--12-31 false 0001814140 0001814140 2022-07-29 2022-07-29 0001814140 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2022-07-29 2022-07-29 0001814140 us-gaap:WarrantMember 2022-07-29 2022-07-29

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 29, 2022

 

 

Apexigen, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-39488   85-1260244

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

75 Shoreway Road, Suite C

San Carlos, CA

  94070
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(650) 931-6236

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbols

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share   APGN   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Warrants, each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share   APGNW   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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

Emerging growth company  ☒

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

 

 

 


INTRODUCTORY NOTE

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

Terms used in this Current Report on Form 8-K (this “Report”) but not defined herein, or for which definitions are not otherwise incorporated by reference herein, shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (as defined below) in the section titled “Basis of Presentation and Glossary” beginning on page 1 thereof, and such definitions are incorporated herein by reference.

Closing of the Business Combination

On March 17, 2022, Brookline Capital Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“BCAC”), and Project Barolo Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of BCAC (“Merger Sub”), entered into a Business Combination Agreement (as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Business Combination Agreement and as it may be further amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Business Combination Agreement”) with Apexigen, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Legacy Apexigen”).

On July 27, 2022, BCAC held an annual meeting of its stockholders at which BCAC’s stockholders voted to approve the proposals outlined in the final prospectus and definitive proxy statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 6, 2022 (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), including, among other things, the adoption of the Business Combination Agreement. On July 29, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), as


contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement and described in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus entitled “Proposal No. 1 - The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on the page 154 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, BCAC consummated the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, whereby, Merger Sub merged with and into Legacy Apexigen, with Legacy Apexigen continuing as the surviving corporation, resulting in Legacy Apexigen becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of BCAC (the “Merger” and, together with the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”).

Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement:

 

   

holders of existing shares of Common Stock of Legacy Apexigen (following the conversion of each issued and outstanding share of Legacy Apexigen’s preferred stock into shares of Common Stock of Legacy Apexigen prior to the Effective Time) and a holder of a warrant to purchase shares of Common Stock of Legacy Apexigen (together, the “Legacy Apexigen Stockholders”), received 18,151,571 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, pursuant to the Exchange Ratio of 0.102448 shares for each share of Legacy Apexigen Common Stock held;

 

   

holders of options to purchase Common Stock of Legacy Apexigen (the “Legacy Apexigen Stock Options”) received options to acquire 3,415,868 shares of the Company’s Common Stock pursuant to the Exchange Ratio; and

 

   

a holder of a warrant to purchase shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock of Legacy Apexigen (the “Legacy Apexigen Warrant”) received a warrant to acquire 4,321 shares of the Company’s Common Stock pursuant to the Exchange Ratio.

Following the Closing, the Legacy Apexigen Stockholders hold approximately 84.6% of the outstanding shares of the Company, and Legacy Apexigen is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. On August 1, 2022, the Company’s Common Stock and the Company’s Public Warrants began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “APGN” and “APGNW,” respectively.

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

Closing of PIPE Investments

In connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, BCAC entered into subscription agreements with certain investors (collectively, the “Subscription Agreements” and such investors, the “PIPE Investors”), pursuant to which the PIPE Investors, contingent upon the consummation of the Business Combination, agreed to subscribe for and purchase, and BCAC agreed to issue and sell to the PIPE Investors, an aggregate of 1,502,000 units (each a “PIPE Unit”) at a purchase price of $10.00 per unit for an aggregate purchase price of $15,020,000 (the “PIPE Investment”). Each PIPE Unit consists of one share of BCAC Common Stock and one-half of one warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the PIPE Investor to purchase one share of BCAC Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share during the period commencing 30 days after the Closing and terminating on the five-year anniversary of the Closing. Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, BCAC agreed to provide the PIPE Investors with certain registration rights with respect to the PIPE Units. The PIPE Investment was consummated substantially concurrently with the Closing and the Company received $14,520,000 of the expected $15,020,000 from PIPE Investors. The Company expects to receive the remaining $500,000 once a final investor satisfies applicable regulatory requirements.

A description of the Subscription Agreements is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Other Agreements - Subscription Agreements” beginning on page 294 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The foregoing description of the Subscription Agreements is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the form of Subscription Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement

Concurrently with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, BCAC, Legacy Apexigen, and Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”) entered into a Purchase Agreement (the “Lincoln Park Purchase


Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company has the right to direct Lincoln Park to purchase from the Company up to an aggregate amount of $50,000,000 of the Company’s Common Stock from time to time over a 24-month period following the Closing, subject to certain limitations contained in the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement, and a Registration Rights Agreement, providing for the registration of the shares of the Company’s Common Stock issuable in respect of the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement. On the date of the Closing, the Company issued to Lincoln Park 150,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Additionally, the Company will issue to Lincoln Park $1,500,000 of the Company’s Common Stock on the date that is 90 calendar days after the date of the Closing at the purchase price equal to the arithmetic average of the last closing sale price for the Company’s Common Stock during the 10 consecutive business days ending on the business day immediately preceding the delivery of such shares, provided that in no event shall the amount of such shares exceed 500,000.

A description of the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement and Lincoln Park Registration Rights Agreement is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Other Agreements - Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement” beginning on page 294 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The foregoing description of the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement and Lincoln Park Registration Rights Agreement is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement and Lincoln Park Registration Rights Agreement, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.3 and 10.4 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1.01.

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

Indemnification Agreements

On July 29, 2022, in connection with the Closing, the Company entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. These indemnification agreements require the Company to indemnify its directors and executive officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by a director or executive officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of the Company’s directors or executive officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at the Company’s request.

The foregoing description of the indemnification agreements is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Form of Apexigen, Inc. Indemnification Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.7 and incorporated herein by reference.

Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement

On July 29, 2022, in connection with the Closing, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent (the “A&R Warrant Agreement”), in order to account for the PIPE Warrants throughout the A&R Warrant Agreement and address the terms and conditions of the PIPE Warrants, as contemplated by the Subscription Agreements.

The foregoing description of the A&R Warrant Agreement is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the A&R Warrant Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 4.3 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.01.

Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets

The disclosure set forth in the “Introductory Note” above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.01. The material terms and conditions of the Business Combination Agreement are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections titled “Proposal No. 1 - The Business Combination Proposal,” “The Business Combination” and “The Business Combination Agreement” beginning on pages 154, 277 and 279, respectively, and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

The Business Combination Agreement and the Business Combination were approved by the Company’s stockholders at the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders held on July 27, 2022 (the “Annual Meeting”). On July 29, 2022, the parties to the Business Combination Agreement consummated the Business Combination.

 


Prior to and in connection with the Annual Meeting, holders of 4,618,607 out of 5,061,592 shares of BCAC’s Common Stock exercised their right to redeem those shares for cash at a price of approximately $10.22 per share, for an aggregate of approximately $47.2 million, which was paid out of the Trust Account following the Closing (the “BCAC Shares Redemption”).

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Business Combination Agreement, because the cash proceeds from (i) the PIPE Investment, as actually received by BCAC prior to or substantially concurrently with the Closing from investors to the Trust Account or that were first introduced by BCAC or its representatives or (ii) as a result of public stockholders not redeeming shares reflecting cash maintained in the Trust Account (the “BCAC Related Funds Amount”) at Closing that were available to the Combined Company were less than $20,000,000, 436,021 of the Sponsor Shares were forfeited and cancelled at the Closing (the “Sponsor Shares Forfeiture”).

Immediately after the Closing and following the BCAC Shares Redemption, the Sponsor Shares Forfeiture and the issuance of 1,452,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock to the PIPE Investors and 150,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock to Lincoln Park, the Company had the following outstanding securities:

 

   

21,445,035 shares of the Company’s Common Stock of which 18,151,571 are held by Legacy Apexigen Stockholders, 442,985 are held by former BCAC public stockholders, 1,248,479 are held by Brookline Capital Holdings, LLC, as BCAC’s sponsor, together with the BCAC IPO underwriter and certain of its employees, 1,452,000 are held by the PIPE Investors and 150,000 are held by Lincoln Park;

 

   

3,724,500 warrants, each exercisable for one share of the Company’s Common Stock at a price of $11.50 per share, of which 2,875,000 were originally Public Warrants of BCAC, 726,000 were originally PIPE Warrants and 123,500 were originally Private Placement Warrants;

 

   

4,321 shares of the Company’s Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of a Legacy Apexigen Warrant assumed from Legacy Apexigen as a result of the Business Combination; and

 

   

3,415,868 shares of the Company’s Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Legacy Apexigen Stock Options assumed from Legacy Apexigen as a result of the Business Combination.

FORM 10 INFORMATION

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

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements include statements about future financial and operating results of the Company; benefits of the Business Combination; statements about the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations of the Company; statements regarding future performance; and other statements regarding the Business Combination. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to, among other things, the Company’s capital resources and results of operations. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of terminology such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words or phrases.

 


The forward-looking statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K reflect the Company’s current views about the Business Combination and future events and are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause its actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. The Company does not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:

 

   

We are in the early stages of clinical drug development and have a limited operating history and no products approved for commercial sale.

 

   

We have incurred net losses since inception and expect to continue to incur significant net losses for the foreseeable future.

 

   

Our ability to generate revenue and achieve profitability depends significantly on our ability to achieve a number of objectives.

 

   

We will require substantial additional capital to finance operations. If we are unable to raise such capital when needed or on acceptable terms, we may be forced to delay, reduce, and/or eliminate one or more research and drug development programs or future commercialization efforts.

 

   

We are dependent on the success of our product candidates, including our lead product candidate, sotigalimab, which is currently in multiple clinical trials.

 

   

Our clinical trials may reveal serious adverse events, toxicities, or other side effects of our current and any future product candidates that result in a safety profile that could inhibit regulatory approval or market acceptance of our product candidates.

 

   

If we experience delays or difficulties in the enrollment of patients in clinical trials, our receipt of necessary marketing approvals could be delayed or prevented.

 

   

The clinical trials of our current and any of our future product candidates may not demonstrate safety and efficacy to the satisfaction of regulatory authorities or otherwise be timely conducted or produce positive results.

 

   

The regulatory approval processes of the Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, and comparable foreign regulatory authorities are lengthy, time-consuming, and inherently unpredictable. If we are ultimately unable to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, we will be unable to generate product revenue and our business will be substantially harmed.

 

   

We rely on third parties to conduct our clinical trials and those third parties may not perform satisfactorily, including failing to meet deadlines for the completion of such trials, research and studies.

 

   

The COVID-19 pandemic could adversely impact our business including our ongoing and planned clinical trials and preclinical research.

While forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes after the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K, except as required by applicable law. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause the Company’s future results, performance or transactions to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, please see the section titled “Risk Factors.” You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to the Company.

Business

Apexigen’s business prior to the Business Combination is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Information About Apexigen” beginning on page 204 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 


The Company announces material information to the public through a variety of means, including filings with the SEC, press releases, public conferences and the Company’s website (https://www.apexigen.com). The Company uses these channels to communicate with investors and the public news and developments about the Company and other matters. Therefore, the Company encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the Company to review the information it makes public in these locations, as such information could be deemed to be material information.

Risk Factors

The risks associated with the Company’s business and operations and the Business Combination are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 50, and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

Financial Information

Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements

The unaudited condensed financial statements of Legacy Apexigen prior to the Business Combination as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, and the audited financial statements of Legacy Apexigen prior to the Business Combination for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-56 and are incorporated herein by reference.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of BCAC and Legacy Apexigen as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 is set forth in Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operation

Reference is made to the disclosure contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page 242 in the section titled “Apexigen’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Reference is made to the disclosures contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page 255 in the section titled “Apexigen’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

Properties

The Company’s facilities and office space are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page 241 in the section titled “Apexigen’s Business-Facilities,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

Securities Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock as of the Closing Date (the “Ownership Date”), after giving effect to (i) the consummation of the Business Combination, PIPE Investment and the issuance of 150,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock to Lincoln Park pursuant to the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement, (ii) the BCAC Shares Redemption and the Sponsor Shares Forfeiture:

 

   

each person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock;


   

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

 

   

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

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

The beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock is based on 21,445,035 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding as of the Ownership Date.

This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal stockholders and Schedules 13G or 13D filed with the SEC. Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that all persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the voting securities beneficially owned by them.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
     Percentage of Shares
Beneficially Owned
 

Greater than 5% Stockholders:

     

Decheng Capital China Life Sciences USD Fund II, L.P.(1)

     1,894,551        8.8

Brookline Capital Holdings, LLC(2)

     1,314,479        6.1

3E Bioventures Capital, L.P.(3)

     1,141,599        5.3

Named Executive Officers and Directors:(4)

     

Xiaodong Yang, M.D., Ph.D.(5)

     1,738,423        7.7

Frank Hsu, M.D.(6)

     56,217        *  

Amy Wong(7)

     411,077        1.9

Meenu Karson

     —          *  

Herb Cross(8)

     24,853        *  

Jakob Dupont, M.D.(9)

     22,874        *  

Gordon Ringold, Ph.D.(10)

     34,882        *  

Scott Smith(11)

     26,273        *  

Samuel P. Wertheimer, Ph.D.

     —          *  

Dan Zabrowski, Ph.D.

     —          *  

All current directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)(12)

     2,314,599        10.0

 

*

Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%

(1)

Consists of shares held of record by Decheng Capital China Life Sciences USD Fund II, L.P. (Decheng Capital). Decheng Capital Management II (Cayman), LLC (Decheng Management) serves as the general partner of Decheng Capital and possesses the power to direct the voting and disposition of the shares owned by Decheng Capital. Dr. Min Cui, the founder and managing director of Decheng Capital, is the sole director and sole voting shareholder of Decheng Management and has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Decheng Capital. The address for Decheng Capital is No. 6, 1006 Huashan Road, Shanghai 200050, China.

(2)

Consists of 1,190,979 shares held of record by Brookline Capital Holdings, LLC (BCH) and 123,500 shares subject to Private Placement Warrants held by BCH that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2022. William Buchanan, Jr. serves as the Managing Partner of Brookline Capital Markets, which is the managing member of BCH. Consequently, such person may be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares and warrants held by BCH and have voting and dispositive control over such securities. Such person disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares or warrants other than to the extent he may have a pecuniary interest therein, directly or indirectly. The address for BCH is 280 Park Avenue, Suite 43W, New York, NY 10017.

(3)

Consists of shares held of record by BC Rabbit Limited and BC Bunny Limited. 3E Bioventures Capital, L.P. (3E Fund) controls BC Rabbit Limited and BC Bunny Limited. 3E Bioventures GP, LLC (3E GP) is the ultimate general partner of 3E Fund. Each of Qianye Karen Liu, the sole director of 3E GP, and Yu Fang and Jin Li, members of 3E GP, may be deemed to hold shared voting and dispositive power over the shares held by 3E Fund. The address for 3E Fund is Willow House, Cricket Square, Grand Cayman, KY1-1001, Cayman Islands.

(4)

The business address of each of these individuals is at c/o Apexigen, Inc., 75 Shoreway Road, Suite C, San Carlos, CA 94070.

(5)

Consists of 497,904 shares of Common Stock held by Dr. Yang, 10,000 shares subject to warrants held by Dr. Yang that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2002, and 1,230,519 shares subject to options held by Dr. Yang that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2022.

(6)

Consists of 56,217 shares subject to options held by Dr. Hsu that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2022.

(7)

Consists of 411,077 shares subject to options held by Ms. Wong that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2022.

(8)

Consists of 24,853 shares subject to options held by Mr. Cross that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2022.

(9)

Consists of 22,874 shares subject to options held by Dr. Dupont that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2022.

(10)

Consists of 10,000 shares of Common Stock held by Dr. Ringold, 5,000 shares subject to warrants held by Dr. Ringold that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2002, and 19,882 shares subject to options held by Dr. Ringold that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2022.

(11)

Consists of 26,273 shares subject to options held by Mr. Smith that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2022.

(12)

Consists of 507,904 shares of Common Stock held by our executive officers and directors, 15,000 shares subject to warrants held by our executive officers and directors that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2002, and 1,791,695 shares subject to options held by executive officers and directors that are exercisable within 60 days of July 29, 2022.


Directors and Executive Officers

Information with respect to the Company’s directors and executive officers after the Business Combination is included in the Proxy Statement in the section titled “Management of the Combined Company Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 257 and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

Executive Compensation

The information set forth in the section entitled “Executive Compensation of Apexigen” beginning on page 267 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is incorporated herein by reference.

Director Compensation

The information set forth in the section entitled “Management of the Combined Company Following the Business Combination - Director Compensation” beginning on page 263 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

The information set forth in the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” beginning on page 335 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is incorporated herein by reference.

Legal Proceedings

The information set forth in the section entitled “Apexigen’s Business—Legal Proceedings” on page 241 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is incorporated herein by reference.

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

The information set forth in the section entitled “Market Price and Dividend Information” on page 40 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is incorporated herein by reference. Additional information regarding holders of the Company’s securities is set forth below in the section of this Current Report on Form 8-K titled “Description of Registrant’s Securities.

On August 1, 2022 Apexigen’s Common Stock and Warrants began trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “APGN” and “APGNW,” respectively.

In connection with the Closing, each BCAC Unit was separated into its components, which consisted of one share of BCAC Common Stock and one-half of one warrant, with each whole warrant redeemable for one share of BCAC Common Stock, and such BCAC Units no longer exist.

 


Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

The disclosure set forth below in Item 3.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K concerning the issuance and sale by the Company of certain unregistered securities is incorporated herein by reference.

Description of Registrant’s Securities

The information set forth in the section entitled “Description of Capital Stock of the Combined Company” beginning on page 329 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is incorporated herein by reference.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The information set forth in the section entitled “Executive Compensation of Apexigen - Limitation of Liability and Indemnification” beginning on page 275 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is incorporated herein by reference. The disclosure set forth in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K under the section titled “Indemnification Agreements” is incorporated herein by reference.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information set forth under Item 9.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Financial Statements and Exhibits

The information set forth under Item 9.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.01.

Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard; Transfer of Listing

On August 1, 2022, Nasdaq Stock Market LLC filed a Form 25 with the SEC in connection with the delisting of the Company’s previously issued BCAC Units from the Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

Item 3.02.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

PIPE Investment

On July 29, 2022, the Company consummated the PIPE Investment. The description of the PIPE Investment under the section of this Current Report on Form 8-K titled “Introductory Note” is incorporated into this Item 3.02 by reference.

Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement

On July 29, 2022, the Company issued 150,000 shares of its Common Stock to Lincoln Park pursuant to the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement. The description of the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement under the section of this Current Report on Form 8-K titled “Introductory Note” is incorporated into this Item 3.02 by reference.

Each of the foregoing issuances was made in a transaction not involving a public offering pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or Regulation D or Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

 


Item 3.03.

