a definitive agreement for such Limited Condition Transaction is entered into, and (ii) any calculation of the Interest Coverage Ratio, the Total Leverage Ratio or any other financial measure, or any amount based on Consolidated Total Assets, Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, Consolidated EBITDA or a percentage of Consolidated Total Assets or EBITDA, or any other determination under any basket or ratio under this Agreement, or any other determination as to whether any such Limited Condition Transaction and any related transactions (including any financing thereof) complies with the covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, may be made as of the LCT Determination Date and, to the extent so made, will not be required to be made at any later date as would otherwise be required under this Agreement; provided that (1) the determinations in clauses (i) and (ii) above shall give pro forma effect to such Limited Condition Transaction and any related transactions (including any incurrence or discharge of Debt and Liens and the use of proceeds thereof) and (2) compliance with such ratios, baskets or amounts (and any related requirements and conditions) shall not be determined or tested at any time after the LCT Determination Date for such Limited Condition Transaction and any actions or transactions related thereto (including any incurrence or discharge of Debt and Liens and the use of proceeds thereof). For purposes of determining compliance with any ratio, basket or amount on the LCT Determination Date, Consolidated Interest Expense for purposes of the Interest Coverage Ratio will be calculated using an assumed interest rate based on the indicative interest margin contained in any financing commitment documentation with respect to such Debt or, if no such indicative interest margin exists, as determined by the Lead Borrower in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Lead Borrower makes such an election and any of the ratios, baskets or amounts for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCT Determination Date are exceeded as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio, basket or amount, including due to fluctuations in exchange rates, in EBITDA of the Lead Borrower or the Person subject to such Limited Condition Transaction or any applicable currency exchange rate, at or prior to the consummation of the relevant transaction or action, such ratios, baskets or amounts will not be deemed to have been exceeded as a result of such fluctuations. If the Lead Borrower makes such an election, any subsequent calculation of any such ratio, basket or amount (unless the definitive agreement for, or firm offer in respect of, such Limited Condition Transaction (in the case of an acquisition or Investment) is terminated or expires without its consummation or such notice of redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment is revoked or expires without consummation) shall be calculated both (1) giving pro forma effect to such Limited Condition Transaction and any related transactions (including any incurrence or discharge of Debt and Liens and the use of proceeds thereof) and (2) assuming such Limited Condition Transaction and any related transactions (including any incurrence of Debt and Liens and the use of proceeds thereof) have not been consummated.

 

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SECTION 1.05. Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents.

(a) The Administrative Agent shall determine the Dollar Amount of Borrowings and Outstanding Amounts denominated in Alternative Currencies. Such Dollar Amount shall become effective as of such Revaluation Date and shall be the Dollar Amount of such amounts until the next Revaluation Date to occur. Except for purposes of financial statements delivered by Loan Parties hereunder or calculating financial covenants hereunder or except as otherwise provided herein, the applicable amount of any currency (other than Dollars) for purposes of the Loan Documents shall be such Dollar Amount as so determined by the Administrative Agent.

(b) Wherever in this Agreement in connection with a Borrowing, conversion, continuation or prepayment of an Alternative Currency Loan, an amount, such as a required minimum or multiple amount, is expressed in Dollars, but such Borrowing, Alternative Currency Loan is denominated in an Alternative Currency, such amount shall be the relevant Alternative Currency Equivalent of such Dollar amount (rounded to the nearest unit of such Alternative Currency, with 0.5 of a unit being rounded upward), as determined by the Administrative Agent.

(c) The Administrative Agent does not warrant, nor accept responsibility, nor shall the Administrative Agent have any liability with respect to the administration, submission or any other matter related to the rates in the definition of “SOFR”, “Alternative Currency Daily Rate” or “Alternative Currency Term Rate”, the selection of rates, any related spread or adjustment or with respect to any rate that is an alternative or replacement for or successor to any of such rates (including, without limitation, any Successor Rate) or the effect of any of the foregoing, or of any Conforming Changes.

SECTION 1.06. Additional Alternative Currencies.

(a) The Lead Borrower may from time to time request that Alternative Currency Loans be made in a currency other than those specifically listed in the definition of “Alternative Currency”; provided that such requested currency is an Eligible Currency. In the case of any such request with respect to the making of Alternative Currency Loans, such request shall be subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent and each Lender with a Commitment under which such currency is requested to be made available.

(b) Any such request shall be made to the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m., twenty (20) Business Days prior to the date of the desired Borrowing (or such other time or date as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent). In the case of any such request pertaining to Alternative Currency Loans, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Appropriate Lender thereof. Each Appropriate Lender (in the case of any such request pertaining to Alternative Currency Loans) shall notify the Administrative Agent, not later than 11:00 a.m., ten (10) Business Days after receipt of such request whether it consents, in its sole discretion, to the making of Alternative Currency Loans in such requested currency.

(c) Any failure by a Lender to respond to such request within the time period specified in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be a refusal by such Lender to permit Alternative Currency Loans to be made in such requested currency. If the Administrative Agent and all the Appropriate Lenders consent to making Alternative Currency Loans in such requested currency and the Administrative Agent and such Lenders reasonably determine that an appropriate interest rate is available to be used for such requested currency, the Administrative Agent shall so notify the Lead Borrower and (i) the Administrative Agent and such Lenders may amend the definition of “Alternative Currency Daily Rate” or “Alternative Currency Term Rate” to the extent necessary to add the applicable rate for such currency and any applicable adjustment for such rate, and (ii) to the extent the definition of “Alternative Currency Daily Rate” or “Alternative Currency Term Rate”, as applicable, has been amended to reflect the appropriate rate for such currency, such currency shall thereupon be deemed for all purposes to be an Alternative Currency for purposes of any Borrowings of Alternative Currency Loans. If the Administrative Agent shall fail to obtain consent to any request for an additional currency under this Section 1.07, the Administrative Agent shall promptly so notify the Lead Borrower.

 

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SECTION 1.07. Change of Currency.

(a) Each obligation of the Lead Borrower to make a payment denominated in the national currency unit of any member state of the European Union that adopts the Euro as its lawful currency after the date hereof shall be redenominated into Euros at the time of such adoption. If, in relation to the currency of any such member state, the basis of accrual of interest expressed in this Agreement in respect of that currency shall be inconsistent with any convention or practice in the interbank market for the basis of accrual of interest in respect of the Euro, such expressed basis shall be replaced by such convention or practice with effect from the date on which such member state adopts the Euro as its lawful currency; provided that, if any Borrowing in the currency of such member state is outstanding immediately prior to such date, such replacement shall take effect, with respect to such Borrowing, at the end of the then current Interest Period.

(b) Each provision of this Agreement shall be subject to such reasonable changes of construction as the Administrative Agent may from time to time specify to be appropriate to reflect the adoption of the Euro by any member state of the European Union and any relevant market conventions or practices relating to the Euro.

(c) Each provision of this Agreement also shall be subject to such reasonable changes of construction as the Administrative Agent may from time to time specify to be appropriate to reflect a change in currency of any other country and any relevant market conventions or practices relating to the change in currency.

ARTICLE II

The Credits

SECTION 2.01. Commitments.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Revolving Lender (severally and not jointly) agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Lead Borrower in Agreed Currencies from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result (after giving effect to any application of proceeds of such Borrowing to any Swingline Loans outstanding pursuant to Section 2.05(c)) in, subject to Sections 2.04 and 2.11(b), (i) the Dollar Amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, (ii) the Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding the aggregate Revolving Commitments and (iii) the Dollar Amount of the total outstanding Revolving Loans, denominated in Foreign Currencies, exceeding the Foreign Currency Sublimit. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Lead Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.

(b) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Term A-1 Lender with a Term A-1 Loan Commitment (severally and not jointly) agrees to make a Term A-1 Loan to the Lead Borrower in Dollars in a single drawing on the Effective Date, in an amount equal to such Lender’s Term A-1 Loan Commitment on the Effective Date by making immediately available funds available to the Administrative Agent’s designated account, not later than the time specified by the Administrative Agent.

 

42


(c) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Term A-2 Lender with a Term A-2 Loan Commitment (severally and not jointly) agrees to make a Term A-2 Loan to the Lead Borrower in Dollars in a single drawing on the Effective Date, in an amount equal to such Lender’s Term A-2 Loan Commitment on the Effective Date by making immediately available funds available to the Administrative Agent’s designated account, not later than the time specified by the Administrative Agent.

(d) Amounts repaid or prepaid in respect of any Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings(a) .

(a) Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the applicable Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required. Any Swingline Loan shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.05. The Term Loans shall amortize as set forth in Section 2.10.

(b) Subject to Section 2.14, (i) each Revolving Borrowing, each Term A-1 Loan Borrowing and each Term A-2 Loan Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans, Term SOFR Loans, Daily SOFR Loans, Alternative Currency Daily Rate Loans or Alternative Currency Term Rate Loans as the Lead Borrower may request in accordance herewith; provided that each ABR Loan shall only be made in Dollars and (ii) each Swingline Loan shall be an ABR Loan in the case of Swingline Loan denominated in Dollars. Each Lender at its option may make any Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan (and in the case of an Affiliate, the provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 shall apply to such Affiliate to the same extent as to such Lender); provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Lead Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Term SOFR Borrowing and any Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $500,000 (or, if such Borrowing is denominated in a Foreign Currency, 500,000 units of such currency) and not less than $3,000,000 (or, if such Borrowing is denominated in a Foreign Currency 3,000,000 units of such currency). At the time that each Alternative Currency Daily Rate Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of 500,000 units of the applicable Foreign Currency and not less than 3,000,000 units of such Foreign Currency. At the time that each ABR Revolving Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $500,000; provided that an ABR Revolving Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the aggregate Revolving Commitments. Each Swingline Loan shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $100,000. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of five (5) Daily SOFR Borrowings, Term SOFR Borrowings, Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowings and Alternative Currency Daily Rate Borrowings outstanding in respect of Revolving Borrowings and a total of five (5) Daily SOFR Borrowings and Term SOFR Borrowings outstanding in respect of Term Loan Borrowings.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Lead Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the applicable Maturity Date.

 

43


SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings. To request a Borrowing, the Lead Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request (a) by irrevocable written notice (via a written Borrowing Request signed by the Lead Borrower, promptly followed by telephonic confirmation of such request) in the case of a Term SOFR Borrowing, Alternative Currency Daily Rate Borrowing or an Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., Local Time, three (3) Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing (provided that if a Borrower wishes to request Term SOFR Loans or Alternative Currency Term Rate Loans having an Interest Period other than one, three or six months in duration as provided in the definition of “Interest Period,” the applicable notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. four Business Days prior to the requested date of such Borrowing, conversion or continuation, whereupon the Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice to the Appropriate Lenders of such request and determine whether the requested Interest Period is acceptable to all of them) or (b) by irrevocable written notice (via a written Borrowing Request signed by the Lead Borrower) in the case of an ABR Borrowing or a Daily SOFR Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(i) the aggregate principal amount of the requested Borrowing;

(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing, an Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing, an Alternative Currency Daily Rate Borrowing, Daily SOFR Borrowing or a Term SOFR Borrowing and whether such Borrowing is a Revolving Borrowing, a Term A-1 Loan Borrowing or a Term A-2 Loan Borrowing;

(iv) in the case of a Term SOFR Borrowing or an Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”;

(v) the location and number of the Lead Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.07; and

(vi) in the case of an Alternative Currency Daily Rate Borrowing or an Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing, the Agreed Currency.

If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then, in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Dollars, the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Term SOFR Borrowing or an Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing, as applicable, then the Lead Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

SECTION 2.04. Determination of Dollar Amounts. The Administrative Agent will determine the Dollar Amount of:

(a) Any Revolving Loan denominated in a Foreign Currency, on each of the following: (i) the date of the Borrowing of such Loan and (ii) each date of a conversion or continuation of such Revolving Loan pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and

 

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(b) any Borrowing, on any additional date as the Administrative Agent may determine at any time when an Event of Default exists.

Each day upon or as of which the Administrative Agent determines Dollar Amounts as described in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) is herein described as a “Computation Date” with respect to each Borrowing for which a Dollar Amount is determined on or as of such day.

SECTION 2.05. Swingline Loans. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swingline Lender may agree, but shall have no obligation, to make Swingline Loans in Dollars to the Lead Borrower from time to time during the Availability Period, in an aggregate principal Dollar Amount at any time outstanding that will not, subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates and Section 2.11(b), result in (i) subject to Section 2.04, the Dollar Amount of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans exceeding the Swingline Sublimit, (ii) subject to Section 2.04, the Swingline Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding its Revolving Commitment or (iii) the Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding the aggregate Revolving Commitments; provided that the Swingline Lender shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Lead Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Swingline Loans.

(b) To request a Swingline Loan, the Lead Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by irrevocable written notice (via a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Lead Borrower), not later than in the case of a Swingline Loan denominated in Dollars, 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the day of a proposed Swingline Loan. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day), Type and amount (which shall be a minimum of $100,000) of the requested Swingline Loan. The Administrative Agent will promptly advise the Swingline Lender of any such notice received from the Lead Borrower. The Swingline Lender shall (subject to the Swingline Lender’s discretion to make Swingline Loans as set forth in Section 2.05(a)) make each Swingline Loan available to the Lead Borrower by means of a credit to an account of the Lead Borrower with the Administrative Agent designated for such purpose by 5:00 p.m., Local Time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.

(c) The Swingline Lender may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent require the Revolving Lenders to acquire participations in all or a portion of the Swingline Loans outstanding . Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans in which Revolving Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Revolving Lender, specifying in such notice such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, promptly upon receipt of such notice from the Administrative Agent (and in any event, if such notice is received by in the case of a Swingline Loan denominated in Dollars, 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on a Business Day, no later than 5:00 p.m., Local Time, on such Business Day and if received after in the case of a Swingline Loan denominated in Dollars, 3:00 p.m., Local Time, on a Business Day, no later than 10:00 a.m., Local Time, on the immediately succeeding Business Day), to pay in Dollars to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of (i) the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, (ii) any Event of Default described in Section 7.01(f), (iii) the date on which the Loans are accelerated, or (iv) the termination of the Revolving Commitments, each Revolving Lender shall be deemed to absolutely and unconditionally acquire participations in all of the Swingline Loans outstanding at such time in an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loans in each case without notice or any further action from the Swingline Lender, any Lender or the Administrative Agent (such occurrence an “Automatic Participation Event”). Upon the occurrence of an Automatic Participation Event, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Revolving Lender, specifying in such notice such

 

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Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, promptly upon receipt of such notice from the Administrative Agent (and in any event, if such notice is received by in the case of a Swingline Loan denominated in Dollars, 3:00 p.m., Local Time, on a Business Day, no later than 5:00 p.m., Local Time, on such Business Day and if received after in the case of a Swingline Loan denominated in Dollars, 3:00 p.m., Local Time, on a Business Day, no later than 10:00 a.m., Local Time, on the immediately succeeding Business Day), to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Revolving Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lead Borrower of any participations in any Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments in respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Administrative Agent and not to the Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by the Swingline Lender from the Lead Borrower (or other party on behalf of the Lead Borrower) in respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by the Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted to the Administrative Agent; any such amounts received by the Administrative Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Revolving Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to the Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to the Swingline Lender or to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to the Lead Borrower for any reason. The purchase of participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve the Lead Borrower of any obligation with respect to the payment thereof.

(d) The Swingline Lender may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Lead Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Swingline Lender and the successor Swingline Lender. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Lenders of any such replacement of the Swingline Lender. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Lead Borrower shall pay all unpaid interest accrued for the account of the replaced Swingline Lender pursuant to Section 2.13(a). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) the successor Swingline Lender shall have all the rights and obligations of the replaced Swingline Lender under this Agreement with respect to Swingline Loans made thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term “Swingline Lender” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Swingline Lender, or to such successor and all previous Swingline Lenders, as the context shall require. After the replacement of a Swingline Lender hereunder, the replaced Swingline Lender shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of a Swingline Lender under this Agreement with respect to Swingline Loans made by it prior to its replacement, but shall not be required to make additional Swingline Loans.

(e) Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Swingline Lender, the Swingline Lender may resign as a Swingline Lender at any time upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Lead Borrower and the Revolving Lenders, in which case, such Swingline Lender shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.05(d) above.

SECTION 2.06. [Intentionally Omitted].

 

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SECTION 2.07. Funding of Borrowings. (a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof solely by wire transfer of immediately available funds (i) in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars, by 1:00 p.m., New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders and (ii) in the case of each Loan denominated in a Foreign Currency, by 12:00 noon, Local Time, in the city of the Administrative Agent’s Office for such currency and at such Administrative Agent’s Office for such currency; provided that (i) Term Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.01(b) and Section 2.01(c) and (ii) Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.05. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Lead Borrower by promptly crediting the funds so received in the aforesaid account of the Administrative Agent to (x) an account of the Lead Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent and designated by the Lead Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request, in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars and (y) an account of the Lead Borrower in the relevant jurisdiction and designated by the Lead Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request, in the case of Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency.

(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing (or in the case of an ABR Borrowing, prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date of such Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Lead Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the applicable Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in Same Day Funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to such Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the applicable Overnight Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing, and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by such Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans, or in the case of Alternative Currencies, in accordance with such market practice, in each case, as applicable. If such Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to such Borrower the amount of such interest paid by such Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing. Any payment by such Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 2.08. Interest Elections. (a) Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Term SOFR Borrowing or an Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Lead Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Term SOFR Borrowing or an Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. The Lead Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Swingline Borrowings, which may not be converted or continued.

 

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(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Lead Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election (by irrevocable written notice via an Interest Election Request signed by the Lead Borrower) by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Lead Borrower were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein, this Section shall not be construed to permit the Lead Borrower to (i) change the currency of any Borrowing, (ii) elect an Interest Period for Term SOFR Loans or Alternative Currency Term Rate Loans that does not comply with Section 2.02(d) or (iii) convert any Borrowing to a Borrowing of a Type not available under the Class of Commitments pursuant to which such Borrowing was made.

(c) Each Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);

(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;

(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing, a Term SOFR Borrowing, a Daily SOFR Borrowing, an Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing or an Alternative Currency Daily Rate Borrowing; and

(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Term SOFR Borrowing or Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing, the Interest Period and Agreed Currency to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which Interest Period shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.

If any such Interest Election Request requests a Term SOFR Borrowing or Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Lead Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

(d) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.

(e) If the Lead Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a conversion or continuation, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing; provided, however, that in the case of a failure to timely request continuation of Alternative Currency Term Rate Loans, such Borrowing shall automatically continue as an Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing in the same Agreed Currency with an Interest Period of one month unless such Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing is or was repaid in accordance with Section 2.11. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Lead Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Borrowing denominated in Dollars may be converted to or continued as a Term SOFR Borrowing, (ii) unless repaid, each Term SOFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto and (iii) unless repaid, each Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing denominated in a Foreign Currency shall automatically be continued as an Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing with an Interest Period of one month.

 

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(f) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Term SOFR Loan or an Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Loan.

(g) With respect to Alternative Currency Daily Rate, SOFR or Term SOFR, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided that, with respect to any such amendment effected, the Administrative Agent shall post each such amendment implementing such Conforming Changes to the Borrower and the Lenders reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective.

SECTION 2.09. Termination and Reduction of Commitments. (a) Unless previously terminated, (i) the Term A-1 Loan Commitments shall terminate on the Effective Date upon the funding of the Term A-1 Loans, (ii) the Term A-2 Loan Commitments shall terminate on the Effective Date upon the funding of the Term A-2 Loans and (iii) the Revolving Commitments shall terminate on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date (subject to Section 2.23).

(b) The Lead Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $500,000 and not less than $1,000,000 and (ii) the Lead Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.11, the Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure would exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments.

(c) The Lead Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Lead Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Commitments delivered by the Lead Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or other transactions specified therein, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Lead Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments.

SECTION 2.10. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt. (a) Each Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date in the currency of such Loan and (ii) to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan on the earlier of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and the tenth (10th) Business Day after such Swingline Loan is made; provided that on each date that a Revolving Borrowing is made, the Lead Borrower shall repay all Swingline Loans then outstanding and the proceeds of any such Borrowing shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to repay any Swingline Loans outstanding.

(b) The Lead Borrower shall repay the outstanding Term A-1 Loans on the following dates in the respective amounts set forth opposite such dates (which amounts shall be reduced as a result of the application of prepayments made in accordance with Section 2.11):

 

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Date

  

Amount

The last Business Day of each of the first four full Fiscal Quarters of the Lead Borrower occurring after the Effective Date.    0.000% of the aggregate principal amount of Term A-1 Loans incurred on the Effective Date.
The last Business Day of each of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth full Fiscal Quarters of the Lead Borrower occurring after the Effective Date.    2.500% of the aggregate principal amount of Term A-1 Loans incurred on the Effective Date.
The last Business Day of each of the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelve full Fiscal Quarters of the Lead Borrower occurring after the Effective Date.    2.500% of the aggregate principal amount of Term A-1 Loans incurred on the Effective Date.
The last Business Day of each of the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth full Fiscal Quarters of the Lead Borrower occurring after the Effective Date.    5.000% of the aggregate principal amount of Term A-1 Loans incurred on the Effective Date.
The last Business Day of each of the Fiscal Quarters of the Lead Borrower occurring thereafter.    5.000% of the aggregate principal amount of Term A-1 Loans incurred on the Effective Date.

provided, however, that the final principal repayment installment of the Term A-1 Loans shall be repaid on the Term A-1 Loan Maturity Date and in any event shall be in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of all Term A-1 Loans outstanding on such date.

(c) To the extent not previously prepaid, all unpaid Term A-2 Loans shall be paid in full in Dollars by the Lead Borrower on the Term A-2 Loan Maturity Date.

(d) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Lead Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(e) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class, Agreed Currency and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Lead Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.

(f) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the Obligations.

(g) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Lead Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form.

SECTION 2.11. Prepayment of Loans.

 

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(a) The Lead Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (but subject to break funding payments required by Section 2.16), subject to prior notice in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.11(a). The Lead Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender) by written notice (promptly followed by telephonic confirmation of such request) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Borrowing (other than an ABR Borrowing or a Daily SOFR Loan), not later than 11:00 a.m., Local Time, three (3) Business Days (or such shorter period of time as the Administrative Agent may agree) before the date of prepayment, (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing or a Daily SOFR Loan, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of prepayment or (iii) in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, not later than 1:00 pm, New York City time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.09, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.09 not later than 1:00 pm, New York City time, at least one Business Day prior to such date of prepayment. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Revolving Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Revolving Loans included in the prepaid Revolving Borrowing and each voluntary prepayment of a Term Loan Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Term Loans included in the prepaid Term Loan Borrowing in such order of application as directed by the Lead Borrower. Prepayments shall be accompanied by (i) accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13 and (ii) any break funding payments required by Section 2.16.

(b) If at any time, (i) other than as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, (A) the aggregate principal Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure (calculated, with respect to those Borrowings denominated in Foreign Currencies, as of the most recent Computation Date with respect to each such Borrowing) exceeds the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (B) the aggregate principal Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure denominated in Foreign Currencies (the “Foreign Currency Exposure”) (so calculated), as of the most recent Computation Date with respect to each such Borrowing, exceeds the Foreign Currency Sublimit or (ii) solely as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, (A) the aggregate principal Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure (so calculated) exceeds 105% of the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (B) the Foreign Currency Exposure, as of the most recent Computation Date with respect to each such Borrowing, exceeds 105% of the Foreign Currency Sublimit, the Lead Borrower shall in each case immediately repay Revolving Borrowings in an aggregate principal amount sufficient to cause (x) the aggregate Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure (so calculated) to be less than or equal to the aggregate Revolving Commitments and (y) the Foreign Currency Exposure to be less than or equal to the Foreign Currency Sublimit, as applicable.

(c) Upon the incurrence or issuance of any debt for borrowed money by the Lead Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries (other than (1) intercompany debt, (2) debt under the Revolving Credit Facility and (3) debt under working capital facilities of the Lead Borrower’s Subsidiaries) on or prior to the earlier of (x) the Term A-2 Loan Maturity Date and (y) the termination of all the Term A-2 Loan Commitments and the payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Term A-2 Loans, the Lead Borrower shall prepay the Term A-2 Loans in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of the Net Proceeds received in connection with the incurrence or issuance of such debt no later than (1) in the case of the incurrence or issuance by the Lead Borrower or a Domestic Subsidiary, the fifth Business Day or (2) in the case of the incurrence or issuance by a Foreign Subsidiary, the tenth Business Day, in each case, following receipt of such Net Proceeds by the Lead Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries.

 

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(d) Upon (1) the termination of a Designated Subsidiary Borrower’s status as a “Designated Subsidiary Borrower” or (2) the Disposition of a Designated Subsidiary Borrower in a Disposition permitted under Section 6.05 (other than the merger into or consolidation with any other Foreign Subsidiary to the extent such continuing or surviving Person of such transaction shall be the Designated Subsidiary Borrower), such Designated Subsidiary Borrower shall, prior to such termination or Disposition, repay and satisfy (or cause to be repaid and satisfied) in full in cash its Loan Obligations.

SECTION 2.12. Fees. (a) The Lead Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the applicable Commitment Fee Rate (as specified in the definition of “Applicable Rate”) on the actual daily amount of the Available Revolving Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which such Commitment terminates. Commitment fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable in arrears on the last Business Day of March, June, September and December and on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof; provided that any commitment fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

(b) [Reserved].

(c) The Lead Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

(d) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in Dollars (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 2.12) and immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the applicable Lenders. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

SECTION 2.13. Interest.

(a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing (other than any Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

(b) Each Swingline Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate. The Loans comprising each Alternative Currency Daily Rate Borrowing shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Alternative Currency Daily Rate plus the Applicable Rate. The Loans comprising each Alternative Currency Term Rate Borrowing shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Alternative Currency Term Rate for the Interest Period for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate. The Loans comprising each Term SOFR Borrowing shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing, plus the Applicable Rate. The Loans comprising each Daily SOFR Borrowing shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Daily SOFR Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by the Lead Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount, 2% plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section.

 

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(d) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of Revolving Loans, upon termination of the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Daily SOFR Loan, Term SOFR Loan or Alternative Currency Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

(e) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest (i) computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the prime rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), (ii) for Borrowings denominated in Pounds Sterling shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days, and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day) and (iii) in the case of interest in respect of Loans denominated in Alternative Currencies as to which market practice differs from the foregoing, in accordance with such market practice. The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Term SOFR Rate, Daily SOFR Rate, Alternative Currency Daily Rate or Alternative Currency Term Rate, shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(f) Interest in respect of Loans denominated in Dollars shall be paid in Dollars, and interest in respect of Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency shall be paid in such Foreign Currency.

SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rate of Interest.

(a) If in connection with any request for a Daily SOFR Loan, a Term SOFR Loan or an Alternative Currency Loan or a conversion of ABR Loans to a Daily SOFR Loan, a Term SOFR Loan or an Alternative Currency Loan or a continuation of any of such Loans, as applicable, (i) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that (A) no Successor Rate for the Relevant Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency has been determined in accordance with Section 2.14(b) and the circumstances under clause (i) of Section 2.14(b) or the Scheduled Unavailability Date has occurred with respect to such Relevant Rate (as applicable), or (B) adequate and reasonable means do not otherwise exist for determining the Relevant Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency for any determination date(s) or requested Interest Period, as applicable, with respect to a proposed Daily SOFR Loan, Term SOFR Loan or an Alternative Currency Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed ABR Loan, or (ii) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders determine that for any reason that the Relevant Rate with respect to a proposed Loan denominated in an Agreed Currency for any requested Interest Period or determination date(s) does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Lead Borrower and each Lender.

Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Daily SOFR Loans, Term SOFR Loans or Loans in the affected currencies, as applicable, or to convert ABR Loans to Daily SOFR Loans, Term Loans or Loans in the affected currencies, as applicable, shall be suspended in each case to the extent of the affected Daily SOFR Loans, Term SOFR Loans, Alternative Currency Loans or Interest Period or determination date(s), as applicable, and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the Term SOFR component of the Alternate Base Rate, the utilization of the Term SOFR component in determining the Alternate Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of a determination by the Required Lenders described in clause (ii) of this Section 2.14(a), until the Administrative Agent upon instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice.

 

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Upon receipt of such notice, (i) the Lead Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, or conversion to Daily SOFR Loans, Term SOFR Loans or Alternative Currency Loans, or continuation of Term SOFR Loans or Alternative Currency Loans to the extent of the affected Term SOFR Loans, Alternative Currency Loans or Interest Period or determination date(s), as applicable or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of ABR Loans denominated in Dollars in the Dollar Amount specified therein and (ii) (A) any outstanding Daily SOFR Loans or Term SOFR Loans shall be deemed to have been converted to ABR Loans immediately and (B) any outstanding affected Alternative Currency Loans, at the Lead Borrower’s election, shall either (1) be converted into a Borrowing of ABR Loans denominated in Dollars in the Dollar Amount of such outstanding Alternative Currency Loan immediately, in the case of an Alternative Currency Daily Rate Loan or at the end of the applicable Interest Period, in the case of an Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan or (2) be prepaid in full immediately, in the case of an Alternative Currency Daily Rate Loan, or at the end of the applicable Interest Period, in the case of an Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan; provided that if no election is made by the Lead Borrower (x) in the case of an Alternative Currency Daily Rate Loan, by the date that is three (3) Business Days after receipt by the Lead Borrower of such notice or (y) in the case of an Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan, by the last day of the current Interest Period for the applicable Alternative Currency Term Rate Loan, the Lead Borrower shall be deemed to have elected clause (1) above.

(b) Replacement of Relevant Rate or Successor Rate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), or the Lead Borrower or Required Lenders notify the Administrative Agent (with, in the case of the Required Lenders, a copy to the Lead Borrower) that the Lead Borrower or Required Lenders (as applicable) have determined, that:

(i) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Relevant Rate for an Agreed Currency because none of the tenors of such Relevant Rate (including any forward-looking term rate thereof) is available or published on a current basis and such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary; or

(ii) the Applicable Authority has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which all tenors of the Relevant Rate for an Agreed Currency (including any forward-looking term rate thereof) shall or will no longer be representative or made available, or used for determining the interest rate of loans denominated in such Agreed Currency, or shall or will otherwise cease, provided that, in each case, at the time of such statement, there is no successor administrator that is satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that will continue to provide such representative tenor(s) of the Relevant Rate for such Agreed Currency (the latest date on which all tenors of the Relevant Rate for such Agreed Currency (including any forward-looking term rate thereof) are no longer representative or available permanently or indefinitely, the “Scheduled Unavailability Date”); or

(iii) syndicated loans currently being executed and agented in the U.S., are being executed or amended (as applicable) to incorporate or adopt a new benchmark interest rate to replace the Relevant Rate for an Agreed Currency;

 

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or if the events or circumstances of the type described in Section 2.14(b)(i), (ii) or (iii) have occurred with respect to the Successor Rate then in effect, then, the Administrative Agent and the Lead Borrower may amend this Agreement solely for the purpose of replacing the Relevant Rate for an Agreed Currency or any then current Successor Rate for an Agreed Currency in accordance with this Section 2.14 with an alternative benchmark rate giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar credit facilities syndicated and agented in the U.S. and denominated in such Agreed Currency for such alternative benchmarks, and, in each case, including any mathematical or other adjustments to such benchmark giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar credit facilities syndicated and agented in the U.S. and denominated in such Agreed Currency for such benchmarks, which adjustment or method for calculating such adjustment shall be published on an information service as selected by the Administrative Agent from time to time in its reasonable discretion and may be periodically updated (and any such proposed rate, including for the avoidance of doubt, any adjustment thereto, a “Successor Rate”), and any such amendment shall become effective at 5:00 p.m. on the fifth Business Day after the Administrative Agent shall have posted such proposed amendment to all Lenders and the Lead Borrower unless, prior to such time, Lenders comprising the Required Lenders have delivered to the Administrative Agent written notice that such Required Lenders object to such amendment.

Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph, it is understood that, to the extent the Administrative Agent has determined that Section 2.14(b)(i) or (ii) is applicable with respect to Term SOFR and Daily SOFR is available, the Successor Rate for Term SOFR will be Daily SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment for any payment period for interest calculated that can be determined by the Administrative Agent, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

The Administrative Agent will promptly (in one or more notices) notify the Lead Borrower and each Lender of the implementation of any Successor Rate.

Any Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided that to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, such Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner as otherwise reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.

Notwithstanding anything else herein, if at any time any Successor Rate as so determined would otherwise be less than 0.00%, the Successor Rate will be deemed to be 0.00% for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

In connection with the implementation of a Successor Rate, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement; provided that, with respect to any such amendment effected, the Administrative Agent shall post each such amendment implementing such Conforming Changes to the Lead Borrower and the Lenders reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective.

SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs. (a) If any Change in Law shall:

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, liquidity or similar requirement (including any compulsory loan requirement, insurance charge or other assessment) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender;

(ii) impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or participation therein; or

 

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(iii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of “Excluded Taxes” and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, continuing, converting or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or such other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Lead Borrower will pay (or cause the applicable Designated Subsidiary Borrower to pay) to such Lender or such other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent or such Lender (which determination shall be made in good faith (and not on an arbitrary or capricious basis) and generally consistent with similarly situated customers of the Administrative Agent or such Lender under agreements having provisions similar to this Section 2.15, after consideration of such factors as the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, then reasonably determines to be relevant).

(b) If any Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, or participations in Swingline Loans held by such Lender, to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time the Lead Borrower will pay (or cause the applicable Designated Subsidiary Borrower to pay) to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent or such Lender (which determination shall be made in good faith (and not on an arbitrary or capricious basis) and generally consistent with similarly situated customers of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, under agreements having provisions similar to this Section 2.15, after consideration of such factors as the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, then reasonably determines to be relevant).

(c) A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Lead Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Lead Borrower shall pay such Lender, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof.

(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Lead Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Lead Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

 

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SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments. In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Loan (other than an ABR Loan) other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or as a result of any prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11), (b) the conversion of any Loan (other than an ABR Loan) other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Loan (other than an ABR Loan) on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.11(a) and is revoked in accordance therewith) or (d) the assignment of any Loan (other than an ABR Loan) other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Lead Borrower pursuant to Section 2.19 or 9.02(e), then, in any such event, the Lead Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense arising from such event. Such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Relevant Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for deposits in the relevant currency of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the offshore interbank market. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Lead Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Lead Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof.

SECTION 2.17. Taxes. (a) Payments Free of Taxes. All payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable Law. If any applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable withholding agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by any applicable withholding agent, then the applicable withholding agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17) the applicable Lender (or, in the case of a payment received by the Administrative Agent for its own account, the Administrative Agent) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

(b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Lead Borrower. The Lead Borrower shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for, Other Taxes.

(c) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 2.17, such Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(d) Indemnification by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall indemnify each Recipient, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 2.17) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Lead Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

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(e) [Reserved]

(f) Status of Lenders. (i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to any payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

(A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent), an executed copy of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

(B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally eligible to do so, deliver to the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

(1) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to such tax treaty;

(2) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming that its extension of credit will generate U.S. effectively connected income, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8ECI;

(3) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Lead Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” that is related to the Lead Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and that no payment under any Loan Document is effectively connected with such Foreign Lender’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) an executed original copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E; or

 

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(4) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner (e.g., a partnership or a participating Lender), an executed copy of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-2 or Exhibit D-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership (and not a participating Lender) and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-4 on behalf of such direct and indirect partner(s);

(C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

(D) if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by Law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this Section 2.17(f)(ii)(D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

Each Lender agrees that if any documentation it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such documentation or promptly notify the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to deliver to the Loan Parties and to any successor Administrative Agent any documentation provided by such Lender to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.17(f).

(g) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any Recipient determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.17 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17), it shall pay to the applicable Loan Party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 2.17 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such Recipient and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such Loan Party, upon the request of such Recipient, shall repay to such Recipient the amount paid over pursuant to this Section 2.17(g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that

 

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such Recipient is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.17(g), in no event will the Recipient be required to pay any amount to any Loan Party pursuant to this Section 2.17(g) the payment of which would place the Recipient in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the Recipient would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This Section 2.17(g) shall not be construed to require any Recipient to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to any Loan Party or any other Person.

(h) The Administrative Agent, and any successor or supplemental Administrative Agent, shall deliver to the Borrower (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the Borrower) on or prior to the date on which the Administrative Agent becomes the administrative agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower) properly completed and duly executed copies of either (i) if it is a U.S. Person, IRS Form W-9 (or any successor form) or (ii) if it is not a U.S. Person, a U.S. branch withholding certificate on IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor form), together with the required accompanying documentation, evidencing its agreement with the Borrower to be treated as a U.S. Person (with respect to amounts received on account of any Lender) and IRS Form W-8ECI (with respect to amounts received on its own account), together with the required accompanying documentation with the effect that, in either case, the Borrower will be entitled to make payments hereunder to the Administrative Agent without withholding or deduction on account of U.S. federal withholding Tax. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.17(h), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to provide any documentation that the Administrative Agent is not legally eligible to provide as a result of a Change in Law.

(i) Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.17 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.

(j) Defined Terms. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Section 2.17, the term “Lender” includes any Swingline Lender. For purposes of this Section 2.17, the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.

SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Allocations of Proceeds; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Setoffs.

(a) The Lead Borrower shall (or cause the applicable Designated Subsidiary Borrower to) make each payment or prepayment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest or fees, or of amounts payable under Section 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) prior to (i) in the case of payments denominated in Dollars, 12:00 noon, New York City time and (ii) in the case of payments denominated in a Foreign Currency, 12:00 noon, Local Time, in the city of the Administrative Agent’s Office for such currency, in each case on the date when due or the date fixed for any prepayment hereunder, in immediately available funds, without setoff, recoupment or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made (i) in the same currency in which the applicable Borrowing was made (or where such currency has been converted to Euros, in Euros) and (ii) to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent’s Office for such currency, except payments to be made directly to the Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments denominated in the same currency received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly

 

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following receipt thereof. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, if, after the making of any Borrowing in any Foreign Currency, currency control or exchange regulations are imposed in the country which issues such currency with the result that the type of currency in which the Borrowing was made (the “Original Currency”) no longer exists or the Lead Borrower is not able to make payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders in such Original Currency, then all payments to be made by the Lead Borrower hereunder in such currency shall instead be made when due in Dollars in an amount equal to the Dollar Amount (as of the date of repayment) of such payment due, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the Lead Borrower takes all risks of the imposition of any such currency control or exchange regulations.

(b) At any time that payments are not required to be applied in the manner required by Section 7.03, if at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal then due to such parties.

(c) At the election of the Administrative Agent, all payments of principal, interest, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all reimbursement for fees and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder whether made following a request by the Lead Borrower pursuant to Section 2.03 or a deemed request as provided in this Section or may be deducted from any deposit account of the Lead Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent. The Lead Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes (i) the Administrative Agent to make a Borrowing for the purpose of paying each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents and agrees that all such amounts charged shall constitute Loans (including Swingline Loans) and that all such Borrowings shall be deemed to have been requested pursuant to Section 2.03 or 2.05, as applicable and (ii) the Administrative Agent to charge any deposit account of the Lead Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent for each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents.

(d) If, except as expressly provided herein, any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or participations in Swingline Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and participations in Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other similarly situated Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and participations in Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by all such Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and participations in Swingline Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Lead Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in Swingline Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Lead Borrower of any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). The Lead Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law,

 

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that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Lead Borrower rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Lead Borrower in the amount of such participation. For purposes of clause (b) of the definition of “Excluded Taxes,” a Lender that acquires a participation pursuant to this Section 2.18(d) shall be treated as having acquired such participation on the earlier date(s) on which such Lender acquired the applicable interest(s) in the Commitment(s) or Loan(s) (as applicable) to which such participation relates.

(e) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received, prior to any date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including any date that is fixed for prepayment by notice from the Lead Borrower to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.11(b)), notice from the Lead Borrower that the applicable Borrower will not make such payment or prepayment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the applicable Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the relevant Lenders the amount due.

With respect to any payment that the Administrative Agent makes for the account of the Lenders hereunder as to which the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that any of the following applies (such payment referred to as the “Rescindable Amount”): (1) a Borrower has not in fact made such payment; (2) the Administrative Agent has made a payment in excess of the amount so paid by the applicable Borrower (whether or not then owed); or (3) the Administrative Agent has for any reason otherwise erroneously made such payment; then each of the Lender Recipient Parties severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount so distributed to such Lender Recipient Party, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect.

A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender Recipient Party with respect to any amount owing under this clause (a) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders. (a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Lead Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in the good-faith judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Lead Borrower hereby agrees to pay (or cause the applicable Designated Subsidiary Borrower to pay) all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

(b) If (i) any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, (ii) the Lead Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17 or (iii) any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the Lead Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17) and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan

 

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Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) to the extent such consent would be required pursuant to Section 9.04(b), the Lead Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and if a Revolving Commitment is being assigned, the Swingline Lender), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, delayed or conditioned, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Lead Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Lead Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (a) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Lead Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (b) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

SECTION 2.20. Incremental Facilities.

(a) The Lead Borrower may at any time or from time to time after the Effective Date, by notice to the Administrative Agent, request one or more additional tranches of term loans (which may take the form of an increase in the principal amount of any existing tranche of Term A-1 Loans (but not, for the avoidance of doubt, the Term A-2 Loans)) (the “Incremental Term Loans”) or increases in the aggregate amount of Revolving Commitments (each such increase a “Incremental Revolving Commitment”; Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Revolving Commitments are collectively referred to herein as the “Incremental Facilities”); provided that, no Incremental Term Loans may be made and no Incremental Revolving Commitments may become effective unless, (i) on the proposed date of the making of such Incremental Term Loans or the effectiveness of such Incremental Revolving Commitments, as applicable, (A) the conditions set forth in clauses (a) and (b) of Section 4.02 shall be satisfied or waived by the Required Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate on behalf of the Lead Borrower to that effect dated such date and executed by a Financial Officer of the Lead Borrower and (B) the Lead Borrower shall be in compliance (on a pro forma basis, assuming full drawing under the applicable Incremental Facility) with the covenants contained in Section 5.13; provided that, in the case of any Incremental Facilities the proceeds of which are to be used to finance a Limited Condition Transaction permitted hereunder, to the extent agreed by the Lenders providing such Incremental Facilities, (I) the representations and warranties the accuracy of which are a condition to the funding of such Incremental Facilities may be limited to (1) customary specified representations (or such other formulation thereof as may be agreed by the lenders providing such Incremental Facilities), and (2) those representations of the acquired company in the applicable acquisition agreement that are material to the interests of the lenders under the Incremental Facilities and if breached would give the Lead Borrower the right to terminate or refuse to close under the applicable acquisition agreement and (II) (x) at the time of the execution and delivery of the purchase agreement or other definitive documentation related to such Limited Condition Transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall occur as a result thereof and (y) on the date of the effectiveness and the making of any such Incremental Facilities, no

 

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Specified Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall occur as a result thereof, and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have received such legal opinions, board resolutions, secretary’s certificates, officer’s certificates and other documents as shall reasonably be requested by the Administrative Agent in connection with any such transaction. Each Incremental Facility shall be in an integral multiple of $25,000,000 and be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $25,000,000, provided that such amount may be less than the applicable minimum amount if such amount represents all the remaining availability hereunder as set forth above. Each such notice shall specify (A) the date on which the Lead Borrower proposes that the Incremental Revolving Commitments or the Incremental Term Loans, as applicable, shall be effective, which shall be a date not less than ten (10) Business Days (or such shorter period as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent) after the date on which such notice is delivered to the Administrative Agent and (B) the amount of the Incremental Revolving Commitments or Incremental Term Loans, as applicable, being requested.

(b) No Subsidiary shall be a borrower or a guarantor under any Incremental Facility unless such Subsidiary is a Loan Party which shall have previously or substantially concurrently guaranteed or borrowed, as applicable, the Obligations. Each Incremental Revolving Commitment shall be on terms and pursuant to documentation applicable to the existing Revolving Commitments. The Incremental Term Loans (i) if made as an increase in the principal amount of any existing tranche of Term Loans, shall have terms identical to those applicable to such Term Loans, (ii) shall rank pari passu or junior in right of payment with the Revolving Loans, (iii) shall not mature earlier than the Latest Maturity Date (but may have amortization and/or customary prepayments prior to such date); provided that the foregoing requirement shall not apply to the extent such Debt constitutes a customary bridge facility, so long as the long-term Debt into which such customary bridge facility is to be converted or exchanged satisfies the requirements of this clause (iii) and such conversion or exchange is subject only to conditions customary for similar conversions or exchanges, (iv) except as set forth above, shall be treated substantially the same as (and in any event, no more favorably than) the Term A-1 Loans and (v) will accrue interest at rates determined by the Lead Borrower and the lenders providing such Incremental Term Loans. For the avoidance of doubt, upon the effectiveness of any Incremental Revolving Commitment, the Revolving Credit Exposure of the Lender holding such Incremental Revolving Commitment, and the Applicable Percentage of all the Revolving Lenders, shall automatically be adjusted to give effect thereto. On the date of effectiveness of any Incremental Revolving Commitments, each Revolving Lender shall assign to each Lender holding such Incremental Revolving Commitment, and each such Lender holding such Incremental Revolving Commitment shall purchase from each Revolving Lender, at the principal amount thereof (together with accrued interest), such interests in the Revolving Loans and participations Swingline Loans outstanding on such date as shall be necessary in order that, after giving effect to all such assignments and purchases, such Revolving Loans and participations in Swingline Loans will be held by all the Revolving Lenders ratably in accordance with their Applicable Percentages after giving effect to the effectiveness of such Incremental Revolving Commitment. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders promptly upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of any notice from the Lead Borrower referred to in Section 2.20(a) and of the effectiveness of any Incremental Facility, in each case advising the Lenders of the details thereof and, in the case of effectiveness of any Incremental Revolving Commitments, of the Applicable Percentages of the Revolving Lenders after giving effect thereto and of the assignments required to be made pursuant to this Section 2.20(a).

(c) Incremental Facilities may be provided by any existing Lender (provided that no existing Lender shall have (x) an obligation to provide all or any portion of any Incremental Facility unless it so agrees in writing as provided in this Section 2.20 or (y) the right to provide all or any portion of any Incremental Facility) or by other bank, financial institution or other institutional lender or investor (other than an Ineligible Institution) (any such other bank, financial institution or other institutional lender or investor being called an “Additional Lender”); provided that, the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender shall have consented (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) to such Lender or Additional

 

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Lender providing such Incremental Facility, to the extent such consent would be required under Section 9.04(b) for an assignment of Loans or Commitments to such Lender or Additional Lender. Commitments in respect of Incremental Facilities shall become Commitments under this Agreement pursuant to an amendment or amendment and restatement (each, an “Incremental Amendment”) of this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Lead Borrower, each Lender agreeing to provide such Commitment, if any, each Additional Lender, if any, and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Amendment may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Lead Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section. The effectiveness of any Incremental Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 and such other conditions as the parties thereto shall agree. The Lead Borrower will use the proceeds of the Incremental Facilities for any purpose not prohibited by this Agreement.

(d) This Section 2.20 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.18(d) or Section 9.02 to the contrary.

SECTION 2.21. Judgment Currency. If for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert a sum due from the Lead Borrower hereunder in the currency expressed to be payable herein (the “specified currency”) into another currency, the parties hereto agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Administrative Agent could purchase the specified currency with such other currency at the Administrative Agent’s main New York City office on the Business Day preceding that on which final, non-appealable judgment is given. The obligations of the Lead Borrower in respect of any sum due to any Lender or the Administrative Agent hereunder shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency other than the specified currency, be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) of any sum adjudged to be so due in such other currency such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) may in accordance with normal, reasonable banking procedures purchase the specified currency with such other currency. If the amount of the specified currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, in the specified currency, the Lead Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, against such loss, and if the amount of the specified currency so purchased exceeds (a) the sum originally due to any Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, in the specified currency and (b) any amounts shared with other Lenders as a result of allocations of such excess as a disproportionate payment to such Lender under Section 2.18, such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, agrees to remit such excess to the Lead Borrower.

SECTION 2.22. Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:

(a) fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(a);

(b) any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Section 7.03 or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 9.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing

 

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by such Defaulting Lender to the Swingline Lender hereunder; third, as the Lead Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fourth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Lead Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement; fifth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders or Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender or Swingline Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; sixth, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lead Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Lead Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; and seventh, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in the Lead Borrower’s obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s Swingline Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments without giving effect to clause (d) below. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto;

(c) the Commitment and Revolving Credit Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Required Lenders, the Required Revolving Lenders, the Required Term Lenders, the Required Term A-1 Lenders or the Required Term A-2 Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment, waiver or other modification pursuant to Section 9.02); provided, that any amendment, waiver or other modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or all Lenders directly affected thereby shall not, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.02, require the consent of such Defaulting Lender in accordance with the terms hereof;

(d) if any Swingline Exposure exists at the time such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender then:

(i) all or any part of the Swingline Exposure of such Defaulting Lender (other than the portion of such Swingline Exposure referred to in clause (b) of the definition of such term) shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages but only to the extent that such reallocation does not, as to any non-Defaulting Lender, cause such non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure to exceed its Revolving Commitment; and

(ii) if the reallocation described in clause (i) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Lead Borrower shall within one (1) Business Day following notice by the Administrative Agent prepay such Swingline Exposure;

(e) so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan, unless it is satisfied that the related exposure will be 100% covered by the Revolving Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders and/or cash collateral will be provided by the Lead Borrower in accordance with Section 2.22(d), and Swingline Exposure related to any such newly made Swingline Loan shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.22(d)(i) (and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein).

 

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If (i) a Bankruptcy Event or a Bail-In Action with respect to a Lender Parent shall occur following the date hereof and for so long as such event shall continue or (ii) the Swingline Lender has a good faith belief that any Lender has defaulted in fulfilling its obligations under one or more other agreements in which such Lender commits to extend credit, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan, unless the Swingline Lender shall have entered into arrangements with the Lead Borrower or such Lender, satisfactory to the Swingline Lender to defease any risk to it in respect of such Lender hereunder.

In the event that the Administrative Agent, the Lead Borrower, the Swingline Lender agrees that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then the Swingline Exposure of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Commitment and on such date such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders (other than Swingline Loans) as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.

SECTION 2.23. Extension of Maturity Date.

(a) Requests for Extension. The Lead Borrower may, by notice to the Administrative Agent (who shall promptly notify the applicable Class of Lenders) at any time, request that each applicable Lender extend such Lender’s Revolving Credit Maturity Date or Term A-1 Loan Maturity Date, as the case may be (the “Applicable Maturity Date”), to a date (the “Extended Maturity Date” and the date on which such extension becomes effective (which date shall be not less than 30 days after the date of such extension notice (or such longer or shorter periods as the Administrative Agent shall agree in its sole discretion)), the “Extension Date”) that is after the Applicable Maturity Date then in effect with respect to such Class for such Lender. For the avoidance of doubt, the Lead Borrower may request extensions of any Class without requesting an extension of the other Class.

(b) Lender Elections to Extend. Each Lender of the applicable Class, acting in its sole and individual discretion, shall, by notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall be irrevocable unless the Lead Borrower otherwise consents in writing in its sole discretion) given not later than the date that is 15 days after the date on which the Administrative Agent received the Lead Borrower’s extension request (the “Lender Notice Date”), advise the Administrative Agent whether or not such Lender agrees to such extension (each Lender of the applicable Class that determines to so extend its Applicable Maturity Date, an “Extending Lender”). Each Lender of the applicable Class that determines not to so extend its Applicable Maturity Date (a “Non-Extending Lender”) shall notify the Administrative Agent of such fact promptly after such determination (but in any event no later than the Lender Notice Date), and any Lender of the applicable Class that does not so advise the Administrative Agent on or before the Lender Notice Date shall be deemed to be a Non-Extending Lender. The election of any Lender to agree to such extension shall not obligate any other Lender to so agree, and it is understood and agreed that no Lender shall have any obligation whatsoever to agree to any request made by the Lead Borrower for extension of the Applicable Maturity Date.

(c) Notification by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lead Borrower of each applicable Lender’s determination under this Section promptly after the Administrative Agent’s receipt thereof and, in any event, no later than the date that is 15 days prior to the applicable proposed Extension Date (or, if such date is not a Business Day, on the next preceding Business Day).

 

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(d) Additional Commitment Lenders. The Lead Borrower shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, on or before the Applicable Maturity Date for any Non-Extending Lender to replace such Non-Extending Lender with, and add as a “Revolving Lender” (in the case of any extension of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date) or as a “Term A- 1 Lender” (in the case of any extension of the Term A-1 Loan Maturity Date) under this Agreement in place thereof, one or more financial institutions that are not Ineligible Institutions (each, an “Additional Commitment Lender”) approved by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the procedures provided in Section 2.19(b), each of which applicable Additional Commitment Lenders shall have entered into an Assignment and Assumption (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04, with the Lead Borrower or replacement Lender obligated to pay any applicable processing or recordation fee) with such Non-Extending Lender, pursuant to which such Additional Commitment Lenders shall, effective on or before the Applicable Maturity Date for such Non-Extending Lender, assume a Revolving Commitment and/or Term A-1 Loans, as the case may be (and, if any such Additional Commitment Lender is already a Lender of the applicable Class, its Revolving Commitment and/or its outstanding Term A-1 Loans, as applicable, so assumed shall be in addition to such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and/or its outstanding Term A-1 Loans, as applicable, hereunder on such date). Prior to any Non-Extending Lender being replaced by one or more Additional Commitment Lenders pursuant hereto, such Non-Extending Lender may elect, in its sole discretion, by giving irrevocable notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Lead Borrower (which notice shall set forth such Lender’s new Applicable Maturity Date), to become an Extending Lender. The Administrative Agent may effect such amendments to this Agreement as are reasonably necessary to provide for any such extensions with the consent of the Lead Borrower but without the consent of any other Lenders.

(e) Minimum Extension Requirement. If (and only if) the total of the applicable Revolving Commitments or the applicable outstanding Term Loans of the Lenders of the applicable Class that have agreed to extend their Applicable Maturity Date and the new or increased Revolving Commitments or the applicable newly assumed outstanding Term Loans of the applicable Class of any Additional Commitment Lenders is more than 50% of the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments or the applicable outstanding Term Loans, as applicable, in effect immediately prior to the applicable Extension Date, then, effective as of the applicable Extension Date, the Applicable Maturity Date of each Extending Lender and of each Additional Commitment Lender of the applicable Class shall be extended to the Extended Maturity Date (except that, if such date is not a Business Day, such Applicable Maturity Date as so extended shall be the next preceding Business Day) and each Additional Commitment Lender of such Class shall thereupon become a “Revolving Lender” and/or a “Term A-1 Lender”, as the case may be, for all purposes of this Agreement and shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement as a Revolving Lender and/or Term A-1 Lender, as the case may be, hereunder and shall have the obligations of a Revolving Lender and/or Term A-1 Lender, as the case may be, hereunder.

(f) Conditions to Effectiveness of Extension. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any extension of any Maturity Date pursuant to this Section 2.23 shall not be effective with respect to any Extending Lender and each Additional Commitment Lender unless:

(i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the applicable Extension Date and immediately after giving effect thereto;

(ii) the representations and warranties of the Lead Borrower set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (provided that any representation or warranty that is qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the applicable Extension Date and immediately after giving effect thereto, as though made on and as of such date (or, if any such representation or warranty is expressly stated to have been made as of a specific date, as of such specific date); and

 

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(iii) the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate from the Lead Borrower signed by a Financial Officer of the Lead Borrower (A) certifying the accuracy of the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) and (B) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by the Lead Borrower approving or consenting to such extension (or to the extent the resolutions delivered on the Effective Date approve such matters, a certification from the Lead Borrower that the resolutions delivered on the Effective Date remain in full force and effect and have not been amended or otherwise modified since the adoption thereof).

(g) Maturity Date for Non-Extending Lenders. On the Applicable Maturity Date of each Non-Extending Lender, (i) to the extent of the Revolving Commitments and Term Loans of each Non-Extending Lender of the relevant Class not assigned to the Additional Commitment Lenders of such Class, the Revolving Commitment of each Non-Extending Lender of such Class shall automatically terminate and (ii) the Lead Borrower shall repay such Non-Extending Lender of such Class in accordance with Section 2.10 (and shall pay to such Non-Extending Lender all of the other Obligations due and owing to it under this Agreement) and after giving effect thereto shall prepay any Loans of the applicable Class outstanding on such date (and pay any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 2.16) to the extent necessary to keep outstanding Loans of the applicable Class ratable with any revised Applicable Percentages of the respective Lenders of such Class effective as of such date, and the Administrative Agent shall administer any necessary reallocation of the applicable Credit Exposures (without regard to any minimum borrowing, pro rata borrowing and/or pro rata payment requirements contained elsewhere in this Agreement).

(h) Conflicting Provisions. This Section shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.18 or Section 9.02 to the contrary.

SECTION 2.24. Designated Subsidiary Borrowers.

(a) Designated Subsidiary Borrowers. The Lead Borrower may at any time, upon not less than fifteen (15) Business Days’ notice from the Lead Borrower to the Administrative Agent (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), request to designate any additional Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower organized under the laws of England and Wales, Ireland, Luxembourg or the Netherlands (an “Applicant Borrower”) as a co-borrower to receive Revolving Loans hereunder by delivering to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly deliver counterparts thereof to each Lender) a duly executed notice and agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit H (a “Designated Subsidiary Borrower Request and Assumption Agreement”). The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that prior to any Applicant Borrower becoming entitled to utilize the credit facilities provided for herein (i) the Administrative Agent must agree (which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld) to such Applicant Borrower becoming a Designated Subsidiary Borrower, (ii) the Administrative Agent and such Lenders shall have received such supporting resolutions, incumbency certificates, opinions of counsel and other documents or information, in form, content and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, as may be required by the Administrative Agent, and Notes signed by such new Designated Subsidiary Borrowers to the extent any Lender so requires and (iii) upon the reasonable request of any Revolving Lender, the Applicant Borrowers shall have provided to such Revolving Lender, and such Revolving Lender shall be reasonably satisfied with, the documentation and other information so requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act and any Applicant Borrower that qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation shall have delivered, to each Revolving Lender that so requests, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Applicant Borrower (the requirements in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) hereof, the “Designated Subsidiary Borrower Requirements”). If the Designated Subsidiary Borrower Requirements are met, the Administrative Agent shall send a notice in substantially the form of Exhibit I (a “Designated Subsidiary Borrower Notice”) to the Lead Borrower and the Lenders specifying the effective date upon which the Applicant Borrower shall constitute a Designated Subsidiary

 

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Borrower for purposes hereof, whereupon each of the Lenders agrees to permit such Designated Subsidiary Borrower to receive Revolving Loans hereunder, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, and each of the parties agrees that such Designated Subsidiary Borrower otherwise shall be a Borrower for all purposes of this Agreement; provided that no Borrowing Request may be submitted by or on behalf of such Designated Subsidiary Borrower until the date five (5) Business Days after such effective date.

(b) Appointment. Each Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower that is or becomes a “Designated Subsidiary Borrower” pursuant to this Section 2.24 hereby irrevocably appoints the Lead Borrower to act as its agent for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and agrees that (i) the Lead Borrower may execute such documents on behalf of such Designated Subsidiary Borrower as the Lead Borrower deems appropriate in its sole discretion and each Designated Subsidiary Borrower shall be obligated by all of the terms of any such document executed on its behalf, (ii) any notice or communication delivered by the Administrative Agent or the Lender to the Lead Borrower shall be deemed delivered to each Designated Subsidiary Borrower and (iii) the Administrative Agent or the Lenders may accept, and be permitted to rely on, any document, instrument or agreement executed by the Lead Borrower on behalf of each of the Loan Parties.

(c) For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that a Designated Subsidiary Borrower shall cease to constitute a Designated Subsidiary Borrower as a result of any Disposition of such Designated Subsidiary Borrower to any Person (other than the merger into or consolidation with any other Foreign Subsidiary to the extent such continuing or surviving Person of such transaction shall be the Designated Subsidiary Borrower).

SECTION 2.25. Designated Lenders. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and each Lender at its option may make any Loan or otherwise perform its obligations hereunder through any lending office (each, a “Designated Lender”); provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of such Borrower to repay any Borrowing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Any Designated Lender shall be considered a Lender; provided that designation of a Designated Lender is for administrative convenience only and does not expand the scope of liabilities or obligations of any Lender or Designated Lender beyond those of the Lender designating such Person as a Designated Lender as provided in this Agreement.

SECTION 2.26. Sustainability Adjustments; Successor Sustainability Structuring Agent.

(a) After the Effective Date, the Lead Borrower, in consultation with the Sustainability Structuring Agent and the Administrative Agent, shall be entitled to establish either (a) specified sustainability performance targets (“SPTs”) as measured by certain environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) related key performance indicators (“KPIs”) of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries or (b) external ESG ratings targets with respect to the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries to be agreed. The Sustainability Structuring Agent, Administrative Agent and the Lead Borrower may amend this Agreement (such amendment, the “ESG Amendment”) solely for the purpose of incorporating the SPTs and KPIs or ESG ratings targets, as applicable, and other related provisions (the “ESG Pricing Provisions”) into this Agreement, and any such amendment shall become effective at 5:00 p.m. on the tenth Business Day after the Administrative Agent shall have posted such proposed amendment to all Lenders and the Lead Borrower unless, prior to such time, the Required ESG Lenders have delivered to the Administrative Agent written notice that such Required ESG Lenders object to such amendment. Upon effectiveness of any such ESG Amendment, based on the Lead Borrower’s performance against the SPTs or ESG ratings targets, as applicable, certain adjustments to the Applicable Rate for Revolving Loans, Term A-1 Loans and the Commitment Fee Rate may be made; provided that the amount of any such adjustments made pursuant to an ESG Amendment shall not result in an increase or decrease of more than (a) 1.00 basis point in the Commitment Fee Rate and/or (b) 5.00 basis points in the Applicable Rate for Revolving Credit Loans or

 

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Term A-1 Loans. If SPTs and KPIs or external ESG ratings, as applicable, are utilized, the pricing adjustments will require, among other things, reporting and validation of the measurement of the KPIs or external ESG ratings, as applicable, in a manner that is aligned with the Sustainability Linked Loan Principles (as published in May 2021 by the Loan Market Association, Asia Pacific Loan Market Association and Loan Syndications & Trading Association) and is to be agreed between the Lead Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Sustainability Structuring Agent (each acting reasonably). Following the effectiveness of the ESG Amendment, any modification to the ESG Pricing Provisions which does not have the effect of reducing or increasing the Applicable Rate for Revolving Credit Loans, Term A-1 Loans or Commitment Fee Rate to a level not otherwise permitted by this paragraph shall be subject to the consent of only the Sustainability Structuring Agent, Administrative Agent, the Lead Borrower and Required ESG Lenders.

(b) The Sustainability Structuring Agent will (i) assist the Lead Borrower in determining the ESG Pricing Provisions in connection with the ESG Amendment and (ii) assist the Lead Borrower in preparing informational materials focused on ESG to be used in connection with the ESG Amendment.

(c) This Section 2.26 shall supersede any provisions in Section 9.02 to the contrary.

(d) The Sustainability Structuring Agent shall have the benefit of the provisions in Section 8.01, 8.02, 8.03, 8.04, 8.06, 9.03 and 9.17 in each case to the same effect as the Administrative Agent thereunder.

(e) Successor Sustainability Structuring Agent:

(i) The Sustainability Structuring Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Lead Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required ESG Lenders shall have the right, subject to the consent of the Lead Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), to appoint a successor. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required ESG Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Sustainability Structuring Agent gives notice of its resignation, (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required ESG Lenders) (the “Sustainability Resignation Effective Date”), then the retiring Sustainability Structuring Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) on behalf of the Revolving Lenders and the Term A-1 Lenders, appoint a successor Sustainability Structuring Agent subject to the consents set forth above. Whether or not a successor has been appointed, such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Sustainability Resignation Effective Date.

(ii) With effect from the Sustainability Resignation Effective Date (1) the retiring or removed Sustainability Structuring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and (2) except for any indemnity payments or other amounts then owed to the retiring or removed Sustainability Structuring Agent, all determinations to be made by the Sustainability Structuring Agent shall instead be made by the Required ESG Lenders directly, until such time, if any, as the Required ESG Lenders appoint a successor Sustainability Structuring Agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Sustainability Structuring Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Sustainability Structuring Agent (other than any rights to indemnity payments or other amounts owed to the retiring Sustainability Structuring Agent as of the Sustainability Resignation Effective Date), and the retiring Sustainability Structuring Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section 2.26(e)). The fees payable by the Lead Borrower to a

 

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successor Sustainability Structuring Agent (if any) shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Lead Borrower and such successor. After the retiring Sustainability Structuring Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Section 2.26(e) and Section 9.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Sustainability Structuring Agent and its Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them (i) while the Sustainability Structuring Agent was acting as Sustainability Structuring Agent and (ii) after such resignation for as long as any of them continues to act in any capacity hereunder, including in respect of any actions taken in connection with transferring the agency to any successor Sustainability Structuring Agent.

SECTION 2.27. Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable lending office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to a Relevant Rate, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon a Relevant Rate or to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, any Alternative Currency in the applicable interbank market, then, upon notice thereof by such Lender to the Lead Borrower (through the Administrative Agent), (a) any obligation of such Lender to make or maintain Alternative Currency Loans in the affected currency or currencies or, in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars, to make or maintain Daily SOFR Loans or Term SOFR Loans or to convert ABR Loans to Daily SOFR Loans or Term SOFR Loans shall be, in each case, suspended, and (b) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining ABR Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the Term SOFR component of the Alternate Base Rate, the interest rate on which ABR Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Term SOFR component of the Alternate Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Lead Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, (i) the Borrowers shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay all Daily SOFR Loans, Term SOFR Loans or Alternative Currency Loans, as applicable, in the affected currency or currencies or, if applicable and such Loans are denominated in Dollars, convert all Daily SOFR Loans and/or Term SOFR Loans of such Lender to ABR Loans (the interest rate on which ABR Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Term SOFR component of the Alternate Base Rate), in each case, immediately, or, in the case of Alternative Currency Term Rate Loans, on the last day of the Interest Period therefor if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Alternative Currency Term Rate Loans to such day and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon SOFR, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Alternate Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Term SOFR component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon SOFR. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrowers shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 2.16.

ARTICLE III

Representations and Warranties

The Loan Parties represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that:

SECTION 3.01. Existence, Qualification and Power. Each Loan Party (a) is a legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (b) is duly qualified in every jurisdiction in which such qualification is required and (c) has all requisite power and authority (including, without limitation, all material Governmental Authorizations, which Governmental Authorizations are current and valid) to own or lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, except in the case of clauses (b) and (c) where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 3.02. Authorization; No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which it is or is to be a party, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, are within such Loan Party’s corporate (or other) powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate (or other) action, and do not (a) contravene such Loan Party’s Organization Documents, (b) violate any law, rule, regulation (including, without limitation, Regulation X of the Board), order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award, (c) conflict with or result in the breach of, or constitute a default or require any payment to be made under, any material contract, loan agreement, indenture, or other instrument binding on or affecting any Loan Party, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their properties the effect of which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (d) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any of the properties of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries. No Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any such law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award or in breach of any such contract, loan agreement, indenture, or other instrument, the violation or breach of which could be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.03. Governmental Authorization; Other Consents. No Governmental Authorization, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other third party is required for the due execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

SECTION 3.04. Binding Effect. This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document when delivered will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party. This Agreement is, and each other Loan Document when delivered will be, the legal, valid and binding obligation of each Loan Party party thereto, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar law affecting creditors’ rights generally, and subject to the effects of general principles of equity (regardless whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

SECTION 3.05. Litigation. There is no action, suit, investigation, litigation or proceeding affecting any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, including any Environmental Action, pending or, to the knowledge of the Lead Borrower, threatened before any Governmental Authority or arbitrator that (i) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) purports to affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby.

SECTION 3.06. Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.

(a) The Lead Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders the Audited Financial Statements. Such financial statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein.

(a) The Pro Forma Balance Sheet presents the pro forma financial position of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a combined basis as of the date thereof and giving effect to the consummation of the Transactions as if they had occurred as of the date presented.

 

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(b) Since the date of the most recent Audited Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) No Default exists.

SECTION 3.07. Disclosure. No written information, exhibit or report furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation and syndication of the Loan Documents or pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), taken as a whole, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case, with respect to such written information, exhibit or report furnished on or prior to the Effective Date, as of the Effective Date; provided that with respect to projected financial information, the Loan Parties represent only that such information was proposed in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time, it being understood that projections are subject to uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Loan Parties and that no assurances can be given that such projections will be realized.

SECTION 3.08. Margin Regulations. Neither the Lead Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries are engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no proceeds of any Borrowing will be used to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.

SECTION 3.09. Investment Company Act. No Loan Party is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

SECTION 3.10. Solvency. The Lead Borrower is, together with its Subsidiaries, Solvent.

SECTION 3.11. ERISA Compliance.

(a) Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Lead Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate have complied with their obligations under the Pension Funding Rules with respect to each Plan subject to Pension Funding Rules, and no application for a funding waiver or an extension of any amortization period pursuant to Pension Funding Rules has been made with respect to any Plan.

(b) There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of the Lead Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) (i) No ERISA Event likely to result in a material liability for any Loan Party has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) no Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; (iii) neither the Lead Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any material liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; (v) neither the Lead Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could reasonably be expected to be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA; and (vi) no Plan has been terminated by the plan administrator thereof pursuant to Section 4041(c) of ERISA.

 

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SECTION 3.12. Environmental Compliance. There are no facts, circumstances or conditions in any way relating to the past or present business or operations of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Responsible Officers of the Lead Borrower, any of their respective predecessors (including with respect to the Release of any wastes, Hazardous Materials or other materials), or to any past or present property of the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, that could reasonably be expected to give rise to any, or that have given rise to any, Environmental Liability, Environmental Action or to any claim, proceeding or other liability under or relating to any Environmental Law, except, in each case, as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.13. Taxes. Except for failures that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries (1) has timely filed all Tax returns that were required to have been filed by it, taking into account any valid extension thereof, (2) has paid all Taxes that were required to have been paid by it (including in its capacity as a withholding agent) to the extent due and payable, except for any such Tax that is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (3) has made adequate accruals and reserves (in accordance with GAAP) for all taxes not yet due and payable and (4) has no pending audits, proceedings or other actions related to the assessment or collection of Taxes.

SECTION 3.14. Use of Proceeds.

(a) All proceeds of the Term Loans will be used only to finance the Special Payment or to pay fees and expenses in connection with the Transactions.

(b) All proceeds of the Revolving Loans and the Swingline Loans will be used to finance the Special Payment, for working capital and general corporate purposes of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the Transactions; provided that (i) the amount of Revolving Loans drawn on the Effective Date shall not exceed $300,000,000 and (ii) such amount shall be automatically and immediately reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the Net Proceeds from the incurrence or issuance of any Additional Permanent Financing in excess of $600,000,000.

SECTION 3.15. Anti-Corruption Laws; Anti-Terrorism Laws; OFAC.

(a) The Lead Borrower and each other Loan Party and has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance by itself and its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Sanctions Laws and Regulations.

(b) The Lead Borrower and each other Loan Party, their respective directors, officers, employees, and, to the knowledge of the Lead Borrower, brokers and other agents acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with any Facility, and each shareholder of the Lead Borrower and any Loan Party (excluding any public shareholders of the Lead Borrower other than the Equity Investors and their Affiliates), Subsidiaries, and affiliates:

(i) is in compliance in all material respects with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, applicable Sanctions Laws and Regulations and, to the knowledge of the Lead Borrower, is not subject to any pending investigation or enforcement action in connection therewith;

(ii) is not a Designated Person or owned or controlled by a Designated Person; and

 

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(iii) is not involved in any transactions, directly or indirectly, that could reasonably be expected to result in its becoming a Designated Person.

SECTION 3.16. Affected Financial Institutions. No Loan Party is an Affected Financial Institution.

ARTICLE IV

Conditions

SECTION 4.01. Effective Date. The effectiveness of this Agreement and the initial extension of credit under the Facilities on the Effective Date is subject to satisfaction (or waiver in accordance with Section 9.02) of the following conditions:

(a) Executed Counterparts. The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received (i) from each party hereto either (A) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (B) written evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy or electronic transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement.

(b) Opinion of Counsel to the Loan Parties. The Administrative Agent shall have received a favorable written opinion (addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as of the Effective Date and dated the Effective Date) of Allen & Overy LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties (or any other counsel reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and covering such matters relating to the Loan Parties, this Agreement or the Transactions as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request (and the Lead Borrower hereby instructs such counsels to deliver such opinion to the Lenders and the Administrative Agents).

(c) Organizational Documents. The Administrative Agent shall have received such documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of the initial Loan Parties, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to such Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Transactions, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel and set forth on Exhibit B hereto.

(d) Financial Statements. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the audited Consolidated balance sheet of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the Fiscal Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 and the related Consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for three Fiscal Years in the period ended [December 31, 2021] of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto (the financial statements referred to in this clause (i), the “Audited Financial Statements”), and (ii) a pro forma Consolidated balance sheet as of the end of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter ended at least 45 days prior to the Effective Date, or 90 days prior to the Effective Date in case such four Fiscal Quarter period is the end of the Lead Borrower’s Fiscal Year, after giving effect to all elements of the Transaction to be effected on or before the Effective Date (the financial statements referred to in this clause (ii), the “Pro Forma Financial Statements”).

(e) Officer’s Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in Sections 4.01(h), (j) and (k) and Sections 4.02(a) and (b).

 

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(f) Fees and Expenses. All fees and expenses due and payable to the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and their respective Affiliates and required to be paid on or prior to the Effective Date shall have been paid or shall have been authorized to be deducted from the proceeds of the initial Loans, so long as any such fees or expenses not expressly set forth in the fee letters related to this Agreement or one or more of the Facilities hereunder entered into by Colfax and the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and/or their respective Affiliates in connection with the Transactions have been invoiced not less than one (1) Business Day prior to the Effective Date (except as otherwise reasonably agreed by the Lead Borrower).

(g) Information. (x) To the extent reasonably requested at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Effective Date, the Lead Borrower shall have provided to the Administrative Agent and each requesting Lender, and the Administrative Agent and such Lender shall be reasonably satisfied with, the documentation and other information so requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the USA PATRIOT Act, in each case at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Effective Date and (y) to the extent requested, any Loan Party that qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and each Lender that so requests a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Loan Party at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Effective Date.

(h) Material Adverse Effect. Since June 30, 2021, there shall not have occurred a Material Adverse Effect.

(i) Solvency Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received a Solvency Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C, dated the Effective Date and signed by the chief financial officer of the Lead Borrower.

(j) Third Party Indebtedness. On the Effective Date, immediately after giving effect to the Transactions, none of the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall have any third party indebtedness (other than (x) the Loans and other extensions of credit under this Agreement, (y) Additional Permanent Financing in an aggregate amount such that, immediately after giving effect to the Transactions and the incurrence or issuance of such Additional Permanent Financing, the Total Leverage Ratio of the Lead Borrower, calculated on a pro forma basis, shall not exceed 3.00 to 1.00 and (z) working capital facilities of the Lead Borrower’s Subsidiaries), and the Administrative Agent shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that all guarantees and security provided by the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement have been terminated, cancelled and released.

(k) Transactions. The Transactions shall have been consummated substantially concurrently with the entering into of this Agreement.

The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lead Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.

SECTION 4.02. Each Borrowing. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing is subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date and the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(a) The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (provided that any representation or warranty that is qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date of such Borrowing, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects (provided that any representation or warranty that is qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect shall be true and correct in all respects) as of such earlier date.

 

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(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Request.

(d) In connection with a Borrowing of Revolving Loans in an Agreed Currency, there shall not have occurred any change in national or international financial, political or economic conditions or currency exchange rates or exchange controls that would make it impracticable for such credit extension to be denominated in such Agreed Currency.

(e) If the applicable Borrower is a Designated Subsidiary Borrower, then the conditions of Section 2.24 to the designation of such Borrower as a Designated Subsidiary Borrower shall have been met to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent.

Each Borrowing shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Lead Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this Section.

ARTICLE V

Affirmative Covenants

Commencing on the Effective Date and until the Termination Date Conditions have been satisfied, each Loan Party will:

SECTION 5.01. Compliance with Laws. Comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply with all applicable Laws, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance by itself, each of its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions Laws and Regulations (except to the extent that this provision would expose the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries incorporated in Germany or within the EU or any director, officer or employee thereof to any liability or enforcement under EU Regulation (EC) 2271/96, Section 7 of the German Foreign Trade Regulation, or any similar law, as applicable).

SECTION 5.02. Payment of Obligations. Except where the failure to do so could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, pay and discharge, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay and discharge, before the same shall become delinquent, (i) all Taxes imposed upon it or upon its property and (ii) all lawful claims that, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien upon its property (other than Liens permitted under Section 6.01); provided, however, that neither the Lead Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to pay or discharge any such Tax, assessment, charge or claim that is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and as to which appropriate reserves are being maintained, unless and until any Lien resulting therefrom attaches to its property and becomes enforceable against its creditors.

SECTION 5.03. Compliance with Environmental Laws. Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries and all lessees and other Persons operating or occupying its properties to comply, with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits and (ii) obtain and renew, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to obtain and renew, all Environmental Permits necessary for its operations and properties.

 

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SECTION 5.04. Maintenance of Insurance. Maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies or associations in such amounts and covering such risks as is usually carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in the same general areas in which the Lead Borrower or such Subsidiary operates.

SECTION 5.05. Preservation of Existence, Etc. Except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement or as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion (and excluding Excluded Subsidiaries of the Lead Borrower), preserve and maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to preserve and maintain (a) its existence, and, in the case of the Lead Borrower, its legal structure and legal name and (b) its rights, permits, licenses, approvals, privileges and franchises; provided, however, that neither the Lead Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to preserve any right, permit, license, approval, privilege or franchise if the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Lead Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, and if the loss thereof could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.06. Inspection Rights. At any reasonable time and from time to time during normal business hours and following reasonable prior notice, permit the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders, or any agents or representatives of the Administrative Agent, to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records and books of account of the Lead Borrower or any other Loan Party (other than materials protected by attorney-client privilege or that a Loan Party may not disclose without violation of a confidentiality obligation binding on it or subject to any other data protection laws) and visit the properties of the Lead Borrower and any other Loan Party, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Lead Borrower and any other Loan Party with any of their officers or directors and with their independent certified public accountants.

SECTION 5.07. Books and Records. Keep, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to keep, proper books of record and account, in which full and correct entries of all financial transactions and the assets and business of the Lead Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries shall be made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time.

SECTION 5.08. Maintenance of Properties. Except as otherwise expressly permitted by this Agreement, maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, all of its properties that are useful and necessary in the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except where failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.09. Transactions with Affiliates. Conduct, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to conduct, all transactions otherwise permitted under the Loan Documents with any of its Affiliates on terms that are fair and reasonable and substantially no less favorable to the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries than they would obtain in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate, other than (a) transactions among the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries and among the Subsidiaries of the Lead Borrower, (b) transfer pricing transactions in the ordinary course of business on terms providing for the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries to recover, in the aggregate, their costs (plus any arm’s length profit mark-up) in respect of any transferred product, (c) dividends permitted under Section 6.07, and (d) transactions entered into in connection with, and in furtherance of, the Spin-Off as described in the Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions section of the Lead Borrower’s public filings made with the SEC on or prior to the date of the Spin-Off, and other transactions not described therein which are not material to the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Nothing in this Section 5.09 shall impair or prevent the allocation of expenses among the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that such allocation is made on a reasonable basis.

 

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SECTION 5.10. Covenant to Guarantee Obligations .

(a) Within 45 days (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree to in its reasonable discretion) following the formation or acquisition after the Effective Date of any Domestic Subsidiary which is not an Excluded Subsidiary, cause such Domestic Subsidiary to guarantee all of the Guaranteed Obligations pursuant to Article X and duly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a Guaranty Supplement, together with, upon the request of the Administrative Agent in its sole reasonable discretion, a signed copy of a favorable opinion, addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, of counsel for the Loan Parties reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent as to such guaranties and guaranty supplements being legal, valid and binding obligations of each Loan Party party thereto enforceable in accordance with their terms and as to matters of corporate formalities as the Administrative Agent may request.

(b) If and when a Domestic Subsidiary ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary, cause such Domestic Subsidiary to comply with the provisions and requirements of Section 5.10(a) as set forth above.

SECTION 5.11. Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of the Loans only as provided in Section 3.14.

SECTION 5.12. Reporting Requirements. Furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders:

(a) Default Notices. As soon as possible and in any event within two Business Days after the Lead Borrower knows of the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default which is continuing, a statement of the chief financial officer of the Lead Borrower setting forth details of such Default or Event of Default and the action that the Lead Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.

(b) Annual Financials. As soon as available and in any event within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, a copy of the annual audit report for such Fiscal Year for the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including Consolidated balance sheets of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such Fiscal Year and Consolidated statements of income and a Consolidated statement of cash flows of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year, in each case accompanied by an unqualified opinion of independent public accountants of recognized standing, together with (i) commencing with the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2021, a certificate of such accounting firm to the Loan Parties stating that in the course of the regular audit of the business of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries, which audit was conducted by such accounting firm in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, such accounting firm has obtained no knowledge that a Default has occurred and is continuing, or if, in the opinion of such accounting firm, a Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof, (ii) a schedule in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent of the computations used by such accountants in determining, as of the end of such Fiscal Year, compliance with the financial covenants contained in Section 5.13; provided that in the event of any change in generally accepted accounting principles used in the preparation of such financial statements, the Lead Borrower shall also provide, if necessary for the determination of compliance with Section 5.13, a statement of reconciliation conforming such financial statements to GAAP, (iii) a certificate of the chief financial officer of the Lead Borrower stating that no Default has occurred and is continuing or, if a Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the action that the Lead Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto, and (iv) a Compliance Certificate.

 

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(c) Quarterly Financials. As soon as available and in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first three quarters of each Fiscal Year, Consolidated balance sheets of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such quarter, Consolidated statements of income and a Consolidated statement of cash flows of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period commencing at the end of the previous Fiscal Quarter and ending with the end of such Fiscal Quarter and Consolidated statements of income and a Consolidated statement of cash flows of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period commencing at the end of the previous Fiscal Year and ending with the end of such quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding date or period of the preceding Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail and duly certified (subject to normal year end audit adjustments) by the chief financial officer of the Lead Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP, together with (i) a certificate of said officer stating that no Default has occurred and is continuing or, if a Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the action that the Lead Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto, and (ii) a Compliance Certificate.

(d) Litigation. Promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of all actions, suits, investigations, litigation and proceedings before any Governmental Authority affecting any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries of the type described in Section 3.05.

(e) ERISA. Promptly and in any event within 10 Business Days after any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate knows or has reason to know that any ERISA Event has occurred or any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate has been notified by the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that it has incurred Withdrawal Liability to such Multiemployer Plan, a statement of the chief financial officer of the Lead Borrower describing such ERISA Event or Withdrawal Liability and the action, if any, that such Loan Party or such ERISA Affiliate has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.

(f) Other Information. Such other information respecting the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance or properties of any Loan Party as the Administrative Agent, or any Lender through the Administrative Agent, may from time to time reasonably request.

(g) Important Events. Within five Business Days of any Responsible Officer acquiring knowledge of any event that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, notice of such event.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.12(b) or (c) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and, if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Lead Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto, on the Internet in the investors’ relations section of the Lead Borrower’s website; (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Lead Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent) or (iii) on which such documents are posted on the website of the SEC at http://www.sec.gov; provided that (A) upon request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, the Lead Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or such Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, and (B) the Lead Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by facsimile or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to above and, in any event, shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Lead Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

 

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SECTION 5.13. Financial Covenants. So long as any Loan or any other Obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall remain unpaid or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Lead Borrower will:

(a) Total Leverage Ratio. Maintain, as of the last day of each Fiscal Quarter set forth in the table below, for each of the Measurement Periods ended as of such date, a Total Leverage Ratio of not more than the Total Leverage Ratio set forth in such table for such date:

 

Last day of each Fiscal Quarter

   Total Leverage Ratio  

[March 31, 2022]

     4.00:1.00  

June 30, 2022

     4.00:1.00  

September 30, 2022

     4.00:1.00  

December 31, 2022

     4.00:1.00  

March 31, 2023

     4.00:1.00  

June 30, 2023

     3.75:1.00  

September 30, 2023

     3.75:1.00  

December 31, 2023

     3.75:1.00  

March 31, 2024

     3.75:1.00  

June 30, 2024 and each Fiscal Quarter ending thereafter

     3.50:1.00  

provided that, with respect to any period occurring on or after June 30, 2023, to the extent that any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (i) consummates during any period of four Fiscal Quarters for which financial statements are available, one or more acquisitions for which the aggregate consideration, including assumed Debt, for all such acquisitions, is $500,000,000 or more and (ii) within 30 days of consummating such acquisition or acquisitions referred to in clause (i) of this proviso, the Lead Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Lead Borrower elects to increase the maximum Total Leverage Ratio threshold as a result thereof, then the maximum Total Leverage Ratio threshold for the Fiscal Quarter in which such election is made by the Lead Borrower and the immediately three following Fiscal Quarters (such period of four Fiscal Quarters, an “Acquisition Holiday Period”) shall be increased to 4.00:1.00. The Lead Borrower may not make such election unless at least one full Fiscal Quarter has ended following the end of the most recently completed Acquisition Holiday Period (if any) and the Lead Borrower may not make more than two such elections during the term of the Facilities.

(b) Interest Coverage Ratio. Maintain, as of the last day of each Fiscal Quarter, for each of the Measurement Periods ended as of such date, an Interest Coverage Ratio of not less than 3.00:1.00.

ARTICLE VI

Negative Covenants

Commencing on the Effective Date and until the Termination Date Conditions have been satisfied, the Loan Parties shall not:

 

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SECTION 6.01. Liens. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any Lien on or with respect to any of its properties of any character (including, without limitation, accounts) whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except:

(a) Permitted Liens;

(b) Liens existing on the Effective Date and any renewals or extensions thereof; provided that any renewal or extension of the obligations secured by such Liens are permitted by Section 6.02;

(c) purchase money Liens upon or in property or equipment acquired, constructed, developed or improved by the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business to secure the purchase price of such property or equipment or to secure Debt incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction, development or improvement of any such property or equipment to be subject to such Liens, or Liens existing on any such property or equipment at the time of acquisition, construction, development or improvement, or extensions, renewals or replacements of any of the foregoing for the same or a lesser amount; provided that such existing Liens were not created in contemplation of such acquisition, construction, development or improvement and do not extend to any assets other than those subject to such acquisition, construction, development or improvement;

(d) Liens arising in connection with Capitalized Leases permitted under Section 6.02(f); provided that such Liens do not extend to any assets other than the property financed by such Debt;

(e) Rights of setoff, revocation, refund or chargeback of bankers’ liens upon deposits of cash or other funds or assets in favor of banks or other financial institutions arising under deposit agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business or arising under the Uniform Commercial Code or other operation of law;

(f) Liens securing Debt permitted to be incurred under Section 6.02(i);

(g) [Intentionally Omitted]; and

(h) Liens in favor of a Receivables Subsidiary or a Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower on Receivables Assets or the Equity Interests of a Receivables Subsidiary, in each case granted in connection with a Receivables Facility solely to secure obligations owing to such Receivables Subsidiary or other Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower under such Receivables Facility.

SECTION 6.02. Debt. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, or permit any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any Debt, except:

(a) Debt in respect of Hedge Agreements not prohibited by Section 6.09;

(b) Intercompany Debt of the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries owing to the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the extent permitted by Section 6.06;

(c) Debt under the Loan Documents;

 

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(d) Debt of the Loan Parties in respect of senior unsecured notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $600,000,000 (provided that (x) such Debt is incurred or issued on or prior to the Term A-2 Loan Maturity Date and (y) if such Debt is incurred or issued after the Effective Date, the Net Proceeds received by the Lead Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries in connection with such Debt shall be applied to prepay the Term A-2 Loans in accordance with Section 2.11(c)) and any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions thereof (provided that (x) the amount of such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Debt is not increased at the time of such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension except by an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid interest and premium or other reasonable amount paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension and the direct or any contingent obligor with respect thereto is not changed as a result of or in connection with such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension and (y) the terms relating to amortization, maturity, collateral (if any) and subordination (if any), and other material terms taken as a whole, of any such Debt, and of any agreement entered into and of any instrument issued in connection therewith, are not materially less favorable to the Loan Parties or the Lenders than the terms of any agreement or instrument governing the refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended Debt;

(e) Debt secured by Liens permitted by Section 6.01(c); provided that in each case (i) such Debt is incurred by such Person at the time of, or not later than 120 days after, the acquisition, construction, development or improvement by such Person of the property so financed and (ii) such Debt does not exceed the purchase price of the property (or the cost of constructing, developing or improving the same) so financed;

(f) Debt under Capitalized Leases; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Debt outstanding under Sale and Leaseback Transactions shall not exceed, at any time outstanding, $125,000,000;

(g) additional unsecured Debt of the Loan Parties in an aggregate amount not to exceed, at any time outstanding, $175,000,000, plus additional amounts in excess thereof subject to pro forma compliance, at the time of incurrence thereof, with Section 5.13 as of the last day of the most recently ended Measurement Period;

(h) Debt of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries incurred in connection with any Receivables Facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed at any time outstanding $150,000,000;

(i) Secured Debt of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries and Debt of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed, at any time outstanding, the greater of (A) $275,000,000 and (B) 15.0% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets;

(j) Debt existing on the Effective Date, and any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions thereof; provided that (x) the amount of such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Debt is not increased at the time of such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension except by an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid interest and premium or other reasonable amount paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, solely to the extent such unutilized commitment is permitted to be drawn immediately prior to the incurrence of such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension, and the direct or any contingent obligor with respect thereto is not changed, as a result of or in connection with such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension and (y) the terms relating to amortization, maturity, collateral (if any) and subordination (if any), and other material terms taken as a whole, of any such Debt, and of any agreement entered into and of any instrument issued in connection therewith, are not materially less favorable to the Loan Parties or the Lenders than the terms of any agreement or instrument governing the refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended Debt; and

 

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(k) Debt consisting of guaranties by the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries of Debt of the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the extent such Debt being guaranteed is permitted under any of clauses (a) through (f), (h) and (i) in this Section 6.02.

SECTION 6.03. Change in Nature of Business. Conduct, transact or engage, or permit any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower to conduct, transact or engage, in any business or operation other than those conducted on the Effective Date and diversified technology manufacturing and services, and activities or business related or incidental thereto.

SECTION 6.04. Fundamental Changes. Merge, wind up, dissolve or liquidate into or consolidate with (or any local law equivalent thereof) any Person or permit any Person to merge, liquidate into it, or consummate a Division as the Dividing Person, or permit any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower to do so, except that:

(a) any Domestic Subsidiary may merge, wind up, dissolve or liquidate into or consolidate with (i) the Lead Borrower; provided that the Lead Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person of such transaction or (ii) any one or more other Domestic Subsidiaries; provided that if the merger, wind up, dissolution, liquidation or consolidation involves a Guarantor, the continuing or surviving Person of such transaction shall either be such Guarantor or become a Guarantor pursuant to the terms of Section 5.10;

(b) any Foreign Subsidiary may merge, wind up, dissolve or liquidate into or consolidate with (i) any one or more other Foreign Subsidiaries (provided that if the merger, windup, dissolution, liquidation or consolidation involves a Designated Subsidiary Borrower, the continuing or surviving Person of such transaction shall be the Designated Subsidiary Borrower) or (ii) except to the extent such Foreign Subsidiary is a Designated Subsidiary Borrower, with any Domestic Subsidiary (provided that such Domestic Subsidiary is the continuing or surviving Person of such transaction);

(c) in connection with any sale or other Disposition permitted under Section 6.05 (other than clause (b) thereof) or any Permitted Acquisition, any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower may merge into or consolidate with any other Person or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it; and

(d) any Subsidiary that is an LLC may consummate a Division as the Dividing Person if, immediately upon the consummation of the Division, the assets of the applicable Dividing Person are held by one or more Loan Parties at such time, or, with respect to assets not so held by one or more Loan Parties, such Division, in the aggregate, would otherwise result in a Disposition permitted by Section 6.05 (other than clause (b) thereof).

SECTION 6.05. Dispositions. Dispose of, or permit any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower to Dispose of, any assets, except:

(a) sales and leases of inventory in the ordinary course of its business;

(b) in a transaction permitted by Section 6.04;

(c) Dispositions of assets by the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries to any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower or the Lead Borrower;

(d) Dispositions of assets for cash and/or promissory notes in an aggregate amount not to exceed the greater of (x) 2.50% of Consolidated Total Assets and (y) $150,000,000 in any Fiscal Year; provided that (i) at least 75% of such proceeds consist of cash, (ii) such Dispositions are for fair market value (other than minority interests in Subsidiaries) and (iii) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from such Dispositions;

 

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(e) Dispositions of obsolete assets or other assets no longer used or useful in the conduct of such Person’s business;

(f) Dispositions consisting of the licensing of intangible assets in the ordinary course between Subsidiaries of the Lead Borrower or between the Lead Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries;

(g) sales of Receivables Assets to a Receivables Subsidiary or a Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower in connection with any Receivables Facility; and

(h) in addition to Dispositions permitted under this Section 6.05 (the other exceptions not limiting the ability of Dispositions to be made under this subsection), Dispositions by the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an amount not to exceed $75,000,000 in any Fiscal Year.