Material Modification of Rights of Security Holders

At the Annual Meeting, BCAC stockholders considered and approved, among other things, the proposals set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Proposal No. 2-The Charter Proposals” (the “Charter Proposals”) beginning on page 155, and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which became effective upon filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 29, 2022, includes the amendments proposed by the Charter Proposals.

In connection with the Closing, the Board approved and adopted the Amended and Restated Bylaws, which became effective upon the consummation of the Business Combination.

The descriptions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the general effect of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws upon the rights of the holders of the Company’s Common Stock are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus under the sections titled “Proposal No. 2-The Charter Proposals,” “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights” and “Description of Capital Stock of the Combined Company” beginning on pages 155, 322 and 329, respectively, are incorporated herein by reference.

The foregoing description of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2, respectively, and are incorporated by reference.

 

Item 5.01.

Changes in Control of Registrant

The information set forth in the section entitled “Introductory Note” and in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference. The information set forth in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus titled “Proposal No. 1 — The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 154 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.02.

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

Election of Directors and Appointment of Officers

Upon the Closing, each executive officer of BCAC ceased serving in such capacities, and Scott Katzmann, James Hauslein, Elgar Peerschke and Tito Serafini ceased serving on BCAC’s board of directors.

The information set forth in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K in the sections titled “Directors and Executive Officers,” “Executive Compensation,” “Director Compensation” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” are incorporated herein by reference.

2022 Equity Incentive Plan

At the Annual Meeting, the BCAC stockholders considered and approved the Apexigen, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”). The 2022 Plan became effective upon the Closing.

A summary of the terms of the 2022 Plan is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Proposal No. 5 — The Equity Incentive Plan Proposal” beginning on page 162 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 


The foregoing description of the 2022 Plan and the information incorporated by reference in the preceding sentence does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the 2022 Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.5 and is incorporated herein by reference.

2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

At the Annual Meeting, the BCAC stockholders considered and approved the Apexigen, Inc. 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). The ESPP became effective upon the Closing.

A summary of the terms of the ESPP is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Proposal No. 6 - The ESPP Proposal” beginning on page 171 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is incorporated herein by reference.

The foregoing description of the ESPP and the information incorporated by reference in the preceding sentence does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the ESPP, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.6 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.03.

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

The disclosure set forth in Item 3.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated into this Item 5.03 by reference.

 

Item 5.05

Amendments to the Registrant’s Code of Ethics, or Waiver of a Provision of the Code of Ethics.

In connection with the Closing, the Board approved and adopted the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) applicable to all of the Company’s employees, officers and directors. The foregoing description of the Code of Ethics is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Code of Ethics, which is available on the investor relations page of the Company’s website.

 

Item 5.06.

Change in Shell Company Status

As a result of the Business Combination, BCAC ceased being a shell company. The material terms of the Business Combination are described in the section entitled “Proposal No. 1 — The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 154 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the information set forth under “Introductory Note” and under Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.07.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

As previously reported on the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 28, 2022 (the “Stockholder Meeting Form 8-K”), on July 27, 2022, the Company held a meeting of its stockholders to approve certain matters related to the Business Combination. The information included in the Stockholder Meeting Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

  a)

Financial Statements of Business Acquired

 

   

The audited financial statements of Legacy Apexigen as of and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and notes thereto are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-77 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

   

The unaudited condensed financial statements of Legacy Apexigen as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 are set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-56 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

  b)

Pro Forma Financial Information

 

   

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of the Company as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 is set forth in Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

  c)

Exhibits


Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
No.
   Description
2.1†    Business Combination Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by BCAC on March 18, 2022).
2.2    Amendment No. 1 to Business Combination Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by BCAC on June 27, 2022).
3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.
4.1    Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by BCAC with the SEC on August 24, 2020).
4.2    Specimen Warrant Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by BCAC with the SEC on August 24, 2020).
4.3    Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement, dated July 29, 2022, by and between BCAC and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.
10.1    Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement, dated March 17, 2022, by and among BCAC and certain equityholders named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by BCAC on March 18, 2022).
10.2    Form of PIPE Subscription Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by BCAC on March 18, 2022).
10.3    Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by BCAC on March 18, 2022).
10.4    Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by BCAC on March 18, 2022).
10.5#    Apexigen, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan and forms of agreements thereunder.
10.6#    Apexigen, Inc. 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and forms of agreements thereunder.
10.7#    Form of Apexigen, Inc. Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed by BCAC on May 24, 2022).
10.8#    Confirmatory Employment Letter between Apexigen, Inc. and Xiaodong Yang (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed by BCAC on June 27, 2022).
10.9#    Confirmatory Employment Letter between Apexigen, Inc. and Amy Wong (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed by BCAC on June 27, 2022).
10.10#    Confirmatory Employment Letter between Apexigen, Inc. and Frank Hsu (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed by BCAC on June 27, 2022).
10.11#    Confirmatory Employment Letter between Apexigen, Inc. and Francis Sarena (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed by BCAC on June 27, 2022).
10.12#    Confirmatory Employment Letter between Apexigen, Inc. and William Duke, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed by BCAC on June 27, 2022).
10.13#    Change in Control and Severance Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed by BCAC on June 27, 2022).
99.1    Unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements for the Company as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

Certain of the exhibits and schedules to this exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(2). The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon its request.

#

Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


SIGNATURE

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

 

Dated: August 4, 2022   APEXIGEN, INC.
    By:  

/s/ Francis Sarena

    Name:   Francis Sarena
    Title:   Chief Operating Officer

Exhibit 3.1

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

BROOKLINE CAPITAL ACQUISITION CORP.

Brookline Capital Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), hereby certifies that:

1. The Corporation was incorporated under the name Brookline Capital Acquisition Corp. The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 27, 2020, an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 28, 2021, and an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on April 26, 2022.

2. The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation attached hereto as Exhibit A, which is incorporated herein by this reference, and which restates, integrates and further amends the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of this Corporation as heretofore amended and restated, has been duly adopted by the Corporation’s Board of Directors in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”), and has been duly approved by the written consent of the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL.

3. The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation shall be effective as of 4:02 pm Eastern Time on July 29, 2022.

[Signature page follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by its duly authorized officer on July 29, 2022 and the foregoing facts stated herein are true and correct.

 

BROOKLINE CAPITAL ACQUISITION CORP.

By:

 

/s/ Dr. Samuel P. Wertheimer

Name:

 

Dr. Samuel P. Wertheimer

Title:

 

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman


EXHIBIT A

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

APEXIGEN, INC.

ARTICLE I

The name of the Corporation is Apexigen, Inc.

ARTICLE II

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

ARTICLE III

The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL.

ARTICLE IV

Section 1. This Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock, to be designated, respectively, Common Stock and Preferred Stock. The total number of shares of stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 1,020,000,000 shares, of which 1,000,000,000 shares are Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, and 20,000,000 shares are Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value.

Section 2. Each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one (1) vote on any matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders.

Section 3. The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series pursuant to a resolution or resolutions providing for such issue duly adopted by the Board of Directors (authority to do so being hereby expressly vested in the Board of Directors). The Board of Directors is further authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by law, to fix by resolution or resolutions the designations, powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock, including, without limitation, authority to fix by resolution or resolutions the dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices, and liquidation preferences of any such series, and the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation thereof, or any of the foregoing. The Board of Directors is further authorized to increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of the class) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of any such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series, the number of which was fixed by it, subsequent to the issuance of shares of such series then outstanding, subject to the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof stated in this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the resolution of the Board of Directors originally fixing the number of shares of such series. If the number of shares of any series is so decreased, then the Corporation shall take all such steps as are necessary to cause the shares constituting such decrease to resume the status which they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.


Section 4. Except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together as a class with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon by law or pursuant to this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock).

ARTICLE V

Section 1. The number of directors that constitutes the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be determined in the manner set forth in the Bylaws of the Corporation. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors of the Corporation shall be elected to hold office until the expiration of the term for which they are elected and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal; except that if any such meeting shall not be so held, such election shall take place at a stockholders’ meeting called and held in accordance with the DGCL.

Section 2. From and after the effectiveness of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the directors of the Corporation (other than any who may be elected by holders of Preferred Stock under specified circumstances) shall be divided into three classes as nearly equal in size as is practicable, hereby designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Directors already in office shall be assigned to each class at the time such classification becomes effective in accordance with a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors. At the first annual meeting of stockholders following the date hereof, the term of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the second annual meeting of stockholders following the date hereof, the term of office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the third annual meeting of stockholders following the date hereof, the term of office of the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting. If the number of directors is changed, any newly created directorships or decrease in directorships shall be so apportioned hereafter among the classes as to make all classes as nearly equal in number as is practicable, provided that no decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

ARTICLE VI

Section 1. Any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors.

Section 2. Except as otherwise provided for or fixed by or pursuant to the provisions of Article IV hereof in relation to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, created in accordance with the Bylaws of the Corporation, and any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause shall be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, or by a sole remaining director, and not by the stockholders. A person so elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.


ARTICLE VII

Section 1. The Corporation is to have perpetual existence.

Section 2. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by statute or by this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation.

Section 3. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors then in office shall be required in order for the Board of Directors to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Corporation’s Bylaws. The Corporation’s Bylaws may also be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the stockholders of the Corporation. Notwithstanding the above or any other provision of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws of the Corporation may not be amended, altered or repealed except in accordance with Article X of the Bylaws. No Bylaw hereafter legally adopted, amended, altered or repealed shall invalidate any prior act of the directors or officers of the Corporation that would have been valid if such Bylaw had not been adopted, amended, altered or repealed.

Section 4. The election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws of the Corporation shall so provide.

Section 5. No stockholder will be permitted to cumulate votes at any election of directors.

ARTICLE VIII

Section 1. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.

Section 2. Special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Board of Directors, and any power of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is specifically denied. Only such business shall be considered at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been stated in the notice for such meeting.

Section 3. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner and to the extent provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

ARTICLE IX

Section 1. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as the same exists or as may hereafter be amended from time to time, a director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. If the DGCL is amended 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.


Section 2. The Corporation shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any director or officer of the Corporation who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, 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 or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding. The Corporation shall be required to indemnify a person in connection with a Proceeding initiated by such person only if the Proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. The Corporation shall have the power to indemnify, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any employee or agent of the Corporation who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she 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 or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding.

Section 4. Neither any amendment nor repeal of any Section of this Article IX, nor the adoption of any provision of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation inconsistent with this Article IX, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article IX in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit, claim or proceeding accruing or arising or that, but for this Article IX, would accrue or arise, prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.

ARTICLE X

Meetings of stockholders may be held within or outside of the State of Delaware, as the Bylaws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision contained in the statutes) outside of the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

ARTICLE XI

The Corporation reserves the right to amend or repeal any provision contained in this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in the manner prescribed by the laws of the State of Delaware and all rights conferred upon stockholders are granted subject to this reservation; provided, however, that notwithstanding any other provision of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Board of Directors and the affirmative vote of 6623% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Corporation, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the amendment, repeal or modification of the provisions of Section 3 of Article IV, Section 2 of Article V, Article VI, Section 5 of Article VII, Article VIII or Article XI of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

Exhibit 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF

APEXIGEN, INC.

(Effective July 29, 2022)

 


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

   ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES      2  

2.5

   NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS      6  

2.6

   QUORUM      6  

2.7

   ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE      7  

2.8

   CONDUCT OF BUSINESS      7  

2.9

   VOTING      7  

2.10

   STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING      8  

2.11

   RECORD DATES      8  

2.12

   PROXIES      9  

2.13

   LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE      9  

2.14

   INSPECTORS OF ELECTION      9  
ARTICLE III—DIRECTORS    10  

3.1

   POWERS      10  

3.2

   NUMBER OF DIRECTORS      10  

3.3

   ELECTION, QUALIFICATION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS      10  

3.4

   RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES      11  

3.5

   PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE      12  

3.6

   REGULAR MEETINGS      12  

3.7

   SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE      12  

3.8

   QUORUM; VOTING      13  

3.9

   BOARD ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING      13  

3.10

   FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS      13  

3.11

   REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS      14  
ARTICLE IV—COMMITTEES    14  

4.1

   COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS      14  

4.2

   COMMITTEE MINUTES      14  

4.3

   MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES      14  

4.4

   SUBCOMMITTEES      15  
ARTICLE V—OFFICERS    16  

5.1

   OFFICERS      16  

5.2

   APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS      16  

5.3

   SUBORDINATE OFFICERS      16  

5.4

   REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS      16  

 

-i-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

Page

 

5.5

   VACANCIES IN OFFICES      16  

5.6

   REPRESENTATION OF SHARES OF OTHER CORPORATIONS      17  

5.7

   AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS      17  
ARTICLE VI—STOCK    17  

6.1

   STOCK CERTIFICATES; PARTLY PAID SHARES      17  

6.2

   SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON CERTIFICATES      18  

6.3

   LOST CERTIFICATES      18  

6.4

   DIVIDENDS      18  

6.5

   TRANSFER OF STOCK      19  

6.6

   STOCK TRANSFER AGREEMENTS      19  

6.7

   REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS      19  
ARTICLE VII—MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE AND WAIVER    19  

7.1

   NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS      19  

7.2

   NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION      20  

7.3

   NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS      21  

7.4

   NOTICE TO PERSON WITH WHOM COMMUNICATION IS UNLAWFUL      21  

7.5

   WAIVER OF NOTICE      21  
ARTICLE VIII—INDEMNIFICATION    21  

8.1

   INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THIRD PARTY PROCEEDINGS      21  

8.2

   INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN ACTIONS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION      22  

8.3

   SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE      22  

8.4

   INDEMNIFICATION OF OTHERS      23  

8.5

   ADVANCED PAYMENT OF EXPENSES      23  

8.6

   LIMITATION ON INDEMNIFICATION      23  

8.7

   DETERMINATION; CLAIM      24  

8.8

   NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS      24  

8.9

   INSURANCE      24  

8.10

   SURVIVAL      24  

8.11

   EFFECT OF REPEAL OR MODIFICATION      25  

8.12

   CERTAIN DEFINITIONS      25  
ARTICLE IX—GENERAL MATTERS    25  

9.1

   EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS      25  

9.2

   FISCAL YEAR      26  

9.3

   SEAL      26  

9.4

   CONSTRUCTION; DEFINITIONS      26  

 

-ii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

Page

 

ARTICLE X—AMENDMENTS

     26  

ARTICLE XI—EXCLUSIVE FORUM

     26  

 

-iii-


BYLAWS OF APEXIGEN, INC.

 

 

ARTICLE I—CORPORATE OFFICES

1.1 REGISTERED OFFICE

The registered office of Apexigen, Inc. shall be fixed in the corporation’s certificate of incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time.

1.2 OTHER OFFICES

The corporation’s board of directors may at any time establish other offices at any place or places where the corporation is qualified to do business.

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, determined by the board of directors. The board of directors 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 Delaware General Corporation Law (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 annual meeting of stockholders shall be held at such place, on such day and at such time as may be fixed by the board of directors each year. At the annual meeting, directors shall be elected and any other proper business may be transacted.

2.3 SPECIAL MEETING

(i) A special meeting of the stockholders, other than those required by statute, may be called at any time by (A) the board of directors, (B) the chairperson of the board of directors, (C) the chief executive officer or (D) the president (in the absence of a chief executive officer), but a special meeting may not be called by any other person or persons. The board of directors may cancel, postpone or reschedule any previously scheduled special meeting at any time, before or after the notice for such meeting has been sent to the stockholders.


(ii) The notice of a special meeting shall include the purpose for which the meeting is called. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the board of directors, chairperson of the board of directors, chief executive officer or president (in the absence of a chief executive officer). Nothing contained in this Section 2.3(ii) shall be construed as limiting, fixing or affecting the time when a meeting of stockholders called by action of the board of directors may be held.

2.4 ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES

(i) Advance Notice of Stockholder Business. 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 brought (A) pursuant to the corporation’s proxy materials with respect to such meeting, (B) by or at the direction of the board of directors, or (C) by a stockholder of the corporation who (1) is a stockholder of record at the time of the giving of the notice required by this Section 2.4(i) and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting and (2) has timely complied in proper written form with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.4(i). In addition, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, such business must be a proper matter for stockholder action pursuant to these bylaws and applicable law. Except for proposals properly made in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) and the rules and regulations thereunder (as so amended and inclusive of such rules and regulations), and included in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the board of directors, for the avoidance of doubt, clause (C) above shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to bring business before an annual meeting of stockholders.

(a) To comply with clause (C) of Section 2.4(i) above, a stockholder’s notice must set forth all information required under this Section 2.4(i) and must be timely received by the secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received by the secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation not later than the 45th day nor earlier than the 75th day before the one-year anniversary of the date on which the corporation first mailed its proxy materials or a notice of availability of proxy materials (whichever is earlier) for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or if the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 60 days after the one-year anniversary of the date of the previous year’s annual meeting, then, for notice by the stockholder to be timely, it must be so received by the secretary not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 90th day prior to such annual meeting, or (ii) the tenth day following the day on which Public Announcement (as defined below) of the date of such annual meeting is first made. 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 a stockholder’s notice as described in this Section 2.4(i)(a). “Public Announcement” 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 Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act.

 

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(b) To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the secretary must set forth as to each matter of business the stockholder intends to bring before the annual meeting: (1) a brief description of the business intended to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (2) the name and address, as they appear on the corporation’s books, of the stockholder proposing such business and any Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), (3) the class and number of shares of the corporation that are held of record or are beneficially owned by the stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person and any derivative positions held or beneficially held by the stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person, (4) whether and the extent to which any hedging or other transaction or series of transactions has been entered into by or on behalf of such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person with respect to any securities of the corporation, and a description of any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short position or any borrowing or lending of shares), the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, or to manage the risk or benefit from share price changes for, or to increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person with respect to any securities of the corporation, (5) any material interest of the stockholder or a Stockholder Associated Person in such business, and (6) a statement whether either such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person will deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law to carry the proposal (such information provided and statements made as required by clauses (1) through (6), a “Business Solicitation Statement”). In addition, to be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the secretary must be supplemented not later than 10 days following the record date for notice of the meeting to disclose the information contained in clauses (3) and (4) above as of the record date for notice of the meeting. For purposes of this Section 2.4, a “Stockholder Associated Person” of any stockholder shall mean (i) any person controlling, directly or indirectly, or acting in concert with, such stockholder, (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the corporation owned of record or beneficially by such stockholder and on whose behalf the proposal or nomination, as the case may be, is being made, or (iii) any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such person referred to in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii).

(c) Without exception, no business shall be conducted at any annual meeting except in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Section 2.4(i) and, if applicable, Section 2.4(ii). In addition, business proposed to be brought by a stockholder may not be brought before the annual meeting if such stockholder or a Stockholder Associated Person, as applicable, takes action contrary to the representations made in the Business Solicitation Statement applicable to such business or if the Business Solicitation Statement applicable to such business contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The chairperson of the annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare at the annual meeting that business was not properly brought before the annual meeting and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.4(i), and, if the chairperson should so determine, they shall so declare at the annual meeting that any such business not properly brought before the annual meeting shall not be conducted.

(ii) Advance Notice of Director Nominations at Annual Meetings. Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws to the contrary, only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.4(ii) shall be eligible for election or re-election as directors at an annual meeting of stockholders. Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors of the

 

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corporation shall be made at an annual meeting of stockholders only (A) by or at the direction of the board of directors or (B) by a stockholder of the corporation who (1) was a stockholder of record at the time of the giving of the notice required by this Section 2.4(ii), on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the annual meeting and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting and (2) has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.4(ii). In addition to any other applicable requirements, for a nomination to be made by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the secretary of the corporation.

(a) To comply with clause (B) of Section 2.4(ii) above, a nomination to be made by a stockholder must set forth all information required under this Section 2.4(ii) and must be received by the secretary of the corporation at the principal executive offices of the corporation at the time set forth in, and in accordance with, the final three sentences of Section 2.4(i)(a) above.

(b) To be in proper written form, such stockholder’s notice to the secretary must set forth:

(1) as to each person (a “nominee”) whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director: (A) the name, age, business address and residence address of the nominee, (B) the principal occupation or employment of the nominee, (C) the class and number of shares of the corporation that are held of record or are beneficially owned by the nominee and any derivative positions held or beneficially held by the nominee, (D) whether and the extent to which any hedging or other transaction or series of transactions has been entered into by or on behalf of the nominee with respect to any securities of the corporation, and a description of any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short position or any borrowing or lending of shares), the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, or to manage the risk or benefit of share price changes for, or to increase or decrease the voting power of the nominee, (E) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nominations are to be made by the stockholder, (F) a written statement executed by the nominee acknowledging that as a director of the corporation, the nominee will owe a fiduciary duty under Delaware law with respect to the corporation and its stockholders, and (G) any other information relating to the nominee that would be required to be disclosed about such nominee if proxies were being solicited for the election of the nominee as a director, or that is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the 1934 Act (including without limitation the nominee’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement, if any, as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and

(2) as to such stockholder giving notice, (A) the information required to be provided pursuant to clauses (2) through (5) of Section 2.4(i)(b) above, and the supplement referenced in the second sentence of Section 2.4(i)(b) above (except that the references to “business” in such clauses shall instead refer to nominations of directors for purposes of this paragraph), and (B) a statement whether either such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person will deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a number of the corporation’s voting shares reasonably believed by such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person to be necessary to elect such nominee(s) (such information provided and statements made as required by clauses (A) and (B) above, a “Nominee Solicitation Statement”).

 

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(c) At the request of the board of directors, any person nominated by a stockholder for election as a director must furnish to the secretary of the corporation (1) that information required to be set forth in the stockholder’s notice of nomination of such person as a director as of a date subsequent to the date on which the notice of such person’s nomination was given and (2) such other information as may reasonably be required by the corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the corporation or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee; in the absence of the furnishing of such information if requested, such stockholder’s nomination shall not be considered in proper form pursuant to this Section 2.4(ii).

(d) Without exception, no person shall be eligible for election or re-election as a director of the corporation at an annual meeting of stockholders unless nominated in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Section 2.4(ii). In addition, a nominee shall not be eligible for election or re-election if a stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person, as applicable, takes action contrary to the representations made in the Nominee Solicitation Statement applicable to such nominee or if the Nominee Solicitation Statement applicable to such nominee contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The chairperson of the annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare at the annual meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the provisions prescribed by these bylaws, and if the chairperson should so determine, they shall so declare at the annual meeting, and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

(iii) Advance Notice of Director Nominations for Special Meetings.

(a) For a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to Section 2.3, nominations of persons for election to the board of directors shall be made only (1) by or at the direction of the board of directors or (2) by any stockholder of the corporation who (A) is a stockholder of record at the time of the giving of the notice required by this Section 2.4(iii), on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the special meeting and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting and (B) delivers a timely written notice of the nomination to the secretary of the corporation that includes the information set forth in Sections 2.4(ii)(b) and (ii)(c) above. To be timely, such notice must be received by the secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which Public Announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the board of directors to be elected at such meeting. A person shall not be eligible for election or re-election as a director at a special meeting unless the person is nominated (i) by or at the direction of the board of directors or (ii) by a stockholder in accordance with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.4(iii). In addition, a nominee shall not be eligible for election or re-election if a stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person, as applicable, takes action contrary to the representations made in the Nominee Solicitation Statement applicable to such nominee or if the Nominee Solicitation Statement applicable to such nominee contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

 

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(b) The chairperson of the special meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare at the meeting that a nomination or business was not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by these bylaws, and if the chairperson should so determine, they shall so declare at the meeting, and the defective nomination or business shall be disregarded.

(iv) Other Requirements and Rights. In addition to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.4, a stockholder must also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.4, including, with respect to business such stockholder intends to bring before the annual meeting that involves a proposal that such stockholder requests to be included in the corporation’s proxy statement, the requirements of Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the 1934 Act. Nothing in this Section 2.4 shall be deemed to affect any right of the corporation to omit a proposal from the corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the 1934 Act.

2.5 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given which shall state the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, 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 meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Except as otherwise provided in the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the written notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting.

2.6 QUORUM

The holders of a majority of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the stockholders. Where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, a majority of the outstanding shares of such class or series or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter, except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

If, however, such quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, then either (i) the chairperson of the meeting, or (ii) the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present or represented. At such 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.

 

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2.7 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 the adjourned meeting, the corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 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 stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the board of directors shall fix a new record date for notice of such adjourned meeting in accordance with Section 213(a) of the DGCL and Section 2.11 of these bylaws, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.

2.8 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

The chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall determine the order of business and the procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of business. The chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall be designated by the board of directors; in the absence of such designation, the chairperson of the board, if any, the chief executive officer (in the absence of the chairperson) or the president (in the absence of the chairperson of the board and the chief executive officer), or in their absence any other executive officer of the corporation, shall serve as chairperson of the stockholder meeting.

2.9 VOTING

The stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.11 of these bylaws, subject to Section 217 (relating to voting rights of fiduciaries, pledgors and joint owners of stock) and Section 218 (relating to voting trusts and other voting agreements) of the DGCL.

Except as may be otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of capital stock held by such stockholder.

Except as otherwise required by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders. Except as otherwise required by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the voting power of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of

 

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directors. Where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares of such class or series or classes or series present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting shall be the act of such class or series or classes or series, except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

2.10 STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING

Subject to the rights of the holders of the shares of any series of preferred stock or any other class of stock or series thereof having a preference over the common stock as dividend or upon liquidation, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the corporation and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.

2.11 RECORD DATES

In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the board of directors 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 of directors and which record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If the board of directors 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 of directors 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 of directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is 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 of directors 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 with the provisions of Section 213 of the DGCL and this Section 2.11 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 of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the board of directors 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 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 of directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

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2.12 PROXIES

Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three 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 written proxy may be in the form of a telegram, cablegram, or other means of electronic transmission which sets forth or is submitted with information from which it can be determined that the telegram, cablegram, or other means of electronic transmission was authorized by the person.

2.13 LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE

The corporation shall prepare, at least 10 days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting; provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than 10 days before the meeting date, 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 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 place of business. 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 a list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be examined by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then such 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.

2.14 INSPECTORS OF ELECTION

Before any meeting of stockholders, the board of directors shall appoint an inspector or inspectors of election to act at the meeting or its adjournment. The number of inspectors shall be either one (1) or three (3). If any person appointed as inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, then the chairperson of the meeting may, and upon the request of any stockholder or a stockholder’s proxy shall, appoint a person to fill that vacancy.

 

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Such inspectors shall:

(i) ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each;

(ii) determine the shares represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots;

(iii) count all votes and ballots;

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

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

The inspectors of election shall perform their duties impartially, in good faith, to the best of their ability and as expeditiously as is practical. If there are three (3) inspectors of election, the decision, act or certificate of a majority is effective in all respects as the decision, act or certificate of all. Any report or certificate made by the inspectors of election is prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

ARTICLE III—DIRECTORS

3.1 POWERS

The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the board of directors, except as may be otherwise provided in the DGCL or the certificate of incorporation.

3.2 NUMBER OF DIRECTORS

The board of directors shall consist of one or more members, each of whom shall be a natural person. Unless the certificate of incorporation fixes the number of directors, the number of directors shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the board of directors. 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, each director, including a director elected to fill a vacancy, shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which elected and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws. The certificate of incorporation or these bylaws may prescribe other qualifications for directors.

 

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If so provided in the certificate of incorporation, the directors of the corporation shall be divided into three classes.

3.4 RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES

Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the corporation. A resignation is effective when the resignation is delivered unless the resignation specifies a later effective date or an effective date determined upon the happening of an event or events. A resignation which is conditioned upon the director failing to receive a specified vote for reelection as a director may provide that it is irrevocable. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, when one or more directors resign from the board of directors, effective at 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.

Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors elected by all of the stockholders having the right to vote as a single class may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and not by stockholders. If the directors are divided into classes, a person so elected by the directors then in office to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until their successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

If at any time, by reason of death or resignation or other cause, the corporation should have no directors in office, then any officer or any stockholder or an executor, administrator, trustee or guardian of a stockholder, or other fiduciary entrusted with like responsibility for the person or estate of a stockholder, may call a special meeting of stockholders in accordance with the provisions of the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, or may apply to the Court of Chancery for a decree summarily ordering an election as provided in Section 211 of the DGCL.

If, at the time of filling any vacancy or any newly created directorship, the directors then in office constitute less than a majority of the whole board of directors (as constituted immediately prior to any such increase), the Court of Chancery may, upon application of any stockholder or stockholders holding at least 10% of the voting stock at the time outstanding having the right to vote for such directors, summarily order an election to be held to fill any such vacancies or newly created directorships, or to replace the directors chosen by the directors then in office as aforesaid, which election shall be governed by the provisions of Section 211 of the DGCL as far as applicable.

 

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3.5 PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE

The board of directors 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 of directors, or any committee designated by the board of directors or any subcommittee, may participate in a meeting of the board of directors, or any such committee or subcommittee, 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 shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

3.6 REGULAR MEETINGS

Regular meetings of the board of directors may be held without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the board of directors.

3.7 SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE

Special meetings of the board of directors for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the chairperson of the board of directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the secretary or a majority of the authorized number of directors.

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;

(iv) sent by electronic mail; or

(v) otherwise given by electronic transmission (as defined in Section 7.2),

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

If the notice is (i) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone, (ii) sent by facsimile, (iii) sent by electronic mail or (iv) otherwise given by electronic transmission, it shall be delivered, sent or otherwise directed to each director, as applicable, at least 24 hours before the time of the holding of the meeting. If the notice is sent by United States mail, it shall be deposited in the United States mail at least four days before the time of the holding of the meeting. Any oral notice may be communicated to the director. 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.

 

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3.8 QUORUM; VOTING

At all meetings of the board of directors, a majority of the total authorized number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the board of directors, 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. A meeting at which a quorum is initially present may continue to transact business notwithstanding the withdrawal of directors, if any action taken is approved by at least a majority of the required quorum for that meeting.

The vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board of directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

If the certificate of incorporation provides that one or more directors shall have more or less than one vote per director on any matter, every reference in these bylaws to a majority or other proportion of the directors shall refer to a majority or other proportion of the votes of the directors.

3.9 BOARD ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the board of directors, or of any committee or subcommittee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the board of directors or committee or subcommittee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the board of directors or committee or subcommittee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form. Any person (whether or not then a director) may provide, whether through instruction to an agent or otherwise, that a consent to action will be effective at a future time (including a time determined upon the happening of an event), no later than 60 days after such instruction is given or such provision is made and such consent shall be deemed to have been given for purposes of this Section 3.9 at such effective time so long as such person is then a director and did not revoke the consent prior to such time. Any such consent shall be revocable prior to its becoming effective.

3.10 FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the board of directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors.

 

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3.11 REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

Consistent with Section 141(k) of the DGCL, so long as the board of directors remains classified as provided in Section 141(d) of the DGCL, any director may be removed from office by the stockholders of the corporation only for cause.

No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director prior to the expiration of such director’s term of office.

ARTICLE IV—COMMITTEES

4.1 COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS

The board of directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the corporation. The board of directors may designate one 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 of directors 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 of directors or in these bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the board of directors 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 (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (ii) adopt, amend or repeal any bylaw of the corporation.

4.2 COMMITTEE MINUTES

Each committee and subcommittee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the board of directors, or the committee, when required.

4.3 MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES

A majority of the directors then serving on a committee or subcommittee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the committee or subcommittee, unless the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws, a resolution of the board of directors or a resolution of a committee that created the subcommittee requires a greater or lesser number, provided that in no case shall a quorum be less than 1/3 of the directors then serving on the committee or subcommittee. The vote of the majority of the members of a committee or subcommittee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the committee or subcommittee, unless the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws, a resolution of the board of directors or a resolution of a committee that created the subcommittee requires a greater number. Meetings and actions of committees and subcommittees shall otherwise be governed by, and held and taken in accordance with, the provisions of:

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

(ii) Section 3.6 (regular meetings);

 

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

(iv) Section 3.8 (quorum; voting);

(v) Section 7.5 (waiver of notice); and

(vi) Section 3.9 (action without a meeting)

with such changes in the context of those bylaws as are necessary to substitute the committee or subcommittee and its members for the board of directors and its members. However:

(i) the time and place of regular meetings of committees and subcommittees may be determined either by resolution of the board of directors or by resolution of the committee or subcommittee;

(ii) special meetings of committees and subcommittees may also be called by resolution of the board of directors or the committee or subcommittee; and

(iii) notice of special meetings of committees and subcommittees shall also be given to all alternate members, as applicable, who shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committee or subcommittee. The board of directors, or, in the absence of any such action by the board of directors, the committee or subcommittee, may adopt rules for the government of any committee or subcommittee not inconsistent with the provisions of these bylaws.

Any provision in the certificate of incorporation providing that one or more directors shall have more or less than one vote per director on any matter shall apply to voting in any committee or subcommittee, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

4.4 SUBCOMMITTEES

Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws or the resolutions of the board of directors designating the committee, a committee may create one or more subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one 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 be a president and a secretary. The corporation may also have, at the discretion of the board of directors, a chairperson of the board of directors, a vice chairperson of the board of directors, a chief executive officer, a chief financial officer or treasurer, one or more vice presidents, one or more assistant vice presidents, one or more assistant treasurers, one or more assistant secretaries, and any such other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

5.2 APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS

The board of directors shall appoint the officers of the corporation, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Sections 5.3 of these bylaws, subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment.

5.3 SUBORDINATE OFFICERS

The board of directors 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 of directors 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 an affirmative vote of the majority of the board of directors at any regular or special meeting of the board of directors or, except in the case of an officer chosen by the board of directors, by any officer upon whom such power of removal may be conferred by the board of directors.

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 of directors or as provided in Section 5.3.

 

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5.6 REPRESENTATION OF SHARES OF OTHER CORPORATIONS

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

5.7 AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS

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

ARTICLE VI—STOCK

6.1 STOCK CERTIFICATES; PARTLY PAID SHARES

The shares of the corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the board of directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of its stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the corporation. Unless otherwise provided by resolution of the board of directors, every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of, the corporation by any two authorized officers of the corporation representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. 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 such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue. The corporation shall not have power to issue a certificate in bearer form.

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.

 

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6.2 SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON 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 back of the certificate that the corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock; 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 or back of the certificate that the corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, a statement that the corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and 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. Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated stock, the registered owner thereof shall be given a notice, in writing or by electronic transmission, containing the information required to be set forth or stated on certificates pursuant to this Section 6.2 or Sections 156, 202(a), 218(a) or 364 of the DGCL or with respect to this Section 6.2 a statement that the corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and 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. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the rights and obligations of the holders of uncertificated stock and the rights and obligations of the holders of certificates representing stock of the same class and series shall be identical.

6.3 LOST CERTIFICATES

Except as provided in this Section 6.3, no new certificates for shares shall be issued to replace a previously issued certificate unless the latter is surrendered to the corporation and cancelled at the same time. The corporation may issue a new certificate of stock or uncertificated shares in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the corporation may require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.

6.4 DIVIDENDS

The board of directors, subject to any restrictions contained in the certificate of incorporation or applicable law, may declare and pay dividends upon the shares of the corporation’s capital stock. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the corporation’s capital stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation.

 

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The board of directors 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.

6.5 TRANSFER OF STOCK

Transfers of record of shares of stock of the corporation shall be made only upon its books by the holders thereof, in person or by an attorney duly authorized, and, if such stock is certificated, upon the surrender of a certificate or certificates for a like number of shares, properly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignation or authority to transfer.

6.6 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 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.

6.7 REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS

The corporation:

(i) shall be entitled to treat the person registered on its books as the owner of any share or shares as the person exclusively entitled to receive dividends, vote, receive notifications and otherwise exercise all the rights and powers of an owner of such share or shares; 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 Delaware.

ARTICLE VII—MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE AND WAIVER

7.1 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

Notice of any meeting of stockholders, if mailed, is given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the corporation’s records. An affidavit of the secretary or an assistant secretary of the corporation 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.

 

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7.2 NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders pursuant to the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, 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 to the corporation. Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if:

(i) the corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices given by the corporation in accordance with such consent; and

(ii) 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.

However, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action.

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 electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice;

 

  (iii)

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

 

  (iv)

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

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 by a form of electronic transmission shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

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.

Notice by a form of electronic transmission shall not apply to Sections 164, 296, 311, 312 or 324 of the DGCL.

 

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7.3 NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS

Except as otherwise prohibited under the DGCL, without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the corporation under the provisions of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws shall be effective if given by a single written notice to stockholders who share an address if consented to by the stockholders at that address to whom such notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the corporation. Any stockholder who fails to object in writing to the corporation, within 60 days of having been given written notice by the corporation of its intention to send the single notice, shall be deemed to have consented to receiving such single written notice.

7.4 NOTICE TO PERSON WITH WHOM COMMUNICATION IS UNLAWFUL

Whenever notice is required to be given, under the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, to any person with whom communication is unlawful, the giving of such notice to such person shall not be required and there shall be no duty to apply to any governmental authority or agency for a license or permit to give such notice to such person. Any action or meeting which shall be taken or held without notice to any such person with whom communication is unlawful shall have the same force and effect as if such notice had been duly given. In the event that the action taken by the corporation is such as to require the filing of a certificate under the DGCL, the certificate shall state, if such is the fact and if notice is required, that notice was given to all persons entitled to receive notice except such persons with whom communication is unlawful.