SECTION 6.06. Investments. Make or hold, or permit any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower to make, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger or consolidation with, or as a Division Successor pursuant to the Division of, any Person that was not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary prior to such merger, consolidation or Division), any Investment in any Person, except:

(a) equity Investments by the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries in their respective Subsidiaries;

(b) loans and advances to employees in the ordinary course of the business of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries as presently conducted in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(c) Investments by the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries in Cash Equivalents;

(d) Investments in Hedge Agreements not prohibited by Section 6.09;

(e) intercompany loans by the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries to any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower or the Lead Borrower; provided that if the obligor or obligee thereunder ceases to constitute a Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower, any intercompany loans to which such obligor or obligee is a party outstanding on such date of cessation pursuant to this clause (e) shall cease to be permitted under this clause (e);

(f) Investments (i) in accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business and (ii) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers and in settlement of delinquent obligations of, and other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business to the extent that the Lead Borrower or relevant Subsidiary was a creditor of such customer or supplier at the time of filing of such bankruptcy, reorganization or at the time such obligation became delinquent or such dispute arose, as the case may be;

(g) Investments by the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries consisting of the purchase or other acquisition of all of the Equity Interests of another Person or the assets comprising a division or business unit or a substantial part or all of the business of another Person; provided that (i) immediately before and immediately after giving pro forma effect to any such purchase or other acquisition, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) the aggregate consideration in cash, Cash Equivalents and/or

 

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promissory notes for such purchases or other acquisitions (excluding any common stock of the Lead Borrower and cash received substantially simultaneously with such purchase or other acquisition from the issuance of common stock of the Lead Borrower) may not exceed (A) $150,000,000 plus (B) at any time, additional amounts if, immediately after giving effect to such purchase or other acquisition, the Lead Borrower shall be in pro forma compliance with Section 5.13, such compliance to be determined on the basis of the financial information most recently delivered (or required to have been delivered) to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as though such Investment had been consummated as of the first day of the fiscal period covered thereby, (iii) in the case of a purchase or acquisition of the Equity Interests of another Person, such purchase or acquisition was not preceded by an unsolicited tender offer for such Equity Interests by, or proxy contest initiated by, the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary and (iv) immediately before and immediately after giving pro forma effect to any such purchase or other acquisition, the Loan Parties are in compliance with Section 6.03; provided, further, that, if such acquisition is a Limited Condition Transaction, the conditions in clauses (i) and (ii) above may be satisfied as of the date of the entering into of the definitive agreement for such Limited Condition Transaction so long as no Specified Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of, or would result from, the consummation thereof;

(h) Investments by the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries in joint venture entities that are not Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $200,000,000 (in each case, net of cash repayments of principal in the case of Investments consisting of loans, sale proceeds in the case of Investments consisting of debt instruments and cash equity returns (whether as a distribution, dividend, redemption or sale) in the case of Investments consisting of equity investments); and

(i) additional Investments not otherwise permitted under this Section 6.06 subject to pro forma compliance at the time such Investments are made, with Section 5.13 as of the most recent Measurement Period; provided that, immediately before and immediately after giving pro forma effect to any such Investments, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

(j) [reserved]; and

(k) the Lead Borrower’s entry into (including payments of premiums in connection therewith), and the performance of obligations under, any Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions in accordance with their terms.

SECTION 6.07. Restricted Payments. Declare or pay any dividends, purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire for value any of its Equity Interests (other than, with respect to the Lead Borrower, any Permitted Convertible Indebtedness, any Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions or any Permitted Warrant Transactions) now or hereafter outstanding, return any capital to its stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Persons thereof) or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do any of the foregoing (collectively, “Restricted Payments”), except that, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of any action described below or would result therefrom:

(a) the Lead Borrower may (i) declare and pay dividends and distributions payable in its common stock and purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire shares of its capital stock with the proceeds received contemporaneously from the issue of new shares of its capital stock with equal or inferior voting powers, designations, preferences and rights, and (ii) declare and pay dividends and distributions in cash and purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire Equity Interests with cash and notes so long as before and after giving effect to the payment of such distribution or dividend, the Total Leverage Ratio of the Lead Borrower, calculated on a pro forma basis for the most recent Measurement Period, shall not exceed 3.25 to 1.00;

 

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(b) any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower may (i) declare and pay dividends to the Lead Borrower, (ii) declare and pay dividends to any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower of which it is a Subsidiary; provided that if such Subsidiary declaring and paying dividends is not Wholly-Owned, the Lead Borrower or the Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower which owns equity interests in the Subsidiary paying such dividends or distributions shall receive at least its proportionate share thereof (based upon its relative holding of the equity interest in the Subsidiary paying such dividends or distributions and taking into account the relative preferences, if any, of the various classes of equity interests of such Subsidiary) unless its then shareholders, members or partners are required under applicable law to receive a greater proportionate share thereof;

(c) the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire Equity Interests in any Subsidiary; and

(d) additional Restricted Payments not otherwise permitted under this Section 6.07 in an amount not to exceed in any Fiscal Year the greater of (A) $50,000,000 and (B) 3.5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, and for the avoidance of doubt, (i) the conversion by holders of (including any cash payment upon conversion), or required payment of any principal or premium on, or required payment of any interest with respect to, any Permitted Convertible Indebtedness, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing such Permitted Convertible Indebtedness, shall not constitute a Restricted Payment; provided that, to the extent both (a) the aggregate amount of cash payable upon conversion or payment of any Permitted Convertible Indebtedness (excluding any required payment of interest with respect to such Permitted Convertible Indebtedness and excluding any payment of cash in lieu of a fractional share due upon conversion thereof) exceeds the aggregate principal amount thereof and (b) such conversion or payment does not trigger or correspond to an exercise or early unwind or settlement of a corresponding portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions relating to such Permitted Convertible Indebtedness (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the case where there is no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction relating to such Permitted Convertible Indebtedness), the payment of such excess cash shall constitute a Restricted Payment notwithstanding this clause (i); and (ii) any required payment with respect to, or required early unwind or settlement of, any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the agreement governing such Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction shall not constitute a Restricted Payment; provided that, to the extent cash is required to be paid under a Permitted Warrant Transaction as a result of the election of “cash settlement” (or substantially equivalent term) as the “settlement method” (or substantially equivalent term) thereunder by the Lead Borrower (or its Affiliate) (including in connection with the exercise and/or early unwind or settlement thereof), the payment of such cash (any such payment, a “Cash Settlement Payment”) shall constitute a Restricted Payment notwithstanding this clause (ii).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Lead Borrower may repurchase, exchange or induce the conversion of Permitted Convertible Indebtedness by delivery of shares of the Lead Borrower’s common stock and/or a different series of Permitted Convertible Indebtedness (which series (x) matures after, and does not require any scheduled amortization or other scheduled payments of principal prior to, the analogous date under the indenture governing the Permitted Convertible Indebtedness that are so repurchased, exchanged or converted and (y) has terms, conditions and covenants that are no less favorable to the Lead Borrower than the Permitted Convertible Indebtedness that are so repurchased, exchanged or converted (as determined by the board of directors of the Lead Borrower, or a committee thereof, in good faith)) (any such series of Permitted Convertible Indebtedness, “Refinancing Convertible Notes”) and/or by payment of cash (in an amount that does not exceed the proceeds received by the Lead Borrower from the substantially concurrent issuance of shares of the Lead Borrower’s common stock and/or Refinancing Convertible Notes plus the net cash proceeds, if any, received by the Lead Borrower pursuant to the related exercise or early unwind or termination of the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted

 

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Warrant Transactions, if any, pursuant to the immediately following proviso); provided that, substantially concurrently with, or a commercially reasonable period of time before or after, the related settlement date for the Permitted Convertible Indebtedness that are so repurchased, exchanged or converted, the Lead Borrower shall (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be permitted under this Section 6.07 to) exercise or unwind or terminate early (whether in cash, shares or any combination thereof) the portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, corresponding to such Permitted Convertible Indebtedness that are so repurchased, exchanged or converted.

SECTION 6.08. Accounting Changes. Make or permit any change in the Fiscal Year of the Lead Borrower.

SECTION 6.09. Speculative Transactions. Enter into, or permit any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower to enter into, any Hedge Agreements that are not in the ordinary course of business and entered into for speculative purposes.

SECTION 6.10. Anti-Corruption; Sanctions Laws and Regulations. Except to the extent that this provision would expose the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries incorporated in Germany or within the EU or any director, officer or employee thereof to any liability or enforcement under EU Regulation (EC) 2271/96, Section 7 of the German Foreign Trade Regulation or any similar law, as applicable:

(a) engage in any transaction, or knowingly permit any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any transaction, that violates any of the applicable prohibitions set forth in any applicable Sanctions Laws and Regulations.

(b) use any funding or proceeds from this Agreement (or lend, contribute or otherwise make any such funding or proceeds available to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person):

(i) in connection with any transaction relating directly or indirectly to any Designated Person or in a Sanctioned Country; or

(ii) in violation of applicable Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions Laws and Regulations, or in a manner that causes any Lender to violate any applicable Sanctions Laws and Regulations.

(c) Permit any of the funds or assets of any Borrower that are used to repay or prepay any Facility under this Agreement to constitute property of, or to be beneficially owned by, any Designated Person, or be obtained or derived from transactions with or relating to countries subject to U.S., EU or United Kingdom economic sanctions or that violate prohibitions set forth in any applicable Anti-Corruption Laws or Sanctions Laws and Regulations. The Lead Borrower shall not (and shall ensure that no other Loan Party will) fund all or part of any payment under this Agreement out of proceeds derived from transactions that violate the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Corruption Laws or Sanctions Laws and Regulations.

(d) (i) Permit any Designated Person to obtain or allow to continue any direct or indirect interest in the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower and (ii) obtain or allow to continue any direct or indirect interest in any Designated Person by the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Lead Borrower; provided that this clause (d) shall not be applicable to any public shareholders of the Lead Borrower other than the Equity Investors and their Affiliates.

 

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ARTICLE VII

Events of Default

SECTION 7.01. Events of Default. If any of the following events (each, an “Event of Default”) shall occur and be continuing:

(a) (i) the Lead Borrower shall fail to pay, in the currency required hereunder, any principal of any Loan when the same shall become due and payable or (ii) the Lead Borrower shall fail to pay, in the currency required hereunder, any interest on any Loan, or any Loan Party shall fail to make any other payment, in the currency required hereunder, under any Loan Document, in each case under this clause (ii), within three Business Days after the same shall become due and payable; or

(b) any representation or warranty made by any Loan Party (or any of its officers) under or in connection with any Loan Document shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made; or

(c) any Loan Party shall fail to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in Section 5.09, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12(a) or 5.13 or in Article VI; or

(d) any Loan Party shall fail to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed if such failure shall remain unremedied for 15 days after the earlier of the date on which (i) a Responsible Officer becomes aware of such failure or (ii) written notice thereof shall have been given to any Borrower by the Administrative Agent or any Lender; or

(e) any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries shall fail to pay any principal of, premium or interest on or any other amount payable in respect of any Debt of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) that is outstanding in a principal amount (or, in the case of any Hedge Agreement, an Agreement Value) of at least $150,000,000 either individually or in the aggregate for all such Loan Parties and Subsidiaries (but excluding Debt outstanding hereunder), when the same becomes due and payable (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Debt; or any other event shall occur or condition shall exist under any agreement or instrument relating to any such Debt and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such event or condition is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Debt or otherwise to cause, or to permit the holder thereof to cause, such Debt to mature; or any such Debt shall be declared to be due and payable or required to be prepaid or redeemed (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment or redemption), purchased or defeased, or an offer to prepay, redeem, purchase or defease such Debt shall be required to be made, in each case prior to the stated maturity thereof; provided that, this clause (e) shall not apply to any redemption, exchange, repurchase, conversion or settlement with respect to any Permitted Convertible Indebtedness, or satisfaction of any condition giving rise to or permitting the foregoing, pursuant to their terms unless such redemption, repurchase, conversion or settlement results from a default thereunder or an event of the type that constitutes an Event of Default; or

 

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(f) any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries whose Relevant Jurisdiction is the Federal Republic of Germany is unable to pay its debts as and when they fall due (zahlungsunfähig), over-indebted (überschuldet) or subject to imminent illiquidity (drohende Zahlungsunfähigkeit) (all within the meaning of Sections 17 to 19, inclusive, of the German Insolvency Act (Insolvenzordnung)); or any proceeding shall be instituted by or against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking the liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition of such Loan Party or Subsidiary or its debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and, in the case of any such proceeding instituted against it (but not instituted by it) that is being diligently contested by it in good faith, either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 days or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including, without limitation, the entry of an order for relief against, or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for, it or any substantial part of its property) shall occur; or any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the actions set forth above in this subsection (f); or

(g) any judgments or orders, either individually or in the aggregate, for the payment of money in excess of $150,000,000 shall be rendered against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and either (i) enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order or (ii) there shall be any period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect; or

(h) any nonmonetary judgment or order shall be rendered against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries that could be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect, and there shall be any period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect; or

(i) any provision of any Loan Document after delivery thereof pursuant to Section 4.01, 4.02 or 6.10 shall for any reason cease to be valid and binding on or enforceable against any Loan Party party to it in any material respect, or any such Loan Party shall so state in writing; or

(j) a Change of Control shall occur; or

(k) any ERISA Event shall have occurred with respect to a Plan and the liability of the Loan Parties and the ERISA Affiliates related to such ERISA Event exceeds $150,000,000; or

(l) any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate shall have been notified by the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that it has incurred Withdrawal Liability to such Multiemployer Plan in an amount that, when aggregated with all other amounts required to be paid to Multiemployer Plans by the Loan Parties and the ERISA Affiliates as Withdrawal Liability (determined as of the date of such notification), exceeds $150,000,000; or

(m) any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate shall have been notified by the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that such Multiemployer Plan is insolvent or is being terminated, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA, and as a result of such insolvency or termination the aggregate annual contributions of the Loan Parties and the ERISA Affiliates to all Multiemployer Plans that are then insolvent or being terminated have been or will be increased over the amounts contributed to such Multiemployer Plans for the plan years of such Multiemployer Plans immediately preceding the plan year in which such insolvency or termination occurs by an amount exceeding $150,000,000; or

(n) any material provision of any Loan Document for any reason ceases to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms, or the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary shall challenge the enforceability of any Loan Document or shall assert in writing, or engage in any action or inaction based on any such assertion, that any provision of any of the Loan Documents has ceased to be or otherwise is not valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

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SECTION 7.02. Remedies Upon an Event of Default. If an Event of Default occurs (other than an event with respect to the Lead Borrower described in Section 7.01(f)), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may with the consent of the Required Lenders, and shall at the request of the Required Lenders, by notice to the Lead Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times:

(a) terminate the Commitments and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately;

(b) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Obligations of the Lead Borrower accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Lead Borrower; and

(c) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents and applicable law.

If an Event of Default described in Section 7.01(f) occurs with respect to the Lead Borrower, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Obligations accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall automatically become due and payable, in each case, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Lead Borrower.

SECTION 7.03. Application of Payments. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, and notice hereof to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or the Required Lenders all payments received on account of the Obligations shall, subject to Section 2.22, be applied by the Administrative Agent as follows:

(i) first, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts payable to the Administrative Agent (including fees and disbursements and other charges of counsel to the Administrative Agent payable under Section 9.03 and amounts pursuant to Section 2.12(c) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such);

(ii) second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, expenses, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders and the other holders of the Obligations (including fees and disbursements and other charges of counsel to the Lenders payable under Section 9.03) arising under the Loan Documents, ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (ii) payable to them;

(iii) third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (iii) payable to them;

(iv) fourth, (A) to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and (B) to any other amounts owing with respect to Banking Services Obligations and Swap Obligations, in each case, ratably among the Lenders and any other applicable holders of the Obligations in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (iv) payable to them;

 

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(v) fifth, to the payment in full of all other Obligations, in each case ratably among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the other holders of the Obligations based upon the respective aggregate amounts of all such Obligations owing to them in accordance with the respective amounts thereof then due and payable; and

(vi) finally, the balance, if any, after all Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Lead Borrower or as otherwise required by law.

ARTICLE VIII

The Administrative Agent

SECTION 8.01. Authorization and Action.

(a) Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement and its successors and assigns to serve as the administrative agent under the Loan Documents and each Lender authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent under such agreements and to exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Without limiting the foregoing, each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, each of the Loan Documents to which the Administrative Agent is a party, and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies that the Administrative Agent may have under such Loan Documents.

(b) As to any matters not expressly provided for herein and in the other Loan Documents (including enforcement or collection), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the written instructions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, pursuant to the terms in the Loan Documents), and, unless and until revoked in writing, such instructions shall be binding upon each Lender; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that (i) the Administrative Agent in good faith believes exposes it to liability unless the Administrative Agent receives an indemnification and is exculpated in a manner satisfactory to it from the Lenders with respect to such action or (ii) is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or applicable law, including any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors; provided, further, that the Administrative Agent may seek clarification or direction from the Required Lenders prior to the exercise of any such instructed action and may refrain from acting until such clarification or direction has been provided. Except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Lead Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Administrative Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

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(c) In performing its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent is acting solely on behalf of the Lenders (except in limited circumstances expressly provided for herein relating to the maintenance of the Register), and its duties are entirely mechanical and administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

(i) the Administrative Agent does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or duty or any other relationship as the agent, fiduciary or trustee of or for any Lender or holder of Obligations other than as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, regardless of whether a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (and it is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” (or any similar term) herein or in any other Loan Document with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary duty or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law, and that such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties); additionally, each Lender agrees that it will not assert any claim against the Administrative Agent based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement and/or the transactions contemplated hereby;

(ii) [reserved]; and

(iii) nothing in this Agreement or any Loan Document shall require the Administrative Agent to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by the Administrative Agent for its own account.

(d) The Administrative Agent may perform any of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of their respective duties and exercise their respective rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article VIII shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agent except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agent.

(e) None of any Co-Documentation Agent, any Co-Syndication Agent, the Sustainability Structuring Agent, any Bookrunner or any Arranger shall have obligations or duties whatsoever in such capacity under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and shall incur no liability hereunder or thereunder in such capacity, but all such persons shall have the benefit of the indemnities provided for hereunder.

(f) In case of the pendency of any proceeding with respect to any Loan Party under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on any Loan Party) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

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(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim under Sections 2.12, 2.13, 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(ii) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and each other holder of the Obligations to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders or any other holder of the Obligations, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due to it, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, under the Loan Documents (including under Section 9.03). Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.

(g) The provisions of this Article VIII are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, and, except solely to the extent of the Lead Borrower’s rights to consent pursuant to and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article VIII, none of the Lead Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary under any such provisions. Each holder of the Obligations, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Guarantees of the Obligations provided under the Loan Documents, to have agreed to the provisions of this Article VIII.

SECTION 8.02. Administrative Agents Reliance, Indemnification, Etc.

(a) Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by such party, the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (x) with the consent of or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents) or (y) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the Administrative Agent’s reliance on any Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) or for any failure of any Loan Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

 

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(b) The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof (stating that it is a “notice of default”) is given to the Administrative Agent by the Lead Borrower or a Lender and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items (which on their face purport to be such items) expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be liable for, or be responsible for any claim, liability, loss, cost or expense suffered by the Lead Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Lender as a result of, any determination of the Credit Exposure, any of the component amounts thereof or any portion thereof attributable to each Lender or any Dollar Amount thereof.

(c) Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent (i) may treat the payee of any promissory note as its holder until such promissory note has been assigned in accordance with Section 9.04, (ii) may rely on the Register to the extent set forth in Section 9.04(b), (iii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel to the Lead Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts, (iv) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties or representations made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (v) in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender sufficiently in advance of the making of such Loan and (vi) shall be entitled to rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon, any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which writing may be a fax, any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper party or parties (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof).

SECTION 8.03. Posting of Communications.

(a) The Lead Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications available to the Lenders by posting the Communications on IntraLinks, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or any other electronic platform chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “Approved Electronic Platform”).

(b) Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Effective Date, a user ID/password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders and the Lead Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure, that the Administrative Agent is not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives or contacts of any Lender that are added to the Approved Electronic Platform, and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. Each of the Lenders and the Lead Borrower hereby approves distribution of the Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.

 

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(c) THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE APPLICABLE PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE APPLICABLE PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY ARRANGER, ANY CO-DOCUMENTATION AGENT, ANY CO-SYNDICATION AGENT OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, “APPLICABLE PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY, ANY LENDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY LOAN PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT OF DIRECT OR ACTUAL DAMAGES AS ARE DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION AND BY A FINAL AND NONAPPEALABLE JUDGMENT TO HAVE RESULTED FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH APPLICABLE PARTY.

(d) Each Lender agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that Communications have been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which could be in the form of electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s email address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such email address.

(e) Each of the Lenders and the Lead Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s generally applicable document retention procedures and policies.

(f) Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent, any Lender to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.

SECTION 8.04. The Administrative Agent Individually. With respect to its Commitment and Loans, the Person serving as the Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers hereunder and is subject to the same obligations and liabilities as and to the extent set forth herein for any other Lender. The terms “Lenders”, “Required Lenders”, “Required Term Lenders” “Required Revolving Lenders” and any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender or as one of the Required Lenders, the Required Term Lenders or the Required Revolving Lenders, as applicable. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with, the Lead Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing as if such Person was not acting as the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

 

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SECTION 8.05. Successor Administrative Agent.

(a) The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Lead Borrower, whether or not a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York or an Affiliate of any such bank. In either case, such appointment shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Lead Borrower (which approval may not be unreasonably withheld and shall not be required while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing). Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall succeed to, and become vested with, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Prior to any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to assign to the successor Administrative Agent its rights as Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign, the retiring Administrative Agent may give notice of the effectiveness of its resignation to the Lenders and the Lead Borrower, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation stated in such notice, (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (ii) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent; provided that (A) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person and (B) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall directly be given or made to each Lender. Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s resignation from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article VIII and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set forth in any other Loan Document, shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (i) above.

SECTION 8.06. Acknowledgements of Lenders.

(a) Each Lender represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, (ii) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and in providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument (and each Lender agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the foregoing), (iii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, Co-Documentation Agent, Co-Syndication Agent or any other Lender, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold Loans

 

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hereunder, and (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Co-Documentation Agent, any Co-Syndication Agent or any other Lender, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information (which may contain material, non-public information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Lead Borrower and its Affiliates) as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

(b) Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, each Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Effective Date.

SECTION 8.07. Recovery of Erroneous Payment.

Without limitation of any other provision in this Agreement, if at any time the Administrative Agent makes a payment hereunder in error to any Lender Recipient Party, whether or not in respect of an Obligation due and owing by any Borrower at such time, where such payment is a Rescindable Amount, then in any such event, each Lender Recipient Party receiving a Rescindable Amount severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount received by such Lender Recipient Party in immediately available funds in the currency so received, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such Rescindable Amount is received by it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect. Each Lender Recipient Party irrevocably waives any and all defenses, including any “discharge for value” (under which a creditor might otherwise claim a right to retain funds mistakenly paid by a third party in respect of a debt owed by another) or similar defense to its obligation to return any Rescindable Amount. The Administrative Agent shall inform each Lender Recipient Party promptly upon determining that any payment made to such Lender Recipient Party comprised, in whole or in part, a Rescindable Amount.

SECTION 8.08. [Reserved].

SECTION 8.09. Certain ERISA Matters.

(a) Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, the Sustainability Structuring Agent and the Arrangers and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Lead Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:

 

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(i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans or the Commitments,

(ii) the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement,

(iii) (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement, or

(iv) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

(b) In addition, unless sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or such Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant as provided in sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, and the Arrangers, the Co-Documentation Agents, the Co-Syndication Agents or any of their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Lead Borrower or any other Loan Party, that none of the Administrative Agent, or the Arrangers, the Co-Documentation Agents, the Co-Syndication Agents or any of their respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related hereto or thereto).

(c) The Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Co-Documentations Agents and the Co-Syndication Agents hereby inform the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide impartial investment advice, or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Commitments, this Agreement and any other Loan Documents, (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Loans or the Commitments for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans or the Commitments by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, commitment fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.

 

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SECTION 8.10. Withholding Taxes.

To the extent required by any applicable Law, the Administrative Agent may withhold in respect of any payment to any Lender the amount of any applicable withholding Tax. Without limiting or expanding the provisions of Section 2.17, each Lender shall indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent against, and shall make payable in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, all Taxes and all related losses, claims, liabilities and expenses (including fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent) incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent by any other Governmental Authority as a result of the failure of the Administrative Agent to properly withhold Tax in respect of any amounts paid to or for the account of such Lender for any reason (including because the appropriate documentation was not delivered or not properly executed, or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstance that rendered the exemption from, or reduction of, withholding Tax ineffective), whether or not such Taxes are correctly or legally asserted. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under this Agreement, any other Loan Document or otherwise against any amount due the Administrative Agent under this Section 8.10. The agreements in this Section 8.10 shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Section 8.10, the term “Lender” shall include any Swingline Lender.

ARTICLE IX

Miscellaneous

SECTION 9.01. Notices. (a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and subject to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopy, as follows:

(i) if to the Lead Borrower, to it at [        ], Attention of General Counsel (Telecopy No. [    ]; Telephone No. [    ]);

(ii) if to the Administrative Agent, to Bank of America, N.A., [    ], Attention of [    ] (Telecopy No. [    ]), with a copy to [    ];

(iii) if to the Swingline Lender, to it at Bank of America, N.A., [    ], Attention of [    ] (Telecopy No. [    ]); and

(iv) if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices delivered through Approved Electronic Platforms, to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below, shall be effective as provided in said paragraph (b).

 

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(b) Notices and other communications to the Lead Borrower, any other Loan Party and the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by using Approved Electronic Platforms pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. The Administrative Agent or the Lead Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

(c) Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.

(d) Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments. (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by the Lead Borrower therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

(b) Except as provided in Section 2.20 with respect to an Incremental Amendment, or as provided in Section 2.23 with respect to the extension of any Applicable Maturity Date, or as provided in Section 2.14or pursuant to any fee letter entered into by the Lead Borrower in connection with this Agreement, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Lead Borrower and the Required Lenders or by the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (except that (x) neither (A) any amendment or modification of the financial covenants in this Agreement (or defined terms used in the financial covenants in this Agreement) or (B) any amendment entered into pursuant to the terms of Section 2.14(b) shall constitute a reduction in the rate of interest or fees for purposes of this clause (ii) even if the effect of such amendment or modification would be to reduce the rate of

 

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interest on any Loan or to reduce any fee payable hereunder and (y) only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to reduce or waive any obligation of the Lead Borrower to pay interest or any other amount at the applicable default rate set forth in Section 2.13(c) or to amend Section 2.13(c)), (iii) postpone the scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan, or any interest thereon, or any fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (other than (x) any reduction of the amount of, or any extension of the payment date for, the mandatory prepayments required under Section 2.11(b) or 2.11(d), which shall only require the approval of the Required Revolving Lenders, (y) any reduction of the amount of, or any extension of the payment date for, the mandatory prepayments required under Section 2.11(c), which shall only require the approval of the Required Term A-2 Lenders, and (z) with respect to the matters set forth in clauses (ii)(x) and (ii)(y) above), (iv) change Section 2.09(c) or 2.18(b) or (d) in a manner that would alter the ratable reduction of Commitments or the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, without the written consent of each Lender, (v) change the payment waterfall provisions of Section 2.22(b) or 7.03 without the written consent of each Lender, (vi) waive any condition set forth in Section 4.02 in respect of the making of a Revolving Loan without the written consent of the Required Revolving Lenders (it being understood and agreed that any amendment or waiver of, or any consent with respect to, any provision of this Agreement (other than any waiver expressly relating to Section 4.02) or any other Loan Document, including any amendment of any affirmative or negative covenant set forth herein or in any other Loan Document or any waiver of a Default or an Event of Default, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of a condition set forth in Section 4.02 for purposes of this Section 9.02), (vii) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders”, “Required Revolving Lenders”, “Required Term Lenders”, “Required Term A-1 Lenders”, “Required Term A-2 Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (or each Lender of such Class, as applicable) (it being understood that, solely with the consent of the parties prescribed by Section 2.20 to be parties to an Incremental Amendment, Incremental Term Loans may be included in the determination of Required Lenders on substantially the same basis as the Commitments and the Loans are included on the Effective Date), (viii) (x) release the Lead Borrower from its obligations under Article X, (y) release any Designated Subsidiary Borrower from its obligations hereunder, except in connection with (1) the termination of a Designated Subsidiary Borrower’s status as such under Section 2.24, (2) a merger or consolidation permitted under Section 6.04 or (3) a Disposition permitted under Section 6.05 (provided that, in the case of the foregoing clauses (1), (2) and (3), the Loan Obligations of the applicable Designated Subsidiary Borrower shall have been paid and satisfied in full in cash in accordance with Section 2.11(d)) or (z) release all or substantially all of the Guarantors from their obligations under the Guaranty, in each case, without the written consent of each Lender, or (ix) subordinate the Obligations hereunder to any other Debt or other obligation without the written consent of each Lender or (x) amend Section 1.06 or the definition of “Agreed Currencies”, “Alternative Currency Daily Rate” or “Alternative Currency Term Rate” without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent or the Swingline Lender hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be (it being understood that any change to Section 2.22 shall require the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no consent with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification of this Agreement shall be required of any Defaulting Lender, except with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification referred to in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of the first proviso of this paragraph and then only in the event such Defaulting Lender shall be directly affected by such amendment, waiver or other modification.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement and any other Loan Document may be amended (or amended and restated) with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Lead Borrower (x) to add one or more credit facilities (in addition to the Incremental Term Loans pursuant to an Incremental Term Loan Amendment) to this Agreement and to permit extensions of credit from time to time outstanding thereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof to share ratably in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Revolving Loans, the initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof and (y) to include appropriately the Lenders holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders and Lenders (it being understood and agreed that any such amendment (i) in connection with new Commitments or increases to the Commitments and/or Incremental Term Loans in accordance with Section 2.20 or (ii) in connection with any extension in accordance with Section 2.23 shall, in any such case, require solely the consent of the parties prescribed by such Section and shall not require the consent of the Required Lenders).

(d) [Intentionally Omitted].

(e) If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender directly affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but not obtained being referred to herein as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then the Lead Borrower may elect to replace a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity which is reasonably satisfactory to the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date and to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, (ii) the Lead Borrower shall pay to such Non-Consenting Lender in Same Day Funds on the day of such replacement (1) all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Lead Borrower hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.15 and 2.17, and (2) an amount, if any, equal to the payment which would have been due to such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 2.16 had the Loans of such Non-Consenting Lender been prepaid on such date rather than sold to the replacement Lender and (iii) such Non-Consenting Lender shall have received the outstanding principal amount of its Loans. Each party hereto agrees that (a) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Lead Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (b) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Administrative Agent and the Lead Borrower acting together identify any ambiguity, omission, mistake, typographical error or other defect in any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, then the Administrative Agent and the Lead Borrower shall be permitted to amend, modify or supplement such provision to cure such ambiguity, omission, mistake, typographical error or other defect, and such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement.

(g) In connection with the designation of a Designated Subsidiary Borrower in accordance with Section 2.24 of this Agreement, the Administrative Agent and the Lead Borrower may amend the Loan Documents to address local law considerations to the extent reasonably necessary or customary in the applicable jurisdiction, and such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement.

 

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(h) Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, this Agreement may be amended with the written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Lead Borrower and the Lenders affected thereby to amend the definition of “Alternative Currency”, “Alternative Currency Daily Rate” or “Alternative Currency Term Rate” or Section 1.06 solely to add additional currency options and the applicable interest rate with respect thereto, in each case solely to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 1.06.

SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

(a) The Lead Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (which shall be limited, in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the reasonable and documented fees, charges and disbursements and other charges of one firm of counsel and, if necessary, one firm of local counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction, in each case, for the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates), in connection with the syndication and distribution (including, without limitation, via the internet or through a service such as Intralinks) of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated) and (ii) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (which shall be limited, in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the reasonable and documented fees, disbursements and other charges of one firm of counsel for the Administrative Agent (and, to the extent reasonably required by the Administrative Agent, one firm of local counsel for the Administrative Agent in each applicable jurisdiction) and one counsel for all of the other Lenders (and, to the extent reasonably required by the Lenders, up to one firm of local counsel for all of the other Lenders in each applicable jurisdiction), unless a Lender or its counsel reasonably determines that it would create actual or potential conflicts of interests to not have individual counsel, in which case similarly affected Lenders may have one additional firm of counsel) in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with this Agreement and any other Loan Document, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made, including all such out-of-pocket expenses (subject to the foregoing limitations with respect to legal fees and expenses) incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans.

(b) The Lead Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Arranger, each Co-Documentation Agent, each Co-Syndication Agent and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with investigating or defending any of the foregoing (limited, in the case of legal expenses, to the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel as primary counsel and, to the extent reasonably required, a single firm of local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction for the Indemnitees, taken as a whole, and, in the event of an actual or reasonably perceived conflict of interest (as determined by the applicable Indemnitee), one additional firm of counsel to each group of similarly affected Indemnitees) incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or the use of proceeds therefrom, (iii) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation, arbitration or proceeding

 

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relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not such claim, litigation, investigation, arbitration or proceeding is brought by the Lead Borrower or any other Loan Party or its or their respective equity holders, Affiliates, creditors or any other third Person and whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (i) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from (x) the willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence of such Indemnitee or (y) a material breach of such Indemnitee’s express obligations under the applicable Loan Documents or (ii) have resulted from any dispute solely among Indemnitees (not arising as a result of any act or omission by any Loan Party or any Subsidiaries or Affiliates), other than any dispute involving claims against any Credit Party in its capacity as, or in fulfilling its role as, the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender, a lead arranger, bookrunner, agent or any similar role under or in connection with this Agreement. This Section 9.03(b) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.

(c) To the extent that the Lead Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent or the Swingline Lender under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, and each Revolving Lender severally agrees to pay to Swingline Lender such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount (it being understood that the Lead Borrower’s failure to pay any such amount shall not relieve the Lead Borrower of any default in the payment thereof); provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent or the Swingline Lender in its capacity as such.

(d) To the extent permitted by applicable law, and subject to the last sentence of this Section 9.03(d), no party hereto shall assert, and each party hereto hereby waives, any claim against any other party hereto for any damages arising from the use by others of information or other materials obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), other than damages that are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such party. To the extent permitted by applicable law, no Indemnitee shall assert against any Loan Party and no Loan Party shall assert against any Indemnitee, and each Indemnitee and Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against any other party hereto, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or the use of proceeds thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 9.03(d) shall limit the Lead Borrower’s indemnity obligations to the extent set forth in Section 9.03(b).

(e) All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than thirty (30) days after written demand therefor.

SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns. (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that (i) the Lead Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Lead Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more Persons (other than an Ineligible Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitments and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) of:

(A) the Lead Borrower (provided that the Lead Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after having received notice thereof); provided, further, that no consent of the Lead Borrower shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if a Specified Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee;

(B) the Administrative Agent; and

(C) the Swingline Lender; provided that no consent of the Swingline Lender shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of a Term Loan.

(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000 (in the case of Revolving Commitments and Revolving Loans) or $1,000,000 (in the case of a Term Loan) unless each of the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Lead Borrower shall be required if a Specified Default has occurred and is continuing;

(B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement; provided that this clause shall not be construed to prohibit the assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of one Class of Commitments or Loans;

(C) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) an Assignment and Assumption or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; and

(D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Lead Borrower and its Affiliates and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws.

 

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For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms “Approved Fund” and “Ineligible Institution” have the following meanings:

Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

Ineligible Institution” means (a) a natural person, (b) a Defaulting Lender or its Lender Parent, (c) the Lead Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its Affiliates, or (d) a company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person or relative(s) thereof.

(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.

(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Lead Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount (and related interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Lead Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Lead Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(v) Upon its receipt of (x) a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05(c), 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b), 2.18(e) or 9.03(c), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.

 

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(c) Any Lender may, without the consent of, or notice to, the Lead Borrower, the Administrative Agent or the Swingline Lender, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”), other than an Ineligible Institution, in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged; (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations; and (C) the Lead Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. Each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 2.17(f) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.17(f) shall be delivered solely to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 2.18 and 2.19 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.15 or 2.17, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, at the Lead Borrower’s request and expense, use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Lead Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.19(b) with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant shall be subject to Section 2.18(d) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Lead Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and related interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Commitment, Loan or other obligation is in registered form under Treasury Regulations Section 5f.103-1(c) and Proposed Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(b) (or any amended or successor version). The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

(d) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

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SECTION 9.05. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof.

SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (x) this Agreement, (y) any other Loan Document and/or (z) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 9.01), certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (each an “Ancillary Document”) that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed .pdf or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, such other Loan Document or such Ancillary Document, as applicable. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in any electronic form (including deliveries by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be; provided that nothing herein shall require the Administrative Agent to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept any Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the Lead Borrower or any other Loan Party without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic signature and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Lead Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby (i) agree that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection

 

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with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, bankruptcy proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Lead Borrower and the other Loan Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page and/or any electronic images of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (ii) agree that the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document in the form of an imaged electronic record in any format, which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document (and all such electronic records shall be considered an original for all purposes and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record), (iii) waive any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document and/or such Ancillary Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto, and (iv) waive any claim against any Lender-Related Person for any Liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any Liabilities arising as a result of the failure of the Lead Borrower and/or any other Loan Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature.

SECTION 9.07. Severability. Any provision of any Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to setoff and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held, and other obligations at any time owing, by such Lender or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of the Lead Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Lead Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or its respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Lead Borrower may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch office or Affiliate of such Lender different from the branch office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so setoff shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.22 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or its respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender agrees to notify the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

 

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SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

(a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(b) Each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, notwithstanding the governing law provisions of any applicable Loan Document, any claims brought against the Administrative Agent by any Lender relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document or the consummation or administration of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

(c) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan), and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions relating hereto or thereto, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such Federal (to the extent permitted by law) or New York State court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(d) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (c) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(e) Each of the parties hereto (other than Designated Subsidiary Borrowers) hereby irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

(f) Without prejudice to any other mode of service allowed under any relevant law, each Designated Subsidiary Borrower: (i) irrevocably appoints the Lead Borrower as its agent for service of process in relation to any proceedings before the courts of the state of New York in connection with any Loan Document and (ii) agrees that failure by a process agent to notify the Designated Subsidiary Borrower of the process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned. Each Designated Subsidiary Borrowers expressly agrees and consents to the provisions of this Section 9.09(f).

SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY 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, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

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SECTION 9.11. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (1) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (2) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Lead Borrower and its obligations, (g) on a confidential basis to (1) any rating agency in connection with rating the Lead Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided for herein or (2) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of identification numbers with respect to the credit facilities provided for herein, (h) with the consent of the Lead Borrower or (i) to the extent such Information (1) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (2) becomes available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Lead Borrower. For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Lead Borrower relating to the Lead Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Lead Borrower and other than information pertaining to this Agreement routinely provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

EACH LENDER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING PARAGRAPH FURNISHED TO IT PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY INCLUDE MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THE LEAD BORROWER AND ITS RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES, AND CONFIRMS THAT IT HAS DEVELOPED COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES REGARDING THE USE OF MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION AND THAT IT WILL HANDLE SUCH MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

 

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ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS, FURNISHED BY THE LEAD BORROWER OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO, OR IN THE COURSE OF ADMINISTERING, THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE SYNDICATE-LEVEL INFORMATION, WHICH MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE LEAD BORROWER, THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES. ACCORDINGLY, EACH LENDER REPRESENTS TO THE LEAD BORROWER AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT THAT IT HAS IDENTIFIED IN ITS ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE A CREDIT CONTACT WHO MAY RECEIVE INFORMATION THAT MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW.

SECTION 9.13. USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the Patriot Act hereby notifies each Loan Party that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the Patriot Act.

SECTION 9.14. Release of Subsidiary Guarantors.

(a) A Subsidiary Guarantor shall automatically be released from its obligations under the Loan Documents (i) pursuant to the terms of Section 10.08, and (ii) upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by this Agreement as a result of which such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be a Subsidiary; provided that, in the case of clause (ii) above, if so required by this Agreement, the Required Lenders shall have consented to such transaction and the terms of such consent shall not have provided otherwise. In connection with any termination or release pursuant to this Section (including pursuant to clause (b) below), the Administrative Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to) execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent except as may otherwise be expressly agreed in writing by the Administrative Agent and such Loan Party.

(b) Further, the Administrative Agent may (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to), upon the request of the Lead Borrower, release any Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty if (i) such Subsidiary Guarantor is no longer a Subsidiary or becomes an Excluded Subsidiary or is otherwise not required pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to provide the Guaranty or (ii) such release is approved, authorized or ratified by the requisite Lenders pursuant to Section 9.02.

SECTION 9.15. [Reserved].

SECTION 9.16. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Overnight Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.

 

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SECTION 9.17. No Fiduciary Duty, etc.

(a) The Lead Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that no Credit Party will have any obligations except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents and each Credit Party is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Lead Borrower with respect to the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated herein and therein and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, the Lead Borrower or any other person. The Lead Borrower agrees that it will not assert any claim against any Credit Party based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by such Credit Party in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Additionally, the Lead Borrower acknowledges and agrees that no Credit Party is advising the Lead Borrower as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting, regulatory or any other matters in any jurisdiction. The Lead Borrower shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated herein or in the other Loan Documents, and the Credit Parties shall have no responsibility or liability to the Lead Borrower with respect thereto.

(b) The Lead Borrower further acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party, together with its Affiliates, is a full service securities or banking firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, any Credit Party may provide investment banking and other financial services to, and/or acquire, hold or sell, for its own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of, the Lead Borrower, its Subsidiaries and other companies with which the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may have commercial or other relationships. With respect to any securities and/or financial instruments so held by any Credit Party or any of its customers, all rights in respect of such securities and financial instruments, including any voting rights, will be exercised by the holder of the rights, in its sole discretion.

(c) In addition, the Lead Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party and its Affiliates may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may have conflicting interests regarding the transactions described herein and otherwise. No Credit Party will use confidential information obtained from the Lead Borrower by virtue of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or its other relationships with the Lead Borrower in connection with the performance by such Credit Party of services for other companies, and no Credit Party will furnish any such information to other companies. The Lead Borrower also acknowledges that no Credit Party has any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or to furnish to the Lead Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, confidential information obtained from other companies.

SECTION 9.18. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

 

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(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an Affected Financial Institution; and

(b) the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent entity, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

(iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.

SECTION 9.19. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Swap Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support “QFC Credit Support” and each such QFC a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):

In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.

ARTICLE X

Guaranty

SECTION 10.01. Guaranty, Limitation of Liability.

 

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(a) Each Guarantor, jointly and severally, hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the punctual payment when due, whether at scheduled maturity or by acceleration, demand or otherwise, of all Obligations now or hereafter existing (including, without limitation, any extensions, modifications, substitutions, amendments or renewals of any or all of the foregoing Obligations), whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, and whether for principal, interest, premiums, fees, indemnities, contract causes of action, costs, expenses or otherwise (such Obligations being the “Guaranteed Obligations”). Each Guarantor agrees to pay any and all expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable, documented and out-of-pocket fees and expenses of counsel) incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender Party in enforcing any rights against such Guarantor under this Agreement or any other Loan Document. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor’s liability shall extend to all amounts that constitute part of the Guaranteed Obligations, in each case that would be owed by the Lead Borrower and the other Loan Parties, respectively, to any Lender Party but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding involving the Lead Borrower or other Loan Party.

(b) Each Guarantor and each Lender Party hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such Persons that the Obligations of each Guarantor hereunder not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of any Debtor Relief Laws, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar foreign, federal or state law or other applicable Law to the extent applicable to the Guaranty and the Obligations of such Guarantor hereunder. To effectuate the foregoing intention, each Lender Party and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably agree that the Obligations of each Guarantor with respect to the Guaranty at any time shall be limited to the maximum amount as will result in the Obligations of such Guarantor under the Guaranty not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

(c) Each Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that in the event any payment shall be required to be made to any Lender Party with respect to the Guaranty, such Guarantor will contribute, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, such amounts to each other Guarantor and each other guarantor so as to maximize the aggregate amount paid to the Lender Parties under or in respect of the Loan Documents.

(d) The Guaranty contained herein is a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

SECTION 10.02. Guaranty Absolute.

To the fullest extent permitted pursuant to applicable Law, each Guarantor guarantees that the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed by it will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents, regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of any Lender Party with respect thereto. The Obligations of each Guarantor under or in respect of the Guaranty are independent of the Guaranteed Obligations or any other Obligations of any other Loan Party under or in respect of the Loan Documents, and a separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against each Guarantor to enforce the Guaranty, irrespective of whether any action is brought against the Lead Borrower or any other Loan Party or whether the Lead Borrower or any other Loan Party is joined in any such action or actions. The liability of each Guarantor under the Guaranty shall be irrevocable, absolute and unconditional irrespective of, and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any defenses it may now have or hereafter acquire in any way relating to, any or all of the following:

 

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(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument relating thereto;

(b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any other Obligations of any other Loan Party under or in respect of the Loan Documents, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from any Loan Document, including, without limitation, any increase in the Guaranteed Obligations resulting from the extension of additional credit to any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or otherwise;

(c) any taking, release or amendment or waiver of, or consent to departure from, any other guaranty, for all or any of the Guaranteed Obligations;

(d) any change, restructuring or termination of the corporate structure or existence of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries;

(e) the failure of any other Person to execute or deliver any Guaranty Supplement or any other guaranty or agreement or the release or reduction of liability of any Guarantor or other guarantor or surety with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations; or

(f) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any other circumstance (including, without limitation, any statute of limitations) or any existence of or reliance on any representation by any Lender Party that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Loan Party or any other guarantor or surety.

The Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by any Lender Party or any other Person upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Lead Borrower or any other Loan Party or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.

SECTION 10.03. Waivers and Acknowledgments.

(a) Each Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives promptness, diligence, notice of acceptance, presentment, demand for performance, notice of nonperformance, default, acceleration, protest or dishonor and any other notice with respect to any of the Guaranteed Obligations and the Guaranty and any requirement that the Administrative Agent or any Lender exhaust any right or take any action against any Loan Party or any other Person.

(b) Each Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives any right to revoke its Obligations with respect to the Guaranty and acknowledges that such Obligations are continuing in nature and apply to all Guaranteed Obligations, whether existing now or in the future.

(c) Each Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives (i) any defense arising by reason of any claim or defense based upon an election of remedies by the Administrative Agent or any Lender that in any manner impairs, reduces, releases or otherwise adversely affects the subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution or indemnification rights of such Guarantor or other rights of such Guarantor to proceed against any of the other Loan Parties, any other guarantor or any other Person and (ii) any defense based on any right of set-off or counterclaim against or in respect of the Obligations of such Guarantor hereunder.

(d) Each Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives any duty on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to disclose to such Guarantor any matter, fact or thing relating to the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties or prospects of any other Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries now or hereafter known by the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

 

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(e) Each Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive substantial direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Loan Documents and that the waivers set forth in Section 10.02 and this Section 10.03 are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

SECTION 10.04. Subrogation.

Each Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees not to exercise any rights that it may now have or hereafter acquire against the Lead Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other insider guarantor that arise from the existence, payment, performance or enforcement of such Guarantor’s Obligations under or in respect of the Guaranty or any Loan Document, including, without limitation, any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution or indemnification and any right to participate in any claim or remedy of any of the Administrative Agent or the Lender against the Lead Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other insider guarantor, whether or not such claim, remedy or right arises in equity or under contract, statute or common law, including, without limitation, the right to take or receive from the Lead Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other insider guarantor, directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or security on account of such claim, remedy or right, unless and until all of the Guaranteed Obligations and all other amounts payable under the Guaranty shall have been paid in full in cash and the Commitments shall have expired or been terminated; provided that each Guarantor may make any necessary filings solely to preserve its claims against the Lead Borrower, other Loan Party or other insider guarantor. If any amount shall be paid to any Guarantor in violation of the immediately preceding sentence at any time prior to the later of (a) the payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations and all other amounts payable under the Guaranty and (b) the date on which the Commitments shall have been terminated in whole, such amount shall be received and held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, shall be segregated from other property and funds of such Guarantor and shall forthwith be paid or delivered to the Administrative Agent in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement or assignment) to be credited and applied to the Guaranteed Obligations and all other amounts payable under the Guaranty, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents. If (i) any Guarantor shall make payment to any of the Administrative Agent or the Lender of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, (ii) all of the Guaranteed Obligations and all other amounts payable under the Guaranty shall have been paid in full in cash and (iii) the Commitments shall have been terminated in whole, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders will, at such Guarantor’s request and expense, execute and deliver to such Guarantor appropriate documents, without recourse and without representation or warranty, necessary to evidence the transfer by subrogation to such Guarantor of an interest in the Guaranteed Obligations resulting from such payment made by such Guarantor pursuant to this Guaranty.

SECTION 10.05. Guaranty Supplements.

(a) The Lead Borrower may at any time have additional Subsidiaries joined as Guarantors by execution and delivery of a Guaranty Supplement, together with such customary certificates, evidences of authority and opinions of counsel as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection therewith.

(b) Upon the execution and delivery by any Person of a Guaranty Supplement, (a) such Person shall be referred to as an “Additional Guarantor” and shall become and be a Guarantor hereunder, and each reference in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to a “Guarantor,” shall also mean and be a reference to such Additional Guarantor and (b) each reference herein to “the Guaranty,” “hereunder,” “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Guaranty under this Article X, and each reference in any Loan Document to the “Guaranty,” “thereunder,” “thereof” or words of like import referring to the Guaranty, shall mean and be a reference to the Guaranty as supplemented by such Guaranty Supplement.

 

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SECTION 10.06. Subordination.

Each Guarantor hereby subordinates any and all debts, liabilities and other obligations owed to such Guarantor by each other Loan Party (the “Subordinated Obligations”) to the Guaranteed Obligations to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth in this Section 10.06:

(a) Prohibited Payments, Etc. Except during the continuance of a Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws relating to any other Loan Party), each Guarantor may receive regularly scheduled payments from any other Loan Party on account of the Subordinated Obligations. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws relating to any other Loan Party), however, unless the Required Lenders otherwise agree, no Guarantor shall demand, accept or take any action to collect any payment on account of the Subordinated Obligations.

(b) Prior Payment of Guaranteed Obligations. Each Guarantor agrees that in any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws relating to any other Loan Party, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of all Guaranteed Obligations (including all interest and expenses accruing after the commencement of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws, whether or not constituting an allowed claim in such proceeding (“Post Petition Interest”)) before such Guarantor receives payment of any Subordinated Obligations.

(c) Turn-Over. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws relating to any other Loan Party), each Guarantor shall, if the Administrative Agent so requests, collect, enforce and receive payments on account of the Subordinated Obligations as trustee for the Lenders and deliver such payments to the Administrative Agent on account of the Guaranteed Obligations (including all Post Petition Interest), together with any necessary endorsements or other instruments of transfer, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of such Guarantor under the other provisions of this Guaranty.

(d) Administrative Agent Authorization. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws relating to any other Loan Party), the Administrative Agent is authorized and empowered (but without any obligation to so do), in its discretion, (i) in the name of each Guarantor, to collect and enforce, and to submit claims in respect of, Subordinated Obligations and to apply any amounts received thereon to the Guaranteed Obligations (including any and all Post Petition Interest), and (ii) to require each Guarantor (A) to collect and enforce, and to submit claims in respect of, Subordinated Obligations and (B) to pay any amounts received on such obligations to the Administrative Agent for application to the Guaranteed Obligations (including any and all Post Petition Interest).

SECTION 10.07. Continuing Guaranty; Assignments.

Subject to Section 10.08 below, the Guaranty under this Article X is a continuing guaranty and shall remain in full force and effect until satisfaction of the Termination Date Conditions.

SECTION 10.08. Guaranty Fallaway Provision. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, upon evidence being provided by the Lead Borrower to the Administrative Agent confirming that the Lead Borrower has obtained a “corporate family” or “company” rating of at least BBB- from S&P or at least Baa3 from Moody’s, the Guarantee of the Subsidiary Guarantors contained in this Article X shall be automatically released and each reference to the Guarantee of the Subsidiary Guarantors contained in this Article X shall, so long as no Default is in existence and continuing at such time, be deemed to be of no further force and effect; provided that, if the Lead Borrower shall at any time after the

 

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initial achievement of such investment grade rating fail to maintain such rating from at least one of S&P or Moody’s, each Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary (other than any Excluded Subsidiary) shall be required to deliver a Guaranty Supplement at such time, on substantially the same terms as the Guaranty or Guaranty Supplement previously delivered by such Subsidiary and together with any certificates, corporate authorizations, legal opinions and other documentation reasonably required by the Administrative Agent. It is hereby understood and agreed that this Section 10.08 shall not, in any event, effect the release of the Guarantee of the Lead Borrower contained in this Article X, which shall remain in effect during the entire term of this Agreement.

SECTION 10.09. Keepwell. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other Loan Party to honor all of its obligations under this Guarantee in respect of a Swap Obligation (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 10.09 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 10.09 or otherwise under the Guaranty under this Article X voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). Except as otherwise provided herein, the obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 10.09 shall remain in full force and effect until the termination of all Swap Obligations. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 10.09 constitute, and this Section 10.09 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Loan Party for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

ESAB CORPORATION
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

[DESIGNATED
BORROWER[S]:]
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

[GUARANTORS]:
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as a Lender and Swingline Lender

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 


[ ], as a Lender
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 


SCHEDULE 2.01

COMMITMENTS

 

Lender

   Revolving
Commitment
     Term A-1 Loan
Commitment
     Term A-2 Loan
Commitment
 

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 90,000,000.00      $ 65,000,000.00      $ 125,000,000.00  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 75,000,000.00      $ 45,000,000.00      $ 100,000,000.00  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

   $ 75,000,000.00      $ 25,000,000.00      $ 75,000,000.00  

Citizens Bank, N.A.

   $ 65,000,000.00      $ 35,000,000.00      $ 75,000,000.00  

BNP Paribas

   $ 65,000,000.00      $ 35,000,000.00      $ 75,000,000.00  

Bank of Montreal

   $ 65,000,000.00      $ 35,000,000.00      $ 75,000,000.00  

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

   $ 65,000,000.00      $ 35,000,000.00      $ 75,000,000.00  

HSBC Bank USA, National Association

   $ 50,000,000.00      $ 25,000,000.00      $ 0.00  

Keybank National Association

   $ 50,000,000.00      $ 25,000,000.00      $ 0.00  

The Bank of Nova Scotia

   $ 50,000,000.00      $ 25,000,000.00      $ 0.00  

Unicredit Bank AG, New York Branch

   $ 50,000,000.00      $ 25,000,000.00      $ 0.00  

U.S. Bank National Association

   $ 50,000,000.00      $ 25,000,000.00      $ 0.00  

Total

   $ 750,000,000.00      $ 400,000,000.00      $ 600,000,000.00  

Exhibit 10.36

LOGO

November 30, 2021

Curtis Jewell

420 National Business Parkway

5th Floor

Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

Re: Amended and Restated Retention Agreement

Dear Curtis:

In light of the strategic decision announce by Colfax Corporation (“Colfax”) on March 4, 2021 to separate its ESAB business into a standalone publicly-traded company, whether by distribution of all or the majority of the ESAB business’ equity owned by the Company to the Company’s shareholders or otherwise (the “Transaction”), Colfax considers your continued services to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of Colfax and its stockholders. For this reason Colfax would like to extend the following offer to you, in order to encourage your continued employment during the period prior to the completion of the Transaction. Except as otherwise provided in this Retention Agreement, your acceptance of this offer (the “Retention Agreement”) shall rescind and replace all prior and contemporaneous understandings, discussions, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to any retention payment or benefit, including the previous Retention Agreement dated March 5, 2021; provided, however, that this Retention Agreement shall not supersede any other agreements between Colfax and you, and any employment letter, severance agreement, change in control agreement, and/or restrictive covenant agreement to which you and Colfax are a party shall remain in full force and effect. Further, this Retention Agreement does not supersede or effect your ability for benefits under any severance plan.

1. Retention Bonus. Subject to the conditions set forth below, you will be eligible for a retention bonus pursuant to either paragraph 1(a) or paragraph 1(b).

a. In the event that (i) the Transaction is not consummated on or before the End Date, and (ii) you remain employed with Colfax or a Successor through the End Date, subject to the conditions provided in this Retention Agreement, then you shall receive a payment of $495,000.00 (your “Retention Bonus”), less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum on the first regular payroll following the End Date (the “Payment Date”), subject to any applicable requirements of Internal Revenue Code §409A.

 

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b. In the event that the Transaction is consummated prior to the End Date and you remain employed with Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company through the twelve (12) month anniversary of the consummation of the Transaction (the “Spin Retention Date”), subject to the conditions provided in this Retention Agreement, then you shall receive a payment of $281,250.00 (your “Spin Retention Bonus”), less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum on the first regular payroll following the six (6) month anniversary of the consummation of the Transaction (the “Spin Payment Date”), subject to any applicable requirements of Internal Revenue Code §409A. However, in the event that you receive the Spin Retention Bonus but, prior to the Spin Retention Date, (y) your employment is terminated by you without Good Reason or (z) Colfax, Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment for Cause, then you will be required to repay fifty percent (50%) of the Spin Retention Bonus, less applicable withholdings (the “Repayment Amount”) to Colfax, Successor or Spin Company, within thirty (30) days following your separation from employment with Colfax, Successor or Spin Company. You agree that Colfax, Successor or Spin Company may deduct the Repayment Amount from any compensation or expenses owed to you.

2. Payment of Retention Bonus or Spin Retention Bonus Upon Termination. In the event that, prior to the End Date or Spin Payment Date, (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company, (b) your employment is terminated by you with Good Reason after the consummation of the Transaction, (c) Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment without Cause, or (d) upon your death, then Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall pay you (or your estate) the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus if the Transaction has been consummated, less applicable withholdings, to be paid in a lump-sum within sixty (60) days following your separation from employment. The payment of the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus pursuant to this paragraph 2 shall be subject to and conditioned upon you (or your estate) delivering to Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company an executed copy of a general release of any and all claims you may have against Colfax, a Successor and the Spin Company, their successors, assigns, affiliates, employees, officers, and directors, in form and substance satisfactory to Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company (the “Release”), the revocation period required by applicable law expiring without your revocation of the Release, and the Release becoming effective, enforceable, and irrevocable in accordance with its terms on or before the 60th day after the date of termination of employment.

3. Equity. In connection with the Transaction and in accordance with the agreements related thereto, all outstanding awards of Colfax equity held by you will be adjusted in accordance with the terms of the applicable long-term incentive compensation plan and applicable law. In the event that (a) your employment is terminated with mutual consent by Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company, (b) you terminate your employment with Good Reason after the Transaction, (c) Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company terminates your employment without Cause, or (d) upon your death, then, subject to your execution and non-revocation of a Release, all unvested Non-Qualified Stock Options and unvested Restricted Stock Units will immediately become one hundred percent (100%) vested.

4. Early Termination Provisions. You further understand that this Retention Agreement shall immediately terminate (an “Early Termination without a Retention Benefit”), and Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall be relieved of any obligation to provide the Retention Bonus or the Spin Retention Bonus to you or your estate if any of the following occurs prior to the Payment Date or the Spin Payment Date:

 

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i.

you voluntarily terminate your employment with Colfax, Successor or Spin Company without mutual consent by Colfax, Successor or Spin Company or without Good Reason that occurs after the date of the Transaction;

 

ii.

your employment is terminated by Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company as a result of your refusal to accept employment in a new or different position with Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company, except if such change in position would give rise to you having Good Reason to terminate your employment that occurs after the date of the Transaction;

 

iii.

you violate the confidentiality provisions contained in this Retention Agreement; or

 

iv.

Colfax, or Successor or the Spin Company terminates your employment for Cause.

5. Termination of Retention Agreement. This Retention Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the twelve (12) month anniversary of the date the Transaction is consummated; (ii) the date on which an Early Termination without a Retention Benefit occurs; or (iii) if the Transaction has not been consummated prior to the End Date, the End Date; provided, however, that the confidentiality provisions of this Retention Agreement and any obligations on the part of Colfax or the Spin Company which arise under this Retention Agreement, or triggered under this Retention Agreement on the date of its termination, shall survive the termination of this Retention Agreement.

6. Assignment. You understand and agree that Colfax shall assign this Retention Agreement to any successor in interest to Colfax, whether by merger, reorganization, acquisition, sale or otherwise, to which you become employed (a “Successor”), and thereby require such Successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Retention Agreement. You also understand and agree that Colfax shall assign this Retention Agreement to the Spin Company upon the consummation of the Transaction, and thereby require Spin Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Retention Agreement.

7. Employment. This Retention Agreement does not, in any way, constitute a contract or agreement guaranteeing your continued employment. Colfax reserves the right to terminate your employment at any time, with or without Cause or notice.

8. Confidentiality. You agree that you shall keep the terms of this Retention Agreement completely confidential, and that you shall not disclose any information concerning this Retention Agreement to anyone except your immediate family, financial advisor and/or attorney, each of whom shall be required to agree in advance to keep this information confidential and not disclose it to others.

9. Change in Control Agreement. You agree that for purposes of any Change in Control Agreement to which you are a party with Colfax, a “Change in Control” as defined in such agreement shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of the Transaction and such Change in Control Agreement will remain in effect in accordance with its terms after consummation of the Transaction.

10. Modification. This Retention Agreement may be modified or amended only by a writing signed by both parties.

 

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11. Governing Law. This Retention Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws, except to the extent governed by federal law in which case federal law shall govern.

12. Definitions. For purposes of this Retention Agreement, the term:

Cause” means you shall have committed: (i) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of your employment with Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (ii) intentional wrongful damage to property of Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; (iv) an act or omission resulting in conviction of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); (v) intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or (vi) any such act which shall have been materially harmful to Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company taken as a whole.

End Date” shall mean December 31, 2022.

Good Reason” shall be defined as (i) a material reduction in the nature or scope of the responsibilities or duties attached to the position or positions with Colfax which you held immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement (which will not include any new position with the Spin Company), a material reduction in the aggregate of your base salary and incentive pay opportunity to which you were entitled immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement or the termination of your rights to any material employee benefits to which you were entitled immediately prior to the entering into this Retention Agreement or a material reduction in scope or value thereof without your prior written consent; (ii) Colfax, a Successor or the Spin Company (whichever you are employed by) shall relocate its principal executive offices, or Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall require you to have your assigned principal location of work changed, to any location which shall be in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location thereof immediately prior to entering into this Retention Agreement or Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company shall require you to travel away from your office in the course of discharging your responsibilities or duties significantly more (in terms of either consecutive days or aggregate days in any calendar year) than was required of you prior to you entering into this Retention Agreement without, in either case, your prior written consent; or (iii) without limiting the generality of or the effect of the foregoing, any material breach of this Retention Agreement by Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company; provided, that Good Reason shall not exist unless and until you provide Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company with written notice of the act(s) alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of such act(s) and describing such act(s) in reasonably sufficient detail to allow Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company to cure the act(s), and Colfax, a Successor, or the Spin Company fails to cure such act(s) within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of such notice. Further, you must then exercise your right to terminate your employment for Good Reason within sixty (60) calendar days thereafter, in order for the termination to be for Good Reason.

 

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Spin Company” shall mean the standalone publicly traded company created for the fabrication technology business division under the ESAB brand pursuant to the completion of the transaction announced by Colfax on March 4, 2021.

If you agree with the foregoing, please sign and date this Retention Agreement in the space provided for your signature, and return a signed copy to Patricia Lang prior to November 30, 2021.

We look forward to your continued employment with Colfax.

 

Sincerely,
Colfax Corporation
By:  

/s/ Matthew L. Trerotola

Name:   Matthew L. Trerotola
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Agreed to and accepted by:

/s/ Curtis Jewell

    Name: Curtis Jewell

 

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Exhibit 10.37

ESAB CORPORATION

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

[•], 2022

This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of [•], 2022 and effective as of the Effective Time (as defined below), is made among ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company” or “ESAB”), and Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales (together, the “Rales Holders”). The Rales Holders are also referred to herein as the “Stockholders.”

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, the board of directors of ESAB authorized and approved the Company to enter into that certain Separation and Distribution Agreement(the “Separation Agreement”), to be executed at such time and date after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has declared the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 effective, with Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation and sole stockholder of ESAB (“Colfax”), whereby Colfax will distribute [•]% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of ESAB (“Common Stock”) to holders of shares of Colfax common stock, on a pro rata basis (the “Distribution”), to effectuate Colfax’s previously announced separation of ESAB from Colfax’s specialty medical technology business to be named Enovis Corporation following the Distribution;

WHEREAS, in connection with the Distribution, the Stockholders will receive shares of Common Stock;

WHEREAS, the Stockholders currently are entitled to registration rights with respect to shares of common stock of Colfax owned by them and to facilitate the separation of ESAB from Colfax and an orderly and efficient execution of any sales of Common Stock by the Stockholders in the future, the board of directors of ESAB has determined it is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholder to enter into this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, upon the execution and delivery of the Separation Agreement (the “Effective Time”), ESAB has agreed to grant to the Stockholders the registration rights described in this Agreement with respect to the Registrable Shares (as defined herein) held by such Stockholders.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

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DEFINITIONS

1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Affiliate” has the meaning specified in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act.

Blackout Period” has the meaning specified in Section 7(a).

Business Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or obligated by law or other governmental actions to close.

Colfax” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

Common Stock” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

Company” has the meaning specified in the preamble of this Agreement.

Distribution” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

Demand Holder” has the meaning specified in Section 3(a).

Effective Time” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

ESAB” has the meaning specified in the preamble of this Agreement.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor federal statute, as the same shall be in effect from time to time. Reference to a particular section of the Exchange Act shall include reference to the comparable section, if any, of any such successor federal statute.

Excluded Registration” means a registration of Common Stock under the Securities Act pursuant to a registration statement filed (i) on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or any successor registration forms that may be adopted by the SEC, or (ii) in connection with an exchange offer or an offering of securities solely to existing stockholders of the Company or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, or (iii) a registration on any form which does not include substantially the same information as would be required to be included in a registration statement.

FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Holders” means, collectively, the Stockholders and, subject to Section 14, each other Person to whom any such Stockholder has transferred Registrable Shares provided that such Person has agreed to become bound by the provisions of this Agreement in accordance with Section 14, and provided further that such Person shall only be a Holder for so long as such other Person holds Registrable Shares.

Initiating Holder” has the meaning specified in Section 4(a).

Losses” has the meaning specified in Section 11(a).

Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trust or other entity or organization, including a government or a political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

Prospectus” means the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Shares covered by any 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.

 

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Rales Holders” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

Registrable Shares” means, collectively, (i) the shares of Common Stock held by the Stockholders as of the date of this Agreement, and (ii) any other shares of Common Stock issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for, or in replacement of, the shares of Common Stock described in clause (i). Such shares of Common Stock shall cease to be Registrable Shares as provided in Section 2.

Registration Expenses” means any and all out-of-pocket expenses incident to the Company’s performance of its registration obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, (i) all SEC registration and filing fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, printing and distribution of the Registration Statement and Prospectus and any other document or amendment thereto and the mailing and delivery of copies thereof to the Holders and any dealers or underwriters, (ii) fees and disbursements of the Company, including, without limitation, fees and expenses of counsel for the Company and of independent public accountants and other experts of the Company, (iii) fees and expenses in connection with the qualification of Registrable Shares for offering and sale under state securities laws (including fees and expenses incurred in connection with blue sky qualifications of the Registrable Shares), (iv) fees and expenses incident to any filing with FINRA or to securing any required review by FINRA of the terms of the sale of Registrable Shares, (v) fees and expenses of counsel of the Stockholders; and (vi) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of Registrable Shares on the New York Stock Exchange, and including any underwriting discounts and fees, brokerage and sales commissions, and transfer and documentary stamp taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of the Registrable Shares.

Registration Rights Period” means for purposes of the registration rights granted under Section 3, Section 4 and Section 5 hereof, the period commencing on such date that is one year from the closing date of the Distribution and ending at such time as set forth in Section 21.

Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company referred to in Section 3, 4 or 5, including any Prospectus, amendments and supplements to any such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, and all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in any such registration statement.

Related Securities” means any securities of the Company similar or identical to any of the Registrable Shares, including, without limitation, the Common Stock and all other options, warrants, rights and other securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Common Stock.

Requesting Holder” has the meaning specified in Section 4(a).

Rule 144” means Rule 144 (or any similar provisions then in effect) promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act.

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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Section 8(e) Period” has the meaning specified in Section 8(e).

Section 8(k) Period” has the meaning specified in Section 8(k).

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor federal statute, as the same shall be in effect from time to time. Reference to a particular section of the Securities Act shall include reference to the comparable section, if any, of any such successor federal statute.

Separation Agreement” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

Shelf Period” has the meaning specified in Section 5(h).

Shelf Registration Statement” means a Registration Statement of the Company filed with the SEC on Form S-3 (or any successor form or other appropriate form under the Securities Act) for an offering to be made on a continuous or delayed basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act covering Registrable Securities. To the extent the Company is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act), a “Shelf Registration Statement” shall be deemed to refer to an automatic shelf registration statement (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) (an “automatic shelf registration statement”) on Form S-3.

Shelf Take-Down Notice” has the meaning specified in Section 5(i).

Shelf Underwritten Offering” has the meaning specified in Section 5(i).

Stockholders” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

Suspension Period” means any period during which the offering of Registrable Shares by any Holder under the Shelf Registration Statement shall be suspended as a result of the occurrence of a Blackout Period, a Section 8(e) Period or a Section 8(k) Period.

Transferee” means any of (i) the transferee of all or any portion of the Registrable Securities held by a Holder or (ii) the subsequent transferee of all or any portion of the Registrable Securities held by any Transferee; provided, that no Transferee shall be entitled to any benefits of a Transferee hereunder unless such Transferee executes and delivers to the Company an instrument substantially in the form provided as Exhibit A attached hereto.

Underwritten Offering” means an underwritten offering in which Common Stock is sold to an underwriter for reoffering to the public.

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

2. Securities Subject to this Agreement. The Registrable Shares are the sole securities entitled to the benefits of this Agreement. For the purposes of this Agreement, Registrable Shares held by any Holder shall cease to be Registrable Shares (and such Holder shall cease to have any registration rights with respect to such securities under this Agreement) on the date and to the extent that (i) a Registration Statement covering such Registrable Shares has been declared effective under the Securities Act and such Registrable Shares have been disposed of pursuant to

 

4


such effective Registration Statement, (ii) such Registrable Shares have been sold or transferred in accordance with the requirements of Rule 144, (iii) such Registrable Shares are eligible for resale by the Holders under Rule 144 without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions or public information requirements, as determined by ESAB in its discretion after consultation with Company counsel, and certificates (or book-entry notation) therefor not bearing a legend restricting further transfer or disposition thereof shall have been delivered by the Company, (iv) such Registrable Shares have been otherwise transferred or disposed of, and, at such time, subsequent transfer or disposition of such securities shall not require registration of such securities under the Securities Act, or (iv) such Registrable Shares have ceased to be outstanding.

3. Demand Registration Rights.

(a) During the Registration Rights Period, upon the written request of any Holder of then outstanding Registrable Shares (each, a “Demand Holder” or if more than one, the “Demand Holders”) that the Company effect the registration under the Securities Act of all or part of such Demand Holder’s Registrable Shares (which written request shall specify the aggregate number of Registrable Shares requested to be registered and the proposed method of distribution thereof), the Company shall (i) within 30 Business Days after its receipt of such request file with the SEC a Registration Statement with respect to the requested registration (provided that, if the Company is then legally prohibited from making such filing, it shall take such action contemplated by this Section 3(a)(i) as soon thereafter as is legally permissible), and (ii) within five Business Days after its receipt of such request from the Demand Holder, notify in writing the other Holder of such request and indicate in such notice the planned initial filing date of such Registration Statement. Such Registration Statement shall cover the Registrable Shares requested by the Demand Holder to be registered. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3(a), the Company shall not be required to take any action pursuant to this Section 3:

(i) if the Company shall have effected a registration pursuant to this Section 3 within the 180-day period immediately preceding the date of such request;

(ii) if the Registrable Shares that the Company has been requested to register shall have a then-current market value of less than $25,000,000, unless such registration request is for all remaining Registrable Shares held by the Holders;

(iii) during the pendency of any Blackout Period; or

(iv) if at the date of such request the Company shall have effective a Shelf Registration Statement or is eligible to file a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to which the Demand Holder could effect the disposition of its Registrable Shares;

provided, however, that the Company shall be permitted to satisfy its obligations under this Section 3(a) by amending (to the extent permitted by applicable law) within 30 Business Days after a written request for registration from the Demand Holder, any Registration Statement previously filed by the Company under the Securities Act so that such Registration Statement (as amended) shall permit the disposition (in accordance with the intended methods of disposition specified as aforesaid) of all of the Registrable Shares for which a demand for registration has been made under this Section 3(a). If the Company shall so amend a previously filed Registration Statement, it shall be deemed to have effected a registration for purposes of this Section 3.

 

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(b) The Holder(s) delivering a request pursuant to Section 3(a) may distribute the Registrable Shares covered by such request by means of an Underwritten Offering or any other method of distribution, as determined by the Demand Holder(s) so requested to be registered.

(c) Subject to Section 3(d), a registration requested pursuant to Section 3(a) shall not be deemed to be effected for purposes of this Section 3 if it has not been declared effective by the SEC or become effective in accordance with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

(d) The Demand Holder(s) may, at any time prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement relating to such registration, revoke such request by providing a written notice to the Company revoking such request.

(e) If the Company wishes, or any holder of Common Stock has the right, to include shares of Common Stock in a Registration Statement pursuant to this Section 3, there shall be included in such Registration Statement only that number of shares of Common Stock, if any, that the lead managing underwriter (if the offering covered by such Registration Statement is an Underwritten Offering) or the Demand Holder(s) holding the Registrable Shares to be included in a Registration Statement to be filed pursuant to this Section 3 (if the offering covered by such Registration Statement is not an Underwritten Offering) shall reasonably believe will not adversely affect the offering of all of the Registrable Shares that the Holders desire to sell for their own account. In such event, the shares of Common Stock to be included in such Registration Statement shall consist of (i) first, the Registrable Shares that the Holders propose to sell, (ii) second, the shares of Common Stock the Company proposes to sell for its own account, and (iii) third, the number, if any, of other shares of Common Stock requested to be included in such registration that, in the reasonable opinion of such lead managing underwriter or the Holders, as applicable, can be sold without jeopardizing the success of the offering of all the shares of Common Stock that each Holder or the Company, as the case may be, desires to sell for its own account, such other shares to be allocated among the holders thereof who have requested that their shares be so included in accordance with the provisions of their registration rights agreements with the Company.

(f) In the event of a demand registration, the Company shall be required to maintain the continuous effectiveness of the applicable Registration Statement for a period of at least 180 days after the effective date thereof or such shorter period in which all Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement have actually been sold.

4. Piggy-Back Registration Rights.

(a) During the Registration Rights Period, if the Company shall propose to file a Registration Statement (other than an Excluded Registration) under the Securities Act relating to the offering of Common Stock for the Company’s own account or for the account of any holder or holders of Common Stock (the “Initiating Holder”) and on a registration form and in a manner that would permit the registration of Registrable Shares for sale to the public under the Securities Act, the Company shall (i) give written notice at least 15 days prior to the filing thereof to each Holder, specifying the approximate date on which the Company proposes to file such Registration Statement and advising such Holder of its right to have any or all of the Registrable Shares of such Holder included among the securities to be covered thereby, and (ii) at the written request of any such Holder given to the Company within 10 days after the Company’s delivery of written

 

6


notice to the Holders, include among the securities covered by such Registration Statement the number of Registrable Shares which such Holder (a “Requesting Holder”) shall have requested be so included (subject, however, to reduction in accordance with Section 4(b)); provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to take any action pursuant to this Section 4(a) if the Company shall at the time have effective a Shelf Registration Statement or is eligible to file a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to which such Requesting Holders could effect the disposition of such Holders’ Registrable Shares in the manner requested.

(b) Each Holder wishing to participate in an offering pursuant to Section 4(a) may include Registrable Shares in any Registration Statement relating to an offering pursuant to Section 4(a) only to the extent that the inclusion of such Registrable Shares shall not reduce the number of shares of Common Stock to be offered and sold by the Company or any Initiating Holder pursuant thereto. If the lead managing underwriter for an Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section 4(a) determines that marketing factors require a limitation on the number of Registrable Shares to be offered and sold by Requesting Holders in such offering, there shall be included in such offering only that number of Registrable Shares, if any, that such lead managing underwriter reasonably believes will not adversely affect the offering of all of the shares of Common Stock that the Company wishes to sell for its own account or that any Initiating Holder wishes to sell for its own account. In such event, or otherwise in connection with any offering other than an Underwritten Offering in which the inclusion of Registrable Shares could adversely affect the offering of all of the shares of Common Stock that the Company or the Initiating Holder wishes to sell for its own account, as reasonably determined by the Company, the securities to be included in such offering shall consist of (i) first, the securities the Company or the Initiating Holder, as the case may be, proposes to sell, (ii) second, the number, if any, of Registrable Shares that are requested to be included in such registration that, (a) in an Underwritten Offering, in the opinion of the lead managing underwriter of such Underwritten Offering, can be sold without adversely affecting the offering of all of the securities that the Company and any Initiating Holder wish to sell for their own account, or (b) in an offering other than an Underwritten Offering, can be sold without adversely affecting the offering of all of the securities that the Company and any Initiating Holder wish to sell for their own account, as reasonably determined by the Company, such number of Registrable Shares to be allocated on a pro rata basis among the Holders who have requested that their Registrable Shares be so included based on the number of Registrable Shares that each Holder thereof has requested to be so included, and (iii) third, any other securities of the Company that are subject to registration rights with respect to such registration.

(c) The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section 4 prior to the effectiveness of such Registration Statement whether or not any Holder has elected to include Registrable Securities in such Registration Statement. Nothing in this Section 4 shall create any liability on the part of the Company to any Holder if for any reason the Company shall decide not to file, or to delay the filing of, a Registration Statement proposed to be filed under Section 4(a) or to withdraw such Registration Statement subsequent to its filing, regardless of any action whatsoever that a Holder may have taken, whether as a result of the issuance by the Company of any notice hereunder or otherwise, provided, however, that the Company shall not be relieved of its obligation hereunder to pay the Registration Expenses in connection with any such filing or proposed filing other than any fees and disbursements of counsel to the Holders which shall be the sole obligation of the Holders.

 

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5. Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3.

(a) Request for Registration. During the Registration Rights Period, in case the Company shall receive from any Holder of then outstanding Registrable Shares a written request that the Company file a Shelf Registration Statement for a public offering of shares of Registrable Securities with reasonably anticipated aggregate proceeds of at least $25,000,000, and when the Company is a registrant entitled to use Form S-3 or any successor form thereto for use as a short-form Shelf Registration Statement to register the Registrable Securities for such an offering, the Company shall (i) within 20 Business Days after its receipt of such request file with the SEC a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to the registration requested under this Section 5, and (ii) within five Business Days after its receipt of such request, notify in writing the other Holder of such request and indicate in such notice the planned initial filing date of such Shelf Registration Statement. Such Registration shall include the Registrable Shares requested by the Holders to be included by written notice to the Company given no later than five Business Days prior to the initial filing date. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registrable Securities to be registered for the offering on such form. In the event the registration is proposed to be part of a firm commitment Underwritten Offering, the substantive provisions of Section 3 shall be applicable to each such registration initiated under this Section 5.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to take any action Pursuant to this Section 5:

(i) if the Company shall have effected a registration pursuant to Section 3 or this Section 5 within the 180-day period immediately preceding the date of such request; or

(ii) during the pendency of any Blackout Period.

(c) The Company shall be permitted to satisfy its obligations under this Section 5 by amending (to the extent permitted by applicable law) within 20 Business Days after a written request for registration, any Shelf Registration Statement previously filed by the Company under the Securities Act so that such Shelf Registration Statement (as amended) shall permit the disposition (in accordance with the intended methods of disposition specified as aforesaid) of all of the Registrable Shares for which a demand for registration has been made under this Section 5. If the Company shall so amend a previously filed Shelf Registration Statement, it shall be deemed to have effected a registration for purposes of this Section 5.

(d) Subject to Section 5(e), a registration requested pursuant to Section 5(a) shall not be deemed to be effected for purposes of this Section 5 if it has not been declared effective by the SEC or become effective in accordance with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

(e) The Holders may, at any time prior to the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement relating to such registration, revoke such request by providing a written notice to the Company revoking such request.

(f) If the Company wishes, or any holder of Common Stock has the right, to include shares of Common Stock in a Registration Statement pursuant to this Section 5, there shall be included in such Registration Statement only that number of shares of Common Stock, if any, that the lead managing underwriter (if the offering covered by such Shelf Registration Statement is an Underwritten Offering) or the Holders holding the Registrable Shares to be registered (if the

 

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offering covered by such Shelf Registration Statement is not an Underwritten Offering) shall reasonably believe will not adversely affect the offering of all of the Registrable Shares that the Holders desire to sell for their own account. In such event, the shares of Common Stock to be included in such Shelf Registration Statement shall consist of (i) first, the Registrable Shares that the Holders propose to sell, (ii) second, the shares of Common Stock the Company proposes to sell for its own account, and (iii) third, the number, if any, of other shares of Common Stock requested to be included in such registration that, in the reasonable opinion of such lead managing underwriter or the Holders holding the Registrable Shares to be registered, as applicable, can be sold without jeopardizing the success of the offering of all the shares of Common Stock that each Holder or the Company, as the case may be, desires to sell for its own account, such other shares to be allocated among the holders thereof who have requested that their shares be so included in accordance with the provisions of their registration rights agreements with the Company.

(g) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep such Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective under the Securities Act in order to permit the Prospectus forming a part thereof to be usable by Holders until the earlier of (i) the date as of which all Registrable Securities have been sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement or another registration statement filed under the Securities Act (but in no event prior to the applicable period referred to in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act and Rule 174 thereunder) and (ii) the date as of which each of the Holders is permitted to sell its Registrable Securities without registration pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act without volume limitation (or a Holder can sell all of its Registrable Securities in a three-month period) or other restrictions on transfer thereunder (such period of effectiveness, the “Shelf Period”).

(h) At any time that a Shelf Registration Statement covering Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 3, Section 4 or this Section 5 is effective, if the Holders delivers a notice to the Company (a “Shelf Take-Down Notice”) stating that one or more of the Holders intends to effect an underwritten offering of all or part of the Registrable Securities included by the Holders on the Shelf Registration Statement (a “Shelf Underwritten Offering”) or any other offering of such securities and stating the number of the Registrable Securities to be included in such Shelf Underwritten Offering or other offering, then the Company shall amend or supplement the Shelf Registration Statement as may be necessary in order to enable such Registrable Securities to be distributed pursuant to the Shelf Underwritten Offering or other offering.

6. Selection of Underwriters. In connection with any Underwritten Offering subject to registration rights hereunder, the Company shall have the right to select a lead managing underwriter or underwriters to administer such offering, which lead managing underwriter or underwriters shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Holders holding the Registrable Shares to be included in such Registration Statement.

7. Blackout Periods; Holdback.

(a) If the Company determines that the registration and distribution of Registrable Shares (i) would materially impede, delay, interfere with or otherwise adversely affect any pending financing, registration of securities, acquisition, corporate reorganization or other significant transaction involving the Company or (ii) would require disclosure of non-public material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in good faith, the Company shall be entitled to

 

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postpone the filing or effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or to suspend the use of an effective Registration Statement, for the shortest period of time reasonably required, but in any event not to exceed 90 days (each such period, a “Blackout Period”). The Company shall not be entitled to obtain deferrals under this Section 7(a) for more than an aggregate of 120 days in any 12-month period without the prior written approval of the Stockholders. The Company shall notify each Holder, in writing, of the expiration or earlier termination of a Blackout Period. The Company shall not be required to file any Registration Statement or effect any registration of Registrable Securities under Sections 3,4 or 5 during any period in which such registration by the Company is legally prohibited. The pendency of any such period of legal prohibition shall not be deemed a Blackout Period.

(b) If requested by the managing underwriter of any Underwritten Offering of securities of the Company registered under the Securities Act, each Holder shall not, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its Affiliates do not, directly or indirectly, sell, offer, pledge, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, warrant or right to purchase, or otherwise dispose of or transfer, or enter into any swap or other agreement or any arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership in, any Registrable Shares or Related Securities held by such Holder or such Holder’s Affiliates during the 90 days following the effective date of a Registration Statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act, except for Registrable Shares included in such Registration Statement. If requested by such managing underwriter, each Holder shall enter, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that all Affiliates of such Holder holding Registrable Shares or Related Securities enter, into a lock-up agreement with the applicable underwriters that is consistent with the agreement in the preceding sentence.

8. Registration Procedures. In connection with the registration obligations of the Company under Sections 3, 4 and 5, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:

(a) prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement with respect to such Registrable Shares on any registration form adopted by the SEC for which the Company then qualifies or which counsel for the Company shall deem appropriate, and which form shall be available for the sale of the Registrable Shares in accordance with the intended methods of distribution thereof, and use reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become and remain effective;

(b) prepare and file with the SEC amendments and post-effective amendments to such Registration Statement and such amendments and supplements to the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to maintain the effectiveness of such registration or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form utilized by the Company or by the Securities Act or rules and regulations thereunder necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective (i) in the case of any registration under Section 5, until the earlier of (x) the first anniversary of the date of initial effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, plus any Suspension Periods (which shall be added to such one-year period), or (y) the date on which the securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement cease to be Registrable Shares, (ii) in the case of an Underwritten Offering, until each underwriter has completed the distribution of all securities purchased by it, and (iii) in the case of any other registration, until the securities covered thereby cease to be Registrable Shares, and cause the Prospectus as so amended and supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, and otherwise use reasonable efforts to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement until such time as is specified in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, as the case may be;

 

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(c) furnish to each Holder of such Registrable Shares such number of copies of such Registration Statement and of each amendment and post-effective amendment thereto, any Prospectus or Prospectus supplement and such other documents as such Holder may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Shares by such Holder (the Company hereby consenting to the use (subject to the limitations set forth in Section 9(b)) of the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto in connection with such disposition);

(d) use reasonable efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Shares covered by such Registration Statement under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as each Holder shall reasonably request, and to do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary to enable such Holder to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Shares owned by such Holder, except that the Company shall not be required for any such purpose to qualify generally to do business as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction where, but for the requirements of this Section 8(d), it would not be obligated to be so qualified, to subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction, or to consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction;

(e) notify each Holder of any such Registrable Shares covered by such Registration Statement, at any time when a Prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act within the applicable period referred to in Section 8(b), that the Company has become aware that the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing (the period during which the Holders are required in such case pursuant to Section 9(b) to refrain from effecting public sales or distributions of Registrable Shares referred to herein as a “Section 8(e) Period”), and prepare and furnish to such Holder, as soon as reasonably practicable, a reasonable number of copies of an amendment to such Registration Statement or supplement to such related Prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Shares, such Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing;

(f) notify each Holder of Registrable Shares covered by such Registration Statement at any time,

(i) when the Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed and, with respect to the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the Registration Statement or such post-effective amendment has become effective;

(ii) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order of which the Company is aware suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any order preventing the use of a related Prospectus, or the initiation of any proceedings for such purposes; and

 

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(iii) of the receipt of the Company of any written notification of the suspension of the qualification of any of the Registrable Shares for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation of any proceeding for such purpose;

(g) make available to its stockholders an earnings statement which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act, provided that the Company shall be deemed to have complied with this Section 8(g) if it has complied with Rule 158 under the Securities Act;

(h) if the registration involves an Underwritten Offering, enter into a customary underwriting agreement and in connection therewith:

(i) make such representations and warranties to the underwriters in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in comparable Underwritten Offerings;

(ii) use reasonable efforts to obtain opinions of counsel to the Company (in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to the managing underwriters), addressed to the underwriters, and covering the matters customarily covered in opinions requested in comparable Underwritten Offerings;

(iii) use reasonable efforts to obtain “cold comfort” letters and bring-downs thereof from the Company’s independent certified public accountants addressed to the underwriters, such letters to be in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in “cold comfort” letters by independent accountants in connection with Underwritten Offerings; and

(iv) deliver such documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by the managing underwriters to evidence compliance with any customary conditions contained in the underwriting agreement;

(i) cooperate with the Holders of Registrable Shares covered by such Registration Statement and the managing underwriter or underwriters or agents, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates (not bearing any restrictive legends) representing the securities to be sold under such Registration Statement, and enable such securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriter or underwriters or agents, if any, or such Holders may request;

(j) if reasonably requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters or a Holder of Registrable Shares being sold in connection with an Underwritten Offering, incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement such information as the managing underwriters and the Holders of the Registrable Shares being sold agree should be included therein relating to the plan of distribution with respect to such Registrable Shares, including, without limitation, information with respect to the principal amount of Registrable Shares being sold to such underwriters, the purchase price being paid therefor by such underwriters and any other terms of the Underwritten Offering of the Registrable Shares to be sold in such offering and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment upon being notified of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

 

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(k) in the event of the issuance of any stop order of which the Company is aware suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related Prospectus or suspending the qualification of any Registrable Shares included in the Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction, use reasonable efforts promptly to obtain the withdrawal of such stop order or other order (the period between the issuance and withdrawal of any stop order or other order referred to herein as a “Section 8(k) Period”); and

(l) use reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Shares covered by such Registration Statement to be listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is then listed, if such Registrable Shares are not already so listed and if such listing is then permitted under the rules of such securities exchange or automated quotation system.

9. Agreements of Holders.

(a) As a condition to the Company’s obligation under this Agreement to cause Registrable Shares of any Holder to be included in a Registration Statement, such Holder shall timely provide the Company with all of the information required to be provided in the Registration Statement with respect to such Holder pursuant to Items 507 and 508 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act or as otherwise may reasonably be required by the Company in connection with the Registration Statement.

(b) Each Holder shall comply with the Prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with the offer and sale of Registrable Shares made by such Holder pursuant to any Registration Statement. Upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 8(e) or Section 8(k), each Holder of Registrable Shares shall forthwith discontinue the disposition of Registrable Shares pursuant to the Prospectus or Registration Statement covering such Registrable Shares until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 8(e) or the withdrawal of any stop order or other order referred to in Section 8(k), and, if so directed by the Company, shall deliver to the Company all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus covering such Registrable Shares at the time of receipt of such notice.

(c) Each Holder shall effect all sales and distributions of such Holder’s Registrable Shares made pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in a manner consistent with the terms of the Plan of Distribution.

(d) To the extent required by the Securities Act or rules or regulations thereunder, as reasonably determined by the Company, a Holder shall consent to disclosure in any Registration Statement to the effect that such Holder is or may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act in connection with the offering of Registrable Shares of such Holder included in such Registration Statement.

(e) Each Holder shall comply, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause its Affiliates to comply, with Regulation M under the Exchange Act in connection with the offer and sale of Registrable Shares made by such Holder pursuant to any Registration Statement. Each Holder shall provide the Company with such information about such Holder’s offer and sale of Registrable Shares pursuant to any Registration Statement as the Company shall reasonably require to enable the Company and its Affiliates to comply with Regulation M under the Exchange Act in connection with any such offer and sale.

 

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10. Registration Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Holders shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection with all registrations pursuant to this Agreement. In addition, in connection with all such registrations, each Holder shall pay all underwriting discounts and fees, brokerage and sales commissions, and transfer and documentary stamp taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of such Holder’s Registrable Shares pursuant to the Registration Statement, and all fees and expenses of counsel to such Holder.

11. Indemnification; Contribution.

(a) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Holder in any offering or sale of Registrable Shares, each Person, if any, who participates as an underwriter in any offering and sale of Registrable Shares, and each Person, if any, who controls such Holder or such underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and their respective directors, trustees, officers, partners, agents, employees and affiliates against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees, disbursements and expenses, as incurred) (collectively, “Losses”) incurred by such party pursuant to any actual or threatened action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in, or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated in, the Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a Prospectus or a preliminary Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances then existing) not misleading, except in each case insofar as such statements or omissions arise out of or are based upon (i) any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance on and in conformity with information with respect to such Holder furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder or its counsel expressly for use therein, (ii) the use of any Prospectus after such time as the obligation of the Company to keep effective the Registration Statement of which such Prospectus forms a part has expired or (iii) the use of any Prospectus after such time as the Company has advised the Holders that the filing of an amendment or supplement thereto is required, except such Prospectus as so amended or supplemented.

(b) In connection with any Registration Statement filed pursuant hereto, each Holder of Registrable Shares to be covered thereby shall, severally and not jointly with any other Holders, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each Person, if any, who participates as an underwriter in any offering and sale of Registrable Shares and each Person, if any, who controls the Company or such underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and their respective directors, trustees, officers, partners, agents, employees and affiliates, against all Losses incurred by such party pursuant to any actual or threatened action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in, or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated in, the Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing or necessary to make the statements therein (in case of a Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances then existing) not misleading, but only to the extent that any such untrue statement or omission is made in reliance on and in conformity with information with respect to such Holder furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder or its counsel specifically for use therein; provided, however, that no Holder shall be required to indemnify the Company or any other indemnified party under this Section 11(b) with respect to any amount in excess of the amount of the total net proceeds received by such Holder from sales of the Registrable Shares of such Holder under such Registration Statement.

 

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(c) Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder agrees to give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party after the receipt by such indemnified party of any written notice of the commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or threat thereof made in writing for which such indemnified party may claim indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Agreement, provided that failure to give such notification shall not affect the obligations of the indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 11 except to the extent the indemnifying party shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure. In case any such action shall be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such indemnified party, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party, based on the written opinion of counsel, a conflict of interest is likely to exist between the indemnifying party and such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim, in which event the indemnifying party shall not be liable for the fees and expenses of (i) more than one counsel for all Holders of Registrable Shares who are indemnified parties, selected by the Holders of the Registrable Shares who are indemnified parties (which selection shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company), (ii) more than one counsel for the underwriters in an Underwritten Offering or (iii) more than one counsel for the Company, in each case in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions. An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim 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, based on the written opinion of counsel, a conflict of interest is likely to exist between an indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim, in which event the indemnifying party shall be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of such additional counsel, provided that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for the fees and expenses of (i) more than one counsel for all Holders of Registrable Shares who are indemnified parties, selected by the Holders of the Registrable Shares who are indemnified parties (which selection shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company), (ii) more than one counsel for the underwriters in an Underwritten Offering or (iii) more than one counsel for the Company, in each case in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions. No indemnifying party, in defense of any such action, suit, proceeding or investigation, shall, except with the consent of each indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or entry into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such action, suit, proceeding or investigation to the extent such liability is covered by the indemnity obligations set forth in this Section 11. No indemnified party shall consent to entry of any judgment or entry into any settlement without the consent of each indemnifying party.