7.5 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—INDEMNIFICATION

8.1 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THIRD PARTY PROCEEDINGS

Subject to the other provisions of this Article VIII, the corporation shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as now or hereinafter in effect, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”) (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the corporation serving at the request of the

 

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corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such Proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.

8.2 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN ACTIONS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION

Subject to the other provisions of this Article VIII, the corporation shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as now or hereinafter in effect, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the corporation serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

8.3 SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE

To the extent that a present or former director or officer of the corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding described in Section 8.1 or Section 8.2, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

 

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8.4 INDEMNIFICATION OF OTHERS

Subject to the other provisions of this Article VIII, the corporation shall have power to indemnify its employees and agents to the extent not prohibited by the DGCL or other applicable law. The board of directors shall have the power to delegate to such person or persons the determination of whether employees or agents shall be indemnified.

8.5 ADVANCED PAYMENT OF EXPENSES

Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by an officer or director of the corporation in defending any Proceeding shall be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding upon receipt of a written request therefor (together with documentation reasonably evidencing such expenses) and an undertaking by or on behalf of the person to repay such amounts if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article VIII or the DGCL. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents of the corporation or by persons serving at the request of the corporation as directors, officers, employees or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems appropriate. The right to advancement of expenses shall not apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to these bylaws, but shall apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) referenced in Section 8.6(ii) or 8.6(iii) prior to a determination that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation.

8.6 LIMITATION ON INDEMNIFICATION

Subject to the requirements in Section 8.3 and the DGCL, the corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any person pursuant to this Article VIII in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding):

(i) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of such person under any statute, insurance policy, indemnity provision, vote or otherwise, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid;

(ii) for an accounting or disgorgement of profits pursuant to Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act, or similar provisions of federal, state or local statutory law or common law, if such person is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);

(iii) for any reimbursement of the corporation by such person of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by such person from the sale of securities of the corporation, as required in each case under the 1934 Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by such person of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if such person is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);

 

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(iv) initiated by such person, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by such person against the corporation or its directors, officers, employees, agents or other indemnitees, unless (a) the board of directors authorized the Proceeding (or the relevant part of the Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (b) the corporation provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the corporation under applicable law, (c) otherwise required to be made under Section 8.7 or (d) otherwise required by applicable law; or

(v) if prohibited by applicable law.

8.7 DETERMINATION; CLAIM

If a claim for indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article VIII is not paid in full within 90 days after receipt by the corporation of the written request therefor, the claimant shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction of his or her entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of expenses. The corporation shall indemnify such person against any and all expenses that are actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any action for indemnification or advancement of expenses from the corporation under this Article VIII, to the extent such person is successful in such action, and to the extent not prohibited by law. In any such suit, the corporation shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proving that the claimant is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses.

8.8 NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS

The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the certificate of incorporation or any statute, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. The corporation is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors, officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advancement of expenses, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL or other applicable law.

8.9 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 or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of the DGCL.

8.10 SURVIVAL

The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred by this Article VIII shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

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8.11 EFFECT OF REPEAL OR MODIFICATION

A right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses arising under a provision of the certificate of incorporation or a bylaw shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment to the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought, unless the provision in effect at the time of such act or omission explicitly authorizes such elimination or impairment after such action or omission has occurred.

8.12 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Article VIII, references to the “corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. For purposes of this Article VIII, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation 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 such person reasonably believed to be in the interest 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 corporation” as referred to in this Article VIII.

ARTICLE IX—GENERAL MATTERS

9.1 EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS

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

 

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9.2 FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the board of directors and may be changed by the board of directors.

9.3 SEAL

The corporation may adopt a corporate seal, which shall be adopted and which may be altered by the board of directors. 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.

9.4 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, the plural number includes the singular, and the term “person” includes both a corporation and a natural person.

ARTICLE X—AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by the stockholders entitled to vote; provided, however, that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 6623% of the total voting power of outstanding voting securities, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders of the corporation to alter, amend or repeal, or adopt any bylaw inconsistent with, the following provisions of these bylaws: Article II, Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.11 of Article III, Article VIII and this Article X (including, without limitation, any such Article or Section as renumbered as a result of any amendment, alteration, change, repeal, or adoption of any other Bylaw). The board of directors shall also have the power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws; provided, however, that a bylaw amendment adopted by stockholders which specifies the votes that shall be necessary for the election of directors shall not be further amended or repealed by the board of directors.

ARTICLE XI—EXCLUSIVE FORUM

Unless the corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another State court in Delaware or federal district court for the District of Delaware) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding under Delaware statutory or common law brought on behalf of the corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the corporation to the corporation or the corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the corporation’s certificate of incorporation or these bylaws (as either may be

 

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amended from time to time), or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for, as to each of (i) through (iv) above, any claim (A) as to which such court determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of such court (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of such court within 10 days following such determination), (B) which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than such court, or (C) for which such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude stockholders that assert claims under the 1934 Act or any successor thereto, from bringing such claims in state or federal court, subject to applicable law.

Unless the corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in any security of the corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article XI.

 

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Exhibit 4.3

BROOKLINE CAPITAL ACQUISITION CORP.

and

CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY

AMENDED AND RESTATED WARRANT AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED WARRANT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of July 29, 2022, is by and between Brookline Capital Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York corporation, as warrant agent (the “Warrant Agent”, also referred to herein as the “Transfer Agent”).

WHEREAS, the Company engaged in an initial public offering (the “Offering”) of units of the Company’s equity securities, each such unit comprised of one share of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”) and one-half of one redeemable Public Warrant (as defined below) (the “Units”) and, in connection therewith, issued and delivered 2,875,000 warrants to public investors in the Offering (the “Public Warrants”); and

WHEREAS, on January 28, 2021, the Company entered into a Units Subscription Agreement with Brookline Capital Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”), pursuant to which the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 247,000 Units simultaneously with the closing of the Offering at a purchase price of $10.00 per Unit and in connection therewith, issued and delivered an aggregate of 123,500 warrants bearing the legend set forth in Exhibit B hereto (“Private Placement Warrants” and, together with the Public Warrants, the “Initial Warrants”); and

WHEREAS, in order to finance the Company’s transaction costs in connection with an intended initial Business Combination (as defined below), the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor or certain of the Company’s executive officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan to the Company funds as the Company may require, of which up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into up to an additional 150,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit, and in connection therewith, will issue and deliver up to an aggregate of 75,000 warrants (the “Working Capital Warrants”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and Warrant Agent entered into that certain Warrant Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2021 (the “Original Warrant Agreement”), which provides for the form and provisions of the Initial Warrants, the terms upon which they shall be issued and exercised, and the respective rights, limitations of rights, and immunities of the Company, the Warrant Agent and the holders of the Initial Warrants;

WHEREAS, the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-246287 (the “Registration Statement”) and prospectus (the “Prospectus”), for the registration, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Units, the Public Warrants and the Common Stock included in the Units; and

WHEREAS, the Company has entered into that certain Business Combination Agreement dated as of March 17, 2022 (as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Business Combination Agreement dated as of June 26, 2022, and as may be amended from time to time thereafter, the “Business Combination Agreement”) by and among the Company, Project Barolo Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”), and Apexigen, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Apexigen”), providing for the merger (the “Merger”) of Apexigen with and into Merger Sub, with Apexigen surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company;

WHEREAS, the Company has entered into Subscription Agreements dated as of March 17, 2022 (the “Subscription Agreements”) with certain investors (the “Subscribers”) pursuant to which the Subscribers have agreed to subscribe for and purchase, and the Company has agreed to issue and sell to the Subscribers, effective as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, an aggregate of 1,502,000 shares of Common Stock and (b) warrants to purchase an aggregate 751,000 shares of Common Stock for an exercise price of $11.50 per share of Common Stock (the “PIPE Financing Warrants” and, together with the Working Capital Warrants (if any) and the Initial Warrants, the “Warrants”);


WHEREAS, each Warrant entitles (or, in the case of the PIPE Financing Warrants, will upon its issuance pursuant to the Subscription Agreements entitle) the holder thereof to purchase one share of Common Stock for $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as described herein;

WHEREAS, the Company desires the Warrant Agent to act on behalf of the Company, and the Warrant Agent is willing to so act, in connection with the issuance, registration, transfer, exchange, redemption and exercise of the Warrants; and

WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide for the form and provisions of the Warrants, the terms upon which they shall be issued and exercised, and the respective rights, limitation of rights, and immunities of the Company, the Warrant Agent, and the holders of the Warrants;

WHEREAS, in connection with the foregoing, the Company and the Warrant Agent desire to amend and restate the Original Warrant Agreement in the form of this Agreement, in accordance with Section 9.8 of the Original Warrant Agreement, such that this Agreement will take effect and supersede the Original Warrant Agreement in its entirety as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (concurrently with the issuance of the PIPE Financing Warrants); and

WHEREAS, all acts and things have been done and performed which are necessary to make the Warrants, when executed on behalf of the Company and countersigned by or on behalf of the Warrant Agent, as provided herein, the valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, and to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Appointment of Warrant Agent. The Company hereby appoints the Warrant Agent to act as agent for the Company for the Warrants, and the Warrant Agent hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the same in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

2. Warrants.

2.1 Form of Warrant. Each Warrant shall be issued in registered form only, and, if a physical certificate is issued, shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, the provisions of which are incorporated herein and shall be signed by, or bear the facsimile signature of, the Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary or other principal officer of the Company. In the event the person whose facsimile signature has been placed upon any Warrant shall have ceased to serve in the capacity in which such person signed the Warrant before such Warrant is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if he or she had not ceased to be such at the date of issuance.

2.2 Effect of Countersignature. If a physical certificate is issued, unless and until countersigned by the Warrant Agent pursuant to this Agreement, a Warrant certificate shall be invalid and of no effect and may not be exercised by the holder thereof.

2.3 Registration.

2.3.1 Warrant Register. The Warrant Agent shall maintain books (the “Warrant Register”) for the registration of original issuance and the registration of transfer of the Warrants. Upon the initial issuance of the Warrants, the Warrant Agent shall issue and register the Warrants in the names of the respective holders thereof in such denominations and otherwise in accordance with instructions delivered to the Warrant Agent by the Company. All of the Public Warrants shall initially be represented by one or more book-entry certificates (each, a “Book-Entry Warrant Certificate”) deposited with The Depository Trust Company (the “Depositary”) and registered in the name of Cede & Co., a nominee of the Depositary. Ownership of beneficial interests in the Public Warrants shall be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership shall be effected through, records maintained by (i) the Depositary or its nominee for each Book-Entry Warrant Certificate, or (ii) institutions that have accounts with the Depositary (each such institution, with respect to a Warrant in its account, a “Participant”).

 

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If the Depositary subsequently ceases to make its book-entry settlement system available for the Public Warrants, the Company may instruct the Warrant Agent regarding making other arrangements for book-entry settlement. In the event that the Public Warrants are not eligible for, or it is no longer necessary to have the Public Warrants available in, book-entry form, the Warrant Agent shall provide written instructions to the Depositary to deliver to the Warrant Agent for cancellation each Book-Entry Warrant Certificate, and the Company shall instruct the Warrant Agent to deliver to the Depositary definitive certificates in physical form evidencing such Public Warrants (“Definitive Warrant Certificate”). Such Definitive Warrant Certificate shall be in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as provided above.

Certificates representing the Warrants, if issued, shall be signed by, or bear the facsimile signature of, the Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary or other executive officer of the Company. In the event the person whose facsimile signature has been placed upon any Warrant shall have ceased to serve in the capacity in which such person signed the Warrant before such Warrant is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if he or she had not ceased to be such at the date of issuance. Each certificate representing a Private Placement Warrant shall bear the legend set forth in Exhibit B hereto. Each certificate representing a PIPE Financing Warrant shall bear the legend set forth in Exhibit C hereto.

2.3.2 Registered Holder. Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any Warrant, the Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the person in whose name such Warrant is registered in the Warrant Register (the “Registered Holder”) as the absolute owner of such Warrant and of each Warrant represented thereby (notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing on a Definitive Warrant Certificate made by anyone other than the Company or the Warrant Agent), for the purpose of any exercise thereof, and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

2.4 Detachability of Warrants. The Common Stock and Public Warrants comprising the Units trade separately.

2.5 No Fractional Warrants Other Than as Part of Units. The Company shall not issue fractional Warrants other than as part of the Units, each of which is comprised of one share of Common Stock and one-half of one Public Warrant. If, upon the detachment of Public Warrants from Units or otherwise, a holder of Warrants would be entitled to receive a fractional Warrant, the Company shall round down to the nearest whole number the number of Warrants to be issued to such holder.

2.6 Private Placement Warrants and Working Capital Warrants. The Private Placement Warrants and the Working Capital Warrants shall be identical to the Public Warrants, except that so long as they are held by the Sponsor or any Permitted Transferees (as defined below), as applicable, the Private Placement Warrants and the Working Capital Warrants: (i) may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis, pursuant to subsection 3.3.1(c) hereof, (ii) may not be transferred, assigned or sold until thirty (30) days after the completion by the Company of an initial Business Combination (as defined below), and (iii) in accordance with Section 6.4 hereof shall not be redeemable by the Company; provided, however, that in the case of (ii) the Private Placement Warrants and the Working Capital Warrants and any shares of Common Stock held by the Sponsor or any Permitted Transferees, as applicable, and issued upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants and the Working Capital Warrants may be transferred by the holders thereof:

(a) to the Company’s officers or directors, any affiliate or family member of any of the Company’s officers or directors, any affiliate of the Sponsor or to any member(s) of the Sponsor or any of their affiliates, officers, directors and direct and indirect equityholders;

 

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(b) in the case of an individual, by gift to a member such individual’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of such individual’s immediate family, an affiliate of such individual or to a charitable organization;

(c) in the case of an individual, by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death of any of our officers, our directors, the initial stockholders, or members of our sponsor or any of their affiliates;

(d) in the case of an individual, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order;

(e) by private sales or transfers made in connection with the consummation of an initial Business Combination at prices no greater than the price at which the Warrants were originally purchased or otherwise with the consent of the Company;

(f) in the event of the Company’s liquidation prior to consummation of the Company’s Business Combination; or

(g) by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware or the Sponsor’s limited liability company agreement upon dissolution of the Sponsor; provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (a) through (e) or (g), these permitted transferees (the “Permitted Transferees”) must enter into a written agreement with the Company agreeing to be bound by the transfer restrictions in this Agreement.

2.7 Working Capital Warrants. The Working Capital Warrants shall be identical to the Private Placement Warrants.

2.8 PIPE Financing Warrants. The PIPE Financing Warrants shall have the same terms and be in the same form as the Public Warrants, except that the PIPE Financing Warrants shall not be redeemable by the Company in accordance with Section 6.5 hereof.

3. Terms and Exercise of Warrants.

3.1 Warrant Price. Each whole Warrant shall entitle the Registered Holder thereof, subject to the provisions of such Warrant and of this Agreement, to purchase from the Company the number of shares of Common Stock stated therein, at the price of $11.50 per share, subject to the adjustments provided in Section 4 hereof and in the last sentence of this Section 3.1. The term “Warrant Price” as used in this Agreement shall mean the price per share at which shares of Common Stock may be purchased at the time a Warrant is exercised. The Company in its sole discretion may lower the Warrant Price at any time prior to the Expiration Date (as defined below) for a period of not less than twenty (20) Business Days (a day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday, on which banks in New York City are generally open for normal business is a “Business Day”), provided, that the Company shall provide at least twenty (20) days prior written notice of such reduction to Registered Holders of the Warrants and, provided further that any such reduction shall be identical among all of the Warrants.

3.2 Duration of Warrants. A Warrant may be exercised only during the period (the “Exercise Period”) commencing on the date that is thirty (30) days after the first date on which the Company completes a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination, involving the Company and one or more businesses (a “Business Combination”), and terminating at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the earlier to occur of: (x) the date that is five (5) years after the date on which the Company completes its initial Business Combination, (y) the liquidation of the Company if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination, or (z) other than with respect to the Private Placement Warrants, the Working Capital Warrants and the PIPE Financing Warrants to the extent then held, directly or indirectly, by the original purchasers thereof or their Permitted Transferees, the Redemption Date (as defined below) as provided in Section 6.2 hereof (the “Expiration Date”); provided, however, that the exercise of any Warrant shall be subject to the satisfaction of any applicable conditions, as set forth in subsection 3.3.2 below with respect to an effective registration statement. Except with respect to the right to receive the Redemption Price (as defined below) (other than with respect to a Private Placement Warrant, a Working Capital Warrant or a PIPE Financing Warrant to the extent then held by the original purchasers thereof or their Permitted Transferees) in the event of a redemption (as set forth in Section 6

 

4


hereof), each outstanding Warrant (other than a Private Placement Warrant, a Working Capital Warrant or a PIPE Financing Warrant to the extent then held by the original purchasers thereof or their Permitted Transferees) not exercised on or before the Expiration Date shall become void, and all rights thereunder and all rights in respect thereof under this Agreement shall cease at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Expiration Date. The Company in its sole discretion may extend the duration of the Warrants by delaying the Expiration Date; provided, that the Company shall provide at least twenty (20) days prior written notice of any such extension to Registered Holders of the Warrants and, provided further that any such extension shall be identical in duration among all the Warrants.

3.3 Exercise of Warrants.

3.3.1 Payment. Subject to the provisions of the Warrant and this Agreement, a Warrant may be exercised by the Registered Holder thereof by delivering to the Warrant Agent at its corporate trust department (i) the Definitive Warrant Certificate evidencing the Warrants to be exercised, or, in the case of a Book-Entry Warrant Certificate, the Warrants to be exercised (the “Book-Entry Warrants”) on the records of the Depositary to an account of the Warrant Agent at the Depositary designated for such purposes in writing by the Warrant Agent to the Depositary from time to time, (ii) an election to purchase (“Election to Purchase”) shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of a Warrant, properly completed and executed by the Registered Holder on the reverse of the Definitive Warrant Certificate or, in the case of a Book-Entry Warrant Certificate, properly delivered by the Participant in accordance with the Depositary’s procedures, and (iii) payment in full of the Warrant Price for each full share of Common Stock as to which the Warrant is exercised and any and all applicable taxes due in connection with the exercise of the Warrant, the exchange of the Warrant for the shares of Common Stock and the issuance of such shares of Common Stock, as follows:

(a) by certified check payable to the order of the Warrant Agent or by wire transfer;

(b) in the event of a redemption pursuant to Section 6 hereof in which the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) has elected to require all holders of the Warrants to exercise such Warrants on a “cashless basis,” by surrendering the Warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants, multiplied by the difference between the Warrant Price and the “Fair Market Value”, as defined in this subsection 3.3.1(b) by (y) the Fair Market Value. Solely for purposes of this subsection 3.3.1(b) and Section 6.3, the “Fair Market Value” shall mean the average last sale price of the Common Stock for the ten (10) trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of the Warrants, pursuant to Section 6 hereof;

(c) with respect to any Private Placement Warrant or Working Capital Warrant, so long as such Private Placement Warrant or Working Capital Warrant is held by the Sponsor or a Permitted Transferee, as applicable, by surrendering the Warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants, multiplied by the difference between the Warrant Price and the “Fair Market Value”, as defined in this subsection 3.3.1(c), by (y) the Fair Market Value. Solely for purposes of this subsection 3.3.1(c), the “Fair Market Value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the Common Stock for the ten (10) trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which notice of exercise of the Warrant is sent to the Warrant Agent; or

(d) as provided in Section 7.4 hereof.