 

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(d) If the indemnification from the indemnifying party provided for in this Section 11 is unavailable to an indemnified party hereunder in respect to any Losses, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Losses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party in connection with the actions which resulted in such Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, however, that no Holder shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount of the total net proceeds received by such Holder from sales of the Registrable Shares of the Holder under the applicable Registration Statement. The relative fault of such indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, has been made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the Losses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 11(c), any legal or other fees and expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 11(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the consideration referred to in this Section 11(d). If indemnification is available under this Section 11, the indemnifying parties shall indemnify each indemnified party to the full extent provided in Section 11(a) or 11(b), as the case may be, without regard to the relative fault of such indemnifying parties or indemnified party or any other equitable consideration provided for in this Section 11(d).

(e) The provisions of this Section 11 shall be in addition to any liability which any indemnifying party may have to any indemnified party and shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

12. Participation in Underwritten Offerings. No Holder of Registrable Shares may participate in any Underwritten Offering pursuant to this Agreement unless such Holder (i) agrees to sell such Holder’s Registrable Shares on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Company and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, custody agreements, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

13. Reports Under the Exchange Act. To the extent required by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, for so long as any Registrable Shares remain outstanding, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and shall furnish to any Holder, upon request by such Holder, a written statement by the Company as to whether it has complied with the current public information requirements of Rule 144(c) under the Securities Act.

 

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14. Assignment of Registration Rights. The right to cause the Company to register Registrable Shares pursuant to this Agreement may not be assigned by any Holder without the prior written consent of the Company. In the event that the Company consents to an assignment of a Holder’s right to cause the Company to register Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement, any such assignment shall only be effective upon receipt by the Company of a written agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit A hereto from such Transferee to be bound by the applicable terms of this Agreement.

15. Binding Effect; Benefit. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, any Holder and any successor, permitted assign, heir and legal representative thereof; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 14, this Agreement and the provisions of this Agreement that are for the benefit of the Holders shall not be assignable by any Holder, and any such purported assignment shall be null and void. Except to the extent provided in Section 11, nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person other than the Company, the Holders and their respective successors, permitted assigns, heirs and legal representatives any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement. No purchaser of Common Stock from a Holder shall be deemed to be a successor or assignee of such Holder merely by reason of such purchase.

16. Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, unless the Company has obtained the written consent thereto of Holders of a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to departure from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders of Registrable Shares whose securities are being included in a Registration Statement and that does not directly or indirectly affect the rights of other Holders of Registrable Shares may be given by Holders of at least a majority of the Registrable Shares being included in such Registration Statement; provided that the provisions of this sentence may not be amended, modified or supplemented except in accordance with the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence. Each Holder of Registrable Shares outstanding at the time of any such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent or thereafter shall be bound by any such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent effected pursuant to this Section 16, whether or not any notice, writing or marking indicating such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent appears on the Registrable Shares or is delivered to such Holder.

17. Notices; Designated Representative. All notices, demands, requests, consents or other communications to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when (i) delivered personally to the recipient, (ii) sent by confirmed facsimile or confirmed electronic mail transmission, or (iii) one Business Day after being sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid). Such notices, demands, requests, consents and other communications shall be sent (i) if to the Company, to ESAB Corporation, 909 Rose Avenue, 8th Floor, North Bethesda, MD 20852, Attention: Curtis Jewell, and (ii) if to any Holder, to such Holder at the address then on record with the Company, or to such other address of Holder designated in writing to the Company from time to time.

18. Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

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19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument.

20. Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ITS PRINCIPLES OR RULES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS TO THE EXTENT SUCH PRINCIPLES OR RULES WOULD REQUIRE OR PERMIT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

21. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate with respect to any Holder upon the date when (i) such Holder (and any of its Rule 144 affiliates, if any) holds less than 1% of the outstanding Common Stock, and (ii) all shares of Common Stock held by such Holder are eligible to be sold in a 90-day period without restriction under Rule 144; except for any liabilities or obligations under Sections 10 and 11, which shall remain in effect in accordance with their terms. No termination of any provision of this Agreement shall relieve any party of any liability for any breach of such provision occurring prior to such termination.

22. Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and the registration rights granted by the Company with respect to the Registrable Shares. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein, with respect to the registration rights granted by the Company with respect to the Registrable Shares. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and undertakings among the parties with respect to such registration rights. No party hereto shall have any rights, duties or obligations other than those specifically set forth in this Agreement.

23. Specific Performance. Without limiting the rights of each party hereto to pursue all other legal and equitable rights available to such party for any other parties’ failure to perform their obligations under this Agreement, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the remedy at law for any failure to perform their obligations hereunder would be inadequate and that each of them, respectively, to the extent permitted by applicable law, shall be entitled to specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies in the event of any such failure.

24. Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstances, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the parties shall negotiate in good faith with a view to the substitution therefor of a suitable and equitable solution in order to carry out, so far as may be valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid provision, provided, however, that the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be in any way impaired thereby, it being intended that all of the rights and privileges of the parties hereto shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

18


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Registration Rights Agreement as of the date set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

 

ESAB CORPORATION

By:

   
Name:  
Title:  

 

RALES HOLDERS

 

Mitchell P. Rales

 

Steven M. Rales

[Signature Page to ESAB Registration Rights Agreement]


Exhibit A

JOINDER

By execution of this Joinder, the undersigned agrees to become a party to that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of [•], 2022 (the “Agreement”), between ESAB Corporation, and Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales. By execution of this Joinder, the undersigned shall have all the rights and shall observe all the obligations of a Holder (as defined in the Agreement) contained in the Agreement.

 

Name:

 

Signature:

 

Date:

 

Address for Notices:

 
 
 
 
 

With Copies to:

 
 
 
 
 

 

A-1

Exhibit 10.38

ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby grants an option to purchase shares of its common stock, $.001 par value, (the “Stock”) to the optionee named below. The terms and conditions of the option are set forth in this cover sheet to the Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, in the attached Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (together with the cover sheet, the “Agreement”), and in the Company’s 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

 

Grant Date:       [ • ]
Name of Optionee:       [ • ]
Optionee Employee ID:       [ • ]
Number of Shares Covered by Option:       [ • ]
Option Price per Share:      $      [ • ]
Vesting Start Date:       [ • ]
Vesting Schedule:       [ • ]

By accepting this Award in the manner established by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions described in this Agreement and in the Plan. You acknowledge that (a) you have received a copy of the Plan and this Agreement and have read and understand the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, (b) the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants, (c) all decisions with respect to future grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company, (d) your participation is voluntary, (e) the Award is not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purposes, including but not limited to calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments and the Award is an extraordinary item which is outside the scope of your employment agreement, if any, (f) in the event that you are an employee of an Affiliate of the Company, the Award will not be interpreted to form an employment agreement or relationship with the Company; and furthermore, the Award will not be interpreted to form an employment agreement with the Affiliate that is your employer, (g) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages arises from forfeiture or termination of the Award and you irrevocably release the Company and its Affiliates from any such claim that may arise, and (h) in the event of involuntary termination of your employment, your right to receive the Award, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively employed and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law (e.g., active employment would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period pursuant to local law); furthermore, in the event of involuntary termination of employment, your right to vest in the Award after termination of employment, if any, will be measured by the date of termination of your active employment and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law. You agree that the Plan will control in the event any provision of this Agreement should appear to be inconsistent with the terms of the Plan. Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in the Plan and have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

This is not a stock certificate or a negotiable instrument.

 

     NQSO OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 1 | 5


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Non-Qualified Stock Option    This option is not intended to be an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code and will be interpreted accordingly.
Vesting    This option is only exercisable before it expires and then only with respect to the vested portion of the option. Subject to the preceding sentence, you may exercise this option, in whole or in part, to purchase a whole number of vested shares of Stock not less than 100 shares, unless the number of shares purchased is the total number available for purchase under the option, by following the procedures set forth in the Plan and below in this Agreement.
   Your right to purchase shares of Stock under this option vests as to one-third (1/3) of the total number of shares covered by this option, as shown on the cover sheet, on each of the first three annual anniversaries of the Vesting Start Date, provided you then continue in Service. The resulting aggregate number of vested shares of Stock will be rounded to the nearest whole number, and you cannot vest in more than the number of shares covered by this option.
   Except as provided in this Agreement, no additional shares of Stock will vest after your Service has terminated for any reason.
Term    Your option will expire in any event at the close of business at Company headquarters on the day before the 7th anniversary of the Grant Date, as shown on the cover sheet. Your option will expire earlier if your Service terminates, as described below.
Regular Termination    If your Service terminates for any reason other than death, Disability, Retirement (as defined below) or for Cause, (a “Regular Termination”) your option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the 90th day after your termination date.
Termination for Cause    If your Service is terminated for Cause, you shall immediately forfeit all rights to any unvested portion of the option. Any vested portion of the option shall be exercisable for ninety (90) days following the termination date.
Death    If your Service terminates because of your death, your option will immediately become 100% vested and will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date twelve (12) months after the date of death. During that twelve-month period, your estate or heirs may exercise your option after providing proof to the Company that it is entitled to do so.
   In addition, if you die during the 90-day period described in connection with a Regular Termination, and a vested portion of your option has not yet been exercised as of the date of death, then your option will instead expire on the date twelve (12) months after your termination date. In such a case, during the period following your death up to the date twelve (12) months after your termination date, your estate or heirs may exercise the vested portion of your option after providing proof to the Company that it is entitled to do so.
Disability    If your Service terminates because of your Disability, your option will immediately become 100% vested and will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date twelve (12) months after your termination date.
Retirement    If your Service terminates due to Retirement (as defined below) on or after the first (1st) anniversary of the Grant Date, then your option will continue to vest following your termination of Service in accordance with the original vesting schedule as if your Service had not terminated. For the avoidance of doubt, if your Service terminates prior to the first (1st) anniversary of the Grant Date, then your option will be subject to treatment upon a Regular Termination rather than treatment upon Retirement. “Retirement” means your termination of Service when your age and years of Service sum to at least sixty-five (65); provided you have reached age fifty-five (55) and have at least five (5) years of Service. For purposes of this definition of Retirement, “Service” shall be limited to service with ESAB Corporation, and shall not include any service with a different or predecessor employer.

 

     NQSO OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 2 | 5


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Clawback    You hereby acknowledge and agree, as an officer, that this Award is subject to the terms and conditions of the ESAB Corporation Clawback Policy as in effect from time to time (including potential recoupment thereunder), a current copy of which may be requested from the Company at any time, and the terms and conditions of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
Manner of Exercise    When you wish to exercise this option, in whole or in part after vesting, you must notify the Company as set forth in the Plan.
   When you submit your notice of exercise, you must include payment of the Option Price for the shares of Stock you are purchasing. Payment may be made in one (or a combination) of the following forms:
  

•  Cash, your personal check, a cashier’s check, a money order or another cash equivalent acceptable to the Company.

 

•  Shares of Stock which have already been owned by you, including but not limited to shares which would otherwise be delivered on settlement of the option subject to this Agreement, and which are surrendered to the Company. The value of the shares of Stock, determined as of the effective date of the option exercise, will be applied to the Option Price.

 

•  By delivery (on a form prescribed by the Company) of an irrevocable direction to a licensed securities broker acceptable to the Company to sell Stock and to deliver all or part of the sale proceeds to the Company in payment of the aggregate Option Price and any withholding taxes (if approved in advance by the Committee if you are either an executive officer or a director of the Company).

Withholding Taxes    You will not be allowed to exercise this option unless you make acceptable arrangements to pay any withholding or other taxes that may be due as a result of the option exercise or sale of Stock acquired under this option. In the event that the Company determines that any federal, state, local or foreign tax or withholding payment is required relating to the exercise or sale of shares arising from this grant, the Company shall have the right to require such payments from you, or withhold such amounts from other payments due to you from the Company or any Affiliate.
Change in Control    Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if a Change in Control occurs, this option will immediately become 100% vested.
Transfer of Option    During your lifetime, only you (or, in the event of your legal incapacity or incompetency, your guardian or legal representative) may exercise the option. You cannot transfer or assign this option. For instance, you may not sell this option or use it as security for a loan. If you attempt to do any of these things, this option will immediately become invalid. You may, however, dispose of this option in your will or it may be transferred upon your death by the laws of descent and distribution.
   In connection with any marital property settlement agreement, the Company is not obligated to honor a notice of exercise from your spouse, nor is the Company obligated to recognize your spouse’s interest in your option purporting to arise under such an agreement.
Retention Rights    Neither your option nor this Agreement give you the right to be retained by the Company (or any Affiliates) in any capacity. The Company (and any Affiliates) reserve the right to terminate your Service at any time and for any reason.
Shareholder Rights    You, or your estate or heirs, have no rights as a shareholder of the Company until a certificate for your option’s shares has been issued (or an appropriate book entry has been made). No adjustments are made for dividends or other rights if the applicable record date occurs before your stock certificate is issued (or an appropriate book entry has been made), except as described in the Plan.

 

     NQSO OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 3 | 5


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Forfeiture of Rights    Although vested within the meaning of Section 83 of the Internal Revenue Code since no substantial risk of forfeiture exists once the option become exercisable according to the vesting schedule above, the option will not be earned until the you have fulfilled all of the conditions precedent set forth in this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the obligations set forth in “Forfeiture of Rights” section, and you shall have no right to retain the shares or the value thereof upon vesting or exercise of the option until all conditions precedent have been satisfied. If (i) while employed by the Company you should take actions in competition with the Company or (ii) while employed by the Company or during the twelve (12) month period immediately following your termination of employment with the Company you should take actions to, directly or indirectly, solicit or persuade, or attempt to solicit or persuade, any employee or independent contractor of Company or its Affiliates at the time of such contact to terminate or modify his or her employment or service relationship, whether or not pursuant to a written agreement, with the Company and its Affiliates, the Company shall have the right to cause a forfeiture of your rights, including, but not limited to, the right to cause: (i) a forfeiture of any outstanding option, and (ii) with respect to the period commencing twelve (12) months prior to your termination of Service with the Company and ending twelve (12) months following such termination of Service (A) a forfeiture of any gain recognized by you upon the exercise of the option or (B) a forfeiture of any Stock acquired by you upon the exercise of the option (but the Company will pay you the Option Price without interest).
   Unless otherwise specified in an employment or other agreement between the Company and you (including the Company’s Code of Ethics), you take actions in competition with the Company if you directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join or control, or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or are a proprietor, director, officer, stockholder, member, partner or an employee or agent of, or a consultant to any business, firm, corporation, partnership or other entity which competes with any business in which the Company or any of its Affiliates is engaged during your employment or other relationship with the Company or its Affiliates or at the time of your termination of Service. Under the prior sentence, ownership of less than 1% of the securities of a public company shall not be treated as an action in competition with the Company. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PARAGRAPH IS NOT INTENDED TO AND DOES NOT PROHIBIT THE CONDUCT DESCRIBED BUT PROVIDES FOR THE CANCELLATION OF THE UNEXERCISED PORTION OF THE OPTION AND A RETURN TO THE COMPANY OF THE SHARES OR THE GROSS TAXABLE PROCEEDS OF SHARES ISSUED UPON AN EXERCISE OF THE OPTION IF YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TO VIOLATE THIS PROVISION. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event you primarily live and work for the Company in California, so long as you primarily reside in and are subject to the law of California, the restrictions on your post-employment conduct contained in this “Forfeiture of Rights” section – the noncompete, customer nonsolicit, and employee nonsolicit provisions shall not be applicable to you. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create a restriction or forfeiture, or a comparable obligation that would be prohibited under applicable California law.
Adjustments    The shares of Stock covered by this option may be adjusted or terminated in any manner contemplated by Section 18 of the Plan.
Amendment    The Committee has the right to amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or cancel this option, prospectively or retroactively; provided that no such amendment shall adversely affect your material rights under this Agreement without your consent.
Applicable Law    This Agreement will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware, other than any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the substantive law of another jurisdiction.

 

     NQSO OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 4 | 5


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

The Plan    Unless otherwise specified in an employment or other agreement between the Company and you, this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this option. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this option are superseded.
Data Privacy    In order to administer the Plan, the Company and its Affiliates may process personal data about you. Such data includes but is not limited to the information provided in this Agreement and any changes thereto, other appropriate personal and financial data about you such as your name, telephone number, home address and business addresses and other contact information, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, nationality, job title, any common stock or directorships held in the Company, details of the Award or any other entitlement to cash awarded, payroll information (including salary) and any other information that might be deemed appropriate by the Company and the Committee to facilitate the implementation, administration and management of the Plan and the Award (the “Data”).
   By accepting this Award, you hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your Data by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Award and the Plan. You also give explicit consent to the Company and its Affiliates to transfer any such Data inside and outside the country in which you work or are employed, including, with respect to non-U.S. resident optionees, to the United States, to transferees who shall include the Company, the Committee and other persons who are designated by the Company to administer, implement and manage the Award and the Plan. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the recipients of the Data to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of implementing, administering, and managing your participation in the Award and the Plan. You understand that the Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Award and the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view the Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data, require any necessary amendments to the Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. You understand, however, that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Award. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.
Consent to
Electronic Delivery
   The Company may choose to deliver certain materials relating to the Plan in electronic form. By accepting this option grant you agree that the Company may deliver all communications regarding the Plan and this award (including, but not limited to, the Plan prospectus and the Company’s annual report) to you in an electronic format or through an online or electronic system established by the Company or a third party designated by the Company. If at any time you would prefer to receive paper copies of these documents, as you are entitled to, the Company would be pleased to provide copies. Please contact Corporate Human Resources to request paper copies of these documents.

By accepting this Award in the manner established by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions described above and in the Plan.

 

     NQSO OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 5 | 5

 

Exhibit 10.39

ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

FORM OF PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby grants stock units relating to shares of its common stock, $.001 par value (the “Stock”), to the individual named below as the Grantee. The terms and conditions of the grant are set forth in this cover sheet to the Performance Stock Unit Agreement, in the attached Performance Stock Unit Agreement (together with the cover sheet, the “Agreement”) and in the ESAB Corporation 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

 

Grant Date:    [ ]
Name of Grantee:    [ ]
Grantee Employee ID:    [ ]
Number of Stock Units Covered by Award at Target:    [ ]
Performance Condition on Stock Unit Eligibility:   

Eligibility to vest in the Eligible Stock Units covered by this Award is determined based on the level of achievement of the Performance Criteria set forth in this Agreement.

Performance Period and End Date:    [ ]
Vesting Schedule for Eligible Stock Units after Application of the Performance Criteria: [ ]
Determination Date of Eligible Stock Units:    The date the Committee determines achievement of the Performance Criteria (the “Determination Date”).

By accepting this Award in the manner established by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions described in this Agreement and in the Plan. You acknowledge that (a) you have received a copy of the Plan and this Agreement and have read and understand the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, (b) the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants, (c) all decisions with respect to future grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company, (d) your participation is voluntary, (e) the Award is not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purposes, including but not limited to calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments and the Award is an extraordinary item which is outside the scope of your employment agreement, if any, (f) in the event that you are an employee of an Affiliate of the Company, the Award will not be interpreted to form an employment agreement or relationship with the Company; and furthermore, the Award will not be interpreted to form an employment agreement with the Affiliate that is your employer, (g) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages arises from forfeiture or termination of the Award and you irrevocably release the Company and its Affiliates from any such claim that may arise, and (h) in the event of involuntary termination of your employment, your right to receive the Award, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively employed and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law (e.g., active employment would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period pursuant to local law); furthermore, in the event of involuntary termination of employment, your right to vest in the Award after termination of employment, if any, will be measured by the date of termination of your active employment and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law. You agree that the Plan will control in the event any provision of this Agreement should appear to be inconsistent with the terms of the Plan. Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in the Plan and have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

This is not a stock certificate or a negotiable instrument.

PRSU OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 1 | 5


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

 

Stock Units    This grant is an Award of stock units in the number of units set forth on the cover sheet, subject to the performance criteria and the vesting conditions described below (“Stock Units”).
Performance Criteria    [                                         ]
Vesting    If at the end of the Performance Period there are Eligible Stock Units covered by this Agreement, your Eligible Stock Units shall vest according to the schedule set forth on the cover sheet (or as specified below), provided that you remain in Service on the relevant Vesting Dates. If your Service terminates for any reason other than death, Disability, or Retirement (as defined below) prior to the relevant Vesting Dates, you will forfeit any Eligible Stock Units in which you have not yet become vested.
Death or Disability    If your Service terminates due to your death or Disability, your Eligible Stock Units (if any) will vest according to the schedule set forth on the cover sheet as if your Service had not terminated. If the Performance Criteria are achieved for the Performance Period, your Eligible Stock Units (if any) shall vest as of the date the Committee determines achievement of the Performance Criteria (the “Determination Date”) based on the Company’s performance, as determined, and with any individual performance component achieved at target.
Retirement    If your Service terminates due to Retirement (as defined below), on or after the first (1st) anniversary of the Grant Date, your Eligible Stock Units (if any) will vest according to the schedule set forth on the cover sheet as if your Service had not terminated and assuming achievement of any individual performance component achieved at target; provided that the number of Eligible Stock Units that become vested will be pro-rated based on a percentage equal to the number of days you were employed during the Performance Period prior to your termination of Service divided by the total number of days in the Performance Period. For the avoidance of doubt, if your Service terminates prior to the first (1st) anniversary of the Grant Date, you will forfeit all Eligible Stock Units. “Retirement” means your termination of Service when your age and years of Service sum to at least sixty-five (65); provided you have reached age fifty-five (55) and have at least five (5) years of Service. For purposes of this definition of Retirement, “Service” shall be limited to service with ESAB Corporation, and shall not include any service with a different or predecessor employer.
Clawback    You hereby acknowledge and agree, as an officer, that this Award is subject to the terms and conditions of the ESAB Corporation Clawback Policy as in effect from time to time (including potential recoupment thereunder), a current copy of which may be requested from the Company at any time, and the terms and conditions of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
Delivery of Stock Pursuant to Units    Delivery of the shares of Stock represented by your vested Eligible Stock Units shall be made, on the basis of one share of Stock per each vested Eligible Stock Unit, as soon as practicable upon vesting and in any event not later than March 15th after the end of the calendar year in which they vest.
Withholding Taxes    You agree, as a condition of this grant, that you will make acceptable arrangements to pay any withholding or other taxes that may be due as a result of vesting in Stock Units or your acquisition of Stock under this grant. In the event that the Company determines that any federal, state, local or foreign tax or withholding payment is required relating to this grant, the Company will have the right to: (i) require that you arrange such payments to the Company, (ii) withhold such amounts from other payments due to you from the Company or any Affiliate, or (iii) cause an immediate forfeiture of shares of Stock subject to the Stock Units granted pursuant to this Agreement in an amount equal to the withholding or other taxes due.
Change in Control/Business Combination    Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary and except as set forth immediately below, if a Change in Control occurs after the Grant Date and prior to the end of the performance period, you shall be deemed to have earned the Stock Units granted hereunder at the greater of target level and actual level of performance as of the date immediately prior to the Change in Control, and the shares of Stock subject to them shall be delivered immediately prior to the Change in Control.
PRSU OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 2 | 5


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

 

   Notwithstanding the above provision, in connection with a Business Combination the result of which is that the Company’s shares of Stock are exchanged for or become exchangeable for securities of another entity, cash or a combination of both, if the entity resulting from such Business Combination does not assume these Stock Units and the Company’s obligations under this Agreement or replace these Stock Units with a substantially equivalent security of the entity resulting from such Business Combination, then the Stock Units evidenced by this Agreement will become 100% vested as of the day immediately prior to the date of such Business Combination and be payable in the form of shares of Stock, cash or a combination of both, as determined by the Committee.
Transfer of Stock Units    This Award and your Stock Units may not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated, whether by operation of law or otherwise, nor may this Award or the Stock Units be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process.
Retention Rights    This Agreement does not give you the right to be retained or employed by the Company (or any Affiliates) in any capacity. The Company (and any Affiliates) reserves the right to terminate your Service at any time for any reason.
Shareholder Rights    You do not have any of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Stock Units unless and until the shares of Stock relating to the Eligible Stock Units have been delivered to you.
Forfeiture of Rights    If (i) while employed by the Company you should take actions in competition with the Company or (ii) while employed by the Company or during the twelve (12) month period immediately following your termination of employment with the Company you should take actions to, directly or indirectly, solicit or persuade, or attempt to solicit or persuade, any employee or independent contractor of Company or its Affiliates at the time of such contact to terminate or modify his or her employment or service relationship, whether or not pursuant to a written agreement, with the Company and its Affiliates, the Company shall have the right to cause a forfeiture of your unvested Eligible Stock Units.
   Unless otherwise specified in an employment or other agreement between the Company and you (including the Company’s Code of Ethics), you take actions in competition with the Company if you directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join or control, or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or are a proprietor, director, officer, stockholder, member, partner or an employee or agent of, or a consultant to any business, firm, corporation, partnership or other entity which competes with any business in which the Company or any of its Affiliates is engaged during your employment or other relationship with the Company or its Affiliates or at the time of your termination of Service. Under the prior sentence, ownership of less than 1% of the securities of a public company shall not be treated as an action in competition with the Company. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event you primarily live and work for the Company in California, so long as you primarily reside in and are subject to the law of California, the restrictions on your post-employment conduct contained in this “Forfeiture of Rights” section – the noncompete, customer nonsolicit, and employee nonsolicit provisions shall not be applicable to you. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create a restriction or forfeiture, or a comparable obligation that would be prohibited under applicable California law.
Adjustments    The Stock Units and the shares of Stock subject to the Stock Units may be adjusted or terminated in any manner contemplated by Section 18 of the Plan.
Amendment    The Committee has the right to amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or cancel this Award, prospectively or retroactively; provided that no such amendment shall adversely affect your material rights under this Agreement without your consent.
PRSU OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 3 | 5


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

 

Applicable Law    This Agreement will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware, other than any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the substantive law of another jurisdiction.
The Plan    Unless otherwise specified in an employment or other agreement between the Company and you, this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this Award of Stock Units. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this Award are superseded.
Data Privacy    In order to administer the Plan, the Company and its Affiliates may process personal data about you. Such data includes but is not limited to the information provided in this Agreement and any changes thereto, other appropriate personal and financial data about you such as your name, telephone number, home address and business addresses and other contact information, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, nationality, job title, any common stock or directorships held in the Company, details of the Award or any other entitlement to cash awarded, payroll information (including salary) and any other information that might be deemed appropriate by the Company and the Committee to facilitate the implementation, administration and management of the Plan and the Award (the “Data”).
   By accepting this Award, you hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your Data by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Award and the Plan. You also give explicit consent to the Company and its Affiliates to transfer any such Data inside and outside the country in which you work or are employed, including, with respect to non-U.S. resident Grantees, to the United States, to transferees who shall include the Company, the Committee and other persons who are designated by the Company to administer, implement and manage the Award and the Plan. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the recipients of the Data to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of implementing, administering, and managing your participation in the Award and the Plan. You understand that the Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Award and the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view the Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data, require any necessary amendments to the Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. You understand, however, that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Award. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.
Consent to Electronic Delivery    The Company may choose to deliver certain materials relating to the Plan in electronic form. By accepting this grant, you agree that the Company may deliver all communications regarding the Plan and this Award (including, but not limited to, the Plan prospectus and the Company’s annual report) to you in an electronic format or through an online or electronic system established by the Company or a third party designated by the Company. If at any time you would prefer to receive paper copies of these documents, as you are entitled to receive, the Company would be pleased to provide copies. Please contact Corporate Human Resources to request paper copies of these documents.
Section 409A    This Agreement, and any issuance of shares hereunder, is intended to comply and will be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A. Upon your Separation from Service (as defined below), the Company will determine whether any shares issued to you in accordance with this Agreement could be determined to be payments from a nonqualified deferred compensation plan and whether you are a “specified employee” as of the applicable payment date (each as defined by Section 409A). If you are determined to be a “specified employee” and any such payments are payable in connection with your Separation from Service, and are not
PRSU OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 4 | 5


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

 

  exempt from Section 409A of the Code as a short-term deferral or otherwise, these payments, to the extent otherwise payable within six (6) months after your date of Separation from Service, will be paid in a lump sum on the earlier of: (i) the date that is six (6) months after your date of Separation from Service or (ii) the date of your death. The foregoing six (6) month delay will be applied if and only to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of taxes under Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Separation from Service” means an anticipated permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services to twenty percent (20%) or less of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding thirty-six (36) month period. For purposes of Section 409A, the payments to be made to you in accordance with this Agreement will be treated as a right to a series of separate payments.

By accepting this Award in the manner established by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions described above and in the Plan.

PRSU OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 5 | 5

Exhibit 10.40

ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby grants stock units relating to shares of its common stock, $.001 par value (the “Stock”), to the individual named below as the Grantee. The terms and conditions of the grant are set forth in this cover sheet to the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, in the attached Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (together with the cover sheet, the “Agreement”) and in the ESAB Corporation 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

 

Grant Date:    [ • ]
Name of Grantee:    [ • ]
Grantee Employee ID:    [ • ]
Number of Stock Units Covered by Award:    [ • ]
Vesting Schedule:    [ • ]

By accepting this Award in the manner established by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions described in this Agreement and in the Plan. You acknowledge that (a) you have received a copy of the Plan and this Agreement and have read and understand the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, (b) the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants, (c) all decisions with respect to future grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company, (d) your participation is voluntary, (e) the Award is not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purposes, including but not limited to calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments and the Award is an extraordinary item which is outside the scope of your employment agreement, if any, (f) in the event that you are an employee of an Affiliate of the Company, the Award will not be interpreted to form an employment agreement or relationship with the Company; and furthermore, the Award will not be interpreted to form an employment agreement with the Affiliate that is your employer, (g) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages arises from forfeiture or termination of the Award and you irrevocably release the Company and its Affiliates from any such claim that may arise, and (h) in the event of involuntary termination of your employment, your right to receive the Award, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively employed and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law (e.g., active employment would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period pursuant to local law); furthermore, in the event of involuntary termination of employment, your right to vest in the Award after termination of employment, if any, will be measured by the date of termination of your active employment and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law. You agree that the Plan will control in the event any provision of this Agreement should appear to be inconsistent with the terms of the Plan. Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in the Plan and have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

This is not a stock certificate or a negotiable instrument.

 

     RSU OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 1 | 4


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

 

Stock Units    This grant is an Award of stock units in the number of units set forth on the cover sheet, subject to the vesting conditions described below (“Stock Units”).
Vesting    Other than as set forth below, your Stock Units shall vest according to the schedule set forth on the cover sheet, provided that you remain in Service on the relevant Vesting Dates. If your Service terminates for any reason other than death, Disability or Retirement (as defined below), you will forfeit any Stock Units in which you have not yet become vested.
Death    If your Service terminates because of your death, your Stock Units will immediately become 100% vested.
Disability    If your Service terminates because of your Disability, your Stock Units will immediately become 100% vested.
Retirement    If your Service terminates due to Retirement (as defined below) on or after the first (1st) anniversary of the Grant Date, your Stock Units will continue to vest following your termination of Service in accordance with the original vesting schedule as if your Service had not terminated. For the avoidance of doubt, if your Service terminates prior to the first (1st) anniversary of the Grant Date, you will forfeit any Stock Units in which you have not yet become vested. “Retirement” means your termination of Service when your age and years of Service sum to at least sixty-five (65); provided you have reached age fifty-five (55) and have at least five (5) years of Service. For purposes of this definition of Retirement, “Service” shall be limited to service with ESAB Corporation, and shall not include any service with a different or predecessor employer.
Clawback    You hereby acknowledge and agree, as an officer, that this Award is subject to the terms and conditions of the ESAB Corporation Clawback Policy as in effect from time to time (including potential recoupment thereunder), a current copy of which may be requested from the Company at any time, and the terms and conditions of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
Delivery of Stock
Pursuant to Units
   Delivery of the shares of Stock represented by your vested Stock Units shall be made, on the basis of one share of Stock per each vested Stock Unit, as soon as practicable upon vesting and in any event not later than March 15th after the end of the calendar year in which they vest.
Withholding
Taxes
   You agree, as a condition of this grant, that you will make acceptable arrangements to pay any withholding or other taxes that may be due as a result of vesting in Stock Units or your acquisition of Stock under this grant. In the event that the Company determines that any federal, state, local or foreign tax or withholding payment is required relating to this grant, the Company will have the right to: (i) require that you arrange such payments to the Company, (ii) withhold such amounts from other payments due to you from the Company or any Affiliate, or (iii) cause an immediate forfeiture of shares of Stock subject to the Stock Units granted pursuant to this Agreement in an amount equal to the withholding or other taxes due.
Change in
Control/Business
Combination
  

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if a Change in Control occurs after the Grant Date and prior to the last vesting date, your Stock Units will immediately become 100% vested and the shares of Stock subject to them shall be delivered immediately prior to the Change in Control.

 

Notwithstanding the above provision and except as set forth immediately below, in connection with a Business Combination the result of which is that the Company’s shares of Stock are exchanged for or become exchangeable for securities of another entity, cash or a combination of both, if the entity resulting from such Business Combination does not assume these Stock Units and the Company’s obligations under this Agreement or replace these Stock Units with a substantially equivalent security of the entity resulting from such Business Combination, then the Stock Units evidenced by this Agreement will become 100% vested as of the day immediately prior to the date of such Business Combination and be payable in the form of shares of Stock, cash or a combination of both, as determined by the Committee.

 

     RSU OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 2 | 4


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

 

Transfer of Stock Units    This Award and your Stock Units may not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated, whether by operation of law or otherwise, nor may this Award or the Stock Units be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process.
Retention Rights    This Agreement does not give you the right to be retained or employed by the Company (or any Affiliates) in any capacity. The Company (and any Affiliates) reserves the right to terminate your Service at any time for any reason.
Shareholder Rights    You do not have any of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Stock Units unless and until the shares relating to the Stock Units has been delivered to you. You will, however, be entitled to receive, upon the Company’s payment of a cash dividend on outstanding Stock, a cash payment for each Stock Unit that you hold as of the record date for such dividend equal to the per share dividend paid on the Stock provided you are employed by the Company (or any Affiliate) on such payment date.
Forfeiture of Rights    If (i) while employed by the Company you should take actions in competition with the Company or (ii) while employed by the Company or during the twelve (12) month period immediately following your termination of employment with the Company you should take actions to, directly or indirectly, solicit or persuade, or attempt to solicit or persuade, any employee or independent contractor of Company or its Affiliates at the time of such contact to terminate or modify his or her employment or service relationship, whether or not pursuant to a written agreement, with the Company and its Affiliates, the Company shall have the right to cause a forfeiture of your unvested Stock Units.
   Unless otherwise specified in an employment or other agreement between the Company and you (including the Company’s Code of Ethics), you take actions in competition with the Company if you directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join or control, or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or are a proprietor, director, officer, stockholder, member, partner or an employee or agent of, or a consultant to any business, firm, corporation, partnership or other entity which competes with any business in which the Company or any of its Affiliates is engaged during your employment or other relationship with the Company or its Affiliates or at the time of your termination of Service. Under the prior sentence, ownership of less than 1% of the securities of a public company shall not be treated as an action in competition with the Company. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event you primarily live and work for the Company in California, so long as you primarily reside in and are subject to the law of California, the restrictions on your post-employment conduct contained in this “Forfeiture of Rights” section – the noncompete, customer nonsolicit, and employee nonsolicit provisions shall not be applicable to you. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create a restriction or forfeiture, or a comparable obligation that would be prohibited under applicable California law.
Adjustments    The Stock Units and the shares of Stock subject to the Stock Units may be adjusted or terminated in any manner contemplated by Section 18 of the Plan.
Amendment    The Committee has the right to amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or cancel this Award, prospectively or retroactively; provided that no such amendment shall adversely affect your material rights under this Agreement without your consent.
Applicable Law    This Agreement will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware, other than any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the substantive law of another jurisdiction.
The Plan    Unless otherwise specified in an employment or other agreement between the Company and you, this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this Award of Stock Units. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this Award are superseded.

 

     RSU OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 3 | 4


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

 

Data Privacy    In order to administer the Plan, the Company and its Affiliates may process personal data about you. Such data includes but is not limited to the information provided in this Agreement and any changes thereto, other appropriate personal and financial data about you such as your name, telephone number, home address and business addresses and other contact information, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, nationality, job title, any common stock or directorships held in the Company, details of the Award or any other entitlement to cash awarded, payroll information (including salary) and any other information that might be deemed appropriate by the Company and the Committee to facilitate the implementation, administration and management of the Plan and the Award (the “Data”).
   By accepting this Award, you hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your Data by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Award and the Plan. You also give explicit consent to the Company and its Affiliates to transfer any such Data inside and outside the country in which you work or are employed, including, with respect to non-U.S. resident Grantees, to the United States, to transferees who shall include the Company, the Committee and other persons who are designated by the Company to administer, implement and manage the Award and the Plan. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the recipients of the Data to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of implementing, administering, and managing your participation in the Award and the Plan. You understand that the Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Award and the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view the Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data, require any necessary amendments to the Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. You understand, however, that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Award. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.
Consent to
Electronic Delivery
   The Company may choose to deliver certain materials relating to the Plan in electronic form. By accepting this grant, you agree that the Company may deliver all communications regarding the Plan and this award (including, but not limited to, the Plan prospectus and the Company’s annual report) to you in an electronic format or through an online or electronic system established by the Company or a third party designated by the Company. If at any time you would prefer to receive paper copies of these documents, as you are entitled to receive, the Company would be pleased to provide copies. Please contact Corporate Human Resources to request paper copies of these documents.
Section 409A    This Agreement, and any issuance of shares hereunder, is intended to comply and will be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A. Upon your Separation from Service (as defined below), the Company will determine whether any shares issued to you in accordance with this Agreement could be determined to be payments from a nonqualified deferred compensation plan and whether you are a “specified employee” as of the applicable payment date (each as defined by Section 409A). If you are determined to be a “specified employee” and any such payments are payable in connection with your Separation from Service, and are not exempt from Section 409A of the Code as a short-term deferral or otherwise, these payments, to the extent otherwise payable within six (6) months after your date of Separation from Service, will be paid in a lump sum on the earlier of: (i) the date that is six (6) months after your date of Separation from Service or (ii) the date of your death. The foregoing six (6) month delay will be applied if and only to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of taxes under Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Separation from Service” means an anticipated permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services to twenty percent (20%) or less of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding thirty-six (36) month period. For purposes of Section 409A, the payments to be made to you in accordance with this Agreement will be treated as a right to a series of separate payments.

By accepting this Award in the manner established by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions described above and in the Plan.

 

     RSU OFFICER WITH RETIREMENT    P a g e 4 | 4

Exhibit 10.41

ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

FORM OF OUTSIDE DIRECTOR NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby grants an option to purchase shares of its common stock, $.001 par value, (the “Stock”) to the optionee named below. The terms and conditions of the option are set forth in this cover sheet to the Outside Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, in the attached Outside Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (together with the cover sheet, the “Agreement”), and in the Company’s 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

 

Grant Date:    [ • ]
Name of Optionee:    [ • ]
Number of Shares Covered by Option:    [ • ]
Option Price per Share:   

$[ ]

By accepting this Award in the manner established by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions described in this Agreement and in the Plan. You acknowledge that (a) you have received a copy of the Plan and this Agreement and have read and understand the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, (b) the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants, (c) all decisions with respect to future grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company, (d) your participation is voluntary, (e) the Award is not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purposes, including but not limited to calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments and the Award is an extraordinary item which is outside the scope of your employment agreement, if any, (f) in the event that you are an employee of an Affiliate of the Company, the Award will not be interpreted to form an employment agreement or relationship with the Company; and furthermore, the Award will not be interpreted to form an employment agreement with the Affiliate that is your employer, (g) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages arises from forfeiture or termination of the Award and you irrevocably release the Company and its Affiliates from any such claim that may arise, and (h) in the event of involuntary termination of your employment, your right to receive the Award, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively employed and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law (e.g., active employment would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period pursuant to local law); furthermore, in the event of involuntary termination of employment, your right to vest in the Award after termination of employment, if any, will be measured by the date of termination of your active employment and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law. You agree that the Plan will control in the event any provision of this Agreement should appear to be inconsistent with the terms of the Plan. Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in the Plan and have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

This is not a stock certificate or a negotiable instrument.

 

     NQSO Outside Director    Page 1 of 4


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF OUTSIDE DIRECTOR NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Non-Qualified Stock Option    This option is not intended to be an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code and will be interpreted accordingly.
Vesting    This option is fully vested as to 100% of the total number of shares covered by the option on the Grant Date, as shown on the cover sheet.
Term    Your option will expire in any event at the close of business at Company headquarters on the day before the 7th anniversary of the Grant Date, as shown on the cover sheet (the “Expiration Date”). Your option will remain exercisable until the Expiration Date, and thereafter shall be null and void and no longer exercisable.
Manner of Exercise   

When you wish to exercise this option, in whole or in part after vesting, you must notify the Company as set forth in the Plan.

 

When you submit your notice of exercise, you must include payment of the Option Price for the shares of Stock you are purchasing. Payment may be made in one (or a combination) of the following forms:

 

•  Cash, your personal check, a cashier’s check, a money order or another cash equivalent acceptable to the Company.

 

•  Shares of Stock which have already been owned by you, including but not limited to shares which would otherwise be delivered on settlement of the option subject to this Agreement, and which are surrendered to the Company. The value of the shares of Stock, determined as of the effective date of the option exercise, will be applied to the Option Price.

 

•  By delivery (on a form prescribed by the Company) of an irrevocable direction to a licensed securities broker acceptable to the Company to sell Stock and to deliver all or part of the sale proceeds to the Company in payment of the aggregate Option Price and any withholding taxes (if approved in advance by the Committee if you are either an executive officer or a director of the Company).

Withholding Taxes    You will not be allowed to exercise this option unless you make acceptable arrangements to pay any withholding or other taxes that may be due as a result of the option exercise or sale of Stock acquired under this option. In the event that the Company determines that any federal, state, local, or foreign tax or withholding payment is required relating to the exercise or sale of shares arising from this grant, the Company shall have the right to require such payments from you, or withhold such amounts from other payments due to you from the Company or any Affiliate.
Transfer of Option   

During your lifetime, only you (or, in the event of your legal incapacity or incompetency, your guardian or legal representative) may exercise the option. You cannot transfer or assign this option. For instance, you may not sell this option or use it as security for a loan. If you attempt to do any of these things, this option will immediately become invalid. You may, however, dispose of this option in your will or it may be transferred upon your death by the laws of descent and distribution.

 

In connection with any marital property settlement agreement, the Company is not obligated to honor a notice of exercise from your spouse, nor is the Company obligated to recognize your spouse’s interest in your option purporting to arise under such an agreement.

Retention Rights    Neither your option nor this Agreement gives you the right to be retained by the Company (or any Affiliates) in any capacity. The Company (and any Affiliates) reserves the right to terminate your Service at any time and for any reason.

 

     NQSO Outside Director    Page 2 of 4


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF OUTSIDE DIRECTOR NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Shareholder Rights    You, or your estate or heirs, have no rights as a shareholder of the Company until a certificate for your option’s shares has been issued (or an appropriate book entry has been made). No adjustments are made for dividends or other rights if the applicable record date occurs before your stock certificate is issued (or an appropriate book entry has been made), except as described in the Plan.
Adjustments    The shares of Stock covered by this option may be adjusted or terminated in any manner contemplated by Section 18 of the Plan.
Amendment    The Committee has the right to amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or cancel this option, prospectively or retroactively; provided that no such amendment shall adversely affect your material rights under this Agreement without your consent.
Applicable Law    This Agreement will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware, other than any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the substantive law of another jurisdiction.
The Plan    Unless otherwise specified in an employment or other agreement between the Company and you, this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this option. Any prior agreements, commitments, or negotiations concerning this option are superseded.
Data Privacy    In order to administer the Plan, the Company and its Affiliates may process personal data about you. Such data includes but is not limited to the information provided in this Agreement and any changes thereto, other appropriate personal and financial data about you such as your name, telephone number, home address and business addresses and other contact information, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, nationality, job title, any common stock or directorships held in the Company, details of the Award or any other entitlement to cash awarded, payroll information (including salary) and any other information that might be deemed appropriate by the Company and the Committee to facilitate the implementation, administration and management of the Plan and the Award (the “Data”).

 

   By accepting this Award, you hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your Data by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Award and the Plan. You also give explicit consent to the Company and its Affiliates to transfer any such Data inside and outside the country in which you work or are employed, including, with respect to non-U.S. resident optionees, to the United States, to transferees who shall include the Company, the Committee and other persons who are designated by the Company to administer, implement and manage the Award and the Plan. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the recipients of the Data to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of implementing, administering, and managing your participation in the Award and the Plan. You understand that the Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Award and the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view the Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data, require any necessary amendments to the Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. You understand, however, that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Award. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.

 

     NQSO Outside Director    Page 3 of 4


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

FORM OF OUTSIDE DIRECTOR NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Consent to Electronic Delivery    The Company may choose to deliver certain statutory materials relating to the Plan in electronic form. By accepting this option grant you agree that the Company may deliver all communications regarding the Plan and this award (including, but not limited to, the Plan prospectus and the Company’s annual report) to you in an electronic format or through an online or electronic system established by the Company or a third party designated by the Company. If at any time you would prefer to receive paper copies of these documents, as you are entitled to, the Company would be pleased to provide copies. Please contact Corporate Human Resources to request paper copies of these documents.

By accepting this Award in the manner established by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions described above and in the Plan.

 

     NQSO Outside Director    Page 4 of 4

Exhibit 10.42

ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby grants stock units relating to shares of its common stock, $.001 par value (the “Stock”), to the individual named below as the Grantee. The terms and conditions of the grant are set forth in this cover sheet to the Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, in the attached Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (together with the cover sheet, the “Agreement”) and in the ESAB Corporation 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

 

Grant Date:    [ • ]
Name of Grantee:    [ • ]
Number of Shares Covered by Award:    [ • ]
Vesting Schedule:    [ • ]

By accepting this Award in the manner established by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions described in this Agreement and in the Plan. You acknowledge that (a) you have received a copy of the Plan and this Agreement and have read and understand the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, (b) the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants, (c) all decisions with respect to future grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company, (d) your participation is voluntary, (e) the Award is not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purposes, including but not limited to calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments and the Award is an extraordinary item which is outside the scope of your employment agreement, if any, (f) in the event that you are an employee of an Affiliate of the Company, the Award will not be interpreted to form an employment agreement or relationship with the Company; and furthermore, the Award will not be interpreted to form an employment agreement with the Affiliate that is your employer, (g) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages arises from forfeiture or termination of the Award and you irrevocably release the Company and its Affiliates from any such claim that may arise, and (h) in the event of involuntary termination of your employment, your right to receive the Award, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively employed and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law (e.g., active employment would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period pursuant to local law); furthermore, in the event of involuntary termination of employment, your right to vest in the Award after termination of employment, if any, will be measured by the date of termination of your active employment and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law. You agree that the Plan will control in the event any provision of this Agreement should appear to be inconsistent with the terms of the Plan. Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in the Plan and have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

This is not a stock certificate or a negotiable instrument.

 

     Outside Director RSU    Page 1 of 4


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

 

Stock Units    This grant is an Award of stock units in the number of units set forth on the cover sheet, subject to the vesting conditions described below (“Stock Units”).
Vesting    Other than as set forth below, your Stock Units shall vest according to the schedule set forth on the cover sheet, provided that you remain in Service on the relevant Vesting Dates. If your Service terminates for any reason other than death or Disability, you will forfeit any Stock Units in which you have not yet become vested.
Death    If your Service terminates because of your death, your Stock Units will immediately become 100% vested.
Disability    If your Service terminates because of your Disability, your Stock Units will immediately become 100% vested.
Delivery of Stock Pursuant to Units    Delivery of the shares of Stock represented by your vested Stock Units shall be made, on the basis of one share of Stock per each vested Stock Unit, as soon as practicable upon vesting and in any event not later than March 15th after the end of the calendar year in which they vest.
Withholding Taxes    You agree, as a condition of this grant, that you will make acceptable arrangements to pay any withholding or other taxes that may be due as a result of vesting in Stock Units or your acquisition of Stock under this grant. In the event that the Company determines that any federal, state, local or foreign tax or withholding payment is required relating to this grant, the Company will have the right to: (i) require that you arrange such payments to the Company, (ii) withhold such amounts from other payments due to you from the Company or any Affiliate, or (iii) cause an immediate forfeiture of shares of Stock subject to the Stock Units granted pursuant to this Agreement in an amount equal to the withholding or other taxes due.
Change in Control/Business Combination   

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if a Change in Control occurs after the Grant Date and prior to the last vesting date, your Stock Units will immediately become 100% vested and the shares of Stock subject to them shall be delivered immediately prior to the Change in Control.

 

Notwithstanding the above provision and except as set forth immediately below, in connection with a Business Combination the result of which is that the Company’s shares of Stock are exchanged for or become exchangeable for securities of another entity, cash or a combination of both, if the entity resulting from such Business Combination does not assume these Stock Units and the Company’s obligations under this Agreement or replace these Stock Units with a substantially equivalent security of the entity resulting from such Business Combination, then the Stock Units evidenced by this Agreement will become 100% vested as of the day immediately prior to the date of such Business Combination and be payable in the form of shares of Stock, cash or a combination of both, as determined by the Committee.

Transfer of Stock Units    This Award and your Stock Units may not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated, whether by operation of law or otherwise, nor may this Award or the Stock Units be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process.
Retention Rights    This Agreement does not give you the right to be retained or employed by the Company (or any Affiliates) in any capacity.
Shareholder Rights    You do not have any of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Stock Units unless and until the shares relating to the Stock Units has been delivered to you. You will, however, be entitled to receive, upon the Company’s payment of a cash dividend on outstanding Stock, a cash payment for each Stock Unit that you hold as of the record date for such dividend equal to the per share dividend paid on the Stock.

 

     Outside Director RSU    Page 2 of 4


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

 

Adjustments    The Stock Units and the shares of Stock subject to the Stock Units may be adjusted or terminated in any manner contemplated by Section 18 of the Plan.
Amendment    The Committee has the right to amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or cancel this Award, prospectively or retroactively; provided that no such amendment shall adversely affect your material rights under this Agreement without your consent.
Applicable Law    This Agreement will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware, other than any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the substantive law of another jurisdiction.
The Plan    Unless otherwise specified in an employment or other agreement between the Company and you, this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this Award of Stock Units. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this Award are superseded.
Data Privacy    In order to administer the Plan, the Company and its Affiliates may process personal data about you. Such data includes but is not limited to the information provided in this Agreement and any changes thereto, other appropriate personal and financial data about you such as your name, telephone number, home address and business addresses and other contact information, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, nationality, job title, any common stock or directorships held in the Company, details of the Award or any other entitlement to cash awarded, payroll information (including salary) and any other information that might be deemed appropriate by the Company and the Committee to facilitate the implementation, administration and management of the Plan and the Award (the “Data”).

 

   By accepting this Award, you hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your Data by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Award and the Plan. You also give explicit consent to the Company and its Affiliates to transfer any such Data inside and outside the country in which you work or are employed, including, with respect to non-U.S. resident Grantees, to the United States, to transferees who shall include the Company, the Committee and other persons who are designated by the Company to administer, implement and manage the Award and the Plan. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the recipients of the Data to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of implementing, administering, and managing your participation in the Award and the Plan. You understand that the Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Award and the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view the Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data, require any necessary amendments to the Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. You understand, however, that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Award. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.
Consent to Electronic Delivery    The Company may choose to deliver certain materials relating to the Plan in electronic form. By accepting this grant, you agree that the Company may deliver all communications regarding the Plan and this award (including, but not limited to, the Plan prospectus and the Company’s annual report) to you in an electronic format or through an online or electronic system established by the Company or a third party designated by

 

     Outside Director RSU    Page 3 of 4


ESAB CORPORATION

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

 

  the Company. If at any time you would prefer to receive paper copies of these documents, as you are entitled to receive, the Company would be pleased to provide copies. Please contact Corporate Human Resources to request paper copies of these documents.

By accepting this Award in the manner established by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions described above and in the Plan.

 

     Outside Director RSU    Page 4 of 4

Exhibit 21.1

ESAB Corporation

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 

Entity Name

  

Country

Conarco Alambres y Soldaduras SA    Argentina
ESAB Argentina SA    Argentina
Margarita SA    Argentina
Cigweld Pty Ltd.    Australia
Victor Technologies Australia Pty Ltd.    Australia
ESAB Gesellschaft m.b.H.    Austria
NV E.S.A.B.    Belgium
Exelvia (Bermuda) Limited    Bermuda
Colfax do Brasil—Participações Ltda.    Brazil
Condor Equipamentos Industriais Ltda    Brazil
ESAB Industria e Comercio Ltda    Brazil
Exelvia Holding Limitada    Brazil
Fabrica Maineira de Electrodos e Soldas Denver SA    Brazil
Thermadyne Victor Ltda.    Brazil
ESAB Bulgaria EAD    Bulgaria
Canadian Cylinder Company Ltd.    Canada
ESAB Group Canada Inc.    Canada
Victor Technologies Canada Ltd.    Canada
Thermadyne Brazil Holdings Ltd.    Cayman Islands
Thermadyne South America Holdings Ltd.    Cayman Islands
Colfax (Wuxi) Pump Company Limited    China
ESAB SeAH Welding Products (Yantai) Co. Limited    China
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products (Shanghai) Management Company Limited    China
ESAB Welding Products (Jiangsu) Co Limited    China
GCE Gas Control Equipment Co., Ltd.    China
GCE Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.    China
Jinan Red Hawk International Trading Co., Ltd.    China
TBI Shandong Industries Co., Ltd.    China
Soldaduras West Arco S.A.S.    Colombia
Agridzaar Limited    Cyprus
Evrador Trading Limited    Cyprus
Exelvia Cyprus Limited    Cyprus
ESAB CZ, s.r.o. člen koncernu    Czech Republic
ESAB VAMBERK, s.r.o., člen koncernu    Czech Republic
GCE, s.r.o.    Czech Republic
TBI Industries s.r.o.    Czech Republic
ESAB ApS    Denmark
Oy ESAB    Finland


ESAB France SAS    France
GCE S.A.S.    France
Arc Machines GmbH    Germany
ESAB Service GmbH    Germany
ESAB Welding & Cutting GmbH    Germany
GCE GmbH    Germany
HE Deutschland Holdings GmbH    Germany
HKS-Prozesstechnik GmbH    Germany
TBI Industries GmbH    Germany
ESAB Kft.    Hungary
ESAB-Mor Welding Kft    Hungary
GCE Hungaria Kft.    Hungary
ESAB India Limited    India
EWAC Alloys Limited    India
GCE India Private Ltd.    India
PT Esabindo Pratama    Indonesia
PT Karya Yasantara Cakti    Indonesia
PT Victor Teknologi Indonesia    Indonesia
Colfax Fluid Handling Finance Limited    Ireland
ESAB Group (Ireland) Limited    Ireland
ESAB Saldatura SpA    Italy
GCE Mujelli S.p.A.    Italy
Thermal Dynamics Europe Srl    Italy
Charter International Jersey Funding Limited    Jersey
Charter International Limited    Jersey
Colfax Jersey Finance Limited    Jersey
ESAB Kazakhstan LLC    Kazakhstan
ESAB SeAH Corporation    Korea, Republic Of
Charter Finance S.a.r.l.    Luxembourg
Victor Technologies Asia SDN BHD    Malaysia
Comercializadora Thermadyne S. de R.L. de C.V.    Mexico
ESAB Mexico SA de CV    Mexico
ESAB Mexico Services SA de CV    Mexico
GCE Gas Control Equipment S.A. de C.V.    Mexico
Thermadyne de Mexico S.A. de C.V.    Mexico
Victor Equipment de Mexico S.A. de C.V.    Mexico
CLFX Sweden CV    Netherlands
Colfax Fluid Handling Holding BV    Netherlands
ESAB Nederland B.V.    Netherlands
Exelvia Group India BV    Netherlands
Exelvia Holdings BV    Netherlands
Exelvia International Holdings BV    Netherlands
Exelvia Netherlands BV    Netherlands
AS ESAB    Norway
ESAB CentroAmerica SA    Panama


GCE Latin America Ltd.    Panama
Soldex S.A.    Peru
ESAB Polska Sp. z.o.o.    Poland
ESAB Sp. z.o.o.    Poland
GCE Sp. z.o.o.    Poland
OZAS-ESAB Sp. z o.o.    Poland
ESAB Comercio e Industria de Soldadura Lda    Portugal
GCE Portugal Unipessoal LDA    Portugal
Weldnote LDA    Portugal
ESAB Romania Trading SRL    Romania
GCE Romania s.r.l.    Romania
ESAB Limited Liability Company    Russian Federation
GCE Krass LLC    Russian Federation
Oxiprof LLC    Russian Federation
ESAB Asia/Pacific Pte.Ltd.    Singapore
ESAB Slovakia sro    Slovakia
ESAB Iberica, S.A.U.    Spain
Gas Control Equipment Iberica S.L.    Spain
Soldacentro SA    Spain
Soldasur SA    Spain
ESAB AB    Sweden
ESAB GCE Holdings AB    Sweden
ESAB Sweden Holdings AB    Sweden
GCE Group AB    Sweden
GCE Norden AB    Sweden
ESAB Europe GmbH    Switzerland
HTP Beteiligungs AG    Switzerland
ESAB Limited (Thailand)    Thailand
SIAM ESAB Welding & Cutting Limited    Thailand
ESAB Ukraine LLC    Ukraine
ESAB Middle East FZE    United Arab Emirates
ESAB Middle East LLC    United Arab Emirates
Airgare Limited    United Kingdom
CAST Limited    United Kingdom
CAST Resources Limited    United Kingdom
Central Mining Finance Limited    United Kingdom
Charter Central Finance Limited    United Kingdom
Charter Central Services Limited    United Kingdom
Charter Consolidated Holdings Limited    United Kingdom
Charter Consolidated Limited    United Kingdom
Charter Limited    United Kingdom
Charter Overseas Holdings Limited    United Kingdom
Charter Pension Trustee Limited    United Kingdom
Colfax UK Finance Limited    United Kingdom
Colfax UK Holdings Limited    United Kingdom


ESAB Group (UK) Limited    United Kingdom
ESAB Group Russia Limited    United Kingdom
ESAB Holdings Limited    United Kingdom
ESAB Pensions Limited    United Kingdom
Exelvia Company    United Kingdom
Exelvia Investments Limited    United Kingdom
Exelvia Properties Limited    United Kingdom
Gas Control Equipment Limited    United Kingdom
Gas-Arc Group Limited    United Kingdom
H UK Engineering Limited    United Kingdom
Hobart Place Investments Limited    United Kingdom
The British South Africa Company    United Kingdom
The Central Mining & Investment Corporation Limited    United Kingdom
Victor Technologies (UK) Limited    United Kingdom
Victor Technologies Partnership LLP (UK)    United Kingdom
EMSA Holdings Inc.    United States
ESAB Corporation    United States
ESAB International Holdings, LLC    United States
GCE Gas Control Equipment, Inc.    United States
Howden North America Inc.    United States
Imo Holdings, Inc.    United States
Imo Industries Inc.    United States
MT Foreign Holdings Inc.    United States
Shawebone Holdings Inc.    United States
Soldex Holdings I LLC    United States
The ESAB Group Inc.    United States
Victor Equipment Company    United States
Victor Technologies Group, Inc.    United States
Victor Technologies Holdings, Inc.    United States
Victor Technologies International, Inc.    United States
Warren Pumps LLC    United States
Welding & Cutting Products LLC    United States
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Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

            , 2022

Dear Colfax Corporation Stockholder:

On March 4, 2021, we announced our intention to separate our company into two independent, publicly traded companies. Completion of the separation will create (i) a specialty medical technology company providing high-quality medical devices with a broad range of products that will operate under the new name Enovis Corporation (“Enovis”) and (ii) a fabrication technology company, named ESAB Corporation (“ESAB”), which focuses on formulating, developing, manufacturing and supplying consumable welding and cutting products and equipment, as well as gas control equipment, to a wide range of global end markets. The separation will occur by means of a pro rata distribution of 90% of the outstanding shares of ESAB common stock to current Colfax stockholders. Following the separation, each company is expected to be positioned for sharpened strategic focus, increased operating flexibility and resources to capitalize on unique growth opportunities, capital structures and capital allocation strategies that are tailored to each company’s growth strategy, improved investor alignment with each company’s clear value proposition, and the ability for investors to value the two companies based on their distinct strategic, operational and financial characteristics.

ESAB will be comprised of Colfax’s existing fabrication technology business and certain other assets and liabilities that Colfax is expected to contribute to ESAB prior to the separation. As a stand-alone entity, ESAB is expected to (i) pursue a strategy focused on complementing its growth with operating improvements to further enhance margins and cash flow and (ii) maintain a balanced capital allocation policy focused on growth investments, bolt-on acquisitions and return of capital to stockholders.

Enovis, a leader in orthopedic solutions, providing devices, software and services spanning the full continuum of patient care, from injury prevention to joint replacement to rehabilitation, is expected to continue and expand its share in high-growth, high-margin served and adjacent markets through strategic M&A and R&D investments. Following the separation, we believe Enovis will be well positioned to deliver above-market growth, margin improvement and increased cash flow, with capital deployment to be focused on supporting Enovis’s strategic growth program.

The separation will provide current Colfax stockholders with ownership interests in both Enovis and ESAB. The separation will be in the form of a pro rata distribution of 90% of the outstanding shares of ESAB common stock to current Colfax stockholders. Each Colfax stockholder will receive one share of ESAB common stock for every three shares of Colfax common stock held on            , 2022 (the “record date” for the distribution).

You do not need to take any action to receive the shares of ESAB common stock to which you are entitled as a Colfax stockholder. You also do not need to pay any consideration or surrender or exchange the shares of Colfax common stock to which you are entitled. ESAB has been authorized to list its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ESAB.” Following the distribution, Colfax will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ENOV.”

The distribution is intended to be tax-free to current Colfax stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash received in lieu of fractional shares. You should consult your own tax advisor as to the particular consequences of the distribution to you, including the applicability and effect of any U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax laws.

I encourage you to read the information statement, which is being provided to all Colfax stockholders who held shares of Colfax common stock on the record date. The information statement describes the separation and the distribution in detail and contains important business and financial information about ESAB.

We believe the separation is a significant and exciting step in our company’s history, and we remain committed to working on your behalf to continue to build long-term stockholder value.

Sincerely,

Matthew L. Trerotola

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Colfax Corporation


Table of Contents

LOGO

            , 2022

Dear Future ESAB Corporation Stockholder:

We are excited to welcome you as a stockholder of ESAB. We are proud of our heritage and are committed to using our experienced management team, talented employees, outstanding brand and leading market position to establish our own independent record of strong performance.

ESAB is a fabrication technology leader with an unparalleled global footprint, track record of industry-leading product innovation and strong positions in attractive emerging markets. We have successfully executed our operational improvement strategy to out-grow peers in recent years while significantly increasing margins and cash flow. ESAB generated revenues of $2.4 billion during the year ended December 31, 2021, with strong operating profit margins and significant free cash flow.

As a stand-alone company, we believe we will be well-positioned to further increase our market share as a leader in global industrial markets through innovation and commercial excellence. We will focus on complementing our growth with operating improvements to further enhance our margins and cash flow, and will maintain a balanced capital allocation policy focused on growth investments, bolt-on acquisitions and return of capital to stockholders.

Our outstanding team has a strong Colfax legacy and seeks to make continuous improvement part of everything we do.

I personally invite you to learn more about ESAB and our strategic initiatives by reading the accompanying information statement. We have been authorized to list our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ESAB.” With our strong foundation derived from Colfax, ESAB is set up well for what we believe will be our best days to come.

Sincerely,

Shyam P. Kambeyanda

President and Chief Executive Officer

ESAB Corporation


Table of Contents

Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A registration statement on Form 10 relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, but has not yet become effective.

PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 11, 2022

INFORMATION STATEMENT

ESAB Corporation

 

 

This information statement is being furnished in connection with the pro rata distribution by Colfax Corporation (“Colfax”) to its stockholders of 90% of the outstanding shares of common stock of ESAB Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Colfax, that will primarily hold, directly or indirectly, the assets and liabilities associated with Colfax’s fabrication technology business, and certain other assets and liabilities that Colfax is expected to contribute prior to the separation (“ESAB” or the “Company”). Upon completion of the distribution, Colfax will change its name to Enovis Corporation.

For every three shares of Colfax common stock held of record by you as of the close of business on            , 2022 (the “record date” for the distribution), you will receive one share of ESAB common stock. You will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares of ESAB common stock that you would have received after application of the above ratio.

The distribution is intended to be tax-free to Colfax stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash received in lieu of fractional shares.

No vote of Colfax stockholders is required to complete the distribution. Therefore, you are not being asked for any proxy in connection with the distribution. You also do not need to pay any consideration, to exchange or surrender your existing shares of Colfax common stock or to take any other action in order to receive the shares of ESAB common stock to which you are entitled.

There is no current trading market for ESAB common stock. ESAB expects that a limited market, commonly known as a “when-issued” trading market, will develop on or shortly before the record date, and further expects that “regular-way” trading will begin on the first trading day following the distribution. ESAB been authorized to list its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “ESAB.” Following the distribution, Enovis will trade on the NYSE under the symbol “ENOV.”

 

 

In reviewing this information statement, you should carefully consider the matters described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 21.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this information statement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This information statement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

The date of this information statement is            , 2022.

A Notice of Internet Availability of Information Statement Materials containing instructions describing how to access this information statement was first mailed to Colfax stockholders on or about            , 2022. This information statement will be mailed to those Colfax stockholders who previously elected to receive a paper copy of such materials.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION

     iii  

INFORMATION STATEMENT SUMMARY

     1  

SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

     17  

RISK FACTORS

     21  

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     46  

DIVIDEND POLICY

     48  

CAPITALIZATION

     49  

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     50  

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

     60  

BUSINESS

     80  

MANAGEMENT

     87  

EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

     95  

TREATMENT OF OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT THE TIME OF THE DISTRIBUTION

     126  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

     127  

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     138  

THE SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION

     140  

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. HOLDERS

     146  

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

     150  

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     151  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     157  

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

     F-1  

 

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Presentation of Information

Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to: (i) “ESAB,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to ESAB Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries after giving effect to the separation or, with respect to historical information, the business and operations of Colfax’s fabrication technology business that will be transferred to the Company in connection with the separation and distribution. In connection with the separation and distribution, Colfax Corporation will change its name to “Enovis Corporation.” References herein to the terms “Colfax,” “Parent” and “Enovis,” when used in a historical context, refer to Colfax Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (including ESAB and all of its subsidiaries) and, when used in the future tense, refer to Enovis Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries after giving effect to the separation and distribution.

In connection with the separation and distribution, we will enter into a series of transactions with Colfax pursuant to which Colfax will transfer the assets and liabilities of its fabrication technology business and certain other assets and liabilities to us in exchange for shares of our common stock and the Cash Distribution (as defined herein). As used herein: (i) the “separation” refers to the separation of the fabrication technology business from Colfax, the transfer of certain other assets and liabilities to us from Colfax and the creation of a separate, publicly traded company holding the fabrication technology business; and (ii) the “distribution” refers to the pro rata distribution of 90% of the shares of ESAB common stock owned by Colfax as of the record date to Colfax stockholders. Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, the information in this information statement about ESAB assumes the completion of all of the transactions referred to in this information statement in connection with the separation and distribution.

Market, Industry and Other Data

Unless otherwise indicated, information in this information statement concerning our industry and the markets in which we operate, including our general expectations, market position, market opportunity and market share, is based on information from third-party sources and management estimates. Management estimates are derived from publicly available information, our knowledge of our industry and assumptions based on such information and knowledge, which we believe to be reasonable. Management estimates have not been verified by any independent source.

Estimates of our company’s addressable market, defined as established equipment products and new products in automation, software and services, are based on public data from peer companies, customer surveys, and market analyses conducted by our sales function. We also use these sources and analyses, in addition to data from IHS Markit Ltd., to estimate the established fabrication technology products market and the higher-growth fabrication technology products market, including medical and special gas control, digital solutions and robotics, and their respective growth rates.

These, and other assumptions and estimates of our and our industry’s future performance are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors. These and other factors could cause future performance to differ materially from our assumptions and estimates. See “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”

Trademarks and Trade Names

The name and mark, ESAB, and other of our trademarks, trade names and service marks appearing in this information statement are our property or, as applicable, licensed to us, or, as applicable, are the property of Colfax. The name and mark, Colfax, Enovis and other trademarks, trade names and service marks of Colfax appearing in this information statement are the property of Colfax.

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION

 

What is ESAB and why is Colfax separating ESAB’s businesses and distributing ESAB’s common stock?    ESAB, which is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of Colfax, was formed to hold Colfax’s fabrication technology business and certain other assets and liabilities that will be contributed to ESAB from Colfax prior to the consummation of the separation. The separation of ESAB from Colfax and the distribution of ESAB common stock are intended to provide you with equity investments in two separate, publicly traded companies that will each be able to focus on its respective business strategies. Colfax and ESAB believe that the separation will result in enhanced long-term performance of each business for the reasons discussed in “The Separation and Distribution—Background” and “The Separation and Distribution—Reasons for the Separation.”
Why am I receiving this information statement?    Colfax is delivering this information statement to you because you are a holder of record of shares of Colfax common stock. If you are a holder of Colfax common stock as of the close of business on             , 2022 (the record date for the distribution), you will be entitled to receive one share of ESAB common stock for every three shares of Colfax common stock that you held at the close of business on such date. This information statement will help you understand how the separation and distribution will affect your investment in Colfax and your investment in us after the separation.
How will the separation of ESAB from Colfax work?    To accomplish the separation of ESAB into a separate, publicly-traded company, Colfax will distribute 90% of the outstanding shares of our common stock to Colfax stockholders on a pro rata basis in a distribution intended to be tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash received in lieu of fractional shares.
Why is the separation of ESAB structured as a distribution?    Colfax believes that a distribution of shares of our common stock to Colfax stockholders that is tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes is an efficient way to separate the fabrication technology business in a manner that will create long-term value for Colfax and its stockholders.
What is the record date for the distribution?    The record date for the distribution will be             , 2022.
When will the distribution occur?    It is expected that 90% of our common stock will be distributed by Colfax on or about             , 2022 to holders of record of Colfax common stock as of the close of business on             , 2022 (the record date for the distribution).
What do Colfax stockholders need to do to participate in the distribution?    Colfax stockholders as of the record date are not required to take any action to receive our common stock in the distribution, but you are urged to read this entire information statement carefully. No stockholder approval of the distribution is required, and you are not being asked for a proxy. You also do not need to pay any consideration, exchange or surrender your existing shares of Colfax common stock or take any other action to receive the shares of our common stock to which you are entitled. The distribution will not affect the number of outstanding shares of Colfax common stock or any rights of Colfax stockholders, although it will affect the market value of each outstanding share of Colfax common stock. In connection with and immediately following the separation, Colfax intends to effect a reverse stock split of its common stock (the “reverse stock split”) and a corresponding reduction in the number of authorized shares of its common stock, which will also affect the market value of each outstanding share of Colfax common stock.

 

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How will shares of ESAB common stock be issued?   

You will receive shares of our common stock through the same or substantially similar channels that you currently use to hold or trade shares of Colfax common stock (whether through a brokerage account, 401(k) plan or other channel). Receipt of shares of our common stock will be documented for you in substantially the same manner that you typically receive stockholder updates, such as monthly broker statements and 401(k) statements.

 

If you own shares of Colfax common stock as of the record date, Colfax, with the assistance of EQ Shareowner Services, the distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for our common stock (“EQ”), will electronically distribute shares of our common stock to you or to your brokerage firm on your behalf by way of direct registration in book-entry form. EQ will mail you a book-entry account statement that reflects your shares of our common stock, or your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for such shares.

How many shares of ESAB common stock will I receive in the distribution?    Colfax will distribute to you one share of our common stock for every three shares of Colfax common stock held by you as of the record date. Based on approximately 161,993,909 shares of Colfax common stock outstanding as of March 1, 2022, assuming a distribution of 90% of our common stock and applying the distribution ratio (without accounting for cash to be issued in lieu of fractional shares), we expect that a total of approximately 48,598,173 shares of our common stock will be distributed to Colfax stockholders and approximately 5,399,796 shares of our common stock will continue to be owned by Enovis following the separation. See “The Separation and Distribution.”
Will ESAB issue fractional shares of its common stock in the distribution?    No. We will not issue fractional shares of our common stock in the distribution. Fractional shares that Colfax stockholders would otherwise have been entitled to receive will be aggregated into whole shares and sold in the public market by the distribution agent. The aggregate net cash proceeds of these sales will be distributed pro rata (based on the fractional share such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive) to those stockholders who would otherwise have been entitled to receive fractional shares. Recipients of cash in lieu of fractional shares will not be entitled to any interest on the amounts of payment made in lieu of fractional shares. The receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares generally will be taxable to the recipient stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes as described in “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution to U.S. Holders.”
What are the conditions to the distribution?   

The distribution is subject to final approval by the board of directors of Colfax (the “Colfax Board”), as well as a number of other conditions, including, among others:

 

•   the approval of the boards of directors of each of Colfax and us, which approval has not been withdrawn;

 

•   the transfer of assets and liabilities to us in accordance with the separation agreement will have been completed;

 

•   Colfax will have received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), which Colfax has received, and an opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP, tax counsel to Colfax, regarding the qualification of the distribution, together with certain related transactions, as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);

 

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•   the SEC will have declared effective the registration statement on Form 10 of which this information statement forms a part, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement will be in effect, no proceedings for such purpose will be pending before or threatened by the SEC, and this information statement, or a Notice of Internet Availability thereof, will have been mailed to Colfax stockholders as of the record date for the distribution;

 

•   all actions and filings necessary or appropriate under applicable securities laws will have been taken and, where applicable, will have become effective or been accepted by the applicable governmental authority;

 

•   the agreements relating to the separation will have been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto;

 

•   no order, injunction or decree issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the separation, the distribution or any of the related transactions will be in effect;

 

•   the shares of our common stock to be distributed will have been accepted for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of distribution;

 

•   Colfax will have requested the resignation of each of our directors and officers who will continue solely as an officer or director of Enovis following the separation other than Christopher Hix who will continue to serve as one of our directors in addition to continuing to serve as Enovis’s Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer;

 

•   Colfax will have entered into a distribution agent agreement with, or provided instructions regarding the distribution to, EQ as distribution agent;

 

•   all material governmental approvals necessary to consummate the distribution and to permit the operation of our business after the separation substantially as it is currently conducted will have been obtained;

 

•   the Cash Distribution will have been declared and paid by us to Colfax; and

 

•   no other event or development will have occurred or exist that, in the judgment of the Colfax Board, in its sole discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the separation, the distribution or the other related transactions.

 

Neither we nor Colfax can assure you that any or all of these conditions will be met. In addition, Colfax can decline at any time to go forward with the separation and distribution. See “The Separation and Distribution—Conditions to the Distribution.”

What is the expected date of completion of the separation and distribution?    The completion and timing of the separation and distribution are dependent upon a number of conditions. It is expected that 90% of our common stock will be distributed by Colfax on or about             , 2022 to holders of record of Colfax common stock as of the close of business on             , 2022 (the record date for the distribution). However, no assurance can be provided as to the timing of the separation or that all conditions to the distribution will be met.

 

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Can Colfax decide to cancel the distribution of ESAB common stock even if all the conditions have been met?    Yes. The distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions as described in “The Separation and Distribution—Conditions to the Distribution.” Until the distribution has occurred, Colfax has the right to terminate, modify or abandon the distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied.
What if I want to sell my Colfax or ESAB common stock?    You should consult with your financial advisor, such as your stockbroker, bank or tax advisor.
What is “regular-way” and “ex-distribution” trading of Colfax stock?   

Beginning on or shortly before the record date and continuing through the distribution date, it is expected that there will be two markets in Colfax common stock: a “regular-way” market and an “ex-distribution” market. Shares of Colfax common stock that trade in the “regular-way” market will trade with an entitlement to shares of our common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution. Shares that trade in the “ex-distribution” market will trade without an entitlement to shares of our common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution.

  

 

If you decide to sell any shares of Colfax common stock before the distribution date, you should ensure that your stockbroker, bank or other nominee understands whether you want to sell your shares of Colfax common stock with or without your entitlement to our common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution.

Where will I be able to trade shares of ESAB common stock?    We have been authorized to list our common stock on the NYSE under the symbol “ESAB.” We anticipate that trading in our common stock will begin on a “when-issued” basis on or shortly before the record date and will continue up to the distribution date. We anticipate that “regular-way” trading in our common stock will begin on the first trading day following the completion of the distribution. If trading begins on a “when-issued” basis, you may purchase or sell our common stock up to the distribution date, but your transaction will not settle until after the distribution date. We cannot predict the trading prices for our common stock before, on or after the distribution date.
What will happen to the listing of Colfax common stock?    Upon completion of the distribution, Colfax will change its name to Enovis Corporation. After the distribution, Enovis common stock will trade on the NYSE under the symbol “ENOV.”
Will the number of shares of Colfax common stock that I own change as a result of the distribution?    No. The number of shares of Colfax common stock that you own will not change as a result of the distribution. However, in connection with and immediately following the distribution, Colfax intends to effect the reverse stock split, which, if effected, will decrease the number of shares of Colfax common stock that you own in proportion to the reverse stock split ratio.
Will the distribution affect the market price of my shares of Enovis common stock?    Yes. As a result of the distribution, Colfax expects the trading price of shares of Enovis common stock immediately following the distribution to be lower than the “regular-way” trading price of such shares immediately prior to the distribution because the trading price will no longer reflect the value of the fabrication technology business. However, following the anticipated reverse stock split, Colfax expects the trading price of shares of Enovis common stock to increase as a result of the reverse stock split. There can be no assurance that the aggregate market value of the Enovis common stock and our common

 

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   stock following the separation and the reverse stock split will be higher or lower than the market value of Colfax common stock if the separation (and the reverse stock split) did not occur. This means, for example, that after the distribution, the combined trading prices of the equivalent of one pre-reverse stock split share of Enovis common stock and one-third of a share of our common stock (representing the number of shares of our common stock to be received per every one share of Colfax common stock in the distribution) may be equal to, greater than or less than the trading price of one share of Colfax common stock before the distribution and the reverse stock split.
What are the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the separation and the distribution?    The distribution is conditioned upon, among other things, Colfax’s receipt of a private letter ruling from the IRS, which Colfax has received, and the opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP, tax counsel to Colfax, regarding the qualification of the distribution, together with certain related transactions, as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code. The private letter ruling is and the opinion of tax counsel will be based on certain factual assumptions and representations and subject to qualifications and limitations. If the distribution qualifies as a reorganization, then for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders (as defined in “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution to U.S. Holders”) should not recognize gain or loss or include any amount in taxable income (other than with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares) as a result of the distribution. The material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the distribution are described in the section entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution to U.S. Holders.” Each Colfax stockholder is encouraged to consult its tax advisor as to the specific tax consequences of the distribution to such stockholder, including the effect of any state, local and non-U.S. tax laws and of changes in applicable tax laws.
How will I determine my tax basis in the shares of ESAB common stock that I receive in the distribution?    For U.S. federal income tax purposes, assuming that the distribution is tax-free to Colfax stockholders, the tax basis in the Colfax stock that a Colfax stockholder holds immediately prior to the distribution will be allocated between such stockholder’s shares of Colfax stock and the shares of ESAB stock received in the distribution (including any fractional share interest for which cash is received) in proportion to the relative fair market values of each immediately following the distribution. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution to U.S. Holders” for a more detailed description of the effects of the distribution on Colfax stockholders’ tax basis in shares of Colfax stock and ESAB stock. Each Colfax stockholder is encouraged to consult its tax advisor as to how this allocation will work based on such stockholder’s situation (including if shares of Colfax stock were purchased by such stockholder at different times or for different amounts) and regarding any particular consequences of the distribution to such stockholder, including the application of state, local and non-U.S. tax laws.
What will ESAB’s relationship be with Enovis following the separation?    We expect to enter into a separation agreement with Colfax to effect the separation and provide a framework for our relationship with Enovis after the separation. We also expect to enter into certain other agreements, including a transition services agreement, an employee matters agreement, a tax matters agreement, an intellectual property matters agreement, an EBS license agreement and a stockholder’s and registration rights agreement. These agreements will govern the separation between us and Colfax of the assets, employees, liabilities and obligations (including its investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) of Colfax and its

 

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   subsidiaries attributable to periods prior to, at and after the separation and will govern certain relationships between us and Enovis after the separation. See “—What does Enovis intend to do with any shares of our common stock it retains?,” “Information Statement Summary—The Separation and Distribution,” “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation.”
How will Enovis vote any shares of our common stock it retains?    Enovis will agree to vote any shares of common stock that it retains in proportion to the votes cast by our other stockholders and is expected to grant us a proxy with respect to such retained shares. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.”
What does Enovis intend to do with any shares of our common stock it retains?    Enovis will dispose of all of our common stock that it retains after the distribution, including through one or more subsequent exchanges of our common stock for Enovis debt held by one or more investment banks and/or through distributions of our common stock to Enovis stockholders as dividends or in exchange for outstanding shares of Enovis common stock, within the twelve-month period following the distribution.
Who will manage ESAB after the separation?    ESAB benefits from having in place a management team with an extensive background in the fabrication technology business. Led by Shyam P. Kambeyanda, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kevin Johnson, our Chief Financial Officer, ESAB’s management team possesses deep knowledge of, and extensive experience in, our industry. Mitchell P. Rales, the current Chairman of the Colfax Board, is expected to serve as Chairman of our board of directors (the “Board”) and the Enovis Board after the distribution. See “Management.”
Are there risks associated with owning ESAB common stock?    Yes. Ownership of our common stock is subject to both general and specific risks, including those relating to our businesses, the industries in which we operate, our ongoing contractual relationships with Enovis after the separation and our status as a separate, publicly traded company. Ownership of our common stock is also subject to risks relating to the separation. These risks are described in the “Risk Factors” section of this information statement beginning on page 21. You are encouraged to read that section carefully.
Does ESAB plan to pay dividends?    Subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding preferred stock, holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive ratably the dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our Board out of funds legally available for that purpose. If there is a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us, holders of our common stock would be entitled to ratable distribution of our assets remaining after the payment in full of liabilities and any preferential rights of any then-outstanding preferred stock. See “Dividend Policy.”
Will ESAB incur any indebtedness prior to or at the time of the distribution?    Yes, we anticipate having certain indebtedness upon completion of the separation which we expect will consist of (i) a senior revolving facility, (ii) a senior term loan A-1 facility and (iii) a 364-day senior term loan A-2 facility. See “Description of Certain Indebtedness” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business.”

 

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Who will be the distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for the ESAB common stock?   

The distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for our common stock will be EQ. For questions relating to the transfer or mechanics of the distribution, you should contact:

 

Equiniti Trust Company

1110 Centre Pointe Curve

Suite 101

Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Telephone: +1-800-468-9716

Where can I find more information about each of Colfax and ESAB?   

Before the distribution, if you have any questions relating to Colfax’s business performance, you should contact Colfax at:

 

Mike Macek

Vice President, Finance

Colfax Corporation

Telephone: +1-302-252-9160

Email: investorrelations@colfaxcorp.com

 

  

After the distribution, ESAB stockholders who have any questions relating to our business performance should contact us at:

 

Mark Barbalato

Vice President, Investor Relations

ESAB Corporation

Telephone: +1-301-323-9098

Email: investorrelations@esab.com

 

We maintain an internet website at www.ESAB.com. Our website, and the information contained on or accessible through our website, is not incorporated by reference in this information statement.

 

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INFORMATION STATEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights information included elsewhere in this information statement and does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read this entire information statement carefully, including “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our combined financial statements and the notes thereto (the “Combined Financial Statements”).

Business Summary

We are a global fabrication technology company that formulates, develops, manufactures and supplies consumable products and equipment for use in cutting, joining and automated welding, as well as gas control equipment. Products are marketed under several brand names, most notably ESAB, which we believe is well known in the international welding industry. ESAB’s comprehensive range of welding consumables includes electrodes, cored and solid wires and fluxes using a wide range of specialty and other materials, and cutting consumables includes electrodes, nozzles, shields and tips. Approximately 69% of ESAB’s 2021 revenue was attributable to the sale of welding consumables, which reflect a high recurring revenue stream. ESAB’s fabrication technology equipment ranges from portable welding machines to large customized automated cutting and welding systems. ESAB also offers a range of software and digital solutions to help its customers increase their productivity, remotely monitor their welding operations and digitize their documentation. Products are sold into a wide range of global end markets, including general industry, construction, infrastructure, transportation, energy, renewable energy, and medical & life sciences. Our sales channels include both independent distributors and direct salespeople who, depending on geography and end market, sell our products to our end users.

We believe our company, which competes in an estimated $30 billion market, is the prominent industry player with a substantial position in every major market in the world, combining global scale with regional agility to maximize growth and profits. We define our addressable market as established equipment products and new products in automation, software and services, and estimate its size based on public data from peer companies, customer surveys, and market analysis conducted by our sales function. 51% of our 2021 revenues were derived from developing markets, which we define as South America, Eastern Europe, India, Asia, Australia and the Middle East, and which are expected to grow at greater than twice the rate of more mature markets in North America and Europe based on publicly available economic data from sources such as IHS Markit and the International Monetary Fund. Our business is well-positioned in attractive markets like healthcare and life sciences.

Over time, we developed a strong innovation engine that we believe creates competitive advantages. The rate of new product introductions has accelerated from 24 in 2016 to approximately 100 in 2021. Our WeldCloud digital product platform is in its early stages of customer adoption and represents another opportunity for differentiation and growth.

Acquisitions are a core part of our strategy and are used to strengthen our company and accelerate growth. Acquisitions follow our disciplined process to ensure strategic alignment, rapid integration and attractive long-term financial returns. Over the past five years, we deployed approximately $400 million to complete and integrate several acquisitions, and we expect to complete more acquisitions in the following years. Sales from acquired businesses increased Net sales by more than $50 million from 2020 to 2021. The gross margin percentage for acquired businesses was approximately 450 basis points higher than for core businesses in 2021.

We have used the ESAB Business Excellence (“EBX”) to promote growth. In combination with our favorable market position and innovation, these commercial tools have enabled us to drive average revenue growth from

 

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2018 to 2021 that is approximately 290 basis points greater than our Key Peers (as defined below). The markets we compete in are also served by Lincoln Electric (“LECO”) and the welding businesses within Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (“ITW,” and together with LECO, our “Key Peers”). Based on information derived from LECO’s and ITW’s public filings, the composite three-year average revenue growth for our Key Peers from 2018 to 2021 was approximately 1.6%, which was approximately 290 basis points lower than our average three-year organic revenue growth of approximately 4.5% over the same period.

We have also used EBX to drive productivity improvements in our supply chain and back-office operations. Over the past five years, we reduced the number of key operating sites by 35%, and from 2017 to 2021, we generated annualized savings of approximately $24 million. We have an active program to streamline our back-office costs through automation, consolidation and increased utilization of best-cost sites. Between 2017 and 2021, increased productivity, organic growth and acquisitions contributed to a 260-basis point expansion in adjusted EBITDA margins, and we expect more improvement in future years from growth and productivity.

Following the separation, the Company will continue to be led by ESAB’s current President and Chief Executive Officer, Shyam Kambeyanda, who will also serve on our Board. Long-time Colfax financial executive and current ESAB business Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Johnson, will serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The Company will remain headquartered in Maryland and continue to operate under its well-known brand name, ESAB. The separation is expected to support the Company’s leadership in global industrial markets and position it to further increase market share through innovation and commercial excellence. We expect the Company to focus on complementing its growth with operating improvements to further enhance margins and cash flow, as well as to maintain a balanced capital allocation policy focused on growth investments, bolt-on acquisitions and return of capital to stockholders.

The Company

ESAB is a diversified industrial growth company that provides fabrication technology products and services to customers around the world, principally under the ESAB brand. The Company has been built through a series of acquisitions, as well as organic growth. We seek to build an enduring premier global enterprise by applying EBX, our business management system, to continuously improve our Company and pursue growth in revenues and improvements in profit and cash flow.

EBX is integral to our operations. EBX consists of a comprehensive set of values, behaviors, processes and tools that are designed to drive continuous improvement and create superior value for our customers, stockholders and associates. Rooted in our core values, EBX is our culture. We believe that our management team’s access to, and experience in, the application of the EBX methodology is one of our primary competitive strengths. We have used EBX to accelerate our growth and improve business performance.

Industry Overview

Our products and services are marketed worldwide, and the markets we serve are fragmented and competitive. Because we compete in selected niches of these markets and due to the diversity of our products and services, no single company competes directly with us across all our markets. We encounter a wide variety of competitors that differ by product line, including well-established regional competitors, competitors with greater specialization in particular markets, as well as larger competitors. The markets that we compete in are also served by Lincoln Electric and the welding business within Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Our customer base is broadly diversified across many sectors of the economy, and we believe customers place a premium on quality, reliability, availability, design and application engineering support. We believe the principal elements of competition in our served markets are the technical ability to meet customer specifications, product quality and reliability, brand names, price, application expertise and engineering capabilities, timely delivery and strong aftermarket support. We believe that we are a leading competitor in each of our markets.

 

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Key Trends and Industry Drivers

We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of a variety of key industry growth trends. In particular, by leveraging robotics and the Industrial Internet of Things (“IIoT”), we believe we are positioned to be a leading provider of complete welding workflow solutions. Given recent government infrastructure spending as well as continued growth across emerging markets, we believe there will be an increasing amount of public and private financing deployed towards the infrastructure sector. We believe increased capital inflow to infrastructure will spur building and construction activity, supporting greater uses of industrial welding tools and services both for replacing aging assets with sustainable and renewable infrastructure as well as new construction.

Additionally, there is an increasing demand for digital welding solutions which complement a growing number of connected devices. Improved computing power and cloud-based technology have led to considerable expansion in the number of connected devices and solutions across the IIoT. According to Statista, the global installed base of IIoT devices is expected to increase from over 13 billion units in 2021 to over 30 billion units by 2025. The desire to monitor and control devices remotely through cloud-based applications is creating a growing market for fabricators and manufacturers that wish to streamline, manage, and analyze data to maximize productivity. Our WeldCloud digital solution capitalizes on the growing demand for data analytics and delivers information used to optimize the welding process and provide quality assurance. We believe WeldCloud is a leading early-stage offering that enables connected equipment through digital solutions and offers a strong value proposition to customers. While WeldCloud is currently in the initial stages of introduction, we believe WeldCloud has the foundation to grow into a high-margin recurring revenue stream as digital adoption increases in the industry.

Technological innovation and an increased focus on sustainability and safety have also driven higher standards for materials used in industrial manufacturing. In the automotive manufacturing industry, federal regulations are requiring stricter crash and safety standards and mandating vehicles to achieve minimum mileage per gallon, which has prompted manufacturers to reduce vehicle weight by amalgamating lighter materials to the vehicle body, largely using advanced welding techniques. Increased regulations around gas management have also driven manufacturers to utilize higher-strength materials while maintaining environmentally safe practices. This places an increased demand on new welding techniques to achieve required density. We have introduced new innovative, environmentally-centric products and higher density fillers and alloys as a result of these trends.

We have also made investments in welding automation and robotic solutions to address changing labor trends across the welding industry. According to the American Welding Society, the U.S. welder shortage will reach a deficit of approximately 400,000 workers by 2024, driven by a reduced number of new welders entering the workforce combined with attrition due to retirements. The average age of today’s welders is 55, and fewer than 20 percent are under the age of 35. Robotic welding machines and automated welding systems present a solution to address the labor gap, as well as speed up production, reduce long term costs, improve weld integrity and consistency, and reduce downtime. In addition, rising global labor costs have shifted manufacturers’ focus on leveraging automation and robotics to provide cost-effective welding solutions and improve profitability.

Furthermore, rising concerns over the occupational hazards of the welding and cutting industry have initiated legislative actions and OSHA standards to better protect workers. This has spurred a growing demand for welding robotics, which can replace or assist their human counterparts in safety-critical parts of the job. The increased legislative focus on workplace safety is also creating a growing market for protective equipment such as helmets and lower-fume welding inputs. As stricter safety standards are established, more businesses will require more advanced protection for their workers, which is addressed by the products we manufacture.

Our Business Strategy

Our strategy is to maximize stockholder value through several key initiatives that are intended to drive profitable growth in the markets where we compete. We believe established fabrication technology products represent a

 

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$25 billion global market, growing at 2 - 3% annually. Our recent track record of new product introductions and our global footprint differentiate us from our peers and enhance our competitive position. Our organic and inorganic growth activities are also focused on increasing exposure and competitiveness in higher-growth fabrication technology segments, including medical and specialty gas control, digital solutions and robotics. In the aggregate, we believe these segments represent a $5 billion annual market with an annual growth rate of 6 - 8%. We believe that our strategy has enabled our ability to drive superior growth and margin expansion to our principal global competitors.

 

   

Generate Strong Organic Growth Through Investment in Product Innovation and Digital Solutions

 

   

Innovation: We invest actively in new product development. From 2016 to 2021, we increased annual new product introductions by 300%, and in 2020 and 2021, we derived approximately 28% of our sales from products introduced during the preceding five years. We have introduced best-in-class light industrial equipment, modernized and upgraded our heavy equipment offerings and introduced new offerings in our core filler materials business in response to customer demands such as lightweighting and lower fume production. Critically, we maintained R&D investment during the COVID-19 global pandemic to protect our momentum in innovation.