3.3.2 Issuance of Shares of Common Stock on Exercise. As soon as practicable after the exercise of any Warrant and the clearance of the funds in payment of the Warrant Price (if payment is pursuant to subsection 3.3.1(a)), the Company shall issue to the Registered Holder of such Warrant a book-entry position or certificate, as applicable, for the number of full shares of Common Stock to which he, she or it is entitled, registered in such name or names as may be directed by him, her or it, and if such Warrant shall not have been exercised in full, a new book-entry position or countersigned Warrant, as applicable, for the number of shares of Common Stock as to which such Warrant shall not have been exercised. If fewer than all the Warrants evidenced by a Book-Entry Warrant Certificate are exercised, a notation shall be made to the records maintained by the Depositary, its nominee

 

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for each Book-Entry Warrant Certificate, or a Participant, as appropriate, evidencing the balance of the Warrants remaining after such exercise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to deliver any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of a Warrant and shall have no obligation to settle such Warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to the Company’s satisfying its obligations under Section 7.4. No Warrant shall be exercisable and the Company shall not be obligated to issue shares of Common Stock upon exercise of a Warrant unless the Common Stock issuable upon such Warrant exercise has been registered, qualified or deemed to be exempt from registration or qualification under the securities laws of the state of residence of the Registered Holder of the Warrants, except pursuant to Section 7.4. In the event that the conditions in the two immediately preceding sentences are not satisfied with respect to a Warrant, the holder of such Warrant shall not be entitled to exercise such Warrant, and such Warrant may have no value and expire worthless, in which case the purchaser of a Unit containing such Public Warrants shall have paid the full purchase price for the Unit solely for the share of Common Stock underlying such Unit. In no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the Public Warrant or the PIPE Financing Warrant exercise. The Company may require holders of Public Warrants to settle the Warrant on a “cashless basis” pursuant to subsection 3.3.1(b) and Section 7.4. If, by reason of any exercise of Warrants on a “cashless basis”, the holder of any Warrant would be entitled, upon the exercise of such Warrant, to receive a fractional interest in a share of Common Stock, the Company shall round down to the nearest whole number, the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to such holder.

3.3.3 Valid Issuance. All shares of Common Stock issued upon the proper exercise of a Warrant in conformity with this Agreement shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

3.3.4 Date of Issuance. Each person in whose name any book-entry position or certificate, as applicable, for shares of Common Stock is issued shall for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of such shares of Common Stock on the date on which the Warrant, or book-entry position representing such Warrant, was surrendered and payment of the Warrant Price was made, irrespective of the date of delivery of such certificate in the case of a certificated Warrant, except that, if the date of such surrender and payment is a date when the share transfer books of the Company or book-entry system of the Warrant Agent are closed, such person shall be deemed to have become the holder of such shares of Common Stock at the close of business on the next succeeding date on which the share transfer books or book-entry system are open.

3.3.5 Maximum Percentage. A holder of a Warrant may notify the Company in writing in the event it elects to be subject to the provisions contained in this subsection 3.3.5; however, no holder of a Warrant shall be subject to this subsection 3.3.5 unless he, she or it makes such election. If the election is made by a holder, the Warrant Agent shall not effect the exercise of the holder’s Warrant, and such holder shall not have the right to exercise such Warrant, to the extent that after giving effect to such exercise, such person (together with such person’s affiliates), to the Warrant Agent’s actual knowledge, would beneficially own in excess of 4.9% or 9.8% (or such other amount as a holder may specify)(the “Maximum Percentage”) of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such person and its affiliates shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrant with respect to which the determination of such sentence is being made, but shall exclude shares of Common Stock that would be issuable upon (x) exercise of the remaining, unexercised portion of the Warrant beneficially owned by such person and its affiliates and (y) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or unconverted portion of any other securities of the Company beneficially owned by such person and its affiliates (including, without limitation, any convertible notes or convertible preferred stock or warrants) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this paragraph, beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). For purposes of the Warrant, in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, the holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (1) the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly report on Form 10-Q, current report on Form 8-K or other public filing with the Commission as the case may be, (2) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (3) any other notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. For any reason at any time, upon the written request of the holder of the Warrant, the Company shall, within two (2) Business Days, confirm orally and in writing to such holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. In any case, the

 

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number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of equity securities of the Company by the holder and its affiliates since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. By written notice to the Company, the holder of a Warrant may from time to time increase or decrease the Maximum Percentage applicable to such holder to any other percentage specified in such notice; provided, however, that any such increase shall not be effective until the sixty-first (61st) day after such notice is delivered to the Company.

4. Adjustments.

4.1 Stock Dividends.

4.1.1 Split-Ups. If after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 4.6 below, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock is increased by a stock dividend payable in shares of Common Stock, or by a split-up of shares of Common Stock or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such stock dividend, split-up or similar event, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each Warrant shall be increased in proportion to such increase in the outstanding shares of Common Stock. A rights offering to holders of the Common Stock entitling holders to purchase shares of Common Stock at a price less than the “Fair Market Value” (as defined below) shall be deemed a stock dividend of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Common Stock actually sold in such rights offering (or issuable under any other equity securities sold in such rights offering that are convertible into or exercisable for the Common Stock) and (ii) one (1) minus the quotient of (x) the price per share of Common Stock paid in such rights offering divided by (y) the Fair Market Value. For purposes of this subsection 4.1.1, (i) if the rights offering is for securities convertible into or exercisable for Common Stock, in determining the price payable for Common Stock, there shall be taken into account any consideration received for such rights, as well as any additional amount payable upon exercise or conversion and (ii) “Fair Market Value” means the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock as reported during the ten (10) trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the first date on which the shares of Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such rights.

4.1.2 Extraordinary Dividends. If the Company, at any time while the Warrants are outstanding and unexpired, shall pay a dividend or make a distribution in cash, securities or other assets to the holders of the Common Stock on account of such shares of Common Stock (or other shares of the Company’s capital stock into which the Warrants are convertible), other than (a) as described in subsection 4.1.1 above, (b) Ordinary Cash Dividends (as defined below), (c) to satisfy the redemption rights of the holders of the Common Stock in connection with a proposed initial Business Combination, (d) as a result of the repurchase of shares of Common Stock by the Company if a proposed Business Combination is presented to the stockholders of the Company for approval, (e) to satisfy the redemption rights of the holders of Common Stock in connection with a stockholder vote to amend the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the public shares of Common Stock if the Company does not complete the Business Combination within the period set forth in the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation or (f) in connection with the redemption of public shares of Common Stock upon the failure of the Company to complete its initial Business Combination and any subsequent distribution of its assets upon its liquidation (any such non-excluded event being referred to herein as an “Extraordinary Dividend”), then the Warrant Price shall be decreased, effective immediately after the effective date of such Extraordinary Dividend, by the amount of cash and/or the fair market value (as determined by the Board, in good faith) of any securities or other assets paid on each share of Common Stock in respect of such Extraordinary Dividend. For purposes of this subsection 4.1.2, “Ordinary Cash Dividends” means any cash dividend or cash distribution which, when combined on a per share basis, with the per share amounts of all other cash dividends and cash distributions paid on the Common Stock during the 365-day period ending on the date of declaration of such dividend or distribution (as adjusted to appropriately reflect any of the events referred to in other subsections of this Section 4 and excluding cash dividends or cash distributions that resulted in an adjustment to the Warrant Price or to the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each Warrant) does not exceed $0.50 (being 5% of the offering price of the Units in the Offering).

 

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4.2 Aggregation of Shares. If after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 4.6 hereof, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock is decreased by a consolidation, combination, reverse stock split or reclassification of shares of Common Stock or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such consolidation, combination, reverse stock split, reclassification or similar event, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each Warrant shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding shares of Common Stock.

4.3 Adjustments in Exercise Price.

4.3.1 Whenever the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants is adjusted, as provided in subsection 4.1.1 or Section 4.2 above, the Warrant Price shall be adjusted (to the nearest cent) by multiplying such Warrant Price immediately prior to such adjustment by a fraction (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants immediately prior to such adjustment, and (y) the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock so purchasable immediately thereafter.

4.3.2 If (i) the Company issues additional shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of its initial Business Combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per share of Common Stock, with such issue price or effective issue price to be determined in good faith by the Board (and in the case of any such issuance to the Sponsor or its affiliates, without taking into account any founder shares held by such holder or affiliates, as applicable, prior to such issuance) (the “New Issuance Price”), (ii) the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of the initial Business Combination on the date of the consummation thereof (net of redemptions) and (iii) the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Stock during the 20 trading day period starting on the trading day prior to the day on which the Company consummates the initial Business Combination (such price, the “Market Value”) is below $9.20 per share, the Warrant Price shall be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 115% of the higher of the Market Value and the New Issuance Price and the Redemption Trigger Price (as defined below) shall be adjusted to equal to 180% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price.

4.4 Replacement of Securities upon Reorganization, etc. In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than a change under subsections 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 or Section 4.2 hereof or that solely affects the par value of such shares of Common Stock), or in the case of any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or conversion of the Company as another entity (other than a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding shares of Common Stock), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another entity of the assets or other property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which the Company is dissolved, the holders of the Warrants shall thereafter have the right to purchase and receive, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified in the Warrants and in lieu of the shares of Common Stock of the Company immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented thereby, the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, merger or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, that the holder of the Warrants would have received if such holder had exercised his, her or its Warrant(s) immediately prior to such event (the “Alternative Issuance” ); provided, however, that in connection with the closing of any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance, the successor or purchasing entity shall execute an amendment hereto with the Warrant Agent providing for delivery of such Alternative Issuance; provided, further, that (i) if the holders of the Common Stock were entitled to exercise a right of election as to the kind or amount of securities, cash or other assets receivable upon such consolidation or merger, then the kind and amount of securities, cash or other assets constituting the Alternative Issuance for which each Warrant shall become exercisable shall be deemed to be the weighted average of the kind and amount received per share by the holders of the Common Stock in such consolidation or merger that affirmatively make such election, and (ii) if a tender, exchange or redemption offer shall have been made to and accepted by the holders of the Common Stock (other than a tender, exchange or redemption offer made by the Company in connection with redemption rights held by stockholders of the Company as provided for in the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation

 

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or as a result of the repurchase of shares of Common Stock by the Company if a proposed initial Business Combination is presented to the stockholders of the Company for approval) under circumstances in which, upon completion of such tender or exchange offer, the maker thereof, together with members of any group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act (or any successor rule)) of which such maker is a part, and together with any affiliate or associate of such maker (within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act (or any successor rule)) and any members of any such group of which any such affiliate or associate is a part, own beneficially (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act (or any successor rule)) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the holder of a Warrant shall be entitled to receive as the Alternative Issuance, the highest amount of cash, securities or other property to which such holder would actually have been entitled as a stockholder if such Warrant holder had exercised the Warrant prior to the expiration of such tender or exchange offer, accepted such offer and all of the Common Stock held by such holder had been purchased pursuant to such tender or exchange offer, subject to adjustments (from and after the consummation of such tender or exchange offer) as nearly equivalent as possible to the adjustments provided for in this Section 4; provided, further, that if less than 70% of the consideration receivable by the holders of the Common Stock in the applicable event is payable in the form of common stock in the successor entity that is listed for trading on a national securities exchange or is quoted in an established over-the-counter market, or is to be so listed for trading or quoted immediately following such event, and if the Registered Holder properly exercises the Warrant within thirty (30) days following the public disclosure of the consummation of such applicable event by the Company pursuant to a current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission, the Warrant Price shall be reduced by an amount (in dollars) (but in no event less than zero) equal to the difference of (i) the Warrant Price in effect prior to such reduction minus (ii) (A) the Per Share Consideration (as defined below) minus (B) the Black-Scholes Warrant Value (as defined below). The “Black-Scholes Warrant Value” means the value of a Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of the applicable event based on the Black-Scholes Warrant Model for a Capped American Call on Bloomberg Financial Markets (“Bloomberg”). For purposes of calculating such amount, (1) Section 6 of this Agreement shall be taken into account, (2) the price of each share of Common Stock shall be the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock as reported during the ten (10) trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the effective date of the applicable event, (3) the assumed volatility shall be the 90 day volatility obtained from the HVT function on Bloomberg determined as of the trading day immediately prior to the day of the announcement of the applicable event, and (4) the assumed risk-free interest rate shall correspond to the U.S. Treasury rate for a period equal to the remaining term of the Warrant. “Per Share Consideration” means (i) if the consideration paid to holders of the Common Stock consists exclusively of cash, the amount of such cash per share of Common Stock, and (ii) in all other cases, the amount of cash per share of Common Stock, if any, plus the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock as reported during the ten (10) trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the effective date of the applicable event. If any reclassification or reorganization also results in a change in shares of Common Stock covered by subsection 4.1.1, then such adjustment shall be made pursuant to subsection 4.1.1 or Sections 4.2, 4.3 and this Section 4.4. The provisions of this Section 4.4 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, reorganizations, mergers or consolidations, sales or other transfers. In no event will the Warrant Price be reduced to less than the par value per share issuable upon exercise of the Warrant.

4.5 Notices of Changes in Warrant. Upon every adjustment of the Warrant Price or the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of a Warrant, the Company shall give written notice thereof to the Warrant Agent, which notice shall state the Warrant Price resulting from such adjustment and the increase or decrease, if any, in the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable at such price upon the exercise of a Warrant, setting forth in reasonable detail the method of calculation and the facts upon which such calculation is based. Upon the occurrence of any event specified in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4, the Company shall give written notice of the occurrence of such event to each holder of a Warrant, at the last address set forth for such holder in the Warrant Register, of the record date or the effective date of the event. Failure to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of such event.

4.6 No Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not issue fractional shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of Warrants. If, by reason of any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 4, the holder of any Warrant would be entitled, upon the exercise of such Warrant, to receive a fractional interest in a share, the Company shall, upon such exercise, round down to the nearest whole number the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to such holder.

 

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4.7 Form of Warrant. The form of Warrant need not be changed because of any adjustment pursuant to this Section 4, and Warrants issued after such adjustment may state the same Warrant Price and the same number of shares of Common Stock as is stated in the Warrants initially issued pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that the Company may at any time in its sole discretion make any change in the form of Warrant that the Company may deem appropriate and that does not affect the substance thereof, and any Warrant thereafter issued or countersigned, whether in exchange or substitution for an outstanding Warrant or otherwise, may be in the form as so changed.

4.8 Other Events. In case any event shall occur affecting the Company as to which none of the provisions of preceding subsections of this Section 4 are strictly applicable, but which would require an adjustment to the terms of the Warrants in order to (i) avoid an adverse impact on the Warrants and (ii) effectuate the intent and purpose of this Section 4, then, in each such case, the Company shall appoint a firm of independent public accountants, investment banking or other appraisal firm of recognized national standing, which shall give its opinion as to whether or not any adjustment to the rights represented by the Warrants is necessary to effectuate the intent and purpose of this Section 4 and, if they determine that an adjustment is necessary, the terms of such adjustment, provided, however, that under no circumstances shall the Warrants be adjusted pursuant to this Section 4.8 as a result of any issuance of securities in connection with the Business Combination. The Company shall adjust the terms of the Warrants in a manner that is consistent with any adjustment recommended in such opinion.

4.9 No Adjustment. For the avoidance of doubt, no adjustment shall be made to the terms of the Warrants solely as a result of an adjustment to the conversion ratio of the Company’s Class B common stock (the “Class B Common Stock”) into shares of Common Stock or the conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock into shares of Common Stock, in each case, pursuant to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended from time to time.

5. Transfer and Exchange of Warrants.

5.1 Registration of Transfer. The Warrant Agent shall register the transfer, from time to time, of any outstanding Warrant upon the Warrant Register, upon surrender of such Warrant for transfer, in the case of certificated Warrants, properly endorsed with signatures properly guaranteed and accompanied by appropriate instructions for transfer. Upon any such transfer, a new Warrant representing an equal aggregate number of Warrants shall be issued and the old Warrant shall be cancelled by the Warrant Agent. In the case of certificated Warrants, the Warrants so cancelled shall be delivered by the Warrant Agent to the Company from time to time upon request.

5.2 Procedure for Surrender of Warrants. Warrants may be surrendered to the Warrant Agent, together with a written request for exchange or transfer, and thereupon the Warrant Agent shall issue in exchange therefor one or more new Warrants as requested by the Registered Holder of the Warrants so surrendered, representing an equal aggregate number of Warrants; provided, however, that except as otherwise provided herein or in any Book-Entry Warrant Certificate or Definitive Warrant Certificate, each Book-Entry Warrant Certificate and Definitive Warrant Certificate may be transferred only in whole and only to the Depositary, to another nominee of the Depositary, to a successor depository, or to a nominee of a successor depository; provided further, however, that in the event that a Warrant surrendered for transfer bears a restrictive legend (as in the case of the Private Placement Warrants, the Working Capital Warrants and the PIPE Financing Warrants), the Warrant Agent shall not cancel such Warrant and issue new Warrants in exchange thereof until the Warrant Agent has received an opinion of counsel for the Company stating that such transfer may be made and indicating whether the new Warrants must also bear a restrictive legend.

5.3 Fractional Warrants. The Warrant Agent shall not be required to effect any registration of transfer or exchange which shall result in the issuance of a warrant certificate or book-entry position for a fraction of a warrant.

5.4 Service Charges. No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Warrants.

5.5 Warrant Execution and Countersignature. The Warrant Agent is hereby authorized to countersign and to deliver, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Warrants required to be issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5, and the Company, whenever required by the Warrant Agent, shall supply the Warrant Agent with Warrants duly executed on behalf of the Company for such purpose.

 

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5.6 Transfer of Warrants. Each transfer of a Unit on the register relating to such Units shall operate also to transfer the Warrants included in such Unit. This Section 5.6 shall not apply to the PIPE Financing Warrants, as they are not issued in conjunction with Units.

5.7 Transfer of PIPE Financing Warrants to Affiliates. The Subscribers shall be permitted to transfer the PIPE Financing Warrants to their respective affiliates so long as such affiliates have entered into a written agreement with the Company agreeing to comply with any applicable transfer restrictions under federal and state securities laws in accordance with the provisions of the Subscription Agreement and this Agreement.

6. Redemption.

6.1 Redemption. Subject to Section 6.4 and Section 6.5 hereof, not less than all of the outstanding Warrants may be redeemed, at the option of the Company, at any time while they are exercisable and prior to their expiration, at the office of the Warrant Agent, upon notice to the Registered Holders of the Warrants, as described in Section 6.2 below, at the price of $0.01 per Warrant (the Redemption Price), provided that the last sales price of the Common Stock reported has been at least $18.00 per share (subject to adjustment in compliance with Section 4 hereof) (the Redemption Trigger Price), on each of twenty (20) trading days within the thirty (30) trading-day period commencing once the Warrants become exercisable and ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which notice of the redemption is given and provided that there is an effective registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, and a current prospectus relating thereto, available throughout the 30-day Redemption Period (as defined in Section 6.2 below) or the Company has elected to require the exercise of the Warrants on a “cashless basis” pursuant to subsection 3.3.1; provided, however, that if and when the Public Warrants become redeemable by the Company, the Company may not exercise such redemption right if the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Public Warrants is not exempt from registration or qualification under applicable state blue sky laws or the Company is unable to effect such registration or qualification.

6.2 Date Fixed for, and Notice of, Redemption. In the event that the Company elects to redeem all of the Warrants, the Company shall fix a date for the redemption (the “Redemption Date”). Notice of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, by the Company not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Redemption Date (the “30-day Redemption Period”) to the Registered Holders of the Warrants to be redeemed at their last addresses as they shall appear on the registration books. Any notice mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given whether or not the Registered Holder received such notice.

6.3 Exercise After Notice of Redemption. The Warrants may be exercised, for cash (or on a “cashless basis” in accordance with subsection 3.3.1(b) of this Agreement) at any time after notice of redemption shall have been given by the Company pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof and prior to the Redemption Date. In the event that the Company determines to require all holders of Warrants to exercise their Warrants on a “cashless basis” pursuant to subsection 3.3.1, the notice of redemption shall contain the information necessary to calculate the number of shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of the Warrants, including the “Fair Market Value” (as such term is defined in subsection 3.3.1(b) hereof) in such case. On and after the Redemption Date, the record holder of the Warrants shall have no further rights except to receive, upon surrender of the Warrants, the Redemption Price.

6.4 Exclusion of Private Placement Warrants and Working Capital Warrants. The Company agrees that the redemption rights provided in this Section 6 shall not apply to the Private Placement Warrants or the Working Capital Warrants if at the time of the redemption such Private Placement Warrants or the Working Capital Warrants continue to be held by the Sponsor or any Permitted Transferees, as applicable. However, once such Private Placement Warrants or Working Capital Warrants are transferred (other than to Permitted Transferees under Section 2.6), the Company may redeem the Private Placement Warrants and the Working Capital Warrants, provided that the criteria for redemption are met, including the opportunity of the holder of such Private Placement Warrants or the Working Capital Warrants to exercise the Private Placement Warrants and the Working Capital Warrants prior to redemption pursuant to Section 6.3. Private Placement Warrants and Working Capital Warrants that are transferred to persons other than Permitted Transferees shall upon such transfer cease to be Private Placement Warrants or Working Capital Warrants and shall become Public Warrants under this Agreement.

 

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7. Other Provisions Relating to Rights of Holders of Warrants.

7.1 No Rights as Stockholder. A Warrant does not entitle the Registered Holder thereof to any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to receive dividends, or other distributions, exercise any preemptive rights to vote or to consent or to receive notice as stockholders in respect of the meetings of stockholders or the election of directors of the Company or any other matter.

7.2 Lost, Stolen, Mutilated, or Destroyed Warrants. If any Warrant is lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, the Company and the Warrant Agent may on such terms as to indemnity or otherwise as they may in their discretion impose (which shall, in the case of a mutilated Warrant, include the surrender thereof), issue a new Warrant of like denomination, tenor, and date as the Warrant so lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed. Any such new Warrant shall constitute a substitute contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the allegedly lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed Warrant shall be at any time enforceable by anyone.

7.3 Reservation of Common Stock. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available a number of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock that shall be sufficient to permit the exercise in full of all outstanding Warrants issued pursuant to this Agreement.

7.4 Registration of Common Stock; Cashless Exercise at Company’s Option.

7.4.1 Registration of the Common Stock. The Company agrees that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than fifteen (15) Business Days after the closing of its initial Business Combination, it shall use its best efforts to file with the Commission a registration statement for the registration, under the Securities Act, of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. The Company shall use its best efforts to cause the same to become effective and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement, and a current prospectus relating thereto, until the expiration of the Warrants in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. If any such registration statement has not been declared effective by the 60th Business Day following the closing of the Business Combination, holders of the Warrants shall have the right, during the period beginning on the 61st Business Day after the closing of the Business Combination and ending upon such registration statement being declared effective by the Commission, and during any other period when the Company shall fail to have maintained an effective registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, to exercise such Warrants on a “cashless basis,” by exchanging the Warrants (in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act (or any successor rule) or another exemption) for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants, multiplied by the difference between the Warrant Price and the “Fair Market Value” (as defined below) by (y) the Fair Market Value. Solely for purposes of this subsection 7.4.1, “Fair Market Value” shall mean the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock as reported during the ten (10) trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the date that notice of exercise is received by the Warrant Agent from the holder of such Warrants or its securities broker or intermediary. The date that notice of cashless exercise is received by the Warrant Agent shall be conclusively determined by the Warrant Agent. In connection with the “cashless exercise” of a Public Warrant or a PIPE Financing Warrant, the Company shall, upon request, provide the Warrant Agent with an opinion of counsel for the Company (which shall be an outside law firm with securities law experience) stating that (i) the exercise of the Warrants on a cashless basis in accordance with this subsection 7.4.1 is not required to be registered under the Securities Act and (ii) the shares of Common Stock issued upon such exercise shall be freely tradable under United States federal securities laws by anyone who is not an affiliate (as such term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor statute)) of the Company and, accordingly, shall not be required to bear a restrictive legend. Except as provided in subsection 7.4.2, for the avoidance of any doubt, unless and until all of the Warrants have been exercised or have expired, the Company shall continue to be obligated to comply with its registration obligations under the first three sentences of this subsection 7.4.1.

 

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7.4.2 Cashless Exercise at Company’s Option. If the Common Stock is at the time of any exercise of a Warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that it satisfies the definition of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act (or any successor statute), the Company may, at its option, (i) require holders of Public Warrants or PIPE Financing Warrants who exercise Public Warrants or PIPE Financing Warrants to exercise such Public Warrants or PIPE Financing Warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act (or any successor statute) as described in subsection 7.4.1 and (ii) in the event the Company so elects, the Company shall not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement for the registration, under the Securities Act, of the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary. If the Company does not elect at the time of exercise to require a holder of Public Warrants or PIPE Financing Warrants who exercises Public Warrants or PIPE Financing Warrants to exercise such Public Warrants or PIPE Financing Warrants on a “cashless basis,” it agrees to use its best efforts to register or qualify for sale the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrant or PIPE Financing Warrant under the blue sky laws of the state of residence of the exercising Public Warrant holder or PIPE Financing Warrant holder to the extent an exemption is not available.

8. Concerning the Warrant Agent and Other Matters.

8.1 Payment of Taxes. The Company shall from time to time promptly pay all taxes and charges that may be imposed upon the Company or the Warrant Agent in respect of the issuance or delivery of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of the Warrants, but the Company shall not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in respect of the Warrants or such shares of Common Stock.

8.2 Resignation, Consolidation, or Merger of Warrant Agent.

8.2.1 Appointment of Successor Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent, or any successor to it hereafter appointed, may resign its duties and be discharged from all further duties and liabilities hereunder after giving sixty (60) days’ notice in writing to the Company. If the office of the Warrant Agent becomes vacant by resignation or incapacity to act or otherwise, the Company shall appoint in writing a successor Warrant Agent in place of the Warrant Agent. If the Company shall fail to make such appointment within a period of thirty (30) days after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the Warrant Agent or by the holder of a Warrant (who shall, with such notice, submit his Warrant for inspection by the Company), then the holder of any Warrant may apply to the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the County of New York for the appointment of a successor Warrant Agent at the Company’s cost. Any successor Warrant Agent, whether appointed by the Company or by such court, shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, in good standing and having its principal office in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, and authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority. After appointment, any successor Warrant Agent shall be vested with all the authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties, and obligations of its predecessor Warrant Agent with like effect as if originally named as Warrant Agent hereunder, without any further act or deed; but if for any reason it becomes necessary or appropriate, the predecessor Warrant Agent shall execute and deliver, at the expense of the Company, an instrument transferring to such successor Warrant Agent all the authority, powers, and rights of such predecessor Warrant Agent hereunder; and upon request of any successor Warrant Agent the Company shall make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all instruments in writing for more fully and effectually vesting in and confirming to such successor Warrant Agent all such authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties, and obligations.

8.2.2 Notice of Successor Warrant Agent. In the event a successor Warrant Agent shall be appointed, the Company shall give notice thereof to the predecessor Warrant Agent and the Transfer Agent for the Common Stock not later than the effective date of any such appointment.

8.2.3 Merger or Consolidation of Warrant Agent. Any corporation into which the Warrant Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Warrant Agent shall be a party shall be the successor Warrant Agent under this Agreement without any further act.

 

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8.3 Fees and Expenses of Warrant Agent.

8.3.1 Remuneration. The Company agrees to pay the Warrant Agent reasonable remuneration for its services as such Warrant Agent hereunder and shall, pursuant to its obligations under this Agreement, reimburse the Warrant Agent upon demand for all expenditures that the Warrant Agent may reasonably incur in the execution of its duties hereunder.

8.3.2 Further Assurances. The Company agrees to perform, execute, acknowledge, and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged, and delivered all such further and other acts, instruments, and assurances as may reasonably be required by the Warrant Agent for the carrying out or performing of the provisions of this Agreement.

8.4 Liability of Warrant Agent.

8.4.1 Reliance on Company Statement. Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Warrant Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established by the Company prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Secretary or Chairman of the Board of the Company and delivered to the Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent may rely upon such statement for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.

8.4.2 Indemnity. The Warrant Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its own gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. The Company agrees to indemnify the Warrant Agent and save it harmless against any and all liabilities, including judgments, costs and reasonable counsel fees, for anything done or omitted by the Warrant Agent in the execution of this Agreement, except as a result of the Warrant Agent’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith.

8.4.3 Exclusions. The Warrant Agent shall have no responsibility with respect to the validity of this Agreement or with respect to the validity or execution of any Warrant (except its countersignature thereof). The Warrant Agent shall not be responsible for any breach by the Company of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any Warrant. The Warrant Agent shall not be responsible to make any adjustments required under the provisions of Section 4 hereof or responsible for the manner, method, or amount of any such adjustment or the ascertaining of the existence of facts that would require any such adjustment; nor shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement or any Warrant or as to whether any shares of Common Stock shall, when issued, be valid and fully paid and non-assessable.

8.5 Acceptance of Agency. The Warrant Agent hereby accepts the agency established by this Agreement and agrees to perform the same upon the terms and conditions herein set forth and among other things, shall account promptly to the Company with respect to Warrants exercised and concurrently account for, and pay to the Company, all monies received by the Warrant Agent for the purchase of shares of Common Stock through the exercise of the Warrants.

8.6 Waiver. The Warrant Agent has no right of set-off or any other right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“Claim”) in, or to any distribution of, the Trust Account (as defined in that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the Warrant Agent as trustee thereunder) and hereby agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever. The Warrant Agent hereby waives any and all Claims against the Trust Account and any and all rights to seek access to the Trust Account.

9. Miscellaneous Provisions.

9.1 Successors. All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for the benefit of the Company or the Warrant Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.

 

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9.2 Notices. Any notice, statement or demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the Warrant Agent or by the holder of any Warrant to or on the Company shall be sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five (5) days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Company with the Warrant Agent), as follows:

Apexigen, Inc.

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

75 Shoreway Road, Suite C

San Carlos, CA 94070

Any notice, statement or demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the holder of any Warrant or by the Company to or on the Warrant Agent shall be sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five (5) days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Warrant Agent with the Company), as follows:

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

1 State Street, 30th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Attention: Compliance Department

9.3 Applicable Law. The validity, interpretation, and performance of this Agreement and of the Warrants shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. The Company hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of or relating in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive forum for any such action, proceeding or claim. The Company hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this paragraph 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 district courts of the United States of America are the sole and exclusive forum.

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in the Warrants shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the forum provisions in this Section 9.3. If any action, the subject matter of which is within the scope the forum provisions above, is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (a “foreign action”) in the name of any warrant holder, such warrant holder shall be deemed to have consented to: (x) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce the forum provisions (an “enforcement action”), and (y) having service of process made upon such warrant holder in any such enforcement action by service upon such warrant holder’s counsel in the foreign action as agent for such warrant holder.

9.4 Persons Having Rights under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to confer upon, or give to, any person or corporation other than the parties hereto and the Registered Holders of the Warrants and, for purposes of Sections 7.4, 9.4 and 9.8, the Representative, any right, remedy, or claim under or by reason of this Agreement or of any covenant, condition, stipulation, promise, or agreement hereof. All covenants, conditions, stipulations, promises, and agreements contained in this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and, for purposes of Sections 7.4, 9.4 and 9.8, the Representative, and their successors and assigns and of the Registered Holders of the Warrants.

9.5 Examination of the Warrant Agreement. A copy of this Agreement shall be available at all reasonable times at the office of the Warrant Agent in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, for inspection by the Registered Holder of any Warrant. The Warrant Agent may require any such holder to submit such holder’s Warrant for inspection by the Warrant Agent.

 

15


9.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of original or facsimile counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

9.7 Effect of Headings. The section headings herein are for convenience only and are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the interpretation thereof.

9.8 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto without the consent of any Registered Holder (i) for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or curing, correcting or supplementing any defective provision contained herein or adding or changing any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement as the parties may deem necessary or desirable and that the parties deem shall not adversely affect the interest of the Registered Holders, and (ii) to provide for the delivery of Alternative Issuance pursuant to Section 4.4. All other modifications or amendments, including any amendment to increase the Warrant Price or shorten the Exercise Period, shall require the vote or written consent of the Registered Holders of a majority of the then outstanding Public Warrants. Any amendment related solely to the Private Placement Warrants or the Working Capital Warrants shall require the vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding Private Placement Warrants and Working Capital Warrants. Any amendment related solely to the PIPE Financing Warrants shall require the vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding PIPE Financing Warrants. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may lower the Warrant Price or extend the duration of the Exercise Period pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 3.2, respectively, without the consent of the Registered Holders.

9.9 Severability. This Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, 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.

9.10 Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respet to the subject matter hereof (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Original Warrant Agreement).

[Signature Page Follows]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

BROOKLINE CAPITAL ACQUISITION CORP.
By:   /s/ Samuel P. Wertheimer
Name:   Samuel P. Wertheimer
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, as Warrant Agent
By:   /s/ Douglas Reed
Name:   Douglas Reed
Title:   Vice President

[Signature Page to Warrant Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

[Form of Warrant Certificate]

[FACE]

Number

Warrants

THIS WARRANT SHALL BE VOID IF NOT EXERCISED PRIOR TO

THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXERCISE PERIOD PROVIDED FOR

IN THE WARRANT AGREEMENT DESCRIBED BELOW

BROOKLINE CAPITAL ACQUISITION CORP.

Incorporated Under the Laws of the State of Delaware

CUSIP 11374E 112

Warrant Certificate

This Warrant Certificate certifies that , or registered assigns, is the registered holder of warrant(s) evidenced hereby (the “Warrants” and each, a “Warrant”) to purchase shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“Common Stock”), of Brookline Capital Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder, upon exercise during the period set forth in the Warrant Agreement referred to below, to receive from the Company that number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock as set forth below, at the exercise price (the “Exercise Price”) as determined pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, payable in lawful money (or through “cashless exercise” as provided for in the Warrant Agreement) of the United States of America upon surrender of this Warrant Certificate and payment of the Exercise Price at the office or agency of the Warrant Agent referred to below, subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Warrant Agreement. Defined terms used in this Warrant Certificate but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Warrant Agreement.

Each whole Warrant is initially exercisable for one fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of any Warrant. If, upon the exercise of Warrants, a holder would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share of Common Stock, the Company will, upon exercise, round down to the nearest whole number the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to the Warrant holder. The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events set forth in the Warrant Agreement.

The initial Exercise Price per share of Common Stock for any Warrant is equal to $11.50 per whole share. The Exercise Price is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events set forth in the Warrant Agreement.

Subject to the conditions set forth in the Warrant Agreement, the Warrants may be exercised only during the Exercise Period and to the extent not exercised by the end of such Exercise Period, such Warrants shall become void.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Warrant Certificate set forth on the reverse hereof and such further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.

This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid unless countersigned by the Warrant Agent, as such term is used in the Warrant Agreement.

 

A-1


This Warrant Certificate shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

BROOKLINE CAPITAL ACQUISITION CORP.
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, as Warrant Agent
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

[Signature Page to Warrant Agreement]

 

A-2


[Form of Warrant Certificate]

[Reverse]

The Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate are part of a duly authorized issue of Warrants entitling the holder on exercise to receive shares of Common Stock and are issued or to be issued pursuant to a Warrant Agreement dated as of , 2021 (the “Warrant Agreement”), duly executed and delivered by the Company to Continental Stock Transfer& Trust Company, a New York corporation, as warrant agent (the “Warrant Agent”), which Warrant Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference in and made a part of this instrument and is hereby referred to for a description of the rights, limitation of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Warrant Agent, the Company and the holders (the words “holders” or “holder” meaning the Registered Holders or Registered Holder, respectively) of the Warrants. A copy of the Warrant Agreement may be obtained by the holder hereof upon written request to the Company. Defined terms used in this Warrant Certificate but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Warrant Agreement.