 

   

Global presence: ESAB’s global presence is unique among our competitors. Based on internal market analyses, we believe we are the leading fabrication technology provider in Europe, the Middle East, India, South America and Australia by revenue, and the leading global player in China by revenue. We are the third largest provider in North America by revenue. Our global footprint provides access to higher-growth emerging market economies, and it diversifies our business to support stability across economic cycles. We have also organized global R&D centers of excellence that give us access to the broadest range of customer input, as well as top talent in a best-cost environment.

 

   

Digital/WeldCloud: We have invested to advance our digital offerings in parallel to investing in our hardware portfolio. Our WeldCloud software platform positions us a solution provider and increases connectivity across our portfolio. WeldCloud delivers customers insight to improve the efficiency of their operations, allows them to track work quality in real-time, helps them manage welding-related documentation and provides remote fleet management that reduces equipment downtime. As WeldCloud penetration into our customer base grows, we expect to benefit from unique user insights and analysis and continue building toward a high-margin recurring revenue stream and leveraging opportunities for pull-through revenue.

 

   

Robotics: Robotics is another key thrust of our innovation strategy. Our customers look to us for workflow solutions that automate complex, repeatable tasks. Our Octopuz OLP software enables off-line programming of welding robots, and works with any robot OEM in a customer facility. This technology is adaptable to a broad range of customer demands, including high-mix / low-volume production, and drives increased repeatability, quality and productivity.

 

   

Apply EBX to Drive Continuous Improvement

 

   

EBX: EBX is core to ESAB’s culture and operations. EBX disciplines are embedded in our day-to-day operations and permeate all aspects of our business. The EBX playbook is grounded in the voice of the customer and guides our approach to innovation, which includes rapid prototyping with targeted customers to maximize product effectiveness and differentiation. EBX has also played a critical role in allowing ESAB to optimize its manufacturing footprint, transform our supply chain, improve price management and enhance customer experience and engagement.

 

   

Margin expansion: From 2016 to 2021, we improved our Adjusted EBITDA margins by over 290 basis points. We achieved this result through a combination of factors, including rationalizing our production footprint, optimizing SG&A spend and enhancing pricing. Our long-term strategic goal

 

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is for consistent Adjusted EBITDA margins between 20-22%. We expect that our application of EBX, along with continued growth in higher-margin digital and robotics offerings, will be key drivers of this expansion.

 

   

High cash conversion: In 2021, ESAB generated Net cash provided by operating activities of $251 million, which was 105% of ESAB’s net income of $239 million. We expect another year of strong cash conversion for 2022. There remain further opportunities to improve inventory management, as well as for other working capital improvements.

 

   

Redeploy Our Free Cash Flow to Acquire Businesses with Differentiated Technologies in Attractive Markets

 

   

Higher growth, higher gross margin and lower cyclicality: ESAB is a proven acquirer, having completed six acquisitions since the beginning of 2017. Our M&A criteria select for businesses that will improve our revenue and earnings growth, enhance our gross margins and continue to reduce cyclicality. Our recent acquisitions grew through the pandemic and into 2021 and generated gross margins 450 basis points greater than our core business in 2021.

 

   

Differentiated technology: We use M&A to increase our exposure to technologies that expand our differentiation versus peers. For example, in recent years, our acquisitions have expanded our digital and robotic offerings, complementing our dedicated internal R&D efforts in these areas.

 

   

Attractive adjacencies: Acquisitions also allow ESAB to accelerate our penetration of compelling adjacent markets. In recent years, we have used M&A to enter the medical and specialty gas control market, which represents an approximately $3 billion addressable market growing in the mid-single-digit area.

 

   

Attract and Retain Talented Employees

 

   

Our ability to maintain a high performing, diverse and inclusive workplace is a critical component of our strategy. Our workforce is highly engaged, as demonstrated by our ongoing associate surveys and an annual voluntary turnover rate in the single-digits. We have assembled a global talent base that supports our commitment to customer-led innovation and continuous improvement. It is our firm conviction that the best team wins.

 

   

Build Our Competitive Advantage by Offering the Broadest Portfolio of Solutions and the Industry’s Leading Global Brands

 

   

Our company represents a uniquely complete solution set, reflected in our sector’s broadest product portfolio and a stable of leading global brands. Our offerings include a full set of fabrication technology hardware, software and consumables, with applications in a diverse set of industrial end markets. We estimate the value of our global addressable market to be $30 billion. The ESAB brand is globally prominent in fabrication technology, and our other brands have strong presence in specific geographies and product categories. We believe that the completeness of our solution set, the value of our brands and our global reach generate distinct competitive advantages for ESAB.

The Separation and Distribution

The Separation and Distribution

On March 4, 2021, Colfax announced its intention to separate its fabrication technology business from the remainder of its businesses.

In connection with the separation, the Colfax Board, or a duly authorized committee thereof, will approve the pro rata distribution of 90% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock, on the basis of one share of our common stock for every three shares of Colfax common stock held as of the close of business on             , 2022 (the record date for the distribution).

 

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Our Post-Separation Relationship with Enovis

Prior to the completion of the distribution, we will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Colfax, and all of our outstanding shares of common stock will be owned by Colfax. Following the separation and distribution, we and Enovis will operate as separate public companies.

Prior to the completion of the distribution, we will enter into a separation agreement with Colfax (the “separation agreement”). We will also enter into various other agreements to provide a framework for our relationship with Colfax after the separation, including a transition services agreement, an employee matters agreement, a tax matters agreement, an intellectual property matters agreement, an EBS license agreement and a stockholder’s and registration rights agreement. These agreements will provide for the allocation between us and Colfax of Colfax’s assets, employees, services, liabilities and obligations (including its investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to periods prior to, at and after the separation and will govern certain relationships between us and Enovis after the separation. In exchange for the transfer of the assets and liabilities of Colfax’s fabrication technology business and certain other assets and liabilities to us, we will deliver to Colfax shares of our common stock and a cash distribution in the amount of approximately $1.2 billion (the “Cash Distribution”).

Descriptions of these agreement are included below. For additional information regarding the separation agreement and such other agreements, please refer to sections entitled “The Separation and Distribution,” “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation and Our Relationship with Enovis.”

The Separation and Distribution Agreement

We intend to enter into a separation agreement with Enovis immediately prior to the distribution of our common stock to Enovis stockholders. The separation agreement will set forth our agreements with Enovis regarding the principal actions to be taken in connection with the separation. It will also set forth other agreements that govern certain aspects of our relationship with Enovis following the separation and distribution. This summary of the separation agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreement, which is incorporated by reference into this information statement.

Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities

The separation agreement will identify assets to be transferred, liabilities to be assumed and contracts to be allocated to each of Enovis and us as part of the internal reorganization transaction described herein, and will describe when and how these transfers, assumptions and assignments will occur, though many of the transfers, assumptions and assignments will have already occurred prior to the parties’ entering into the separation agreement. The separation agreement will provide for those transfers of assets and assumptions of liabilities that are necessary in connection with the separation so that we and Enovis retain the assets necessary to operate our respective businesses and retain or assume the liabilities allocated in accordance with the separation. The separation agreement will also provide for the settlement or extinguishment of certain liabilities and other obligations between us and Enovis. In particular, the separation agreement will provide that, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the separation agreement:

 

   

“ESAB Assets” (as defined in the separation agreement), including, but not limited to, the equity interests of our subsidiaries, assets reflected on our pro forma balance sheet and assets primarily (or in the case of intellectual property, business records, rights to indemnification and permits, exclusively) relating to our business, will be retained by or transferred to us or one of our subsidiaries, except as set forth in the separation agreement or one of the other agreements described below;

 

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“ESAB Liabilities” (as defined in the separation agreement), including, but not limited to, the following will be retained by or transferred to us or one of our subsidiaries:

 

   

all of the liabilities (whether or not such liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the effective time of the separation) to the extent related to, arising out of or resulting from our business, our assets or Enovis’s previously divested Fluid Handling Business and Air and Gas Handling Businesses (together, the “Discontinued Businesses”), including any and all asbestos-related contingencies and liabilities related to, arising out of or resulting from the Discontinued Businesses;

 

   

all of the liabilities as of the effective time of the separation that would have resulted in such liabilities being included or reflected as liabilities or obligations of ESAB or its subsidiaries on our pro forma balance sheet;

 

   

liabilities based upon, relating to or arising from our contracts;

 

   

liabilities based upon, relating to or arising from our intellectual property;

 

   

liabilities based upon, relating to or arising out of our permits;

 

   

liabilities based upon, relating to or arising out of our real property leases;

 

   

liabilities based upon, relating to or arising out of our owned property;

 

   

liabilities with respect to terminated, divested or discontinued businesses, assets or operations that were of such a nature that they would have been part of our business had they not been terminated, divested or discontinued;

 

   

“Environmental Liabilities” (as defined in the separation agreement) arising at, prior to or after the effective time of the separation to the extent based upon, relating to or arising from the conduct of our business or the Discontinued Businesses;

 

   

liabilities arising out of claims by any third party against us to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from our business, our assets or the Discontinued Businesses; and

 

   

all assets and liabilities of Enovis will be retained by or transferred to Enovis or one of its subsidiaries (other than us or one of our subsidiaries), except as set forth in the separation agreement or one of the other agreements described below and except for other limited exceptions that will result in us retaining or assuming certain other specified liabilities.

Except as expressly set forth in the separation agreement or any ancillary agreement, all assets will be transferred on an “as is,” “where is” basis and the respective transferees will bear the economic and legal risks that any conveyance will prove to be insufficient to vest in the transferee good title, free and clear of any security interest, that any necessary approvals or notifications are not obtained or made or that any requirements of laws or judgments are not complied with. In general, neither we nor Enovis will make any representations or warranties regarding any assets or liabilities transferred or assumed, any consents or approvals that may be required in connection with such transfers or assumptions, or any other matters.

Cash Distribution

Pursuant to the separation agreement, we will distribute approximately $1.2 billion to Colfax in partial consideration of the transfer of the ESAB Assets to us in connection with the separation.

Release of Claims and Indemnification

Except as otherwise provided in the separation agreement or any ancillary agreement, each party will release and forever discharge the other party and its subsidiaries and affiliates from all liabilities of such party, liabilities

 

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arising from, or in connection with, the transactions and other activities to implement the separation and distribution and liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the effective time of the separation (whether or not such liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the effective time of the separation) to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from such party’s business, assets and liabilities (and, with respect to us, the Discontinued Businesses). The releases will not extend to obligations or liabilities under any agreements between the parties that remain in effect following the separation pursuant to the separation agreement or any ancillary agreement. These releases will be subject to certain exceptions set forth in the separation agreement.

The separation agreement will provide for cross-indemnities that, except as otherwise provided in the separation agreement, are principally designed to place financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities allocated to us under the separation agreement with us and financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities allocated to Enovis under the separation agreement. Specifically, each party will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other party, its affiliates and subsidiaries and each of its past, present and future officers, directors, employees and agents for any losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from, directly or indirectly:

 

   

the liabilities the indemnifying party assumed or retained pursuant to the separation agreement;

 

   

any breach by the indemnifying party of the separation agreement or any ancillary agreement (unless such other ancillary agreement expressly provides for separate indemnification therein);

 

   

any third-party claims that the use of the indemnifying party’s intellectual property by the other party infringes the intellectual property rights of such third-party;

 

   

any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, letter of credit, bond or similar credit support commitment by the other party for the benefit of the indemnifying party; and

 

   

any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of material fact or omission by such indemnifying party in the Form 10, this information statement or any other disclosure document.

Each party’s aforementioned indemnification obligations will be uncapped; provided that the amount of each party’s indemnification obligations will be subject to reduction by any insurance proceeds received by the party being indemnified. The separation agreement will also specify procedures with respect to claims subject to indemnification and related matters. Indemnification with respect to taxes will be governed by the tax matters agreement.

No Restriction on Competition

None of the provisions of the separation agreement includes any non-competition or other similar restrictive arrangements with respect to the range of business activities which may be conducted by either party.

No Hire and No Solicitation

Subject to customary exceptions, neither we nor Enovis will, without the consent of the other party, solicit or hire an employee of the other party or its subsidiaries for one (1) year following the separation.

Transition Services Agreement

We and Enovis will enter into a transition services agreement that will be effective upon the distribution, pursuant to which Enovis and its subsidiaries and we and our subsidiaries will provide to each other various services on a transitional basis. The transition services will include various services and functions, many of

 

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which currently use a shared technology platform, including human resources, payroll, certain information technology services, treasury services and financial reporting services. The charges for the transition services generally are expected to allow the providing company to fully recover all internal and external costs and expenses it actually incurs in connection with providing the service (including a reasonable allocation of overhead) without further markup and are based on pass-through billing, percent of use billing or fixed fee monthly billing. The transition services shall be provided in the manner and at a level substantially consistent with that provided by the respective providing company immediately preceding the Distribution Date.

The term for each of the transition services to be provided under the agreement will be set forth in the service schedules, and it is anticipated that all of the services will expire within two years following the distribution. The transition services will also be terminable under certain circumstances, including but not limited to, in the event of any uncured material breach by the other party or its applicable affiliates. The recipient of a particular service generally can terminate that service prior to the scheduled expiration date, subject to a minimum notice period equal to 30 days. Each recipient of services will indemnify the providing company from all liabilities and losses for claims to the extent resulting from or arising out of any third party claim to the extent resulting from or arising out of the transition services agreement or any operations or activities of the recipient affected by the services provided to it, except to the extent resulting from or arising out of the providing company’s fraud, gross negligence or intentional misconduct in the provision of services by such providing company. Each providing company of transition services shall indemnify the recipient of such services from all liabilities and losses to the extent resulting from or arising out of any third party claim to the extent resulting from or arising out of the providing company’s fraud, gross negligence or intentional misconduct in the provision of services by it.

Tax Matters Agreement

Prior to the distribution, we and Enovis will enter into a tax matters agreement that will govern our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings and certain other matters regarding taxes.

In general, we will indemnify Enovis for all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes (and any related interest, penalties or audit adjustments) that are (i) imposed with respect to tax returns that include both us and Enovis, to the extent such taxes are attributable to us or our businesses for any tax period (or portion thereof) beginning after the distribution, or (ii) imposed with respect to tax returns that include only us. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will also indemnify Enovis for (x) one-half of any additional taxes due as a result of any audit adjustments imposed with respect to tax returns for pre-distribution tax periods that include both us and Enovis and (y) certain taxes that are attributable to our businesses that are imposed with respect to certain unitary tax returns filed by Enovis or incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to effectuate the distribution.

Taxes incurred by Enovis and us relating to or arising out of the failure of the intended tax treatment of the distribution will generally be shared equally by Enovis and us. If, however, such failure is attributable to certain acts or omissions by us, inaccuracies, misrepresentations or misstatements relating to us or events involving our stock or assets, we will generally bear and indemnify Enovis for such taxes.

The tax matters agreement will require us to comply with the representations made in the private letter ruling Colfax has received and in materials submitted to the IRS in connection therewith and to legal counsel in connection with the tax opinion Enovis expects to receive regarding the intended tax treatment of the distribution and certain related transactions. The tax matters agreement will also restrict our ability to take or fail to take any action if such action or failure to act could adversely affect the intended tax treatment. In particular, in the two years following the distribution, we may be restricted from, among other things, (i) entering into transactions pursuant to which more than five percent (5%) of our equity would be issued or acquired, whether by merger or otherwise, (ii) ceasing to actively conduct certain of our businesses or (iii) disposing of more than a threshold

 

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amount of assets used in our businesses, in each case, unless we obtain a waiver from Enovis or receive a private letter ruling from the IRS or an unqualified opinion of a nationally recognized tax advisor that such action will not cause a failure of the intended tax treatment. Notwithstanding receipt of such ruling or opinion, in the event that such action causes a failure of the intended tax treatment, we could be responsible for taxes arising therefrom.

Our obligations under the tax matters agreement are not limited in amount or subject to any cap. Further, even if we are not responsible for tax liabilities of Enovis under the tax matters agreement, we nonetheless could be liable under applicable tax law for such liabilities if Enovis were to fail to pay them. If we are required to pay any liabilities under the circumstances set forth in the tax matters agreement or pursuant to applicable tax law, the amounts may be significant.

Employee Matters Agreement

We and Enovis will enter into an employee matters agreement immediately prior to the distribution date that will govern our and Enovis’s compensation and employee benefit obligations with respect to the employees and other service providers of each company, and generally will allocate liabilities and responsibilities relating to employment matters and employee compensation and benefit plans and programs.

Transfers of Employees and Assumption and Retention of Liabilities

The employee matters agreement will provide that Enovis will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the employees and independent contractors that exclusively or primarily are engaged in our business or who are necessary for our ongoing operations to be transferred to us prior to the distribution date. From the distribution date, Enovis will assume or retain (i) all liabilities in relation to Enovis employees, including in relation to termination and whenever incurred, (ii) all liabilities under Enovis benefit arrangements, whenever incurred and (iii) all other liabilities or obligations assigned to Enovis under the employee matters agreement. We will retain, accept or assume (i) all liabilities in relation to our employees, former service providers and independent contractors, including in relation to termination and whenever incurred, (ii) all liabilities under our benefit arrangements, whenever incurred and (iii) all other liabilities or obligations assigned to us under the employee matters agreement.

Treatment of outstanding Enovis equity awards

The employee matters agreement will provide that each Enovis equity award held by our employees and directors that is outstanding immediately prior to the distribution will be assumed by us and converted into an ESAB equity award denominated in shares of ESAB common stock with a comparable value, based on an equity award adjustment ratio to be adopted by Enovis for purposes of making equitable adjustments to the Enovis equity awards held by our employees and directors. For each equity award holder, the intent is to maintain the economic value of the equity awards before and after the distribution. The terms of the equity awards, such as the award period, exercisability and vesting schedule, as applicable, will generally continue unchanged. However, unvested and outstanding PRSUs will be earned on the distribution date either (i) at target if the performance period is less than fifty percent (50%) complete as of the distribution date or (ii) at the then current performance (as of the distribution date) if the performance period is fifty percent (50%) or more complete as of that date. Although performance is determined as of the distribution date, such converted PRSUs will not fully vest until the end of the applicable performance period stated in the original award agreement. As a result of the adjustments to the equity awards, the precise number of shares of ESAB common stock to which the adjusted equity awards will relate will not be known until the distribution or shortly thereafter. For Mr. Vinnakota, except for any shares or units deferred under the Colfax Director Deferred Compensation Plan, 50% of his awards will be converted into ESAB equity awards and 50% will remain Enovis equity awards. For Mr. Hix, 50% of his RSUs and PRSUs will

 

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be converted into ESAB equity awards, while his Enovis stock options will remain Enovis stock options. See “Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards at the Time of the Distribution.” As of the distribution date, our ESAB Corporation 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan, generally similar to the Enovis 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, will be effective to provide the ESAB equity awards described above, and future equity-based awards to our employees and non-employee directors that, similar to the Enovis 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, stock units, dividend equivalent rights, performance shares, performance units, substitute awards and conversion awards.

Treatment of Enovis benefit and compensation plans

The employee matters agreement will provide that, no later than following the distribution date, our employees generally will no longer participate in benefit and compensation plans sponsored or maintained by Enovis and will commence participation in our benefit and compensation plans, which are expected to be generally similar to the existing Enovis benefit and compensation plans.

Effective January 1, 2022, our eligible U.S. employees commenced participation in our ESAB Group, Inc. 401(k) retirement plan (with their account balances transferred from the Colfax 401(k) retirement plan), comprehensive welfare benefits plan, Internal Revenue Code Section 125 cafeteria plan, ESAB Nonqualified Plan (with account balances transferred from the Colfax Nonqualified Plan), Excess Benefits Plan (frozen to new participants with account balances transferred from the Colfax Excess Benefit Plan), and ESAB Corporation annual incentive plan, all of which are generally similar to the Enovis plans in which our U.S. employees participated. To the extent an ESAB employee on short-term disability prior to the distribution date becomes eligible for long-term disability benefits, such long-term disability benefits will be provided under the Enovis long-term disability insurance policy.

No later than the distribution date, ESAB employees’ accrued time-off benefits will carryover from Enovis to ESAB, and workers’ compensation claims (including claims incurred but not reported) and liabilities relating thereto will be assumed by ESAB.

Prior to the distribution, the ESAB Group, Inc. will assume sponsorship of the Colfax U.S. defined benefit pension plan (which is frozen as to accruals and new participants), in which our current and former employees are among the participants, and all liabilities thereunder. As of the distribution date, our ESAB Corporation executive officer severance plan and non-employee director deferred compensation plan, which are generally similar to the corresponding Enovis executive officer severance plan and non-employee director deferred compensation plan, will become effective to provide severance benefits to our officers upon certain terminations, and to provide non-employee directors the opportunity to defer payment of director fees and equity awards.

New employee benefit plans and compensation plans for our non-U.S. employees are not anticipated to be required. However, the employee matters agreement contains a provision relating to the obligations of ESAB with respect to non-U.S. plans in the event it is determined that a non-U.S. ESAB employee is participating in a non-U.S. plan of Enovis.

General matters

The employee matters agreement also will set forth the general principles relating to employee matters, including with respect to the assignment and transfer of employees, the assumption and retention of liabilities and related assets, workers’ compensation, payroll taxes, regulatory filings, leaves of absence, the provision of comparable benefits, employee service credit, the sharing of employee information, and the duplication or acceleration of benefits.

 

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Term and termination

The term of the employee matters agreement is indefinite and may only be terminated or amended with the prior written consent of both Enovis and us.

Intellectual Property Matters Agreement

We and Enovis will enter into an intellectual property matters agreement pursuant to which Enovis will grant to us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, irrevocable, sublicensable (subject to the restrictions below) and worldwide license to use certain intellectual property rights retained by Enovis. We will be able to sublicense our rights in connection with activities relating to our and our affiliates’ business but not for independent use by third parties.

We will also grant back to Enovis a non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, irrevocable, sublicensable (subject to the restrictions below) and worldwide license to continue to use certain intellectual property rights owned by or transferred to us. Enovis will be able to sublicense its rights in connection with activities relating to Enovis’s and its affiliates’ retained business but not for independent use by third parties. The term of the intellectual property matters agreement is perpetual.

The intellectual property matters agreement is intended to provide freedom to operate in the event that any of Enovis’s retained know-how, trade secrets (excluding EBS), copyrights or patents is used in any of our businesses, and, as such, applies to all portions of our businesses. However, we believe there may be relatively little use of such retained trade secrets, copyrights or patented technology in our businesses, and as a result, we do not believe that the intellectual property matters agreement has a material impact on any of our businesses.

EBS License Agreement

We and Enovis will enter into an EBS license agreement pursuant to which Enovis will grant us a royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide, and non-transferable license to use, solely in support of our business, the Colfax Business System, which will be rebranded as “Enovis Growth Excellence Business System” in connection with Colfax’s name change to Enovis Corporation, and referred to in this information statement and the EBS license agreement as “EBS.” We will be able to sublicense such license to direct and indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries (but only as long as such entities remain direct and indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries). In addition, we and Enovis will each license to each other improvements made by such party to EBS during the first two years of the term period of the EBS license agreement.

The term of the EBS license agreement is perpetual, with the license to us continuing unless there is an uncured material breach by us.

Reasons for the Separation

The Colfax Board believes that separating its fabrication technology business from the remainder of Colfax is in the best interests of Colfax and its stockholders for the following reasons:

 

   

Improved Investor Alignment. The separation will allow investors to separately value each company based on its distinct investment identity. Our businesses differ from Colfax’s other businesses in several respects, such as the market for products and services, manufacturing processes and R&D capabilities. The separation will enable investors to evaluate the merits, performance and future prospects of each company’s respective businesses and to invest in each company separately based on its distinct characteristics. The separation is expected to enhance our ability to use stock as an acquisition currency and as a way to attract and award employees.

 

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Tailored Capital Structure and Allocation of Capital. The separation will permit us to concentrate our financial resources solely on our own operations without having to compete with other Colfax businesses for investment capital. This will provide greater flexibility to invest capital in our business in a time and manner appropriate for our distinct strategy and business needs. The separation will also create an independent equity structure that will afford us with direct access to the capital markets and facilitate our ability to capitalize on our unique growth opportunities and effect future acquisitions utilizing our common stock.

 

   

Increased Operating Flexibility. The separation will allow each company to have increased operating flexibility and resources to capitalize on growth opportunities in their respective markets.

 

   

Sharpened Strategic Focus. The separation will allow each company to more effectively pursue its distinct operating priorities and strategies and enable its respective management to focus exclusively on its unique opportunities for long-term growth and profitability.

The Colfax Board also considered the following potentially negative factors in evaluating the separation:

 

   

Loss of Joint Purchasing Power and Increased Costs. As a current part of Colfax, the fabrication technology business that will become our business benefits from Colfax’s size and purchasing power in procuring certain goods, services and technologies. After the separation, as a separate, independent entity, we may be unable to obtain these goods, services and technologies at prices or on terms as favorable as those Colfax obtained prior to the separation. We may also incur costs for certain functions previously performed by Colfax, such as accounting, tax, legal, human resources and other general administrative functions, that are higher than the amounts reflected in our historical financial statements, which could cause our profitability to decrease.

 

   

Disruptions to the Businesses as a Result of the Separation. The actions required to separate our and Colfax’s respective businesses could disrupt our and Enovis’s operations after the separation.

 

   

Increased Significance of Certain Costs and Liabilities. Certain costs and liabilities that were otherwise less significant to Colfax as a whole will be more significant for us and Enovis, after the separation, as stand-alone companies.

 

   

One-time Costs of the Separation. We (and prior to the separation, Colfax) will incur costs in connection with the transition to being a stand-alone public company that may include accounting, tax (including transaction taxes), legal and other professional services costs, recruiting and relocation costs associated with hiring or reassigning our personnel and costs to separate information systems.

 

   

Inability to Realize Anticipated Benefits of the Separation. We may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the separation for a variety of reasons, including, among others, the separation will require significant amounts of management’s time and effort, which may divert management’s attention from operating and growing our businesses, following the separation, we may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than if we were still a part of Colfax, and following the separation, our businesses will be less diversified than Colfax’s businesses prior to the separation.

 

   

Limitations Placed upon Us as a result of the Tax Matters Agreement. Under the tax matters agreement that we will enter into with Enovis, we will be restricted from taking or failing to take certain actions if such action or failure to act could adversely affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the distribution and certain related transactions. These restrictions may limit for a period of time our ability to pursue certain transactions that we may believe to be in the best interests of our stockholders or that might increase the value of our business. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” for a summary of the material terms of this agreement.

The Colfax Board concluded that the potential benefits of the separation outweighed these factors. See “The Separation and DistributionReasons for the Separation” and “Risk Factors.”

 

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Description of Certain Indebtedness

We intend to enter into certain financing arrangements prior to or concurrently with the separation and distribution which we expect will consist of (i) a senior revolving facility, (ii) a senior term loan A-1 facility and (iii) a 364-day senior term loan A-2 facility. See “Description of Certain Indebtedness” and “Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Business.”

Risks Associated with Our Business and the Separation

An investment in our common stock is subject to a number of risks, including risks relating to the separation, the successful implementation of our strategy and the ability to grow our business. The following list of risk factors is not exhaustive. See “Risk Factors” for a more thorough description of these and other risks.

Risks Related to Our Business

 

   

Acquisitions are expected to be a significant part of our growth strategy. If we are unable to identify suitable acquisition candidates, complete any proposed acquisitions or successfully integrate the businesses we acquire, our growth strategy may not succeed and we may not realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions.

 

   

We may require additional capital to finance our operating needs and to finance our growth, including acquisitions. If the terms on which the additional capital is available are unsatisfactory, if the additional capital is not available at all or if we are not able to fully access credit under future credit agreements, we may not be able to pursue our growth strategy.

 

   

At or shortly prior to the distribution, we expect to enter into a $1.75 billion credit facility, $1.2 billion of which we expect to be outstanding at the time of the distribution. We also have the ability to incur an additional $78 million of indebtedness pursuant to certain uncommitted credit lines, and in the future we may incur additional indebtedness. This indebtedness could adversely affect our businesses and our ability to meet our obligations and pay dividends.

 

   

The effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic and any future resurgences may adversely impact our future results of operations, financial condition, and overall financial performance.

 

   

A significant or sustained decline in the levels of new capital investment and maintenance expenditures by certain of our customers could reduce the demand for our products and services and harm our operations and financial performance.

 

   

Our restructuring activities may subject us to additional uncertainty in our operating results.

 

   

Our business subjects us to the possibility of product liability lawsuits, which could harm our business.

 

   

A material disruption at any of our manufacturing facilities could adversely affect our ability to generate sales and meet customer demand.

 

   

The majority of our sales are derived from international operations. We are subject to specific risks associated with international operations.

 

   

If our associates represented by trade unions or works councils engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown or if the representation committees responsible for negotiating with such trade unions or works councils are unsuccessful in negotiating new and acceptable agreements when the existing agreements with associates covered by collective bargaining expire, we could experience disruptions or increased costs.

 

   

The markets we serve are highly competitive and some of our competitors may have superior resources. If we are unable to respond successfully to this competition, this could reduce our sales and operating margins.

 

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Changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could adversely affect our financial results.

Risks Related to Litigation and Regulatory Compliance

 

   

Available insurance coverage, the number of future asbestos-related claims and the average settlement value of current and future asbestos-related claims of certain subsidiaries could be different than current estimates, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

   

We have done and may continue to do business in countries subject to U.S. sanctions and embargoes. Failure to comply with various sanction and embargo laws may result in enforcement or other regulatory actions.

Risks Related to the Separation and Our Relationship with Enovis

 

   

We have no history of operating as a separate, publicly traded company, and our historical and pro forma financial information is not necessarily representative of the results that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.

 

   

As a separate, publicly traded company, we may not enjoy the same benefits that we did as a part of Colfax.

 

   

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements included in this information statement are presented for informational purposes only and may not be an indication of our future financial condition or results of operations.

 

   

Potential indemnification obligations to Enovis pursuant to the separation agreement could materially and adversely affect our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

   

If the distribution, together with certain related transactions, fails to qualify as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, Enovis and its stockholders could incur significant tax liabilities, and we could be required to indemnify Enovis for taxes that could be material pursuant to indemnification obligations under the tax matters agreement.

 

   

We might not be able to engage in certain transactions and equity issuances following the distribution.

 

   

After the distribution, certain of our executive officers and directors may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their equity interests in Enovis. Also, Christopher Hix, in addition to continuing to serve as Enovis’s Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, is also expected to serve as an ESAB director, which may create the appearance of or actual conflicts of interest.

 

   

We may not achieve some or all of the expected benefits of the separation, and the separation may adversely affect our businesses.

 

   

We or Colfax may fail to perform under various transaction agreements that will be executed as part of the separation, or we may fail to have necessary systems and services in place when certain of the transaction agreements expire.

 

   

We may be unable to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.

 

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Risks Related to Shares of Our Common Stock

 

   

We cannot be certain that an active trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained after the separation, and following the separation, the trading price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

 

   

If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock may be negatively affected.

 

   

The obligations associated with our being a stand-alone public company will require significant resources and management attention.

 

   

The market price of our common stock may be volatile, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.

 

   

We cannot guarantee the payment of dividends on our common stock, or the timing or amount of any such dividends.

 

   

Your percentage ownership in us may be diluted in the future.

General and Other Risks

 

   

Changes in the general economy and the cyclical nature of the markets that we serve could negatively impact the demand for our products and services and harm our operations and financial performance.

 

   

The loss of key leadership could have a material adverse effect on our ability to run our business.

Corporate Information

We were incorporated in Delaware on May 19, 2021 for the purpose of holding Colfax’s fabrication technology business in connection with the separation and the distribution. On December 29, 2021, in anticipation of the distribution, certain subsidiaries of Colfax were transferred into the ownership of ESAB in a common-control transaction. Prior to that point, we had no operations. The address of our principal executive offices is 909 Rose Avenue, 8th Floor, North Bethesda, MD 20852. Our telephone number is (301) 323-9099.

We maintain an internet website at www.ESAB.com. Our website, and the information contained on or accessible through our website, is not incorporated by reference in this information statement.

Reason for Furnishing this Information Statement

This information statement is being furnished solely to provide information to Colfax stockholders who will receive shares of our common stock in the distribution. This information statement is not, and should not be construed as, an inducement or encouragement to buy or sell any securities. The information in this information statement is believed by us to be accurate as of the date set forth on its cover. Changes may occur after that date, and neither we nor Colfax will update the information except in the normal course of our and their respective disclosure obligations and practices. See “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

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SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

The following summary historical and pro forma combined financial data reflects the combined assets and results of operations of Colfax’s fabrication technology business. The statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 was derived from our audited annual combined financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this information statement, and from our unaudited combined pro forma financial statements included in “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements.” Our historical results may not necessarily reflect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows for future periods or what they would have been had we been a separate, publicly traded company during the periods presented.

We have historically operated as part of Colfax and not as a separate, publicly traded company. Our combined financial statements have been derived from Colfax’s historical accounting records and are presented on a carve-out basis. All sales, costs, assets and liabilities directly associated with our business activity are included as a component of the pro forma combined financial statements. The pro forma combined financial statements also include allocations of certain general, administrative and sales and marketing expenses from Colfax’s corporate office and from other Colfax businesses to us and allocations of related assets, liabilities, and Colfax’s investment, as applicable. While these allocations have been determined on a reasonable basis, the amounts are not necessarily representative of the amounts that would have been reflected in the combined financial statements had we been an entity that operated separately from Colfax during the periods presented.

The summary unaudited pro forma combined financial data presented has been prepared to reflect certain transactions, which are described in “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements” (the “Transactions”). The summary unaudited pro forma combined financial data has been derived from our unaudited pro forma combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations data presented reflects our financial results as if the Transactions had occurred on January 1, 2021, which was the first day of fiscal 2021. The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet data reflects our financial position as if the Transactions had occurred on December 31, 2021, the date of such balance sheet data. The assumptions used and pro forma adjustments derived from such assumptions are based on currently available information.

The summary unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are not necessarily indicative of our results of operations or financial condition had the Transactions been completed on the dates assumed. Also, they may not reflect the results of operations or financial condition that would have resulted had we been operating as a separate, publicly traded company during such periods. In addition, they are not necessarily indicative of our future results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

This summary historical and pro forma combined financial data should be reviewed in combination with “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,” “Capitalization,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical audited combined financial statements and accompanying notes included in this information statement.

 

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    Year Ended December 31,  
    Pro Forma     Historical  
    2021     2021     2020     2019  
($ in thousands)   (unaudited)                    

Selected Statements of Operations data:

       

Net sales

  $ 2,428,115     $ 2,428,115     $ 1,950,069     $ 2,247,026  

Cost of sales

    1,590,132       1,590,132       1,267,604       1,450,582  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

    837,983       837,983       682,465       796,444  

Selling, general and administrative expense

    512,501       512,815       458,706       517,324  

Restructuring and other related charges

    18,954       18,954       21,633       23,040  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

    306,528       306,214       202,126       256,080  

Pension settlement (gain) loss

    (11,208     (11,208     —         33,616  

Interest expense (income) and other, net

    40,352       (1,666     (3,713     997  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

    277,384       319,088       205,839       221,467  

Income tax expense

    80,316       80,409       45,971       44,736  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

    197,068       238,679       159,868       176,731  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

    (15,121     —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

    181,947       238,679       159,868       176,731  

Less: income attributable to NCI, net of tax

    3,569       3,569       2,454       3,823  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Fabrication Technology Business of Colfax Corporation

  $ 178,378     $ 235,110     $ 157,414     $ 172,908  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations as a percent of net sales

    8.1     9.8     8.2     7.9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

       

Basic:

       

Continuing operations

  $ 3.85        

Discontinued operations

    (0.30      
 

 

 

       

Basic earnings per share

  $ 3.55        
 

 

 

       

Diluted:

       

Continuing operations

  $ 3.80        

Discontinued operations

    (0.29      
 

 

 

       

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 3.51        
 

 

 

       

Average common stock and common equivalent shares outstanding:

       

Basic

    51,141,210        

Diluted

    51,847,380        

Summary Statement of cash flow data

       

Net cash (used in) provided by:

       

Operating activities

    $ 250,737     $ 309,181     $ 249,832  

Investing activities

      (35,265     (34,573     (37,464

Financing activities

      (221,571     (326,423     (176,448

Non-GAAP financial measures(a)

       

Adjusted EBITA

  $ 366,779     $ 365,618     $ 262,780     $ 312,673  

Adjusted EBITDA

    405,936       404,081       301,146       353,663  

 

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(a)

See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

 

     As of December 31,  
     Pro Forma      Historical  
($ in thousands)    2021      2021      2020  
     (unaudited)                

Balance Sheet Data

        

Current assets

   $ 967,797      $ 964,073      $ 804,948  

Current liabilities

     657,224        596,589        460,841  

Property and equipment, net

     286,278        286,278        300,824  

Total assets

     3,754,750        3,461,262        3,385,829  

Total liabilities

     2,476,935        959,534        841,062  

Long-term debt

     1,186,868        —          —    

Total equity

     1,277,815        2,501,728        2,544,767  

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), which we use to measure the performance of our business. Adjusted EBITA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income should be considered in addition to, and not as a replacement for or superior to, the comparable GAAP measures, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Management uses these non-GAAP measures to measure our operating and financial performance. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors by offering additional ways of viewing our results, and represent the following:

 

   

Adjusted EBITA represents net income from continuing operations excluding the effect of restructuring and other related charges, acquisition-related amortization, pension settlement gains and losses, strategic transaction costs, income tax expense, and interest expense (income), net;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA represents Adjusted EBITA excluding the effect of depreciation and other amortization; and

 

   

Adjusted Net Income represents net income from continuing operations excluding restructuring and other related charges, pension settlement gains and losses, acquisition-related amortization, strategic transaction costs and the tax impact of the items excluded from pre tax income.

 

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The tables below reconcile Adjusted EBITA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income to the nearest financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP for the periods presented.

Adjusted EBITA & Adjusted EBITDA

The table below presents a reconciliation of GAAP Net income to Adjusted EBITA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     Pro forma      Historical  
($ in thousands)    2021      2021      2020      2019  

Adjusted EBITA and Adjusted EBITDA

           

Net income from continuing operations (GAAP)

   $ 197,068      $ 238,679      $ 159,868      $ 176,731  

Income tax expense

     80,316        80,409        45,971        44,736  

Interest expense (income) - net

     42,835        (30      (1,023      (1,083

Pension settlement (gain) loss

     (11,208      (11,208      —          33,616  

Restructuring and other related charges

     18,954        18,954        21,633        23,040  

Strategic transaction costs

     2,865        2,865        —          —    

Acquisition-related amortization(1)

     35,949        35,949        36,331        35,633  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITA (non-GAAP)

     366,779        365,618        262,780        312,673  

Depreciation and other amortization

     39,157        38,463        38,366        40,990  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

   $ 405,936      $ 404,081      $ 301,146      $ 353,663  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes amortization of acquired intangibles.

Adjusted Net Income

The table below presents a reconciliation of GAAP Net income to Adjusted net income for the periods presented.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     Pro forma      Historical  
($ in thousands)    2021      2021      2020      2019  
Adjusted Net Income            

Net income from continuing operations (GAAP)

   $ 197,068      $ 238,679      $ 159,868      $ 176,731  

Restructuring and other related charges - pretax

     18,954        18,954        21,633        23,040  

Pension settlement (gain) loss - pretax

     (11,208      (11,208      —          33,616  

Acquisition-related amortization - pretax

     35,949        35,949        36,331        35,633  

Strategic transaction costs - pretax

     2,865        2,865        —          —    

Tax adjustment(1)

     (4,323      (4,323      (12,926      (18,642
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)

   $ 239,305      $ 280,916      $ 204,906      $ 250,378  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

The effective tax rates used to calculate adjusted net income on a pro forma basis was 26.1% for the year ended December 31, 2021 and were 23.2%, 22.3% and 20.2% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with the information included elsewhere in this information statement. The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we have identified as material but are not the only risks and uncertainties facing us. Our business is also subject to general risks and uncertainties that affect many other companies, such as market conditions, economic conditions, geopolitical events, changes in laws, regulations or accounting rules, fluctuations in interest rates, terrorism, wars or conflicts, major health concerns, natural disasters or other disruptions of expected business conditions. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may impair our business, including our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

Risks Related to Our Business

The effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic and any future resurgences may adversely impact our future results of operations, financial condition, and overall financial performance.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has resulted in a widespread health crisis, and the resulting impact on governments, businesses and individuals and actions taken by them in response to the situation have resulted in widespread economic disruptions, significantly affecting broader economies, financial markets, and overall demand for our products. Although our customers have begun re-opening and have increased operating levels, such customers may be forced to close or limit operations should a resurgence of COVID-19 cases occur. Given this continued level of economic and operational uncertainty over the impacts of COVID-19, the ultimate financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

Even as conditions surrounding the COVID-19 global pandemic improve, the duration and sustainability of any such improvements will be uncertain and continuing adverse impacts and/or the degree of improvement may vary dramatically by geography and line of business. To the extent global vaccination programs do not achieve intended results and a longer period of economic and global supply chain and related disruption continues, the more adverse the impact will be on our business operations and financial performance. Additionally, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and any future resurgences, including actions by governments, businesses and individuals in response, could give rise or contribute to or amplify many of the risks discussed in our other risk factors in this information statement.

The cyclical nature and maturity of the welding and cutting industry in developed markets may adversely affect our performance.

The welding and cutting industry is generally a mature industry in developed markets such as North America and Western Europe and is cyclical in nature. Overall demand for welding and cutting products is largely determined by the level of capital spending in manufacturing and other industrial sectors, and the welding industry has historically experienced contraction during periods of slowing industrial activity. If economic, business and industry conditions deteriorate, capital spending in those sectors may be substantially decreased, which could reduce demand for our products and have an adverse impact on our revenues and results of operations.

A significant or sustained decline in the levels of new capital investment and maintenance expenditures by certain of our customers could reduce the demand for our products and services and harm our operations and financial performance.

Demand for our products and services depends significantly on the level of new capital investment and planned maintenance expenditures by certain of our customers. The level of new capital expenditures by our customers is dependent upon many factors, including general economic conditions, availability of credit, economic conditions and investment activities within their respective industries and expectations of future market behavior. In addition, volatility in commodity prices can negatively affect the level of these new activities and can result in postponement of capital spending decisions or the delay or cancellation of existing orders. A reduction in

 

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demand for our products and services has resulted in the past, and in the future could result in the delay or cancellation of existing orders or lead to excess manufacturing capacity, which unfavorably impacts our absorption of fixed manufacturing costs. For example, in 2020, we experienced a decline in customer demand for our products and services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any reduced demand could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our restructuring activities may subject us to additional uncertainty in our operating results.

We have implemented, and plan to continue to implement, restructuring programs designed to facilitate key strategic initiatives and maintain long-term sustainable growth. As such, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur expenses relating to restructuring activities. We may not achieve or sustain the anticipated benefits, including any anticipated savings, of these restructuring programs or initiatives. Further, restructuring efforts are inherently risky, and we may not be able to predict the cost and timing of such actions accurately or properly estimate their impact.

Any impairment in the value of our intangible assets, including Goodwill, would negatively affect our operating results and total capitalization.

Our Total assets reflect substantial intangible assets, primarily Goodwill. The Goodwill results from our acquisitions, representing the excess of cost over the fair value of the net assets we have acquired. We assess at least annually whether there has been impairment in the value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. If future operating performance at one or more of our business units were to fall significantly below current levels, if competing or alternative technologies emerge, or if market conditions for an acquired business decline, we could incur, under current applicable accounting rules, a non-cash charge to operating earnings for Goodwill impairment. Any determination requiring the write-off of a significant portion of unamortized intangible assets would adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and total capitalization, the effect of which could be material.

Our business subjects us to the possibility of product liability lawsuits, which could harm our business.

As the manufacturer of equipment for use in industrial markets, we may be subject to product liability claims. Component failures, manufacturing nonconformances, design defects, or inadequate disclosure of product-related risks or product-related information with respect to our products could result in unsafe conditions, injury or death. In addition, some of our products contain components manufactured by third parties, which may also have defects. Our product liability insurance policies have limits that may not be sufficient to cover claims made. In addition, this insurance may not continue to be available at a reasonable cost. With respect to components manufactured by third-party suppliers, the contractual indemnification that we seek from our third-party suppliers may be limited and thus insufficient to cover claims made against us. If insurance coverage or contractual indemnification is insufficient to satisfy product liability claims made against us, the claims could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Even claims without merit could harm our reputation, reduce demand for our products, cause us to incur substantial legal costs and distract the attention of our management. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our information technology infrastructure could be subject to service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, which could result in the disruption of operations or the loss of data confidentiality.

We rely on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, cloud-based services and third-party service providers, to process, transmit and store electronic information, personally identifiable information, credit card and other financial information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities, including procurement, manufacturing, distribution, invoicing, collection, communication with our

 

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employees, customers, dealers and suppliers, business acquisitions and other corporate transactions, compliance with regulatory, legal and tax requirements, and research and development. These information technology networks and systems may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components, power outages, hardware failures or computer viruses. If these information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown and business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.

In addition, our information technology networks and systems are subject to security threats and sophisticated cyber-based attacks, including, but not limited to, denial-of-service attacks, hacking, “phishing” attacks, computer viruses, ransomware, malware, employee or insider error, malfeasance, social engineering, or physical breaches, that can cause deliberate or unintentional damage, destruction or misuse, manipulation, denial of access to or disclosure of confidential or important information by our employees, suppliers or third-party service providers. Additionally, advanced persistent attempts to gain unauthorized access or deny access to, or otherwise disrupt, our systems and those of third-party service providers we rely on are increasing in sophistication and frequency. We expect to continue to confront efforts by hackers and other third parties to gain unauthorized access or deny access to, or otherwise disrupt, our information technology systems and networks. Any such future attacks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. We can provide no assurance that our efforts to actively manage technology risks potentially affecting our systems and networks will be successful in eliminating or mitigating risks to our systems, networks and data or in effectively resolving such risks when they materialize. A failure of or breach in information technology security of our own systems, or those of our third-party vendors, could expose us and our employees, customers, dealers and suppliers to risks of misuse of information or systems, the compromise of confidential information, manipulation and destruction of data, defective products, production downtimes and operations disruptions. Any of these events in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitive position, including loss of customers and revenue, business, results of operations and liquidity. In addition, such breaches in security could result in litigation, regulatory action and potential liability, including liability under federal or state laws that protect the privacy of personal information, as well as the costs and operational consequences of implementing further data protection measures.

Additionally, to conduct our operations, we regularly move data across national borders, and consequently we are subject to a variety of continuously evolving and developing laws and regulations in the United States and abroad regarding privacy, data protection and data security. The scope of the laws that may be applicable to us is often uncertain and may be conflicting, particularly with respect to foreign laws. In January 2021, following its exit from the European Union, the United Kingdom transposed the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) into its domestic law with its own version of the GDPR, which currently imposes the same obligations as the GDPR in most material respects. Other countries have enacted or are enacting data localization laws that require data to stay within their borders. The United States has also recently seen a significantly increased focus on the regulation of personal data, led by the passage of various comprehensive privacy and data protection laws at the state level. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”), which went into effect on January 1, 2020, requires, among other things, that covered companies provide new disclosures to California consumers and affords such consumers with certain rights, including the ability to opt out of certain types of data sharing and sales of their personal information. The enactment of the CCPA has led a wave of similar legislative developments in other states in the United States, which creates the potential for a patchwork of overlapping but different state laws and could mark the beginning of a trend toward more stringent privacy legislation in the United States. All of these evolving compliance and operational requirements impose significant costs that are likely to increase over time.

A material disruption at any of our manufacturing facilities could adversely affect our ability to generate sales and meet customer demand.

If operations at any of our manufacturing facilities were to be disrupted as a result of a significant equipment failure, natural disaster or adverse weather conditions (including events that may be caused or exacerbated by climate change), power outage, fire, explosion, terrorism, cyber-based attack, health epidemic or pandemic or

 

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other contagious outbreak, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, labor dispute or shortage or other reason, our financial performance could be adversely affected as a result of our inability to meet customer demand for our products.

Interruptions in production could increase our costs and reduce our sales. Any interruption in production capability could require us to make substantial capital expenditures to remedy the situation or rely on third-party manufacturers, which could negatively affect our profitability and financial condition. Any recovery under our property damage and business interruption insurance policies may not offset the lost sales or increased costs that may be experienced during the disruption of operations, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The majority of our sales are derived from international operations. We are subject to specific risks associated with international operations.

In the year ended December 31, 2021, we derived approximately 78% of our sales from operations outside of the United States and, as of that date, we had principal manufacturing facilities in 16 countries in addition to the United States. For the year ended December 31, 2021, approximately 41% of our Net sales were derived from the Americas, 30% from Europe and the remainder from other countries. Sales from international operations, export sales and the use of manufacturing facilities outside of the United States by us are subject to risks inherent in doing business outside the United States. These risks include: economic or political instability; partial or total expropriation of international assets; limitations on ownership or participation in local enterprises; trade protection measures by the United States or other nations including China, including tariffs or import-export restrictions or licensing requirements, and other changes in trade relations; currency exchange rate fluctuations and restrictions on currency repatriation; inflation; labor, employment and environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that may be more restrictive than in the United States; changes in laws and regulations, including taxation policies, or in how such provisions are interpreted or administered; difficulties in enforcing our rights outside the United States, including intellectual property rights; difficulties in hiring and maintaining qualified staff and managing geographically diverse operations; the disruption of operations from natural disasters or adverse weather conditions (including events that may be caused or exacerbated by climate change), world health events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, labor or political disturbances, terrorist activities, insurrection or war; the imposition of additional foreign governmental controls or regulations on the sale of our products; increased costs of transportation or shipping; the transition away from LIBOR to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as a benchmark reference for short-term interests; and uncertainties arising from local business practices and cultural considerations.

If any of these risks were to materialize, they may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia has significantly escalated tensions among the United States, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (“NATO”) member states, and Russia, and has led to macroeconomic and geopolitical instability. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States and other countries have imposed numerous sanctions on Russia, including its major financial institutions and certain other businesses and individuals. The ongoing conflict may also result in additional sanctions being enacted by the United States, other NATO member states, or other countries. The impact of these sanctions, along with the spillover effect of ongoing civil, political and economic disturbances on surrounding areas, may significantly devalue currencies utilized by the Company or have other adverse impacts including increased costs of raw materials and inputs, manufacturing or shipping delays, or result in reputational harm to companies operating in Russia. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s business in Russia accounted for approximately 7% of the Company’s total revenue. While the majority of the Company’s products sold in Russia are manufactured in Russia and are not subject to current sanctions, the conflict and escalating geopolitical tensions may adversely affect our operations in the region. We cannot predict the impact of these events and any heightened military conflict or geopolitical instability that may follow, including heightened operating risks and production disruptions in Russia and Europe, additional sanctions or counter-sanctions, heightened inflation, cyber-disruptions or attacks, higher energy costs, higher manufacturing costs,

 

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disruptions in raw materials supplies, increased raw material costs and higher supply chain costs. Such events may negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Additionally, other changes in U.S. policy regarding international trade, including import and export regulation and international trade agreements, could also negatively impact our business. In 2018, the United States imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum as well as on goods imported from China and certain other countries, which has resulted in retaliatory tariffs by China and other countries. Additional tariffs imposed by the United States on a broader range of imports, or further retaliatory trade measures taken by China or other countries in response, could result in an increase in supply chain costs that we may not be able to offset or otherwise adversely impact our results of operations.

The impact of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union and its full effects are still uncertain and will depend on among other things, the financial, trade, regulatory, and legal implications of the trade and cooperation agreement the United Kingdom and the European Union enter into and any future agreements. This uncertainty regarding the economic outlook of the United Kingdom has caused, and may continue to cause, volatility in foreign exchange rates, which could have an adverse effect on our revenue growth in future periods. Any trade barriers resulting from the exit may disrupt distribution channels, increase our Cost of sales, and limit our ability to achieve future product margin growth. We may also face new regulatory costs, employee retention, and other challenges that could have an adverse effect on our business.

In many foreign countries, particularly in those with developing economies, there are companies that engage in business practices prohibited by laws and regulations applicable to us, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the U.K. Bribery Act. Although we implement policies, procedures and training designed to facilitate compliance with these laws, our employees, contractors and agents, as well as those of the companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, may take actions in violation of our policies, which could result in civil or criminal enforcement actions and penalties, create a substantial liability for us and also cause a loss of reputation in the market.

If our associates represented by trade unions or works councils engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown or if the representation committees responsible for negotiating with such trade unions or works councils are unsuccessful in negotiating new and acceptable agreements when the existing agreements with associates covered by collective bargaining expire, we could experience business disruptions or increased costs.

As of December 31, 2021, approximately 50% of our associates were represented by a number of different trade unions and works councils. Further, as of that date, we had approximately 8,111 associates, representing 87% of our worldwide associate base, in foreign locations. In Canada, Australia and various countries in Europe, Asia, and Central and South America, by law, certain of our associates are represented by a number of different trade unions and works councils, which subject us to employment arrangements very similar to collective bargaining agreements. Further, the laws of certain foreign countries may place restrictions on our ability to take certain employee-related actions or require that we conduct additional negotiations with trade unions, works councils or other governmental authorities before we can take such actions.

If our associates represented by trade unions or works councils were to engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown in the future, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations. Such disruption could interfere with our business operations and could lead to decreased productivity, increased labor costs and lost revenue as well as adversely impact our reputation. The representation committees that negotiate with the foreign trade unions or works councils on our behalf may not be successful in negotiating new collective bargaining agreements or other employment arrangements when the current ones expire. Furthermore, future labor negotiations could result in significant increases in our labor costs. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Failure to maintain and protect our intellectual property rights or challenges to these rights by third parties may affect our operations and financial performance.

The market for many of our products is, in part, dependent upon patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, agreements with employees, customers and other third parties including confidentiality agreements, invention assignment agreements and proprietary information agreements, to establish and maintain our intellectual property rights, and the Goodwill engendered by our trademarks and trade names. The protection and enforcement of these intellectual property rights is therefore material to our business. The failure to protect these rights may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Litigation may be required to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights of others. It may be particularly difficult to enforce our intellectual property rights in countries where such rights are not highly developed or protected. Any action we take to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights could be costly and could absorb significant management time and attention. As a result of any such litigation, we could lose our proprietary rights.

In addition, third parties may claim that we or our customers are infringing upon their intellectual property rights. Any claims of intellectual property infringement may subject us to costly and time-consuming defense actions and, should our defenses not be successful, may result in the payment of damages, redesign of affected products, entry into settlement or license agreements, or a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting us from manufacturing, marketing or selling certain of our products. It is also possible that others will independently develop technology that will compete with our patented or unpatented technology. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement medical and death benefit plans are or may become subject to funding requirements or obligations that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We operate defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement medical and death benefit plans for current and former employees worldwide. Each plan’s funding position is affected by the investment performance of the plan’s investments, changes in the fair value of the plan’s assets, the type of investments, the life expectancy of the plan’s members, changes in the actuarial assumptions used to value the plan’s liabilities, changes in the rate of inflation and interest rates, our financial position, as well as other changes in economic conditions. Furthermore, since a significant proportion of the plans’ assets are invested in publicly traded debt and equity securities, they are, and will be, affected by market risks. Any detrimental change in any of the above factors is likely to worsen the funding position of each of the relevant plans, and this would likely require the plans’ sponsoring employers to increase the contributions currently made to the plans to satisfy our obligations. Any requirement to increase the level of contributions currently made could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Significant movements in foreign currency exchange rates may harm our financial results.

We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. During the year ended December 31, 2021, approximately 78% of our sales were derived from operations outside the United States. A significant portion of our revenues and income are denominated in foreign currencies. Large fluctuations in the rate of exchange between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Changes in the currency exchange rates may impact our financial results positively or negatively in one period and not another, which may make it difficult to compare our operating results from different periods. For example, during 2018, Argentina became a highly inflationary economy, resulting in the remeasurement of our Argentinian operations. Future impacts to earnings of applying highly inflationary accounting for Argentina on our financial statements will be dependent upon movements in the applicable exchange rates.

 

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We also face exchange risk from transactions with customers in countries outside the United States and from intercompany transactions between affiliates. Although we use the U.S. dollar as our functional currency for reporting purposes, we have manufacturing sites throughout the world and a substantial portion of our costs are incurred and sales are generated in foreign currencies. Costs incurred and sales recorded by subsidiaries operating outside of the United States are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates effective during the respective period. As a result, we are exposed to movements in the exchange rates of various currencies against the U.S. dollar. Further, we may be subject to foreign currency translation losses depending upon whether foreign nations devalue their currencies.

We are dependent on the availability of raw materials, as well as parts and components used in our products.

While we manufacture many of the parts and components used in our products, we purchase a substantial amount of raw materials, parts and components from suppliers. The availability and prices for raw materials, parts and components may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things, suppliers’ allocations to other purchasers, interruptions in production by suppliers, changes in exchange rates and prevailing price levels, trade disputes and increased tariffs. Any significant change in the supply of, or price for, these raw materials, parts or components could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, delays in the delivery of raw materials, parts or components by suppliers could cause delays in our delivery of products to our customers.

Additionally, political and economic instability and changes in government regulations in China and other parts of Asia or any health epidemics or pandemics or other contagious outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could affect our ability to continue to receive materials from suppliers there. The loss of suppliers in these areas, any other interruption or delay in the supply of required materials or our inability to obtain these materials at acceptable prices and within a reasonable amount of time could impair our ability to meet scheduled product deliveries to our customers and could hurt our reputation and cause customers to cancel orders.

The markets we serve are highly competitive and some of our competitors may have superior resources. If we are unable to respond successfully to this competition, this could reduce our sales and operating margins.

Our business operates in highly fragmented and competitive markets. In order to maintain and enhance our competitive position, we intend to, among other things, continue investing in manufacturing quality, marketing, customer service and support, distribution networks, and research and development. We may not have sufficient resources to continue to make these investments and we may not be able to maintain our competitive position. Our competitors may develop products that are superior to our products or more widely accepted, develop methods of more efficiently and effectively providing products and services, adapt more quickly than us to new technologies or evolving customer requirements or have a larger product portfolio. Some of our competitors may also have greater financial, marketing and research and development resources than we have or stronger name recognition. As a result, those competitors may be better able to withstand the effects of periodic economic downturns. In addition, pricing pressures could cause us to adjust the prices of some of our products to stay competitive. The development of new technologies by competitors that may compete with our technologies could reduce demand for our products and affect our financial performance. Should we not be able to maintain or enhance the competitive values of our products or develop and introduce new products or technologies successfully, or if new products or technologies fail to generate sufficient revenues to offset research and development costs, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

We may not be able to compete successfully with our existing competitors or with new competitors. If we fail to compete successfully, the failure may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Please see “Business—Industry and Competition” for additional information about the competitive markets in which we operate.

 

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Changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could adversely affect our financial results.

Our future effective income tax rates could be unfavorably affected by various factors, including, among others, changes in the tax rates, rules and regulations in jurisdictions in which we generate income. A number of countries where we do business, including the United States and many countries in the European Union, have implemented, and are considering implementing, changes in relevant tax, accounting and other laws, regulations and interpretations. Moreover, the recent change in the U.S. presidential administration may increase the likelihood of changes to U.S. federal income tax law. Additionally, longstanding international tax norms that determine each country’s jurisdiction to tax cross-border international trade are subject to potential evolution. For example, an outgrowth of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (“OECD”) original Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) project is an ongoing project undertaken by the 139 member countries of the expanded OECD Inclusive Framework focused on “Addressing the Challenges of the Digitalization of the Economy,” which may impact all multinational businesses by potentially redefining jurisdictional taxation rights with Pillar One and Pillar Two blueprints. As these and other tax laws, regulations and norms change or evolve, our financial results could be materially impacted. Given the unpredictability of these possible changes, it is very difficult to assess whether the overall effect of such potential tax changes would be cumulatively positive or negative for our earnings and cash flow, but such changes could adversely impact our financial results.

In addition, the amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities and by non-U.S. tax authorities. If these audits result in assessments different from amounts recorded, our future financial results may include unfavorable tax adjustments.

Acquisitions are expected to be a significant part of our growth strategy. If we are unable to identify suitable acquisition candidates, complete any proposed acquisitions or successfully integrate the businesses we acquire, our growth strategy may not succeed and we may not realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions.

We intend to seek acquisition opportunities both to expand into new markets and to enhance our position in our existing markets. However, our ability to do so will depend on a number of steps, including our ability to: obtain debt or equity financing that we may need to complete proposed acquisitions; identify suitable acquisition candidates; negotiate appropriate acquisition terms; complete the proposed acquisitions; and integrate the acquired business into our existing operations. If we fail to achieve any of these steps, our growth strategy may not be successful.

Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including difficulties in the assimilation of the operations, systems, controls, technologies, personnel, services and products of the acquired company, the potential loss of key employees, customers, suppliers and distributors of the acquired company, and the diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns. The failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses in a timely manner, or at all, or the incurrence of significant unanticipated expenses associated with integration activities, including information technology integration fees, legal compliance costs, facility closure costs and other restructuring expenses, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, the anticipated benefits of an acquisition may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than we expect. Actual operating, technological, strategic and sales synergies, if achieved at all, may be less significant than we expect or may take longer to achieve than anticipated. If we are not able to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies from our acquisitions within a reasonable time, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Additionally, we may underestimate or fail to discover liabilities relating to acquisitions during our due diligence investigations, and we, as the successor owner of an acquired company, might be responsible for those liabilities. Such liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We may require additional capital to finance our operating needs and to finance our growth, including acquisitions. If the terms on which the additional capital is available are unsatisfactory, if the additional capital is not available at all or if we are not able to fully access credit under future credit agreements, we may not be able to pursue our growth strategy.

Our growth strategy will require additional capital investment to complete acquisitions, integrate the completed acquisitions into our existing operations and expand into new markets. We intend to pay for future acquisitions using cash, capital stock, notes, assumption of indebtedness or any combination of the foregoing. To the extent that we do not generate sufficient cash internally to provide the capital we require to fund our growth strategy and future operations, we will require additional debt or equity financing. This additional financing may not be available or, if available, may not be on terms acceptable to us. Further, high volatility in the capital markets and in our stock price may make it difficult for us to access the capital markets at attractive prices, if at all. If we are unable to obtain sufficient additional capital in the future, it may limit our ability to fully implement our growth strategy. Even if future debt financing is available, it may result in (i) increased interest expense, (ii) increased term loan payments, (iii) increased leverage and (iv) decreased income available to fund further acquisitions and expansion. It may also limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures and make us more vulnerable to economic downturns. If future equity financing is available, issuances of our equity securities may significantly dilute our existing stockholders.

Risks Related to Litigation and Regulatory Compliance

Available insurance coverage, the number of future asbestos-related claims and the average settlement value of current and future asbestos-related claims of certain subsidiaries could be different than current estimates, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Certain subsidiaries to be contributed by Colfax immediately prior to the consummation of the separation and pursuant to the terms of the separation agreement are one of many defendants in a large number of lawsuits that claim personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos from products manufactured or used with components that are alleged to have contained asbestos. Such components were acquired from third-party suppliers and were not manufactured by any of these subsidiaries nor were these subsidiaries producers or direct suppliers of asbestos. Additionally, pursuant to the definitive purchase agreements related to the sale of Colfax’s Fluid Handling (“FH”) and Air and Gas Handling (“AGH”) businesses, Colfax and its subsidiaries retained the asbestos-related contingencies and insurance coverage related to these businesses, even though Colfax sold the operating assets of the FH and AGH businesses. In connection with the separation, we have agreed to indemnify Colfax for, among other things, the retained asbestos-related contingencies and liabilities related to these businesses. See “Business—Legal Proceedings,” “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements with Enovis” and “—Risks Related to the Separation and Our Relationship with Enovis—Potential indemnification obligations to Enovis pursuant to the separation agreement could materially and adversely affect our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.”

For purposes of Colfax’s financial statements, Colfax has estimated the future claims exposure and the amount of insurance available based upon certain assumptions with respect to future claims and liability costs. Colfax estimates the liability costs to be incurred in resolving pending and forecasted claims for the next 15-year period as well as the amount of insurance proceeds available for such claims. Colfax reevaluates these estimates regularly. Although Colfax believes its current estimates are reasonable, a change in the time period used for forecasting liability costs, the actual number of future claims brought, the cost of resolving these claims, the likelihood of payment by, and the solvency of, insurers and the amount of remaining insurance available could be substantially different than the estimates, and future revaluation of liabilities and insurance recoveries could result in material adjustments to these estimates, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Following the separation and contribution of these subsidiaries to the Company, we expect to follow a similar methodology to estimate future claims exposure and the amount of insurance available based upon similar assumptions with respect to future claims and liability costs, and to reevaluate such estimates regularly.

 

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In addition, following the separation, we expect to incur defense, settlement and/or judgment costs related to those claims, a portion of which has historically been reimbursed by insurers. We also expect to incur legal costs in connection with efforts to recover insurance from certain of the contributed subsidiaries’ insurers relating to insurance coverage. These costs may be significant, and we may not be able to predict the amount or duration of such costs. Additionally, we may experience delays in receiving reimbursement from insurers, during which time we may be required to pay cash for settlement or legal defense costs. Any increase in the actual number of future claims brought against us, the costs of defending or resolving these claims, the costs of pursuing claims against our insurers, the likelihood and timing of payment by, and the solvency of, insurers and the amount of remaining insurance available, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Business—Legal Proceedings” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements with Enovis.”

We have done and may continue to do business in countries subject to U.S. sanctions and embargoes. Failure to comply with various sanction and embargo laws may result in enforcement or other regulatory actions.

Certain of our independent foreign subsidiaries have conducted and may continue to conduct business in countries subject to U.S. sanctions and embargoes or may engage in business dealings with parties whose property or property interests may be blocked under non-country-specific U.S. sanctions programs. Failure to comply properly with various sanction and embargo laws to which we and our operations may be subject may result in enforcement or other regulatory actions. Specifically, from time to time, certain of our independent foreign subsidiaries sell products to companies and entities located in, or controlled by the governments of, certain countries that are or have previously been subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the U.S. government, the United Nations or other countries where we maintain operations. With the exception of the U.S. sanctions against Cuba and Iran, the applicable sanctions and embargoes generally do not prohibit our foreign subsidiaries from selling non-U.S.-origin products and services to countries that are or have previously been subject to sanctions and embargoes. However, our U.S. personnel, each of our domestic subsidiaries, as well as our employees of foreign subsidiaries who are U.S. citizens, are prohibited from participating in, approving or otherwise facilitating any aspect of the business activities in those countries or with persons prohibited under U.S. sanctions. These constraints impose compliance costs and risks on our operations and may negatively affect the financial or operating performance of such business activities.

Our efforts to comply with U.S. and other applicable sanction and embargo laws may not be effective, and as a consequence we may face enforcement or other actions if our compliance efforts are not or are perceived as not being wholly effective. Actual or alleged violations of these laws could lead to substantial fines or other sanctions which could result in substantial costs. In addition, Syria, Sudan and Iran and certain other sanctioned countries currently are identified by the U.S. State Department as state sponsors of terrorism, and have been subject to restrictive sanctions. Because certain of our independent foreign subsidiaries have contact with and transact limited business in certain U.S. sanctioned countries, including sales to enterprises controlled by agencies of the governments of such countries, our reputation may suffer due to our association with these countries, which may have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock and our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, certain U.S. states and municipalities have enacted legislation regarding investments by pension funds and other retirement systems in companies that have business activities or contacts with countries that have been identified as state sponsors of terrorism and similar legislation may be pending in other states. As a result, pension funds and other retirement systems may be subject to reporting requirements with respect to investments in companies such as ESAB or may be subject to limits or prohibitions with respect to those investments that may have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we fail to comply with export control regulations, we could be subject to substantial fines or other sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Some of our products manufactured or assembled in the United States are subject to the U.S. Export Administration Regulations, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security

 

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(“BIS”), which require that an export license is obtained before such products can be exported to certain countries, and the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (“OFAC”) trade and economic sanctions programs. Additionally, some of our products are subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which restrict the export of certain military or intelligence-related items, technologies and services to non-U.S. persons. Such regulations may prohibit or restrict our ability to, directly or indirectly, conduct activities or dealings in or with certain countries or territories that are the subject of comprehensive embargoes, as well as with certain individuals or entities. Failure to comply with these laws could harm our business by subjecting us to sanctions by the U.S. government, including substantial monetary penalties, denial of export privileges and debarment from U.S. government contracts. For example, from 2016 through 2020, one of our foreign subsidiaries engaged in certain transactions, a limited number of which included U.S. origin goods, either directly or indirectly through distributors, involving sales to specially designated nationals and/or to the Crimea region of Ukraine, which may have been made in violation of relevant trade sanctions or export control laws. We submitted a voluntary disclosure report to relevant U.S. government agencies regarding these transactions. On March 26, 2021 and August 26, 2021, Colfax received letters from BIS and OFAC, respectively, warning Colfax against future violations, and closing their respective matters without further action. Colfax has received no further communications from any other relevant U.S. government agencies.

We are subject to a variety of increasingly stringent environmental and health and safety laws for which compliance, or related liabilities, could be costly.

We and our business are subject to international, federal, state and local environmental and safety laws and regulations, including laws and regulations governing emissions of regulated air pollutants and greenhouse gases; discharges of wastewater and storm water; storage and handling of raw materials; the use, manufacture, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials; generation, storage, transportation and disposal of regulated wastes; and laws and regulations governing worker safety. These requirements impose certain responsibilities on our business, including the obligation to obtain and maintain various environmental permits. If we were to fail to comply with these requirements or fail to obtain or maintain a required permit, we could be subject to penalties and be required to undertake corrective action measures to achieve compliance.

In addition, under various federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances, and, in some instances, international laws, relating to the protection of the environment, a current or former owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost to remove or remediate contamination on, under, or released from such property and for any damage to natural resources, such as soil or groundwater, resulting from such contamination. Similarly, a generator of waste can be held responsible for contamination resulting from the treatment or disposal of such waste at any off-site location (such as a landfill), regardless of whether the generator arranged for the treatment or disposal of the waste in compliance with applicable laws. Costs associated with liability for removal or remediation of contamination or damage to natural resources could be substantial and liability under these laws may attach without regard to whether the responsible party knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the contaminants. Moreover, noncompliance could subject us to private claims for property damage or personal injury based on exposure to hazardous materials or unsafe working conditions. In addition, changes in applicable requirements or stricter interpretation of existing requirements may result in costly compliance requirements or otherwise subject us to future liabilities.

In addition, any environmental liability may be joint and several. Moreover, the presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination at our properties, or properties for which we are deemed responsible, may expose us to liability for property damage or personal injury, or materially adversely affect our ability to sell our real property interests or to borrow using the real property as collateral. We could be subject to environmental liabilities in the future as a result of historic or current operations that have resulted or will result in contamination.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We are exposed to certain regulatory and financial risks related to climate change, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Continuing political and social attention to the issue of climate change has resulted in both existing and pending

international agreements and national, regional or local legislation and regulatory measures to limit greenhouse

gas emissions, such as cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, restrictive permitting, increased fuel efficiency

standards and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. Such measures could subject us to additional costs

and restrictions and require significant operating and capital expenditures, which could impact our business,

financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, such measures may impact our customers,

which could impact their ability or desire to continue to operate at similar levels in certain jurisdictions as

historically seen or as currently anticipated, which could negatively impact their demand for our products and services.

Our businesses are subject to extensive regulation; failure to comply with those regulations could adversely affect our reputation and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition to the environmental, health, safety, anti-corruption, export control, privacy, data protection, data security and other regulations noted above, our businesses are also subject to extensive regulation by U.S. and non-U.S. governmental and self-regulatory entities at the supranational, federal, state, local, and other jurisdictional levels. Certain of our gas control products are classified as medical devices that are subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and under the European Union Medical Device Regulation, as well as by other federal and local governmental agencies, and by certain accrediting bodies. To varying degrees, these regulators require us to comply with laws and regulations governing the development, testing, manufacturing, labeling, marketing, distribution, and post-marketing surveillance of such products. We are also required to comply with ever changing labor and employment laws and regulations in multiple jurisdictions. These changes could negatively impact our business or financial position.

These are not the only regulations that our businesses must comply with. The regulations we are subject to have tended to become more stringent over time and may be inconsistent across jurisdictions. Failure to comply with the regulations referenced above or any other regulations could result in civil and criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties, and any such failure or alleged failure could also damage our reputation, disrupt our business, limit our ability to manufacture, import, export, and sell products and services, result in loss of customers and cause us to incur significant legal and investigatory fees. Compliance with these and other regulations may also affect our returns on investment, require us to incur significant expenses, or modify our business model or impair our flexibility in modifying product, marketing, pricing, or other strategies for growing our business. Our products and operations are also often subject to the rules of industrial standards bodies such as the International Standards Organization, and failure to comply with these rules could result in withdrawal of certifications needed to sell our products and services and otherwise adversely impact our reputation and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to the Separation and Our Relationship with Enovis

We have no history of operating as a separate, publicly traded company, and our historical and pro forma financial information is not necessarily representative of the results that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.

The historical information about us in this information statement refers to our businesses as operated by and integrated with Colfax. Our historical and pro forma financial information included in this information statement is derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Colfax. Accordingly, the historical and pro forma financial information included in this information statement does not necessarily reflect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly

 

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traded company during the periods presented or those that we will achieve in the future primarily as a result of the factors described below:

 

   

prior to the separation, our businesses have been operated by Colfax as part of its broader corporate organization, rather than as a separate, publicly traded company. Colfax or one of its affiliates performed various corporate functions for us such as legal, treasury, accounting, internal audit, human resources and finance. Our historical and pro forma financial results reflect allocations of corporate expenses from Colfax for such functions and are likely to be less than the expenses we would have incurred had we operated as a separate publicly traded company. Following the separation, our cost related to such functions previously performed by Colfax may therefore increase;

 

   

currently, our businesses are integrated with the other businesses of Colfax. Historically, we have shared economies of scope and scale in costs, employees, vendor relationships and customer relationships. Although we will enter into transition agreements with Enovis, these arrangements may not fully capture the benefits that we have enjoyed as a result of being integrated with Colfax and may result in us paying higher charges than in the past for these services. This could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition following the completion of the separation;

 

   

generally, our working capital requirements and capital for our general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and capital expenditures, have historically been satisfied as part of the corporate-wide cash management policies of Colfax. Following the completion of the separation, we may need to obtain additional financing from banks, through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, strategic relationships or other arrangements;

 

   

after the completion of the separation, the cost of capital for our businesses may be higher than Colfax’s cost of capital prior to the separation; and

 

   

our historical financial information does not reflect the debt or the associated interest expense that we are expected to incur as part of the separation and distribution.

Other significant changes may occur in our cost structure, management, financing and business operations as a result of operating as a company separate from Colfax. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited combined financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement.

As a separate, publicly traded company, we may not enjoy the same benefits that we did as a part of Colfax.

There is a risk that, by separating from Colfax, we may become more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than we would have been if we were still a part of the current Colfax organizational structure. As part of Colfax, we have been able to enjoy certain benefits from Colfax’s operating diversity, purchasing power and opportunities to pursue integrated strategies with Colfax’s other businesses. As a separate, publicly traded company, we will not have similar diversity or integration opportunities and may not have similar purchasing power or access to capital markets.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements included in this information statement are presented for informational purposes only and may not be an indication of our future financial condition or results of operations.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements included in this information statement are presented for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of what our actual financial condition or results of operations would have been had the separation been completed on the date indicated. The assumptions used in preparing the pro forma financial information may not prove to be accurate and other factors may affect our financial condition or results of operations. Accordingly, our financial condition and results of operations in the future may not be evident from or consistent with such pro forma financial information.

 

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Future sales by Enovis or others of our common stock, the resale of restricted common stock, or the perception that such sales or resales may occur, could depress our common stock price.

Immediately following the distribution, Enovis will own 10% of the economic interest and voting power of our outstanding common stock. Subject to the restrictions described in the paragraph below, future sales of these shares in the public market will be subject to the volume and other restrictions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, for so long as Enovis is deemed to be our affiliate, unless the shares to be sold are registered with the SEC. We are unable to predict with certainty whether or when Enovis will sell a substantial number of shares of our common stock following the distribution. Sale by Enovis or others of a substantial number of shares after the distribution, or a perception that such sales could occur, could significantly reduce the market price of our common stock. Upon completion of the distribution, except as otherwise described herein, all shares of our common stock that are being distributed hereby will be freely tradable without restriction, assuming they are not held by our affiliates.

Pursuant to that certain registration rights agreement we intend to enter into with the Rales Holders, the Rales Holders and their permitted transferees will have registration rights for the resale of certain shares of our common stock. These registration rights, which pursuant to the agreement will become available to the Rales Holders one year post distribution, would facilitate the resale of such securities into the public market, and any such resale would increase the number of shares of our common stock available for public trading. Sales by the Rales Holders or their permitted transferees of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales might occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.

Immediately prior to the distribution, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 registering under the Securities Act the shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under equity and incentive plan or plans. If equity securities granted under such an equity and incentive plan or plans are sold or it is perceived that they will be sold in the public market, the trading price of our common stock could decline substantially. These sales also could impede our ability to raise future capital.

Our customers, prospective customers, suppliers or other companies with whom we conduct business may conclude that our financial stability as a separate, publicly traded company is insufficient to satisfy their requirements for doing or continuing to do business with them.

Some of our customers, prospective customers, suppliers or other companies with whom we conduct business may conclude that our financial stability as a separate, publicly traded company is insufficient to satisfy their requirements for doing or continuing to do business with them, or may require us to provide additional credit support, such as letters of credit or other financial guarantees. Any failure of parties to be satisfied with our financial stability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Potential indemnification obligations to Enovis pursuant to the separation agreement could materially and adversely affect our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The separation agreement, among other things, provides for indemnification obligations (for uncapped amounts) designed to make us financially responsible for all liabilities that Enovis may incur or may exist relating to our business activities (as currently and historically conducted) and those of Colfax’s divested FH and AGH businesses, whether incurred prior to or after the separation. For example, pursuant to the separation agreement, we have agreed to indemnify Enovis for, among other things, the retained asbestos-related contingencies and liabilities related to the sale of Colfax’s FH and AGH businesses. See “—Risks Related to Litigation and Regulatory Compliance—Available insurance coverage, the number of future asbestos-related claims and the average settlement value of current and future asbestos-related claims of certain subsidiaries could be different than current estimates, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.”

 

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If we are required to indemnify Enovis under the circumstances set forth in the separation agreement, we may be subject to substantial liabilities. See “Business—Legal Proceedings” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements with Enovis.”

In connection with our separation from Colfax, Enovis will indemnify us for certain liabilities. However, there can be no assurance that such indemnity will be sufficient to insure us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that Enovis’s ability to satisfy its indemnification obligations will not be impaired in the future.

Pursuant to the separation agreement and certain other agreements with Enovis, Enovis will agree to indemnify us for certain liabilities as discussed further in “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.” However, third parties could also seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that Enovis has agreed to retain, and there can be no assurance that the indemnity from Enovis will be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that Enovis will be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations. In addition, Enovis’s insurance will not necessarily be available to us for liabilities associated with occurrences of indemnified liabilities prior to the separation, and in any event Enovis’s insurers may deny coverage to us for liabilities associated with certain occurrences of indemnified liabilities prior to the separation. Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from Enovis or such insurance providers any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses. Each of these risks could negatively affect our businesses, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

If the distribution, together with certain related transactions, fails to qualify as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, Colfax and its stockholders could incur significant tax liabilities, and we could be required to indemnify Enovis for taxes that could be material pursuant to indemnification obligations under the tax matters agreement.

The distribution is conditioned upon, among other things, Colfax’s receipt of a private letter ruling from the IRS, which Colfax has received, and the opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP, tax counsel to Colfax, regarding the qualification of the distribution, together with certain related transactions, as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code. The private letter ruling is and the opinion will be based on, among other things, certain factual assumptions, representations and undertakings from Colfax and us, including those regarding the past and future conduct of the companies’ respective businesses and other matters. If any of these factual assumptions, representations, or undertakings are incorrect or not satisfied, Colfax may not be able to rely on the private letter ruling or opinion, and Colfax and its stockholders could be subject to significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities. In addition, the private letter ruling does not address all the requirements for determining whether the distribution will qualify for tax-free treatment, and the opinion, which will address all such requirements, will rely on the private letter ruling as to matters covered by the ruling and will not be binding on the IRS or the courts. Notwithstanding any private letter ruling or opinion of tax counsel, the IRS could determine on audit that the distribution does not so qualify if it determines that any of these factual assumptions, representations or undertakings are not correct or have been violated or that the distribution should be taxable for other reasons, including as a result of a significant change in stock or asset ownership after the distribution.

If the distribution is ultimately determined not to so qualify, the distribution could be treated as a taxable disposition of shares of ESAB stock by Colfax and as a taxable dividend or capital gain to Colfax’s stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such case, Colfax and its stockholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities. For a more detailed discussion, see the section entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution to U.S. Holders.”

Under the tax matters agreement that we will enter into with Enovis, we will generally be required to indemnify Enovis against taxes incurred by Enovis that arise as a result of actions or omissions by us that prevent the distribution, together with certain related transactions, from qualifying as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code.

 

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We might not be able to engage in certain transactions and equity issuances following the distribution.

Our ability to engage in equity transactions could be limited or restricted after the distribution in order to preserve, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the qualification of the distribution, together with certain related transactions, as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code. Even if the distribution otherwise qualifies for tax-free treatment to Colfax’s stockholders under Section 355 of the Code, it may result in corporate-level taxable gain to Colfax if there is a 50% or greater change in ownership, by vote or value, of shares of ESAB’s stock, Colfax’s stock or the stock of a successor of either occurring as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the distribution. Any acquisitions or issuances of ESAB’s stock or Enovis’s stock within two years of the distribution are generally presumed to be part of such a plan, although Enovis may be able to rebut that presumption.

Under the tax matters agreement that we will enter into with Enovis, we will be required to comply with the representations made in the private letter ruling Colfax has received and in materials submitted to the IRS in connection therewith and to legal counsel in connection with the tax opinion Colfax expects to receive regarding the intended tax treatment of the distribution and certain related transactions. The tax matters agreement will also restrict our ability to take or fail to take any action if such action or failure to act could adversely affect the intended tax treatment. In particular, except in specific circumstances, in the two years following the distribution, we will be restricted from, among other things, (i) entering into any transaction pursuant to which all or a portion of our equity would be acquired, whether by merger or otherwise, and (ii) ceasing to actively conduct certain of our businesses. These restrictions may limit for a period of time our ability to pursue certain transactions that we may believe to be in the best interests of our stockholders or that might increase the value of our businesses. For more information, see the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements with Enovis—Tax Matters Agreement.”

After the distribution, certain of our executive officers and directors may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their equity interests in Colfax. Also, Christopher Hix, in addition to continuing to serve as Enovis’s Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, is expected to serve as an ESAB director, which may create the appearance of or actual conflicts of interest.

Because of their current or former positions with Colfax, certain of our executive officers and directors own equity interests in Colfax. Continuing ownership of shares of Enovis common stock and equity awards could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest if we and Enovis face decisions that could have implications for both Enovis and us after the separation. In addition, one of Colfax’s current executive officers is expected to become a member of our Board, and this could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when we and Enovis encounter opportunities or face decisions that could have implications for both companies following the separation or in connection with the allocation of such director’s time between Enovis and us.

Enovis may compete with us.

Enovis will not be restricted from competing with us. If Enovis in the future decides to engage in the type of business we conduct, it may have a competitive advantage over us, which may cause our business, financial condition and results of operations to be materially adversely affected.

We may not achieve some or all of the expected benefits of the separation, and the separation may adversely affect our businesses.

We may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the separation, or such benefits may be delayed or not occur at all. The separation is expected to provide the following benefits, among others:

 

   

the separation will allow investors to separately value Enovis and us based on Enovis’s and our distinct investment identities. Our businesses differ from Colfax’s other businesses in several respects, such as

 

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the market for products and manufacturing processes. The separation will enable investors to evaluate the merits, performance and future prospects of each company’s respective businesses and to invest in each company separately based on their distinct characteristics;

 

   

the separation will create an independent equity structure that will afford us direct access to the capital markets and facilitate our ability to capitalize on our unique growth opportunities;

 

   

the separation will facilitate incentive compensation arrangements for employees more directly tied to the performance of the relevant company’s businesses, and may enhance employee hiring and retention by, among other things, improving the alignment of management and employee incentives with performance and growth objectives;

 

   

the separation will permit each company to concentrate its financial resources solely on its own operations without having to compete with each other for investment capital. This will provide each company with greater flexibility to invest capital in its businesses in a time and manner appropriate for its distinct strategy and business needs; and

 

   

the separation will allow us and Enovis to more effectively pursue our and Enovis’s distinct operating priorities and strategies and enable management of both companies to focus on unique opportunities for long-term growth and profitability. For example, while our management will be enabled to focus exclusively on our businesses, the management of Enovis will be able to grow its businesses. Our and Enovis’s separate management teams will also be able to focus on executing each companies’ differing strategic plans without diverting attention from the other businesses.

We may not achieve these and other anticipated benefits for a variety of reasons, including, among others:

 

   

as a current part of Colfax, our businesses benefit from Colfax’s size and purchasing power in procuring certain goods and services. After the separation, as a separate entity, we may be unable to obtain these goods, services and technologies at prices or on terms as favorable as those Colfax obtained prior to the separation. We may also incur costs for certain functions previously performed by Colfax, such as accounting, tax, legal, human resources and other general administrative functions that are higher than the amounts reflected in our historical financial statements, which could cause our profitability to decrease;

 

   

the actions required to separate our and Enovis’s respective businesses could disrupt our and Enovis’s operations;

 

   

certain costs and liabilities that were otherwise less significant to Colfax as a whole will be more significant for us and Enovis as separate companies after the separation;

 

   

we (and prior to the separation, Colfax) will incur costs in connection with the transition to being a separate, publicly traded company that may include accounting, tax, legal and other professional services costs, recruiting and relocation costs associated with hiring or reassigning our personnel and costs to separate information systems; and

 

   

we may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the separation for a variety of reasons, including, among others, (i) the separation will require significant amounts of management’s time and effort, which may divert management’s attention from operating and growing our businesses, (ii) following the separation, we may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than if we were still a part of Colfax and (iii) following the separation, our businesses will be less diversified than Colfax’s businesses prior to the separation.

If we fail to achieve some or all of the benefits expected to result from the separation, or if such benefits are delayed, our businesses, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

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We may have received better terms from unaffiliated third parties than the terms we will receive in our agreements with Enovis.

The agreements we will enter into with Enovis in connection with the separation, including the separation agreement, transition services agreement, employee matters agreement, tax matters agreement, intellectual property matters agreement, EBS license agreement and a stockholder’s and registration rights agreement were prepared in the context of our separation from Colfax while we were still a wholly owned subsidiary of Colfax. Accordingly, during the period in which the terms of those agreements were prepared, we did not have a separate or independent board of directors or a management team that was separate from or independent of Colfax. As a result, the terms of those agreements may not reflect terms that would have resulted from arm’s-length negotiations between unaffiliated third parties. Arm’s-length negotiations between Colfax and an unaffiliated third party in another form of transaction, such as a buyer in a sale of a business transaction, may have resulted in more favorable terms to the unaffiliated third party. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.”

We or Enovis may fail to perform under various transaction agreements that will be executed as part of the separation or we may fail to have necessary systems and services in place when certain of the transaction agreements expire.

The separation agreement and other agreements to be entered into in connection with the separation will determine the allocation of assets and liabilities between the companies following the separation and will include any necessary indemnifications related to liabilities and obligations. The transition services agreement will provide for the performance of certain services by each company for the benefit of the other for a period of time after the separation. We will rely on Enovis after the separation to satisfy its performance and payment obligations under these agreements. If Enovis is unable to satisfy its obligations under these agreements, including its indemnification obligations, we could incur operational difficulties or losses. If we do not have in place our own systems and services, or if we do not have agreements with other providers of these services once certain transaction agreements expire, we may not be able to operate our businesses effectively and our profitability may decline. We are in the process of creating our own, or engaging third parties to provide, systems and services to replace many of the systems and services that Colfax currently provides to us. However, we may not be successful in implementing these systems and services or in transitioning data from Colfax’s systems to us.

In addition, we expect this process to be complex, time-consuming and costly. We are also establishing or expanding our own tax, treasury, internal audit, investor relations, corporate governance and public company compliance and other corporate functions. We expect to incur one-time costs to replicate, or outsource from other providers, these corporate functions to replace the corporate services that Colfax historically provided us prior to the separation. Any failure or significant downtime in our own financial, administrative or other support systems or in the Enovis’s financial, administrative or other support systems during the transitional period during which Enovis provides us with support could negatively impact our results of operations or prevent us from paying our suppliers and employees, executing business combinations and foreign currency transactions or performing administrative or other services on a timely basis, which could negatively affect our results of operations.

In particular, our day-to-day business operations rely on information technology systems. A significant portion of the communications among our personnel, customers and suppliers take place on information technology platforms. We expect the transfer of information technology systems from Colfax to us to be complex, time consuming and costly. There is also a risk of data loss in the process of transferring information technology. As a result of our reliance on information technology systems, the cost of such information technology integration and transfer and any such loss of key data could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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At or shortly prior to the distribution, we expect to enter into a $1.75 billion credit facility, $1.2 billion of which we expect to be outstanding at the time of the distribution. We also have the ability to incur an additional $78 million of indebtedness pursuant to certain uncommitted credit lines, and in the future we may incur additional indebtedness. This indebtedness could adversely affect our businesses and our ability to meet our obligations and pay dividends.

At or shortly prior to the distribution, we expect to enter into a $1.75 billion credit facility, $1.2 billion of which we expect to be outstanding at the time of the distribution. Based on this anticipated $1.2 billion outstanding indebtedness, we estimate that our annual debt service costs, including principal and interest, will be approximately $40 million, which would have represented approximately 16% of our net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021. We also have the ability to incur an additional $78 million of indebtedness pursuant to certain uncommitted credit lines, and in the future we may incur additional indebtedness. See “Description of Certain Indebtedness.” This debt could have important, adverse consequences to us and our investors, including:

 

   

requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make interest payments;

 

   

making it more difficult to satisfy other obligations;

 

   

increasing the risk of a future credit ratings downgrade of our debt, which could increase future debt costs and limit the future availability of debt financing;

 

   

increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

reducing the cash flow available to fund capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to grow our businesses;

 

   

limiting our ability to pay dividends;

 

   

limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our businesses and industries; and

 

   

limiting our ability to borrow additional funds as needed or take advantage of business opportunities as they arise, pay cash dividends or repurchase shares of our common stock.

The debt financing will not be available for borrowings until the date on which certain conditions are satisfied, which we expect will be satisfied prior to the completion of the distribution. We anticipate that the instruments governing the debt financing will contain restrictive covenants that will limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term interest, including for example EBITDA-based leverage and interest coverage ratios. If we breach any of these restrictions and cannot obtain a waiver from the lenders on favorable terms, subject to applicable cure periods, the outstanding indebtedness (and any other indebtedness with cross-default provisions) could be declared immediately due and payable, which would adversely affect our liquidity and financial statements. In addition, any failure to obtain and maintain credit ratings from independent rating agencies would adversely affect our cost of funds and could adversely affect our liquidity and access to the capital markets. If we add new debt, the risks described above could increase. See “Description of Certain Indebtedness.”

The risks described above will increase with the amount of indebtedness we incur, and in the future we may incur significant indebtedness in addition to the indebtedness described above. In addition, our actual cash requirements in the future may be greater than expected. Our cash flow from operations may not be sufficient to service our outstanding debt or to repay the outstanding debt as it becomes due, and we may not be able to borrow money, sell assets or otherwise raise funds on acceptable terms, or at all, to service or refinance our debt.

We may be unable to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness.

 

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If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to dispose of material assets or operations, alter our dividend policy (if we pay dividends), seek additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. We may not be able to effect any such alternative measures on commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, those alternative actions may not allow us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. The instruments that will govern our indebtedness may restrict our ability to dispose of assets and may restrict the use of proceeds from those dispositions. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain proceeds in an amount sufficient to meet any debt service obligations when due.

In addition, we conduct our operations through our subsidiaries. Accordingly, repayment of our indebtedness will depend on the generation of cash flow by our subsidiaries, including certain international subsidiaries, and their ability to make such cash available to us, by dividend, debt repayment or otherwise. Our subsidiaries may not have any obligation to pay amounts due on our indebtedness or to make funds available for that purpose. Our subsidiaries may not be able to, or may not be permitted to, make adequate distributions to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness. Each subsidiary is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, legal, tax and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries. In the event that we do not receive distributions from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required principal and interest payments on our indebtedness.

Our inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness or pay dividends on our common stock.

Following the distribution, we will be dependent on Enovis to provide us with certain transition services, which may be insufficient to meet our needs, and we may have difficulty finding replacement services or be required to pay increased costs to replace these services after our transition services agreement with Enovis expires.

Historically, Colfax has provided, and until our separation from Colfax, Colfax will continue to provide significant corporate and shared services related to corporate functions such as executive oversight, risk management, information technology, accounting, audit, legal, investor relations, human resources, tax, treasury, procurement and other services. Following our separation from Colfax, we expect Enovis to continue to provide many of these services on a transitional basis for a fee. While these services are being provided to us by Enovis, we will be dependent on Enovis for services that are critical to our operation as a separate, publicly traded company, and our operational flexibility to modify or implement changes with respect to such services and the amounts we pay for them will be limited. After the expiration of the transition services agreement, we may not be able to replace these services or enter into appropriate third-party agreements on terms and conditions, including cost and quality of service, comparable to those that we will receive from Enovis under the transition services agreement. Although we intend to replace portions of the services currently provided by Colfax following the separation, we may encounter difficulties replacing certain services or be unable to negotiate pricing or other terms as favorable as those we currently have in effect.

Risks Related to Shares of Our Common Stock

We cannot be certain that an active trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained after the separation, and following the separation, the stock price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

Prior to the completion of the distribution, there has been no public market for our common stock. We cannot guarantee that an active trading market will develop or be sustained for our common stock after the distribution. If an active trading market does not develop, you may have difficulty selling your shares of our common stock at an attractive price, or at all. In addition, we cannot predict the prices at which shares of our common stock may trade after the distribution.

 

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The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly due to a number of factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:

 

   

our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in our industry;

 

   

the failure of securities analysts to cover our common stock after the separation;

 

   

actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;

 

   

changes in earnings estimated by securities analysts or our ability to meet those estimates;

 

   

the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;

 

   

changes to the regulatory and legal environment in which we operate;

 

   

the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic;

 

   

overall market fluctuations and domestic and worldwide economic conditions; and

 

   

other factors described in these “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this information statement.

Stock markets in general have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock may be negatively affected.

As a public company, we will be required to maintain internal controls over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. In addition, beginning with our second annual report on Form 10-K, we expect we will be required to furnish a report by management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). Our independent registered public accounting firm will also be required to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. At such time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our internal control over financial reporting is documented, designed or operated.

The process of designing, implementing, and testing the internal control over financial reporting required to comply with this obligation is time consuming, costly, and complicated. If we identify material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner or to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected, and we could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.

The obligations associated with being a public company will require significant resources and management attention.

Currently, we are not directly subject to the reporting and other requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, we will be directly subject to such reporting and other obligations under the Exchange Act and the rules of the NYSE. As a separate public company, we are required to, among other things:

 

   

prepare and distribute periodic reports, proxy statements and other stockholder communications in compliance with the federal securities laws and rules;

 

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have our own board of directors and committees thereof, which comply with federal securities laws and rules and applicable stock exchange requirements;

 

   

maintain an internal audit function;

 

   

institute our own financial reporting and disclosure compliance functions;

 

   

establish an investor relations function;

 

   

establish internal policies, including those relating to trading in our securities and disclosure controls and procedures; and

 

   

comply with the rules and regulations implemented by the SEC, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the NYSE.

These reporting and other obligations will place significant demands on our management and our administrative and operational resources, and we expect to face increased legal, accounting, administrative and other costs and expenses relating to these demands that we had not incurred as a segment of Colfax. Certain of these functions will be provided on a transitional basis by Enovis pursuant to a transition services agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.” Our investment in compliance with existing and evolving regulatory requirements will result in increased administrative expenses and a diversion of management’s time and attention from sales-generating activities to compliance activities, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The market price of shares of our common stock may be volatile, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.

Prior to the completion of the distribution, there has been no public market for our common stock. Even if a trading market develops, the market price of our common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. Securities markets worldwide experience significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market or political conditions, including as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, could reduce the market price of shares of our common stock regardless of our operating performance. In addition, our operating results could be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors due to a number of potential factors, including variations in our quarterly operating results or dividends, if any, to stockholders, additions or departures of key management personnel, failure to meet analysts’ earnings estimates, publication of research reports about our industry, litigation and government investigations, changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations or differing interpretations or enforcement thereof affecting our business, adverse market reaction to any indebtedness we may incur or securities we may issue in the future, changes in market valuations of similar companies or speculation in the press or investment community, announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, dispositions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments, adverse publicity about the industries we participate in or individual scandals, and in response the market price of shares of our common stock could decrease significantly.

In the past few years, stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. In the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.

We cannot guarantee the payment of dividends on our common stock, or the timing or amount of any such dividends.

We have not yet determined whether or the extent to which we will pay any dividends on our common stock. The payment of any dividends in the future, and the timing and amount thereof, to our stockholders will fall within the discretion of our Board. The Board’s decisions regarding the payment of dividends will depend on many factors, such as our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, debt service obligations, restrictive covenants in our then existing debt agreements, industry practice, legal requirements and other factors that the

 

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Board deems relevant. For more information, please refer to the section entitled “Dividend Policy.” Our ability to pay dividends will depend on our ongoing ability to generate cash from operations and on our access to the capital markets. We cannot guarantee that we will pay a dividend in the future or continue to pay any dividends if we commence paying dividends.

Your percentage ownership in us may be diluted in the future.

In the future, your percentage ownership in us may be diluted because of equity issuances for acquisitions, capital market transactions or otherwise, including equity awards that we will be granting to our directors, officers and employees. In addition, following the distribution, our employees will have rights to purchase or receive shares of our common stock as a result of the conversion of their Colfax stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) into our stock options and restricted stock units. The conversion of these Colfax awards into our awards is described in further detail in the section entitled “Executive and Director Compensation–Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” As of the date of this information statement, the exact number of shares of our common stock that will be subject to the converted equity awards is not determinable, and, therefore, it is not possible to determine the extent to which your percentage ownership in us could by diluted as a result of the conversion. It is anticipated that our Compensation Committee will grant additional equity awards to our employees and directors after the distribution, from time to time, under our employee benefits plans. These additional awards will have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will authorize us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designation, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, including preferences over our common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as the Board generally may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could dilute the voting power or reduce the value of our common stock. For example, we could grant the holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences that we could assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the common stock. Please refer to the section entitled “Description of Capital Stock.”

Certain provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and of Delaware law, may prevent or delay an acquisition of us, which could decrease the trading price of our common stock.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will contain, and Delaware law contains, provisions that are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage prospective acquirers to negotiate with the Board rather than to attempt an unsolicited takeover not approved by the Board. These provisions include, among others:

 

   

the inability of our stockholders to call a special meeting;

 

   

the inability of our stockholders to act by written consent;

 

   

rules regarding how stockholders may present proposals or nominate directors for election at stockholder meetings;

 

   

the right of the Board to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval;

 

   

the division of the Board into three classes of directors, with each class serving a staggered three-year term, and this classified board provision could have the effect of making the replacement of incumbent directors more time consuming and difficult;

 

   

provision that stockholders may only remove directors with cause; and

 

   

the ability of our directors, and not stockholders, to fill vacancies (including those resulting from an enlargement of the Board) on the Board.

 

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In addition, because we have not chosen to be exempt from Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), this provision could also delay or prevent a change of control that you may favor. Section 203 provides that, subject to limited exceptions, persons that acquire, or are affiliated with a person that acquires, more than 15% of the outstanding voting stock of a Delaware corporation (an “interested stockholder”) shall not engage in any business combination with that corporation, including by merger, consolidation or acquisitions of additional shares, for a three-year period following the date on which the person became an interested stockholder, unless (i) prior to such time, the Board of Directors of such corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of such corporation at the time the transaction commenced (excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) the voting stock owned by directors who are also officers or held in employee benefit plans in which the employees do not have a confidential right to tender or vote stock held by the plan); or (iii) on or subsequent to such time the business combination is approved by the Board of Directors of such corporation and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of such corporation not owned by the interested stockholder. Colfax and its affiliates have been approved as an interested stockholder of ours and therefore are not subject to Section 203.

We believe these provisions will protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with the Board and by providing the Board with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make us immune from takeovers. However, these provisions will apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that the Board determines is not in the best interests of us and our stockholders. These provisions may also prevent or discourage attempts to remove and replace incumbent directors.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will designate the state courts in the State of Delaware or, if no state court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of Delaware, as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will further designate the federal district courts of the United States of America as the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. These forum selection provisions could discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, employees and stockholders.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, unless we consent otherwise, the state courts in the State of Delaware or, if no state court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of Delaware, will be the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of us, any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees or stockholders to us or our stockholders, any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This provision would not apply to claims brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. We recognize that this forum selection clause may impose additional litigation costs on stockholders in pursuing any such claims, particularly if the stockholders do not reside in or near the State of Delaware. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will further provide that, unless we consent otherwise, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. These forum selection provisions may limit the ability of our stockholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, employees and stockholders. It is possible that a court may find these provisions of our certificate of incorporation inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, in which case we may incur additional costs

 

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associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations and result in a diversion of the time and resources of our management and board of directors.

General and Other Risks

Changes in the general economy and the cyclical nature of the markets that we serve could negatively impact the demand for our products and services and harm our operations and financial performance.

Our financial performance depends, in large part, on conditions in the markets we serve and on the general condition of the global economy, which impacts these markets. For example, the COVID-19 global pandemic has resulted in widespread economic disruption which has severely impacted, and will likely continue to severely impact, our business, demand for our products and services and global supply chains. Any sustained weakness in demand for our products and services resulting from a downturn of or uncertainty in the global economy could reduce our sales and profitability. In addition, we believe that many of our customers and suppliers are reliant on liquidity from global credit markets and, in some cases, require external financing to purchase products or finance operations. If our customers lack liquidity or are unable to access the credit markets, it may impact customer demand for our products and services and we may not be able to collect amounts owed to us. Further, our products are sold in many industries, some of which are cyclical and may experience periodic downturns. Cyclical weakness in the industries that we serve could lead to reduced demand for our products and affect our profitability and financial performance. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The loss of key leadership could have a material adverse effect on our ability to run our business.

We may be adversely affected if we lose members of our senior leadership. We are highly dependent on our senior leadership team as a result of their expertise in our industry and our business. The loss of key leadership or the inability to attract, retain and motivate sufficient numbers of qualified management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements included in this information statement are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States federal securities laws. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this information statement. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including statements regarding: the separation; the timing and method of the separation; the anticipated benefits of the separation; the expected financial and operating performance of, and future opportunities for, the Company following the separation; the tax treatment of the separation; the leadership of the Company following the separation; the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, including the rise, prevalence and severity of variants of the virus, the actions by governments, businesses and individuals in response to the situation, on the global and regional economies, financial markets, and overall demand for our products; projections of revenue, profit margins, expenses, tax provisions and tax rates, earnings or losses from operations, impact of foreign exchange rates, cash flows, pension and benefit obligations and funding requirements, synergies or other financial items; plans, strategies and objectives of our management for future operations including statements relating to potential acquisitions, compensation plans or purchase commitments; developments, performance or industry or market rankings relating to products or services; future economic conditions or performance; the outcome of outstanding claims or legal proceedings including asbestos-related liabilities and insurance coverage litigation; potential gains and recoveries of costs; assumptions underlying any of the foregoing; and any other statements that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements may be, but not always, characterized by terminology such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “should,” “would,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “positioned,” “strategy,” “targets,” “aims,” “seeks,” “sees,” and similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management as of the date of this information statement in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially due to numerous factors, including but not limited to the following:

 

   

risks related to the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, including the rise, prevalence and severity of variants of the virus, actions by governments, businesses and individuals in response to the situation, such as the scope and duration of the outbreak, the nature and effectiveness of government actions and restrictive measures implemented in response, supply chain disruptions, the impact on creditworthiness and financial viability of customers, and other impacts on our business and ability to execute business continuity plans;

 

   

our separation from Colfax and our ability to operate as a stand-alone public company;

 

   

our ability to achieve the intended benefits from our separation from Colfax;

 

   

the war in the Ukraine and escalating geopolitical tensions as a result of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine;

 

   

changes in the general economy, as well as the cyclical nature of the markets we serve;

 

   

supply chain constraints and backlogs, including risks affecting raw material, part and component availability, labor shortages and inefficiencies, freight and logistical challenges, and inflation in raw material, part, component, freight and delivery costs;

 

   

volatility in the commodity markets and certain commodity prices, including oil and steel, due to economic disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and various geopolitical events;

 

   

our ability to identify, finance, acquire and successfully integrate attractive acquisition targets;

 

   

our exposure to unanticipated liabilities resulting from acquisitions;

 

   

our ability and the ability of our customers to access required capital at a reasonable cost;

 

   

our ability to accurately estimate the cost of or realize savings from our restructuring programs;

 

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the amount of and our ability to estimate our asbestos-related liabilities;

 

   

the solvency of our insurers and the likelihood of their payment for asbestos-related costs;

 

   

material disruptions at any of our manufacturing facilities;

 

   

noncompliance with various laws and regulations associated with our international operations, including anti-bribery laws, export control regulations and sanctions and embargoes;

 

   

risks associated with our international operations, including risks from trade protection measures and other changes in trade relations;

 

   

risks associated with the representation of our employees by trade unions and work councils;

 

   

our exposure to product liability claims;

 

   

potential costs and liabilities associated with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations;

 

   

failure to maintain, protect and defend our intellectual property rights;

 

   

the loss of key members of our leadership team;

 

   

restrictions in our financing arrangements that may limit our flexibility in operating our business;

 

   

impairment in the value of intangible assets;

 

   

the funding requirements or obligations of our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans;

 

   

significant movements in foreign currency exchange rates or inflation rates;

 

   

new regulations and customer preferences reflecting an increased focus on environmental, social and governance issues, including new regulations related to the use of conflict minerals;

 

   

service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches affecting our information technology infrastructure;

 

   

risks arising from changes in technology;

 

   

the competitive environment in our industries;

 

   

changes in our tax rates, realizability of deferred tax assets, or exposure to additional income tax liabilities, including the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”);

 

   

our ability to manage and grow our business and execution of our business and growth strategies;

 

   

the level of capital investment and expenditures by our customers in our strategic markets;

 

   

our financial performance;

 

   

difficulties and delays in integrating or fully realizing projected cost savings and benefits of our acquisitions; and

 

   

other risks and factors set forth under “Risk Factors.”

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rise, prevalence and severity of variants of the virus and actions by governments, businesses and individuals in response to the situation, may give rise or contribute to or amplify the risks associated with many of these factors.

Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ materially from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this information statement. We do not assume any obligation and do not intend to update any forward-looking statement except as required by law. See “Risk Factors” for a further discussion regarding some of the reasons that actual results may be materially different from those that we anticipate.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We have not yet determined the extent to which we will pay any dividends on our common stock. The payment of any dividends in the future, and the timing and amount thereof, is within the discretion of the Board. The Board’s decisions regarding the payment of dividends will depend on many factors, such as our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, debt service obligations, restrictive covenants in our then existing debt agreements, industry practice, legal requirements and other factors that our Board deems relevant. Our ability to pay dividends will depend on our ongoing ability to generate cash from operations and on our access to the capital markets. We cannot guarantee that we will pay a dividend in the future or continue to pay any dividends if we commence paying dividends.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our cash and equivalents and capitalization as of December 31, 2021 on a pro forma basis to give effect to the Transactions, as defined in the “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Combined Financial Data.”

The information below is not necessarily indicative of what our cash and equivalents and capitalization would have been had the separation been completed as of December 31, 2021. In addition, it is not indicative of our future cash and equivalents and capitalization. This table should be read in conjunction with “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our combined financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement.

 

     December 31, 2021  
     Historical      Pro Forma  
            Unaudited  
     ($ amounts in thousands, except per share data)  

Cash and equivalents(1)

   $ 41,209      $ 41,209  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capitalization:

     

Debt:

     

Short-term borrowings

   $ —        $ —    

Long-term debt(2)

     —          1,186,868  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt

     —          1,186,868  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity:

     

Common stock, $0.001 par value

     —          52  

Additional paid in capital

     —          1,697,658  

Net Parent investment(3)

     2,921,623        —    

Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)

     (460,888      (460,888

Noncontrolling interests

     40,993        40,993  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

     2,501,728        1,277,815  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 2,501,728      $ 2,464,683  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Concurrent with the date of separation, we expect to have $41.2 million in cash and equivalents as reflected on our Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet.

(2)

As part of Colfax, we engaged in intercompany financing transactions. Transactions between Colfax and us have been included in the accompanying combined financial statements for all years presented. We anticipate these transactions will be settled prior to the separation. Pro forma long-term debt reflects $1.2 billion of estimated proceeds from the financing arrangements that we will enter into in connection with the separation, net of $13.1 million in estimated financing costs. See “Description of Certain Indebtedness.”

(3)

Reflects the Net Parent investment impact as a result of the anticipated post-separation and post-distribution capital structure.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements consist of an Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 and an Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 was derived from our historical audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement. The pro forma adjustments give effect to the transactions described below. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 gives effect to the transactions described below as if they had occurred on January 1, 2021, the first day of fiscal 2021. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet gives effect to the transactions described below as if they had occurred on December 31, 2021, our latest balance sheet date. References in this section and in the following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements and the Company’s combined financial statements and notes thereto included in this information statement to the “Company” or “ESAB” shall mean the Fabrication Technology Business of Colfax Corporation and references to “Parent” shall mean Colfax Corporation.

The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements of ESAB give effect to the separation and related adjustments in accordance with Article 11 of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation S-X. In May 2020, the SEC adopted Release No. 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses,” or the Final Rule. The Final Rule became effective on January 1, 2021 and the unaudited pro forma combined financial information herein is presented in accordance therewith.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements include certain transaction and autonomous entity adjustments that are necessary to present fairly our Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations and Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet as of and for the periods indicated. The pro forma adjustments are based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable given the information currently available.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements give effect to the following transactions and autonomous entity adjustments:

 

   

the transfer to the Company from Parent and Parent affiliates pursuant to the separation agreement of certain residual industrial and corporate assets and liabilities that were not included in the historical combined financial statements;

 

   

the impact of the separation agreement, the tax matters agreement, transition services agreements, the employee matters agreement and other commercial agreements between ESAB and Parent and the provisions contained therein;

 

   

the long-term debt arrangements entered into by the Company;

 

   

the transfer to us from Parent and Parent affiliates of the assets and liabilities of the fabrication technology business pursuant to the separation agreement in consideration for shares of our common stock and the Cash Distribution;

 

   

the anticipated capital structure after giving effect to the distribution; and

 

   

the incremental costs ESAB expects to incur as an autonomous entity.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are subject to the assumptions and adjustments described in the accompanying notes. These unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are subject to change as Parent and the Company finalize the terms of the separation and distribution agreement and other agreements and transactions related to the separation.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements have been presented for informational purposes only. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of our results of operations or financial condition had the separation and the related transactions been completed on the dates assumed and should not be relied upon as a representation of our future performance or financial position as a separate public company. The historical

 

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audited combined financial statements have been derived from the Parent’s historical accounting records and include allocations of certain general and administrative expenses from Parent’s corporate office. The allocations have been determined on a reasonable basis; however, the amounts are not necessarily representative of the amounts that would have been reflected in the financial statements had the Company been an entity that operated independently of Parent during the periods or at the dates presented. As a result, autonomous entity adjustments have been reflected in the pro forma combined financial information and management adjustments are presented for additional information.

The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with our historical combined financial statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this information statement.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

    As of December 31, 2021  
          Transaction Accounting
Adjustments
             
    Historical     Subsidiaries to
be contributed
by Parent
    Other
Adjustments
    Autonomous
Entity
Adjustments
    Pro Forma  

ASSETS

         

CURRENT ASSETS:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 41,209     $ —       $ —   (a)    $  —       $ 41,209  

Trade receivables

    383,496       —         —         —         383,496  

Inventories, net

    420,062       —         —         —         420,062  

Prepaid expenses

    51,949       310  (f)      —         —         52,259  

Other current assets

    67,357       3,414  (f)      —         —         70,771  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

    964,073       3,724       —         —         967,797  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    286,278       —         —         —         286,278  

Goodwill

    1,532,993       —         —         —         1,532,993  

Intangible assets, net

    521,434       —         —         —         521,434  

Lease asset—right of use

    107,944       —         —         —         107,944  

Other assets

    48,540       287,534  (e, f, g)      2,230  (f)      —         338,304  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 3,461,262     $ 291,258     $ 2,230     $ —       $ 3,754,750  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

         

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

         

Accounts payable

  $ 345,480     $ 3,486  (f)    $ —       $ —       $ 348,966  

Accrued liabilities

    251,109       42,617  (e, f, g)      14,532  (b, h)      —         308,258  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    596,589       46,103       14,532       —         657,224  

Long term debt

    —         —         1,186,868  (b)      —         1,186,868  

Other liabilities

    362,945       272,857  (e, f, g)      (2,959 ) (f, h)      —         632,843  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    959,534       318,960       1,198,441       —         2,476,935  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity

         

Common stock, $0.001 par value

    —         —         52  (c)      —         52  

Additional paid-in capital

    —         (27,702 ) (e, f, g)      1,725,360  (b, c, d)      —         1,697,658  

Net Parent investment

    2,921,623       —         (2,921,623 ) (b, c, d)      —         —    

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (460,888     —         —         —         (460,888
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholder’s equity

    2,460,735       (27,702 )      (1,196,211     —         1,236,822  

Noncontrolling interest

    40,993       —         —         —         40,993  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

    2,501,728       (27,702 )      (1,196,211     —         1,277,815  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 3,461,262     $ 291,258     $ 2,230     $ —       $ 3,754,750  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

    Year Ended December 31, 2021  
          Transaction Accounting
Adjustments
             
    Historical     Subsidiaries to
be contributed
by Parent
    Other
Adjustments
    Autonomous
Entity
Adjustments
    Pro Forma  

Net sales

  $ 2,428,115     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 2,428,115  

Cost of sales

    1,590,132       —         —         —         1,590,132  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

    837,983       —         —         —         837,983  

Selling, general and administrative expense

    512,815       (272 ) (l)      —         (42 ) (n)      512,501  

Restructuring and other related charges

    18,954       —         —         —         18,954  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

    306,214       272       —         42       306,528  

Pension settlement gain

    (11,208     —         —         —         (11,208

Interest (income) expense and other, net

    (1,666     567  (k, l)      41,451  (i)      —         40,352  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

    319,088       (295     (41,451     42       277,384  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    80,409       9,805  (o)      (9,907 ) (o)      9  (o)      80,316  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

    238,679       (10,100     (31,544     33       197,068  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

    —         (15,121 ) (m)      —         —         (15,121
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

    238,679       (25,221     (31,544     33       181,947  

Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes

    3,569       —         —         —         3,569  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Fabrication Technology Business of Colfax Corporation

  $ 235,110     $ (25,221   $ (31,544   $ 33     $ 178,378  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share

         

Basic:

         

Continuing operations

            (j)    $ 3.85  

Discontinued operations

            (j)      (0.30
         

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

          $ 3.55  
         

 

 

 

Diluted:

         

Continuing operations

            (j)    $ 3.80  

Discontinued operations

            (j)      (0.29
         

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

          $ 3.51  
         

 

 

 

Average common stock and common equivalent shares outstanding:

         

Basic

            (j)      51,141  

Diluted

            (j)      51,847  

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For further information regarding the historical combined financial statements, please refer to the audited Combined Financial Statements included in this information statement. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021 and Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 include adjustments related to the following:

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021

 

(a)

Reflects a pro forma adjustment to cash calculated as follows:

 

Net proceeds from the financing arrangements

   $ 1,200,000  

Less: Distribution of net proceeds from the financing arrangements to Parent

     (1,200,000
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustment

   $ —    
  

 

 

 

In connection with the separation, Parent will transfer to us certain cash balances and amounts due to banks. As of December 31, 2021, these amounts included cash held by us of $41.2 million in unremitted cash generated by our business operations (reflected as cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying historical Combined Balance Sheet). The entirety of the net proceeds of $1.2 billion from the financing arrangements will be distributed to Parent.

 

(b)

Reflects $1.2 billion of estimated proceeds from the financing arrangements that we will enter into in connection with the separation, net of $13.1 million in estimated financing costs, which are reflected as an increase to Accrued liabilities in the “Other Adjustments” column. Proceeds from these anticipated borrowings are expected to be used to fund a distribution to Parent of approximately $1.2 billion.

 

(c)

Reflects the net Parent investment impact as a result of the anticipated post-Separation and post-distribution capital structure. As of the separation date, the net Parent investment after reflecting the impact of the distribution to Parent described in note (b) above will be adjusted to reflect the distribution of approximately 52 million outstanding shares of ESAB common stock as of December 31, 2021, to Parent stockholders. ESAB’s common stock account reflects an adjustment for the par value of the anticipated approximately 52 million outstanding shares of ESAB common stock, par value of $0.001 per share, expected to be issued upon the distribution. ESAB’s additional paid-in capital account reflects an adjustment related to the reclassification of Parent’s net investment in ESAB. Parent’s net investment in ESAB will be allocated between common stock and additional paid in capital based on the number of shares of ESAB common stock outstanding at the distribution date.

 

(d)

Reflects the settlement of ESAB’s intercompany financing transactions with Parent prior to the distribution.

 

(e)

Reflects the adjustments for the impact of defined benefit plans sponsored by Parent that will be transferred to ESAB as part of the separation. Parent offers both funded and unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. that are shared amongst its businesses, including ESAB, and the participation of its employees and retirees in these plans is reflected in ESAB’s historical Combined Financial Statements as though it participated in a multiemployer plan with Parent. A proportionate share of the cost associated with these defined benefit plans is reflected in ESAB’s historical Combined Financial Statements, while any assets and liabilities associated with these defined benefit plans are retained by Parent and were not recorded on ESAB’s historical Combined Financial Statements. As part of the separation, the pension plan assets and benefit obligations of these defined benefit plans, not reflected in the historical Combined Financial Statements, will be transferred to ESAB. These adjustments are based on an actuarial valuation and reflect the following impact on the unaudited combined pro forma balance sheet:

 

Other assets

   $ 614  

Accrued liabilities

     910  

Other liabilities

     10,832  

 

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(f)

Reflects adjustments for certain assets and liabilities that are to be transferred to ESAB from Parent and Parent affiliates in connection with the separation. These assets and liabilities are to be contributed to ESAB and were not included in ESAB’s historical Combined Financial Statements as ESAB did not have legal title to these assets, nor was ESAB the legal obligor of these liabilities. These amounts reflect income, expenses, assets and liabilities historically recorded within Parent corporate entities that have not been a part of Parent’s Fabrication Technology operating segment. The historical financial statements only reflect those entities which were historically within Parent’s Fabrication Technology business, in accordance with the management approach adopted in preparation of the Combined Financial Statements of the Fabrication Technology business of Parent. Generally, the corporate entities to be assigned to ESAB upon separation are holding companies of previously owned businesses that benefit Parent as a whole, including Parent’s treasury center operations that serve the entire company. Generally, these corporate entities incur corporate overhead costs including payroll, information technology and other administrative expenses. Upon separation, these entities will be transferred in their entirety to ESAB and therefore the pro forma adjustments have been calculated based on each entity’s discrete balance sheet and income statement. The table below summarizes the assets and liabilities.

 

Prepaid expenses

   $ 310  

Other current assets

     3,414  

Other assets(1)

     39,599  

Accounts payable

     3,486  

Accrued liabilities

     11,135  

Other liabilities

     246  

 

  (1)

Primarily consists of deferred tax assets.

 

    

Amounts presented under the “Other Adjustments” column include certain assets and liabilities of deferred compensation plans that were historically reflected on a Parent corporate entity that was not formerly part of the Fabrication Technology segment. These adjustments reflect an increase of $2.2 million to Other assets and an increase of $2.2 million to Other liabilities.

 

(g)

Reflects adjustments for long-term asbestos insurance assets, long-term asbestos insurance receivables, accrued asbestos liabilities, long-term asbestos liabilities, asbestos indemnity expenses, asbestos-related defense costs and asbestos insurance recoveries related to the asbestos obligations from Parent’s other legacy industrial businesses that will be transferred to ESAB in connection with the separation and are consistent with the amounts recorded in the Parent’s consolidated financial statements for the same period. The financial results related to these obligations were not included in ESAB’s historical Combined Financial Statements because ESAB was not the obligor. Provisions for future losses have been established based on the guidance of ASC 450-20-55-2 - Injury or Damage Caused by Products Sold. The future amount of insurance available has been estimated in accordance with ASC 410-30-35-8 - Accounting for Potential Cost Recoveries. ESAB’s policies are expected to be consistent with Parent’s asbestos accounting policies and ESAB will reevaluate its estimates of future claims exposure and the amount of insurance receivable regularly. Parent estimates the liability costs to be incurred in resolving pending and forecasted claims for the next 15-year period as well as the amount of insurance proceeds available for such claims. While it is reasonably possible that the entities will incur costs after this period, ESAB does not believe the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably possible losses is estimable at the current time, and as such, no accrual has been recorded for any costs which may be paid after the next 15 years. Although ESAB believes its current estimates are reasonable, a change in the time period used for forecasting liability costs, the actual number of future claims brought, the cost of resolving these claims, the likelihood of payment by, and the solvency of, insurers and the amount of remaining insurance available could be substantially different than the estimates, and future revaluation of

 

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  liabilities and insurance recoveries could result in material adjustments to these estimates. The table below summarizes these assets and liabilities:

 

Other assets

   $ 247,321  

Accrued liabilities

     30,572  

Other liabilities

     261,779  

 

(h)

ESAB is responsible for unrecognized tax benefits, net of deferred tax benefits, to the extent a reserve relates exclusively to separate tax returns filed by ESAB. Upon separation, ESAB will be responsible for unrecognized tax benefits, net of deferred tax benefits, to the extent a reserve relates exclusively to separate tax returns filed by ESAB. Accordingly, to remove unrecognized tax benefits included in the historical combined balance sheets that were calculated as part of Parent’s U.S. consolidated return basis and for which ESAB could reasonably have been considered the primary obligor as part of a consolidated U.S. filing, but will not be settled or paid by ESAB after the separation, the pro forma combined financial information reflects a decrease to Other liabilities in the amount of $8.4 million. Additionally, the pro forma combined financial information reflects an increase to Other liabilities in the amount of $3.3 million and an increase to Accrued liabilities of $1.4 million representative of other tax liabilities that will be settled or paid by ESAB after the separation under the terms of the tax matters agreement.

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2021

 

(i)

Reflects estimated net interest expense of $41.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 related to the anticipated borrowing to be entered into in connection with the separation reflecting an estimated average borrowing cost of approximately 3.25% per annum. Estimated net interest expense includes deferred financing costs of $2.2 million, and debt issuance costs of $0.2 million. An increase of 1% in our estimated average borrowing cost would have resulted in an additional pro forma interest expense of approximately $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

(j)

The number of shares used to compute pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the number of shares of ESAB common stock assumed to be outstanding, based on the number of Parent common shares used for determination of Parent’s basic and diluted earnings per share on December 31, 2021 assuming a distribution ratio of one share of ESAB common stock for every three shares of Parent common stock outstanding. This calculation does not take into account the dilutive effect that will result from the issuance of ESAB stock-based compensation awards in connection with the adjustment of outstanding Parent stock-based compensation awards held by ESAB employees or the grant of new stock-based compensation awards. The number of dilutive shares of ESAB common stock underlying stock-based compensation awards issued in connection with the adjustment of outstanding Parent stock-based compensation awards will not be determined until after the date of the separation.

 

(k)

Pro forma adjustments have been posted to reflect the impact of defined benefit plans of Parent that will be transferred to ESAB as part of the separation. Parent offers both funded and unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. that are shared amongst its businesses, including ESAB, and the participation of its employees and retirees in these plans is reflected in ESAB’s historical Combined Financial Statements as though it participated in a multiemployer plan with Parent. A proportionate share of the cost associated with these defined benefit plans is reflected in ESAB’s historical Combined Financial Statements, while any assets and liabilities associated with these defined benefit plans are retained by Parent and were not recorded on ESAB’s historical Combined Financial Statements. As part of the separation, specific pension plan assets and benefit obligations of these defined benefit plans, not reflected in the historical financial statements, will also be transferred to ESAB. These adjustments are based on an actuarial valuation. The assets and liabilities of the defined benefit and retiree health plans which will be sponsored by ESAB upon separation relate to Parent-sponsored plans and include participants who were employed across all of Parent’s legacy industrial operating segments. As a portion of the plan participants were direct employees of Parent’s Fabrication Technology segment, a proportional amount of the net

 

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  pension income benefit associated with these defined benefit plans was allocated to the statement of operations in the Combined Statements of Operations based on Fabrication Technology’s share of total Parent headcount. The pro forma adjustment which is based on third-party actuarial reports reflects the incremental net benefit for inactive participants who were former employees of Parent’s legacy industrial operating segments for which upon separation, their respective pension plan assets and liabilities will be transferred to ESAB. The table below is a summary of the impact of the defined benefit plans on the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations.

 

Interest (income) expense and other, net

   $ (848

 

(l)

Reflects the adjustment for certain income and expenses related to corresponding assets and liabilities that are to be transferred to ESAB from Parent and Parent affiliates in connection with the separation which were not included in ESAB’s historical Combined Financial Statements. Reflects income, expenses, assets and liabilities historically recorded within Parent corporate entities that have not been a part of Parent’s Fabrication Technology operating segment. The historical financial statements only reflect those entities which were historically within Parent’s Fabrication Technology segment, in accordance with the management approach adopted in preparation of the Combined Financial Statements of the Fabrication Technology business of Parent. Generally, the corporate entities to be assigned to ESAB upon separation are holding companies of previously owned businesses that benefit Parent as a whole, including Parent’s treasury center operations that serve the entire company. Generally, these corporate entities incur corporate overhead costs including payroll, information technology and other administrative expenses. Upon separation, these entities will be transferred in their entirety to ESAB and therefore the pro forma adjustments have been calculated based on each entity’s discrete balance sheet and income statement. The table below is a summary of these certain income and expenses.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

   $ (272

Interest (income) expense and other, net

     1,415  

 

(m)

Reflects the adjustment of $15.1 million, net of $0.6 million tax, related to the asbestos obligations from Parent’s legacy industrial businesses that will be transferred to ESAB in connection with the separation; the expenses related to these obligations were not included in ESAB’s historical Combined Financial Statements and are consistent with the amounts recorded in the Parent’s consolidated financial statements for the same period. Reflects adjustments for long-term asbestos insurance assets, long-term asbestos insurance receivables, accrued asbestos liabilities, long-term asbestos liabilities, asbestos indemnity expenses, asbestos-related defense costs and asbestos insurance recoveries related to the asbestos obligations from Parent’s other legacy industrial businesses that will be transferred to ESAB in connection with the separation. The financial results related to these obligations were not included in ESAB’s historical Combined Financial Statements because ESAB was not the obligor. Consistent with the historical presentation of these amounts by the Parent, these amounts are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations. Provisions for future losses have been established based on the guidance of ASC 450-20-55-2 - Injury or Damage Caused by Products Sold. The future amount of insurance available has been estimated in accordance with ASC 410-30-35-8 - Accounting for Potential Cost Recoveries. ESAB’s policies are expected to be consistent with Parent’s asbestos accounting policies and ESAB will reevaluate its estimates of future claims exposure and the amount of insurance receivable regularly. Parent estimates the liability costs to be incurred in resolving pending and forecasted claims for the next 15-year period as well as the amount of insurance proceeds available for such claims. While it is reasonably possible that the entities will incur costs after this period, ESAB does not believe the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably possible losses is estimable at the current time, and as such, no accrual has been recorded for any costs which may be paid after the next 15 years. Although ESAB believes its current estimates are reasonable, a change in the time period used for forecasting liability costs, the actual number of future claims brought, the cost of resolving these claims, the likelihood of payment by, and the solvency of, insurers and the amount of remaining insurance available could be substantially different than the estimates, and future revaluation of liabilities and insurance

 

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  recoveries could result in material adjustments to these estimates. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Parent recorded a $9.5 million increase in asbestos-related liabilities due to a revision in forecast assumptions for filing rates and resolution values. The related insurance asset was accordingly increased $4.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Parent recorded a $11.6 million increase in asbestos-related liabilities due to a revision in forecast assumptions for filing rates and resolution values. The related insurance asset was accordingly increased $3.9 million. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, Parent recognized losses, net of tax of $15.1 million and $9.5 million, respectively. Variability between years resulted from revisions in forecast assumptions for filing rates, resolution values and defense and other administration costs.

 

(n)

Reflects $0.1 million of income and $0.1 million of expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 of certain transition services income and costs associated with the transition services agreement we intend to enter into with Parent. The costs are primarily associated with information technology services, payroll, finance, tax, human resources and other support services.

 

(o)

Reflects the tax impact of pretax adjustments and income tax expense on foreign currency gains on certain intercompany loans for Subsidiaries to be contributed by Parent. The income tax expense adjustment of $9.8 million associated with Subsidiaries to be contributed by Parent is primarily driven by unrealized foreign currency gains related to a U.S. Dollar-denominated intercompany loan. The lending party is U.S. Dollar functional for U.S. GAAP but reports income taxes in British Pounds. Accordingly, there is not an unrealized foreign currency gain under U.S. GAAP. Under local country regulations, unrealized foreign exchange revaluations on the note are included in taxable income of a corporate entity to be contributed by the Parent. As of December 31, 2021, the balance of this note was $1.2 billion. We expect that fluctuations in the relative value of the U.S. Dollar to the British Pound will continue to impact tax expense in periods subsequent to the separation and for the foreseeable future.

Management Adjustments

As a stand-alone public company, ESAB expects to incur incremental costs within certain corporate functions including finance, tax, legal, human resources, and other general and administrative related functions. We received the benefit of economies of scale as a segment within the Parent, however, in establishing these functions independently, the expenses will be higher than the prior corporate allocation. In the adjustments shown below, these dis-synergies, or higher costs are $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and relate primarily to the corporate infrastructure. In addition, pursuant to the transition services agreement we intend to enter into with the Parent, we will incur incremental expenses charged by Enovis and earn incremental service fees charged to Enovis primarily related to certain information technology services and application support services, payroll, finance, tax, human resources and other support services of $42 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The costs related to the transition services agreement are reflected in the autonomous entity adjustments and described in Note (n) above.

Each of our major corporate functions (including Finance, Tax, Accounting, Legal, Human Resources and Treasury) performed an assessment of the resources and associated cost required as a baseline to establish and operate ESAB as a stand-alone company. Internal resources were matched to job roles to meet the functional requirements of operating as a stand-alone company. Where additional resource needs were identified, they were addressed through (i) planned or actual external hiring, (ii) expected support through the transition services agreement or (iii) third-party providers. As a result of this assessment, some functions identified needs that resulted in additional incremental costs than the corporate allocations included in the historical financial statements. ESAB’s new cost structure will begin to materialize at the effective date of the separation. Management believes that the estimates resulting from this assessment that were used to determine the basis for management adjustments below are reasonable and most representative of the baseline to establish and operate ESAB as a stand-alone company.

Informed by the assessment described above, the management adjustments presented below show a net increase of expenses compared to the allocated expenses from the Parent included in our historical Combined Statement

 

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of Operations. The total adjustment for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $5.5 million. However, actual expenses that will be incurred could differ materially from these estimates.

Management believes the presentation of these adjustments are necessary to enhance an understanding of the pro forma effects of the transaction. The pro forma financial information below reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management necessary to provide a fair statement of the pro forma financial information, aligned with the assessment described above. The management adjustments below do not reflect any potential future decisions by ESAB to increase or reduce resources or invest more heavily in certain areas.

These management adjustments include forward-looking information that is subject to the safe harbor protections of the Exchange Act. The tax effect has been determined by applying the respective statutory tax rates to the aforementioned adjustments in jurisdictions where valuation allowances were not required.

The below table includes each category of management adjustments.

For the year ended December 31, 2021:

 

($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

   Net
income
     Basic
earnings
per share
     Diluted
earnings
per share
 

Pro Forma income from continuing operations*

   $ 197,068      $ 3.85      $ 3.80  

Management adjustments

        

Dis-synergies:

        

Corporate and other(1)

     5,474        
  

 

 

       

Total Management Adjustments

     5,474        
  

 

 

       

Tax effect

     (1,308      
  

 

 

       

Pro forma net income after management’s adjustments

   $ 192,902      $ 3.77      $ 3.72  
  

 

 

       

Average common stock and common equivalent shares outstanding:

        

Basic

     51,141        

Diluted

     51,847        

 

*

As shown in the unaudited Pro Forma Combined Income Statement

(1)

Primarily additional headcount within C-suite including board of directors, finance, tax, human resources and internal audit functions. Additionally, for external third-party services related to governance and compliance including audit fees, licenses, insurance and other.

 

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

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) to ESAB or the Company (“we,” “us,” or “our”) shall mean the business comprising the fabrication technology business of Colfax Corporation (“Colfax” or “Parent”). Colfax will operate under the new name Enovis Corporation (“Enovis”) upon the completion of the spin-off transaction. ESAB Corporation, which was established on May 19, 2021, will be ESAB’s new ultimate parent company. The operating results that are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements of ESAB Corporation are fully included within the Company’s Combined Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. Refer to Note 1. “Organization and Basis of Presentation” in the Company’s Combined Financial Statements for additional information.

This MD&A is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of the Company’s management. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements” and our audited Combined Financial Statements included elsewhere in this information statement. This MD&A includes forward-looking statements. For a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results referred to in these forward-looking statements, see “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.” This MD&A is divided into five main sections:

 

   

Basis of Presentation;

 

   

Overview;

 

   

Results of Operations;

 

   

Liquidity and Capital Resources; and

 

   

Critical Accounting Policies.

Immediately prior to the separation and pursuant to the separation agreement, it is expected that Colfax will contribute certain assets and liabilities to the Company that have not historically been part of Colfax’s fabrication technology business. We have supplemented our discussion and analysis of results of operations to describe components of ESAB’s results of operations that may be impacted by the contribution of such assets and liabilities.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying audited combined financial statements present the historical financial position, results of operations, changes in equity and cash flows of the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally applied in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for the preparation of carved-out combined financial statements. We are a global organization that develops, manufactures and supplies consumable welding and cutting products and equipment, as well as gas control equipment. The Company’s products are utilized to solve challenges in a wide range of industries, including cutting, joining and automated welding. The Company’s products are marketed to customers primarily under the ESAB brand name. Historically, our business has comprised the Fabrication Technology Business of Colfax Corporation.

Our historical Combined Financial Statements include expense allocations for certain support functions that are provided on a centralized basis within Colfax, such as corporate costs, shared services and other general and administrative costs that benefit the Company, among others. Following the separation from Colfax, we expect that Colfax will continue to provide us with some of the services related to these functions on a transitional basis. Costs associated with services provided by Enovis on a transitional basis are expected to be immaterial. We also expect to provide certain services to Enovis on a transitional basis in exchange for agreed-upon fees. We will also incur additional costs as a separate public company. As a separate public company, our total costs related to such support functions may differ from the costs that were historically allocated to us.

 

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These additional costs are primarily for the following:

 

   

additional personnel costs, including salaries, benefits and potential bonuses and/or stock-based compensation awards for staff additions to replace support provided by Colfax that is not covered by the transition services agreement; and

 

   

corporate governance costs, including board of director compensation and expenses, audit and other professional services fees, annual report and proxy statement costs, SEC filing fees, transfer agent fees, consulting and legal fees and stock exchange listing fees.

Certain factors could impact the nature and amount of these separate public company costs, including the finalization of our staffing and infrastructure needs.

We expect these additional separate public company costs to exceed the costs that have been historically allocated to us. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we expect approximately $5 million in excess of $30 million that has been allocated to us in our accompanying Combined Financial Statements. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we expect approximately $11 million in excess of $24 million that has been allocated to us in our accompanying Combined Financial Statements. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we expect approximately $13 million in excess of $22 million that has been allocated to us in our accompanying Combined Financial Statements. In addition to these costs, we expect Colfax or us to incur certain nonrecurring internal costs to complete the spin-off.

Additionally, our combined balance sheet may not be comparable to the opening balance sheet of the separate company, which we expect will reflect the transfer by Colfax of certain other assets and liabilities to us along with certain Colfax corporate entities. For a detailed description of our unaudited pro forma combined financial statements, see “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements.”

Colfax proposes to effect the distribution of 90% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock as part of its plan to separate Colfax’s fabrication technology business into a stand-alone publicly traded company. While, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, Colfax currently intends to effect the distribution, Colfax has no obligation to pursue or consummate any dispositions of its ownership interest in us, including through the distribution, by any specified date or at all. The distribution is subject to various conditions, including the approval of the boards of directors of each of Colfax and us, which approval has not been withdrawn; the transfer of assets and liabilities to us in accordance with the separation agreement; the receipt of a private letter ruling from the IRS, which Colfax has received, and an opinion of counsel regarding the qualification of the distribution, together with certain related transactions, as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code; that the SEC will have declared effective the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement will be in effect, no proceedings for such purpose will be pending before or threatened by the SEC, and this information statement, or a Notice of Internet Availability thereof, will have been mailed to Colfax stockholders as of the record date for the distribution; receipt of any necessary regulatory or other approvals necessary to consummate the distribution and to permit the operation of our business after the separation substantially as it is currently conducted will have been obtained; due execution and delivery of the agreements relating to the separation; no order, injunction or decree issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition in effect preventing the consummation of the separation, the distribution or any of the related transactions; acceptance for listing on the NYSE of the shares of our common stock to be distributed, subject to official notice of distribution; Colfax shall have requested the resignation of each of our directors and officers who will continue solely as an officer or director of Enovis following the separation other than Christopher Hix who will continue to serve as one of our directors in addition to continuing to serve as Enovis’s Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer; entry by Colfax into a distribution agent agreement with, or provided instructions regarding the distribution to, EQ as distribution agent; the declaration and payment by us to Colfax of the Cash Distribution and no other event or development having occurred or in existence that, in the judgment of the Colfax Board, in its sole discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the separation, the distribution or the other related transactions.

 

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The conditions to the distribution may not be satisfied, Colfax may decide not to consummate the distribution even if the conditions are satisfied or Colfax may decide to waive one or more of these conditions and consummate the distribution even if all of the conditions are not satisfied. There can be no assurance whether or when any such transaction will be consummated or as to the final terms of any such transaction.

The Company has historically operated as part of the Parent and not as a stand-alone company. The financial statements have been derived from the Parent’s historical accounting records and are presented on a carve-out basis. All revenues and costs as well as assets and liabilities directly associated with the business activity of the Company are included as a component of the financial statements. The financial statements also include allocations of certain general and administrative expenses from the Parent’s corporate office. The allocations have been determined on a reasonable basis; however, the amounts are not necessarily representative of the amounts that would have been reflected in the financial statements had the Company been an entity that operated independently of the Parent. Further, the historical financial statements may not be reflective of what our results of operations, comprehensive income, historical financial position, equity or cash flows might be in the future as a separate public company. Certain factors could impact the nature and amount of these separate public company costs, including the finalization of our staffing and infrastructure needs. Following the separation, pursuant to agreements with Enovis, we expect that Enovis will continue to provide us with some of the services related to these functions on a transitional basis in exchange for agreed-upon fees, and we expect to incur other costs to replace the services and resources that will not be provided by Enovis. Related party allocations are discussed further in Note 17, “Related Party Transactions” in the accompanying audited Combined Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this information statement.

As part of the Parent, the Company is dependent on Colfax for all of its working capital and financing requirements, which utilizes a centralized approach to cash management and financing of its operations. Financing transactions relating to the Company are accounted for through the Net Parent investment account of the Company. Accordingly, none of the Parent’s cash, cash equivalents or debt has been assigned to the Company in the accompanying audited Combined Financial Statements included elsewhere in this information statement.

Net Parent investment, which includes retained earnings, represents the Parent’s interest in the recorded net assets of the Company. All significant transactions between the Company and the Parent have been included in the accompanying combined financial statements. Transactions with the Parent are reflected in the accompanying Combined Statements of Equity as “Transfers to (from) Parent, net” and in the accompanying Combined Balance Sheets within “Net Parent investment.”

Overview

General

We are a leading global supplier of consumable products and equipment for use in the cutting, joining and automated welding, as well as gas control equipment, providing a wide range of products with innovative technologies to solve challenges in a wide range of industries. See “Business” for additional information related to our objectives and methodologies for delivering stockholder value.

We conduct our operations through two reportable segments. These segments consist of the “Americas,” which includes operations in North America and South America, and “EMEA & APAC,” which includes Europe, Middle East, India, Africa and Asia Pacific. We serve a global customer base across multiple markets through a combination of direct sales and third-party distribution channels. Our customer base is highly diversified in the industrial end markets.

Integral to our operations is the ESAB Business Excellence system (“EBX”), our business management system, which was derived from the Colfax Business System. EBX is our culture and includes our values and behaviors, a comprehensive set of tools, and repeatable, teachable processes that we use to drive continuous improvement

 

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and create superior value for our customers, stockholders and associates. We believe that our management team’s access to, and experience in, the application of the EBX methodology is one of our primary competitive strengths.

Outlook

We believe that we are well positioned to grow our businesses organically over the long term by enhancing our product offerings and expanding our customer base. Our business mix is well balanced between sales in emerging and developed markets, and equipment and consumables. We intend to continue to utilize our strong global presence and worldwide network of salespeople and distributors to capitalize on growth opportunities by selling regionally-developed and/or marketed products and solutions throughout our served markets. Our geographic and end market diversity helps mitigate the effects from cyclical industrial market exposures. Given this balance, management does not use indices other than general economic trends and business initiatives to predict the overall outlook for the Company. Instead, our individual businesses monitor key competitors and customers, including to the extent possible their sales, to gauge relative performance and outlook for the future.

We face a number of challenges and opportunities, including the successful integration of acquired businesses, application and expansion of our EBX tools to improve business performance, and rationalization of assets and costs.

We expect strategic acquisitions to contribute to our growth. We believe that the extensive experience of our leadership team in acquiring and effectively integrating acquisition targets should enable us to capitalize on future opportunities.

The discussion that follows includes a comparison of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Results of Operations

The following discussion of Results of Operations addresses the comparison of the periods presented. Our management evaluates the operating results of each of its reportable segments based upon Net sales, Segment operating income, which represents Operating income before Restructuring and other related charges, and Adjusted EBITA as defined in the “Non-GAAP Measures” section.

Items Affecting Comparability of Reported Results

The comparability of our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 are affected by the following additional significant items:

Impact of COVID-19

In December 2019, COVID-19 was first reported in China. On March 11, 2020, due to worldwide spread of the virus, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. The COVID-19 global pandemic has resulted in a widespread health crisis, and the resulting impact on governments, businesses and individuals and actions taken by them in response to the situation have resulted in widespread economic disruptions, significantly affecting broader economies, financial markets, and overall demand for our products.

In an effort to protect the health and safety of our employees, we have taken actions to adopt social distancing policies at our locations around the world, including working from home, reducing the number of people in our sites at any one time, and suspending or restricting employee travel. Our precautions were initially reduced in 2021 as restrictions were eased, however we have increased these efforts as variants have become more prevalent and in response to local directives. In an effort to contain COVID-19 or slow its spread, governments around the world enacted measures throughout 2020 and 2021, including periodically closing businesses not deemed “essential,” isolating residents to their homes and practicing social distancing. Increased access to vaccinations

 

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has contributed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 in certain jurisdictions, resulting in some or all restrictions being lifted in a number of jurisdictions around the world, allowing a return to more normal activity and operational levels during the first half of 2021. However, the emergence and subsequent spread of COVID-19 variants has led to the reinstatement of certain restrictions, which slowed the pace of recovery during the second half of 2021.

During 2020, we implemented a broad range of temporary actions to mitigate the effects of lower sales levels including temporarily reducing salaries, furloughing and laying-off employees, significantly curtailing discretionary expenses, re-phasing of capital expenditures, reducing supplier purchase levels and/or prices, adjusting working capital practices and other measures. As sales volumes improved in 2021, these measures were removed.

As reflected in the discussions that follow, the pandemic and actions taken in response to it had a variety of impacts on our results of operations during 2020 and 2021. In 2020, the pandemic began to impact our financial results in March, with the most severe financial impact occurring in the second quarter, resulting in 30.1% lower sales than the second quarter of 2019. Subsequently, we observed a partial recovery in the second half of 2020. The surge in COVID-19 cases in the fourth quarter of 2020 contributed certain jurisdictions putting further restrictions into place, which slowed recovery in the fourth quarter of 2020, and the impact continued into the beginning of the first quarter of 2021, after which sales volumes began to normalize through the second quarter of 2021. Recovery of sales volumes again slowed in the second half of 2021 due to increased restrictions in certain jurisdictions as a result of the growing spread of COVID-19 variants.

We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and guidance from international and domestic authorities, including national and local public health authorities, and may take additional actions based on their recommendations. In these circumstances, there may be developments outside our control that require us to further adjust our operations. Given the continued dynamic nature of this situation, including the rise, prevalence and severity of variants of the virus, we cannot reasonably estimate the full impacts of COVID-19 on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in the future.

COVID-19 and other market dynamics have caused widespread supply chain challenges due to labor, raw material, and component shortages. As a result, we have experienced supply constraints in our businesses, which have led to cost inflation and logistics delays. We are taking actions in an effort to mitigate impacts to our supply chain, however, we expect these pressures to continue.

See “Risk Factors” for additional information related to the Company’s risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acquisitions

We complement our organic growth plans with acquisitions and other investments. Acquisitions can significantly affect our reported results, and we report the change in our Net sales between periods both from existing and acquired businesses. The change in Net sales due to acquisitions for the periods presented in this filing represents the incremental sales as a result of acquisitions.

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company completed one acquisition for total consideration, net of cash received, of $4.9 million. The Company may also pay additional contingent consideration up to $4.0 million, based on the future performance of the acquired company. The acquisition was for Octopuz, a Canadian leader in developing offline robot programming software, which further enhances the Company’s digital product solutions.

Global Operations

Our products and services are available worldwide. The manner in which our products and services are sold differs by region. During 2021, 2020 and 2019, approximately 78%, 77% and 76%, respectively, of our Net sales

 

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were derived from operations outside of the United States. During 2021, 2020 and 2019, approximately 41%, 39% and 42% of our Net sales, respectively, were derived from the Americas, approximately 30%, 31% and 31%, respectively, from Europe and the remainder from other countries. Accordingly, we are affected by market demand, economic and political factors in countries throughout the world. Our ability to grow and our financial performance will be affected by our ability to address a variety of challenges and opportunities that are a consequence of our global operations, including efficiently utilizing our global sales, manufacturing and distribution capabilities, participating in the expansion of market opportunities in emerging markets, successfully completing global acquisitions and engineering innovative new product applications for end users in a variety of geographic markets. However, we believe that our geographic, end market, customer and product diversification may limit the impact that any one country or economy could have on our combined results.

Foreign Currency Fluctuations

As discussed above, a significant portion of our Net sales are outside the U.S., with the majority of those sales denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Because much of our manufacturing and employee costs are outside the U.S., a significant portion of our costs are also denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign exchange rates can impact our results of operations and are quantified when significant.

For the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 2020, fluctuations in foreign currencies had favorable impacts on the change in Net sales of 1.0%, positively affected Gross profit by 1.1% and unfavorably affected Selling, general and administrative expenses by 2.2%.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 2019, fluctuations in foreign currencies had unfavorable impacts on the change in Net sales of 3.5%, negatively affected Gross profit by 2.8% and favorably impacted Selling, general and administrative expenses by 1.8%.

Seasonality

Our European operations typically experience a slowdown during the July, August and December vacation seasons. However, the business impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic distorted the effects of historical seasonality patterns.

Material Costs

Our results may be sensitive to cost changes in our raw materials. Our largest material purchases are for components and raw materials including steel, iron, copper and aluminum. Historically, we have been generally successful in passing raw material cost increases on to our customers in the form of higher prices. While we seek to take actions to manage this risk, future changes in component and raw material costs may adversely impact earnings.

Sales and Cost Mix

The gross profit margins within our business vary in relation to the relative mix of many factors, including the type of product, the location in which the product is manufactured, the end market application for which the product is designed, and the percentage of total revenue represented by consumables, which often have higher margins than equipment.

The mix of sales was as follows for the periods presented:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  

Equipment

     31     31     31

Consumables

     69     69     69

 

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Non-GAAP Measures

Adjusted EBITA

Adjusted EBITA, a non-GAAP performance measure, is included in this report because it is a key metric used by our management to assess our operating performance. Adjusted EBITA excludes from Net income the effect of restructuring and other related charges, acquisition-related intangible asset amortization, strategic transaction costs, pension settlement gains and losses, income tax expense and interest income, net. We also present Adjusted EBITA margin, which is subject to the same adjustments as Adjusted EBITA. Further, we present Adjusted EBITA (and Adjusted EBITA margin) on a segment basis, where we exclude the impact of restructuring and other related charges, acquisition-related intangible asset amortization, strategic transaction costs and pension settlement gains and losses from segment operating income. Adjusted EBITA assists management in comparing its operating performance over time because certain items may obscure underlying business trends and make comparisons of long-term performance difficult, as they are of a nature and/or size that occur with inconsistent frequency or relate to discrete restructuring plans and other initiatives that are fundamentally different from our ongoing productivity improvements. Management also believes that presenting these measures allows investors to view its performance using the same measures that we use in evaluating our financial and business performance and trends.

Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures. The following tables set forth a reconciliation of Net income, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITA.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
         2021             2020             2019      
     (Dollars in millions)  

Net income (GAAP)

   $ 238.7     $ 159.9     $ 176.7  

Income tax expense

     80.4       46.0       44.7  

Interest income, net(1)

     —         (1.0     (1.1

Pension settlement (gain) loss

     (11.2     —         33.6  

Restructuring and other related charges(2)

     19.0       21.6       23.0  

Strategic transaction costs(3)

     2.9       —         —    

Acquisition-related amortization(4)

     35.9       36.3       35.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITA (non-GAAP)

   $ 365.7     $ 262.8     $ 312.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income margin (GAAP)

     9.8     8.2     7.9

Adjusted EBITA margin (non-GAAP)

     15.1     13.5     13.9

 

(1)

Relates to the removal of interest income, net included within the Interest (income) expense and other, net line within the Combined Statements of Operations.

(2)

Includes severance and other termination benefits, including outplacement services as well as the cost of relocating associates, relocating equipment, lease termination expense, and other costs in connection with the closure and optimization of facilities and product lines.

(3)

Includes costs related to the separation.

(4)

Includes amortization of acquired intangibles.

 

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The following tables set forth a reconciliation of operating income, the most directly comparable financial statement measure, to Adjusted EBITA by segment for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2021  
     Americas     EMEA & APAC     Total  
     (Dollars in millions)  

Operating income (GAAP)

   $ 108.1     $ 198.1     $ 306.2  

Restructuring and other related charges

     11.6       7.4       19.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income (non-GAAP)

     119.7       205.5       325.2  

Strategic transaction costs

     1.2       1.7       2.9  

Acquisition-related amortization

     18.5       17.4       35.9  

Other income (expense), net(1)

     2.1       (0.4     1.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITA (non-GAAP)

   $ 141.5     $ 224.2     $ 365.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income margin (non-GAAP)

     11.9     14.4     13.4

Adjusted EBITA margin (non-GAAP)

     14.1     15.7     15.1

 

(1)

Relates to the adjustment for other income (expense), net items included within the Interest (income) expense and other, net line within the Combined Statements of Operations.

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2020  
     Americas     EMEA & APAC     Total  
     (Dollars in millions)(1)  

Operating income (GAAP)

   $ 61.5     $ 140.6     $ 202.1  

Restructuring and other related charges

     12.4       9.2       21.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income (non-GAAP)

     74.0       149.8       223.8  

Acquisition-related amortization

     19.4       17.0       36.3  

Other income (expense), net(2)

     3.1       (0.4     2.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITA (non-GAAP)

   $ 96.5     $ 166.3     $ 262.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income margin (non-GAAP)

     9.6     12.7     11.5

Adjusted EBITA margin (non-GAAP)

     12.6     14.1     13.5

 

(1)

Numbers may not sum due to rounding.

(2)

Relates to the adjustment for other income (expense), net items included within the Interest (income) expense and other, net line within the Combined Statements of Operations.

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2019  
     Americas     EMEA & APAC     Total  
     (Dollars in millions)(1)  

Operating income (GAAP)

   $ 95.2     $ 160.9     $ 256.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restructuring and other related charges

     13.8       9.3       23.0  

Segment operating income (non-GAAP)

     108.9       170.2       279.1  

Acquisition-related amortization

     20.1       15.6       35.7  

Other income (expense), net(2)

     0.1       (2.2     (2.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITA (non-GAAP)

   $ 129.1     $ 183.5     $ 312.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income margin (non-GAAP)

     11.6     13.0     12.4

Adjusted EBITA margin (non-GAAP)

     13.7     14.0     13.9

 

(1)

Numbers may not sum due to rounding.

(2)

Relates to the adjustment for other income (expense), net items included within the Interest (income) expense and other, net line within the Combined Statements of Operations.

 

 

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Total Company

Sales

Net sales increased to $2.43 billion in 2021 from $1.95 billion in 2020 which decreased from $2.25 billion in 2019. The following table presents the components of changes in our Net sales.

 

     Net Sales  
     $      %  
     (Dollars in millions)  

For the year ended December, 31 2019

   $ 2,247.1     
  

 

 

    

Components of Change:

     

Existing businesses(1)

     (218.4      (9.7 )% 

Foreign currency translation(2)

     (78.6      (3.5 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (297.0      (13.2 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020

     1,950.1     
  

 

 

    

Components of Change:

     

Acquisitions

     2.1        0.1

Existing businesses(1)

     456.6        23.4

Foreign currency translation(2)

     19.3        1.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     478.0        24.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021

   $ 2,428.1     
  

 

 

    

 

(1)

Excludes the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations and acquisitions, thus providing a measure of change due to factors such as price, product mix and volume.

(2)

Represents the difference between prior year sales valued at the actual prior year foreign exchange rates and prior year sales valued at current year foreign exchange rates.

Net sales from existing businesses increased $456.6 million during 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to higher sales volumes as a result of recovery from the COVID-related sales downturn in 2020, inflation-related pricing increases and new product initiatives of approximately $152 million, $214 million and $90 million, respectively. The weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies caused a $19.3 million favorable currency translation impact during the year.

During 2020, Net sales from existing businesses decreased $218.4 million compared to 2019 mainly due to approximately $241 million of lower sales volumes related to COVID-19, slightly offset by price increases of approximately $23 million. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies caused a $78.6 million unfavorable currency translation impact during the year.

 

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Operating Results

The following table summarizes our results for the comparable periods.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  
     (Dollars in millions)  

Gross profit

   $ 838.0     $ 682.5     $ 796.4  

Gross profit margin

     34.5     35.0     35.4

Selling, general and administrative expense

   $ 512.8     $ 458.7     $ 517.3  

Operating income

   $ 306.2     $ 202.1     $ 256.1  

Operating income margin

     12.6     10.4     11.4

Net income

   $ 238.7     $ 159.9     $ 176.7  

Net income margin

     9.8     8.2     7.9

Adjusted EBITA (non-GAAP)

   $ 365.7     $ 262.8     $ 312.6  

Adjusted EBITA Margin (non-GAAP)

     15.1     13.5     13.9

Items excluded from Adjusted EBITA:

      

Restructuring and other related charges(1)

   $ 19.0     $ 21.6     $ 23.0  

Acquisition-related amortization(2)

   $ 35.9     $ 36.3     $ 35.7  

Pension settlement (gain) loss

   $ (11.2   $ —       $ 33.6  

Strategic transaction costs

   $ 2.9     $ —       $ —    

Interest income, net

   $ —       $ (1.0   $ (1.1

Income tax expense

   $ 80.4     $ 46.0     $ 44.7  

 

(1)

Includes severance and other termination benefits, including outplacement services as well as the cost of relocating associates, relocating equipment, lease termination and other costs in connection with the closure of and optimization of facilities and product lines.

(2)

Includes amortization of acquired intangibles.

2021 Compared to 2020

Gross profit increased $155.5 million during 2021 compared to 2020, primarily attributable to higher sales volumes and the related improved production efficiencies compared to 2020, during which sales volumes were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2021, Gross profit also increased due to new product initiatives and $7.5 million of favorable foreign currency impacts, partially offset by increased supply chain and logistic costs. Gross profit margin was substantially maintained at the prior year level with margin improvements offset by the dilutive impact of inflation, net of customer price increases which compressed margins.

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $54.1 million mainly due to the cessation of prior year temporary cost reduction measures that were taken in response to COVID-19, and increased sales commissions from increased sales levels.

Additionally, during 2021, a pension settlement gain of $11.2 million was recognized when the independent trustees of a company pension plan agreed to merge that plan with another company pension plan and contribute its surplus assets.

The effective tax rate for 2021 and 2020 was 25.2% and 22.3%, respectively. In 2021, the effective tax rate was higher than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to withholding taxes on dividends and capital gains on current year transactions offset by the Company’s earnings outside the U.S. that are taxed at different rates rather than the U.S. Federal statutory rate. In 2020, the effective tax rate was higher than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21.0% and lower than 2021 mainly due to withholding taxes on dividends offset by U.S. research and development tax credits and the Company’s earnings outside the U.S. that are taxed at different rates rather than the U.S. Federal statutory rate.

 

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Net income increased in 2021 compared to 2020, largely due to the strong recovery from the prior year COVID-related sales downturn. The sales-related benefits from this recovery in 2021 were partially offset by increases in expenses attributable to the cessation of aforementioned temporary cost reductions implemented during 2020 in reaction to COVID-driven sales reductions, as well as increased supply chain and logistic costs. During 2021, we also incurred higher sales commissions related to greater sales, partially offset by a pension settlement gain. The net income margin increased by 160 basis points in 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to the aforementioned factors.

Adjusted EBITA increased primarily due to the improved sales volumes and new product initiatives, partially offset by the aforementioned supply chain and logistic costs and sales commission increases, and the cessation of the aforementioned temporary cost reductions. Adjusted EBITA margin increased by 160 basis points for largely the same reasons, partially offset by inflation-related pricing increases.

2020 Compared to 2019

Gross profit decreased $113.9 million during 2020 in comparison to 2019, primarily driven by lower sales volumes that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and $22.1 million of unfavorable currency translation effects, partly offset by temporary mitigating cost actions and new product initiatives. Gross profit margin was substantially maintained at the prior year level due to temporary cost reductions and restructuring benefits.

Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $58.6 million mainly due to benefits from restructuring initiatives and temporary cost reduction programs.

The effective tax rate for 2020 and 2019 was 22.3% and 20.2%, respectively. In 2020, the effective tax rate was higher than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21.0% due to withholding taxes on dividends offset by U.S. research and development tax credits and the Company’s earnings outside the U.S. that are taxed at different rates rather than the U.S. Federal statutory rate. In 2019, the effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% and lower than 2020 mainly due to state income tax benefit offset by withholding taxes on dividends.

Net income decreased in 2020 compared to 2019, largely due to the decrease in Gross profit from COVID-19 impacts, mitigated by the reductions in Selling, general and administrative expense from our temporary cost reduction programs. Despite the decrease in net income, the net income margin increased by 30 basis points in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to the reduction in Selling, general and administrative expense.

The lower Adjusted EBITA was driven by COVID-19 impacts, partially offset by the reductions in Selling, general and administrative expense from our temporary cost reduction programs. Adjusted EBITA margin decreased by 40 basis points for largely the same reasons.

Business Segments

We formulate, develop, manufacture, and supply consumable products and equipment, including cutting, joining, and automated welding products, as well as gas control equipment. Our products are marketed under several brand names, most notably ESAB, providing a wide range of products with innovative technologies to solve challenges in virtually any industry. ESAB’s comprehensive range of welding consumables includes electrodes, cored and solid wires, and fluxes using a wide range of specialty and other materials, and cutting consumables including electrodes, nozzles, shields, and tips. ESAB’s equipment ranges from portable welding machines to large customized automated cutting and welding systems. ESAB also offers a range of software and digital solutions to help its customers increase their productivity, remotely monitor their welding operations, and digitize their documentation. Products are sold into a wide range of end markets, including general industry, construction, infrastructure, transportation, energy, renewable energy, and medical and life sciences.

We report results in two reportable segments: Americas and EMEA & APAC.

 

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Americas

The following table summarizes selected financial data for our Americas segment:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  
     (Dollars in millions)  

Net sales

   $ 1,004.2     $ 767.4     $ 939.7  

Gross profit

   $ 342.5     $ 260.0     $ 343.1  

Gross profit margin

     34.1     33.9     36.5

Selling, general and administrative expense

   $ 222.7     $ 186.0     $ 234.2  

Segment operating income (non-GAAP)

   $ 119.7     $ 74.0     $ 108.9  

Segment operating income margin (non-GAAP)

     11.9     9.6     11.6

Adjusted EBITA (non-GAAP)

   $ 141.5     $ 96.5     $ 129.1  

Adjusted EBITA margin (non-GAAP)

     14.1     12.6     13.7

Items excluded from Adjusted EBITA:

      

Restructuring and other related charges

   $ 11.6     $ 12.4     $ 13.8  

Acquisition-related amortization

   $ 18.5     $ 19.4     $ 20.1  

Pension settlement loss

   $ —       $ —       $ 33.6  

Strategic transaction costs

   $ 1.2     $ —       $ —    

2021 Compared to 2020

Net sales increased $236.8 million during 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to higher sales volumes due to the strong recovery from COVID-19 and inflation-related price increases. Gross profit margin was 20 basis points higher in 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to improved production efficiencies.

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $36.7 million in the period due to the higher sales commissions related to greater sales and the cessation of temporary cost reductions implemented in 2020. Segment operating income increased $45.7 million primarily due to higher sales levels related to the strong recovery from the COVID-19 with Adjusted EBITA and related margins increasing for the same reasons.

2020 Compared to 2019

Net sales decreased $172.3 million during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to lower sales volumes related to COVID-19, slightly offset by price increases. Gross profit margin was 260 basis points lower than 2019 primarily due to lower sales levels related to COVID-19 and a decrease in production volumes resulting in unfavorable production variances.

Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $48.2 million in the period due to benefits from restructuring initiatives and temporary cost reduction programs. Segment operating income decreased $34.9 million primarily due to lower sales levels related to COVID-19. Lower sales levels related to COVID-19 also resulted in a decline in Adjusted EBITA and related margins over the same period.

 

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EMEA & APAC

The following table summarizes the selected financial data for our EMEA & APAC segment:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  
     (Dollars in millions)  

Net sales

   $ 1,423.9     $ 1,182.7     $ 1,307.4  

Gross profit

   $ 495.5     $ 422.5     $ 453.3  

Gross profit margin

     34.8     35.7     34.7

Selling, general and administrative expense

   $ 290.1     $ 272.7     $ 283.1  

Segment operating income (non-GAAP)

   $ 205.5     $ 149.8     $ 170.2  

Segment operating income margin (non-GAAP)

     14.4     12.7     13.0

Adjusted EBITA (non-GAAP)

   $ 224.2     $ 166.3     $ 183.5  

Adjusted EBITA margin (non-GAAP)

     15.7     14.1     14.0

Items excluded from Adjusted EBITA:

      

Restructuring and other related charges

   $ 7.4     $ 9.2     $ 9.3  

Acquisition-related amortization

   $ 17.4     $ 17.0     $ 15.6  

Pension settlement (gain)

   $ (11.2   $ —       $ —    

Strategic transaction costs

   $ 1.7     $ —       $ —    

2021 Compared to 2020

Net sales increased $241.2 million during 2021 compared to 2020 mainly due to higher sales volumes due to the strong recovery from COVID-19, inflation-related price increases, new product initiatives and favorable foreign currency translation impacts. Gross profit margin decreased by 90 basis points in 2021 when compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to the impact of inflation-related pricing and cost increases, which compressed the margin.

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $17.4 million in 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to the increased sales costs and the cessation of temporary cost reductions implemented in 2020, partially offset by benefits from restructuring initiatives. Segment operating income and Adjusted EBITA increased in 2021 compared to 2020 due to the improved sales volumes, partially offset by increased Selling, general and administrative costs. The related margins increased for the same reasons, partially offset by the impact of inflation-related pricing and cost increases.

2020 Compared to 2019

Net sales decreased $124.7 million during 2020 compared to 2019 mainly due to lower sales volumes related to COVID-19 and unfavorable foreign currency translation impacts. Gross profit margin increased by 100 basis points when compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to lower material costs and temporary measures to reduce costs, partially offset by the negative impact of COVID-19-related volume decline.

Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $10.4 million in the period due to benefits from restructuring initiatives and temporary cost reduction programs. Segment operating income decreased $20.4 million primarily due to lower sales levels related to COVID-19. Lower sales levels related to COVID-19 also resulted in a decline in Adjusted EBITA while the related margin remained consistent with 2019.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

We currently finance our working capital requirements through cash flows from operating activities and arrangements with our Parent. We expect that our primary ongoing requirements for cash will be for working

 

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capital, funding of acquisitions, capital expenditures and restructuring related cash outflows, asbestos-related cash outflows, and debt service and required amortization of principal and, pending Board approval, payment of cash dividends post-separation. We believe that we could raise additional funds in the form of debt or equity if it was determined to be appropriate for strategic acquisitions or other corporate purposes. We believe that our sources of liquidity are adequate to fund our operations for the next twelve months.

We anticipate having up to $1.2 billion in principal aggregate amount of indebtedness upon completion of the separation pursuant to a $1.75 billion credit facility, consisting of (i) a senior revolving facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $750 million, (ii) a senior term loan A-1 facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $400 million and (iii) a 364-day senior term loan A-2 facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $600 million, provided that such amount shall be automatically and immediately reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the first $600 million of net proceeds from the incurrence or issuance of any additional permanent financing, including any issuance of senior unsecured notes. The initial credit extensions under these facilities are expected to be made available to us, subject to certain conditions precedent, at or shortly prior to the time of the closing of the distribution. We intend to use the proceeds of these facilities, in part, to fund the Cash Distribution to Colfax as partial consideration for the transfer of Colfax’s fabrication technology business to us and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the separation and distribution. See “Description of Certain Indebtedness.” The debt may also restrict our business and may adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, the separation may increase the overall cost of debt funding and decrease the overall debt capacity and commercial credit available to us.

Cash Flows

As of December 31, 2021, we had $41.2 million of Cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of $8.0 million from $49.2 million as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, we had Cash and cash equivalents of $104.8 million.

The following table summarizes the change in Cash and cash equivalents during the periods indicated:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
         2021              2020              2019      
     (Dollars in millions)(1)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 250.7      $ 309.2      $ 249.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   $ (35.6    $ (40.1    $ (44.5

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     5.2        5.6        7.0  

Acquisition, net of cash received

     (4.9      —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (35.3    $ (34.5    $ (37.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Proceeds from (repayments of) borrowings, net

   $ 0.7      $ (0.2    $ (5.0

Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders

     (3.7      (4.3      (2.9

Transfers to Parent, net

     (218.5      (321.9      (168.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ (221.5    $ (326.4    $ (176.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Numbers may not sum due to rounding.

Cash provided by operating activities for 2021 decreased $58.5 million over 2020 mainly due to an decrease in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $133.4 million, partially offset by an increase in operating income of $104.1 million. Cash provided by operating activities for 2020 increased $59.4 million over 2019 mainly

 

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due to an increase in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $106.8 million, partially offset by a decrease in operating income of $54.0 million. Following the consummation of the separation, cash flows from operating activities will also include payments for items such as asbestos-related costs, net interest expense and costs expected to be incurred when operating as a stand-alone public company.

Cash flows used in investing activities during 2021, 2020 and 2019 includes $35.6 million, $40.1 million and $44.5 million, respectively, of cash used for the purchases of property, plant and equipment.

Cash flows used in financing activities in 2021, 2020 and 2019 primarily relates to our activity with Parent.

Our Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2021, include $40.7 million held in jurisdictions outside the U.S. Cash repatriation of non-U.S. cash into the U.S. may be subject to taxes, other local statutory restrictions, and minority owner distributions.

Contractual Obligations

Debt

At or shortly prior to the time of the closing of the distribution, we expect to incur approximately $1.2 billion of indebtedness under the Facilities (as defined below). We expect that such indebtedness will be comprised of: (i) $200 million under a senior revolving facility (the “Revolving Facility”), (ii) $400 million under a senior term loan A-1 facility (the “Term Loan A-1 Facility”) and (iii) $600 million under a 364-day senior term loan A-2 facility (the “Term Loan A-2 Facility” and, together with the Term Loan A-1 Facility, and the Revolving Facility, the “Facilities”). There are no required principal payments due on the Term Loan A-1 Facility or the Revolving Facility within 12 months. The Revolving Facility and the Term Loan A-1 Facility are expected to mature five years after the effective date of the Facilities and the Term Loan A-2 Facility is expected to mature 364 days after the effective date of the Facilities. Interest rates on borrowings under the Facilities are expected to be based on prevailing market interest rates for borrowers of a similar size and credit as us.

Operating Leases

The Company leases certain office spaces, warehouses, facilities, vehicles, and equipment. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had fixed lease payment obligations of $127.5 million, with $23.4 million payable within 12 months.

Purchase Obligations

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had other purchase obligations of $123.2 million, with $120.7 million payable within 12 months.

We have funding requirements associated with our pension and other post-retirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2021, which are estimated to be $4.8 million for the year ending December 31, 2022. Other long-term liabilities, such as those for other legal claims, employee benefit plan obligations, deferred income taxes and liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits, are excluded from this disclosure since they are not contractually fixed as to timing and amount.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that provide liquidity, capital resources, market or credit risk support that expose us to any liability that is not reflected in our Combined Financial Statements at December 31, 2021 other than outstanding letters of credit of $33.3 million and unconditional purchase obligations with suppliers of $123.2 million.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our critical accounting policies have a significant impact on our results of operations and financial position. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. Our estimates are based upon our historical experience, our evaluation of business and macroeconomic trends and information from other outside sources, as appropriate. Our experience and assumptions form the basis for our judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may vary from what our management anticipates and different assumptions or estimates about the future could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.

We believe the following accounting policies are the most critical in that they are important to the financial statements and they require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments in the preparation of the financial statements. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the accompanying Notes to Combined Financial Statements included elsewhere in this information statement.

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the costs in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired through acquisitions by the Company. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of certain trade names.

We evaluate the recoverability of Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change in the interim that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. The annual impairment test date elected by the Company is the first day of its fourth quarter. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are considered to be impaired when the carrying value of a reporting unit or asset exceeds its fair value. The Company currently has three reporting units: Americas, EMEA & APAC and Gas Control Equipment.

In the evaluation of Goodwill for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting entity is less than its carrying value. If we determine that it is more likely than not for a reporting unit’s fair value to be greater than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If we determine that it is more likely than not for a reporting unit’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is performed and compared to the carrying value of that reporting unit. In certain instances, we may elect to forgo the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Goodwill of that reporting unit is impaired and an impairment loss is recorded equal to the excess of the carrying value over its fair value.

Generally, we measure fair value of reporting units based on a present value of future discounted cash flows. The discounted cash flow models indicate the fair value of the reporting units based on the present value of the cash flows that the reporting units are expected to generate in the future. Significant estimates in the discounted cash flow models include the weighted average cost of capital, revenue growth rates, long-term rate of growth and profitability of our business.

An evaluation of Goodwill for impairment was performed for the three reporting units for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, which indicated no impairment existed.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, a quantitative annual impairment test of Goodwill was performed for the Gas Control Equipment reporting unit while qualitative assessments were performed for the remaining two reporting units. Goodwill was allocated to the Americas and EMEA & APAC reporting units on a relative fair value basis as of January 1, 2018. For Gas Control Equipment, goodwill was allocated based on the acquired goodwill on its acquisition date, October 1, 2018. The carrying amount of Goodwill of the Americas, EMEA &

 

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APAC and Gas Control Equipment reporting units as of December 31, 2021, were $519.2 million, $892.1 million, and $121.7 million, respectively. We determined the fair value of the Gas Control Equipment reporting unit using a discounted cash flow approach, and the reporting unit’s fair value exceeded its carrying amount by approximately 65% as of the annual impairment testing date, the first day of our fourth quarter in 2021, compared to 15% fair value in excess of carrying amount from the previous year’s quantitative test. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires the application of judgment and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions which can be affected by changes in business climate, economic conditions, the competitive environment and other factors. We base these fair value estimates on assumptions our management believes to be reasonable but which are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Future changes in the judgment, assumptions and estimates could result in significantly different estimates of fair value in the future. An increase in discount rates, a reduction in projected cash flows due to lower revenue growth rates or lower margins compared to our projections, or a combination of the two could lead to a reduction in the estimated fair values, which may result in impairment charges that could materially affect our financial statements in any given year. The cash flows of our Gas Control Equipment reporting unit can be impacted by the broader economy in Europe due to our prevalent business footprint. In conducting a sensitivity analysis, we estimated the fair value of the Gas Control Equipment reporting unit if we reduced the long-term revenue growth rate by 25 basis points or increased the discount rate by 25 basis points, and the resulting excess fair value over carrying value decreased by approximately 5% and 6%, respectively.

In the evaluation of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. If we determine that it is more likely than not for the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value to be greater than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying value, a calculation is performed and compared to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. We measure the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets using the “relief from royalty” method. Significant estimates in this approach include projected revenues and royalty and discount rates for each trade name evaluated.

A quantitative impairment test was performed for all the indefinite-lived trade name brands for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively while a combination of quantitative impairment tests and qualitative assessments were performed for the year ended December 31, 2019, all of which indicated no impairment existed.

A sustained decline in our end-markets and geographic markets could increase the risk of impairments in future years. Actual results could differ from our estimates and projections, which would also affect the assessment of impairment. As of December 31, 2021, we have Goodwill of $1,533.0 million and indefinite lived trade names of $199.5 million that are subject to at least annual review for impairment. See Note 6, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” in the accompanying Notes to Combined Financial Statements for further information.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the separate return method, where we determine the deferred tax assets and liabilities and related tax expense as if the Company were filing separate returns. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we consider various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. If actual results differ from the assumptions made in the evaluation of our valuation allowance, we record a change in valuation allowance through income tax expense in the period such determination is made.

Accounting Standards Codification 740, “Income Taxes” prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a position taken in a tax return. Under this standard, we must presume the income tax position will

 

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be examined by a relevant tax authority and determine whether it is more likely than not that the income tax position will be sustained upon examination based on its technical merits. An income tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is then measured to determine the amount of the benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits are reviewed periodically and are adjusted as events occur that affect our estimates, such as the availability of new information, the lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, the conclusion of tax audits and, if applicable, the conclusion of any court proceedings. To the extent we prevail in matters for which liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits have been established or are required to pay amounts in excess of our liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, our effective income tax rate in a given period could be materially affected. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the Income tax expense in the Combined Statements of Operations. Net liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits, including accrued interest and penalties, were $37.7 million, $35.2 million and $34.0 million as of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are included in Other liabilities or as a reduction to deferred tax assets in the accompanying Combined Balance Sheet.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the customer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring the goods or services.

We provide a variety of products and services to our customers. Most of our contracts consist of a single, distinct performance obligation or promise to transfer goods or services to a customer. For contracts that include multiple performance obligations, we allocate the total transaction price to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the stand-alone selling price of each identified performance obligation. A significant majority of our revenue relates to the shipment of off-the-shelf products that is recognized when control is transferred to the customer. On a limited basis, we have agreements with customers that have multiple performance obligations. In determining whether there are multiple performance obligations, we first assess the goods or services promised in the customer arrangement and then consider the guidance in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to evaluate whether goods and services are capable of being distinct and are considered distinct within the customer arrangement. To determine whether promised goods or services are separately identifiable (i.e., whether a promise to transfer a good or service is distinct in the context of the contract), we evaluate whether the contract is to deliver (1) multiple promised goods or services or (2) a combined item that comprises the individual goods or services promised in the contract. Substantially all revenue involving development and application engineering projects consists of a single performance obligation and is recognized at a point in time.

A majority of the revenue we recognize relates to contracts with customers for standard or off-the-shelf products. As control typically transfers to the customer upon shipment of the product in these circumstances, revenue is generally recognized at that point in time. For service contracts, we recognize revenue ratably over the period of performance as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the services provided.

Any recognized revenues in excess of customer billings are recorded as a component of Trade receivables. Billings to customers in excess of recognized revenues are recorded as a component of Accrued liabilities. Each contract is evaluated individually to determine the net asset or net liability position. Substantially all of our revenue is recognized at a point in time, and revenue recognition and billing typically occur simultaneously.

The period of benefit for our incremental costs of obtaining a contract would generally have less than a one-year duration; therefore, we apply the practical expedient available and expense costs to obtain a contract when incurred.

Trade receivables are presented net of an allowance for credit losses. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments as of January 1, 2020. The estimate of current expected credit losses on trade receivables considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance

 

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for credit losses was $23.9 million as of December 31, 2021 compared to $32.3 million as of December 31, 2020 and $32.0 million as of January 1, 2020, following the adoption of the standard.

Asbestos Liabilities and Insurance Assets

Certain subsidiaries to be contributed by Colfax immediately prior to the consummation of the separation and pursuant to the terms of the separation agreement are each one of many defendants in a large number of lawsuits that claim personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos from products manufactured with components that are alleged to have contained asbestos. Such components were acquired from third-party suppliers and were not manufactured by any of these subsidiaries, nor were these subsidiaries producers or direct suppliers of asbestos. The manufactured products that are alleged to have contained asbestos generally were provided to meet the specifications of the subsidiaries’ customers, including the U.S. Navy.

Pursuant to the definitive purchase agreements related to the sale of Colfax’s Fluid Handling (“FH”) and Air and Gas Handling (“AGH”) businesses, Colfax and its subsidiaries retained the asbestos-related contingencies and insurance coverage related to these businesses, even though Colfax sold the operating assets of the FH and AGH businesses. Because Colfax did not retain an interest in the ongoing operations of the FH or AGH businesses subject to the contingencies, Colfax has classified asbestos-related activity in its financial statements as part of Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes.

For purposes of Colfax’s financial statements, Colfax management has projected future asbestos-related liability costs with regard to pending and future unasserted claims based upon the Nicholson methodology. The Nicholson methodology is a standard approach used by experts and has been accepted by numerous courts. This methodology is based upon risk equations, exposed population estimates, mortality rates, and other demographic statistics. In applying the Nicholson methodology for each subsidiary Colfax management performed: (1) an analysis of the estimated population likely to have been exposed or claim to have been exposed to products manufactured by the subsidiaries based upon national studies undertaken of the population of workers believed to have been exposed to asbestos; (2) a review of epidemiological and demographic studies to estimate the number of potentially exposed people that would be likely to develop asbestos-related diseases in each year; (3) an analysis of the subsidiaries’ recent claims history to estimate likely filing rates for these diseases and (4) an analysis of the historical asbestos liability costs to develop average values, which vary by disease type, jurisdiction and the nature of claim, to determine an estimate of costs likely to be associated with currently pending and projected asbestos claims. Colfax management’s projections, based upon the Nicholson methodology, estimate both claims and the estimated cash outflows related to the resolution of such claims for periods up to and including the endpoint of asbestos studies referred to in item (2) above. It is Colfax’s policy to record a liability for asbestos-related liability costs for the longest period of time that Colfax management can reasonably estimate. Accordingly, no accrual has been recorded for any costs which may be paid after the next 15 years.

Projecting future asbestos-related liability costs is subject to numerous variables that are difficult to predict, including, among others, the number of future claims that might be received, the type and severity of the disease alleged by each claimant, the latency period associated with asbestos exposure, dismissal rates, costs of medical treatment, the financial resources of other companies that are co-defendants in the claims, funds available in post-bankruptcy trusts, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, including fluctuations in the timing of court actions and rulings, and the impact of potential changes in legislative or judicial standards, including potential tort reform. Furthermore, any projections with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens. These trend factors have both positive and negative effects on the dynamics of asbestos litigation in the tort system and the related best estimate of Colfax’s asbestos liability, and these effects do not move in linear fashion but rather change over multiple year periods. Accordingly, Colfax management monitors these trend factors over time and periodically assesses whether an alternative forecast period is appropriate. Taking these factors into account and the inherent uncertainties, Colfax management believes that it can reasonably estimate the asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims that will be resolved in the next 15 years and have recorded that liability as its best

 

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estimate. While it is reasonably possible that the subsidiaries will incur costs after this period, Colfax management does not believe the reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible loss is estimable at the current time. Accordingly, no accrual has been recorded for any costs which may be paid after the next 15 years. Defense costs associated with asbestos-related liabilities as well as costs incurred in connection with pursuing insurance coverage from these subsidiaries’ insurers are expensed as incurred.

Colfax management assessed these subsidiaries’ existing insurance arrangements and agreements, estimated the applicability of insurance coverage for existing and expected future claims, analyzed publicly available information bearing on the current creditworthiness and solvency of the various insurers, and employed such insurance allocation methodologies as Colfax management believed appropriate to ascertain the probable insurance recoveries for asbestos liabilities. The analysis took into account self-insurance retentions, policy exclusions, pending litigation, liability caps and gaps in coverage, existing and potential insolvencies of insurers as well as how legal and defense costs will be covered under the insurance policies.

Each subsidiary has separate insurance coverage acquired prior to Colfax’s ownership of each independent entity. In Colfax management’s evaluation of the insurance asset, it uses differing insurance allocation methodologies for each subsidiary based upon the applicable law pertaining to the affected subsidiary.

Following the separation and contribution of these subsidiaries to the Company, we expect to follow a similar methodology to estimate future claims exposure and the amount of insurance available based upon similar assumptions with respect to future claims and liability costs, and to reevaluate such estimates regularly.

Management’s analyses are based on currently known facts and a number of assumptions. However, projecting future events, such as new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of resolving each claim, coverage issues among layers of insurers, the method in which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies, interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships, the continuing solvency of various insurance companies and collectability of claims tendered, the amount of remaining insurance available, as well as the numerous uncertainties inherent in asbestos litigation could cause the actual liabilities and insurance recoveries to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded which could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

Corporate Allocations

The Company has historically operated as part of Colfax Corporation and not as a stand-alone company. Accordingly, certain shared costs have been allocated to the Company and are reflected as expenses in the accompanying financial statements. Management considers the allocation methodologies used to be reasonable and appropriate reflections of the related expenses attributable to the Company for purposes of the carve-out financial statements; however, the expenses reflected in these financial statements may not be indicative of the actual expenses that would have been incurred during the periods presented if the Company had operated as a separate stand-alone entity. In addition, the expenses reflected in the financial statements may not be indicative of expenses that will be incurred in the future by the Company. Refer to Note 17, “Related Party Transactions” in the Company’s Combined Financial Statements for a description of the Company’s corporate allocations and related-party transactions.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For detailed information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements and the expected impact on our financial statements, see Note 3, “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” in the accompanying Notes to Combined Financial Statements included elsewhere in this information statement.

 

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BUSINESS

Our Company

We formulate, develop, manufacture and supply consumable products and equipment for use in the cutting, joining and automated welding, as well as gas control equipment. For the year ended December 31, 2021, welding consumables represented approximately 69% of our total Net sales. Our fabrication technology products are marketed under several brand names, most notably ESAB, which we believe is well known in the international welding industry. ESAB’s comprehensive range of welding consumables includes electrodes, cored and solid wires and fluxes using a wide range of specialty and other materials, and cutting consumables includes electrodes, nozzles, shields and tips. ESAB’s fabrication technology equipment ranges from portable welding machines to large customized automated cutting and welding systems. ESAB also offers a range of software and digital solutions to help its customers increase their productivity, remotely monitor their welding operations and digitize their documentation. Products are sold into a wide range of global end markets, including general industry, construction, infrastructure, transportation, energy, renewable energy, and medical and life sciences. Our sales channels include both independent distributors and direct salespeople who, depending on geography and end market, sell our products to end users.

Industry and Competition

Our products and services are marketed worldwide and the markets we serve are fragmented and competitive. Because we compete in selected niches of these markets and due to the diversity of our products and services, no single company competes directly with us across all our markets. We encounter a wide variety of competitors that differ by product line, including well-established regional competitors, competitors with greater specialization in particular markets, as well as larger competitors. The markets that we compete in are also served by Lincoln Electric and the welding business within Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Our customer base is broadly diversified across many sectors of the economy, and we believe customers place a premium on quality, reliability, availability, innovation, and application engineering support. We believe the principal elements of competition in our served markets are the ability to improve customer productivity and solve their technical challenges, reliably and timely supply high-quality products that represent a good value, and offer outstanding aftermarket support including application expertise and engineering capabilities. Our management believes that we are a leading competitor in each of our markets with leading and well-recognized brands.

International Operations

Our products and services are available worldwide. We believe this geographic diversity allows us to draw on the skills of a global workforce, provides stability to our operations, allows us to drive economies of scale, provides revenue streams that may offset economic trends in individual economies, and offers an opportunity to access new markets for products. In addition, we believe that our exposure to developing economies will provide additional opportunities for growth in the future.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, approximately 41% of our Net sales were derived from the Americas, 30% from Europe and the remainder from other countries.

Our principal markets as a whole outside the United States are Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. For the year ended December 31, 2021, approximately 78% of our Net sales were derived from locations outside of the United States, with approximately 51% in emerging markets.

Our international operations subject us to certain risks. For a discussion of risks related to our international operations, please refer to “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business.”

Research and Development

Our research and development activities focus on innovation; developing new products, software and services, as well as the enhancement of existing products with the latest technology and updated designs; creating new

 

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applications for existing products; lowering the cost of manufacturing our existing products; and, redesigning existing product lines to increase efficiency, improve durability, enhance performance and usability.

Research and development expense was $39.7 million, $34.8 million and $32.2 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amounts do not include development and application engineering costs incurred in conjunction with fulfilling customer orders and executing customer projects, nor do they include costs related to securing third party product rights. We expect to continue making significant expenditures for research and development to maintain and improve our competitive positions.

Intellectual Property

We rely on a combination of intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property both in the U.S. and around the world for our business. Although we highlight recent additions to our patent portfolio as part of our marketing efforts, we do not consider any one patent or trademark or any group thereof essential to our business as a whole or to any of our business operations. We also rely on proprietary product knowledge and manufacturing processes in our operations. We do not rely solely on our patents and other intellectual property rights to maintain our competitive position. We believe that the development and marketing of new products and improvement of existing ones is, and will continue to be, more important to our competitive position than relying solely on existing products and intellectual property.

Raw Materials

We obtain raw materials, component parts and supplies from a variety of global sources, generally each from more than one supplier. Our principal raw materials and components for our business are steel, iron, copper and aluminum. We believe that our sources of raw materials are adequate for our needs for the foreseeable future and the loss of any one supplier would not have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

Seasonality

Our European operations typically experience a slowdown during the July, August and December vacation seasons for our business. However, the business impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as general economic conditions, may distort the effects of historical seasonality patterns and impact future seasonal variations.