Warrants may be exercised at any time during the Exercise Period set forth in the Warrant Agreement. The holder of Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate may exercise them by surrendering this Warrant Certificate, with the form of election to purchase set forth hereon properly completed and executed, together with payment of the Exercise Price as specified in the Warrant Agreement (or through “cashless exercise” as provided for in the Warrant Agreement) at the principal corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent. In the event that upon any exercise of Warrants evidenced hereby the number of Warrants exercised shall be less than the total number of Warrants evidenced hereby, there shall be issued to the holder hereof or his, her or its assignee, a new Warrant Certificate evidencing the number of Warrants not exercised.

Notwithstanding anything else in this Warrant Certificate or the Warrant Agreement, no Warrant may be exercised unless at the time of exercise (i) a registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise is effective under the Securities Act and (ii) a prospectus thereunder relating to the shares of Common Stock is current, except through “cashless exercise” as provided for in the Warrant Agreement.

The Warrant Agreement provides that upon the occurrence of certain events the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants set forth on the face hereof may, subject to certain conditions, be adjusted. If, upon exercise of a Warrant, the holder thereof would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share of Common Stock, the Company shall, upon exercise, round down to the nearest whole number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to the holder of the Warrant.

Warrant Certificates, when surrendered at the principal corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent by the Registered Holder thereof in person or by legal representative or attorney duly authorized in writing, may be exchanged, in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement, but without payment of any service charge, for another Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates of like tenor evidencing in the aggregate a like number of Warrants.

Upon due presentation for registration of transfer of this Warrant Certificate at the office of the Warrant Agent a new Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates of like tenor and evidencing in the aggregate a like number of Warrants shall be issued to the transferee(s) in exchange for this Warrant Certificate, subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement, without charge except for any tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection therewith.

The Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the Registered Holder(s) hereof as the absolute owner(s) of this Warrant Certificate (notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing hereon made by anyone), for the purpose of any exercise hereof, of any distribution to the holder(s) hereof, and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary. Neither the Warrants nor this Warrant Certificate entitles any holder hereof to any rights of a stockholder of the Company.

 

A-3


Election to Purchase

(To Be Executed Upon Exercise of Warrant)

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the right, represented by this Warrant Certificate, to receive shares of Common Stock and herewith tenders payment for such shares of Common Stock to the order of Brookline Capital Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) in the amount of $ in accordance with the terms hereof. The undersigned requests that a certificate for such shares of Common Stock be registered in the name of, whose address is and that such shares of Common Stock be delivered to whose address is. If said number of shares of Common Stock is less than all of the shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder, the undersigned requests that a new Warrant Certificate representing the remaining balance of such shares of Common Stock be registered in the name of, whose address is and that such Warrant Certificate be delivered to, whose address is.

In the event that the Warrant has been called for redemption by the Company pursuant to Section 6 of the Warrant Agreement and the Company has required cashless exercise pursuant to Section 6.3 of the Warrant Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock that this Warrant is exercisable for shall be determined in accordance with subsection 3.3.1(b) and Section 6.3 of the Warrant Agreement.

In the event that the Warrant is a Private Placement Warrant, Working Capital Warrant or Post-IPO Warrant that is to be exercised on a “cashless” basis pursuant to subsection 3.3.1(c) of the Warrant Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock that this Warrant is exercisable for shall be determined in accordance with subsection 3.3.1(c) of the Warrant Agreement.

In the event that the Warrant is to be exercised on a “cashless” basis pursuant to Section 7.4 of the Warrant Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock that this Warrant is exercisable for shall be determined in accordance with Section 7.4 of the Warrant Agreement.

In the event that the Warrant may be exercised, to the extent allowed by the Warrant Agreement, through cashless exercise (i) the number of shares of Common Stock that this Warrant is exercisable for would be determined in accordance with the relevant section of the Warrant Agreement which allows for such cashless exercise and (ii) the holder hereof shall complete the following: The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the right, represented by this Warrant Certificate, through the cashless exercise provisions of the Warrant Agreement, to receive shares of Common Stock. If said number of shares of Common Stock is less than all of the shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder (after giving effect to the cashless exercise), the undersigned requests that a new Warrant Certificate representing the remaining balance of such shares of Common Stock be registered in the name of, whose address is and that such Warrant Certificate be delivered to, whose address is.

 

A-4


Date: _____________, 20        
      (Signature)
       
      (Address)
       
      (Tax Identification Number)

 

Signature Guaranteed:
 

 

THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15 (OR ANY SUCCESSOR RULE)).

 

A-5


EXHIBIT B

PRIVATE PLACEMENT WARRANT LEGEND

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNLESS REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, SUBJECT TO ANY ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER DESCRIBED IN THE LETTER AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG BROOKLINE CAPITAL ACQUISITION CORP. (THE “COMPANY”), BROOKLINE CAPITAL HOLDINGS LLC AND THE OTHER PARTIES THERETO, THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED PRIOR TO THE DATE THAT IS THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE UPON WHICH THE COMPANY COMPLETES ITS INITIAL BUSINESS COMBINATION (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3 OF THE WARRANT AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN) EXCEPT TO A PERMITTED TRANSFEREE (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 2 OF THE WARRANT AGREEMENT) WHO AGREES IN WRITING WITH THE COMPANY TO BE SUBJECT TO SUCH TRANSFER PROVISIONS. SECURITIES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY ISSUED UPON EXERCISE OF SUCH SECURITIES SHALL BE ENTITLED TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS UNDER A REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT TO BE EXECUTED BY THE COMPANY.”

 

B-1


EXHIBIT C

PIPE FINANCING WARRANT LEGEND

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE (NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES). BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE ACQUIRER AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF APEXIGEN, INC. (THE “COMPANY”) THAT IT WILL NOT OFFER, SELL, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS SECURITY OR ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN PRIOR TO THE DATE THAT IS THE LATER OF (X) ONE YEAR AFTER THE ISSUE DATE HEREOF OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION THERETO AND (Y) SUCH LATER DATE, IF ANY, AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EXCEPT:

(A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, OR

(B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND IS EFFECTIVE AT THE TIME OF SUCH TRANSFER, OR

(C) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR

(D) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.

PRIOR TO THE REGISTRATION OF ANY PERMITTED TRANSFER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ABOVE, THE COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF SUCH LEGAL OPINIONS, CERTIFICATIONS OR OTHER EVIDENCE AS MAY REASONABLY BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THAT THE PROPOSED TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF ANY EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.

 

C-1

Exhibit 10.5

APEXIGEN, INC.

2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

1. Purposes of this Plan. The purposes of this Plan are:

 

   

to attract and retain highly talented personnel,

 

   

to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and

 

   

to promote the success of the Company’s business.

The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Performance Awards.

2. Definitions. As used in this Plan, the following definitions will apply:

2.1 “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering this Plan, in accordance with Section 4.

2.2 “Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards, including the related issuance of shares of Common Stock, including under U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any non-U.S. country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted.

2.3 “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under this Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards.

2.4 “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under this Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.

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

2.6 “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(a) Change in Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change in Control; provided, further, that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Board also will not be considered a Change in Control. Further, if the stockholders


of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event will not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (a). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership will include an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or

(b) Change in Effective Control of the Company. If the Company has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, a change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any 12-month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this subsection (b), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or

(c) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Companys Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (c), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (i) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (ii) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (A) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (B) an entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (C) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (D) an entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (c)(ii)(C). For purposes of this subsection (c), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this Section 2.6, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

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Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (x) its sole purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (y) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.

2.7 “Closing” means the closing of the merger contemplated by that certain Business Combination Agreement by and among the Company, Apexigen, Inc., and certain other parties, dated March 17, 2022, as may be amended from time to time (such merger, the “Merger”).

2.8 “Closing Date” means the date of the Closing.

2.9 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or other formal guidance of general or direct applicability promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.

2.10 “Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board, or by a duly authorized committee of the Board, in accordance with Section 4.

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

2.12 “Company” means Brookline Capital Acquisition Corp. (which, on or following the Closing, will be named Apexigen, Inc.), a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.

2.13 “Consultant” means any natural person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or any of its Parent or Subsidiaries to render bona fide services to such entity, provided the services (a) are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, and (b) do not directly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities, in each case, within the meaning of Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act, and provided further, that a Consultant will include only those persons to whom the issuance of Shares may be registered under Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act.

2.14 “Director” means a member of the Board.

2.15 “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Code Section 22(e)(3), provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.

2.16 “Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.

 

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2.17 “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

2.18 “Exchange Program” means a program under which (a) outstanding Awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type (which may have higher or lower exercise prices and different terms), awards of a different type, or cash, (b) Participants would have the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator, or (c) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is reduced or increased. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program in its sole discretion.

2.19 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date and unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:

(a) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or, if no closing sales price was reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such closing sales price was reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

(b) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or, if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

(c) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.

In addition, for purposes of determining the fair market value of shares for any reason other than the determination of the exercise price of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, fair market value will be determined by the Administrator in a manner compliant with Applicable Laws and applied consistently for such purpose. The determination of fair market value for purposes of tax withholding may be made in the Administrator’s sole discretion subject to Applicable Laws and is not required to be consistent with the determination of fair market value for other purposes.

2.20 “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.

2.21 “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is otherwise intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Code Section 422 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

2.22 “Inside Director” means a Director who is an Employee.

 

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2.23 “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

2.24 “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

2.25 “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to this Plan.

2.26 “Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.

2.27 “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).

2.28 “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.

2.29 “Performance Awards” means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be cash- or stock-denominated and may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing under Section 10.

2.30 “Performance Period” means Performance Period as defined in Section 10.1.

2.31 “Period of Restriction” means the period (if any) during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.

2.32 “Plan” means this Apexigen, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, as may be amended from time to time.

2.33 “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to an Award of Restricted Stock under Section 8, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.

2.34 “Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 9. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.

2.35 “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to this Plan.

2.36 “Section 409A” means Code Section 409A and the U.S. Treasury Regulations and guidance thereunder, and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be promulgated, amended or modified from time to time.

2.37 “Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

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

2.39 “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 15.

2.40 “Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 7 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.

2.41 “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(f).

2.42 “Trading Day” means a day that the primary stock exchange, national market system, or other trading platform, as applicable, upon which the Common Stock is listed (or otherwise trades regularly, as determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion) is open for trading.

2.43 “U.S. Treasury Regulations” means the Treasury Regulations of the Code. Reference to a specific Treasury Regulation or Section of the Code will include such Treasury Regulation or Section, any valid regulation promulgated under such Section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such Section or regulation.

3. Stock Subject to this Plan.

3.1 Stock Subject to this Plan. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 15 and the automatic increase set forth in Section 3.2, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be subject to Awards and sold under this Plan will be equal to (a) 2,573,405 Shares, plus (b) any shares of the Company’s common stock subject to stock options or other awards that are assumed in the Merger (“Assumed Awards”) and that, on or after the Closing Date, are cancelled, expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full, are tendered to or withheld by the Company for payment of an exercise price or for tax withholding obligations, or are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to failure to vest, with the maximum number of Shares to be added to this Plan pursuant to clause (b) equal to 3,461,319 Shares. In addition, Shares may become available for issuance under Sections 3.2 and 3.3. The Shares may be authorized but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

3.2 Automatic Share Reserve Increase. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 15, the number of Shares available for issuance under this Plan will be increased on the first day of each Fiscal Year beginning with the 2023 Fiscal Year, in an amount equal to the least of (a) 3,216,756 Shares, (b) a number of Shares equal to 5% of the total number of shares of all classes of common stock of the Company outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year, or (c) such number of Shares determined by the Administrator no later than the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year.

3.3 Lapsed Awards. If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program, or, with respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to the failure to vest, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options or

 

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Stock Appreciation Rights the forfeited or repurchased Shares) which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under this Plan (unless this Plan has terminated). With respect to Stock Appreciation Rights, only Shares actually issued (i.e., the net Shares isused) pursuant to a Stock Appreciation Right will cease to be available under this Plan; all remaining Shares under Stock Appreciation Rights will remain available for future grant or sale under this Plan (unless this Plan has terminated). Shares that actually have been issued under this Plan under any Award will not be returned to this Plan and will not become available for future distribution under this Plan; provided, however, that if Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Performance Awards are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company due to the failure to vest, such Shares will become available for future grant under this Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy the tax liabilities or withholdings related to an Award will become available for future grant or sale under this Plan. To the extent an Award under this Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under this Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3.1, plus, to the extent allowable under Code Section 422 and the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, any Shares that become available for issuance under this Plan pursuant to Sections 3.2 and 3.3.

3.4 Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of this Plan.

4. Administration of this Plan.

4.1 Procedure.

4.1.1 Multiple Administrative Bodies. Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer this Plan.

4.1.2 Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.

4.1.3 Other Administration. Other than as provided above, this Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which Committee will be constituted to comply with Applicable Laws.

4.2 Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of this Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:

(a) to determine the Fair Market Value;

(b) to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;

 

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(c) to determine the number of Shares or dollar amounts to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;

(d) to approve forms of Award Agreements for use under this Plan;

(e) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto (including temporarily suspending the exercisability of an Award if the Administrator deems such suspension to be necessary or appropriate for administrative purposes or to comply with Applicable Laws, provided that such suspension must be lifted prior to the expiration of the maximum term and post-termination exercisability period of an Award), based in each case on such factors as the Administrator will determine;

(f) to institute and determine the terms and conditions of an Exchange Program, including, subject to Section 20.3, to unilaterally implement an Exchange Program without the consent of the applicable Award holder;

(g) to construe and interpret the terms of this Plan and Awards granted pursuant to this Plan;

(h) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to this Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of facilitating compliance with applicable non-U.S. laws, easing the administration of this Plan or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable non-U.S. laws, in each case as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;

(i) to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 20.3), including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards and to extend the maximum term of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right (subject to Sections 6.4 and 7.5);

(j) to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations in a manner prescribed in Section 16;

(k) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;

(l) to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that otherwise would be due to such Participant under an Award; and

(m) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering this Plan.

4.3 Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards and will be given the maximum deference permitted by Applicable Laws.

 

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5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.

6. Stock Options.

6.1 Grant of Options. Subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Options to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

6.2 Option Agreement. Each Award of an Option will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Option, the number of Shares subject to the Option, the exercise restrictions, if any, applicable to the Option, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

6.3 Limitations. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Notwithstanding such designation, however, to the extent that the aggregate fair market value of the shares with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such options will be treated as nonstatutory stock options. For purposes of this Section 6.3, incentive stock options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, the fair market value of the shares will be determined as of the time the option with respect to such shares is granted, and calculation will be performed in accordance with Code Section 422 and the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.

6.4 Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement; provided, however, that the term will be no more than 10 years from the date of grant thereof. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be 5 years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.

6.5 Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

6.5.1 Exercise Price. The per Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, but will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. In addition, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee who owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.5.1, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Code Section 424(a).

 

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6.5.2 Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.

6.5.3 Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration may consist entirely of: (a) cash (including cash equivalents); (b) check; (c) promissory note, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, (d) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and provided further that accepting such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (e) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with this Plan; (f) by net exercise; (g) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, or (h) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator will consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to benefit the Company.

6.6 Exercise of Option.

6.6.1 Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of this Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (a) notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (b) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable tax withholdings). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and this Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 15.

Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of this Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

 

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6.6.2 Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon such cessation as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within 3 months of such cessation, or such shorter or longer period of time, as is specified in the Award Agreement, in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement or Section 6.4. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator or set forth in the Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if on such date of cessation the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to this Plan immediately. If after such cessation the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to this Plan.

6.6.3 Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within 6 months of cessation, or such longer or shorter period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement or Section 6.4, as applicable) to the extent the Option is vested on such date of cessation. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator or set forth in the Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if on the date of cessation the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to this Plan immediately. If after such cessation the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in this Plan, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to this Plan.

6.6.4 Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised within 6 months following the Participant’s death, or within such longer or shorter period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement or Section 6.4, as applicable), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to the Participant’s death in a form (if any) acceptable to the Administrator. If the Administrator has not permitted the designation of a beneficiary or if no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution (each, a “Legal Representative”). If the Option is exercised pursuant to this Section 6.6.4, Participant’s designated beneficiary or Legal Representative shall be subject to the terms of this Plan and the Award Agreement, including the restrictions on transferability and forfeitability applicable to the Service Provider. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator or set forth in the Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to this Plan immediately. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified in this Plan, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to this Plan.

 

 

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6.6.5 Tolling Expiration. A Participant’s Award Agreement may also provide that:

(a) if the exercise of the Option following the cessation of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would result in liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in the Award Agreement, or (ii) the 10th day after the last date on which such exercise would result in liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act; or

(b) if the exercise of the Option following the cessation of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of Shares would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the Option or (ii) the expiration of a period of 30 days after the cessation of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.

7. Stock Appreciation Rights.

7.1 Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.

7.2 Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Shares subject to any Award of Stock Appreciation Rights.

7.3 Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per Share exercise price for the Shares that will determine the amount of the payment to be received upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right as set forth in Section 7.6 will be determined by the Administrator and will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Otherwise, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of this Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under this Plan.

7.4 Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

7.5 Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under this Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6.4 relating to the maximum term and Section 6.6 relating to exercise also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.

7.6 Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:

(a) The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times

 

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(b) The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.

At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.

8. Restricted Stock.

8.1 Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

8.2 Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction (if any), the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine that an Award of Restricted Stock will not be subject to any Period of Restriction and consideration for such Award is paid for by past services rendered as a Service Provider.

8.3 Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 8 or as the Administrator determines, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.

8.4 Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.

8.5 Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under this Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction or at such other time as the Administrator may determine. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.

8.6 Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.

8.7 Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.

8.8 Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under this Plan.

 

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9. Restricted Stock Units.

9.1 Grant. Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator. After the Administrator determines that it will grant Restricted Stock Units, it will advise the Participant in an Award Agreement of the terms, conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, including the number of Restricted Stock Units.

9.2 Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit, or individual goals (including continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.

9.3 Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as determined by the Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.

9.4 Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made at the time(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.

9.5 Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.

10. Performance Awards.

10.1 Award Agreement. Each Performance Award will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify any time period during which any performance objectives or other vesting provisions will be measured (“Performance Period”), and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines. Each Performance Award will have an initial value that is determined by the Administrator on or before its date of grant.

10.2 Objectives or Vesting Provisions and Other Terms. The Administrator will set any objectives or vesting provisions that, depending on the extent to which any such objectives or vesting provisions are met, will determine the value of the payout for the Performance Awards. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit, or individual goals (including continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.

10.3 Earning Performance Awards. After an applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of a Performance Award will be entitled to receive a payout for the Performance Award earned by the Participant over the Performance Period. The Administrator, in its discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Award.

 

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10.4 Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Performance Awards will be made at the time(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle earned Performance Awards in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.

10.5 Cancellation of Performance Awards. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Awards will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under this Plan.