Working Capital

We maintain an adequate level of working capital to support our business needs. There are no unusual industry practices or requirements related to working capital items.

Regulatory Environment

We face extensive government regulation both within and outside the United States relating to the development, manufacture, marketing, sale and distribution of our products, software and services. The following sections describe certain significant regulations that we are subject to. These are not the only regulations that our businesses must comply with. For a description of risks related to the regulations that our businesses are subject to, please refer to “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business.”

Environmental Laws and Regulations

Our operations and properties are subject to laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including those governing air emissions, water discharges and waste management, and workplace health and safety. Our

 

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Quality, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety (“QEHS”) Management Systems apply to all of ESAB’s operations, activities, people, and units globally. We have achieved external certification of our QEHS Management Systems to the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards for the majority of ESAB’s operations, activities, people, and units globally.

We maintain an Environment, Health & Safety Policy to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and promote safety and environmental protection as core business values. We are committed to continual improvement of our environment, health and safety management system through assessments, actionable planning and implementation of best practices. We establish objectives and appropriate targets for significant environmental aspects of our business operations and activities including, but not limited to, the reduction of energy and water consumed, and waste minimization.

For a discussion of risks related to compliance with environmental and health and safety laws and risks related to past or future releases of, or exposures to, hazardous substances, please refer to “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Business.”

Export/Import Compliance

We are required to comply with various U.S. export/import control and economic sanctions laws, including:

 

   

the International Traffic in Arms Regulations administered by the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, which, among other things, imposes license requirements on the export from the United States of defense articles and defense services (which are items specifically designed or adapted for a military application and/or listed on the United States Munitions List);

 

   

the Export Administration Regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, which, among other things, impose licensing requirements on the export or re-export of certain dual-use goods, technology and software (which are items that potentially have both commercial and military applications);

 

   

the regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, which implement economic sanctions imposed against designated countries, governments and persons based on United States foreign policy and national security considerations; and

 

   

the import regulatory activities of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Other nations’ governments have implemented similar export and import control regulations, which may affect our operations or transactions subject to their jurisdictions. For a discussion of risks related to export/import control and economic sanctions laws, please refer to “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Litigation and Regulatory Compliance—We have done and may continue to do business in countries subject to U.S. sanctions and embargoes. Failure to comply with various sanction and embargo laws may result in enforcement or other regulatory actions” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Litigation and Regulatory Compliance—If we fail to comply with export control regulations, we could be subject to substantial fines or other sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.”

Human Capital Management

As of December 31, 2021, we employed approximately 9,275 persons, of whom approximately 1,164 were employed in the United States and approximately 8,111 were employed outside of the United States. Approximately 2% of associates are covered by collective bargaining agreements with U.S. trade unions. In addition, approximately 48% of our associates are represented by foreign trade unions and work councils in Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Canada, Africa and Australia, which could subject us to arrangements very similar to collective bargaining agreements. We have not experienced any work stoppages or strikes that have had a material adverse impact on operations. We consider our relations with our associates to be good.

 

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At ESAB, we believe that the best team wins. Our growth model is focused in part on acquiring good companies, empowering our talent and using EBX to make them great. Culture and associate development are critical to our success. We are a diverse team of associates around the world. We empower our associates through our culture that is centered on our corporate purpose – “Shaping the Future We Imagine.” We are committed to attracting and developing great talent and rewarding our associates to build and sustain our company. Our internal human capital management programs center on the following processes and objectives: (i) identifying, attracting, developing and enabling talent, (ii) promoting associate engagement and an open feedback culture to foster continuous improvement, (iii) offering competitive compensation and benefit programs to motivate associates and reward performance, (iv) building and supporting inclusion, diversity, and equity initiatives, and (v) protecting the health and safety of all of our associates.

Properties

Our corporate headquarters are located in North Bethesda, Maryland in a facility that we lease. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had a total of four production facilities in the United States, representing a total of 0.6 million and 0.6 million square feet of owned and leased space, respectively, and 31 production facilities outside the United States, representing a total of 7.1 million and 2.0 million square feet of owned and leased space, respectively, in 16 countries in Australia, Europe, Central and South America and Asia.

Company Information

We were organized as a Delaware corporation on May 19, 2021. Our principal executive offices are located at 909 Rose Avenue, 8th Floor, North Bethesda, MD 20852, and our main telephone number at that address is (301) 323-9099. Our corporate website address is www.ESAB.com.

Legal Proceedings

We are, from time to time, subject to a variety of litigation and other legal and regulatory proceedings and claims incidental to our business. Based upon our experience, current information and applicable law, we do not believe that these proceedings and claims will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. With respect to these proceedings, claims and litigation, our management believes that we will either prevail, have adequate insurance coverage or have established appropriate accruals to cover potential liabilities. Any costs that management estimates may be paid related to these proceedings or claims are accrued when the liability is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. There can be no assurance, however, as to the ultimate outcome of any of these matters, and if all or substantially all of these legal proceedings were to be determined adverse to the Company, there could be a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flow of the Company. Please refer to Note 14 to the audited Combined Financial Statements in this information statement for more information.

Additionally, immediately prior to the consummation of the separation and pursuant to the terms of the separation agreement, Colfax intends to contribute to the Company the stock of its subsidiaries that hold the residual industrial assets and liabilities of its previously divested FH and AGH businesses, which Colfax presented as discontinued operations in its consolidated financial statements. Pursuant to the FH and AGH business divestitures, Colfax and its subsidiaries retained the FH and AGH asbestos related contingencies and insurance coverages and, because Colfax did not retain any of the FH or AGH operating assets subject to the asbestos contingencies, Colfax has classified asbestos related activity as part of income (loss) from discontinued operations.

Certain of the FH and AGH subsidiaries to be contributed to the Company are each one of many defendants in a large number of lawsuits that claim personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos from products manufactured or used with components that are alleged to have contained asbestos. Such components were acquired from third-party suppliers and were not manufactured by any of these subsidiaries, nor were the

 

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subsidiaries producers or direct suppliers of asbestos. The manufactured products that are alleged to have contained or used asbestos generally were provided to meet the specifications of the subsidiaries’ customers, including the U.S. Navy. The subsidiaries settle asbestos claims for amounts Colfax considers reasonable given the facts and circumstances of each claim. The annual average settlement payment per asbestos claimant has fluctuated during the past several years. Such fluctuations are likely to continue in the future based upon, among other things, the number and type of claims settled in a particular period and the jurisdictions in which such claims arise. To date, the majority of settled claims have been dismissed for no payment.

Claims activity related to Colfax’s asbestos claims is as follows:

 

     Year Ended  
     2021      2020      2019  
     (Number of claims)  

Claims unresolved, beginning of period

     14,809        16,299        16,417  

Claims filed(1)

     4,393        4,014        4,486  

Claims resolved(2)

     (4,643      (5,504      (4,604
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Claims unresolved, end of period

     14,559        14,809        16,299  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (In dollars)  

Average cost of resolved claims(3)

   $ 8,421      $ 12,055      $ 9,455  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Claims filed include all asbestos claims for which notification has been received or a file has been opened.

(2) 

Claims resolved include all asbestos claims that have been settled, dismissed or that are in the process of being settled or dismissed based upon agreements or understandings in place with counsel for the claimants.

(3) 

Excludes claims settled in Mississippi for which the majority of claims have historically been resolved for no payment and insurance recoveries.

Each subsidiary’s future asbestos-related liability costs with regard to pending and future unasserted claims have been projected based upon the Nicholson methodology. The Nicholson methodology is a standard approach used by experts and has been accepted by numerous courts. A liability for asbestos-related costs is recorded for the longest period of time that can reasonably be estimated.

Colfax believes that it can reasonably estimate the asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims that will be resolved in the next 15 years and has recorded that liability as its best estimate. While it is reasonably possible that the subsidiaries will incur costs after this period, Colfax does not believe the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably possible losses is estimable at the current time. Accordingly, Colfax has not recorded an accrual for any costs which may be paid after the next 15 years. Defense costs associated with asbestos-related liabilities as well as costs incurred related to efforts to recover insurance from the subsidiaries’ insurers are expensed by Colfax as incurred.

Each of the subsidiaries being contributed pursuant to the separation agreement having asbestos related contingencies and insurance coverage has separate insurance coverage acquired prior to Colfax’s ownership of each independent entity. The insurance assets for each subsidiary are evaluated based upon the applicable policy language and allocation methodologies, and law pertaining to the affected subsidiary’s insurance policies.

One of our subsidiaries was notified in 2010 by the primary and umbrella carrier who had been fully defending and indemnifying the subsidiary for 20 years that the limits of liability of its primary and umbrella layer policies had been exhausted. The subsidiary has sought coverage from certain excess layer insurers whose coverage obligations were disputed in Delaware state court, and were the subject of various rulings, including a September 12, 2016 ruling on certain appealed issues by the Delaware Supreme Court. This litigation confirmed that asbestos-related costs should be allocated among excess insurers using an “all sums” allocation (which allows an insured to collect all sums paid in connection with a claim from any insurer whose policy is triggered,

 

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up to the policy’s applicable limits), that the subsidiary has the right to access coverage available under excess insurance policies purchased by a former owner of the business, and that the subsidiary has a right to immediately access the excess layer policies. Further, the Delaware Supreme Court ruled in the subsidiary’s favor on a “trigger of coverage” issue, holding that every policy in place during or after the date of a claimant’s first significant exposure to asbestos was “triggered” and potentially could be accessed to cover that claimant’s claim. The Court also largely affirmed but reversed in part some of the prior lower court rulings on defense obligations and whether payment of defense costs erode policy limits or are payable in addition to policy limits. Final judgment in the case was entered in 2021.

Based upon these rulings, it is currently estimated that the FH subsidiary’s future expected recovery percentage is 90.4% of asbestos-related costs, with the FH subsidiary expected to be responsible for 9.6% of its future asbestos-related costs.

Since approximately mid-2011, Colfax had funded $174.8 million of the FH subsidiary’s asbestos-related defense and indemnity costs through December 31, 2021, which it has recovered or expects to recover from insurers. Based on the above-referenced court rulings, Colfax requested that its insurers reimburse all of the $94.9 million that remained outstanding at the time of the ruling, and Colfax currently has received substantially all of that amount. The FH subsidiary also has requested that certain excess insurers provide ongoing coverage for future asbestos-related defense and/or indemnity costs. To the extent any disagreements concerning excess insurers’ payment obligations under the Delaware Supreme Court’s rulings remain, they are expected to be resolved by court action. In the interim, the cash funding for future asbestos-related defense and indemnity costs for which reimbursement is ultimately expected from insurers could range up to $10 million per quarter.

In 2003, another FH subsidiary filed a lawsuit against a large number of its insurers and its former parent to resolve a variety of disputes concerning insurance for asbestos-related bodily injury claims asserted against it. Court rulings in 2007 and 2009 clarified the insurers allocation methodology as mandated by the New Jersey courts, the allocation calculation related to amounts currently due from insurers, and amounts Colfax expects to be reimbursed for asbestos-related costs incurred in future periods. A final judgment at the trial court level was rendered in 2011 and confirmed by the Appellate Division in 2014. In 2015, the New Jersey Supreme Court refused to grant certification of the appeals, effectively ending the matter. Based upon this ruling, this FH subsidiary is expected to be responsible for 26.8% of all future projected asbestos-related costs. Colfax’s Consolidated Balance Sheets included the following amounts related to asbestos-related litigation:

 

     December 31,  
     2021      2020  
     (In thousands)  

Long-term asbestos insurance asset

   $ 231,900      $ 232,712  

Long-term asbestos insurance receivable

     15,421        31,815  

Accrued asbestos liability

     30,572        41,626  

Long-term asbestos liability

     261,779        253,144  

The asbestos analyses are based on currently known facts and a number of assumptions. However, projecting future events, such as new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of resolving each claim, coverage issues among layers of insurers, the method in which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies, interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships, the continuing solvency of various insurance companies and the collectability of claims tendered, the amount of remaining insurance available, as well as the numerous uncertainties inherent in asbestos litigation could cause the actual liabilities and insurance recoveries to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded which could materially affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

In connection with the separation, we have agreed to indemnify Colfax for, among other things, the retained asbestos-related contingencies and liabilities related to the FH and AGH businesses.

 

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Please refer to the sections titled “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Litigation and Regulatory Compliance—Available insurance coverage, the number of future asbestos-related claims and the average settlement value of current and future asbestos-related claims of certain subsidiaries could be different than current estimates, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations,” “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation and Our Relationship with Enovis—Potential indemnification obligations to Colfax pursuant to the separation agreement could materially and adversely affect our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements with Enovis” in this information statement for more information.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers

The following table sets forth information, as of March 1, 2022, with respect to the individuals who serve as our executive officers, including their positions, and is followed by a biography of each such individual.

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Shyam P. Kambeyanda

     51     

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Nominee

Kevin Johnson

     46     

Chief Financial Officer

Olivier Biebuyck

     51     

President, EMEA

Larry Coble

     52     

Senior Vice President, EBX and Supply Chain

Michele Campion

     45     

Chief Human Resources Officer

Curtis Jewell

     40     

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Vusa Mlingo

     52     

Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development

Shyam P. Kambeyanda has been Executive Vice President of Colfax since December 2019 and President and Chief Executive Officer of ESAB since May 2016. Mr. Kambeyanda will serve as a member of our Board commencing immediately upon completion of the distribution. As the leader of ESAB, Mr. Kambeyanda has overseen the growth of the fabrication technology business, expanding ESAB’s global operations, improving financial performance and driving EBX throughout the business. Prior to joining Colfax, Mr. Kambeyanda most recently served as the President Americas for Eaton Corporation’s Hydraulics Group. Mr. Kambeyanda joined Eaton in 1995 and held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility in engineering, quality, e-commerce, product strategy, and operations management in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia. Mr. Kambeyanda maintains a keen international perspective on driving growth and business development in emerging markets. Mr. Kambeyanda holds bachelor’s degrees in Physics and General Science from Coe College in Iowa and in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University. Mr. Kambeyanda also earned his M.B.A from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and is a Six Sigma Green Belt. Mr. Kambeyanda’s day-to-day leadership of ESAB, combined with his significant international business experience and familiarity with EBX, will give the Board an invaluable Company-focused perspective supplemented by his global operational expertise.

Kevin Johnson has been Chief Financial Officer of ESAB since May 2019. From 2017 to 2019, he served as Vice President, Finance, of Colfax, where his responsibilities included leading investor relations, financial planning and analysis and supporting acquisition diligence and integration. Prior to that, Mr. Johnson held a number of senior finance and system implementation roles at Colfax companies from 2001 to 2017, during which time he gained extensive global experience in roles of increasing responsibility including as Chief Financial Officer for Howden Africa, a South African publicly-listed company. Mr. Johnson is qualified as a CPA in Australia and holds an undergraduate degree (BSSc) from Queens University, Northern Ireland, a master’s degree in accounting (MAcc) from Macquarie University, Australia, and an M.B.A. from Hasselt University, Belgium.

Olivier Biebuyck has been President, EMEA of ESAB since April 2021. Mr. Biebuyck joined ESAB in May 2017 as VP/GM of ESAB’s filler metals business and also served in senior global positions prior to his current role. Before joining ESAB, Mr. Biebuyck was an executive at Honeywell where he served as VP/GM of Honeywell Electronics Materials from July 2015 until April 2017 after being the Chief Marketing Officer of Honeywell Process Solutions from 2013 to 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Biebuyck was an executive at Lafarge where he held several P&L leadership roles and a senior management consultant with McKinsey & Company. Mr. Biebuyck holds a master’s degree in commercial engineering from the Solvay Business School at the Brussels University in Belgium.

Larry Coble has been Senior Vice President, EBX and Supply Chain, of ESAB since October 2017. Before joining ESAB, Mr. Coble held leadership, consulting and general management roles at McKinsey & Co., Cooper Industries, SunGard Data Systems and LLR Partners, most recently serving as Managing Director, Operational

 

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Excellence, at LLR Partners from June 2014 to October 2017. Mr. Coble holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Duke University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Michele Campion has been Vice President, Human Resources of ESAB since September 2020 and will be ESAB’s Chief Human Resources Officer commencing immediately upon completion of the distribution. Ms. Campion leads ESAB’s global human resources strategy in partnership with the executive team. Prior to joining ESAB, she served as Vice President, Human Resources at Under Armour, Inc. from November 2014 to September 2020. She also held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility in human resources at McCormick & Co., BP, International Partnership for Microbicides and Areas Global TB Vaccine Foundation. Ms. Campion earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and an M.S. degree in Biotechnology with a concentration in Biotech Enterprise from Johns Hopkins University.

Curtis Jewell has been General Counsel of ESAB Corporation since January 2020 and will be appointed its Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary commencing immediately upon completion of the distribution. He has significant experience leading legal teams through complex acquisitions and cross-border initiatives while driving process improvement. Prior to his appointment at ESAB, he was the Corporate Secretary of Colfax Corporation, where he held roles of increasing responsibility since joining in February 2011. Before joining Colfax, Mr. Jewell was in private practice at Hogan Lovells LLP, where he focused on securities law and corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and capital market transactions. He began his legal career at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP in New York. Mr. Jewell earned his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis, and his law degree from The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where he also received a Certificate in Business and Public Policy from The Wharton School.

Vusa Mlingo has been the Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development of ESAB Corporation since January 2022. Mr. Mlingo oversees ESAB’s strategic planning, market and growth opportunity assessments, and ESAB’s global acquisition pipeline. Prior to ESAB, Mr. Mlingo served as Vice President of Corporate Development & Strategy at SPX FLOW, Inc., a leading provider of process solution components and systems, from April 2019 to January 2022 and previously led the company’s mergers and acquisitions as Vice President of Business Development from March 2018 to April 2019. From 2006 to March 2019, Mr. Mlingo worked for Ingersoll Rand, where he served in various roles of increasing responsibility within corporate development and strategy, product management, and capital markets. Mr. Mlingo holds a bachelor’s degree with Honors from the University of Zimbabwe and an MBA from Howard University.

Board of Directors Following the Distribution

The following table sets forth information, as of March 1, 2022, with respect to the individuals who are expected, as of the date of this information statement, to serve on the Board following the completion of the distribution, and is followed by a biography of each such individual. Additional directors of the Company will be identified prior to completion of the distribution, and the names and biographies of such additional persons will be provided in subsequent amendments to this information statement.

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Shyam P. Kambeyanda

     51      President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Nominee

Mitchell P. Rales

     65     

Chairman; Director Nominee

Christopher M. Hix

     59      Director

Patrick W. Allender

     75      Director Nominee

Didier Teirlinck

     65      Director Nominee

Rajiv Vinnakota

     50      Director Nominee

Rhonda L. Jordan

     64      Director Nominee

Robert S. Lutz

     64      Director Nominee

Stephanie M. Phillipps

     69      Director Nominee

 

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The biography of Shyam Kambeyanda is set forth under the section entitled “—Executive Officers.”

Mitchell P. Rales is a co-founder of Colfax and has served as a director of Colfax since its founding in 1995. He is currently the Chairman of the Colfax Board and is expected to continue to serve as Chairman of the Colfax Board following completion of the distribution. Mr. Rales is a co-founder and has served as a member of the board of directors of Danaher Corporation, a global science and technology company, since 1983 and as Chairman of Danaher’s Executive Committee since 1984, and served as a member of the board of directors of Fortive Corporation, a diversified industrial growth company that was spun off from Danaher in 2016, from 2016 to June 2021. He has been a principal in a number of private business entities with interests in manufacturing companies and publicly traded securities for over 25 years. Mr. Rales was instrumental in the founding of Colfax and has played a key leadership role on the Colfax Board since that time. He helped create the Danaher Business System, on which EBX is modeled, and has provided critical strategic guidance to Colfax during its development and growth. In addition, as a result of Mr. Rales’ substantial ownership stake in Colfax, he is well-positioned to understand, articulate and advocate for the rights and interests of ESAB’s stockholders.

Christopher M. Hix has been Executive Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer of Colfax since December 2019 and prior to such position served as Senior Vice President, Finance, of Colfax since July 2016. Mr. Hix is expected to serve as a member of our Board upon completion of the distribution. Prior to joining Colfax, Mr. Hix was the Chief Financial Officer of OM Group, Inc., a global, publicly-listed diversified industrial company from 2012 until the company’s acquisition in late 2015. Previously, Mr. Hix was the Chief Financial Officer of Robbins & Myers, a diversified industrial company, from 2006 to 2011, a period of significant expansion and business portfolio changes. Prior to that, Mr. Hix spent 13 years in a variety of operating, financial and strategic roles within Roper Industries (now Roper Technologies), a global, diversified industrial and technology company that underwent rapid growth and transitioned from private to public ownership. Mr. Hix earned his M.B.A. from St. Mary’s College of California and his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Mr. Hix’s experience as the Chief Financial Officer of publicly traded companies, including Colfax, provides him with substantial expertise in financial reporting and risk management. In addition, his familiarity with EBX provides targeted insight on the nature of ESAB’s operations to our Board.

Patrick W. Allender has served as a director of Colfax since May 13, 2008. Mr. Allender is expected to serve as a member of our Board commencing immediately upon completion of the distribution. He is the former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Danaher Corporation, where he served from 1987 until his retirement in 2007. Prior to joining Danaher, Mr. Allender was an audit partner with a large international accounting firm. Mr. Allender is a director of Brady Corporation, where he is a member of the audit and corporate governance committees and the chairman of the finance committee. Mr. Allender’s prior experience as the Chief Financial Officer of a publicly traded company provides him with substantial expertise in financial reporting and risk management. In addition, his familiarity with EBX provides targeted insight on the nature of ESAB’s operations to our Board.

Didier Teirlinck has served as a director of Colfax since September 18, 2017. Mr. Teirlinck is expected to serve as a member of our Board commencing immediately upon completion of the distribution. He retired from Ingersoll Rand, a diversified industrial manufacturing company, in September 2018. He has been a strategic advisor to the CEO of Ingersoll Rand since 2017, and previously served from November 2013 as executive vice president for Ingersoll Rand’s Climate segment, overseeing climate businesses around the world and enhancing competitive position and market share. After joining Ingersoll Rand in 2005, Mr. Teirlinck served as president of Climate Control in Europe before becoming President of the global Climate Solutions sector in 2009. Before joining Ingersoll Rand, he was President of Volvo Construction Equipment’s Compact Business Line worldwide and was previously general manager of DANISCO Flexible Group for southern Europe. Mr. Teirlinck’s international operating history and wealth of knowledge in the climate sector brings key geographic and market experience to our Board.

 

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Rajiv Vinnakota has served as a director of Colfax since May 13, 2008. Mr. Vinnakota is expected to serve as a member of our Board commencing immediately upon completion of the distribution. Since July 2019, he has served as President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars (formerly the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation), a 75 year-old non-profit organization that has played a significant role in shaping higher education. With an expanded mission, Citizens & Scholars is now rebuilding how we develop citizens in our country. From

2015 to September 2018 he was an Executive Vice-President at the Aspen Institute, leading a division focused on youth and engagement. Prior to this role, Mr. Vinnakota was the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The SEED Foundation, a non-profit educational organization, at which he served from 1997 to 2015. Mr. Vinnakota was the chairman of The SEED Foundation board from 1997 until 2006. Prior to co-founding SEED, Mr. Vinnakota was an associate at Mercer Management Consulting. He was also a trustee of Princeton University from 2004 until 2007 and a member of the Executive Committee of the Princeton University board of directors from 2006 to 2007, and he served as the national chairman of Annual Giving at Princeton from 2007 until 2009. Mr. Vinnakota’s management experience, combined with his experience in the non-profit sector, brings a valuable perspective to our Board.

Rhonda L. Jordan has served as a director of Colfax since February 17, 2009. Ms. Jordan is expected to serve as a member of our Board commencing immediately upon completion of the distribution. She served as President, Global Health & Wellness, and Sustainability for Kraft Foods Inc. until 2012 and in that role led the development of Kraft’s health & wellness and sustainability strategies and plans for the company, including marketing, product development, technology, alliances and acquisitions. Prior to being named President, Health & Wellness in 2010, she was the President of the Cheese and Dairy business unit of Kraft. From 2006 to 2008 she served as the President of the Grocery business unit of Kraft and from 2004 to 2005 she was the Senior Vice President, Global Marketing of Kraft Cheese and Dairy. Ms. Jordan is a director of Ingredion Incorporated, where she is chair of the compensation committee, and the private companies Bush Brothers & Company and G&L Holdings. Ms. Jordan’s management and operations experience within a large, global corporation gives her an important strategic voice in Board deliberations, and her knowledge and decision making with respect to business unit development and sustainable top-line performance makes her a valued member of our Board.

Robert S. Lutz is expected to serve as a member of our Board commencing immediately upon completion of the distribution. Mr. Lutz has been with Danaher Corporation, a global science and technology company, since 2002 and has served as its Senior Vice President, Finance since January 2022 in an advisory role to Danaher’s global finance organization. Prior to this role, Mr. Lutz served as Danaher’s Chief Accounting Officer from March 2003 through December 2021. In that role, Mr. Lutz was responsible for Danaher’s internal and external financial reporting as well as Danaher’s maintenance of internal controls. Prior to being named Chief Accounting Officer, Mr. Lutz was Vice President, Audit & Reporting at Danaher from 2002 to March 2003. Prior to joining Danaher, Mr. Lutz held various positions, including partner, for more than 20 years at Arthur Andersen LLP. Mr. Lutz’s experience leading the accounting operations and financial reporting functions of a global, multi-industry publicly traded company as well as his deep experience with the Danaher Business System is expected to bring a valuable perspective to our Board.

Stephanie M. Phillipps is expected to serve as a member of our Board commencing immediately upon completion of the distribution. Ms. Phillipps was a partner at Arnold & Porter, an international law firm, from 1984 until her retirement in 2019. While at Arnold & Porter, Ms. Phillipps advised wireless, cable, satellite, media, and internet service providers on a broad range of transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory issues. She also advised clients on real estate and corporate governance issues. Since January 2021, she has served on the board of directors and nominating and corporate governance committee of Empowerment and Inclusion Capital I Corp., a blank check company with a mission to acquire a company or a business focused on delivering products, solutions or services that benefit society. Ms. Phillipps also currently serves as a senior advisor to Grain Management LLC, Treasurer and board member of the Clara Elizabeth Jackson Carter Foundation, co-founder and board member of the Harvard Law School Black Alumni Network, board member of The Ellington Fund, and founder and Chief Executive Officer of Genkast LLC. Ms. Phillipps’s ability to

 

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comprehend dynamic business models as well as her substantial experience with corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory issues is expected to offer key insights to our Board.

Composition of Board

Upon completion of the distribution, our Board is expected to consist of nine members.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that our Board will initially be divided into three classes, denominated as class I, class II and class III. Members of each class will hold office for staggered three-year terms. The class I directors, whose terms will expire at the first annual meeting of our stockholders following the completion of the distribution, will be Mr. Rales, Ms. Phillipps and Mr. Teirlinck. The class II directors, whose terms will expire at the second annual meeting of our stockholders following the completion of the distribution, will be Mr. Allender, Ms. Jordan and Mr. Hix. The class III directors, whose terms will expire at the third annual meeting of our stockholders following the completion of the distribution, will be Mr. Kambeyanda, Mr. Vinnakota and Mr. Lutz. Our Board will transition to an annually elected board through a gradual phase-out such that by 2026 all of our directors will stand for election each year for one year terms, and our Board will no longer be divided into three classes.

Director Independence

The Board has determined that each of Ms. Jordan, Ms. Phillipps and Messrs. Rales, Allender, Lutz, Teirlinck and Vinnakota are independent directors under the applicable rules of the NYSE.

The Board will assess on a regular basis, and at least annually, the independence of directors and, based on the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, will make a determination as to which members are independent.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Effective immediately prior to the commencement of “when issued” trading of shares of common stock on the NYSE, the Board will have a standing Audit Committee, and effective upon the completion of the separation, the Board will have a standing Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Audit Committee. The initial members of the Audit Committee will be Messrs. Allender, Lutz and Teirlinck, and Mr. Allender will serve as chair of the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that Messrs. Allender and Lutz are each an “audit committee financial expert” for purposes of the rules of the SEC. In addition, the Board has determined that Messrs. Allender, Lutz and Teirlinck are independent, as defined by the rules of the NYSE and Section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act. Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the NYSE rules require that our Audit Committee have at least one independent member upon the listing of our common stock, have a majority of independent members within 90 days of the date of this information statement and be composed entirely of independent members within one year of the date of this information statement. The Audit Committee may meet in executive session, without the presence of management, and will report to the Board on its actions and recommendations at each regularly scheduled Board meeting. The Audit Committee will be responsible, among its other duties and responsibilities, for overseeing our accounting and financial reporting processes, the audits of our financial statements, the qualifications of our independent registered public accounting firm, and the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee will also be responsible for reviewing and assessing the qualitative aspects of our financial reporting, our processes to manage business and financial risks, and our compliance with significant applicable legal, ethical and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of our independent registered public accounting firm.

Compensation Committee. The initial members of the Compensation Committee will be Ms. Jordan, Ms. Phillipps and Mr. Vinnakota, and Ms. Jordan will serve as chair of the Compensation Committee. The Board

 

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has determined that Ms. Jordan, Ms. Phillipps and Mr.Vinnakota are independent, as defined by the rules of the NYSE and Section 10C(a) of the Exchange Act. In addition, we expect that Ms. Jordan, Ms. Phillipps and Mr. Vinnakota will qualify as “non-employee directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee will discharge the Board’s responsibilities relating to the compensation of our executive officers, including setting goals and objectives for, evaluating the performance of, and approving the compensation paid to, our executive officers. The Compensation Committee will be responsible, among its other duties and responsibilities, for determining and approving the compensation and benefits of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, monitoring compensation arrangements applicable to our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers in light of their performance, effectiveness and other relevant considerations and adopting and administering our equity and incentive plans.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The initial members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will be Ms. Jordan and Messrs. Vinnakota and Allender. Mr. Vinnakota will serve as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board has determined that Ms. Jordan and Messrs. Vinnakota and Allender are independent, as defined by the rules of the NYSE. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will be responsible for recommending candidates for election to the Board. In making its recommendations, the committee will review a candidate’s qualifications and any potential conflicts of interest and assess contributions of current directors in connection with his or her re-nomination. The committee will also be responsible, among its other duties and responsibilities, for making recommendations to the Board or otherwise acting with respect to corporate governance policies and practices, including Board size and membership qualifications, new director orientation, committee structure and membership, related person transactions, and communications with stockholders and other interested parties. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also be responsible for reviewing the Company’s undertakings with respect to environmental, social, and governance matters, including the Company’s role as a corporate citizen and the Company’s policies and programs relating to health, safety and sustainability matters.

The Board is expected to adopt a written charter for each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. These charters will be posted on our website in connection with the separation.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, we were not a separate or independent company and did not have a Compensation Committee or any other committee serving a similar function. Decisions as to the compensation for that fiscal year of those who will serve as our executive officers were made by Colfax, as described in the section of this information statement captioned “Executive and Director Compensation.”

Corporate Governance

Stockholder Nominations

Our amended and restated bylaws will contain provisions that address the process by which a stockholder may nominate an individual to stand for election to the Board. We expect that the Board will adopt a policy concerning the evaluation of stockholder recommendations of Board candidates by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The Board is expected to adopt a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines in connection with the separation to assist it in guiding our governance practices. These practices will be regularly reevaluated by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in light of changing circumstances in order to continue serving our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders. These guidelines will cover, among other things, the

 

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composition and certain functions of the Board and its committees, executive sessions, Board responsibilities, expectations for directors, director orientation and continuing education, and our policy prohibiting pledging. A copy of our corporate governance guidelines will be posted on our website.

Director Qualification Standards

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider, among other things, the following criteria in selecting and reviewing director nominees:

 

   

personal and professional integrity;

 

   

skills, business experience and industry knowledge useful to the oversight of the Company based on the perceived needs of the Company and the Board at any given time;

 

   

the ability and willingness to devote the required amount of time to the Company’s affairs, including attendance at Board and committee meetings;

 

   

the interest, capacity and willingness to serve the long-term interests of the Company and its stockholders;

 

   

age and diversity of a candidate, including diversity of background, experiences and skills, in the context of the needs of the Board; and

 

   

the lack of any personal or professional relationships that would adversely affect a candidate’s ability to serve the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also review in accordance with its charter, among other qualifications, the perspective, broad business judgment and leadership, business creativity and vision, and diversity of potential directors, all in the context of the needs of the Board at that time. We believe that Board membership should reflect diversity in its broadest sense, including persons diverse in geography, gender, and ethnicity, and we seek independent directors who represent a mix of backgrounds and experiences that will enhance the quality of the Board’s deliberations and decisions.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will be responsible for considering candidates for Board membership suggested by its members and other Board members, as well as by management and stockholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may also use outside consultants to assist in identifying candidates and may use third-party recruiters to identify and provide background information on possible candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also be responsible for assessing whether a candidate may qualify as an independent director. Each possible candidate will be discussed and evaluated in detail before being recommended to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will utilize the same criteria for evaluating candidates regardless of the source of the referral.

Stockholders may nominate persons to be elected as directors and, as noted above, may suggest candidates for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. If a stockholder wishes to suggest a person to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for consideration as a director candidate, he or she must provide the same information as required of a stockholder who intends to nominate a director pursuant to the procedures described under “—Corporate Governance—Stockholder Nominations.”

Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

The Board will maintain responsibility for oversight of risks that may affect the Company. The Board will discharge this duty primarily through its standing committees and also considers risk in its strategic planning for the Company and in its consideration of acquisitions. The Board will engage in discussions about risk at each quarterly meeting, where it will receive reports from its committees, as applicable, about the risk oversight activities within their respective areas of responsibility. Specifically, the Audit Committee will (i) receive reports

 

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from and discuss with management, our internal audit team, and our independent registered public accounting firm all major risk exposures (whether financial, operating or otherwise), (ii) review the Company’s policies with respect to risk assessment and enterprise risk management, including with respect to cybersecurity risks, and (iii) oversee compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and our ethics program, including our Code of Ethics (as defined below). In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will oversee the corporate governance principles and governance structures that contribute to successful risk oversight and management, including with respect to environmental, social and governance matters. The Compensation Committee will oversee certain risks associated with compensation policies and practices.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

In connection with the separation, we will adopt a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that is applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the Company. The Code of Ethics will set forth Company policies, expectations and procedures on a number of topics, including but not limited to conflicts of interest, compliance with laws, rules and regulations (including insider trading laws), honesty and ethical conduct, and quality. The Code of Ethics will also set forth procedures for reporting violations of the Code of Ethics and investigations thereof. If the Board grants any waivers from our Code of Ethics to any of our directors or executive officers, or if we amend our Code of Ethics, we will, if required, disclose these matters through our website within four business days following such waiver or amendment. Our website, and the information contained therein, or connected thereto, is not incorporated by reference into this information statement.

Procedures for Treatment of Complaints Regarding Accounting, Internal Accounting Controls and Auditing Matters

In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our Board will establish a process for stockholders and interested parties to communicate with the Board and to report complaints or concerns relating to our accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters. Complaints or concerns relating to our accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters will be referred to members of the Audit Committee.

Website Disclosure

The Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Ethics are available on our corporate website, www.ESAB.com.

 

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EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Executive Summary

Named Executive Officers

For purposes of this information statement, our executive officers whose compensation is discussed in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis and whom we refer to as our named executive officers (“NEOs”) are:

 

Name

  

Title

Shyam P. Kambeyanda    President and Chief Executive Officer
Kevin Johnson    Chief Financial Officer
Olivier Biebuyck    President, EMEA
Larry Coble    Senior Vice President, EBX and Supply Chain
Curtis Jewell    General Counsel

Immediately prior to the distribution, we will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Colfax. As a result, this Compensation Discussion and Analysis refers to decisions made by Colfax and its Compensation Committee and the compensation program and philosophy of Colfax in 2021. Following the distribution, our Board will form its own Compensation Committee, and it may choose to implement different compensation programs for our executive officers.

Mr. Kambeyanda has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2016 and was a named executive officer for Colfax during 2020. Mr. Johnson has served as our Chief Financial Officer since May 2019. Messrs. Biebuyck and Coble have each served in executive roles with ESAB since 2017. Mr. Jewell has served in an executive role with ESAB since 2020.

Colfax Compensation Philosophy and Guiding Principles

Colfax’s executive compensation approach links compensation to company and individual performance while aligning the long-term interests of management and stockholders. Colfax strives to create a compensation program for its associates, including its executives, that provides a compelling and engaging opportunity to attract, retain and motivate the best talent. Colfax believes that its compensation programs motivate performance-driven leadership that is aligned to achieve its financial and strategic objectives with the intention to deliver superior long-term returns to its stockholders. Utilizing this philosophy, the executive compensation program has been designed to:

 

Link rewards to performance and foster a team-based approach      Each executive has clear performance expectations and must contribute to overall success rather than solely to objectives within his or her primary area of responsibility.
Align the performance responsibilities of executives with the long-term interests of stockholders      Colfax’s program emphasizes long-term stockholder value creation by using predominantly stock options and restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units), in combination with a stock ownership policy, to deliver long-term compensation incentives while minimizing risk-taking behaviors that could negatively affect long-term results.
Provide transparency through simplicity of design and practices      Colfax provides three main elements in its compensation program–base salary, annual incentive cash bonuses, and long-term incentives–with an appropriate blend of purposes and incentives linked to easily understood objectives, as described below under “—Components of 2021 Executive Compensation Program.”

 

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Colfax Executive Compensation Program

Colfax’s executive compensation program includes elements designed to align executive pay with company objectives and long-term stockholder returns, including the use of PRSU grants to our CEO that are entirely based on relative Total Stockholder Return of Colfax.

Colfax’s 2021 executive compensation structure consisted of three core compensation elements–base salary, an annual cash bonus, and long-term incentives. The total compensation package is intended to create an appropriate mix of compensation designed to attract, incentivize, and retain its executives. The following table summarizes the core elements of Colfax’s 2021 executive compensation program:

 

Element of Compensation

  

Purpose/Description

  

Form/Timing of Payout

Base Salary    Established at a competitive level to attract and retain executive talent. Provides a base level of compensation that is not at risk to avoid fluctuations in compensation that could distract executives from the performance of their responsibilities.    Paid in cash throughout the year.
Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”)    Variable compensation that rewards executive officers for achievement of critical annual operational and financial performance goals by Colfax or respective business units, and recognizes the executive’s individual performance during the year.    Paid in cash after the year has ended and performance has been measured. See “—Components of 2021 Executive Compensation Program—Annual Incentive Plan” below for further detail.
Long-Term Incentive Plan    Variable compensation that aligns the rewards of executives with the interests of stockholders to encourage actions and long-term prioritization that Colfax believes will increase stockholder value by generating sustained and superior operational and financial performance over an extended period of time.    See “—Components of 2021 Executive Compensation Program—Long-Term Incentives” below for further detail.

Determination of Executive Compensation and Performance Criteria

Colfax’s executive compensation program is based on the philosophy and design outlined above with a focus on exceptional performance and continuous improvement from its management team. Within this framework, Colfax’s Compensation Committee exercises its reasoned business judgment in making executive compensation decisions and reviewing compensation guidelines established for ESAB executives by Colfax management. This process includes taking into account recommendations by Colfax’s Chief Executive Officer with respect to the compensation of Mr. Kambeyanda, as well as oversight of Colfax management’s implementation of ESAB’s executive compensation structure. Some of the factors that generally are referenced when making executive compensation decisions, none of which is assigned a particular weight, are as follows:

 

   

the nature of the executive’s position;

 

   

Colfax’s Compensation Committee’s assessment of pay levels and practices for executives with the skills and experience that the executives possess;

 

   

the experience and performance record of the executive;

 

   

Colfax’s and its business unit’s operational and financial performance;

 

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the executive’s leadership potential;

 

   

ESAB’s current compensation policies and performance; and

 

   

the retention value of Colfax’s compensation program over time.

Further, a percentage of compensation under Colfax’s Annual Incentive Plan is determined by the achievement of annual performance criteria based on Colfax Board-approved financial and operational goals for the fiscal year. These goals are then incorporated into the metrics set for the Annual Incentive Plan, as further discussed below under “—Components of 2021 Executive Compensation Program—Annual Incentive Plan—Bonus Calculation and Payment—Financial and Operational Metrics and 2021 Performance Results.” Colfax believes that this link to its Board-established corporate and business goals reinforces alignment and incentivizes breakthrough results both at the business-unit and company-wide levels.

Components of 2021 Executive Compensation Program

Base Salary

Base salaries are designed to provide compensation that is market competitive to attract the best qualified individuals and retain senior management. Base salaries are established at an executive’s hire and generally reviewed annually for potential increases. Colfax’s Compensation Committee set the salary level for Mr. Kambeyanda based on its assessment of his role and responsibilities and the results of his individual performance assessment, combined with perspective from competitive compensation data prepared by FW Cook and the committee’s reasoned business judgment. In consultation with Colfax’s CEO, Mr. Kambeyanda undertook a similar analysis in setting the salary levels for Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell. A comparison of base salary levels as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 is set forth below:

 

Named Executive Officer

   2020 Annual Base Salary*      2021 Annual Base Salary      Percentage Increase  

Mr. Kambeyanda

   $ 625,000      $ 700,000        12

Mr. Johnson

   $ 360,000      $ 380,000        6

Mr. Biebuyck

   $ 380,808      $ 430,000        13

Mr. Coble

   $ 350,200      $ 375,000        7

Mr. Jewell

   $  330,000      $  339,900        3

 

*

2020 Annual Salary does not reflect the voluntary reductions for Q2 and for Q3. See the Summary Compensation Table for the actual salary received for each executive in 2020.

Annual Incentive Plan

The goal of Colfax’s AIP is to reward executives for achievement in key areas of company operational and financial performance as well as each executive’s individual contributions to company success. Each NEO was eligible to receive a cash incentive payment that is expressed as a percentage of the executive’s base salary (i.e., “target bonus”) under Colfax’s Annual Incentive Plan. Performance measures include corporate and individual performance factor (“IPF”) against pre-determined financial and operational metrics, in the case of Mr. Kambeyanda, approved by Colfax’s Compensation Committee and, in the case of each other NEO, approved by our CEO in consultation with Colfax’s CEO.

These performance metrics reflect both Colfax-wide and business-specific performance targets resulting in a company performance factor (“CPF”). The CPF for Mr. Kambeyanda in 2021 was a weighted average consisting of 70% ESAB Global performance and 30% Colfax corporate performance. For Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell, the CPF consisted of 100% ESAB Global performance measures. The amount payable under the AIP can be adjusted upward or downward based on the IPF, which is linked to specific, individualized business goals. Actual bonus amounts are determined following completion of the performance year and are

 

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based on performance relative to these pre-established business and individual goals using the following formulas:

 

LOGO

Executives can achieve a payout percentage of their target bonus ranging from zero for below-threshold performance to a threshold of 50% to a maximum of 200%, with 100% target goal achievement resulting in 100% payout of the individual’s target bonus for that performance metric, based on the extent to which objective pre-established financial and operational performance goals are achieved.

The total amount earned is subject to adjustment based on individual achievement as measured by an IPF. The IPF is a multiplier that ranges from 0 to 1.5 (subject to an overall payout cap of 250% of the target bonus). The IPF rating is based on individual performance against pre-established objectives and the embodiment of Colfax’s core values and behaviors. The IPF and key performance indicators include both financial and non-financial company objectives over which the executive has primary control.

Detail regarding the individual components of these formulas for fiscal year 2021, including a calculation of the payout percentages and description of the IPF component, follows below.

Key Executive Team Achievements

 

   

Industry leading total recordable incident rate (“TRIR”) of 0.33; a 2.9% improvement from prior year

 

   

Continued leadership focus in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the health and safety of our associates while ensuring continuity of supply to our customers

 

   

Delivered strong revenue and profit growth through the course of the year in a continued challenging environment

 

   

Excellent cash flow management, ending the year with strong cash conversion

 

   

Continued to outperform peers in organic growth and margin improvements

 

   

Sustained focus on innovation, resulting in the introduction of 100 new products into the market, as well as increased market penetration in the digital space, with strong double digit growth of devices connected to our ESAB Digital Solutions

 

   

Integrated newly acquired Octopuz software business, strengthening our portfolio in Robotic solutions

 

   

Strengthened and added to ESAB’s management team to provide a solid foundation for growth and ability to function as a stand-alone public company. In addition we continued to improve associate engagement and enhance diversity, equity and inclusion programs

Bonus Calculation and Payment — Financial and Operational Metrics and 2021 Performance Results

Each NEO’s CPF financial targets were based on ESAB’s net sales (as adjusted), adjusted EBITA, and modified cash conversion. Additionally, 30% of Mr. Kambeyanda’s CPF was also based on net sales (as adjusted),

 

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adjusted EBITA, cash conversion, and adjusted EPS at the Colfax level. The targets were based upon Colfax Board-approved operational and financial goals for 2021, and represented significant progress in each category toward the achievement of Colfax’s long-term growth objectives and aligned with the Colfax Board-approved corporate budget.

The financial and operational performance measures and corresponding weightings of these metrics for 2021 were as follows:

 

Measure

   Colfax     ESAB  

Net sales (as adjusted)(1)

     25     30%  

Adjusted EBITA(2)

     40     50%  

Cash Conversion(3)

     20     20%  

Adjusted EPS(4)

     15     N/A  

 

(1)

Net sales is measured by U.S. GAAP sales excluding any sales from unbudgeted 2021 acquisitions, compared to 2021 budgeted sales at actual foreign exchange rates, with budgeted results for any divested/discontinued entities added to actual results in determining 2021 performance;

(2)

Adjusted EBITA is measured by comparing Adjusted EBITA excluding any unbudgeted 2021 acquisition to the 2021 Adjusted EBITA targets at actual foreign exchange rates and is U.S. GAAP net income from continuing operations plus net interest expense, income taxes and acquisition-related amortization and inventory step-up charges, adjusted for business unit entities divested in 2021 including related gain/loss on disposition, restructuring costs per company policy, non-cash asset impairments including goodwill and intangibles, unbudgeted acquisition and divestiture costs, foreign currency exchange gains or losses arising from initial recognition of a highly inflationary currency, pension curtailment costs, effects from changes in U.S. GAAP or other unplanned or nonrecurring items that Colfax’s Compensation Committee considers unusual and not representative of the underlying economic performance of Colfax, with budgeted results for any divested/discontinued entities added to actual results in determining 2021 performance;

(3)

Cash conversion is cash from operating activities less capital expenditures plus proceeds from asset sales divided by Adjusted Net Income. ESAB uses Modified Cash Conversion which excludes income taxes, interest expenses and defined benefit plan costs and funding; and

(4)

Adjusted EPS performance will be measured by comparing Adjusted EPS excluding any unbudgeted 2021 acquisitions to the 2021 Adjusted EPS target and is defined as U.S. GAAP net income adjusted for business unit entities divested in 2020 including related gain/loss on disposition, restructuring costs per company policy, non-cash asset impairments including goodwill and intangibles, unbudgeted acquisition and divestiture costs, foreign currency exchange gains or losses arising from initial recognition of a highly inflationary currency, pension curtailment costs, effects from changes in U.S. GAAP or similar unplanned material tax or regulatory changes, the after-tax impact of discontinued operations, early extinguishment of debt costs, or other unplanned or nonrecurring items that Colfax’s Compensation Committee considers unusual and not representative of the underlying economic performance of Colfax, divided by the weighted average of diluted shares outstanding, with budgeted results for any divested/discontinued entities added to actual results in determining 2021 performance.

The 2021 performance goals and achievement for each of our NEOs other than Mr. Kambeyanda, and their resulting CPFs, are described below.

 

Measure

   Weighting     Target Goal      Achieved  

ESAB Net Sales (as adjusted)

     30   $ 2.171 billion      $ 2.428 billion  

ESAB Adjusted EBITA

     50   $ 347 million      $ 395 million  

ESAB Cash Conversion

     20     93%        92%  

For Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell, ESAB Global business unit goals consisted of 100% of the total target. These weightings are intended to drive accountability for business operational results while also

 

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encouraging thoughtful work and cooperation across the organization. Based on overall business performance of the ESAB Global business unit during 2021, Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell achieved an overall CPF of 145%.

The table below summarizes the 2021 achievement of business goals for Mr. Kambeyanda, which when aggregated with the ESAB business goal results as shown above, determine his AIP financial and operational performance factor, and the resulting CPF.

 

Measure

   Weighting     Target Goal      Achieved  

Colfax Net Sales (as adjusted)

     25   $ 3.531 billion      $ 3.777 billion  

Colfax Adjusted EBITA

     40   $ 492 million      $ 503 million  

Colfax Cash Conversion

     20     85%        84%  

Colfax Adjusted EPS

     15   $ 2.11/share      $ 2.14/share  

For Mr. Kambeyanda, Colfax corporate measures constituted 30% of the potential payout factor with ESAB Global business unit goals consisting of 70% of the total target. Based upon Colfax’s and ESAB Global business units overall performance, Mr. Kambeyanda achieved an overall CPF of 138.4%.

Bonuses for each NEO, as calculated pursuant to the foregoing calculations, are set forth in the following table. These bonuses are also reflected in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table under “Executive Compensation—Summary Compensation Table” below.

 

NEO

   Base Salary             Target
Bonus
Percentage
           Target
Bonus
            CPF     Bonus
before IPF
application
     Individual
Performance
Factor (IPF)
           Executive
Bonus
Payment
 

Mr. Kambeyanda*

   $ 700,000      X        80     =      $ 560,000      X        138   $ 775,040        105     =      $ 811,440  

Mr. Johnson

   $ 380,000      X        65     =      $ 247,000      X        145   $ 358,150        112     =      $ 401,128  

Mr. Biebuyck

   $ 430,000      X        65     =      $ 279,500      X        145   $ 405,275        108     =      $ 437,697  

Mr. Coble

   $ 375,000        X        59     =      $ 223,048        X        145   $ 323,420        90     =      $ 291,079  

Mr. Jewell

   $ 339,900      X        50     =      $ 169,950      X        145   $ 246,428        100     =      $ 246,428  

 

*

The business payout percentage is a weighted average consisting of 70% ESAB Global segment and 30% Colfax corporate during 2021.

Bonus Calculation — Individual Performance Factor

In addition to the target bonus percentages and financial and operational metrics discussed above, the third and final factor under the AIP is the IPF, as described above. The individual performance factors for each executive were determined after evaluating each NEO’s performance, including the collective achievements detailed above under “—Components of 2021 Executive Compensation Program—Annual Incentive Plan—Key Executive Team Achievements.” For 2021, IPFs for our NEOs ranged from 90% to 112%.

ESAB Corporation Annual Incentive Plan

Effective January 1, 2022, ESAB has approved the ESAB Corporation Annual Incentive Plan (the “ESAB AIP”), the terms of which are materially consistent with Colfax’s existing AIP. ESAB’s Compensation Committee will administer the plan and it has the full authority to make awards under the plan. ESAB’s NEOs, along with other key employees selected by ESAB’s Compensation Committee, are eligible to participate in the plan. The ESAB AIP is intended to enhance ESAB’s ability to attract and retain highly qualified officers and key employees and to motivate these individuals to serve the company.

ESAB’s Compensation Committee has the discretion to determine the period of time during which performance goals must be met in order to determine the amount of payment or vesting earned under any award under the ESAB AIP. Performance goals will be established no later than 90 days after the beginning of any performance

 

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period applicable to an award, or at any other date that is required or permitted under Section 409A. The performance goals for awards will consist of one or more business criteria based on performance measures and targeted levels of performance specified by ESAB’s Compensation Committee. Any performance goal or a combination thereof can be used to measure the performance of ESAB or any of its business units. A performance goal may also be measured against comparable companies, a published stock index, or a stock market index in relation to share price, all under the discretion of ESAB’s Compensation Committee. The specific goal or goals shall generally relate to one or more of (i) individual performance measures established by ESAB’s Compensation Committee and (iii) the following performance metrics:

(a) net earnings or net income; (b) operating earnings; (c) pretax earnings; (d) earnings per share; (e) earnings per share; (f) share price, including growth measures and total stockholder return; (g) earnings before interest and taxes; (h) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization; (i) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization as adjusted to exclude any one or more of stock-based compensation expense; income from discontinued operations; gain on cancellation of debt; debt extinguishment and related costs; restructuring, separation and/or integration charges and costs; reorganization and/or recapitalization charges and costs; impairment charges; gain or loss related to investments; sales and use tax settlement; and gain on non-monetary transaction; (j) sales or revenue growth, whether in general, by type of product or service, or by type of customer; (k) gross or operating margins; (l) return measures, including total shareholder return, return on assets, capital, investment, equity, sales or revenue; operating cash flow; cash flow return on equity; and cash flow return on investment; (m) productivity ratios; (n) expense targets; (o) market share; (p) working capital targets; (q) completion of acquisitions of businesses or companies; (r) completion of divestitures and asset sales; (s) debt repayment targets, and debt/equity ratios; and (t) any combination of the foregoing business criteria.

Plan awards may be made in cash or other property at the discretion of ESAB’s Compensation Committee. ESAB’s Compensation Committee also has discretion to adjust any awards upward or downward, either on a formula or discretionary basis. The maximum amount paid to any participant in any fiscal year pursuant to the plan cannot exceed $5 million. ESAB may amend, suspend or terminate the plan at any time; provided that no such amendment, suspension or termination shall, without the consent of a participant, adversely affect any right of the participant under the participant’s outstanding awards. Further, no amendment can alter the business criteria on which performance goals are based, increase the maximum amount for an award, or materially modify the requirements regarding eligibly for the plan.

Long-Term Incentives

The goal of Colfax’s long-term incentive plan is to align the compensation of executives with the interests of stockholders by encouraging sustained long-term improvement in operational and financial performance and long-term increase in stockholder value. Long-term incentives also serve as retention instruments and provide equity-building opportunities for executives. In 2021, annual equity awards for Mr. Kambeyanda consisted of 50% PRSUs, 25% stock options, and 25% time-vesting RSUs. For Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell, annual equity awards consisted of 50% stock options and 50% time-vesting RSUs. Colfax believes this further aligns the long-term interests of management and stockholders and promotes increased equity ownership among executive officers.

2021 Performance Vesting of Outstanding PRSUs

In February 2022, Colfax’s Compensation Committee certified the performance results of certain PRSUs granted to Mr. Kambeyanda in 2019. The 2019 PRSUs were subject to Colfax achieving investor return performance relative to the S&P MidCap 400 Industrials Index. At the end of the three-year performance period, Colfax performance resulted in an investor return performance payout percentage of 172.86% of target.

Annual Grants Under Omnibus Incentive Plan

In February 2021, Colfax granted annual awards under the 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan with a target aggregate value as set forth in the table below. Mr. Kambeyanda received 50% of his annual grant in the form of PRSUs,

 

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25% in the form of RSUs and 25% in the form of stock options. Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell received 50% of their annual grant in the form of RSUs and 50% in the form of stock options. In March 2021, Mr. Kambeyanda received an additional award of 17,442 RSUs under his retention agreement with an aggregate value of approximately $866,396. This grant vests ratably over a three-year period, subject to Mr. Kambeyanda remaining in service on the relevant vesting dates, except in certain qualifying terminations. These awards accrue dividend equivalents when Colfax pays dividends, which will be paid out in cash upon the vesting of these retention RSUs.

 

Annual Grant Recipient

   Total Aggregate
Value of Grant
($)
 

Mr. Kambeyanda

     1,500,000  

Mr. Johnson

     266,000  

Mr. Biebuyck

     301,000  

Mr. Coble

     300,000  

Mr. Jewell

     198,000  

Stock options and RSUs vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and PRSUs cliff vest at the end of the three-year measurement period to the extent of achievement of the relative TSR performance metric based on the following payout scale:

 

     3-Year TSR
Percentile Rank*
    Resulting
Shares Earned
(% of target)
 

Below Threshold

     <30 th      0

Threshold

     30 th      50

Target

     55 th      100

Maximum

     80 th      200

 

*

Linear interpolation between achievement points.

As shown in the table above, the target payout is subject to achieving the relative TSR performance metric at the 55th percentile, which underscores Colfax’s commitment to delivering and incentivizing above-median performance and returns to stockholders.

Additional Compensation Information

Other Elements of Compensation — Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Perquisites

Colfax does not maintain an active pension plan and instead makes matching contributions to a tax-qualified 401(k) plan and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. Colfax established the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, which provides participants the opportunity to defer a percentage of their compensation without regard to the compensation limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code under Colfax’s 401(k) plan, to allow senior-level executives to contribute toward retirement on a tax-effective basis in a manner that is consistent with other Colfax employees who are not limited by the Internal Revenue Code limits. ESAB has established a similar plan for our participants effective January 1, 2022. For additional details concerning each Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, please see the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table and the accompanying narrative disclosure.

Colfax provides perquisites to certain executives, including up to $10,000 in financial and tax planning services for Mr. Kambeyanda, business-related items such as relocation assistance, which may be grossed up consistent with competitive market recruitment practices, and benefits provided in non-U.S. locations in accordance with local practice.

 

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Employment Agreements

Mr. Kambeyanda is party to a letter agreement with Colfax that specifies his starting annual salary and a target bonus of at least 70% under the AIP. This agreement also provides for a transition bonus made in connection with his hire that is to be paid in installments over his first five years of employment (with $330,000 payable in each of 2017 and 2018, and $130,000 payable in each of 2019, 2020 and 2021). This letter agreement also provides that Mr. Kambeyanda is eligible for Colfax’s Executive Officer Severance Plan.

Similarly, Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck and Coble also have letter agreements with ESAB specifying annual starting salaries, target bonus opportunities (at least 50%, 55% and 50% respectively), and transition bonuses ($150,000 and $223,000 for Messrs. Biebuyck and Coble, respectively). For Mr. Biebuyck, this transition bonus was paid in equal installments in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Mr. Johnson’s letter agreement also provides for (i) annual Company retirement contributions of at least $19,000 per year, (ii) payment of repatriation costs if his employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company, (iii) payment of tax preparation costs, and (iv) tax equalization benefits. In December 2021, ESAB issued new offer letters to Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell, which will be effective upon consummation of the distribution. These offer letters specify annual starting salaries ($595,000, $500,000, $450,000, and $450,000 respectively), target bonus opportunities (75%, 75%, 70%, and 70% of base salary, respectively) and eligibility for ESAB equity awards (valued at $1,338,750, $875,000, $630,000, and $675,000 respectively) in 2022. The offer letters also provide that the executive will be eligible to participate under ESAB’s 401(k), nonqualified deferred compensation, and health and welfare benefit plans.

In addition, Mr. Kambeyanda is party to a change in control agreement with Colfax. Under this change in control agreement, severance payable upon a change in control is only received upon the executive officer’s termination without cause or resignation for good reason within two years following, or the three months preceding, the change in control of Colfax. Such change in control agreements are designed to retain executive officers and ensure their continued dedication to Colfax notwithstanding a possible change in control.

In March 2021, Colfax entered into separate change in control agreements (the “ESAB Change in Control Agreements”) with Messrs. Kambeyanda, Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell, which provide for certain severance payments upon a qualifying termination that occurs between (i) the date that Colfax executes a definitive agreement which would result in a change in control of the ESAB business or 90 days prior to the consummation of a change in control of the ESAB business (whichever is earlier) and (ii) eighteen months after a change in control of the ESAB business. In 2021, Colfax also entered into retention agreements with Messrs. Kambeyanda, Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell in order to facilitate the successful completion of the distribution. These retention agreements provide for potential payments in the event that the distribution is not completed by December 31, 2022, and the executive officer remains employed through that date, subject to exceptions. The retention agreements also modify the vesting schedules of certain outstanding equity awards in the event of a qualifying termination. The retention agreements with Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell were subsequently amended in December 2021 to provide for potential payments in the event of continued employment after the distribution.

Additional details regarding the material terms of these agreements are summarized below under “— Change in Control Agreements, Retention Agreements and Executive Officer Severance Plan” and “Change in Control Agreements and Executive Officer Severance Plan—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.” A summary of the material terms and eligibility requirements for the Executive Officer Severance Plan is provided under “Change in Control Agreements and Executive Officer Severance Plan—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

On February 21, 2022, ESAB and Mr. Kambeyanda entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”), which will be effective as of the distribution date. The term of the Employment Agreement is three years with automatic one-year renewals unless ESAB or Mr. Kambeyanda elects not to extend the term of the

 

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Employment Agreement by providing the other party with 90 days’ written notice. Mr. Kambeyanda’s annual base salary is set at an initial rate of $1,000,000, which can be adjusted by ESAB’s Compensation Committee at its discretion during the term of the Employment Agreement. In addition, Mr. Kambeyanda is entitled to participate in ESAB’s annual cash incentive program with a target annual incentive bonus of 115% of his annual base salary for 2022. Under this Employment Agreement, Mr. Kambeyanda will be granted long-term incentive awards in 2022 with a value of $4,000,000, with the type of award and vesting to be determined by ESAB’s Compensation Committee.

The Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Kambeyanda is entitled to benefits available to senior executives of the company, as well as personal use of the company’s private aircraft (not to exceed $250,000 in actual costs to the company in any calendar year) and personal financial planning services. However, such personal use of company aircraft and financial planning services shall not to exceed $80,000 in compensation income to Mr. Kambeyanda in any calendar year combined. If Mr. Kambeyanda is terminated as result of ESAB’s notice not to extend the term of the Employment Agreement or by ESAB without “cause” or he resigns for “good reason” (each as defined in the Employment Agreement), he will be entitled to (i) his base salary for 24 months following termination, (ii) an amount equal to 200% of his target annual incentive bonus for the year of termination paid in equal installments over the 24 months following termination, (iii) a partial year bonus (as defined in the employment agreement), if any, and (iv) payment by ESAB of employer premiums for COBRA coverage elected under ESAB’s basic medical insurance programs for 24 months following termination or until Mr. Kambeyanda becomes eligible for coverage by another company or otherwise is no longer eligible for COBRA coverage.

The Employment Agreement contains confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-disparagement restrictions during the term of the Employment Agreement and for certain specified periods thereafter. The Employment Agreement also provides for Mr. Kambeyanda to receive health insurance commensurate with the benefits that ESAB provides its senior executives. Under the Employment Agreement, Mr. Kambeyanda will be nominated for election to the Board of ESAB as long as he remains CEO. Mr. Kambeyanda will receive no additional compensation for service on the Board.

Stock Ownership Policy and Stock Holding Requirements

Colfax requires its executive officers to accumulate and hold shares of Colfax Common Stock with a value equal to a specified multiple of base salary. Our Compensation Committee will adopt stock ownership guidelines based on our compensation philosophy, business needs and corporate governance guidelines.

Role of Compensation Consultants and Peer Data Review

In establishing the compensation for its executive officers, Colfax utilized broad-based compensation surveys to assess market compensation. We expect in the future to identify a peer group and consider peer group pay, alongside our pay for performance and long-term value creation objectives, in determining the compensation for our executive officers that best aligns compensation and stockholder interests.

Colfax’s Compensation Committee also obtained perspective from competitive data reviewed by FW Cook, the independent advisor to the Colfax’s Compensation Committee on matters of executive compensation. In February 2022, Colfax’s Compensation Committee considered the independence of FW Cook in light of the SEC rules regarding conflicts of interest involving compensation consultants and NYSE listing standards regarding compensation consultant independence. Colfax’s Compensation Committee requested and received a letter from FW Cook addressing conflicts of interest and independence, including specific factors enumerated in both relevant SEC rules and NYSE listing standards. Colfax’s Compensation Committee discussed and considered these factors, and other factors it deemed relevant, and concluded that FW Cook is independent and that its work during 2021 did not raise any conflict of interest. Similarly, we expect our Compensation Committee to retain a compensation advisor in connection with structuring future compensation.

 

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Compensation Program and Risk

As part of its continued appraisal of its compensation program, Colfax management, with oversight from Colfax’s Compensation Committee, annually reviews its compensation policies and practices and the design of its overall compensation program in relation to its risk management practices and any potential risk-taking incentives. This assessment includes a review of the primary elements of Colfax’s compensation program in light of potential risks:

 

Compensation Program Risk Considerations

Pay Mix   

•  Compensation program includes an appropriate mix of short- and long-term incentives, which mitigate the risk of undue focus on short-term targets while rewarding performance in areas that are key to Colfax’s long-term success.

 

•  Base salaries are set at competitive levels to promote stability and provide a component of compensation that is not at risk.

Performance Metrics and Goals   

•  Distinct performance metrics are used in both short-term (AIP) and long-term incentive plans.

 

•  Colfax’s Annual Incentive Plan is designed with a payout scale (including a maximum cap) that supports a pay-for-performance philosophy. See “—Components of 2021 Executive Compensation Program—Annual Incentive Plan.”

Long-Term Incentives   

•  The equity grant portion of Colfax’s compensation program, combined with its stock ownership guidelines and stock holding requirements, is designed to align the long-term interests of executives with those of Colfax’s stockholders.

Colfax has controls and other policies in place that serve to limit excessive risk-taking behavior within its compensation program, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

Compensation Risk Mitigation Components

Compliance Risk Mitigation   

•  Oversight of compensation process and procedures by Colfax’s Compensation Committee, each member of which has been determined by Colfax’s Board to be independent under applicable SEC rules and NYSE listing standards;

 

•  Internal controls over financial reporting, which are maintained by management and reviewed as a part of Colfax’s internal audit process and further reviewed and tested by its external auditors, as overseen by Colfax’s Audit Committee; and

 

•  Audit Committee oversight and review of financial results and non-GAAP metrics used in certain components of Colfax’s AIP and long-term incentives.

Personnel Risk Mitigation   

•  Implementation of and training on company-wide standards of conduct, as described under “Management—Board’s Role in Risk Oversight—Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.”

 

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Risk Mitigation Policies   

•  Provisions in Colfax’s insider trading policy prohibiting hedging transactions that would allow the holder to limit or eliminate the risk of a decrease in the value of Colfax’s securities;

 

•  A policy prohibiting pledging of Colfax shares after February 17, 2014; and

 

•  A clawback policy applicable to all executive officers.

Colfax’s Compensation Committee reviews with management the results of its assessment annually. Based on its most recent review, Colfax’s Compensation Committee concluded that the risks arising from Colfax’s compensation policies and practices for its employees are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Colfax.

Additionally, Colfax’s Compensation Committee also reviews Colfax’s strategies and policies related to human capital management, including with respect to matters such as diversity, inclusion, pay equity, corporate culture, talent development and retention.

Hedging Ban

Any director, officer or employee of Colfax is prohibited from engaging in short sales, transactions in derivative securities (including put and call options), or other forms of hedging and monetization transactions, such as zero-cost collars, equity swaps, exchange funds and forward sale contracts, that allow the holder to limit or eliminate the risk of a decrease in the value of Colfax’s securities. We anticipate that our Compensation Committee will adopt a similar policy.

Pledging Policy

Colfax has adopted a policy that prohibits any director or executive officer from pledging as security under any obligation any shares of Colfax common stock that he or she directly or indirectly owns and controls. We anticipate that our Compensation Committee will adopt a similar policy.

Clawback Policy

Colfax’s Compensation Committee has adopted a clawback policy applicable to its executive officers. Under the policy, in the event Colfax is required to restate its financial results due to material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws as generally applied, Colfax’s Board will review all bonus payments made, including all bonus payments under its Annual Incentive Plan, and all performance-based equity compensation that was earned or vested on the basis of having met or exceeded financial results during the three years prior to the date that the company determines such restatement is required.

If Colfax’s Board determines that such payments or the amount of awards earned/vested would have been lower had they been determined or calculated based on such restated results, it will, to the extent permitted by governing law, seek to recoup for the benefit of the company the value of such excess payments made to and/or equity awards earned by executive officers. Colfax’s Board maintains discretion, to the extent permitted under applicable law, not to seek such recoupments if it determines, in the exercise of its fiduciary duties, that under the specific circumstances it would not be appropriate to seek to recover such amounts. Colfax may effect such recoupment by requiring executive officers to pay such amount(s) to it, by set-off, by reducing future compensation, or by such other means or combination of means as Colfax’s Board determines to be appropriate.

We anticipate that our Compensation Committee will adopt similar recoupment policies to ensure incentive compensation paid as the result of any fraud or intentional misconduct leading to a restatement of our financial statements, would be recoverable.

 

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Equity Grant Practice

Colfax’s Compensation Committee has the authority to grant equity awards. Colfax does not time the grant of equity awards around material, non-public information. Grant dates are determined either as of the date of Compensation Committee approval or on the date of a specific event, such as the date of hire or promotion, for certain executive officers. The target grant value is translated into a number of shares underlying each grant using a valuation formula that, for PRSUs and RSUs, incorporates a 20-day average closing price up to and including the grant date, to avoid the potential volatility impact of using a single-day closing price.

Colfax’s Compensation Committee approves the grant of annual equity awards to its executive officers, including Mr. Kambeyanda, as well as the total pool of equity awards to be granted to eligible non-executive officers of Colfax. Additionally, Colfax’s Compensation Committee has delegated authority to Colfax’s CEO and Chief Human Resources Officer for non-annual grants of equity awards to associates who are non-executive officers of Colfax, including Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell. The aggregate grant date value of such equity awards may not exceed $4,000,000 during the fiscal year period. Such awards are subject to further restrictions on individual size, and awards must be made pursuant to the terms of award agreement forms previously approved by Colfax’s Board or Compensation Committee. The effective grant date of these awards is on the first trading day on or after the date of hire or promotion for newly hired employees following review and approval by Colfax’s CEO or Chief Human Resources Officer, as applicable. Colfax’s Compensation Committee receives a report of any grants made pursuant to this delegated authority at each regularly scheduled meeting.

Executive Compensation

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and Principal
Position

  Year     Salary
($)(1)
    Bonus
($)(2)
    Stock
Awards
($)(3)
    Option
Awards
($)(4)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(5)
    Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
    All
Other
Compen-
sation
($)(6)
    Total
($)
 

Shyam P. Kambeyanda

    2021     $ 681,250     $ 130,000     $ 2,130,747     $ 374,994     $ 811,440       —       $ 79,368     $ 4,207,799  

President and

    2020     $ 575,521     $ 130,000     $ 1,150,592     $ 374,996     $ 375,000       —       $ 24,737     $ 2,630,846  

Chief Executive Officer

    2019     $ 544,688     $ 130,000     $ 1,149,998     $ 650,001     $ 522,720       —       $ 58,644     $ 3,056,051  

Kevin Johnson

    2021     $ 377,564       —       $ 149,460     $ 133,005     $ 401,128       —       $ 78,899     $ 1,140,056  

Chief Financial Officer

    2020     $ 348,900       —       $ 218,298     $ 109,995     $ 148,500       —       $ 65,591     $ 891,284  
    2019     $ 301,649     $ 31,000     $ 105,612     $ 100,004     $ 162,730       —       $ 62,717     $ 763,712  

Olivier Biebuyck

    2021     $ 430,000       —       $ 169,131     $ 150,501     $ 437,697       —       $ 37,357     $ 1,224,686  

President, EMEA

    2020     $ 357,008       —       $ 241,842     $ 132,990     $ 160,220       —       $ 36,457     $ 928,517  
    2019     $ 377,856     $ 50,000     $ 180,894     $ 125,001     $ 210,460       —       $ 38,753     $ 982,964  

Larry Coble

    2021     $ 373,760       —       $ 168,592     $ 149,998     $ 291,079       —       $ 16,208     $ 993,637  

Senior Vice

    2020     $ 328,313       —       $ 147,513     $ 92,489     $ 133,960       —       $ 19,382     $ 721,657  

President, EBX and Supply Chain

    2019     $ 347,650       —       $ 156,437     $ 125,001     $ 164,220       —       $ 17,621     $ 810,929  

Curtis Jewell

    2021     $ 337,425       —       $ 111,242     $ 99,003     $ 246,428       —       $ 29,607     $ 823,705  

General Counsel

    2020     $ 309,375       —       $ 180,626     $ 98,993     $ 136,130       —       $ 27,822     $ 616,816  

 

(1)

In light of the impact of COVID-19 on Colfax’s business, Mr. Kambeyanda voluntarily took a 20% reduction to his base salary during the second quarter, a 15% reduction in July 2020, and a 10% reduction to his base salary during the remainder of the third quarter of 2020. Similarly, Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell voluntarily took a 15% reduction to their base salaries during the second quarter and a 10% reduction to their base salaries during the third quarter of 2020. Their base salaries were returned to 100% at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2020.

 

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(2)

For Mr. Kambeyanda, the amounts represent for 2021, 2020 and 2019 the third, fourth and fifth of five installment payments of his cash signing bonus. For Mr. Johnson, the amount in 2019 represents a discretionary bonus in recognition for achievement in connection with a corporate transaction. For Mr. Biebuyck, the amounts represent the second and third of three installments of his cash signing bonus.

(3)

Amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of grants made to each NEO, as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 14 to Colfaxs consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021, included in Colfaxs Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 22, 2022. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Executive Summary—Components of 2021 Executive Compensation Program—Long-Term Incentives.” Assuming the maximum achievement of the performance goals applicable to the PRSUs, the grant date value of the PRSUs granted to Mr. Kambeyanda in 2021 would have been $842,916.

(4)

Amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of grants made to each NEO, as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 14 to Colfaxs consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021, included in Colfaxs Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 22, 2022. For 2021 grants, options were valued by the Black Scholes-based option value based on the closing price of Colfax’s common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price for stock option awards equals the closing price of Colfax’s common stock on the date of grant. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Executive Summary—Components of 2021 Executive Compensation Program—Long-Term Incentives” above.

(5)

Amounts represent the payouts pursuant to Colfax’s Annual Incentive Plan. For a discussion of the performance metrics on which the 2021 Annual Incentive Plan was based, including the weighting for each performance metric and the actual percentage achievement of the financial performance targets, see “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Executive Summary—Components of 2021 Executive Compensation Program—Annual Incentive Plan” above.

(6)

Amounts set forth in this column for 2021 consist of the following:

 

Name

  Company
401(k)/
Deferred
Compensation
Plan
Match and
Contribution
($)(a)
    Auto
Allowance
($)
    Financial
Services
($)(b)
    Aircraft
Usage
($)
    Supplemental
Long-Term
Disability
Premiums
($)(c)
    Group
Term
Life
Insurance
($)(d)
    ($)(e)     ($)(f)     Total
($)
 

Mr. Kambeyanda

  $ 62,567       —       $ 10,000       —       $ 660     $ 2,451     $ 3,690       —       $ 79,368  

Mr. Johnson

  $ 28,827       —         —         —       $ 643     $ 859       —       $ 48,570     $ 78,899  

Mr. Biebuyck

  $ 35,413       —         —         —       $ 660     $ 1,284       —         —       $ 37,357  

Mr. Coble

  $ 14,234       —         —         —       $ 660     $ 1,314       —         —       $ 16,208  

Mr. Jewell

  $ 28,413       —         —         —       $ 660     $ 534       —         —       $
 
 
29,607
 
 

 

(a)

Amounts represent the aggregate company match and company contribution made by Colfax during 2021 to such NEO’s 401(k) plan account and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan account. See the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table and accompanying narrative for additional information on the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan.

(b)

Amount represents amounts for financial planning services as reimbursed by the company during 2021.

(c)

Amount represents premiums for supplemental long-term disability insurance.

(d)

Amount represents premiums for a life insurance benefit equal to 1.5 times salary, capped at $1,125,000.

(e)

Amount represents value of an executive physical.

(f)

Amount represents the value of tax equalization benefits.

 

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2021

The following table sets forth information with respect to grants of plan-based awards to our named executive officers during 2021:

 

Name

  Award Type   Grant Date     Estimated
Possible Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(1)
    Estimated
Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(2)
    All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
shares of
stock

or units
(#)(3)
    All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying

Options
(#)(4)
    Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option

Awards
($/Sh)
    Grant
Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and

Option
Awards ($)(5)
 
  Threshold
($)
    Target
($)
    Maximum
($)
    Threshold
(#)
    Target
(#)
    Maximum
(#)
 

Shyam P. Kambeyanda

  Annual Incentive
Plan
    —       $ 280,000     $ 560,000     $ 1,400,000       —         —         —         —         —         —      
  PRSUs     2/22/2021       —         —         —         9,385       18,769       37,538       —         —         —       $ 842,916  
  RSUs     2/22/2021       —         —         —         —         —         —         9,384       —         —       $ 421,435  
  Stock Options     2/22/2021       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         23,105     $ 44.91     $ 374,994  
  RSUs     3/5/2021       —         —         —         —         —         —         17,422       —         —       $ 866,396  

Kevin Johnson

  Annual Incentive
Plan
    —       $ 123,500     $ 247,000     $ 617,500       —         —         —         —         —         —         —    
  RSUs     2/22/2021       —         —         —         —         —         —         3,328       —         —       $ 149,460  
  Stock Options     2/22/2021       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         8,195     $ 44.91     $ 133,005  

Olivier Biebuyck

  Annual Incentive
Plan
    —       $ 139,750     $ 279,500     $ 698,750       —         —         —         —         —         —         —    
  RSUs     2/22/2021       —         —         —         —         —         —         3,766       —         —       $ 169,131  
  Stock Options     2/22/2021       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         9,273     $ 44.91     $ 150,501  

Larry Coble

  Annual Incentive
Plan
    —       $ 84,975     $ 169,950     $ 424,875       —         —         —         —         —         —      
  RSUs     2/22/2021       —         —         —         —         —         —         3,754       —         —       $ 168,592  
  Stock Options     2/22/2021       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         9,242     $ 44.91     $ 149,998  

Curtis Jewell

  Annual Incentive
Plan
    —       $ 84,975     $ 169,950     $ 424,875       —         —         —         —         —         —         —    
  RSUs     2/22/2021       —         —         —         —         —         —         2,477       —         —       $ 111,242  
  Stock Options     2/22/2021       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         6,100     $ 44.91     $ 99,003  

 

(1)

Amounts represent the possible payouts under Colfax’s Annual Incentive Plan. Threshold estimated possible payouts incorporate a 0.5 IPF, target estimated possible payouts incorporate a 1.0 IPF and maximum estimated possible payouts incorporate the 250% maximum payout cap under the Annual Incentive Plan. For a discussion of the performance metrics and actual results and payouts under the plan for fiscal 2021 see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table above, respectively.

(2)

Amounts represent potential shares issued under performance-based restricted stock unit awards. The PRSUs may be earned at the end of the performance period upon certification by the Compensation Committee of the performance level that has been met. The PRSUs cliff vest at the end of the three-year performance period, if earned.

(3)

Amounts represent restricted stock units. The RSUs vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.

(4)

Amounts represent stock option awards that vest ratably over three years, beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, based on continued service.

(5)

The amounts shown in this column represent the full grant date fair value of grants made to each NEO, as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. PRSUs are valued based upon the probable outcome of the performance conditions associated with these awards as of the grant date and such calculation is consistent with the estimate of aggregate compensation cost recognized over the service period determined as of the grant date under FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures.

 

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Outstanding Equity at 2021 Fiscal Year-End

The following table shows, as of December 31, 2021, the number of outstanding Colfax stock options, Colfax performance-based restricted stock unit awards and Colfax restricted stock unit awards held by the named executive officers:

 

    Option Awards     Stock Awards  

Name

  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
    Option
Exercise
Price
($)
    Option
Expiration
Date(1)
    Number
of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)(2)
    Market
Value
of Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)(3)
    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have
Not Vested
(#)(4)
    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have
Not Vested
($)(5)
 

Shyam P. Kambeyanda

    42,123       —       $ 40.47       2/12/2024       —         —         —         —    
    58,027       —       $ 33.41       3/7/2025       —         —         —         —    
    49,354       24,678     $ 26.88       2/24/2026       —         —         —         —    
    10,340       20,677     $ 37.67       2/23/2027       —         —         —         —    
    —         23,105     $ 44.91       2/21/2028       —         —         —         —    
    —         —         —         —         38,491     $ 1,769,431       —         —    
    —         —         —         —         —         —         83,227     $ 3,828,243  

Kevin Johnson

    2,117       —       $ 52.02       2/15/2022       —         —         —         —    
    2,741       —       $ 24.95       2/14/2023       —         —         —         —    
    4,465       —       $ 40.47       2/12/2024       —         —         —         —    
    6,286       —       $ 33.41       3/7/2025       —         —         —         —    
    7,593       3,797     $ 26.88       2/24/2026       —         —         —         —    
    3,033       6,065     $ 37.67       2/23/2027           —         —    
    —         8,195     $ 44.91       2/21/2028       —         —         —         —    
    —         —         —         —         8,900     $ 409,133       —         —    

Olivier Biebuyck

    8,951       —       $ 41.47       5/31/2024       —         —         —         —    
    1       4,746     $ 26.88       2/24/2026       —         —         —         —    
    3,667       7,333     $ 37.67       2/23/2027       —         —         —         —    
    —         9,273     $ 44.91       2/21/2028       —         —         —         —    
    —         —         —         —         10,695     $ 491,649       —         —    
    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Larry Coble

    27,879       —       $ 36.95       11/6/2024       —         —         —         —    
    7,979       —       $ 33.41       3/7/2025       —         —         —         —    
    9,491       4,746     $ 26.88       2/24/2026       —         —         —         —    
    2,551       5,099     $ 37.67       2/23/2027       —         —         —         —    
    —         9,242     $ 44.91       2/21/2028           —         —    
    —         —         —         —         8,507     $ 391,067       —         —    

Curtis Jewell

    406       —       $ 52.02       2/15/2022       —         —         —         —    
    2,413       —       $ 52.02       2/15/2022       —         —         —         —    
    192       —       $ 50.85       5/12/2022       —         —         —         —    
    5,265       —       $ 40.47       2/12/2024       —         —         —         —    
    6,286       —       $ 33.41       3/7/2025       —         —         —         —    
    2,468       2,468     $ 26.88       2/24/2026       —         —         —         —    
    2,730       5,458     $ 37.67       2/23/2027       —         —         —         —    
    —         6,100     $ 44.91       2/21/2028       —         —         —         —    
    —         —         —         —         6,824     $ 313,699       —         —    

 

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(1)

The vesting date of unvested stock option awards is set forth beside each option expiration date in the following chart. Note that the vesting date provided reflects when the options fully vest. Stock option awards vest ratably over three years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.

 

Option Grant Date

 

Option Expiration Date

 

Option Full Vesting Date (options vest over
three year period except as noted above)

5/13/2015   5/12/2022   5/13/2018
2/15/2016   2/14/2023   2/15/2019
5/13/2016   5/12/2023   5/13/2019
2/13/2017   2/12/2024   2/13/2020
6/1/2017   5/31/2024   6/1/2020
11/7/2017   11/6/2024   11/7/2020
3/8/2018   3/7/2025   3/8/2021
2/25/2019   2/24/2026   2/25/2022
2/24/2020   2/23/2027   2/24/2023
9/14/2020   9/13/2027   9/14/2023
2/22/2021   2/21/2028   2/22/2024

 

(2)

For Mr. Kambeyanda, the amounts represent (i) 4,898 RSUs that are the remaining portion of the promotional award granted to Mr. Kambeyanda on December 13, 2019 that vest ratably over three years, beginning on December 13, 2020, (ii) 6,787 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 24, 2021, (iii) 9,384 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 22, 2022, and (iv) 17,422 RSUs that are a retention award granted to Mr. Kambeyanda on March 5, 2021 that vest ratably over three years, beginning on March 5, 2022. For Mr. Johnson, the amounts represent (i) 1,310 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 25, 2020, (ii) 1,990 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 24, 2021, (iii) 2,272 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on July 25, 2021, and (iv) 3,328 RSUs RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 22, 2022. For Mr. Biebuyck, the amounts represent (i) 1,638 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 25, 2020, (ii) 612 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on August 7, 2020, (iii) 2,407 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 24, 2021, (iv) 2,272 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on July 25, 2021, and (v) 3,766 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 22, 2022. For Mr. Coble, the amounts represent (i) 1,638 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 25, 2020, (ii) 306 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on August 7, 2020, (iii) 1,673 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 24, 2021, (iv) 1,136 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on July 25, 2021, and (v) 3,754 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 22, 2022. For Mr. Jewell, the amounts represent (i) 852 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 25, 2020, (ii) 1,791 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 24, 2021, (iii) 1,704 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on July 25, 2021, and 2,477 RSUs that vest ratably over three years, beginning on February 22, 2022.

(3)

The amounts shown in this column represent the market value of the unvested restricted stock units based on the closing price of Colfax’s common stock on December 31, 2021, which was $45.97 per share, multiplied by the number of units, respectively, for each unvested award.

(4)

The amounts shown in this column reflect unearned PRSUs as of December 31, 2021. If earned, these PRSUs are then subject to an additional service-based vesting period. The amounts shown in this column reflect awards made in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and show the target amount of PRSUs that may be earned at the end of the performance period upon certification by the Colfax Compensation Committee. The amounts would cliff vest at the end of the three-year performance period, if earned. For awards granted in 2019 and 2020, once vested, at least 50% of the shares delivered pursuant to the PRSUs (net of shares withheld or sold for taxes) must be held for an additional one-year period. The PRSUs granted in 2019 vested on February 25, 2022 and the amounts represent 44,145 shares earned for Mr. Kambeyanda. The PRSUs granted to Mr. Kambeyanda in 2020 and 2021 are reported at target performance. For 2021, these amounts are reflected in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2021” table above under the column “Estimated

 

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  Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards” and for 2020 are reflected in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2020” table in Colfax’s Proxy Statement for its 2021 Annual Meeting.
(5)

The amounts shown in this column represent the market value of the unearned PRSUs based on the closing price of Colfax’s common stock on December 31, 2021, which was $45.97 per share, multiplied by the threshold number of units, respectively, for each unvested and unearned performance stock award.

Change in Control Agreements, Retention Agreements and Executive Officer Severance Plan

Messrs. Kambeyanda, Johnson, Biebuyck and Coble are each party to individual letter agreements with Colfax that specify their starting annual salary and minimum target bonus.

Mr. Kambeyanda is party to Colfax’s current form of change in control agreement for Colfax executive officers, which was approved by the Board of Directors of Colfax on October 27, 2020. In 2021, Colfax entered into separate change in control agreements with Messrs. Kambeyanda, Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell, which specifically relate to a change of control of ESAB.

Also in 2021, Colfax entered into retention agreements with Messrs. Kambeyanda, Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell in order to facilitate the successful completion of the distribution, which were subsequently amended in December 2021 to provide for potential post-distribution retention benefits.

Colfax maintains an Executive Officer Severance Plan, which provides for severance benefits upon a termination without cause or a resignation for good reason for certain Colfax executive officers, including Mr. Kambeyanda, who are not otherwise contractually entitled to severance compensation from Colfax. The Executive Officer Severance Plan does not provide for change in control benefits. While Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell are not subject to Colfax’s Executive Officer Severance Plan, ESAB’s current policy, consistent with historical practice, is to provide equivalent treatment for these officers. On December 7, 2021, ESAB adopted the ESAB Corporation Executive Officer Severance Plan, which will be effective upon the distribution. This plan will provide severance benefits upon termination without cause or for good reason for ESAB executive officers who are not otherwise contractually entitled to severance compensation pursuant to a separate agreement with ESAB. Severance provided in the event of termination without “cause” or for “good reason” (each as defined in the plan) is payment equal to one times the executive’s base salary in effect at the time of separation plus a pro rata payment of his or her target annual incentive compensation for the year of termination.

Change in Control and Retention Agreements

On October 27, 2020, Colfax’s Board approved a new form of change in control agreement for certain Colfax executive officers. Mr. Kambeyanda is party to a change in control agreement based on this form. The change in control agreement supersedes and replaces any prior agreement between Colfax and Mr. Kambeyanda with respect to a “change in control” of Colfax (as described below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control”).

Pursuant to this change in control agreement, upon a change in control of Colfax, Mr. Kambeyanda will be entitled to an annual base salary, cash bonus opportunity and benefits package equal to or greater than the base salary, cash bonus opportunity or benefits package in effect for him immediately prior to the change in control. If during the two year period following, or the three month period preceding, a change in control of Colfax, (a) Colfax terminates Mr. Kambeyanda’s employment other than for cause or by reason of death or disability (as such terms are defined in the change in control agreement) or (b) Mr. Kambeyanda resigns for good reason (as such term is defined in the change in control agreement), Colfax will pay the executive officer an amount equal to: (i) two times his annual base salary plus (ii) two times his target cash bonus opportunity. Any outstanding long-term equity incentive awards held by Mr. Kambeyanda will continue to be treated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award agreements and plans pursuant to which such awards were granted. This change in control agreement has an initial two-year term, subject to automatic extension for successive one-year

 

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periods unless either Colfax or Mr. Kambeyanda gives notice of non-renewal to the other or the agreement is otherwise terminated pursuant to its terms.

On March 5, 2021, Colfax also entered into additional change in control agreements with Messrs. Kambeyanda, Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell. Pursuant to these agreements, if the executive officer experiences a qualifying termination between the date that Colfax executes a definitive agreement which would result in a change in control of the ESAB business or 90 days prior to the consummation of a change in control of the ESAB business (whichever is earlier), and eighteen months after a change in control of the ESAB business, the executive officer will receive an amount equal to two-hundred percent of his base salary and the greater of two-hundred percent of his target bonus pursuant to Colfax’s Annual Incentive Plan for the last full fiscal year preceding the change in control termination or two-hundred percent of his target bonus pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan for the full fiscal year in which the change in control termination occurs. Such payment is subject to the execution of a general release of claims against Colfax. The change in control agreement terminates if it is mutually terminated or if the executive officer is terminated other than pursuant to a qualifying termination. For Mr. Kambeyanda, the agreement may also terminate on December 31, 2022 if the distribution has not yet been completed. The distribution, as described in this information statement, does not constitute a change in control for purposes of this agreement.

Additionally, also on March 5, 2021, Colfax entered into retention agreements with Messrs. Kambeyanda, Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell. Under these agreements, a retention payment equal to the executive’s 2021 annual base salary plus his 2021 annual cash bonus plan amount (at target level) is earned if (a) the distribution is not completed by December 31, 2022 and (b) the executive officer remains employed through December 31, 2022. However, if the executive officer is terminated without cause, separates by mutual consent, or dies prior to December 31, 2022, he or his estate will receive the retention payment.

In addition, the retention agreements provide that, as of the date of the agreement, the terms of all outstanding and unvested options and RSUs will be modified so that if the executive officer separates by mutual consent, terminates for good reason after the distribution, dies or is terminated without cause, then his options and RSUs vest. Additionally, for Mr. Kambeyanda, his outstanding performance based awards shall be earned at pre-defined measurement dates and subject to payout at the end of the performance period.

In December 2021, the retention agreements with Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell were amended to also provide that an ESAB retention payment may be earned if (a) the distribution is completed by December 31, 2022, and (b) the executive officer remains employed with ESAB through the twelve month anniversary of the distribution (the “Retention Date”). If the executive officer is terminated without cause, separates by mutual consent, terminates with good reason after the distribution, or dies prior to the Retention Date, he will receive this ESAB retention payment. The ESAB retention payment will be made six months after the distribution, subject to certain reductions if the executive is subsequently terminated for cause or leaves without good reason prior to the Retention Date.

Mr. Kambeyanda also received a grant of 17,422 RSUs under his retention agreement in March 2021. This grant vests ratably over a three-year period, subject to Mr. Kambeyanda remaining in service on the relevant vesting dates, except in certain qualifying terminations. These awards accrue dividend equivalents when Colfax pays dividends, which will be paid out in cash upon the vesting of these retention RSUs.

In entering into these various agreements, Colfax wanted to retain and ensure the continued dedication of these executive officers, notwithstanding the anticipated distribution and the possibility of a change in control. Colfax believes that the officers should be compensated for their efforts in positioning us and Colfax for the possibility of these events. Additional information on benefits provided upon termination or in connection with a change of control at December 30, 2021, is discussed below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

 

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On February 16, 2022, ESAB’s Board of Directors approved a form of change in control agreement (the “Change in Control Agreement”). We anticipate that ESAB’s executive officers will each enter into a Change in Control Agreement effective as of the distribution date. The Change in Control Agreement supersedes and replaces any prior agreement between ESAB and the executive officer with respect to a change in control (as such term is defined in the Change in Control Agreement) of ESAB, except to the extent such executive officer has an offer letter or other employment agreement with ESAB, in which case the agreement with terms more favorable to the executive officer will control.

Pursuant to the Change in Control Agreement, upon a change in control of ESAB, each executive officer will be entitled to an annual base salary, cash bonus opportunity and benefits package equal to or greater than the base salary, cash bonus opportunity or benefits package in effect for such executive officer immediately prior to the change in control. If an executive officer’s employment is terminated during the two year period following, or the three month period preceding, a change in control of ESAB (a) other than by the Company for cause, death or disability or (b) by the executive officer for good reason (as such terms are defined in the Change in Control Agreement), ESAB will pay the executive officer an amount equal to: (i) two times the annual base salary of such executive officer plus (ii) two times the target cash bonus opportunity of such executive officer. Any outstanding long-term equity incentive awards held by the executive officer will continue to be treated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award agreements and plans pursuant to which such awards were granted.

Each Change in Control Agreement has an initial two-year term, subject to automatic extension for successive one-year periods unless either ESAB or the executive officer gives notice of non-renewal to the other or the agreement is otherwise terminated pursuant to its terms.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table provides information regarding the vesting of earned PRSUs and RSUs awards, as well as the exercise of stock options by our NEOs, during 2021. The number of shares acquired upon exercise or vesting and the value realized before payment of any taxes and broker commissions is reflected below. Value realized represents the product of the number of shares received upon exercise or vesting and the closing market price of our common stock on the exercise or vesting date, less the exercise price for options.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested During Fiscal 2021

 

     Option Awards      Stock Awards  

Name

   Number
of Shares
Acquired
on
Exercise
(#)
     Value
Realized
on
Exercise
($)
     Number
of Shares
Acquired
on
Vesting
(#)
     Value Realized
on Vesting
($)
 

Shyam P. Kambeyanda

     24,644        634,125        32,924      $ 1,580,700  

Kevin Johnson

     —          —          4,104      $ 188,618  

Olivier Biebuyck

     25,690        422,329        6,292      $ 293,240  

Larry Coble

     —          —          4,188      $ 193,708  

Curtis Jewell

     —          —          3,262      $ 150,572  

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

Effective January 1, 2016, Colfax established the Colfax Corporation Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Nonqualified Plan”) to provide certain select members of management and other highly compensated employees, including each of the NEOs, with an opportunity to defer a stated percentage of their base compensation or their bonus compensation without regard to the compensation limits imposed by the Internal

 

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Revenue Code for Colfax’s 401(k) plan. Colfax established the Nonqualified Plan to allow these individuals to contribute toward retirement on a tax-effective basis in a manner that is consistent with other Colfax employees who are not limited by the Internal Revenue Code limits. The plan is “unfunded,” meaning there are no assets segregated for the exclusive benefit of plan participants.

The Nonqualified Plan allows the NEOs to defer up to 50% of their base salaries and up to 75% of their bonus compensation. In addition, during 2021 Colfax matched up to 4% of all excess deferrals by the NEOs and provided a 2% company contribution. NEOs vest in these company contributions to the Nonqualified Plan on the same terms as under Colfax’s 401(k) plan.

Deferrals under the Nonqualified Plan are notionally invested among a number of different mutual funds, insurance company separate accounts, indexed rates or other measurement funds, which are selected periodically by the plan administrator to best match the funds offered in the qualified 401(k) plan. Each participating NEO can allocate his deferrals among these notional fund investment options and may change elections at any time by making a change of election with the plan administrator. Colfax notionally invests its match and contribution amounts in the same investment options in the same amounts and allocations as the reference funds selected by the officer.

Simultaneously with the executive’s election to defer amounts under the Nonqualified Plan, the executive must elect the time and form of payment for the deferred amounts, which may generally be either a lump sum distribution or in quarterly installments payable over a period of one to ten years following a specified date (that must be at least one year following the end of the year to which the officer’s deferral election relates) or at least six months following the officer’s separation from service. Limited changes to deferral elections are permitted in accordance with the terms of the Nonqualified Plan. If no election is made, the benefit will be paid in a lump sum on the last day of the month which occurs six months after the executive’s separation from service. Deferred amounts may alternatively be paid out in a lump sum in the event of an executive’s death or disability or in the event of an unforeseeable financial emergency. Furthermore, in the event the executive’s account balance at the time of his or her separation from service is less than $15,000, payment of the account balance will be made in a lump sum on or before the later of (i) December 31 of the calendar year of separation, or (ii) the date 2.5 months after the executive’s separation from service.

Similarly, effective January 1, 2022, ESAB established the ESAB Group, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “ESAB Nonqualified Plan”) to provide certain select members of management and other highly compensated employees with an opportunity to defer a stated percentage of their base compensation or their bonus compensation without regard to the compensation limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code for ESAB’s 401(k) plan. The plan is “unfunded,” meaning there are no assets segregated for the exclusive benefit of plan participants.

The ESAB Nonqualified Plan allows participants to defer up to 50% of their base salaries and up to 75% of their bonus compensation. In addition, ESAB may match all excess deferrals by participants and/or provide a company contribution. Participants vest in these company contributions as determined by ESAB. Deferrals under the ESAB Nonqualified Plan are notionally invested among a number of different mutual funds, insurance company separate accounts, indexed rates or other measurement funds, which are selected periodically by the plan administrator. Each participant can allocate his or her deferrals among these notional fund investment options and may change elections by making a change of election with the plan administrator.

Simultaneously with the participant’s election to defer amounts under the ESAB Nonqualified Plan, the participant must elect the time and form of payment for the deferred amounts, which may generally be either a lump sum distribution or in quarterly installments payable over a period of two to ten years following a specified date (that must be at least one year following the end of the year to which the participant’s deferral election relates) or at least six months following the participant’s separation from service. Limited changes to deferral elections are permitted in accordance with the terms of the ESAB Nonqualified Plan.

ESAB also adopted the ESAB Group, Inc. Excess Benefits Plan effective January 1, 2022, which is frozen to new participants and future new deferrals. Like the ESAB Nonqualified Plan, this Excess Benefits Plan is an

 

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unfunded non-qualified deferred compensation plan in which certain employees of ESAB hold an account balance. These accounts were transferred from Colfax Corporation’s Excess Benefit Plan in connection with the planned separation of ESAB from Colfax. Like the ESAB Nonqualified Plan, amounts deferred under this Excess Benefit Plan are notionally invested in offered measurement funds as selected by the plan participant and will be distributed in accordance with participant elections and the terms of the plan following a participant’s separation from service, death or disability.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

Name

   Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(1)
     Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(2)
     Aggregate
Earnings
in Last
FY
($)(3)
     Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
     Aggregate
Balance at
Last FYE
($)
 

Shyam P. Kambeyanda

   $ 27,007      $ 45,167      $ 31,046        —        $ 574,671  

Kevin Johnson

   $ 146,785      $ 14,164      $ 45,532        —        $ 1,086,126  

Olivier Biebuyck

   $ 32,231      $ 18,013      $ 10,489        —        $ 375,147  

Larry Coble

     —          —          —          —          —    

Curtis Jewell

   $ 7,342      $ 11,013      $ 2,275        —        $ 85,474  

 

(1)

With respect to each applicable NEO, amounts represent deferred salary and deferred bonus amounts that are reported in the Summary Compensation Table above under the applicable column.

(2)

All amounts reported in this column for each applicable NEO are reported in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table above.

(3)

No amounts reported in this column for each applicable NEO are reported in the Summary Compensation Table above.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control of Colfax

The information below describes relevant letter agreement, change in control agreements, severance plan and equity plan provisions for payments upon termination or a change in control and sets forth the amount of compensation that could have been received by each of the NEOs in the event such executive’s employment had terminated under the various applicable triggering events described below as of December 31, 2021. The benefits discussed below are in addition to those generally available to all salaried employees, such as distributions under Colfax’s 401(k) plan, health care benefits and disability benefits or vested amounts payable under the Nonqualified Plan described above. In addition, these benefits do not take into account any arrangements that we may provide in connection with an actual separation from service or a change in control. Due to the number of different factors that affect the nature and amount of any benefits provided in connection with these events, actual amounts payable to any of the NEOs should a separation from service or change-in-control occur during the year will likely differ, perhaps significantly, from the amounts reported below. Factors that could affect such amounts include the timing during the year of the event, Colfax’s stock price, and the target amounts payable under annual and long-term incentive arrangements that are in place at the time of the event. The description below and the amounts shown in the table under “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control” below assume that termination or change in control occurred on December 31, 2021, and, as a result, we refer to their employment arrangements, retention agreements and change in control agreements that were in effect as of December 31, 2021 and do not refer to the offer letters delivered in December 2021, which are effective after the distribution.

Johnson Letter Agreement

Pursuant to his letter agreement with ESAB, Mr. Johnson is entitled to the payment of repatriation costs incurred in connection with moving his family to Australia if his employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company.

 

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Change in Control Agreements

Pursuant to the terms of the change in control agreement with Mr. Kambeyanda, in the event of a change in control of Colfax, the executive will continue to be paid an annual base salary at a rate not less than such executive’s current fixed or base compensation and will be given a bona fide opportunity to earn his annual cash bonus opportunity for the year. In the event the executive’s employment is terminated by Colfax without “cause” or he resigns for “good reason” (each as described below) during the two year period following, or the three month period preceding, a change in control of Colfax, such executive is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to (i) two times the executive’s base salary plus (ii) two times his target annual cash bonus opportunity for the year.

Mr. Kambeyanda’s right to the severance payment is conditioned on his execution of a general release of claims in favor of Colfax. In addition, this change in control agreement contains standard confidentiality covenants, non-disparagement covenants, non-competition covenants and non-solicitation covenants.

In the event that any payment or benefit under this change in control agreement would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code and would have the effect of decreasing the after-tax amounts received by the executive, Mr. Kambeyanda has the right to reduce or eliminate any such payment or benefit to avoid having the payment or benefit being deemed a parachute payment.

For purposes of this change in control agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

   

“cause” means that, prior to any termination, the executive committed:

 

   

an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with his employment by Colfax or any subsidiary;

 

   

intentional wrongful damage to property of Colfax or its subsidiaries;

 

   

intentional wrongful disclosure of secret processes or confidential information of Colfax or its subsidiaries;

 

   

conviction of a criminal offense; or

 

   

intentional wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which would constitute a material breach of the duty of loyalty; and any such act is materially harmful to Colfax and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

 

   

“change in control” means any of the following:

 

   

the acquisition by any person of beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the then-outstanding common stock of Colfax or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of Colfax, subject to certain exceptions;

 

   

individuals who constitute the Board of Colfax as of the date of the change in control agreement (together with any new directors approved by the vote of at least a majority of the directors comprising the Board of Colfax as of the date of the change in control agreement or subsequently approved) cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Colfax;

 

   

the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Colfax, subject to certain exceptions; or

 

   

approval by Colfax’s stockholders of a complete liquidation or dissolution of Colfax.

 

   

“good reason” means:

 

   

failure to maintain the executive in the positions with Colfax or its subsidiaries which the executive held immediately prior to the change in control or the removal of the executive as a director of Colfax, if applicable;

 

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a material reduction in the nature or scope of responsibilities or duties attached to the positions the executive held with Colfax and its subsidiaries immediately prior to the change in control, a material reduction in the executive’s base salary and annual cash bonus opportunity or the termination or material modification of the material employee benefits available to the executive immediately prior to the change in control;

 

   

the liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation or reorganization of Colfax or a transfer or all or a significant portion of its business and/or assets, unless the successor has assumed all of Colfax’s duties and obligations under the change in control agreement;

 

   

Colfax relocates its principal executive offices, or Colfax or any subsidiary requires the executive to have his principal location of work changed, to any location more than 50 miles from the location immediately prior to the change in control or Colfax or its subsidiaries require the executive to travel significantly more than was required prior to the change in control; or

 

   

any material breach of the change in control agreement by Colfax or any successor.

Pursuant to the terms of the ESAB Change in Control Agreement, our NEOs are entitled to payment in the event of a change in control of the ESAB business, as described in more detail above under the heading “—Additional Compensation Information—Employment Agreements.”

Executive Officer Severance Plan

Mr. Kambeyanda is a participant in Colfax’s Executive Officer Severance Plan, which provides for severance benefits upon termination without cause or for good reason for certain executive officers who are not otherwise contractually entitled to severance compensation pursuant to a separate agreement with the Colfax. Severance provided in the event of termination without “cause” or for “good reason” (as defined in the plan) is a lump sum payment equal to one times the executive’s base salary in effect and a pro rata payment of his or her target annual incentive compensation for the year of termination. The Executive Officer Severance Plan does not provide for any additional change in control benefits. While Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck, Coble and Jewell are not subject to Colfax’s Executive Officer Severance Plan, ESAB’s current policy, consistent with historical practice, is to provide equivalent treatment for these officers until ESAB Corporation’s Executive Officer Severance Plan becomes effective upon the distribution.

Equity Awards

For awards granted under Colfax’s 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the vesting of outstanding equity awards, other than performance-based awards, accelerates in full upon the death or total and permanent disability of the grantee or, unless assumed or substituted as discussed below, upon a “corporate transaction” (as defined below). The vesting of the outstanding PRSUs accelerates in full upon the death or total and permanent disability of the grantee only if and when the performance criteria for such award are achieved as of the end of the performance period upon certification of the same by Colfax’s Compensation Committee, or immediately if the performance period has already ended and Colfax’s Compensation Committee has certified that the performance criteria have been achieved. The outstanding PRSUs will terminate and cease to vest upon a “corporate transaction,” unless prior to the corporate transaction the achievement of the performance criteria is certified by Colfax’s Compensation Committee, in which case the vesting for the award will accelerate in full unless assumed or substituted as discussed below. While these benefits are available to all of our equity plan participants equally, pursuant to SEC requirements, we have included these acceleration benefits in the table below. In addition, in the event of termination of service other than for death, disability or cause, any stock option awards will remain exercisable to the extent vested for 90 days after termination of service.

A “corporate transaction” under the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan for equity awards is generally defined as:

 

   

the dissolution or liquidation of Colfax or a merger, consolidation, or reorganization of Colfax with one or more other entities in which Colfax is not the surviving entity;

 

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a sale of substantially all of Colfax’s assets to another person or entity; or

 

   

any transaction which results in any person or entity, other than persons who are stockholders or affiliates immediately prior to the transaction, owning 50% or more of the combined voting power of all classes of Colfax stock.

Accelerated vesting upon a “corporate transaction” will not occur to the extent that provision is made in writing in connection with the corporate transaction for the assumption or continuation of the outstanding awards, or for the substitution of such outstanding awards for similar awards relating to the stock of the successor entity, or a parent or subsidiary of the successor entity, with appropriate adjustments to the number of shares of stock that would be delivered and the exercise price, grant price or purchase price relating to any such award. If an award is assumed or substituted in connection with a corporate transaction and the holder is terminated without cause within a year following such transaction, the award will fully vest and may be exercised in full, to the extent applicable, beginning on the date of such termination and for the one-year period immediately following such termination or for such longer period as the compensation committee shall determine.

On July 25, 2020, Colfax provided a one-time special grant of RSUs under the 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan to Messrs. Johnson, Biebuyck and Coble. This award accelerates in full upon the death or disability of the grantee or upon a change in control of Colfax (or if such awards are not otherwise assumed in certain other business combinations).

For purposes of these awards, a “change in control” is generally defined as the occurrence of any of the following:

 

   

the acquisition by any person of beneficial ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of either the then-outstanding shares of Colfax common stock or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of Colfax, subject to certain exceptions;

 

   

incumbent directors no longer constituting a majority of the board of directors of Colfax; or

 

   

consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of Colfax or other disposition of all or substantially all of Colfax’s assets (unless, following such business combination, certain thresholds regarding stock ownership and board composition are met); or

 

   

approval of a complete liquidation or dissolution of Colfax by its stockholders.

Estimate of Payments

The following table provides information related to compensation payable to each NEO assuming termination of such executive’s employment on December 31, 2021, or assuming a change of control or corporate transaction with corresponding qualifying termination occurred on December 31, 2021. Amounts also assume the price of Colfax’s common stock was $45.97, the closing price on December 31, 2021, the last trading day of the fiscal year.

 

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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control

 

Executive

   Shyam P.
Kambeyanda
     Kevin
Johnson
    Olivier
Biebuyck
     Larry
Coble
     Curtis
Jewell
 

Letter Agreement/Severance Plan Benefits:

             

Termination without “cause” or “good reason”

             

Lump Sum Payment

   $ 700,000      $ 435,000 (1)    $ 430,000      $ 375,000      $ 339,900  

Retention Bonus

   $ 1,260,000      $ 682,000     $ 709,500      $ 598,048      $ 509,850  

Pro Rata Incentive Compensation(2)

   $ 560,000      $ 247,000     $ 279,500      $ 223,048      $ 169,950  

Accelerated Stock Options(3)

   $ 667,213      $ 131,511     $ 161,294      $ 142,719      $ 98,882  

Accelerated PRSUs(4)

   $ 3,828,243        —         —          —          —    

Accelerated RSUs(5)

   $ 1,769,431      $ 409,133     $ 491,649      $ 391,067      $ 313,699  

Termination in connection with a “change of control” of Colfax

             

Lump Sum Payment

   $ 2,520,000        —         —          —          —    

Accelerated Stock Options(3)

   $ 667,213      $ 131,511     $ 161,294      $ 142,719      $ 98,882  

Accelerated PRSUs(4)

   $ 3,828,243        —         —          —          —    

Accelerated RSUs(5)

   $ 1,769,431      $ 409,133     $ 491,649      $ 391,067      $ 313,699  

NQDC Plans(6)

   $ 574,671      $ 1,086,126     $ 375,147        —        $ 85,474  

Termination in connection with a “change of control” of ESAB

             

Lump Sum Payment

   $ 2,520,000      $ 1,254,000     $ 1,419,000      $ 1,196,096      $ 1,019,700  

NQDC Plans(6)

   $ 574,671      $ 1,086,126     $ 375,147        —        $ 85,474  

 

(1)

This severance amount also includes the estimated cost of relocating Mr. Johnson’s family to Australia in the event his employment is involuntarily terminated by ESAB.

(2)

Assumes achievement at target.

(3)

Stock options accelerate upon death, disability, and, unless assumed or substituted as discussed above, upon a change of control of Colfax, in the case of Mr. Kambeyanda, pursuant to the terms of his change in control agreement with Colfax, as further described above under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control of Colfax—Change in Control Agreements” and, in the case of each other NEO, pursuant to the terms of the awards, as further described above under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control of Colfax—Equity Awards.” In each case, if assumed or substituted in such change of control of Colfax, stock options shall fully vest in the event that such employee is terminated without cause within one year following the change of control. The amounts in the table assume full vesting.

(4)

Earned but unvested PRSUs for which the performance criteria have been certified as achieved, accelerate upon death, disability and, unless assumed or substituted as discussed above, upon a “corporate transaction” as defined above.

(5)

RSUs under Colfax’s 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan accelerate upon death, disability and, unless assumed or substituted as discussed above, upon a change of control of Colfax, in the case of Mr. Kambeyanda, pursuant to the terms of his change of control agreement with Colfax, as further described above under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control of Colfax—Change in Control Agreements” and, in the case of each other NEO, pursuant to the terms of the awards, as further described above under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control of Colfax—Equity Awards.” In each case, if assumed or substituted in such change of control of Colfax, RSUs shall fully vest in the event that such employee is terminated without cause within one year following the change of control. RSUs under Colfax’s 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan also accelerate upon death, disability and a change in control of Colfax as described above. The amounts in the table assume full vesting.

(6)

Amounts represent the aggregate balance of the NEO’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation account as of December 31, 2021. Amounts disclosed under “Termination in connection with a “change of control” of Colfax” assume that the aggregate balance of each NEO’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation account was paid out in connection with a change in control of Colfax. For more details on this plan, see “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” above.

 

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Equity Compensation Plan Information

We expect our Board, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, to approve the adoption of the ESAB Corporation 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”), which will be effective as of the distribution date. A summary of the material terms of the 2022 Plan is set forth below.

Shares of Common Stock Available

Subject to adjustment as provided in the 2022 Plan, the adoption of the 2022 Plan by our Board and the approval of the 2022 Plan by the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of common stock that may be issued or transferred

 

   

upon the exercise of options or stock appreciation rights;

 

   

as restricted shares released from substantial risks of forfeiture;

 

   

in payment of performance shares or performance units that have been earned;

 

   

in payment for restricted stock units;

 

   

in payment for other share-based awards;

 

   

in payment of dividend equivalents paid with respect to awards made under the 2022 Plan; or

 

   

in connection with the equitable adjustment and/or replacement of certain equity-based awards granted by Colfax Corporation (“Colfax”) prior to the separation of the Company from Colfax

will not exceed, in the aggregate, 5,500,000 shares. Such shares may be shares of original issuance or treasury shares or a combination of both.

The share reserve under the 2022 Plan will be reduced on a one-for-one basis for shares covered by an award. Canceled, terminated, expired, forfeited or lapsed Awards (as defined in the 2022 Plan) (in whole or in part) shall be added back to the aggregate number of shares of stock reserved and available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2022 Plan (“Total Available Shares”). Any stock-related award that is settled in cash or other consideration shall be added back to the Total Available Shares reserve and available again for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2022 Plan. Shares of stock withheld or deducted from an award by the Company to satisfy tax withholding requirements relating to options or stock appreciation rights shall not be added back to the Total Available Shares reserve, but shares of stock withheld or deducted by the Company to satisfy tax withholding requirements relating to full value awards shall be added back to the Total Available Shares reserve and available again for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2022 Plan. Performance awards (other than an option or stock appreciation right) where performance criteria were not met shall be added back to the Total Available Shares reserve and shall be available again for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2022 Plan. Substitute awards granted will not count against the Total Available Share reserve.

If the full number of shares of stock subject to an option or a stock-settled stock appreciation right is not issued upon exercise of such option or stock appreciation right for any reason, including by reason of a net settlement or net exercise, all such shares of stock that were covered by the exercised option or stock appreciation right shall not be added back to the Total Available Shares reserve and shall not again be available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2022 Plan. If the exercise price of an option is satisfied by the grantee delivering shares of stock to the Company (by either actual delivery or attestation), such shares of stock shall not be added to the Total Available Shares reserve. Shares of stock repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of an option exercise shall not be added to the Total Available Shares reserve and shall not be available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2022 Plan. Any dividend equivalent denominated in shares of stock shall be counted against the Total Available Shares in such amount and at such time as the dividend equivalent first constitutes a commitment to issue shares of stock.

 

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Limit on Awards

The following limits will apply to awards under the 2022 Plan (subject to limited permitted adjustments under the 2022 Plan):

 

   

With respect to members of the Board who are not officers or employees of the Company (each, an “Outside Director”), the aggregate equity-based and cash compensation granted (measured as of the grant date) under the 2022 Plan or otherwise to each Outside Director during any calendar year will not exceed $350,000, except in the instance of a newly-elected or appointed director or a newly-designated lead director or chair, which limit is then increased to $700,000;

 

   

A maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of incentive stock options granted under the 2022 Plan is 5,500,000; and

 

   

The maximum number of shares of common stock underlying awards to any grantee in any fiscal years is 1,000,000.

Minimum Vesting Requirement

The Compensation Committee will not award more than 5% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock that become available for grant under the 2022 Plan pursuant to awards that are solely subject to a vesting or performance condition that provides for full vesting or completion of the performance period in less than one year following the grant date of the applicable award, subject to the authority of the Compensation Committee to vest awards earlier, as the Committee deems appropriate, in the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the 2022 Plan), in the event of termination of a Service Provider’s (defined below) employment or service or as otherwise permitted by the 2022 Plan.

Eligibility

Our officers and employees, and those of our subsidiaries and affiliates and our non-employee directors may be selected by the Board or Compensation Committee to receive awards under the 2022 Plan. These individuals will be referred to as “Service Providers” in the 2022 Plan, and as participants or grantees in this summary description.

Administration

The Board will delegate to the Compensation Committee the power and authority to administer and implement the 2022 Plan. The Compensation Committee will have the authority to interpret the terms and intent of the 2022 Plan, determine eligibility and terms of awards for participants and make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2022 Plan. To the extent permitted by law, the Board or Compensation Committee may delegate authority under the 2022 Plan to a member of the Board or officer of the Company, who may administer the 2022 Plan with respect to employees or other service providers of the Company who are not officers or directors.

Amendment or Suspension

The Board may amend, suspend or terminate the 2022 Plan at any time with respect to any shares of common stock as to which awards have not been made. No such action may amend the 2022 Plan without the approval of stockholders if the amendment is required to be submitted for stockholder approval by applicable law, rule or regulation, including rules of the NYSE.

Effective Date and Term

The 2022 Plan will be effective as of the distribution date (the “Effective Date”) and will expire on the ten (10) year anniversary of the Effective Date unless earlier terminated by our Board. In no event will any award

 

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under the 2022 Plan be granted on or after the tenth anniversary of its effective date, and no award of incentive stock options will be granted on or after the distribution date.

Options

An option granted under the 2022 Plan is the option to purchase one or more shares of common stock pursuant to the 2022 Plan that is either an incentive stock option or a non-qualified stock option. An option granted under the 2022 Plan will be exercisable only to the extent that it is vested on the date of exercise. Exercisability of options may be subject to future service requirements, to the achievement of one or more of the performance objectives of the Company or to such other terms and conditions as the Board or the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may impose. No option may be exercisable more than ten years from the option grant date, and subject to limited exceptions, shall be subject to the minimum vesting requirement. The exercise price per share under each option granted under the 2022 Plan may not be less than 100%, or 110% in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder, of the fair market value of the common stock on the option grant date. Payment of the option price for shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of an option may be made in cash or in cash equivalents acceptable to the Company or any other method permitted by law and approved by the Compensation Committee. Promptly after payment, the grantee is entitled to issuance of the shares of stock subject to the option. The 2022 Plan will not permit reloading of options and, except in connection with adjustments for changes in capitalization, will prohibit repricings without stockholder approval.

In the case of incentive stock options, the aggregate fair market value of the common stock determined on the option grant date with respect to which such options are exercisable for the first time during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. Incentive stock options will be non-transferable during the optionee’s lifetime. Awards of non-qualified stock options are generally non-transferable, except for transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution. The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, authorize in an Award Agreement (as defined in the 2022 Plan) that an award of options, other than incentive stock options, also may be transferred to family members by gift or other transfers deemed not to be for value.

Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR)

A SAR confers on the grantee the right to receive, upon exercise, the excess of the (a) fair market value of one share of stock on the date of exercise over (b) the SAR exercise price determined by the Board or the Committee. The award agreement shall specify the SAR exercise price, which shall be at last the fair market value on the date of grant. SARs may be granted in tandem with another award. The Board or Committee shall determine all other terms and requirements relating to the SAR, including method of exercise and settlement. SARs will be subject to the minimum vesting requirement, shall have a term of not more than ten years from the date of grant, and may be transferable to a family member if specified in the award agreement. The 2022 Plan will prohibit repricings of SARs without stockholder approval except in connection with adjustments for changes in capitalization. The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, authorize in an award agreement that an award of SARs may be transferred to family members by gift or other transfers deemed not to be for value. Otherwise SARs are non-transferable, except for transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock means one or more shares of common stock awarded subject to restrictions, and restricted stock units means a bookkeeping entry representing the equivalent of one share of common stock awarded subject to restrictions. The restriction may be a period of time or other and additional restrictions, and the restricted stock or stock unit may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, encumbered or otherwise disposed of during the restricted period or while subject to restrictions. Restricted stock units may be settled in stock, cash, or a combination of both, as determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee. Unless otherwise specified in the award agreement, the holder of restricted stock shall have the right to vote and to receive dividends, and the holder of a stock unit shall not. Restricted stock and restricted stock units will be subject to the minimum vesting requirements.

 

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Dividend Equivalent Rights

A dividend equivalent right is an award entitling the grantee to receive credits based on cash distributions that would have been paid on the shares of common stock specified in the dividend equivalent right (or such other award to which is relates) if such shares of common stock had been issued to and held by the recipient. The Compensation Committee will be authorized to grant dividend equivalents to a participant in connection with an award under the 2022 Plan (other than options or SARs), or without regard to any other award. Dividend equivalents will entitle the participant to receive cash or common stock equal in value to dividends paid, or other periodic payments made, with respect to a specified number of shares of common stock. Dividend equivalents may be paid or distributed when accrued or at the end of any applicable vesting period, or may be deemed to have been reinvested in additional common stock, and will be subject to such risks of forfeiture as the Compensation Committee may specify. Dividend equivalent rights paid on awards subject to performance criteria will not vest unless such performance goals for such awards are achieved, and if such performance goals are not achieved, the payments made in connection with the dividend equivalent rights will be repaid to the Company. Grants of dividend equivalent rights will be subject to the minimum vesting requirements.

Performance Units and Performance Shares

A performance share means a performance award denominated in shares of common stock, the value of which is determined as a function of the extent to which corresponding performance criteria have been achieved. Performance units means a performance award denominated in a stock unit, the value of which is determined as a function of the extent to which corresponding performance criteria have been achieved. The Board or the Compensation Committee may award performance shares and performance units in such amounts and upon such terms as the Board or the Compensation Committee may determine. Each performance share will have an initial value that is equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. Each award of performance units or performance shares will have an actual or target number of shares of common stock set by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee may set performance goals in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the value or number of performance units or performance shares that will be paid out to a participant. The Compensation Committee may, in its sole discretion, pay earned performance units or performance shares in the form of cash or in shares of common stock (or a combination of both) equal to the value of the earned performance units or performance shares. Any shares of common stock issued based upon performance units or performance shares may be granted subject to any restrictions that the Compensation Committee deems appropriate. The Compensation Committee may provide for payment of dividends or dividend equivalents to the grantee in cash or additional shares, subject in all cases to deferral and payment on a contingent basis based on earning of the performance shares or units with respect to which the dividends or dividend equivalents are paid. Performance shares and performance units will be subject to minimum vesting requirements.

Unrestricted Stock

The Board or the Compensation Committee may award (or sell at par value or such other higher purchase price determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee) unrestricted stock, free of any restrictions such as vesting requirements, in such amounts and upon such terms as the Board or the Compensation Committee may determine.

Conversion Awards

The Company will be authorized to issue awards (“Conversion Awards”) in connection with the equitable adjustment and/or replacement of certain equity-based awards granted by Colfax prior to the separation of the Company from Colfax. The Compensation Committee shall determine the number of shares of common stock subject to a Conversion Award and the exercise price of any Conversion Award that is an option.

 

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Director Compensation

Christopher Hix, Daniel Pryor, and Bradley Tandy served as our directors in 2021. Each director was an employee of Colfax during that time and did not receive any compensation for such board service.

Pursuant to our non-employee director compensation policy that we expect to adopt prior to the distribution, each of our non-management directors will receive the following compensation following the distribution:

 

   

an annual cash retainer of $90,000;

 

   

an annual equity award valued at $145,000, which will consist of restricted stock units or stock options (or a combination of both) as determined by the Board each year; and

 

   

a $20,000 annual retainer for service as the Chair of our Audit Committee and a $15,000 annual retainer for service as Chair of the Compensation Committee or of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Mr. Rales, who we expect to be our non-executive Chairman of the Board, will be entitled to receive an annual cash retainer of $1 and will not receive any other cash fees or the annual equity award described above.

ESAB has adopted a Director Deferred Compensation Plan, effective upon the distribution, which permits directors to receive, at their discretion, deferred stock units (“DSUs”) in lieu of their annual cash retainers and committee chairperson retainers. A director who elects to receive DSUs receives a number of units determined by dividing the cash fees earned during, and deferred for, the quarter by the closing price of our common stock on the date of the grant, which is the last trading day of the quarter. A director also may convert director restricted stock unit grants to DSUs under the plan. DSUs granted to directors convert to shares of ESAB common stock after termination of service from the Board, based upon a schedule elected by the director in advance. In the event that a director elects to receive DSUs, the director will receive dividend equivalent rights on such DSUs to the extent dividends are issued on ESAB common stock. Dividend equivalents are deemed reinvested in additional DSUs (or fractions thereof) at the dividend payment date. ESAB will reimburse all directors for travel and other necessary business expenses incurred in the performance of their services on our Board and the committees thereof and extend coverage to them under our directors’ and officers’ indemnity insurance policies.

Upon the completion of the distribution, any of our directors who is an Enovis employee but is not employed by us shall be deemed to be a non-management director for purposes of our non-employee director compensation policy and, as such, will be eligible to receive compensation for his or her services as one of our directors pursuant to such policy.

 

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TREATMENT OF OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT THE TIME OF THE DISTRIBUTION

We expect that Colfax equity awards outstanding at the time of the distribution will be adjusted using the following principles:

 

   

For each award recipient, the intent is to maintain the economic value of those awards before and after the distribution date.

 

   

For ESAB employees and directors at the time of distribution, except for any shares or units deferred under the Colfax Director Deferred Compensation Plan, the awards will be converted into ESAB equity awards and denominated in shares of our common stock.

 

   

For Colfax employees and directors, the awards will remain Colfax equity awards.

 

   

For Mr. Vinnakota, who will continue to serve as a director of Enovis and is expected to serve as a director of ESAB, except for any shares or units deferred under the Colfax Director Deferred Compensation Plan, 50% of his awards will be converted into ESAB equity awards and 50% will remain Colfax equity awards.

 

   

For Mr. Hix, who will continue to serve as Enovis’s Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer and is expected to serve as an ESAB non-employee director, 50% of his RSU and PRSU awards will be converted into ESAB equity awards; and his stock options and the remainder of his RSU and PRSU awards will remain Enovis equity awards.

The following table provides additional information regarding the adjustments expected to be made to each type of Colfax equity award pursuant to an employee matters agreement between Enovis and ESAB. As a result of the adjustments to such awards in connection with the separation, the precise number of shares of our common stock or Enovis common stock, as applicable, to which the adjusted awards will relate will not be known until the distribution date or shortly thereafter.

 

Type of Award

  

ESAB Employees

  

Enovis Employees

Stock Options

   Colfax stock options will be converted into options of comparable value to purchase ESAB common stock.    Continue to hold Colfax stock options, equitably adjusted as necessary to reflect the distribution.

RSUs

   Colfax RSUs will be converted into RSUs of comparable value relating to ESAB common stock.    Continue to hold Colfax RSUs, equitably adjusted as necessary to reflect the distribution.

PRSUs

   Colfax PRSUs that are unvested and outstanding at the distribution date will either (i) be earned at target if the performance period is less than fifty percent (50%) complete as of the distribution date or (ii) be earned at the then current performance (as of the distribution date) if the performance period is fifty percent (50%) or more complete as of that date; such awards will then be converted into PRSUs of comparable value relating to ESAB common stock and will not fully vest until the end of the original performance period.    Colfax PRSUs that are unvested and outstanding at the distribution date will either (i) be earned at target if the performance period is less than fifty percent (50%) complete as of the distribution date or (ii) be earned at the then current performance (as of the distribution date) if the performance period is fifty percent (50%) or more complete as of that date; such awards will then be equitably adjusted as necessary to reflect the distribution and will not fully vest until at the end of the original performance period.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

Agreements with Enovis

Following the separation, we and Enovis will operate separately, each as an independent public reporting company. We and Enovis will enter into a separation agreement that will effectuate the separation and distribution. We and Enovis will also enter into various other agreements, including a transition services agreement, a tax matters agreement, an employee matters agreement, an intellectual property matters agreement, an EBS license agreement and a stockholder’s and registration rights agreement. The separation agreement, transition services agreement, tax matters agreement, employee matters agreement, intellectual property matters agreement, EBS license agreement and stockholder’s and registration rights agreement will provide a framework for our relationship with Enovis after the separation and provide for the allocation between ESAB and Enovis of Enovis’s assets, liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to, at and after our separation from Enovis.

The following summaries of each of the agreements listed above are qualified in their entireties by reference to the full text of the applicable agreements which will be filed as exhibits to this information statement. When used in this section, “distribution date” refers to the date on which Enovis commences distribution of our common stock to the holders of shares of Enovis common stock.

The Separation and Distribution Agreement

We intend to enter into a separation agreement with Enovis immediately prior to the distribution of our common stock to Enovis stockholders. The separation agreement will set forth our agreements with Enovis regarding the principal actions to be taken in connection with the separation. It will also set forth other agreements that govern certain aspects of our relationship with Enovis following the separation and distribution. This summary of the separation agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreement, which is incorporated by reference into this information statement.

Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities

The separation agreement will identify assets to be transferred, liabilities to be assumed and contracts to be allocated to each of Enovis and us as part of the internal reorganization transaction described herein, and will describe when and how these transfers, assumptions and assignments will occur, though many of the transfers, assumptions and assignments will have already occurred prior to the parties’ entering into the separation agreement. The separation agreement will provide for those transfers of assets and assumptions of liabilities that are necessary in connection with the separation so that we and Enovis retain the assets necessary to operate our respective businesses and retain or assume the liabilities allocated in accordance with the separation. The separation agreement will also provide for the settlement or extinguishment of certain liabilities and other obligations between us and Enovis. In particular, the separation agreement will provide that, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the separation agreement:

 

   

“ESAB Assets” (as defined in the separation agreement), including, but not limited to, the equity interests of our subsidiaries, assets reflected on our pro forma balance sheet and assets primarily (or in the case of intellectual property, business records, rights to indemnification and permits, exclusively) relating to our business, will be retained by or transferred to us or one of our subsidiaries, except as set forth in the separation agreement or one of the other agreements described below;

 

   

“ESAB Liabilities” (as defined in the separation agreement), including, but not limited to, the following will be retained by or transferred to us or one of our subsidiaries:

 

   

all of the liabilities (whether or not such liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the effective time of the separation) to the extent related to, arising out of or resulting from our business, our assets or

 

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Enovis’s previously divested Fluid Handling Business and Air and Gas Handling Businesses (together, the “Discontinued Businesses”), including any and all asbestos-related contingencies and liabilities related to, arising out of or resulting from the Discontinued Businesses;

 

   

all of the liabilities as of the effective time of the separation that would have resulted in such liabilities being included or reflected as liabilities or obligations of ESAB or its subsidiaries on our pro forma balance sheet;

 

   

liabilities based upon, relating to or arising from our contracts;

 

   

liabilities based upon, relating to or arising from our intellectual property;

 

   

liabilities based upon, relating to or arising out of our permits;

 

   

liabilities based upon, relating to or arising out of our real property leases;

 

   

liabilities based upon, relating to or arising out of our owned property;

 

   

liabilities with respect to terminated, divested or discontinued businesses, assets or operations that were of such a nature that they would have been part of our business had they not been terminated, divested or discontinued;

 

   

“Environmental Liabilities” (as defined in the separation agreement) arising at, prior to or after the effective time of the separation to the extent based upon, relating to or arising from the conduct of our business or the Discontinued Businesses;

 

   

liabilities arising out of claims by any third party against us to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from our business, our assets or the Discontinued Businesses; and

 

   

all assets and liabilities of Enovis will be retained by or transferred to Enovis or one of its subsidiaries (other than us or one of our subsidiaries), except as set forth in the separation agreement or one of the other agreements described below and except for other limited exceptions that will result in us retaining or assuming certain other specified liabilities.

The allocation of liabilities with respect to taxes, except for payroll taxes and reporting and other tax matters expressly covered by the employee matters agreement, are generally covered by the tax matters agreement.

Except as expressly set forth in the separation agreement or any ancillary agreement, all assets will be transferred on an “as is,” “where is” basis and the respective transferees will bear the economic and legal risks that any conveyance will prove to be insufficient to vest in the transferee good title, free and clear of any security interest, that any necessary approvals or notifications are not obtained or made or that any requirements of laws or judgments are not complied with. In general, neither we nor Colfax will make any representations or warranties regarding any assets or liabilities transferred or assumed, any consents or approvals that may be required in connection with such transfers or assumptions, or any other matters.

Information in this information statement with respect to the assets and liabilities of the parties following the separation is presented based on the allocation of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the separation agreement, unless the context otherwise requires. Certain of the liabilities and obligations to be assumed by one party or for which one party will have an indemnification obligation under the separation agreement and the other agreements relating to the separation are, and following the separation may continue to be, the legal or contractual liabilities or obligations of another party. Each such party that continues to be subject to such legal or contractual liability or obligation will rely on the applicable party that assumed the liability or obligation or the applicable party that undertook an indemnification obligation with respect to the liability or obligation, as applicable, under the separation agreement, to satisfy the performance and payment obligations or indemnification obligations with respect to such legal or contractual liability or obligation.

 

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Cash Distribution

Pursuant to the separation agreement, we will distribute approximately $1.2 billion to Colfax in partial consideration of the transfer of the ESAB Assets to us in connection with the separation.

Further Assurances; Separation of Guarantees

To the extent that any transfers of assets or assumptions of liabilities contemplated by the separation agreement have not been consummated on or prior to the date of the distribution, each party will agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to take or to cause to be taken all actions, and to do, or to cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary under applicable laws, regulations and agreements to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by the separation agreement and other transaction agreements. Additionally, we and Enovis will use commercially reasonable efforts to remove us and our subsidiaries as a guarantor of liabilities retained by Enovis and its subsidiaries and to remove Enovis and its subsidiaries as a guarantor of liabilities to be assumed by us.

Shared Contracts and Permits

In the event any contract or permit is not an ESAB Asset and is shared between Enovis and ESAB, such contract or permit shall remain with Enovis, however the parties are required to take reasonable actions to cause the appropriate party to receive the benefit of the contract or permit after the separation is complete.

Release of Claims and Indemnification

Except as otherwise provided in the separation agreement or any ancillary agreement, each party will release and forever discharge the other party and its subsidiaries and affiliates from all liabilities of such party, liabilities arising from, or in connection with, the transactions and other activities to implement the separation and distribution and liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the effective time of the separation (whether or not such liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the effective time of the separation) to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from such party’s business, assets and liabilities (and, with respect to us, the Discontinued Businesses). The releases will not extend to obligations or liabilities under any agreements between the parties that remain in effect following the separation pursuant to the separation agreement or any ancillary agreement. These releases will be subject to certain exceptions set forth in the separation agreement.

The separation agreement will provide for cross-indemnities that, except as otherwise provided in the separation agreement, are principally designed to place financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities allocated to us under the separation agreement with us and financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities allocated to Enovis under the separation agreement. Specifically, each party will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other party, its affiliates and subsidiaries and each of its past, present and future officers, directors, employees and agents for any losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from, directly or indirectly:

 

   

the liabilities the indemnifying party assumed or retained pursuant to the separation agreement;

 

   

any breach by the indemnifying party of the separation agreement or any ancillary agreement (unless such other ancillary agreement expressly provides for separate indemnification therein);

 

   

any third-party claims that the use of the indemnifying party’s intellectual property by the other party infringes the intellectual property rights of such third-party;

 

   

any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, letter of credit, bond or similar credit support commitment by the other party for the benefit of the indemnifying party; and

 

   

any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of material fact or omission by such indemnifying party in the Form 10, this information statement or any other disclosure document.

 

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Each party’s aforementioned indemnification obligations will be uncapped; provided that the amount of each party’s indemnification obligations will be subject to reduction by any insurance proceeds received by the party being indemnified. The separation agreement will also specify procedures with respect to claims subject to indemnification and related matters. Indemnification with respect to taxes will be governed by the tax matters agreement.

Legal Matters

Except as otherwise set forth in the separation agreement or any ancillary agreement (or as otherwise described above), each party to the separation agreement will assume the liability for, and may elect to control, all pending, threatened and future legal matters related to its own business or its assumed or retained liabilities and will indemnify the other party for any liability arising out of or resulting from such legal matters.

Insurance

Following the separation, we will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining at our own cost our own insurance coverage. Additionally, with respect to certain claims arising prior to the separation, we may seek coverage under Enovis third-party insurance policies in effect prior to the separation to the extent that coverage may be available thereunder.

No Restriction on Competition

None of the provisions of the separation agreement includes any non-competition or other similar restrictive arrangements with respect to the range of business activities which may be conducted by either party.

No Hire and No Solicitation

Subject to customary exceptions, neither we nor Enovis will, without the consent of the other party, solicit or hire an employee of the other party or its subsidiaries for one (1) year following the separation.

Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises between us and Enovis under the separation agreement, the parties will first seek to settle the matter amicably by negotiation in the normal course of business at the operational level for a 30-day period. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute in such manner, executives of the parties will negotiate to resolve such dispute for an additional 30-day period. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute in this manner then, unless otherwise agreed by the parties and except as otherwise set forth in the separation agreement, the dispute will be resolved through binding confidential arbitration.

Term/Termination

Prior to the effective time of the separation, Enovis has the unilateral right to terminate or modify the terms of the separation agreement and related agreements. After the distribution, the term of the separation agreement is indefinite and it may only be terminated with the prior written consent of both Enovis and us.

Separation Costs

All costs with respect to the separation incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by the separation agreement will be allocated between Enovis and us in accordance with the separation agreement and the tax matters agreement.

Any costs or expenses incurred by a party for actions requested by the other party to vest in such party all of the transferring party’s right, title and interest to the assets allocated to such party shall be borne by the requesting party.

 

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Treatment of Intercompany Arrangements

Except as otherwise set forth in the separation agreement, upon completion of the separation, all intercompany balances, accounts and agreements between Enovis or any subsidiary of Enovis (other than us and our subsidiaries), on the one hand, and us or any of our subsidiaries, on the other hand, will be terminated.

Other Matters Governed by the Separation Agreement

Other matters governed by the separation agreement include, among others, confidentiality, access to and provision of records and treatment of outstanding guarantees and similar credit support.

Transition Services Agreement

We and Enovis will enter into a transition services agreement that will be effective upon the distribution, pursuant to which Enovis and its subsidiaries and we and our subsidiaries will provide to each other various services on a transitional basis. The transition services will include various services or functions, many of which currently use a shared technology platform, including human resources, payroll, certain information technology services, treasury services and financial reporting services. The charges for the transition services generally are expected to allow the providing company to fully recover all internal and external costs and expenses it actually incurs in connection with providing the service, (including a reasonable allocation of overhead) without further markup and are based on pass-through billing, percent of use billing or fixed fee monthly billing. The transition services shall be provided in the manner and at a level substantially consistent with that provided by the respective providing company immediately preceding the Distribution Date.

The term for each of the transition services to be provided under the agreement will be set forth in the service schedules, and it is anticipated that all of the services will expire within two years following the distribution. The transition services will also be terminable under certain circumstances, including but not limited to, in the event of any uncured material breach by the other party or its applicable affiliates. The recipient of a particular service generally can terminate that service prior to the scheduled expiration date, subject to a minimum notice period equal to 30 days. Each recipient of services will indemnify the providing company from all liabilities and losses for claims to the extent resulting from or arising out of any third party claim to the extent resulting from or arising out of the transition services agreement or any operations or activities of the recipient affected by the services provided to it, except to the extent resulting from or arising out of the providing company’s fraud, gross negligence or intentional misconduct in the provision of services by such providing company. Each providing company of transition services shall indemnify the recipient of such services from all liabilities and losses to the extent resulting from or arising out of any third party claim to the extent resulting from or arising out of the providing company’s fraud, gross negligence or intentional misconduct in the provision of services by it.

Tax Matters Agreement

Prior to the distribution, we and Enovis will enter into a tax matters agreement that will govern our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings and certain other matters regarding taxes.

In general, we will be liable for all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes (and any related interest, penalties or audit adjustments) that are (i) imposed with respect to tax returns that include both us and Enovis, to the extent such taxes are attributable to us or our businesses for any tax period (or portion thereof) beginning after the distribution, or (ii) imposed with respect to tax returns that include only us. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will be liable for (x) one-half of any additional taxes due as a result of any audit adjustments imposed with respect to tax returns for pre-distribution tax periods that include both us and Enovis and (y) certain taxes that are attributable to our businesses that are imposed with respect to certain unitary tax returns filed by Enovis or incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to effectuate the distribution.

 

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The distribution, together with certain related transactions, is intended to qualify as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code. Pursuant to the tax matters agreement, taxes incurred by Enovis or us relating to or arising out of the failure of the intended tax treatment will generally be shared equally by Enovis and us. If, however, such failure is attributable to certain acts or omissions by us, inaccuracies, misrepresentations or misstatements relating to us or events involving our stock or assets, we will generally bear such taxes. Under certain circumstances, including if the failure is attributable to Enovis or an event involving Enovis’s stock or assets, Enovis will bear such taxes.

The tax matters agreement will require us to comply with the representations made in the private letter ruling Colfax has received and in materials submitted to the IRS in connection therewith and to legal counsel in connection with the tax opinion Enovis expects to receive regarding the intended tax treatment of the distribution and certain related transactions. The tax matters agreement will also restrict our ability to take or fail to take any action if such action or failure to act could adversely affect the intended tax treatment. In particular, in the two years following the distribution, we may be restricted from, among other things, (i) entering into transactions pursuant to which more than five percent (5%) of our equity would be issued or acquired, whether by merger or otherwise, (ii) ceasing to actively conduct certain of our businesses or (iii) disposing of more than a threshold amount of assets used in our business, in each case, unless we obtain a waiver from Enovis or receive a private letter ruling from the IRS or an unqualified opinion of a nationally recognized tax advisor that such action will not cause a failure of the intended tax treatment. Notwithstanding receipt of such ruling or opinion, in the event that such action causes a failure of the intended tax treatment, we could be responsible for taxes arising therefrom.

Our obligations under the tax matters agreement are not limited in amount or subject to any cap. Further, even if we are not responsible for tax liabilities of Enovis under the tax matters agreement, we nonetheless could be liable under applicable tax law for such liabilities if Enovis were to fail to pay them. If we are required to pay any liabilities under the circumstances set forth in the tax matters agreement or pursuant to applicable tax law, the amounts may be significant.

Employee Matters Agreement

We and Enovis will enter into an employee matters agreement immediately prior to the distribution date that will govern our and Enovis’s compensation and employee benefit obligations with respect to the employees and other service providers of each company, and generally will allocate liabilities and responsibilities relating to employment matters and employee compensation and benefit plans and programs.

Transfers of Employees and Assumption and Retention of Liabilities

The employee matters agreement will provide that Enovis will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the employees and independent contractors that exclusively or primarily are engaged in our business or who are necessary for our ongoing operations to be transferred to us prior to the distribution date. From the distribution date, Enovis will assume or retain (i) all liabilities in relation to Enovis employees, including in relation to termination and whenever incurred, (ii) all liabilities under Enovis benefit arrangements, whenever incurred and (iii) all other liabilities or obligations assigned to Enovis under the employee matters agreement. We will retain, accept or assume (i) all liabilities in relation to our employees, former service providers and independent contractors, including in relation to termination and whenever incurred, (ii) all liabilities under our benefit arrangements, whenever incurred and (iii) all other liabilities or obligations assigned to us under the employee matters agreement.

Treatment of Outstanding Enovis Equity Awards

The employee matters agreement will provide that each Enovis equity award held by our employees and directors that is outstanding immediately prior to the distribution will be assumed by us and converted into an ESAB

 

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equity award denominated in shares of ESAB common stock with a comparable value, based on an equity award adjustment ratio to be adopted by Enovis for purposes of making equitable adjustments to the Enovis equity awards held by our employees and directors. For each equity award holder, the intent is to maintain the economic value of the equity awards before and after the distribution. The terms of the equity awards, such as the award period, exercisability and vesting schedule, as applicable, will generally continue unchanged. However, unvested and outstanding PRSUs will be earned on the distribution date either (i) at target if the performance period is less than fifty percent (50%) complete as of the distribution date or (ii) at the then current performance (as of the distribution date) if the performance period is fifty percent (50%) or more complete as of that date. Although performance is determined as of the distribution date, such converted PRSUs will not fully vest until the end of the applicable performance period stated in the original award agreement. As a result of the adjustments to the equity awards, the precise number of shares of ESAB common stock to which the adjusted equity awards will relate will not be known until the distribution or shortly thereafter. For Mr. Vinnakota, except for any shares or units deferred under the Colfax Director Deferred Compensation Plan, 50% of his awards will be converted into ESAB equity awards and 50% will remain Enovis equity awards. For Mr. Hix, 50% of his RSUs and PRSUs will be converted into ESAB equity awards, while his Enovis stock options will remain Enovis stock options. See “Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards at the Time of the Distribution.” As of the distribution date, our ESAB Corporation 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan, generally similar to the Enovis 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, will be effective to provide the ESAB equity awards described above, and future equity-based awards to our employees and non-employee directors that, similar to the Enovis 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, stock units, dividend equivalent rights, performance shares, performance units, substitute awards and conversion awards.

Treatment of Enovis Benefit and Compensation Plans

The employee matters agreement will provide that, no later than following the distribution date, our employees generally will no longer participate in benefit and compensation plans sponsored or maintained by Enovis and will commence participation in our benefit and compensation plans, which are expected to be generally similar to the existing Enovis benefit and compensation plans.

Effective January 1, 2022, our eligible U.S. employees commenced participation in our ESAB Group, Inc. 401(k) retirement plan (with their account balances transferred from the Colfax 401(k) retirement plan), comprehensive welfare benefits plan, Internal Revenue Code Section 125 cafeteria plan, ESAB Nonqualified Plan (with account balances transferred from the Colfax Nonqualified Plan), Excess Benefits Plan (frozen to new participants with account balances transferred from the Colfax Excess Benefit Plan), and ESAB Corporation annual incentive plan, all of which are generally similar to the Enovis plans in which our U.S. employees participated. To the extent an ESAB employee on short-term disability prior to the distribution date becomes eligible for long-term disability benefits, such long-term disability benefits will be provided under the Enovis long-term disability insurance policy.

No later than the distribution date, ESAB employees’ accrued time-off benefits will carryover from Enovis to ESAB, and workers’ compensation claims (including claims incurred but not reported) and liabilities relating thereto will be assumed by ESAB.

Prior to the distribution, the ESAB Group, Inc.will assume sponsorship of the Colfax U.S. defined benefit pension plan (which is frozen as to accruals and new participants), in which our current and former employees are among the participants, and all liabilities thereunder. As of the distribution date, our ESAB Corporation executive officer severance plan and non-employee director deferred compensation plan, which are generally similar to the corresponding Enovis executive officer severance plan and non-employee director deferred compensation plan, will become effective to provide severance benefits to our officers upon certain terminations, and to provide non-employee directors the opportunity to defer payment of director fees and equity awards.

New employee benefit plans and compensation plans for our non-U.S. employees are not anticipated to be required. However, the employee matters agreement contains a provision relating to the obligations of ESAB

 

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with respect to non-U.S. plans in the event it is determined that a non-U.S. ESAB employee is participating in a non-U.S. plan of Enovis.

General Matters

The employee matters agreement also will set forth the general principles relating to employee matters, including with respect to the assignment and transfer of employees, the assumption and retention of liabilities and related assets, workers’ compensation, payroll taxes, regulatory filings, leaves of absence, the provision of comparable benefits, employee service credit, the sharing of employee information, and the duplication or acceleration of benefits.

Term and Termination

The term of the employee matters agreement is indefinite and may only be terminated or amended with the prior written consent of both Enovis and us.

Intellectual Property Matters Agreement

We and Enovis will enter into an intellectual property matters agreement pursuant to which Enovis will grant to us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, irrevocable, sublicensable (subject to the restrictions below) and worldwide license to use certain intellectual property rights retained by Enovis. We will be able to sublicense our rights in connection with activities relating to our and our affiliates’ business but not for independent use by third parties.

We will also grant back to Enovis a non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, irrevocable, sublicensable (subject to the restrictions below) and worldwide license to continue to use certain intellectual property rights owned by or transferred to us. Enovis will be able to sublicense its rights in connection with activities relating to Enovis’s and its affiliates’ retained business but not for independent use by third parties. The term of the intellectual property matters agreement is perpetual.

The intellectual property matters agreement is intended to provide freedom to operate in the event that any of Enovis’s retained know-how, trade secrets (excluding EBS), copyrights or patents is used in any of our businesses, and, as such, applies to all portions of our businesses. However, we believe there may be relatively little use of such retained trade secrets, copyrights or patented technology in our businesses, and as a result, we do not believe that the intellectual property matters agreement has a material impact on any of our businesses.

EBS License Agreement

We and Enovis will enter into an EBS license agreement pursuant to which Enovis will grant us a royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide, and non-transferable license to use, solely in support of our business, the Colfax Business System, which will be rebranded as “Enovis Growth Excellence Business System” in connection with Colfax’s name change to Enovis Corporation, and referred to in this information statement and the EBS license agreement as “EBS.” We will be able to sublicense such license to direct and indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries (but only as long as such entities remain direct and indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries). In addition, we and Enovis will each license to each other improvements made by such party to EBS during the first two years of the term period of the EBS license agreement.

The term of the EBS license agreement is perpetual, with the license to us continuing unless there is an uncured material breach by us.

Stockholder’s and Registration Rights Agreement

We and Enovis will enter into a stockholder’s and registration rights agreement pursuant to which we will agree that, upon the request of Enovis or certain subsequent transferees as further defined therein, we will use our

 

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reasonable best efforts to effect the registration under applicable federal and state securities laws of any shares of our common stock retained by Enovis. Such agreement will also include customary voting restrictions on the shares of ESAB common stock retained by Enovis, as described below.

Demand registration

For so long as Enovis holds the shares of our common stock, Enovis will be able to request registration under the Securities Act of all or any portion of our shares covered by the agreement, and we will be obligated to register such shares as requested by Enovis, subject to limitations on minimum offering size and certain other limited exceptions. We are not required to honor more than three total demand registrations or more than one demand registration in any 60 day period. Enovis will be able to designate the terms of each offering effected pursuant to a demand registration, which may take any form, including a shelf registration.

Piggy-back registration

If we at any time intend to file on our behalf or on behalf of any of our other security holders a registration statement in connection with a public offering of any of our securities on a form and in a manner that would permit the registration for offer and sale of our common stock held by Enovis, Enovis will have the right to include its shares of our common stock in that offering.

Registration expenses

We will be generally responsible for all registration expenses in connection with the performance of our obligations under the registration rights provisions in the stockholder’s and registration rights agreement. Enovis will be responsible for its own internal fees and expenses, any applicable underwriting discounts or commissions and any stock transfer taxes.

Indemnification

Generally, the agreement will contain indemnification and contribution provisions by us for the benefit of Enovis and, in limited situations, by Enovis for the benefit of us with respect to the information provided by Enovis included in any registration statement, prospectus or related document.

Transfer

If Enovis transfers shares covered by the agreement, it will be able to transfer the benefits of the stockholder’s and registration rights agreement to transferees of 5% or more of the shares of our common stock that Enovis beneficially owned immediately following the distribution, provided that each transferee agrees to be bound by the terms of the stockholder’s and registration rights agreement.

Voting Restrictions

Enovis will agree to vote any shares of our common stock that it retains immediately after the distribution in proportion to the votes cast by our other stockholders. In connection with such agreement, Enovis will grant us a proxy to vote its shares of our retained common stock in such proportion. Any such proxy, however, will be automatically revoked as to a particular share upon any sale or transfer of such share from Enovis to a person other than Enovis, and neither the stockholder’s and registration rights agreement nor proxy will limit or prohibit any such sale or transfer.

Term

The registration rights will remain in effect with respect to any shares covered by the agreement until:

 

   

such shares have been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; or

 

   

such shares have been sold to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

 

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Registration Rights Agreement with Rales Holders

We intend to enter into a registration rights agreement with the Rales Holders. Pursuant to the agreement, the Rales Holders and their permitted transferees will have certain registration rights for the resale of certain shares of our common stock, as set forth below. Such registration rights will become available to the Rales Holders one year post distribution and will terminate when (i) such Rales Holder (and any of its Rule 144 affiliates, if any) holds less than 1% of the outstanding common stock, and (ii) all shares of common stock held by such Rales Holder are eligible to be sold in a 90-day period without restriction under Rule 144.

Demand registration

After one year post distribution, the Rales Holders will be entitled to certain demand registration rights. The Rales Holders may request that we effect a registration statement under the Securities Act of all or part of such Rales Holder’s common stock provided that such request for registration has a then-current market value of at least $25 million. In the event of a demand registration, we will be required to maintain the continuous effectiveness of the applicable registration statement for a period of at least 180 days after the effective date or such shorter period in which all shares of common stock included in such registration statement have been sold.

Piggy-back registration

After one year post distribution, the Rales Holders will be entitled to certain piggy-back registration rights. If we propose to file a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to the offering of our common stock, either for our own account or for the account of other holders, in connection with such offering, the Rales Holders will be able to request that we include their respective common stock in such registration. As a result, whenever we propose to file a registration statement under the Securities Act, the Rales Holders will be entitled to notice of the registration and have the right, subject to certain limitations, to include their common stock in the registration. We will have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by us prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement whether or not any Rales Holders have elected to include their common stock in such Registration Statement without any liability on the part of ESAB; provided, however, that we will be responsible for paying any registration expenses in connection with such filing or proposed filing other than any fees or disbursements of counsel to the Rales Holders which shall be the sole obligation of the Rales Holders.

Form S-3 registration

After one year post distribution, so long as we are eligible to file a registration statement on Form S-3, the Rales Holders will be entitled to certain Form S-3 registration rights. The Rales Holders will be able to request that we file a registration statement on Form S-3 for a public offering of their common stock provided that such request must reasonably anticipate aggregate proceeds of at least $25 million. The Rales Holders may make an unlimited number of requests for registration on a registration statement on Form S-3. However, we will not be required to take any action if we have effected a demand registration or S-3 registration within the 180-day period immediately preceding the date of such request. We will use our reasonable best efforts to keep such Form S-3 registration statement continuously effective under the Securities Act until the earlier of (i) the date as of which all common stock held by the Rales Holders have been sold pursuant to the S-3 registration statement or another registration statement filed under the Securities Act and (ii) the date as of which each of the Rales Holders is permitted to sell its common stock without registration pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or volume limitations or other restrictions on transfer.

Registration expenses

Except as otherwise provided in the agreement, the Rales Holders will be responsible for all registration expenses in connection with all registrations pursuant to the agreement. In addition, the Rales Holder shall pay all underwriting discounts and fees, brokerage and sales commissions, and transfer and documentary stamp taxes, if any, and all fees and expenses of counsel to such Rales Holder.

 

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Assign

The Rales Holders may not assign this agreement without the prior written consent of ESAB. In the event ESAB consents to an assignment, any such assignment will only be effective upon receipt by ESAB of a written joinder agreement from such transferee to be bound by the applicable terms of the agreement.

Procedures for Approval of Related Person Transactions

The Board is expected to adopt a written policy on related person transactions. This policy was not in effect when we entered into the transactions described above. Each of the agreements between us and Colfax and its subsidiaries that have been entered into prior to the distribution, and any transactions contemplated thereby, will be deemed to be approved and not subject to the terms of such policy. Under this written related person transactions policy, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board is expected to be required to review and if appropriate approve all related person transactions, prior to consummation whenever practicable. If advance approval of a related person transaction is not practicable under the circumstances or if our management becomes aware of a related person transaction that has not been previously approved or ratified, the transaction is submitted to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s next meeting. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is required to review and consider all relevant information available to it about each related person transaction, and a transaction is considered approved or ratified under the policy if the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee authorizes it according to the terms of the policy after full disclosure of the related person’s interests in the transaction. Pursuant to the policy, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is required to evaluate each potential related person transaction, including, subject to certain exceptions, any transaction, arrangement or relationship or series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships in which the Company was or is to be a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will approve only those transactions that, in light of known circumstances, are deemed to be in our best interests. Related person transactions of an ongoing nature are reviewed annually by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The definition of “related person transactions” for purposes of the policy covers the transactions that are required to be disclosed under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Before the distribution, all of the outstanding shares of our common stock will be owned beneficially and of record by Colfax. After the distribution, Enovis will own 10% our common stock.

The following tables set forth information with respect to the expected beneficial ownership of our common stock immediately after the distribution by: (1) each person expected to beneficially own more than five percent of our common stock, (2) each expected director and named executive officer, and (3) all of our expected directors and executive officers as a group based upon the distribution ratio. We based the share amounts on each person’s beneficial ownership of Colfax common stock as of March 1, 2022, assuming a distribution ratio of one share of our common stock for every three shares of common stock of Colfax. Solely for the purposes of this table, we assumed that approximately 53,997,969 of our shares of common stock were issued and outstanding as of March 1, 2022 based on Colfax common stock outstanding as of such date and the distribution ratio. The actual number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding following the distribution will be determined on the record date for the distribution. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated, the address of each director and executive officer shown in the table below is c/o ESAB Corporation, 909 Rose Avenue, 8th Floor, North Bethesda, MD 20852.

 

     Common stock
beneficially
owned before
the distribution
     Common stock
beneficially
owned after
the distribution
 

Name and address of Beneficial Owner

   Number      %      Number      %  

5% Beneficial Owner

           

Colfax Corporation(1)

     53,997,969        100        5,399,796        10.0  

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.(2)

     —          —          6,165,930        11.4  

BlackRock, Inc.(3)

     —          —          3,700,199        6.9  

The Vanguard Group(4)

     —          —          4,196,810        7.8  

Steven M. Rales(5)

     —          —          2,803,559        5.2  

Directors and Executive Officers

           

Shyam Kambeyanda

     —          —          91,623        *  

Kevin Johnson

     —          —          14,319        *  

Olivier Biebuyck

     —          —          10,772        *  

Larry Coble

     —          —          23,864        *  

Michele Campion

     —          —          2,148        *  

Curtis Jewell

     —          —          8,806        *  

Vusa Mlingo

     —          —          —          —    

Mitchell P. Rales

     —          —          3,150,153        5.8  

Christopher Hix

     —          —          35,133        *  

Patrick W. Allender

     —          —          83,413        *  

Didier Teirlinck

     —          —          10,150        *  

Rajiv Vinnakota

     —          —          8,992        *  

Rhonda L. Jordan

     —          —          18,338        *  

Robert S. Lutz

     —          —          —          —    

Stephanie M. Phillipps

     —          —          —          —    

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (15 persons)

     —          —          3,457,711        6.4

 

*

Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.

(1)

The business address of Colfax Corporation is 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, DE 19808.

(2)

The amount shown and the following information is derived from a Schedule 13G/A filed February 14, 2022 by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“Price Associates”), which sets forth Price Associates’ beneficial ownership in Colfax Corporation as of December 31, 2021. According to the Schedule 13G/A, Price

 

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  Associates has sole voting power over 7,492,479 shares of Colfax common stock and sole dispositive power over 18,497,791 shares of Colfax common stock. The business address of Price Associates is 100 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.
(3)

The amount shown and the following information is derived from a Schedule 13G filed February 8, 2022 by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), which sets forth BlackRock’s beneficial ownership in Colfax Corporation as of December 31, 2021. According to the Schedule 13G, BlackRock has beneficial ownership of 11,100,599 shares of Colfax common stock. The business address of BlackRock is BlackRock, Inc. 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.

(4)

The amount shown and the following information is derived from a Schedule 13G/A filed February 9, 2022 by The Vanguard Group (“Vanguard”), which sets forth Vanguard’s beneficial ownership in Colfax Corporation as of December 31, 2021. According to the Schedule 13G/A, Vanguard has shared voting power of 65,882 shares of Colfax common stock, sole dispositive power over 12,416,872 shares of Colfax common stock, and shared dispositive power over 173,560 shares of Colfax common stock. The business address of Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355.

(5)

The amount shown and the following information is derived from a Schedule 13G/A filed February 14, 2022 by Steven M. Rales (“Mr. S. Rales”), which sets forth Mr. S. Rales’ beneficial ownership in Colfax Corporation as of December 31, 2021. According to the Schedule 13G/A, Mr. S. Rales has sole voting and dispositive power over 8,410,679 shares of Colfax common stock. The principal business address of the reporting person is 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 800W, Washington, DC 20037.

 

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THE SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION

Background

On March 4, 2021, Colfax announced its intention to separate its fabrication technology business and specialty medical technology businesses.

It is expected that the Colfax Board, or a duly authorized committee thereof, will approve the pro rata distribution of 90% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock on the basis of one share of our common stock for every three shares of Colfax common stock held as of the close of business on the record date of                 , 2022.

On                 , 2022, the distribution date, each Colfax stockholder will receive one share of our common stock for every three shares of Colfax common stock held at the close of business on the record date for the distribution, as described below. Colfax stockholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares of our common stock that they would have received after application of this ratio. You will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange your Colfax common stock or take any other action to receive your shares of our common stock in the distribution. The distribution of our common stock as described in this information statement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. For a more detailed description of these conditions, see this section under “—Conditions to the Distribution.”

Reasons for the Separation

The Colfax Board determined that the separation of Colfax’s fabrication technology business from the remainder of its businesses would be in the best interests of Colfax and its stockholders and approved the plan of separation. A wide variety of factors were considered by the Colfax Board in evaluating the separation. The Colfax Board considered the following potential benefits of the separation:

 

   

Improved Investor Alignment. The separation will allow investors to separately value each company based on its distinct investment identity. Our businesses differ from Colfax’s other businesses in several respects, such as the market for products and services, manufacturing processes and R&D capabilities. The separation will enable investors to evaluate the merits, performance and future prospects of each company’s respective businesses and to invest in each company separately based on its distinct characteristics. The separation is expected to enhance our ability to use stock as an acquisition currency and as a way to attract and award employees.

 

   

Tailored Capital Structure and Allocation of Capital. The separation will permit us to concentrate our financial resources solely on our own operations without having to compete with other Colfax businesses for investment capital. This will provide greater flexibility to invest capital in our business in a time and manner appropriate for our distinct strategy and business needs. The separation will also create an independent equity structure that will afford us with direct access to the capital markets and facilitate our ability to capitalize on our unique growth opportunities and effect future acquisitions utilizing our common stock.

 

   

Increased Operating Flexibility. The separation will allow each company to have increased operating flexibility and resources to capitalize on growth opportunities in their respective markets.

 

   

Sharpened Strategic Focus. The separation will allow each company to more effectively pursue its distinct operating priorities and strategies and enable its respective management to focus exclusively on its unique opportunities for long-term growth and profitability.

The Colfax Board also considered the following potentially negative factors in evaluating the separation:

 

   

Loss of Joint Purchasing Power and Increased Costs. As a current part of Colfax, the fabrication technology business that will become our business benefits from Colfax’s size and purchasing power in

 

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procuring certain goods, services and technologies. After the separation, as a separate, independent entity, we may be unable to obtain these goods, services and technologies at prices or on terms as favorable as those Colfax obtained prior to the separation. We may also incur costs for certain functions previously performed by Colfax, such as accounting, tax, legal, human resources and other general administrative functions, that are higher than the amounts reflected in our historical financial statements, which could cause our profitability to decrease.

 

   

Disruptions to the Businesses as a Result of the Separation. The actions required to separate our and Colfax’s respective businesses could disrupt our and Enovis’s operations after the separation.

 

   

Increased Significance of Certain Costs and Liabilities. Certain costs and liabilities that were otherwise less significant to Colfax as a whole will be more significant for us and Enovis, after the separation, as stand-alone companies.

 

   

One-time Costs of the Separation. We (and prior to the separation, Colfax) will incur costs in connection with the transition to being a stand-alone public company that may include accounting, tax (including transaction taxes), legal and other professional services costs, recruiting and relocation costs associated with hiring or reassigning our personnel and costs to separate information systems.

 

   

Inability to Realize Anticipated Benefits of the Separation. We may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the separation for a variety of reasons, including, among others: the separation will require significant amounts of management’s time and effort, which may divert management’s attention from operating and growing our businesses, following the separation, we may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than if we were still a part of Colfax, and following the separation, our businesses will be less diversified than Colfax’s businesses prior to the separation.

 

   

Limitations Placed upon Us as a result of the Tax Matters Agreement. Under the tax matters agreement that we will enter into with Enovis, we will be restricted from taking or failing to take certain actions if such action or failure to act could adversely affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the distribution and certain related transactions. These restrictions may limit for a period of time our ability to pursue certain transactions that we may believe to be in the best interests of our stockholders or that might increase the value of our business.

The Colfax Board concluded that the potential benefits of the separation outweighed these factors.

Formation of a New Company Prior to the Distribution

We were incorporated in Delaware on May 19, 2021 for the purpose of holding Colfax’s fabrication technology business. On December 29, 2021, in anticipation of the distribution, certain subsidiaries of Colfax were transferred into the ownership of ESAB in a common-control transaction. Additionally, as part of the plan to separate these businesses from the remainder of its businesses, Colfax plans to transfer the equity interests of certain other entities that operate the fabrication technology business and the assets and liabilities of the fabrication technology business to us, as well as certain other assets and liabilities, as set forth in the separation agreement.

When and How You Will Receive the Distribution

With the assistance of EQ, Colfax expects to distribute our common stock on                 , 2022, the distribution date, to all holders of outstanding shares of Colfax common stock as of the close of business on                 , 2022, the record date for the distribution. EQ, which currently serves as the transfer agent and registrar for shares of Colfax common stock, will serve as the settlement and distribution agent in connection with the distribution and the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

If you own shares of Colfax common stock as of the close of business on the record date for the distribution, our common stock that you are entitled to receive in the distribution will be issued electronically, as of the distribution date, to you in direct registration form or to your bank or brokerage firm on your behalf. If you are a

 

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registered holder, EQ will then mail you a direct registration account statement that reflects your shares of our common stock. If you hold your shares through a bank or brokerage firm, your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for the shares. Direct registration form refers to a method of recording share ownership when no physical share certificates are issued to stockholders, as is the case in the distribution. If you sell shares of Colfax common stock in the “regular-way” market up to and including the distribution date, you will be selling your right to receive shares of our common stock in the distribution.

Commencing on or shortly after the distribution date, if you hold physical share certificates that represent your shares of Colfax common stock and you are the registered holder of the shares represented by those certificates, the distribution agent will mail to you an account statement that indicates the number of shares of our common stock that have been registered in book-entry form in your name.

Most Colfax stockholders hold their common shares through a bank or brokerage firm. In such cases, the bank or brokerage firm would be said to hold the shares in “street name” and ownership would be recorded on the bank or brokerage firm’s books. If you hold your shares of Colfax common stock through a bank or brokerage firm, your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for our common stock that you are entitled to receive in the distribution. If you have any questions concerning the mechanics of having shares held in “street name,” please contact your bank or brokerage firm.

Transferability of Shares You Receive

Shares of our common stock distributed to holders in connection with the distribution will be transferable without registration under the Securities Act, except for shares received by persons who may be deemed to be our affiliates. Persons who may be deemed to be our affiliates after the distribution generally include individuals or entities that control, are controlled by or are under common control with the Company which may include certain Company executive officers, directors or principal stockholders. Securities held by our affiliates will be subject to resale restrictions under the Securities Act. Our affiliates will be permitted to sell shares of our common stock only pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, such as the exemption afforded by Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

Number of Shares of Our Common Stock You Will Receive

For every three shares of Colfax common stock that you own at the close of business on                 , 2022, the record date for the distribution, you will receive one share of our common stock on the distribution date.

Colfax will not distribute any fractional shares of our common stock to its stockholders. Instead, if you are a registered holder, EQ will aggregate fractional shares into whole shares, sell the whole shares in the open market at prevailing market prices and distribute the aggregate cash proceeds (net of discounts and commissions) of the sales pro rata (based on the fractional share such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive) to each holder who otherwise would have been entitled to receive a fractional share in the distribution. The transfer agent, in its sole discretion, without any influence by Colfax or us, will determine when, how, through which broker-dealer and at what price to sell the whole shares. Any broker-dealer used by the transfer agent will not be an affiliate of either Colfax or us. Neither we nor Colfax will be able to guarantee any minimum sale price in connection with the sale of these shares. Recipients of cash in lieu of fractional shares will not be entitled to any interest on the amounts of payment made in lieu of fractional shares.

We estimate that it will take approximately two weeks from the distribution date for the distribution agent to complete the distributions of the aggregate net cash proceeds. If you hold your shares of Colfax common stock through a bank or brokerage firm, your bank or brokerage firm will receive, on your behalf, your pro rata share of the aggregate net cash proceeds of the sales and will electronically credit your account for your share of such proceeds.

 

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Results of the Distribution

After our separation from Colfax, we will be an independent, publicly traded company. The actual number of shares to be distributed will be determined at the close of business on                 , 2022, the record date for the distribution. The distribution will not affect the number of outstanding shares of Colfax common stock or any rights of Colfax stockholders. Colfax will not distribute any fractional shares of our common stock.

We will enter into a separation agreement and other related agreements with Enovis to effect the separation and provide a framework for our relationship with Colfax after the separation. These agreements provide for the allocation between Enovis and us of Colfax’s assets, liabilities and obligations (including its investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to periods prior to, at and after our separation from Colfax and will govern certain relationships between Enovis and us after the separation. For a more detailed description of these agreements, please refer to the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.”

Market for Our Common Stock

There is currently no public trading market for our common stock. We have been authorized to list our common stock on the NYSE under the symbol “ESAB.” We have not and will not set the initial price of our common stock. The initial price will be established by the public markets.

We cannot predict the price at which our common stock will trade after the distribution. In fact, the combined trading prices of the equivalent of one pre-reverse stock split share of Enovis common stock and one-third of a share of our common stock after the distribution (representing the number of shares of our common stock to be received per one pre-reverse stock split share of Colfax common stock in the distribution) may not equal the “regular-way” trading price of a share of Colfax common stock immediately prior to the distribution and the reverse stock split. The price at which our common stock trades may fluctuate significantly, particularly until an orderly public market develops. Trading prices for our common stock will be determined in the public markets and may be influenced by many factors. Please refer to the section entitled “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Shares of Our Common Stock.”

Trading Between the Record Date and Distribution Date

Beginning on or shortly before the record date for the distribution and continuing up to the distribution date, Colfax expects that there will be two markets in shares of Colfax common stock: a “regular-way” market and an “ex-distribution” market. Shares of Colfax common stock that trade on the “regular-way” market will trade with an entitlement to our common stock distributed pursuant to the separation. Shares of Colfax common stock that trade on the “ex-distribution” market will trade without an entitlement to our common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution. Therefore, if you sell shares of Colfax common stock in the “regular-way” market up to and including through the distribution date, you will be selling your right to receive our common stock in the distribution. If you own shares of Colfax common stock at the close of business on the record date and sell those shares on the “ex-distribution” market up to and including through the distribution date, you will receive the shares of our common stock that you are entitled to receive pursuant to your ownership as of the record date of the shares of Colfax common stock.

Furthermore, beginning on or shortly before the record date for the distribution and continuing up to the distribution date, we expect that there will be a “when-issued” market in our common stock. “When-issued” trading refers to a sale or purchase made conditionally because the security has been authorized but not yet issued. The “when-issued” trading market will be a market for our common stock that will be distributed to holders of shares of Colfax common stock on the distribution date. If you owned shares of Colfax common stock at the close of business on the record date for the distribution, you would be entitled to our common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution. You may trade this entitlement to shares of our common stock, without the shares of Colfax common stock you own, on the “when-issued” market. On the first trading day following the distribution date, “when-issued” trading with respect to our common stock will end, and “regular-way” trading will begin.

 

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“Ex-distribution” and “when-issued” trades are generally settled shortly after the distribution date, but if Colfax determines not to proceed with the distribution following the initiation of the “ex-distribution” and “when-issued” trading markets, trades in the “ex-distribution” and “when-issued” trading markets will be cancelled and, therefore, will not be settled.

Conditions to the Distribution

The distribution will be effective at                 , on                 , 2022, the distribution date, provided that the following conditions will have been satisfied (or waived by Colfax in its sole discretion):

 

   

the approval of the boards of directors of each of Colfax and us, which approval has not been withdrawn;

 

   

the transfer of assets and liabilities to us in accordance with the separation agreement will have been completed;

 

   

Colfax will have received a private letter ruling from the IRS, which Colfax has received, and an opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP, tax counsel to Colfax, regarding the qualification of the distribution, together with certain related transactions, as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code;

 

   

the SEC will have declared effective the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement will be in effect, no proceedings for such purpose will be pending before or threatened by the SEC, and this information statement, or a Notice of Internet Availability thereof, will have been mailed to Colfax stockholders as of the record date for the distribution;

 

   

all actions and filings necessary or appropriate under applicable securities laws will have been taken and, where applicable, will have become effective or been accepted by the applicable governmental authority;

 

   

the transaction agreements relating to the separation will have been duly executed and delivered by the parties;

 

   

no order, injunction or decree issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the separation, the distribution or any of the related transactions will be in effect;

 

   

the shares of our common stock to be distributed will have been approved and accepted for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of distribution;

 

   

Colfax will have requested the resignation of each of our directors and officers who will continue solely as an officer or director of Enovis following the separation other than Christopher Hix who will continue to serve as one of our directors in addition to continuing to serve as Enovis’s Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer;

 

   

Colfax will have entered into a distribution agent agreement with, or provided instructions regarding the distribution to, EQ as distribution agent;

 

   

all material governmental approvals necessary to consummate the distribution and to permit the operation of our business after the separation substantially as it is currently conducted will have been obtained;

 

   

the Cash Distribution will have been declared and paid by us to Colfax; and

 

   

no event or development will have occurred or exist that, in the judgment of the Colfax Board, in its sole discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the separation, the distribution or the other related transactions.

 

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The satisfaction of the foregoing conditions does not create any obligations on Colfax’s part to effect the separation, and the Colfax Board has reserved the right, in its sole discretion, to abandon, modify or change the terms of the separation, including by accelerating or delaying the timing of the consummation of all or part of the separation, at any time prior to the distribution date. To the extent that the Colfax Board determines that any modifications by Colfax materially change the material terms of the distribution, Colfax will notify Colfax stockholders in a manner reasonably calculated to inform them about the modification as may be required by law.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. HOLDERS

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the distribution to Colfax common stockholders that are U.S. Holders (as defined below). This summary is based on the Code, the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the IRS, in each case as of the date of this Information Statement. These authorities may change or be subject to differing interpretations. Any such change or differing interpretation may be applied retroactively in a manner that could adversely affect a U.S. Holder. There can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position to that discussed below.

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of Colfax common stock that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as:

 

   

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

   

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more United States persons (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

This summary is limited to U.S. Holders who hold Colfax common stock as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This summary does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances, including the impact of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income. In addition, it does not address consequences relevant to U.S. Holders subject to special rules, including, without limitation:

 

   

U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;

 

   

dealers or brokers in securities, commodities or currencies;

 

   

tax-exempt organizations;

 

   

banks, insurance companies or other financial institutions;

 

   

mutual funds;

 

   

regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts;

 

   

corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

 

   

holders who hold individual retirement or other tax-deferred accounts;

 

   

holders who acquired Colfax common stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options, the settlement of restricted stock units or otherwise as compensation;

 

   

holders who own, or are deemed to own, at least 10% or more of Colfax common stock by vote or value;

 

   

holders who hold Colfax common stock as part of a hedge, appreciated financial position, straddle, constructive sale, conversion transaction or other risk reduction transaction;

 

   

traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting;

 

   

U.S. Holders who have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;

 

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holders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax;

 

   

persons subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of any item of gross income with respect to Colfax common stock being taken into account in an applicable financial statement;

 

   

partnerships or other pass-through entities or investors in such entities; or

 

   

“qualified foreign pension funds” as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code and entities all of the interests of which are held by qualified foreign pension funds.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Colfax common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, partnerships holding Colfax common stock and the partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them.

THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. HOLDERS UNDER CURRENT LAW. THE FOLLOWING DOES NOT PURPORT TO ADDRESS ALL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OR TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THE TAX LAWS OR THAT MAY APPLY TO PARTICULAR CATEGORIES OF STOCKHOLDERS. EACH COLFAX STOCKHOLDER IS ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT ITS TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO SUCH STOCKHOLDER, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS, AND THE EFFECT OF POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAWS THAT MAY AFFECT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES DESCRIBED BELOW.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution to U.S. Holders Who Receive ESAB Shares

The distribution is conditioned upon, among other things, Colfax’s receipt of a private letter ruling from the IRS, which Colfax has received, and the opinion of tax counsel regarding the qualification of the distribution, together with certain related transactions, as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code. The private letter ruling is and the opinion of tax counsel will be based on certain factual assumptions and representations and subject to qualifications and limitations. If the distribution qualifies as a reorganization, then for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

   

no gain or loss should be recognized by, or be includible in the income of, a U.S. Holder solely as a result of the receipt of shares of ESAB stock in the distribution;

 

   

the aggregate tax basis of the shares of Colfax common stock and shares of ESAB stock in the hands of a U.S. Holder immediately after the distribution should be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the shares of Colfax common stock held by the holder immediately before the distribution, allocated between the Colfax stock and ESAB stock, including any fractional share interest for which cash is received, in proportion to their relative fair market values on the date of the distribution;

 

   

the holding period with respect to shares of ESAB stock received by a U.S. Holder should include the holding period of its shares of Colfax common stock; and

 

   

a U.S. Holder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of ESAB stock in the distribution should be treated as having sold such fractional share for cash and generally should recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and such holder’s adjusted tax basis in the fractional share. That gain or loss should be long-term capital gain or loss if the holder’s holding period for its shares of Colfax common stock exceeds one year.

Treasury Regulations generally provide that if a U.S. Holder holds different blocks of Colfax common stock (generally shares of Colfax common stock purchased or acquired on different dates or at different prices), the

 

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aggregate basis for each block of Colfax common stock purchased or acquired on the same date and at the same price should be allocated, to the greatest extent possible, between the shares of ESAB stock received in the distribution in respect of such block of Colfax common stock and such block of Colfax common stock, in proportion to their respective fair market values, and the holding period of the shares of ESAB stock received in the distribution in respect of such block of Colfax common stock should include the holding period of such block of Colfax common stock, provided that such block of Colfax common stock was held as a capital asset on the date of the distribution. If a U.S. Holder is not able to identify which particular shares of ESAB stock are received in the distribution with respect to a particular block of Colfax common stock, for purposes of applying the rules described above, the U.S. Holder may designate which shares of ESAB stock are received in the distribution in respect of a particular block of Colfax common stock, provided that such designation is consistent with the terms of the distribution. Holders of Colfax stock are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules to their particular circumstances.

The private letter ruling Colfax has received and the opinion Colfax expects to receive from Latham & Watkins LLP will be based on, among other things, certain factual assumptions, representations and undertakings from Colfax and us, including those regarding the past and future conduct of the companies’ respective businesses and other matters. If any of these factual assumptions, representations, or undertakings are incorrect or not satisfied, Colfax may not be able to rely on the private letter ruling or opinion. In addition, the private letter ruling does not address all the requirements for determining whether the distribution will qualify for tax-free treatment, and the opinion, which will address all such requirements, will rely on the private letter ruling as to matters covered by the ruling and will not be binding on the IRS or the courts.

If, notwithstanding the conclusions in the private letter ruling and the opinion, the distribution is ultimately determined not to qualify as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, Colfax would recognize gain in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the ESAB stock distributed to Colfax stockholders on the distribution date over Colfax’s tax basis in such shares and with respect to the Cash Distribution. In addition, each U.S. Holder who receives shares of ESAB stock in the distribution would be treated as receiving a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the ESAB stock that was distributed to the U.S. Holder. Specifically, the full value of the ESAB stock distributed to a U.S. Holder generally would be treated first as a taxable dividend to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of Colfax’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, then as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s basis in the Colfax stock, and finally as capital gain from the sale or exchange of Colfax stock with respect to any remaining value.

Even if the distribution qualifies as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, the distribution may result in corporate-level taxable gain to Colfax under Section 355(e) of the Code if there is a 50% or greater change in ownership, by vote or value, of ESAB stock, Colfax stock or stock of a successor of either occurring as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the distribution. For this purpose, any acquisitions or issuances of Colfax stock within two years before the distribution, and any acquisitions or issuances of ESAB stock or Colfax stock within two years after the distribution, are generally presumed to be part of such a plan, although we or Colfax may be able to rebut that presumption. If an acquisition or issuance of our stock or Colfax stock triggers the application of Section 355(e) of the Code, Colfax would recognize taxable gain as described above and such gain would be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

U.S. Treasury regulations require certain stockholders who receive stock in a distribution to attach to their U.S. federal income tax return for the year in which the distribution occurs a detailed statement setting forth certain information relating to the tax-free nature of the distribution. In addition, payments of cash to a Colfax stockholder in lieu of fractional shares of ESAB stock in the distribution may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding. Certain U.S. Holders are exempt from backup withholding, including corporations and

 

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certain tax-exempt organizations. A U.S. Holder will be subject to backup withholding if such holder is not otherwise exempt and:

 

   

the U.S. Holder fails to furnish the U.S. Holder’s taxpayer identification number, which for an individual is ordinarily his or her social security number;

 

   

the U.S. Holder furnishes an incorrect taxpayer identification number;

 

   

the applicable withholding agent is notified by the IRS that the U.S. Holder previously failed to properly report payments of interest or dividends; or

 

   

the U.S. Holder fails to certify under penalties of perjury that the U.S. Holder has furnished a correct taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified the U.S. Holder that the U.S. Holder is subject to backup withholding.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their qualification for an exemption from backup withholding and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption.

Additional Withholding Tax on Payments Made to Foreign Accounts

Withholding taxes may be imposed under Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code (such Sections commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or “FATCA”) on certain types of payments made to non-U.S. financial institutions and certain other non-U.S. entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on, or (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below) gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our common stock paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations, (2) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in (1) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons” or “United States owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.

Under the applicable Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of dividends on Colfax common stock. While withholding under FATCA would have applied also to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of stock on or after January 1, 2019, recently proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued.

U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of withholding under FATCA to the distribution.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

At or shortly prior to the time of the closing of the distribution, we expect to incur approximately $1.2 billion of indebtedness under the Facilities (as defined below). We intend to make the Cash Distribution to Colfax of approximately $1.2 billion that will be funded by the net proceeds of the Facilities.

Senior Credit Facilities

We intend to enter into a certain credit agreement, which we expect will have an aggregate capacity of up to $1.75 billion in principal amount that will be available through (i) a senior revolving facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $750 million (the “Revolving Facility”), (ii) a senior term loan A-1 facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $400 million (the “Term Loan A-1 Facility”) and (iii) a 364-day senior term loan A-2 facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $600 million (the “Term Loan A-2 Facility” and, together with the Term Loan A-1 Facility, and the Revolving Facility, the “Facilities”), provided that such amount shall be automatically and immediately reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the first $600 million of net proceeds from the incurrence or issuance of any additional permanent financing, including any issuance of senior unsecured notes. The initial credit extensions under the Facilities will be made available to us, subject to certain conditions precedent, at or shortly prior to the time of the closing of the distribution. We intend to use the proceeds of the Facilities, in part, to fund the Cash Distribution to Colfax as partial consideration for the transfer of Colfax’s fabrication technology business to us and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the separation and distribution. The Revolving Facility will also be used to provide funds for our ongoing working capital requirements after the separation and for general corporate purposes.

At the closing of the distribution, we expect to incur $1.2 billion of indebtedness under the Facilities, which indebtedness is expected to be comprised of: $600 million under the Term Loan A-2 Facility, $400 million under the Term Loan A-1 Facility and $200 million under the Revolving Facility. There are no required principal payments due on the Term Loan A-1 Facility or the Revolving Facility within 12 months of the effective date of the Facilities (the “Effective Date”). The Revolving Facility and the Term Loan A-1 Facility are expected to mature and be paid in full five years after the Effective Date. The Term Loan A-2 Facility is expected to mature and be paid in full 364 days after the Effective Date, or will be reduced dollar by dollar by the first $600 million of net proceeds from the incurrence or issuance of any additional permanent financing, including any issuance of senior unsecured notes. Interest rates on borrowings under the Facilities are expected to be based on prevailing market interest rates for borrowers of a similar size and credit as us. Interest on the Term Loan A-1 Facility and the Term Loan A-2 Loan Facility will be payable quarterly in arrears on the last business day of March, June, September, and December of each year.

We anticipate that the Facilities will contain customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our and/or our subsidiaries’ ability, subject to certain exceptions, to incur liens or indebtedness, to merge or engage in other fundamental changes or sell or otherwise dispose of assets, or to make dividends or distributions. We also expect to be required to maintain compliance with a leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio. We also anticipate that the Facilities will contain customary events of default. Certain U.S. subsidiaries of ESAB will guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Facilities.

The foregoing summarizes some of the currently expected terms of the Facilities. However, the foregoing summary does not purport to be complete, and the terms of the Facilities have not yet been finalized.

Uncommitted Credit Lines

Following the distribution, we also expect to have the ability to incur approximately $78 million of additional indebtedness pursuant to certain uncommitted credit lines, consisting of (i) a $50 million uncommitted credit line that we currently have in place, which we have used from time to time in the past for short-term working capital needs, but under which no borrowings were outstanding as of December 31, 2021, and no borrowings are expected to be outstanding at the time of the distribution, and (ii) a 25 million Euro uncommitted line of credit that we expect to enter into shortly after the distribution.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

In connection with the distribution, we will amend and restate our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws. The following is a description of the material terms of, and is qualified in its entirety by, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, each of which will be in effect upon the consummation of the distribution, the forms of which will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part. Because this is only a summary, it may not contain all the information that is important to you.

Our authorized capital stock consists of 600,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share. Immediately following the distribution, we expect that approximately 53,997,969 shares of our common stock will be issued and outstanding and that no shares of preferred stock will be issued and outstanding.

Common Stock

Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, the holders of shares of common stock will be entitled to one vote per share held on all matters submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders. Each stockholder may exercise its vote either in person or by proxy. Subject to any preferences to which holders of shares of preferred stock may be entitled, the holders of outstanding shares of common stock are entitled to receive ratably the dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our Board out of funds legally available therefor. In the event that we liquidate, dissolve or wind up, the holders of outstanding shares of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all of our assets which are legally available for distribution to stockholders, subject to the prior rights on liquidation of creditors and to preferences, if any, to which holders of shares of preferred stock may be entitled. The holders of outstanding shares of common stock will not have any preemptive, subscription, redemption or sinking fund rights. After the distribution, all outstanding shares of our common stock will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

Preferred Stock

Under the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, we will be authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, in one or more series and containing the rights, privileges and limitations, including dividend rights, voting rights, conversion privileges, redemption rights, liquidation rights or sinking fund rights, as may from time to time be determined by our Board. Preferred stock may be issued in the future in connection with acquisitions, financings or other matters as our Board deems to be appropriate. In the event that any shares of preferred stock shall be issued, a certificate of designations, setting forth the series of the preferred stock and the relative rights, privileges and limitations with respect thereto, is required to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The effect of having preferred stock authorized is that our Board alone, within the bounds of and subject to the federal securities laws and the DGCL, may be able to authorize the issuance of preferred stock, which may adversely affect the voting and other rights of holders of common stock. The issuance of preferred stock may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company.

Stockholder’s and Registration Rights

We and Colfax intend to enter into a Stockholder’s and Registration Rights Agreement. The form of this agreement will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement on Form 10 of which this information statement is a part. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” for a summary of the material terms of this agreement.

Registration Rights Agreement with Rales Holders

We intend to enter into a registration rights agreement with the Rales Holders. The form of this agreement will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement on Form 10 of which this information statement is a part. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” for a summary of the material terms of this agreement.

 

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Anti-Takeover Provisions of the DGCL and our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws

Delaware General Corporation Law

We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which, with specified exceptions, prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any “business combination” with any “interested stockholder” for a period of three years following the time that the stockholder became an interested stockholder unless:

 

   

before that time, the Board approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

 

   

upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

 

   

at or after that time, the business combination is approved by the Board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Section 203 defines business combination to include the following:

 

   

any merger or consolidation of the corporation with the interested stockholder;

 

   

any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;

 

   

subject to specified exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

 

   

any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or

 

   

any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

Subject to certain exceptions, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with that person’s affiliates and associates, owns, or within the previous three years owned, 15% or more of our voting stock.

The application of Section 203 may make it difficult and expensive for a third party to pursue a takeover attempt we do not approve, even if a change in control would be beneficial to the interests of our stockholders.

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws Provisions

Director Elections

Upon completion of the separation, the Company’s board of directors will initially be divided into three classes, with Class I composed of three directors, Class II composed of three directors and Class III composed of three directors. The directors designated as Class I directors will have terms expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders following the distribution, which the Company expects to hold in 2023. The directors designated as Class II directors will have terms expiring at the following year’s annual meeting of stockholders, which the Company expects to hold in 2024, and the directors designated as Class III directors will have terms expiring at the following year’s annual meeting of stockholders, which the Company expects to hold in 2025. Initially, the directors will be elected to serve for a term of three years each. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, the directors whose terms expire at that meeting shall be elected to hold office for a two-year term and at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, the directors whose terms expire at that

 

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meeting shall be elected to hold office for a one-year term. Consequently, by 2026, all of our directors will stand for election each year for one year terms, and our board will therefore no longer be divided into three classes. Thereafter each director will serve for a term of one year and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier resignation or removal.

At any meeting of stockholders for the election of directors at which a quorum is present, the election will be determined by a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote in the election, with directors not receiving a majority of the votes cast required to tender their resignations for consideration by the board, except that in the case of a contested election, the election will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote in the election. Before the board is declassified, it would take at least two elections of directors for any individual or group to gain control of the Company’s board of directors. Accordingly, while the classified board is in effect, these provisions could discourage a third party from initiating a proxy contest, making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to gain control of the Company.

Number of Directors; Removal; Filling Vacancies

Our amended and restated bylaws will provide that, subject to any rights of holders of preferred stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors constituting our entire Board will be fixed from time to time by action of not less than a majority of the directors then in office. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that prior to the board being fully declassified, stockholders will be permitted to remove a director only for cause, and after the board has been fully declassified, stockholders may remove the Company’s directors with or without cause. Removal will require the affirmative vote of a least two-thirds of the Company’s voting stock. In addition, our amended and restated bylaws will provide that, subject to any rights of holders of preferred stock, newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the authorized number of directors or vacancies on our Board resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal of directors or any other cause may be filled only by our Board (and not by the stockholders unless there are no directors then in office), provided that a quorum is then in office and present, or by a majority of the directors then in office, if less than a quorum is then in office, or by the sole remaining director. Accordingly, our Board could prevent any stockholder from enlarging the Board and filling the new directorships with that stockholder’s own nominees.

Limitation on Special Meetings; No Stockholder Action by Written Consent

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws will provide that (subject to the rights, if any, of holders of any class or series of preferred stock then outstanding) (i) only the chairman of our Board or a majority of our Board will be able to call a special meeting of stockholders; (ii) the business permitted to be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of our Board; and (iii) stockholder action may be taken only at a duly called and convened annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be taken by written consent. These provisions, taken together, will prevent stockholders from forcing consideration by the stockholders of stockholder proposals over the opposition of our Board, except at an annual meeting.

Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder Proposals

Our amended and restated bylaws will establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders to nominate candidates for election as director, or to bring other business before an annual meeting of our stockholders.

This procedure provides that, subject to the rights of any holders of preferred stock, only persons who are nominated by or at the direction of our Board, any committee appointed by our Board, or by a stockholder who has given timely written notice to our secretary prior to the meeting at which directors are to be elected, will be

 

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eligible for election as directors. The procedure provides that at an annual meeting only that business may be conducted as has been brought before the meeting by, or at the direction of, our Board, any committee appointed by our Board, or by a stockholder who has given timely written notice to our secretary of the stockholder’s intention to bring that business before the meeting. Under the procedure, to be timely, notice of stockholder nominations or proposals to be made at an annual or special meeting generally must be received by the secretary at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting (although under certain circumstances the notice period may differ). A stockholder’s notice proposing to nominate a person for election as director must contain specific information about the nominating stockholder and the proposed nominee. A stockholder’s notice relating to the conduct of business other than the nomination of directors must contain specific information about the business and about the proposing stockholder. If the chairman of the Board or other officer presiding at a meeting determines that a person was not nominated, or other business was not brought before the meeting, in accordance with the procedure, the person will not be eligible for election as a director, or the business will not be conducted at the meeting, as the case may be.

Although our amended and restated bylaws will not give our Board any power to approve or disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of directors or proposals for action, the foregoing provisions may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its own proposal, if the proper advance notice procedures are not followed, without regard to whether consideration of the nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to us or our stockholders.

Limitation of Liability of Directors

Our amended and restated bylaws will provide that we must indemnify officers and directors against losses that they may incur in investigations and legal proceedings resulting from their services provided to us, which may include services in connection with takeover defense measures. These provisions may have the effect of preventing changes in our management.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will contain provisions permitted under Delaware law relating to the liability of directors. These provisions eliminate a director’s personal liability for monetary damages resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty, except in circumstances involving:

 

   

any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty;

 

   

acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law;

 

   

payment of dividends or approval of stock repurchases or redemptions that are unlawful under Delaware law; or

 

   

any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.

These provisions will not limit or eliminate our rights or any stockholder’s rights to seek non-monetary relief, such as an injunction or rescission, in the event of a breach of director’s fiduciary duty. These provisions will not alter a director’s liability under federal securities laws.

Our amended and restated bylaws will require us to indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent not prohibited by Delaware law. We may decline to indemnify any director or executive officer in connection with any proceeding initiated by any director or executive officer or any proceeding by any director or executive officer against us or our directors, officers, employees or other agents, unless indemnification is expressly required to be made by law or the proceeding was authorized by our Board.

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and restated bylaws and to provide additional procedural protections. These indemnification agreements are expected to provide that we shall indemnify or advance the indemnitee for expenses, judgments, fines or amounts paid in settlement, as applicable, if they are, by reason of their corporate status as a director or executive officer, (a) made or threatened to be made party to or a participant in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, claim, counterclaim, cross claim, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding by reason of their actions (or failure to take action); (b) a party or a participant in any proceeding by or in the right of ESAB to procure a judgment in our favor; or (c) a witness, subject to discovery requests or otherwise asked to participate in any proceeding to which they are not a party. The indemnification agreements are expected to terminate upon the later of ten years after the date that the indemnitee ceased serving as our director or officer or one year after the final termination of any pending proceeding for which the indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of expenses.

Exclusive Forum

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or stockholders to us or to our stockholders; (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the DGCL, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws (as either may be amended from time to time); and (iv) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. As a result, any action brought by any of our stockholders with regard to any of these matters will need to be filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and cannot be filed in any other jurisdiction; provided that, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction; and provided further that, if and only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware dismisses any such action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, such action may be brought in another state or federal court sitting in the State of Delaware. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will also provide that the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause or causes of action against us or any defendant arising under the Securities Act. Such provision is intended to benefit and may be enforced by us, our officers and directors, employees and agents, including the underwriters and any other professional or entity who has prepared or certified any part of this prospectus. Nothing in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws preclude stockholders that assert claims under the Exchange Act from bringing such claims in state or federal court, subject to applicable law.

If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope described above is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Delaware (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce the applicable provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and 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. Although our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will contain the choice of forum provision described above, it is possible that a court could find that such a provision is inapplicable for a particular claim or action or that such provision is unenforceable.

This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims or make such lawsuits more costly for stockholders, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

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Transfer Agent and Registrar

EQ will be the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

Listing

We have been authorized to list our common stock on the NYSE under the symbol “ESAB.”

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form 10 with respect to the shares of our common stock being distributed as contemplated by this information statement. This information statement is a part of, and does not contain all of the information set forth in, the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and our common stock, please refer to the registration statement, including its exhibits and schedules. Statements made in this information statement relating to any contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for copies of the actual contract or document. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

As a result of the distribution, we will become subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and will be required to file periodic current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We intend to furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing financial statements audited by an independent accounting firm.

In addition, following the completion of the distribution, we will make the information filed with or furnished to the SEC available free of charge through our website (http://www.ESAB.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference and is not part of this information statement.

You should rely only on the information contained in this information statement or to which this information statement has referred you. We have not authorized any person to provide you with different information or to make any representation not contained in this information statement.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

Fabrication Technology Business of Colfax Corporation

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Combined Financial Statements (Ernst & Young LLP, Baltimore, MD, Auditor Firm ID: 42)

     F-2  

Combined Statements of Operations

     F-4  

Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income

     F-5  

Combined Balance Sheets

     F-6  

Combined Statements of Equity

     F-7  

Combined Statements of Cash Flows

     F-8  

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

     F-9  

Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

     F-9  

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     F-10  

Note 3. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

     F-15  

Note 4. Revenue

     F-17  

Note 5. Income Taxes

     F-18  

Note 6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

     F-22  

Note 7. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

     F-23  

Note 8. Inventories, Net

     F-24  

Note 9. Leases

     F-24  

Note 10. Equity

     F-25  

Note 11. Accrued and Other Liabilities

     F-29  

Note 12. Benefit Plans

     F-31  

Note 13. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

     F-38  

Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies

     F-40  

Note 15. Segment Information

     F-41  

Note 16. Acquisition

     F-42  

Note 17. Related Party Transactions

     F-43  

Financial Statement Schedule—Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     F-44  

ESAB Corporation

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Consolidated Financial Statements (Ernst & Young LLP, Baltimore, MD, Auditor Firm ID: 42)

     F-45  

Consolidated Statement of Operations

     F-46  

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss

     F-47  

Consolidated Balance Sheet

     F-48  

Consolidated Statement of Equity

     F-49  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

     F-50  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-51  

Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

     F-51  

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     F-51  

Note 3. Revenue

     F-54  

Note 4. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

     F-55  

Note 5. Inventories, Net

     F-55  

Note 6. Leases

     F-55  

Note 7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

     F-56  

Note 8. Income Taxes

     F-57  

Note 9. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

     F-58  

Note 10. Related Party Transactions

     F-60  

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Colfax Corporation

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of the Fabrication Technology Business of Colfax Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related combined statements of operations, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “combined financial statements”). In our opinion, the combined financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

 

F-2


Table of Contents
   Valuation of Goodwill
Description of the Matter   

At December 31, 2021, the Company’s goodwill allocated to the GCE reporting unit was $122 million. As discussed in Note 2 to the combined financial statements, goodwill is not amortized, but rather is subject to an annual impairment review, or more frequent reviews if events and circumstances indicate an impairment exists.

 

Auditing the Company’s goodwill impairment tests and the assignment of goodwill was complex and highly judgmental due to the significant estimation required by management to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. In particular, the fair value estimates was sensitive to significant assumptions, such as changes in the discount rate, projected net sales and projected operating income metrics that are forward-looking and affected by future economic and market conditions.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit    To test the estimated fair value of the GCE reporting unit, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies and testing the significant assumptions used in the Company’s analysis, as well as testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data. For example, we compared the significant assumptions to third-party industry data, and to the historical results of the GCE reporting unit. We performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the GCE reporting unit that would result from changes in key assumptions. We also involved internal valuation specialists to assist in our evaluation of the methodologies and significant assumptions used by the Company. In addition, we evaluated whether the composition of the reporting units reflected the organizational structure of the Company.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.

Baltimore, Maryland

February 22, 2022

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Dollars in thousands

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  

Net sales

   $ 2,428,115     $ 1,950,069     $ 2,247,026  

Cost of sales

     1,590,132       1,267,604       1,450,582  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     837,983       682,465       796,444  

Selling, general and administrative expense

     512,815       458,706       517,324  

Restructuring and other related charges

     18,954       21,633       23,040  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     306,214       202,126       256,080  

Pension settlement (gain) loss

     (11,208     —         33,616  

Interest (income) expense and other, net

     (1,666     (3,713     997  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     319,088       205,839       221,467  

Income tax expense

     80,409       45,971       44,736  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     238,679       159,868       176,731  

Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes

     3,569       2,454       3,823  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Fabrication Technology Business of Colfax Corporation

   $ 235,110     $ 157,414     $ 172,908  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Dollars in thousands

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  

Net income

   $ 238,679     $ 159,868     $ 176,731  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

      

Foreign currency translation, net of tax expense (benefit) of $740, $(1,598) and $435

     (72,398     30,903       5,754  

Changes in unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefit (cost), net of tax benefit of $1,192, $367 and $3,757

     7,482       (4,357     (24,250

Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss:

      

Amortization of pension and other post-retirement net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax expense of $0, $0 and $0

     (825     632       (153
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income

     (65,741     27,178       (18,649
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     172,938       187,046       158,082  

Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (2,513     2,307       3,208  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Fabrication Technology Business of Colfax Corporation

   $ 175,451     $ 184,739     $ 154,874  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

Dollars in thousands

 

     December 31,  
     2021     2020  

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 41,209     $ 49,209  

Trade receivables, less allowance for credit losses of $23,912 and $32,311

     383,496       329,562  

Inventories, net

     420,062       313,386  

Prepaid expenses

     51,949       49,282  

Other current assets

     67,357       63,509  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     964,073       804,948  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     286,278       300,824  

Goodwill

     1,532,993       1,553,231  

Intangible assets, net

     521,434       577,352  

Lease asset - right of use

     107,944       95,044  

Other assets

     48,540       54,430  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 3,461,262     $ 3,385,829  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 345,480     $ 241,269  

Accrued liabilities

     251,109       219,572  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     596,589       460,841  

Other liabilities

     362,945       380,221  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     959,534       841,062  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Parent’s equity:

    

Net Parent investment

     2,921,623       2,898,831  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (460,888     (396,203
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Parent’s equity

     2,460,735       2,502,628  

Noncontrolling interest

     40,993       42,139  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     2,501,728       2,544,767  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 3,461,262     $ 3,385,829  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

Dollars in thousands

 

     Net Parent
Investment
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total  

Balance at January 1, 2019

   $ 3,050,926     $ (405,494   $ 43,239     $ 2,688,671  

Net income

     172,908       —         3,823       176,731  

Distributions to noncontrolling owners

     —         —         (2,920     (2,920

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit of $3,322

     —         (18,034     (615     (18,649

Common stock-based award activity

     5,875       —         —         5,875  

Transfers to Parent, net

     (171,043     —         2,538       (168,505
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

     3,058,666       (423,528     46,065       2,681,203  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     (3,716     —         (18     (3,734

Net income

     157,414       —         2,454       159,868  

Distributions to noncontrolling owners

     —         —         (4,297     (4,297

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax benefit of $1,965

     —         27,325       (147     27,178  

Common stock-based award activity

     6,436       —         —         6,436  

Transfers to Parent, net

     (319,969     —         (1,918     (321,887
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2020

     2,898,831       (396,203     42,139       2,544,767  

Net income

     235,110       —         3,569       238,679  

Distributions to noncontrolling owners

     —         —         (3,713     (3,713

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit of $452

     —         (64,685     (1,056     (65,741

Common stock-based award activity

     6,267       —         —         6,267  

Transfers to Parent, net

     (218,585     —         54       (218,531
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2021

   $ 2,921,623     $ (460,888   $ 40,993     $ 2,501,728  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Dollars in thousands

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 238,679     $ 159,868     $ 176,731  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation, amortization and other impairment charges

     75,899       76,644       80,072  

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

     (447     (3,370     (667

Pension settlement (gain) loss

     (11,208     —         33,616  

Stock-based compensation expense

     6,267       6,436       5,875  

Deferred income tax benefit

     (8,644     (14,031     (22,624

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Trade receivables, net

     (67,850     27,734       16,984  

Inventories, net

     (117,350     34,839       4,656  

Accounts payable

     114,502       7,056       (37,818

Other operating assets and liabilities

     20,889       14,005       (6,993
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     250,737       309,181       249,832  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (35,584     (40,138     (44,454

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     5,204       5,565       6,990  

Acquisition, net of cash received

     (4,885     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (35,265     (34,573     (37,464
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Repayments of short-term borrowings

     —         (190     (4,888

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

     673       —         —    

Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders

     (3,713     (4,297     (2,920

Other financing

     —         (49     (135

Transfers to Parent, net

     (218,531     (321,887     (168,505
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (221,571     (326,423     (176,448
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of foreign exchange rates on Cash and cash equivalents

     (1,901     (3,810     (2,055
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in Cash and cash equivalents

     (8,000     (55,625     33,865  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     49,209       104,834       70,969  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 41,209     $ 49,209     $ 104,834  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.

Organization and Basis of Presentation

On March 4, 2021, Colfax Corporation (“Colfax” or the “Parent”) announced its intention to spin off its existing Fabrication Technology business (“Spinco,” “ESAB” or the “Company”) into a separate publicly-traded company. The spin-off is targeted to be completed near the end of the first quarter of 2022 through a tax-free pro rata distribution of 90% of the common stock of ESAB (the “Distribution”) to Colfax shareholders. Colfax will operate under the new name Enovis Corporation (“Enovis”) upon the completion of the spin-off transaction.

ESAB Corporation, which was established on May 19, 2021, will be ESAB’s new ultimate parent company upon completion of the Distribution. On December 29, 2021, in anticipation of the Distribution, certain subsidiaries of the Company were transferred into the ownership of ESAB Corporation in a common-control transaction.

The Parent is a leading diversified technology company that provides fabrication technology and medical device products and services to customers around the world primarily under the ESAB and DJO brands.

The accompanying combined financial statements present the historical financial position, results of operations, cash flows and changes in the Parent’s equity of ESAB in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for the preparation of carved-out combined financial statements.

ESAB is a global organization that develops, manufactures and supplies consumable welding and cutting products and equipment, as well as gas control equipment. The Company’s products are utilized to solve challenges in a wide range of industries, including cutting, joining and automated welding. The Company conducts its operations through two reportable segments. These segments consist of the “Americas” which includes operations in North America and South America, and “EMEA & APAC,” which includes Europe, Middle East, India, Africa and Asia Pacific.

The Company has historically operated as part of the Parent and not as a stand-alone company. The financial statements have been derived from the Parent’s historical accounting records and are presented on a carve-out basis. All revenues and costs as well as assets and liabilities directly associated with the business activity of the Company are included as a component of the financial statements. The financial statements also include allocations of certain general and administrative expenses from the Parent’s corporate office. The allocations have been determined on a reasonable basis; however, the amounts are not necessarily representative of the amounts that would have been reflected in the financial statements had the Company been an entity that operated independently of the Parent. Related party cost allocations are discussed further in Note 17, “Related Party Transactions.”

The Parent utilizes a centralized approach to cash management and financing of its operations. Financing transactions relating to the Company are accounted for through the Parent investment account of the Company. Accordingly, none of the Parent’s cash, cash equivalents or debt at the corporate level has been assigned to the Company in these financial statements.

Net Parent investment, which includes retained earnings, represents the Parent’s interest in the recorded net assets of the Company. All significant transactions between the Company and the Parent have been included in the accompanying combined financial statements. Transactions with the Parent are reflected in the accompanying Combined Statements of Equity as “Transfers to Parent, net” and in the accompanying Combined Balance Sheets within “Net Parent investment.”

 

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Table of Contents
2.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The Company’s combined financial statements include assets and liabilities that have been determined to be specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to ESAB. All intracompany accounts within ESAB’s businesses have been eliminated. All significant intercompany transactions between ESAB and other Colfax entities have been recorded through Net Parent investment.

Equity Method Investments

Investments accounted for under the equity method are initially recorded at the amount of the Company’s initial investment and adjusted each period for the Company’s share of the investee’s income or loss and dividends paid. All equity investments are reviewed periodically for indications of other-than-temporary impairment, including, but not limited to, significant and sustained decreases in quoted market prices or a series of historic and projected operating losses by investees. If the decline in fair value is considered to be other-than-temporary, an impairment loss is recorded and the investment is written down to a new carrying value.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the customer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the goods or services.

The Company provides a variety of products and services to its customers. Most of the Company’s contracts consist of a single, distinct performance obligation or promise to transfer goods or services to a customer. For contracts that include multiple performance obligations, we allocate the total transaction price to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the stand-alone selling price of each identified performance obligation. A significant majority of our revenue relates to the shipment of off-the-shelf products that is recognized when control is transferred to the customer. On a limited basis, we have agreements with customers that have multiple performance obligations. In determining whether there are multiple performance obligations, we first assess the goods or services promised in the customer arrangement and then consider the guidance in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to evaluate whether goods and services are capable of being distinct and are considered distinct within the customer arrangement. To determine whether promised goods or services are separately identifiable (i.e., whether a promise to transfer a good or service is distinct in the context of the contract), we evaluate whether the contract is to deliver (1) multiple promised goods or services or (2) a combined item that comprises the individual goods or services promised in the contract. Substantially all revenue involving development and application engineering projects consists of a single performance obligation and is recognized at a point in time.

A majority of revenue recognized by the Company relates to contracts with customers for standard or off-the-shelf products. As control typically transfers to the customer upon shipment of the product in these circumstances, revenue is generally recognized at that point in time. Revenue recognition and billing typically occur simultaneously for contracts recognized at a point in time. Therefore we do not have material revenues in excess of customer billings or billings to customers in excess of recognized revenues. Refer to Note 11, “Accrued and Other Liabilities” for additional information on the Company’s contract liability balances.

For service contracts, the Company recognizes revenue ratably over the period of performance as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the services provided. The Company applies the available practical expedient involving the existence of a significant financing component. As the Company generally does not receive payments greater than one year in advance or arrears of revenue recognition, the Company does not consider any arrangements to include financing components.

The period of benefit for the Company’s incremental costs of obtaining a contract generally have less than a one-year duration; therefore, the Company applies the practical expedient available and expenses costs to obtain a contract when incurred.

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

The Company collects various taxes and fees as an agent in connection with the sale of products and remits these amounts to the respective taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis within Net sales in the Combined Statements of Operations and are recorded as a component of Accrued liabilities in the Combined Balance Sheets until remitted to the respective taxing authority.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development costs of $39.7 million, $34.8 million and $32.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Combined Statements of Operations. These amounts do not include development and application engineering costs incurred in conjunction with fulfilling customer orders and executing customer projects.

Interest (Income) Expense and Other, Net

Interest (income) expense and other, net is comprised of interest bearing deposits of certain foreign subsidiaries and certain other non-operating income items, including certain pension-related activities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all financial instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less.

Trade Receivables

Trade receivables are presented net of an allowance for credit losses. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments as of January 1, 2020. The estimate of current expected credit losses on trade receivables considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Estimated credit losses are reviewed periodically by management.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing activities are recognized as period costs. Cost for a substantial portion of U.S. inventories is determined using the last-in, first-out method (“LIFO”). The value of inventory stated on a LIFO basis as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $142.4 million and $105.1 million, respectively. Cost of other inventories is determined by costing methods that approximate a first-in, first-out basis. The valuation of LIFO inventories is made at end of each year based on inventory levels and costs at that time.

The Company periodically reviews its quantities of inventories on hand and compares these amounts to the expected usage of each particular product. The Company records a charge to Cost of sales for any amounts required to reduce the carrying value of inventories to its net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment, net is stated at historical cost, which includes the fair values of such assets acquired through acquisitions. Repair and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred unless the repair extends the useful life of the asset.

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the costs in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired through acquisitions by the Company.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change in the interim that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. The annual impairment test date elected by the Company is the first day of its fourth quarter. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are considered to be impaired when the carrying value of a reporting unit or asset exceeds its fair value. The Company currently has three reporting units: Americas, EMEA & APAC and Gas Control Equipment (“GCE”). The GCE business was acquired on October 1, 2018.

Goodwill was allocated to the Americas and EMEA & APAC reporting units on a relative fair value basis as of January 1, 2018. For GCE, goodwill has been allocated based on the acquired goodwill on its acquisition date.

In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting entity is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not for a reporting unit’s fair value to be greater than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not for a reporting unit’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the reporting unit’s fair value is performed and compared to the carrying value of that reporting unit. In certain instances, the Company may elect to forgo the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of that reporting unit is impaired and an impairment loss is recorded equal to the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over its fair value.

When a quantitative impairment test is needed, the Company measures fair value of reporting units based on a present value of future discounted cash flows. The discounted cash flow models indicate the fair value of the reporting units based on the present value of the cash flows that the reporting units are expected to generate in the future. Significant estimates in the discounted cash flow models include the weighted-average cost of capital, net sales and profitability of our business.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, a quantitative annual impairment test of Goodwill was performed for the GCE reporting unit while qualitative assessments were performed for the remaining two reporting units. A quantitative annual impairment test of Goodwill for each of the Company’s three reporting units was performed for the year ended December 31, 2020, while a qualitative assessment was performed for the year ended December 31, 2019, all of which indicated no impairment existed. Therefore, no impairment charges were recorded for the three years ended December 31, 2021. No material events that would represent impairment indicators have occurred subsequent to the performance of the 2021 annual impairment test.

In the evaluation of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not for the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value to be greater than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying value, a fair value calculation is performed and compared to the carrying value of the asset. In certain instances, the Company may elect to forgo the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. If the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company measures the fair value of its

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

indefinite-lived intangible assets using the “relief from royalty” method. Significant estimates in this approach include projected revenues and royalty and discount rates for each trade name evaluated. Quantitative impairment tests were performed for all the indefinite-lived trade name brands for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, while a combination of quantitative impairment tests and qualitative assessments were performed for the year ended December 31, 2019, all of which indicated no impairment existed.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Definite-lived intangible assets primarily represent acquired trade names, customer relationships, acquired technology and software license agreements. The Company generally uses accelerated methods of amortization with lives ranging from ten to thirty years and in certain instances uses a straight-line amortization method with useful lives generally ranging from ten to fifteen years.

The Company assesses its long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining lives of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amounts, an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of the assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amounts or fair value less cost to sell. Management determines fair value using the discounted cash flow method or other accepted valuation techniques.

Derivatives

For all instruments designated as hedges, including cash flow hedges, the Company formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, as well as the risk management objective and the strategy for using the hedging instrument. The Company assesses whether the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item is highly effective at offsetting changes in the fair value both at inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. For cash flow hedges, unrealized gains and losses are recognized as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Combined Balance Sheets to the extent that it is effective at offsetting the change in the fair value of the hedged item and realized gains and losses are recognized in the Combined Statements of Operations consistent with the underlying hedged instrument.

The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes.

See Note 13, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments.

Warranty Costs

Estimated expenses related to product warranties are accrued as the revenue is recognized on products sold to customers and included in Cost of sales in the Combined Statements of Operations. Estimates are established using historical information as to the nature, frequency, and average costs of warranty claims.

Income Taxes

The Company’s domestic and foreign operating results are included in the income tax returns of Colfax. The Company accounts for income taxes under the separate return method. Under this approach, the Company determines its deferred tax assets and liabilities and related tax expense as if it were filing separate tax returns.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The accompanying Combined Balance Sheets do not contain current income tax payable or other long-term income tax payable liabilities, with the exception of certain unrecognized tax benefits for which ESAB could reasonably be considered to be the primary obligor. The amounts are deemed settled with Colfax when due and therefore are included in Parent’s equity.

Income taxes for the Company are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities in the Combined Financial Statements and their respective tax basis. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are reported in Other assets and Other liabilities in the Combined Balance Sheets, respectively. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is generally recognized in Income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) is accounted for as a current tax expense in the year the tax is incurred.

Valuation allowances are recorded if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. Any changes in judgment about the valuation allowance are recorded through Income tax expense and are based on changes in facts and circumstances regarding realizability of deferred tax assets.

The Company must presume that an income tax position taken in a tax return will be examined by the relevant tax authority and determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination based upon the technical merits of the position. An income tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The Company establishes a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits for income tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by the respective taxing authority to the extent such tax positions reduce the Company’s income tax liability. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in Income tax expense in the Combined Statements of Operations.

Foreign Currency Exchange Gains and Losses

The Company’s financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. The functional currencies of the Company’s operating subsidiaries are generally the local currencies of the countries in which each subsidiary is located. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. The amounts recorded in each year in Foreign currency translation are net of income taxes to the extent the underlying equity balances in the entities are not deemed to be permanently reinvested. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the year.

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the date of each transaction. Differences in exchange rates during the period between the date a transaction denominated in a foreign currency is consummated and the date on which it is either settled or translated for inclusion in the Combined Balance Sheets are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense or Interest (income) expense and other, net in the Combined Statements of Operations for that period.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s net foreign transaction gains and losses included within the Combined Statements of Operations:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021      2020      2019  
     (In thousands)  

Selling, general and administrative expense

   $ 2,195      $ 788      $ (960

Interest (income) expense and other, net

     191        313        (108
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foreign currency transaction loss (gain), net

   $ 2,386      $ 1,101      $ (1,068
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation

Certain employees of the Company participate in the Parent’s stock-based compensation plans which include stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”). The Company accounts for stock-based compensation incurred by the Parent by measuring the cost of employee services received in exchange for all awards granted based on the fair value of the award as of the grant date. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized net of an estimated forfeiture rate on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award and recorded within Selling, general and administrative expense within the Combined Statements of Operations. Refer to Note 10, “Equity” for additional information on the stock-based compensation plans of the Parent in which certain employees of the Company participate.

Pension

The Company measures its pension assets and obligations that determine the funded status as of the end of the Company’s fiscal year, and recognizes an asset for an overfunded status or a liability for an underfunded status in its Combined Balance Sheets. Changes in the funded status of the pension plans are recognized in the year in which the changes occur and reported in Other comprehensive income (loss). Refer to Note 12, “Benefit Plans” for additional information on the Company’s pension plans.

Use of Estimates

The Company makes certain estimates and assumptions in preparing its Combined Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Combined Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the period presented. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentations, including certain items within Note 8, “Inventories, Net.”

 

3.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Guidance Implemented in 2021

 

Standards Adopted

 

Description

 

Effective Date

ASU 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans   The ASU modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s Combined Financial Statements.   January 1, 2021

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Standards Adopted

 

Description

 

Effective Date

ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes   The ASU eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. It also clarifies and simplifies other aspects of accounting for income taxes. The Company adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2021 on a prospective basis, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s Combined Financial Statements.   January 1, 2021

Accounting Guidance Implemented in 2020

 

Standards Adopted

 

Description

 

Effective Date

ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments   The ASU eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold under current GAAP and broadens the information an entity must consider when developing its expected credit loss estimates to include forward-looking information. The standard applies to most financial assets held at amortized costs, as well as certain other instruments. Under the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, entities must estimate losses over the entire contractual term of the asset from the date of initial recognition. In determining expected losses, consideration must be given to historical loss experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information. The Company adopted Topic 326 on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective transition method, which requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance sheet of retained earnings to be recognized on the date of adoption without restating prior periods. The adoption of this ASU increased allowance for credit losses and deferred tax assets by $4.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2020. As a result, the cumulative-effect adjustment to Net Parent investment as of January 1, 2020 was $3.7 million.   January 1, 2020
ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement   The ASU modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The adoption of this standard did not result in any changes to the current disclosures, as the requirements modified by the ASU are not applicable or are immaterial for disclosure.   January 1, 2020

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

 

4.

Revenue

The Company develops, manufactures and supplies consumable welding and cutting products and equipment, as well as gas control equipment. The Company provides a wide range of products with innovative technologies to solve challenges in a range of industries, including cutting, joining and automated welding. Substantially all revenue is recognized at a point in time. The Company disaggregates its revenue into the following product groups:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021      2020      2019  
     (In thousands)  

Equipment

   $ 758,267      $ 607,504      $ 703,024  

Consumables

     1,669,848        1,342,565        1,544,002  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,428,115      $ 1,950,069      $ 2,247,026  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The sales mix in the above table is relatively consistent across both reportable segments. The consumables product grouping generally has less production complexity and shorter production cycles than equipment products.

Given the nature of the business, the total amount of unsatisfied performance obligations with an original contract duration of greater than one year as of December 31, 2021 is immaterial.

In some circumstances, customers are billed in advance of revenue recognition, resulting in contract liabilities. As of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, total contract liabilities were $22.3 million, $21.6 million and $14.8 million respectively, and are included in Accrued liabilities on the Combined Balance Sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, all amounts included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the respective year were recognized as revenue in the following year.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments as of January 1, 2020. The estimate of current expected credit losses on trade receivables considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management elected to disaggregate trade receivables into geographic regions due to risk characteristics unique to each region given the individual lines of business and market.

The Company leveraged historical write-offs over a defined lookback period in deriving a historical loss rate. The expected credit loss model further considers current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts using an adjustment for current and projected macroeconomic factors. Management identified appropriate macroeconomic indicators based on tangible correlation to historical losses considering the location and risks associated with the Company.

A summary of the activity in the Company’s allowance for credit losses included within Trade receivables in the Combined Balance Sheets is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2021  
     Balance at
Beginning of
Period
     Charged to
Expense, net
    Write-Offs
and
Deductions
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
    Balance at
End of Period
 
     (In thousands)  

Allowance for credit losses

   $ 32,311      $ (494   $ (6,931   $ (974   $ 23,912  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

5.

Income Taxes

The operating results of the Company are included in the federal and state income tax returns of the Parent for all periods presented. The Company accounts for income taxes under the separate return method. Under this approach, the Company allocates current and deferred taxes to each entity as if it had filed tax returns as a separate taxpayer from the Parent. In that situation, the sum of the amounts allocated to individual entities may not equal the consolidated amount of the Parent. The Company’s pre tax operating results exclude any intercompany financing arrangements between entities and include any transactions with its Parent as if it was an unrelated party.

Income before income taxes and Income tax expense consisted of the following:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021      2020      2019  
     (In thousands)  

Income before income taxes:

        

Domestic operations

   $ 10,140      $ 14,505      $ 49,849  

Foreign operations

     308,948        191,334        171,618  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 319,088      $ 205,839      $ 221,467  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense:

        

Current:

        

Federal

   $ 18,477      $ 9,262      $ 17,950  

State

     1,797        921        1,425  

Foreign

     68,779        49,819        47,985  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     89,053        60,002        67,360  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred:

        

Federal

     (12,700      (8,698      (7,495

State

     161        (677      (4,219

Foreign

     3,895        (4,656      (10,910
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (8,644      (14,031      (22,624
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 80,409      $ 45,971      $ 44,736  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The Company’s Income tax expense differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021      2020      2019  
     (In thousands)  

Taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate

   $ 67,008      $ 42,820      $ 46,876  

State taxes

     1,933        245        (2,794

Effect of tax rates on international operations

     (8,879      (572      832  

Changes in tax reserves

     2,734        1,346        740  

Non-taxable dividends

     (46      (2,675      (4,725

Research and development tax credits

     (587      (1,351      (1,382

Effect of U.S. taxation on international operations

     (313      (1,634      (1,033

Permanently deductible/taxable items in international jurisdictions

     483        1,284        (126

Provision to return

     (3,968      1,053        2,998  

Withholding taxes

     9,567        6,108        5,098  

Capital gain

     12,371        —          —    

Other

     106        (653      (1,748
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   $ 80,409      $ 45,971      $ 44,736  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s effective tax rate for 2021 differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% principally due to capital gains on current year transactions relating to foreign subsidiaries and withholding taxes incurred on dividends offset by the Company’s earnings outside the U.S. that are taxed at different rates rather than the U.S. Federal statutory rate. The Company’s effective tax rate in 2020 and 2019 differs from the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate of 21% due principally to the Company’s earnings outside the U.S. that are taxed at different rates rather than the U.S. federal statutory rate, U.S. research and development tax credits, the impact of U.S taxation of foreign operations, and non-taxable dividends in international jurisdictions offset by withholding taxes on dividends.

The Company’s income tax payable or receivable computed under the separate return method is adjusted to equity as it does not represent a liability or asset with the relevant taxing authorities since the Company is part of the Parent’s tax return filed with taxing authorities.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Deferred income taxes, net reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. All deferred tax assets and liabilities have been classified as noncurrent and are included in Other assets and Other liabilities in the accompanying Combined Balance Sheets. The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2021      2020  
     (In thousands)  

Deferred tax assets:

     

Post-retirement benefit obligation

   $ 4,430      $ 3,944  

Expenses currently not deductible

     29,245        26,686  

Net operating loss carryforward

     22,374        26,782  

Tax credit carryforward

     —          3,605  

Depreciation and amortization

     16,450        4,574  

Inventory

     138        —    

Other

     24,648        24,999  

Valuation allowance

     (15,465      (12,647
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets, net

   $ 81,820      $ 77,943  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Depreciation and amortization

   $ (135,726    $ (147,235

Inventory

     —          (7,448

Outside basis differences and other

     (108,542      (96,450
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

   $ (244,268    $ (251,133
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities, net

   $ (162,448    $ (173,190
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non current and are included in Other assets and Other liabilities in the accompanying Combined Balance Sheets on a net jurisdictional basis as follows:

     December 31,  
     2021      2020  
     (In thousands)  

Other assets

   $ 9,357      $ 14,508  

Other liabilities

     (171,805      (187,698
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liability, net

   $ (162,448    $ (173,190
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its deferred tax assets on a jurisdictional basis by considering whether deferred tax assets will be realized on a more likely than not basis. To the extent a portion or all of the applicable deferred tax assets do not meet the more likely than not threshold, a valuation allowance is recorded. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the valuation allowance increased from $12.6 million to $15.5 million with a net increase of $3.8 million recognized as an increase to Income tax expense, and a $0.9 million decrease related to changes in foreign currency rates. Consideration was given to tax planning strategies and when applicable, future taxable income as to how much of the relevant deferred tax asset could be realized on a more likely than not basis.

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The Company has U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards of $23.5 million at December 31, 2021 expiring in years 2028 through 2036. The Company’s ability to use these various carryforwards to offset any taxable income generated in future taxable periods may be limited under Section 382 and other federal tax provisions. At December 31, 2021 the Company also has $86.4 million foreign net operating loss carryforwards primarily in Brazil, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom that may be subject to local tax restrictive limitations including changes in ownership. The foreign net operating losses can be carried forward indefinitely, except in applicable jurisdictions that make up less than five percent of the available net operating losses.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, all undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, which are indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S., were provisionally estimated to be $168.2 million. The Company has assessed a total deferred tax liability of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2021 on such earnings that have not been indefinitely reinvested. This is a decrease of $1.7 million as compared to the deferred tax liability as of December 31, 2020.

The Company records a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits for the amount of benefit included in its previously filed income tax returns and in its financial results expected to be included in income tax returns to be filed for periods through the date of its Combined Financial Statements for income tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by the respective taxing authority. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (inclusive of associated interest and penalties):

 

     (In thousands)  

Balance, January 1, 2019

   $ 33,223  

Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods

     2,794  

Addition for tax positions taken in the current period

     166  

Reductions resulting from a lapse of applicable statute of limitations

     (2,219

Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation and U.S. tax rate changes

     50  
  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2019

     34,014  

Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods

     2,785  

Addition for tax positions taken in the current period

     569  

Reductions resulting from a lapse of applicable statute of limitations

     (1,827

Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation and U.S. tax rate changes

     (340
  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2020

     35,201  

Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods

     738  

Addition for tax positions taken in the current period

     2,987  

Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities

     (425

Reductions resulting from a lapse of applicable statute of limitations

     (565

Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation and U.S. tax rate changes

     (255
  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2021

   $ 37,681  
  

 

 

 

The Parent is routinely examined by tax authorities around the world. Tax examinations remain in process in multiple countries, including but not limited to the United States, Germany, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Russia, Italy and various U.S. states. The Company files numerous group and separate tax returns in U.S. federal and state jurisdictions, as well as international jurisdictions. In the U.S., tax years dating back to 2009 remain subject to examination, due to tax attributes available to be carried forward to open or future tax years. With some exceptions, other major tax jurisdictions generally are not subject to tax examinations for years beginning before 2015.

 

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Table of Contents

The Company’s total unrecognized tax benefits were $37.7 million, $35.2 million and $34.0 million as of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, inclusive of $6.2 million, $5.2 million and $4.6 million respectively, of interest and penalties. The Company records interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of Income tax expense, which was $0.9 million, $0.7 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Due to the difficulty in predicting with reasonable certainty when tax audits will be fully resolved and closed, the range of reasonably possible significant increases or decreases in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits that may occur within the next 12 months is difficult to ascertain. Currently, the Company estimates that it is reasonably possible that the expiration of various statutes of limitations, resolution of tax audits and court decisions may reduce its tax expense in the next 12 months up to $2.7 million.

 

6.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes Goodwill activity by segment for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:

 

     Americas      EMEA & APAC(1)      Total  
     (In thousands)  

Balance, January 1, 2020

   $ 530,481      $ 999,115      $ 1,529,596  

Impact of foreign currency translation

     (7,704      31,339        23,635  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2020

     522,777        1,030,454        1,553,231  

Goodwill attributable to acquisition

     4,159        —          4,159  

Impact of foreign currency translation

     (7,782      (16,615      (24,397
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2021

   $ 519,154      $ 1,013,839      $ 1,532,993  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes amounts relating to the GCE reporting unit of $121.7 million and $130.2 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The following table summarizes the Company’s Intangible assets, excluding Goodwill:

 

     December 31,  
     2021      2020  
     Gross Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Gross Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
 
     (In thousands)  

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

           

Trade names

   $ 199,484      $ —        $ 212,048      $ —    

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

           

Acquired customer relationships

     448,839        (185,071      461,112        (164,846

Acquired technology

     71,503        (49,276      72,121        (45,337

Acquired trade names

     16,550        (8,754      19,573        (7,617

Software

     91,547        (67,888      86,785        (63,470

Other intangible assets

     22,800        (18,300      22,811        (15,828
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 850,723      $ (329,289    $ 874,450      $ (297,098
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-22


Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets of $42.1 million, $41.8 million and $41.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are included in the Selling, general and administrative expense in the Combined Statements of Operations.

See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion regarding impairment of Intangible assets.

Expected Amortization Expense

The Company’s expected annual amortization expense for intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:

 

     December 31,
2021
 
     (In thousands)  

2022

   $ 37,664  

2023

     32,288  

2024

     26,560  

2025

     25,365  

2026

     24,142  

 

7.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

 

            December 31,  
     Depreciable Life      2021      2020  
     (In years)      (In thousands)  

Land

     n/a      $ 16,028      $ 16,888  

Buildings and improvements

     5-40        172,835        169,669  

Machinery and equipment

     3-15        362,074        357,957  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        550,937        544,514  

Accumulated depreciation

        (264,659      (243,690
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 286,278      $ 300,824  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $32.5 million, $32.9 million and $35.0 million, respectively.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

8.

Inventories, Net

Inventories, net consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2021      2020(1)  
     (In thousands)  

Raw materials

   $ 148,376      $ 108,821  

Work in process

     39,595        30,826  

Finished goods

     268,831        201,407  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     456,802        341,054  

LIFO reserve

     1,129        13,851  

Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory

     (37,869      (41,519
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 420,062      $ 313,386  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Certain immaterial classification adjustments were made to enhance conformity with the current year presentation.

The valuation of LIFO inventories is made at the end of the year based on inventory levels and costs at that time. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, approximately 33.9% and 33.6% of total inventories, respectively, were valued using the LIFO method.

 

9.

Leases

The Company leases certain office spaces, warehouses, production facilities, vehicles, and equipment. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. Most leases include renewal options, which can extend the lease term into the future. The Company determines the lease term by assuming options that are reasonably certain of being renewed will be exercised. Certain of the Company’s leases include rental payments adjusted for inflation. The right-of-use lease asset is recorded on the Combined Balance Sheets, with the current lease liability being included in Accrued liabilities and noncurrent lease liability being included in Other liabilities. Operating lease expense was $23.0 million, $21.6 million and $24.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

     December 31,
2021
 
     (In thousands)  

Future lease payments by year:

  

2022

   $ 23,438  

2023

     19,752  

2024

     14,581  

2025

     10,743  

2026

     9,269  

Thereafter

     49,692  
  

 

 

 

Total

     127,475  

Less: present value discount

     (18,231
  

 

 

 

Present value of lease liabilities

   $ 109,244  
  

 

 

 

Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):

  

Operating leases

     9.7  

Weighted-average discount rate:

  

Operating leases

     3.3

 

F-24


Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

10.

Equity

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table presents the changes in the balances of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss including reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. All amounts are net of tax and noncontrolling interest, if any.

 

     Net
Unrecognized
Pension And
Other Post-
Retirement
Benefit Cost
     Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
     Total  
     (In thousands)  

Balance at January 1, 2019

   $ 245      $ (405,739    $ (405,494
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:

        

Net actuarial loss

     (24,176      —          (24,176

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     197        6,098        6,295  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

     (23,979      6,098        (17,881

Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1)

     (153      —          (153
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income

     (24,132      6,098        (18,034
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

     (23,887      (399,641      (423,528
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:

        

Net actuarial loss

     (4,328      —          (4,328

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (1,791      32,816        31,025  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

     (6,119      32,816        26,697  

Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1)

     628        —          628  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income

     (5,491      32,816        27,325  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2020

     (29,378      (366,825      (396,203
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:

        

Net actuarial gain

     7,479        —          7,479  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     1,534        (72,867      (71,333
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

     9,013        (72,867      (63,854

Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1)

     (831      —          (831
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)

     8,182        (72,867      (64,685
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2021

   $ (21,196    $ (439,692    $ (460,888
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 12, “Benefit Plans” for additional details.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Noncontrolling interest decreased by $1.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, as a result of Other comprehensive loss, primarily due to foreign currency translation adjustments.

Share-Based Payments

On May 21, 2020, the shareholders of the Parent approved the Colfax Corporation 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) which replaced the Colfax Corporation 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan dated May 13, 2016 (the “2016 Plan”). Upon the approval of the 2020 Plan, no additional ordinary shares were to be granted under the previously approved plans. All awards previously granted and outstanding under the prior plans remain subject to the terms of those prior plans. The 2020 Plan provides the Compensation Committee of Colfax’s Board of Directors (the “Parent Compensation Committee”) discretion in creating employee equity incentives. Awards under the 2020 Plan may be made in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-based stock, performance-based stock units, dividend equivalents, and other stock-based awards.

The Company has no stock-based compensation plans. Certain employees of the Company participate in the Parent’s stock-based compensation plans. The Parent measures and recognizes compensation expense related to share-based payments based on the fair value of the instruments issued. Stock-based compensation expense is generally recognized as a component of Selling, general and administrative expense in the Combined Statements of Operations, as payroll costs of the employees receiving the awards are recorded in the same line item.

The Company’s Combined Statements of Operations reflect the following amounts related to stock-based compensation:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021      2020      2019  
     (In thousands)  

Stock-based compensation expense

   $ 6,267      $ 6,436      $ 5,875  

Deferred tax benefit

     437        540        536  

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $10.6 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based awards that will be recognized over an approximate 1.0 year remaining term. The intrinsic value of awards exercised or issued upon vesting was $9.2 million, $4.8 million and $2.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

In addition to stock compensation expense related to direct employees of the Company, stock compensation expense related to certain corporate employees of the Parent was allocated to the Company based on the Company’s proportional share of total Parent revenues. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, $2.6 million, $3.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively, was allocated to the Company.

Stock Options

Under the 2020 Plan, the Parent may grant options to purchase common stock, with a maximum term of 10 years at a purchase price equal to the market value of the Parent’s common stock on the date of grant.

Stock-based compensation expense for stock option awards is based upon the grant-date fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Parent recognizes compensation expense for stock option awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award. The following table shows the weighted-average

 

F-26


Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, as well as the weighted-average fair value of options granted:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  

Expected period that options will be outstanding (in years)

     4.5       4.5       4.5  

Interest rate (based on U.S. Treasury yields at the time of grant)

     0.61     1.14     2.45

Volatility

     43.10     37.36     34.61

Dividend yield

     —         —         —    

Weighted-average fair value of options granted

   $ 16.23     $ 12.15     $ 8.76  

During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, expected volatility was estimated based on the historical volatility of Colfax’s stock price. The Parent considers historical data to estimate employee termination within the valuation model. The Parent has elected to estimate the expected life of an award based upon the Securities and Exchange Commission-approved “simplified method” noted under the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 with the continued use of this method extended under the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110.

Stock option activity of ESAB participants under the Parent’s stock plan is as follows:

 

     Number of
Options
     Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
     Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(In years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic Value(1)
(In thousands)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2021

     902,446      $ 35.92        

Granted

     94,138        44.91        

Exercised

     (238,668      31.50        

Forfeited and expired

     (97,953      57.50        
  

 

 

          

Outstanding at December 31, 2021

     659,963        35.61        3.63      $ 7,069  
  

 

 

          

 

 

 

Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2021

     647,129        35.54        3.63      $ 7,031  
  

 

 

          

 

 

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2021

     432,858        35.25        2.88      $ 4,924  
  

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

(1)

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 and 2019 was $3.7 million, $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The fair value of options vested during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $1.9 million, $2.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

Under the 2020 Plan, the Parent Compensation Committee may award performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”), the vesting of which is contingent upon meeting service conditions and various performance goals.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Parent granted certain employees PRSUs, the vesting of which is fully based on the Parent’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) ranking among a peer group over a three-year performance period. The awards also have a service requirement that equals the respective performance periods.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, PRSUs were awarded under the 2016 Plan based upon two discrete measures: a profit performance metric and relative TSR. The profit performance metric, which accounts for 50% of the PRSU award upon issuance, is measured upon the completion of a three-year performance period ending December 31, 2020. The remaining 50% of the PRSU award is tied exclusively to relative TSR performance, which was measured against the three-year TSR of a custom index of companies. TSR relative to peers is considered a market condition under applicable authoritative guidance, while the profit performance metric is considered a performance condition. In the first quarter of 2021, it was determined that 200% of the profit performance metric was achieved and 78% of the relative TSR metric was achieved in accordance with the applicable criteria established by the Parent Compensation Committee.

PRSUs with TSR conditions are valued at grant date using a binomial-lattice model (i.e., Monte Carlo simulation model), while PRSUs with company-specific profit performance metric are valued at the market value of a share of Common stock on the date of grant taking into consideration the probability of achieving the specified performance goal. The Parent estimates the ultimate payout of PRSUs with a profit performance metric and adjusts the cumulative expense based on its estimate and the percent of the requisite service period that has elapsed. PRSUs with TSR conditions are recognized on a straight-line basis over the performance periods regardless of the performance condition achievement because the probability is factored into the valuation of the award. The related compensation expense for each of the awards is recognized, on a straight-line basis, over the vesting period.

Under the 2020 Plan, the Parent Compensation Committee may also award non-performance-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to select executives, employees and outside directors, which typically vest three years after the date of grant. With limited exceptions, the employee must remain in service until the vesting date. The Parent Compensation Committee determines the terms and conditions of each award, including any restriction period and other criteria applicable to the awards.

The activity of ESAB participants in the Parent’s PRSUs and RSUs is as follows:

 

     PRSUs      RSUs  
     Weighted-Average      Weighted-Average  
     Number of
Units
     Grant-Date
Fair Value
     Number of
Units
     Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at January 1, 2021

     63,592      $ 37.39        228,006      $ 33.30  

Granted

     25,709        44.60        212,492        45.94  

Vested

     (24,631      33.10        (93,452      32.76  

Forfeited and expired

     —          —          (46,387      36.66  
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Nonvested at December 31, 2021

     64,670        41.89        300,659        41.66  
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of PRSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $47.68 and $27.53, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $35.53 and $27.76, respectively.

The fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $3.9 million, $4.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

11.

Accrued and Other Liabilities

Accrued and Other liabilities in the Combined Balance Sheets consisted of the following:

 

     Current      Noncurrent      Current      Noncurrent  
     December 31, 2021      December 31, 2020  
     (In thousands)  

Compensation and related benefits

   $ 74,587      $ 62,215      $ 58,611      $ 79,307  

Taxes

     58,920        203,760        51,468        216,936  

Contract liability

     22,265        —          21,602        —    

Lease liability

     20,467        88,777        18,636        78,407  

Third-party commissions

     16,130        —          9,455        —    

Warranty liability

     14,954        —          14,022        —    

Restructuring liability

     7,834        275        5,706        221  

Other

     35,952        7,918        40,072        5,350  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 251,109      $ 362,945      $ 219,572      $ 380,221  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accrued Warranty Liability

A summary of the activity in the Company’s warranty liability included in Accrued liabilities in the Company’s Combined Balance Sheets is as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2021      2020  
     (In thousands)  

Warranty liability, beginning of period

   $ 14,022      $ 14,213  

Accrued warranty expense

     6,707        6,164  

Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties

     2,416        1,796  

Cost of warranty service work performed

     (7,909      (8,449

Foreign exchange translation effect

     (282      298  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Warranty liability, end of period

   $ 14,954      $ 14,022  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-29


Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Accrued Restructuring Liability

The Company’s restructuring programs include a series of actions to reduce the structural costs of the Company. A summary of the activity in the Company’s restructuring liability included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities in the Combined Balance Sheets is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2021  
     Balance at
Beginning of
Period
     Provisions      Payments     Foreign
Currency
Translation
    Balance at End
of Period
 
     (In thousands)  

Restructuring and other related charges:

            

Americas

            

Termination benefits(1)

   $ 1,089      $ 5,414      $ (4,455   $ (4   $ 2,044  

Facility closure costs and other(2)

     469        5,978        (6,397     —         50  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     1,558        11,392        (10,852     (4     2,094  
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash charges(2)

        220         
     

 

 

        

Segment Total

        11,612         
     

 

 

        

EMEA & APAC

            

Termination benefits(1)

     4,247        4,219        (2,641     (51     5,774  

Facility closure costs(2)

     122        2,090        (1,954     (17     241  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     4,369        6,309        (4,595     (68     6,015  
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash charges(2)

        1,033         
     

 

 

        

Segment Total

        7,342         
     

 

 

        

Total

   $ 5,927        17,701      $ (15,447   $ (72   $ 8,109  
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash charges(2)

        1,253         
     

 

 

        

Total Provision

      $ 18,954         
     

 

 

        

 

(1)

Includes severance and other termination benefits, including outplacement services.

(2)

Includes the cost of relocating associates, relocating equipment, lease termination expense and other costs in connection with the closure and optimization of of facilities and product lines.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2020  
     Balance at
Beginning of
Period
     Provisions      Payments     Foreign
Currency
Translation
    Balance at End
of Period
 
     (In thousands)  

Restructuring and other related charges:

            

Americas

            

Termination benefits(1)

   $ 269      $ 5,321      $ (4,480   $ (21   $ 1,089  

Facility closure costs(2)

     9        6,615        (6,155     —         469  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     278        11,936        (10,635     (21     1,558  
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash charges(2)

        503         
     

 

 

        

Segment Total

        12,439         
     

 

 

        

EMEA & APAC

            

Termination benefits(1)

     1,369        6,060        (3,218     36       4,247  

Facility closure costs(2)

     1,275        1,743        (2,905     9       122  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     2,644        7,803        (6,123     45       4,369  
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash charges(2)

        1,391         
     

 

 

        

Segment Total

        9,194         
     

 

 

        

Total

   $ 2,922        19,739      $ (16,758   $ 24     $ 5,927  
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash charges(2)

        1,894         
     

 

 

        

Total Provision

      $ 21,633         
     

 

 

        

 

(1)

Includes severance and other termination benefits, including outplacement services.

(2)

Includes the cost of relocating associates, relocating equipment and lease termination expense in connection with the closure of facilities.

 

12.

Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors various defined benefit plans and other post-retirement benefits plans, including health and life insurance, for certain eligible employees or former employees. The Company uses December 31st as the measurement date for all of its employee benefit plans. The pension benefit disclosures presented below are primarily related to the Company’s foreign plans. The domestic portion included in the disclosures relate to three unfunded defined benefit plans that no longer accrue benefits; and have projected benefit obligations of $1.6 million as of December 31, 2021 and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2020; and had net annual periodic benefit costs of $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Certain current and former employees of the Company participate in a benefit plan sponsored by the Parent which is frozen to future benefits. Net periodic pension benefit, related to the Parent sponsored plan, of $1.4 million, $0.7 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, has been allocated to the Company based on the Company’s share of total Colfax headcount and is reflected within Interest (income) expense and other, net, in the Combined Statements of Operations. The associated assets and liabilities of this Parent sponsored plan are not presented within the Company’s Combined Balance Sheets.

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized a pension settlement gain of $11.2 million when the independent trustees of a company pension plan agreed to merge that plan with another company pension plan and contribute its surplus assets. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company settled a

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

non-U.S. pension plan. As a result of the settlement, the Company has no further funding obligations under this plan and recognized a loss of $33.6 million. These amounts are reflected in Pension settlement (gain) loss in the Combined Statements of Operations.

The following table summarizes the total changes in the Company’s pension and accrued post-retirement benefits and plan assets and includes a statement of the plans’ funded status:

 

     Pension Benefits      Other Post-
Retirement Benefits
 
     Year Ended December 31,      Year Ended December 31,  
     2021      2020      2021      2020  
     (In thousands)  

Change in benefit obligation:

           

Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year

   $ 155,914      $ 143,395      $ 388      $ 224  

Service cost

     1,785        1,577        14        8  

Interest cost

     1,668        2,260        22        16  

Plan amendments

     911        95        —          —    

Actuarial loss (gain)

     (1,866      6,063        (25      153  

Foreign exchange effect

     (6,653      9,674        (7      (3

Benefits paid

     (8,168      (8,904      (10      (10

Settlements

     (847      —          —          —    

Other

     170        1,754        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation, end of year

   $ 142,914      $ 155,914      $ 382      $ 388  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year

   $ 139,513      $ 152,723      $ 382      $ 388  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

           

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year

   $ 73,114      $ 67,535      $ —        $ —    

Actual return on plan assets

     4,706        4,037        —          —    

Employer contributions

     5,210        5,950        10        10  

Foreign exchange effect

     (1,594      2,806        —          —    

Benefits paid

     (8,168      (8,904      (10      (10

Settlements(1)

     11,272        —          —          —    

Other

     (37      1,690        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets, end of year

   $ 84,503      $ 73,114      $ —        $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funded status, end of year

   $ (58,411    $ (82,800    $ (382    $ (388
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts recognized on the Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31:

           

Non-current assets

   $ 7,119      $ —        $ —        $ —    

Current liabilities

     (3,393      (3,648      (23      (24

Non-current liabilities

     (62,137      (79,152      (359      (364
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ (58,411    $ (82,800    $ (382    $ (388
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Settlements includes $11.2 million classified as Pension settlement (gain) loss on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

For pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets were $ 68.5 million and $5.2 million, as of December 31, 2021 and $144.8 million and $64.9 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020.

For pensions plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets were $76.2 million and $10.7 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021 and $152.6 million and $69.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020.

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s foreign pension benefit obligations and plan assets, included in the table above, and includes a statement of the plans’ funded status:

 

     Foreign Pension Benefits  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021      2020  
     (In thousands)  

Change in benefit obligation:

     

Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year

   $ 154,075      $ 141,586  

Service cost

     1,785        1,577  

Interest cost

     1,646        2,218  

Plan amendments

     911        95  

Actuarial loss (gain)

     (1,787      5,913  

Foreign exchange effect

     (6,653      9,674  

Benefits paid

     (8,022      (8,740

Settlements

     (847      —    

Other

     170        1,752  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation, end of year

   $ 141,278      $ 154,075  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year

   $ 137,876      $ 150,884  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

     

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year

   $ 73,114      $ 67,535  

Actual return on plan assets

     4,706        4,037  

Employer contributions

     5,064        5,786  

Foreign exchange effect

     (1,594      2,806  

Benefits paid

     (8,022      (8,740

Settlements

     11,272        —    

Other

     (37      1,690  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets, end of year

   $ 84,503      $ 73,114  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funded status, end of year

   $ (56,775    $ (80,961
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Expected contributions to the Company’s pension and other post-employment benefit plans for the year ending December 31, 2022, related to plans as of December 31, 2021, are $4.8 million. The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during each respective fiscal year:

 

     Pension Benefits      Other Post-
Retirement
Benefits
 
     All Plans      Foreign
Plans
 
     (In thousands)  

2022

   $ 8,660      $ 8,518      $ 23  

2023

     8,574        8,439        25  

2024

     7,775        7,645        27  

2025

     8,029        7,904        27  

2026

     8,328        8,209        29  

2027 - 2031

     39,539        39,025        156  

The Company’s primary investment objective for its pension plan assets is to provide a source of retirement income for the plans’ participants and beneficiaries. The assets are invested with the goal of preserving principal while providing a reasonable rate of return over the long term. Diversification of assets is achieved through strategic allocations to various asset classes. Actual allocations to each asset class vary due to periodic investment strategy changes, market value fluctuations, the length of time it takes to fully implement investment allocation positions, and the timing of benefit payments and contributions. The asset allocation is monitored and rebalanced as required, as frequently as on a quarterly basis in some instances. The target allocation for plan assets varies by plan and jurisdiction. The actual allocation percentages as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are consistent with the target allocation ranges of the plans.

The following are the actual allocation percentages for the Company’s pension plan assets:

 

     Actual Asset Allocation  
     December 31,  
     2021     2020  

Foreign Plans:

    

Equity securities

     23     27

Fixed income securities

     25     10

Cash and cash equivalents

     1     0

Insurance contracts

     38     49

Investment funds(1)

     13     14

 

(1)

Represents various fixed income and equity securities.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

A summary of the Company’s pension plan assets for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented follows (see Note 13, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for further description of the levels within the fair value hierarchy):

 

     December 31, 2020  
     Level One      Level Two      Level Three      Total  
     (In thousands)  

Foreign Plans:

           

Cash and cash equivalents(1)

   $ 442      $ —        $ —        $ 442  

Equity securities

     19,305        —          —          19,305  

Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds

     21,310       
—  
 
     —          21,310  

Insurance contracts

     —          32,570        —          32,570  

Investment funds

     —          10,836        —          10,836  

Other

     —          40        —          40  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 41,057      $ 43,446      $ —        $ 84,503  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

The weighted-average interest crediting rates received in Cash and cash equivalents of foreign plans are immaterial relative to total plan assets.

 

     December 31, 2020  
     Level One      Level Two      Level Three      Total  
     (In thousands)  

Foreign Plans:

           

Cash and cash equivalents(1)

   $ 239      $ —        $ —        $ 239  

Equity securities

     19,513        —          —          19,513  

Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds

     5,331        1,922        —          7,253  

Insurance contracts

     —          35,593        —          35,593  

Investment funds

     —          10,491        —          10,491  

Other

     —          25        —          25  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 25,083      $ 48,031      $ —        $ 73,114  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

The weighted-average interest crediting rates received in Cash and cash equivalents of foreign plans are immaterial relative to total plan assets.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive income of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement employee benefit plans:

 

     Pension Benefits        Other
Post- Retirement
Benefits
 
     Year Ended
December 31,
       Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2021     2020      2019        2021      2020      2019  
     (In thousands)  

Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost:

                  

Service cost

   $ 1,785     $ 1,577      $ 1,527        $ 14      $ 8      $ 5  

Interest cost

     1,668       2,260        7,381          22        16        14  

Amortization

     1,220       785        364          8        (8      10  

Settlement (gain) loss(1)

     (11,195     —          33,616          —          —          —    

Other

     2       154        79          —          —          —    

Expected return on plan assets

     (2,258     (2,397      (7,190        —          —          —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit (income) cost

   $ (8,778   $ 2,379      $ 35,777        $ 44      $ 16      $ 29  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Gain) Loss:

                  

Current year net actuarial (gain) loss(2)

   $ (5,788   $ 6,533      $ 62,529        $ (27    $ 157      $ 44  

Current year prior service cost

     —         95        23          —          —          15  

Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:

                  

Amortization of net (gain) loss

     (1,228     (785      (296        (8      8        6  

Settlement/divestiture/other gain

     —         (89      (33,616        —          —          —    

Amortization of prior service cost

     (5     —          (63        —          —          (15
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total recognized in Other comprehensive (gain) loss

   $ (7,021   $ 5,754      $ 28,577        $ (35    $ 165      $ 50  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Settlement (gain) loss includes an $11.2 million gain and a $33.6 million loss classified as Pension settlement (gain) loss on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2019, respectively.

(2)

The actuarial loss in 2019 was primarily due to lower discount rates and lower expected returns on plan assets utilized in plans’ actuarial models.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive income of the foreign defined benefit pension plans, included in the table above:

 

     Foreign Pension Benefits  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021      2020      2019  
     (In thousands)  

Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost:

        

Service cost

   $ 1,785      $ 1,577      $ 1,527  

Interest cost

     1,646        2,218        7,321  

Amortization

     1,118        692        286  

Settlement (gain) loss

     (11,195      —          33,616  

Other

     2        154        79  

Expected return on plan assets

     (2,258      (2,397      (7,190
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ (8,902    $ 2,244      $ 35,639  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Gain) Loss:

        

Current year net actuarial loss (gain)

   $ (5,710    $ 6,389      $ 62,382  

Current year prior service cost

     —          101        23  

Less amounts included in net periodic benefit (income) cost:

        

Amortization of net loss

     (1,126      (692      (218

Settlement/divestiture/other gain

     —          (89      (33,611

Amortization of prior service cost

     (5      —          (68
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total recognized in Other comprehensive (gain) loss

   $ (6,841    $ 5,709      $ 28,508  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The components of net unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefit cost included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Combined Balance Sheets that have not been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits      Other
Post-Retirement
Benefits
 
     December 31,      December 31,  
     2021      2020      2021      2020  
     (In thousands)  

Net actuarial loss

   $ 21,388      $ 28,403      $ 56      $ 91  

Prior service cost

     95        101        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 21,483      $ 28,504      $ 56      $ 91  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The key economic assumptions used in the measurement of the Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other
Post-Retirement
Benefits
 
     December 31,     December 31,  
     2021     2020     2021     2020  

Weighted-average discount rate:

        

All plans

     1.9     1.3     6.6     6.0

Foreign plans

     1.9     1.3     —         —    

Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans

     0.6     0.6     —         —    

The key economic assumptions used in the computation of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other
Post-Retirement
Benefits
 
     Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2021     2020     2019     2021     2020     2019  

Weighted-average discount rate:

            

All plans

     1.3     2.0     2.8     6.0     7.6     8.9

Foreign plans

     1.3     1.9     2.8     —         —         —    

Weighted-average expected return on plan assets:

            

All plans

     3.6     4.1     2.9     —         —         —    

Foreign plans

     3.6     4.1     2.9     —         —         —    

Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans

     0.6     0.8     3.2     —         —         —    

In determining discount rates, the Company utilizes the single discount rate equivalent to discounting the expected future cash flows from each plan using the yields at each duration from a published yield curve as of the measurement date.

For measurement purposes, a weighted-average annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits of 7.5% was assumed. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.5% by 2034 and remain at that level thereafter for benefits covered under the plans.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was based on the Company’s investment policy target allocation of the asset portfolio between various asset classes and the expected real returns of each asset class over various periods of time that are consistent with the long-term nature of the underlying obligations of these plans.

 

13.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

The Company utilizes fair value measurement guidance prescribed by accounting standards to value its financial instruments. The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows:

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Level One: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level Two: Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level Three: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The carrying values of financial instruments, including Trade receivables, other receivables and Accounts payable, approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities. The estimated fair values may not represent actual values of the financial instruments that could be realized as of the balance sheet date or that will be realized in the future.

A summary of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented is as follows:

 

     Level One      Level Two      Level Three      Total  
     (In thousands)  

Assets:

           

Cash equivalents

   $ 8,133      $ —        $ —        $ 8,133  

Foreign currency contracts - not designated as hedges

     —          2,487        —          2,487  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 8,133      $ 2,487      $ —        $ 10,620  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Foreign currency contracts - not designated as hedges

   $ —        $ 2,309      $ —        $ 2,309  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     December 31, 2020  
     Level One      Level Two      Level Three      Total  
     (In thousands)  

Assets:

           

Cash equivalents

   $ 7,420      $ —        $ —        $ 7,420  

Foreign currency contracts - not designated as hedges

     —          2,071        —          2,071  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 7,420      $ 2,071      $ —        $ 9,491  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Foreign currency contracts - not designated as hedges

   $ —        $ 1,621      $ —        $ 1,621  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There were no transfers in or out of Level One, Two or Three during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Cash Equivalents

The Company’s cash equivalents consist of investments in interest-bearing deposit accounts and money market mutual funds which are valued based on quoted market prices. The fair value of these investments approximate cost due to their short-term maturities and the high credit quality of the issuers of the underlying securities.

Foreign Currency Contracts

The Company periodically enters into foreign currency derivative contracts. As the Company has manufacturing sites throughout the world and sells its products globally, the Company is exposed to movements in the exchange rates of various currencies. As a result, the Company enters into foreign currency swaps and forward contracts to mitigate this exchange rate risk. Commodity derivative contracts can be used to manage costs of raw materials used in the Company’s production processes. There were no changes during the periods presented in the Company’s valuation techniques used to measure asset and liability fair values on a recurring basis.

Foreign currency contracts are measured using broker quotations or observable market transactions in either listed or over-the-counter markets. The Company primarily uses foreign currency contracts to mitigate the risk associated with customer forward sale agreements denominated in currencies other than the applicable local currency, and to match costs and expected revenues where production facilities have a different currency than the selling currency.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had foreign currency contracts related to purchases and sales with notional values of $180.8 million and $184.0 million, respectively.

The Company recognized the following in its Combined Financial Statements related to its derivative instruments:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021      2020      2019  
     (In thousands)  

Contracts Not Designated in a Hedge Relationship:

        

Foreign Currency Contracts

        

Changes in unrealized (loss) gain

   $ 177      $ 1,426      $ (611

Realized loss

     (5,361      (469      (572

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable. Concentrations of credit risk are considered to exist when there are amounts collectible from multiple counterparties with similar characteristics, which could cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers prior to delivery or commencement of services and normally does not require collateral. Letters of credit are occasionally required when the Company deems necessary. There are no customers which represent more than 10% of the Company’s Trade receivables, net as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

 

14.

Commitments and Contingencies

General Litigation

The Company is involved in various pending legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of the Company’s business. None of these legal proceedings is expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flow of the Company. With respect to these proceedings,

 

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Table of Contents

FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

management of the Company believes that it will either prevail, has adequate insurance coverage or has established appropriate accruals to cover potential liabilities. Legal costs related to proceedings or claims are recorded when incurred. Other costs that management estimates may be paid related to the claims are accrued when the liability is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. There can be no assurance, however, as to the ultimate outcome of any of these matters, and if all or substantially all of these legal proceedings were to be determined adverse to the Company, there could be a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flow of the Company.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $123.2 million of unconditional purchase obligations with suppliers, the majority of which is expected to be paid by December 31, 2022.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $33.3 million.

 

15.

Segment Information

ESAB is a leading global supplier of consumable welding and cutting products and equipment, as well as gas control equipment, for use in cutting, joining and automated welding industries.

The Company’s management evaluates the operating results of each of its reportable segments based upon Net sales and segment operating income, which represents Operating income before restructuring and certain other charges.

The Company’s segment results were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021      2020      2019  
     (In thousands)  

Net sales(1):

        

Americas

   $ 1,004,208      $ 767,414      $ 939,673  

EMEA & APAC

     1,423,907        1,182,655        1,307,353  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 2,428,115      $ 1,950,069      $ 2,247,026  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Segment operating income(2):

        

Americas

   $ 119,737      $ 73,981      $ 108,946  

EMEA & APAC

     205,431        149,778        170,174  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 325,168      $ 223,759      $ 279,120  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and other impairment charges:

        

Americas

   $ 33,890      $ 36,380      $ 39,722  

EMEA & APAC

     42,009        40,264        40,350  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 75,899      $ 76,644      $ 80,072  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital expenditures:

        

Americas

   $ 14,095      $ 15,244      $ 13,995  

EMEA & APAC

     21,489        24,894        30,459  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 35,584      $ 40,138      $ 44,454  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the total net sales originating from the U.S. were $533.5 million, $443.7 million and $534.5 million, respectively. The remainder of the sales were derived from foreign countries.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(2)

The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2021      2020      2019  
    (In thousands)  

Income before income taxes

    $319,088      $ 205,839      $ 221,467  

Pension settlement (gain) loss

    (11,208)        —          33,616  

Interest (income) expense and other, net

    (1,666)        (3,713      997  

Restructuring and other related charges

    18,954        21,633        23,040  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Segment operating income

    $325,168      $ 223,759      $ 279,120  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31,  
     2021      2020  
     (In thousands)  

Investments in Equity Method Investees:

     

Americas

   $ —        $ —    

EMEA & APAC

     28,180        32,409  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 28,180      $ 32,409  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets:

     

Americas

   $ 1,304,797      $ 1,252,616  

EMEA & APAC

     2,156,465        2,133,213  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,461,262      $ 3,385,829  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31,  
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net(1):    2021      2020  
     (In thousands)  

United States

   $ 64,136      $ 65,627  

Czech Republic

     63,273        65,188  

India

     37,312        39,589  

Russia

     18,797        19,490  

Sweden

     14,138        16,093  

Other foreign countries

     88,622        94,837  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 286,278      $ 300,824  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

As the Company does not allocate all long-lived assets, specifically intangible assets, to each individual country, evaluation of long-lived assets in total is impracticable.

 

16.

Acquisition

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company completed one acquisition for total consideration, net of cash received, of $4.9 million. The Company may also pay additional contingent consideration up to $4.0 million, based on the future performance of the acquired company. The acquisition was for Octopuz, a Canadian leader in developing offline robot programming software, which further enhances the Company’s digital product solutions.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

17.

Related Party Transactions

Allocated Expenses

The Company has historically operated as part of the Parent and not as a stand-alone company. Accordingly, the Parent has allocated certain shared costs to the Company that are reflected as expenses in these financial statements. These amounts include, but are not limited to, items such as general management and executive oversight, compliance, human resources, procurement, and legal functions and financial management, including public company reporting, consolidated tax filings and tax planning. Management considers the allocation methodologies used by the Parent to be reasonable and to appropriately reflect the related expenses attributable to the Company for purposes of the carve-out financial statements; however, the expenses reflected in these financial statements may not be indicative of the actual expenses that would have been incurred during the periods presented if the Company had operated as a separate stand-alone entity. In addition, the expenses reflected in the financial statements may not be indicative of expenses the Company will incur in the future. Allocation methodologies utilized include the Company’s relative share of total Parent revenues and headcount.

All of the Company’s transactions with the Parent are considered to be financing transactions, which are presented as Transfers to Parent, net in the accompanying Combined Statements of Cash Flows.

The Company’s allocated expenses from the Parent are $29.5 million, $24.2 million and $22.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are included in the Selling, general and administrative expense in the Combined Statements of Operations.

Refer to Note 12, “Benefit Plans,” for allocations of net periodic benefit associated with a Parent sponsored benefit plan.

 

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FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF COLFAX CORPORATION

SCHEDULE II–VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

     Balance at
Beginning
of Period
     Charged to
Cost and
Expense(1)
    Write-Offs
Write-Downs
and
Deductions
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
    Balance at
End of
Period
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Year Ended December 31, 2021:

           

Allowance for credit losses

   $ 32,311      $ (494   $ (6,931   $ (974   $ 23,912  

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

     12,647        3,738       —         (920     15,465  

Year Ended December 31, 2020:

           

Allowance for credit losses(2)

   $ 32,008      $ 4,936     $ (3,448   $ (1,185   $ 32,311  

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

     17,855        —         (4,738     (470     12,647  

Year Ended December 31, 2019:

           

Allowance for credit losses

   $ 26,169      $ 7,118     $ (5,933   $ (59   $ 27,295  

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

     17,363        897       —         (405     17,855  

 

(1)

Amounts charged to expense are net of recoveries for the respective period.

(2)

The Allowance for credit losses as of January 1, 2020 includes the cumulative-effect adjustment of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Colfax Corporation

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of ESAB Corporation (the Company), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Colfax Corporation, as of December 31, 2021 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity and cash flows for the period from inception (May 19, 2021) to December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from inception (May 19, 2021) to December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.

Baltimore, Maryland

February 22, 2022

 

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ESAB CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Dollars in thousands

 

     For the period from
inception (May 19, 2021)
to December 31, 2021
 

Net sales

   $ 59,921  

Cost of sales

     36,435  
  

 

 

 

Gross profit

     23,486  

Selling, general and administrative expense

     11,375  
  

 

 

 

Operating income

     12,111  

Interest expense

     204  
  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     11,907  

Income tax expense

     5,039  
  

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 6,868  
  

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ESAB CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Dollars in thousands

 

     For the period from
inception (May 19, 2021)
to December 31, 2021
 

Net income

   $ 6,868  

Other comprehensive loss:

  

Foreign currency translation

     (8,669
  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

     (8,669
  

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

   $ (1,801
  

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ESAB CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

Dollars in thousands

 

     December 31,
2021
 

ASSETS

  

CURRENT ASSETS:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 325  

Trade receivables, less allowance for credit losses of $813

     14,880  

Inventories, net

     18,397  

Prepaid expenses

     1,722  

Other current assets

     1,703  
  

 

 

 

Total current assets

     37,027  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     7,369  

Goodwill

     75,503  

Intangible assets, net

     19,323  

Lease asset - right of use

     7,421  

Other assets

     795  

Related party receivables, net

     101,590  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 249,028  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

  

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

  

Accounts payable

   $ 15,685  

Accrued payroll

     3,009  

Accrued taxes

     2,019  

VAT payable

     4,004  

Current lease liability

     826  

Other accrued liabilities

     1,113  
  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     26,656  

Deferred tax liability

     5,363  

Other liabilities

     2,993  

Non-current lease liability

     6,351  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     41,363  
  

 

 

 

Equity:

  

Additional paid in capital

     202,515  

Retained Earnings

     88,899  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (83,749
  

 

 

 

Total equity

     207,665  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 249,028  
  

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ESAB CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY

Dollars in thousands

 

     Additional
Paid In Capital
     Retained
Earnings
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Total  

Balance at inception (May 19, 2021)

   $ 202,515      $ 82,031      $ (75,080   $ 209,466  

Net income

     —          6,868        —         6,868  

Other comprehensive loss

     —          —          (8,669     (8,669
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2021

   $ 202,515      $ 88,899      $ (83,749   $ 207,665  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ESAB CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Dollars in thousands

 

     For the period from
inception (May 19, 2021)
to December 31, 2021
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

  

Net income

   $ 6,868  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

  

Depreciation and amortization charges

     1,565  

Deferred income tax expense

     146  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

  

Trade receivables, net

     (666

Inventories, net

     (6,555

Accounts payable

     1,055  

Other operating assets and liabilities

     (1,422
  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     991  
  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

  

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (783

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     17  
  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (766
  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

  

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

     52  

Related party financing repayments, net

     (4,323
  

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (4,271
  

 

 

 

Effect of foreign exchange rates on Cash and cash equivalents

     (189
  

 

 

 

Decrease in Cash and cash equivalents

     (4,235
  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     4,560  
  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 325  
  

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OF ESAB CORPORATION

 

1.

Organization and Basis of Presentation

ESAB Corporation (the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation, and since its organization on May 19 2021, a wholly owned subsidiary of Colfax Corporation (“Colfax” or “Parent”). On May 19, 2021, in connection with the organization of ESAB Corporation, Colfax subscribed for 100 shares of common stock of ESAB Corporation.

On March 4, 2021, Colfax announced its intention to spin off its existing Fabrication Technology business (“FabTech”) into a separate publicly-traded company. The spin-off is targeted to be completed near the end of the first quarter of 2022 through a tax-free pro rata distribution of 90% of the common stock of FabTech business (the “Distribution”) to Colfax shareholders. The Company is anticipated to become the new parent company of FabTech upon completion of the Distribution.

While, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, Colfax currently intends to effect the separation of FabTech through a distribution of shares of ESAB Corporation, Colfax has no obligation to pursue or consummate any separation of FabTech, including dispositions of its ownership interest in ESAB Corporation, by any specified date or at all. The conditions to the distribution may not be satisfied, Colfax may decide not to consummate the separation and the distribution even if the conditions are satisfied or Colfax may decide to waive one or more of these conditions and consummate the separation and distribution even if all of the conditions are not satisfied. There can be no assurance whether or when any such transaction will be consummated or as to the final terms of any such transaction.

On December 14, 2021, ESAB International Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, was established. The Company subscribed for 100 shares of common stock of ESAB International Holdings.

On December 29, 2021, in anticipation of the Distribution, certain subsidiaries of FabTech were transferred into the ownership of the Company in a common-control transaction. These subsidiaries, which operate in Peru and Colombia, are fully included in the combined financial results of the Fabrication Technology business of Colfax Corporation.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements presents the historical financial position of ESAB Corporation in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

2.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities or joint ventures for which the Company has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary. When protective rights, substantive rights or other factors exist, further analysis is performed in order to determine whether or not there is a controlling financial interest. The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the customer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the goods or services.

 

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The Company provides a variety of products and services to its customers. Most of the Company’s contracts consist of a single, distinct performance obligation or promise to transfer goods or services to a customer. For contracts that include multiple performance obligations, we allocate the total transaction price to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the stand-alone selling price of each identified performance obligation. A significant majority of our revenue relates to the shipment of off-the-shelf products that is recognized when control is transferred to the customer. On a limited basis, we have agreements with customers that have multiple performance obligations. In determining whether there are multiple performance obligations, we first assess the goods or services promised in the customer arrangement and then consider the guidance in ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, to evaluate whether goods and services are capable of being distinct and are considered distinct within the customer arrangement. To determine whether promised goods or services are separately identifiable (i.e., whether a promise to transfer a good or service is distinct in the context of the contract), we evaluate whether the contract is to deliver (1) multiple promised goods or services or (2) a combined item that comprises the individual goods or services promised in the contract. Substantially all revenue involving development and application engineering projects consists of a single performance obligation and is recognized at a point in time.

Revenue recognition and billing typically occur simultaneously for contracts recognized at a point in time. Therefore we do not have material revenues in excess of customer billings or billings to customers in excess of recognized revenues.

The period of benefit for the Company’s incremental costs of obtaining a contract generally have less than a one-year duration; therefore, the Company applies the practical expedient available and expenses costs to obtain a contract when incurred.

Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

The Company collects various taxes and fees as an agent in connection with the sale of products and remits these amounts to the respective taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis within Net sales in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet until remitted to the respective taxing authority.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all financial instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less.

Trade Receivables

Trade receivables are presented net of an allowance for credit losses. The estimate of current expected credit losses on trade receivables considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Estimated credit losses are reviewed periodically by management.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing activities are recognized as period costs. Cost for inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out method.

The Company periodically reviews its quantities of inventories on hand and compares these amounts to the expected usage of each particular product. The Company records a charge to Cost of sales for any amounts required to reduce the carrying value of inventories to its net realizable value.

 

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Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment, net is stated at historical cost, which includes the fair values of such assets acquired through acquisitions.

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the costs in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired through acquisitions by the Company. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of certain trade names.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of Goodwill and its indefinite-lived trade names annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change in the interim that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. The annual impairment test date elected by the Company is the first day of its fourth quarter. The Company has two reporting units and a single reporting segment. Goodwill and indefinite-lived trade names are considered to be impaired when the carrying value of a reporting unit or asset exceeds its fair value.

In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting entity is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not for a reporting unit’s fair value to be greater than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not for a reporting unit’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the reporting unit’s fair value is performed and compared to the carrying value of that reporting unit. In certain instances, the Company may elect to forgo the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of that reporting unit is impaired and an impairment loss is recorded equal to the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over its fair value.

When a quantitative impairment test is needed, the Company measures fair value of reporting units based on a present value of future discounted cash flows. The discounted cash flow models indicate the fair value of the reporting units based on the present value of the cash flows that the reporting units are expected to generate in the future. Significant estimates in the discounted cash flow models include the weighted-average cost of capital, net sales and profitability of our business. No indication of impairment existed based on the Company’s evaluation for the period from inception (May 19, 2021) to December 31, 2021. No material events that would represent impairment indicators have occurred subsequent to the performance of the 2021 annual impairment test.

In the evaluation of indefinite-lived trade names for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the trade name is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not for the trade name’s fair value to be greater than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the trade name’s fair value is less than its carrying value, a fair value calculation is performed and compared to the carrying value of the trade name. In certain instances, the Company may elect to forgo the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. If the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived trade name exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company measures the fair value of its indefinite-lived trade names using the “relief from royalty” method. Significant estimates in this approach include projected revenues and royalty and discount rates for each trade name evaluated. No indication of impairment existed based on the Company’s evaluation for the period from inception (May 19, 2021) to December 31, 2021.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Definite-lived intangible assets primarily represent acquired customer relationships. The Company generally uses a straight-line amortization method with useful lives generally ranging from ten to twenty years.

 

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The Company assesses its long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining lives of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amounts, an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of the assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. Management determines fair value using the discounted cash flow method or other accepted valuation techniques.

Income Taxes

Income taxes for the Company are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements and their respective tax basis. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred income tax assets are reported in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Deferred income tax liabilities are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is generally recognized in Income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) is accounted for as a current tax expense in the year the tax is incurred.

Valuation allowances are recorded if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. Any changes in judgment about the valuation allowance are recorded through Income tax expense and are based on changes in facts and circumstances regarding realizability of deferred tax assets.

The Company must presume that an income tax position taken in a tax return will be examined by the relevant tax authority and determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination based upon the technical merits of the position. An income tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The Company establishes a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits for income tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by the respective taxing authority to the extent such tax positions reduce the Company’s income tax liability. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in Income tax expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Use of Estimates

The Company makes certain estimates and assumptions in preparing its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the period presented. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

3.

Revenue

The Company develops, manufactures and supplies consumable welding and cutting products and equipment. The Company provides a wide range of products with innovative technologies to solve challenges in a range of industries, including cutting, joining and automated welding. Substantially all revenue is recognized at a point in time.

 

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The Company disaggregates its revenue into the following product groups:

 

     For the period from
inception (May 19, 2021)
to December 31, 2021
 
     (In thousands)  

Consumables

   $ 50,916  

Equipment

     9,005  
  

 

 

 
   $ 59,921  
  

 

 

 

There are no customers which represent more than 10% of the Company’s revenue for the period from inception (May 19, 2021) to December 31, 2021.

 

4.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, Plant and Equipment, consisted of the following:

 

     Depreciable Life      December 31,
2021
 
     (In years)      (In thousands)  

Land

     n/a      $ 1,459  

Buildings and improvements

     5-40        4,530  

Machinery and equipment

     3-15        8,453  
     

 

 

 
        14,442  

Accumulated depreciation

        (7,073
     

 

 

 
      $ 7,369  
     

 

 

 

Depreciation expense for the period from inception (May 19, 2021) to December 31, 2021 was $0.6 million.

 

5.

Inventories, Net

Inventories, net consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,
2021
 
     (In thousands)  

Raw materials

   $ 6,946  

Work in process

     453  

Finished goods

     11,935  
  

 

 

 
     19,334  

Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory

     (937
  

 

 

 
   $ 18,397  
  

 

 

 

 

6.

Leases

The Company leases certain office spaces and vehicles. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. Most leases include renewal options, which can extend the lease term into the future. The Company determines the lease term by assuming options that are reasonably certain of being renewed will be exercised. Certain of the Company’s leases include rental payments adjusted for inflation. The right-of-use lease asset and lease liabilities are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Operating lease expense was $0.7 million, for the period from inception (May 19, 2021) to December 31, 2021.

 

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The following table presents the maturity of our operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021:

 

     December 31,
2021
 
     (In thousands)  

Future lease payments by year:

  

2022

   $ 1,090  

2023

     961  

2024

     835  

2025

     530  

2026

     551  

Thereafter

     5,110  
  

 

 

 

Total

     9,077  

Less: present value discount

     (1,900
  

 

 

 

Present value of lease liabilities

   $ 7,177  
  

 

 

 

Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):

  

Operating leases

     11.49  

Weighted-average discount rate:

  

Operating leases

     3.9

 

7.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes Goodwill activity for the period from inception (May 19, 2021) to December 31, 2021:

 

     December 31, 2021  
     (In thousands)  

Balance, May 19, 2021

   $ 79,954  

Impact of foreign currency translation

     (4,451
  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2021

   $ 75,503  
  

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s Intangible assets, excluding Goodwill:

 

     December 31, 2021  
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
 
     (In thousands)  

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

     

Trade names

   $ 4,124      $ —    

Definite-lived intangible assets

     

Software

     1,509        (1,280

Acquired customer relationships

     27,402        (12,432
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 33,035      $ (13,712
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortization expense for the period from inception (May 19, 2021) to December 31, 2021 was $1.0 million. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion regarding impairment of Intangible assets.

 

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8.

Income Taxes

Income before income taxes and Income tax expense consisted of the following:

 

     For the period from
May 19, 2021 to
December 31, 2021
 
     (In thousands)  

Income before income taxes:

  

Domestic operations

   $ —    

Foreign operations

     11,907  
  

 

 

 
   $ 11,907  
  

 

 

 

Income tax expense:

  

Current:

  

Federal

   $ —    

State

     —    

Foreign

     4,893  
  

 

 

 
     4,893  
  

 

 

 

Deferred:

  

Domestic operations

     —    

Foreign operations

     146  
  

 

 

 
     146  
  

 

 

 
   $ 5,039  
  

 

 

 

The Company’s Income tax expense differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate as follows:

 

     For the period from
May 19, 2021 to
December 31, 2021
 
     (In thousands)  

Taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate

   $ 2,500  

Effect of tax rates on international operations

     1,112  

Withholding taxes

     1,427  
  

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   $ 5,039  
  

 

 

 

 

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Deferred income taxes, net reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

     December 31,
2021
 
     (In thousands)  

Deferred tax assets:

  

Expenses currently not deductible

   $ 3,423  
  

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

  

Depreciation and amortization

   $ (8,064

Inventory

     (722
  

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

   $ (8,786
  

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities, net

   $ (5,363
  

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, all undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, which are indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S., were provisionally estimated to be $17.7 million.

The Company records a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits for the amount of benefit included in its previously filed income tax returns and in its financial results expected to be included in income tax returns to be filed for periods through the date of its Consolidated Financial Statements for income tax positions for which it is not more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the respective taxing authority. The gross unrecognized tax benefit (inclusive of associated interest and penalties) at inception (May 19, 2021) and December 31, 2021 was $2.9 million.

The Company is routinely examined by tax authorities around the world. Tax examinations remain in process in Peru. In Peru, tax years dating back to 2012 remain subject to examination.

The Company’s total unrecognized tax benefits were $2.9 million as of December 31, 2021, inclusive of $0.8 million of interest and penalties and are included within Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Due to the difficulty in predicting with reasonable certainty when tax audits will be fully resolved and closed, the range of reasonably possible significant increases or decreases in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits that may occur within the next 12 months is difficult to ascertain. Currently, the Company estimates that it is reasonably possible that the expiration of various statutes of limitations, resolution of tax audits and court decisions may reduce its tax expense in the next 12 months, the Company does not expect any such reduction to be material.

 

9.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

The Company utilizes fair value measurement guidance prescribed by accounting standards to value its financial instruments. The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows:

Level One: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level Two: Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

 

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Level Three: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The carrying values of financial instruments, including Trade receivables, other receivables and Accounts payable, approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities. The estimated fair values may not represent actual values of the financial instruments that could be realized as of the balance sheet date or that will be realized in the future.

A summary of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented is as follows:

 

     December 31, 2021  
     Level
One
     Level
Two
     Level
Three
     Total  
            (In thousands)         

Assets:

           

Foreign currency contracts - not designated as hedges(1)

   $ —        $ 509      $ —        $ 509  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Foreign currency contracts - not designated as hedges(2)

   $ —        $ 30      $ —        $ 30  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Included within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(2)

Included within other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

There were no transfers in or out of Level One, Two or Three during the period from inception (May 19, 2021) to December 31, 2021.

Foreign Currency Contracts

The Company periodically enters into foreign currency derivative contracts including foreign currency swaps and forward contracts to mitigate exchange rate risk. Commodity derivative contracts can be used to manage costs of raw materials used in the Company’s production processes. Foreign currency contracts are measured using broker quotations or observable market transactions in either listed or over-the-counter markets. The Company primarily uses foreign currency contracts to mitigate the risk associated with customer forward sale agreements denominated in currencies other than the applicable local currency, and to match costs and expected revenues where production facilities have a different currency than the selling currency. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had foreign currency contracts related to purchases and sales with a notional value of $24.2 million.

The Company recognized the following in its Consolidated Financial Statements related to its derivative instruments:

 

     For the period from
inception (May 19, 2021)
to December 31, 2021
 
     (In thousands)  

Contracts Not Designated in a Hedge Relationship:

  

Foreign Currency Contracts

  

Changes in unrealized gain

   $ 478  

Realized loss

   $ (2,624

 

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10.

Related Party Transactions

The Parent allocates management charges to the Company for corporate services and license fees. Management charges of $4.0 million were recognized within Selling, general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the period from inception (May 19, 2021) to December 31, 2021.

The Company participates in Colfax’s corporate cash sweep program and has executed certain financing transactions with other entities under common control. As a result of these transactions, the Company has a balance due from related parties of $101.6 million as of December 31, 2021. Interest is accrued on these balances at a rate of London Inter-Bank Offered Rate less 0.25%.

 

F-60

Exhibit 99.2

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Materials

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

 

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You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in Colfax Corporation (“Colfax”). Colfax has released informational materials regarding the separation of its wholly-owned subsidiary, ESAB Corporation “ESAB”, that are now available for your review. The materials consist of the Information Statement, including any supplements, that ESAB has prepared in connection with the separation. This notice provides instructions on how to access these materials for informational purposes only. It is not a form for voting and Colfax is not soliciting your proxy in connection with the separation. This notice presents only an overview of these materials, which contain important information and are available, free of charge, on the Internet or by mail. We encourage you to access and closely review these materials.

 

To effect the separation, Colfax will distribute 90% of the shares of ESAB common stock on a pro rata basis to the holders of Colfax common stock. Immediately following the distribution, which will be effective as of the date and time referenced in the Information Statement, ESAB will be an independent, publicly traded company.

  

You may view the materials online at www.materialnotice.com and easily request a paper or e-mail copy (see reverse side). To facilitate timely delivery, please make your request for a paper copy at least five business days prior to the distribution date referenced in the Information Statement.

 

  

 

See the reverse side for instructions on how to access materials.

 


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