11. Outside Director Award Limitations. No Outside Director may be granted, in any Fiscal Year, equity awards (including any Awards granted under this Plan), the value of which will be based on their grant date fair value determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and be provided any other compensation (including any cash retainers or fees) in amounts that, in the aggregate, exceed $750,000, provided that such amount is increased to $1,000,000 in the Fiscal Year of his or her initial service as an Outside Director. Any Awards or other compensation provided to an individual (a) for his or her services as an Employee, or for his or her services as a Consultant other than as an Outside Director, or (b) prior to the Closing, will be excluded for purposes of this Section 11.

12. Compliance With Section 409A. Awards will be designed and operated in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. The Plan and each Award Agreement under this Plan is intended to be exempt from or meet the requirements of Section 409A and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent (including with respect to any ambiguities or ambiguous terms), except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Section 409A the Award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Section 409A, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A. In no event will the Company or any of its Parent or Subsidiaries have any responsibility, liability, or obligation to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless a Participant (or any other person) in respect of Awards, for any taxes, penalties or interest that may be imposed on, or other costs incurred by, Participant (or any other person) as a result of Section 409A.

13. Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise or as otherwise required by Applicable Laws, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Participant will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (a) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (b) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, or any of its Subsidiaries. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed 3 months, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then 6 months following the 1st day of such leave, any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

 

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14. Limited Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, Awards may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution (which, for purposes of clarification, shall be deemed to include through a beneficiary designation if available in accordance with Section 6.6), and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.

15. Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.

15.1 Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, reclassification, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs (other than any ordinary dividends or other ordinary distributions), the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Plan, will adjust the number and class of shares of stock that may be delivered under this Plan or the number, class, and price of shares of stock covered by each outstanding Award, and numerical Share limits in Section 3.

15.2 Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

15.3 Merger or Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or a Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines (subject to the provisions of the following paragraph) without a Participant’s consent, including that (a) Awards will be assumed, or substantially equivalent awards will be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof) with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; (b) upon written notice to a Participant, that the Participant’s Awards will terminate upon or immediately prior to the consummation of such merger or Change in Control; (c) outstanding Awards will vest and become exercisable, realizable, or payable, or restrictions applicable to an Award will lapse, in whole or in part prior to or upon consummation of such merger or Change in Control, and, to the extent the Administrator determines, terminate upon or immediately prior to the effectiveness of such merger or Change in Control; (d) (i) the termination of an Award in exchange for an amount of cash or property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s vested rights as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction the Administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, then such Award may be terminated by the Company without payment), or (ii) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion; or (e) any combination of the foregoing. In taking any of the actions permitted under this Section 15.3, the Administrator will not be obligated to treat all Awards, all Awards held by a Participant, all Awards of the same type, or all portions of Awards, similarly.

 

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In the event that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award (or portion thereof), the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (or portions thereof) not assumed or substituted for, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards (or portions thereof) not assumed or substituted for will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting (or portions thereof) not assumed or substituted for, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions met, in each case, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable. In addition, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or portion thereof) is not assumed or substituted in the event of a merger or Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or its applicable portion) will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or its applicable portion) will terminate upon the expiration of such period.

For the purposes of this Section 15.3, an Award will be considered assumed if, following the merger or Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the merger or Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit or Performance Award, for each Share subject to such Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or Change in Control.

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 15.3 to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent, in all cases, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 15.3 to the contrary, and unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, if an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out under an Award Agreement is subject to Section 409A and if the change in control definition contained in the Award Agreement (or other agreement related to the Award, as applicable) does not comply with the

 

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definition of “change in control” for purposes of a distribution under Section 409A, then any payment of an amount that is otherwise accelerated under this Section will be delayed until the earliest time that such payment would be permissible under Section 409A without triggering any penalties applicable under Section 409A.

15.4 Outside Director Awards. With respect to Awards granted to an Outside Director, in the event of a Change in Control, the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise Options or Stock Appreciation Rights as to all of the Shares underlying such Award, including those Shares which otherwise would not be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions met, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Parents or Subsidiaries, as applicable, that is authorized by the Administrator.

16. Tax Withholding.

16.1 Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof) or such earlier time as any tax withholdings are due, the Company (or any of its Parent, Subsidiaries, or affiliates employing or retaining the services of a Participant, as applicable) will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company (or any of its Parent, Subsidiaries, or affiliates, as applicable) or a relevant tax authority, an amount sufficient to satisfy U.S. federal, state, local, non-U.S., and other taxes (including the Participant’s FICA or other social insurance contribution obligation) required to be withheld or paid with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).

16.2 Withholding Arrangements. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such tax liability or withholding obligation, in whole or in part by such methods as the Administrator shall determine, including (a) paying cash, check or other cash equivalents, (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine if such amount would not have adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine, in each case, provided the delivery of such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, (d) selling a sufficient number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant through such means as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the amount required to be withheld or paid, (e) such other consideration and method of payment for the meeting of tax liabilities or withholding obligations as the Administrator may determine to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, or (f) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. The amount of the withholding obligation will be deemed to include any amount which the Administrator agrees may be withheld at the time the election is made, not to exceed the amount determined by using the maximum federal, state or local marginal income tax rates applicable to the Participant with respect to the Award on the date that the amount of tax to be

 

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withheld is to be determined or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine if such amount would not have adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion. The fair market value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.

17. No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither this Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the right of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, to terminate such relationship at any time, free from any liability or claim under this Plan.

18. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

19. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 23, this Plan will become effective upon the latest to occur of (a) its adoption by the Board, (b) its approval by the Company’s stockholders, or (c) the time as of immediately prior to the Closing. The Plan will continue in effect until terminated under Section 20, but (i) no Options that qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Code Section 422 may be granted after 10 years from the earlier of the Board or stockholder approval of this Plan and (ii) Section 3.2 relating to the automatic share reserve increase will operate only until the 10-year anniversary of the earlier of the Board or stockholder approval of this Plan.

20. Amendment and Termination of this Plan.

20.1 Amendment and Termination. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may amend, alter, suspend or terminate this Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason.

20.2 Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.

20.3 Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of this Plan will materially impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of this Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under this Plan prior to the date of such termination.

21. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

21.1 Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to an Award unless the exercise or vesting of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

 

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21.2 Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise or vesting of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising or vesting in such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or vesting that the Shares are being acquired only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

22. Inability to Obtain Authority. If the Company determines it to be impossible or impractical to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction or to complete or comply with the requirements of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any U.S. state or federal law or non-U.S. law or under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the stock exchange on which Shares of the same class are then listed, or any other governmental or regulatory body, which authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary or advisable for the issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, the Company will be relieved of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance will not have been obtained.

23. Stockholder Approval. This Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within 12 months after the date the Board adopts this Plan. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.

24. Forfeiture Events. The Administrator may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award will be subject to the reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, recoupment, reimbursement, or reacquisition upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such events may include termination of such Participant’s status as an employee or other service provider for cause or any specified action or inaction by a Participant, whether before or after such termination of employment or other service, that would constitute cause for termination of such Participant’s status as a employee or other service provider. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary under this Plan, all Awards granted under this Plan will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, recoupment, reimbursement, or reacquisition under any clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other Applicable Laws (the “Clawback Policy”). The Administrator may require a Participant to forfeit, return or reimburse the Company all or a portion of the Award and any amounts paid thereunder pursuant to the terms of the Clawback Policy or as necessary or appropriate to comply with Applicable Laws, including any reacquisition right regarding previously acquired Shares or other cash or property. Unless this Section 24 specifically is mentioned and waived in an Award Agreement or other document, no recovery of compensation under a Clawback Policy or otherwise will constitute an event that triggers or contributes to any right of a Participant to resign for “good reason” or “constructive termination” (or similar term) under any agreement with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.

25. Governing Law. The Plan will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware (except its choice-of-law provisions).

 

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26. Construction; Interpretation. The titles of the Sections of this Plan are for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing this Plan. In this Plan, unless otherwise specified: (a) “includes” and “including” shall mean respectively includes and including without limitation; (b) the word “or” shall not be deemed to be used in the exclusive sense and shall instead be used in the inclusive sense to mean “and/or”; (c) words denoting any gender shall include all genders; (d) the word “hereunder” refers to under this Plan as a whole and not merely to the particular provision in which such words appear; and (e) except as otherwise indicated, all references in this Plan to a “Section” are intended to refer to a Section of this Plan.

*        *        *

 

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APEXIGEN, INC.

2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Apexigen, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Stock Option Agreement, which includes the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Notice of Grant”), the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, the Exercise Notice, attached hereto as Exhibit B, and all other exhibits, appendices, and addenda attached hereto (together, the “Option Agreement”).

Participant Name:

Address:

The undersigned Participant has been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows:

 

Grant Number:

   __________________________________________________

Date of Grant:

   __________________________________________________

Vesting Commencement Date:

   __________________________________________________

Exercise Price per Share:

   $_________________________________________________

Total Number of Shares Subject to Option:

   __________________________________________________

Total Exercise Price:

   $_________________________________________________

Type of Option:

   ___ Incentive Stock Option
   ___ Nonstatutory Stock Option

Term/Expiration Date:

   __________________________________________________

Vesting Schedule:

Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan, this Option Agreement or any other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable) governing the terms of this Option, this Option shall vest and be exercisable, in whole or in part, according to the following vesting schedule:

[25% of the Total Number of Shares Subject to Option (as set forth above) shall be scheduled to vest on the 1-year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/48th of the Total Number of Shares Subject to Option shall be scheduled to vest each month thereafter on the same day of the month as the Vesting Commencement Date (and if there is no corresponding day in a particular month, on the last day of the month), subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.]


Termination Period:

This Option shall be exercisable, to the extent vested, for [3 months] after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, unless such cessation is due to Participant’s death or Disability. If Participant ceases to be a Service Provider due to Participant’s death or Disablity, this Option shall be exercisable, to the extent vested, for [12 months] after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider. In no event may this Option be exercised after the Term/Expiration Date as provided above and this Option may be subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 15 of the Plan.

By Participant’s signature and the signature of the representative of the Company below, Participant and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, including the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, the Exercise Notice, attached hereto as Exhibit B, and all other exhibits, appendices and addenda attached hereto, all of which are made a part of this document. Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and the Option Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan or this Option Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Participant’s residence address indicated below.

 

PARTICIPANT      APEXIGEN, INC.
                 
Signature      Signature
        
Print Name      Print Name
      
     Title
Residence Address:     
      
      

 

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EXHIBIT A

APEXIGEN, INC.

2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

1. Grant of Option.

(a) The Company hereby grants to the individual (“Participant”) named in the Notice of Stock Option Grant of this Option Agreement (the “Notice of Grant”), an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the “Exercise Price”), subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Option Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 20 of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

(b) For U.S. taxpayers, if designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code. Nevertheless, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d), this Option shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option (“NSO”). Further, if for any reason this Option (or portion thereof) shall not qualify as an ISO, then, to the extent of such nonqualification, such Option (or portion thereof) shall be regarded as a NSO granted under the Plan. In no event shall the Administrator, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary or any of their respective employees or directors have any liability to Participant (or any other person) due to the failure of the Option to qualify for any reason as an ISO.

(c) For non-U.S. taxpayers, the Option will be designated as an NSO.

2. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 3, the Option awarded by this Option Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting provisions set forth in the Notice of Grant. Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Option Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, Shares subject to this Option that are scheduled to vest on a certain date or upon the occurrence of a certain condition will not vest in accordance with any of the provisions of this Option Agreement, unless Participant will have been continuously a Service Provider from the Date of Grant until the date such vesting occurs.

3. Administrator Discretion. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Option at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Option will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator.

 

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4. Exercise of Option.

(a) Right to Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.

(b) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice (the “Exercise Notice”) in the form attached as Exhibit B to the Notice of Grant or in a manner and pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine, which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be completed by Participant and delivered to the Company, accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares, together with any applicable Withholding Obligations (as defined below). This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise Price, together with any applicable Withholding Obligations.

No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless such issuance and such exercise comply with Applicable Laws. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred to Participant on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to such Shares.

5. Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of Participant:

(a) cash;

(b) check;

(c) consideration received by the Company under a formal cashless exercise program adopted by the Company in connection with the Plan; or

(d) if Participant is a U.S. employee, surrender of other Shares which (i) shall be valued at its fair market value on the date of surrender, and (ii) must be owned free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, if accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, shall not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company.

A non-U.S. resident’s methods of exercise may be restricted by the terms and conditions of any appendix to this Agreement for Participant’s country (including the Country Addendum, as defined below).

6. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by Participant.

7. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.

 

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8. Tax Obligations.

(a) Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, Participant’s employer or any Parent or Subsidiary to which Participant is providing services (together, the “Service Recipients”), the ultimate liability for any tax and/or social insurance liability obligations and requirements in connection with the Option, including, without limitation, (i) all federal, state, and local taxes (including Participant’s Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) obligations) that are required to be withheld by any Service Recipient or other payment of tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant, (ii) Participant’s and, to the extent required by any Service Recipient, the Service Recipient’s fringe benefit tax liability, if any, associated with the grant, vesting, or exercise of the Option or sale of Shares, and (iii) any other Service Recipient taxes the responsibility for which Participant has, or has agreed to bear, with respect to the Option (or exercise thereof or issuance of Shares thereunder) (collectively, the “Tax Obligations”), is and remains Participant’s sole responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the applicable Service Recipient(s). Participant further acknowledges that no Service Recipient (A) makes any representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax Obligations in connection with any aspect of the Option, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or exercise of the Option, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such exercise and the receipt of any dividends or other distributions, and (B) makes any commitment to and is under any obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax Obligations or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax Obligations in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges that the applicable Service Recipient(s) (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Withholding Obligations (as defined below) in more than one jurisdiction. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required Tax Obligations hereunder at the time of the applicable taxable event, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to issue or deliver the Shares.

(b) Tax Withholding. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the applicable Service Recipient(s) will withhold the amount required to be withheld for the payment of Tax Obligations (the “Withholding Obligations”). The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit Participant to satisfy such Withholding Obligations, in whole or in part (without limitation), if permissible by applicable local law, by (i) paying cash, (ii) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences) (“Net Share Withholding”), (iii) withholding the amount of such Withholding Obligations from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the applicable Service Recipient(s), (iv) delivering to the Company Shares that Participant owns and that have vested with a fair market value equal to the Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences), or (v) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant, through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as

 

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Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences) (“Sell to Cover”). To the extent determined appropriate by the Administrator in its discretion, the Administrator will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any Withholding Obligations by Net Share Withholding. If Net Share Withholding is the method by which such Withholding Obligations are satisfied, the Company will not withhold on a fractional Share basis to satisfy any portion of the Withholding Obligations and, unless the Company determines otherwise, no refund will be made to Participant for the value of the portion of a Share, if any, withheld in excess of the Withholding Obligations. If a Sell to Cover is the method by which Withholding Obligations are satisfied, Participant agrees that as part of the Sell to Cover, additional Shares may be sold to satisfy any associated broker or other fees. Only whole Shares will be sold pursuant to a Sell to Cover. Any proceeds from the sale of Shares pursuant to a Sell to Cover that are in excess of the Withholding Obligations and any associated broker or other fees will be paid to Participant in accordance with procedures the Company may specify from time to time.

(c) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Option granted to Participant herein is an ISO, and if Participant sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (i) the date 2 years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date 1 year after the date of exercise, Participant shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Participant agrees that Participant may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by Participant.

(d) Section 409A. Under Section 409A, a stock right (such as the Option) that vests after December 31, 2004 (or that vested on or prior to such date but which was materially modified after October 3, 2004), that was granted with a per share exercise price that is determined by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) to be less than the fair market value of an underlying share on the date of grant (a “discount option”) may be considered “deferred compensation.” A stock right that is a “discount option” may result in (i) income recognition by the recipient of the stock right prior to the exercise of the stock right, (ii) an additional 20% federal income tax, and (iii) potential penalty and interest charges. The “discount option” may also result in additional state income, penalty and interest tax to the recipient of the stock right. Participant acknowledges that the Company cannot and has not guaranteed that the IRS will agree that the per Share exercise price of this Option equals or exceeds the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant in a later examination. Participant agrees that if the IRS determines that the Option was granted with a per Share exercise price that was less than the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant, Participant shall be solely responsible for Participant’s costs related to such a determination. In no event will the Company or any of its Parent or Subsidiaries have any responsibility, liability, or obligation to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless Participant (or any other person) in respect of this Option or any other Awards, for any taxes, penalties or interest that may be imposed on, or other costs incurred by, Participant (or any other person) as a result of Section 409A.

9. Rights as Stockholder. Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates representing such Shares (which may be in book entry form) will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to Participant (including through electronic delivery to a brokerage account). After such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.

 

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10. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant. This Option Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws but not the choice of law rules of the State of Delaware.

11. No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER, WHICH UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAWS IS AT THE WILL OF THE APPLICABLE SERVICE RECIPIENT AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS OPTION AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF ANY SERVICE RECIPIENT TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER, SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, WHICH TERMINATION, UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, MAY BE AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.

12. Nature of Grant. In accepting the Option, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:

(a) the grant of the Option is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options, or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted in the past;

(b) all decisions with respect to future option or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Administrator;

(c) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;

(d) the Option and any Shares acquired under the Plan are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(e) the Option and Shares acquired under the Plan and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;

 

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(f) the future value of the Shares underlying the Option is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;

(g) if the underlying Shares do not increase in value, the Option will have no value;

(h) if Participant exercises the Option and acquires Shares, the value of such Shares may increase or decrease in value, even below the Exercise Price;

(i) for purposes of the Option, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Option Agreement (including by reference in the Notice of Grant to other arrangements or contracts) or determined by the Administrator, (i) Participant’s right to vest in the Option under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., Participant’s period of service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any, unless Participant is providing bona fide services during such time); and (ii) the period (if any) during which Participant may exercise the Option after such termination of Participant’s engagement as a Service Provider will commence on the date Participant ceases to actively provide services and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or terms of Participant’s engagement agreement, if any; the Administrator shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of this Option grant (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence and consistent with local law);

(j) unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Administrator in its discretion, the Option and the benefits evidenced by this Option Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Option or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the Shares; and

(k) the following provisions apply only if Participant is providing services outside the United States:

(i) the Option and the Shares subject to the Option are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose;

(ii) Participant acknowledges and agrees that no Service Recipient shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Option or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon exercise; and

(iii) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Option resulting from the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or

 

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service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the Option to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against any Service Recipient, waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and releases each Service Recipient from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim.

13. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the Shares underlying the Option. Participant is hereby advised to consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisers regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.

14. Data Privacy. Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participants personal data as described in this Option Agreement and any other Option grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Service Recipients for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participants participation in the Plan.

Participant understands that the Company and the Service Recipient may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any Shares or directorships held in the Company, details of all Options or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.

Participant understands that Data may be transferred to a stock plan service provider, as may be selected by the Company in the future, assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country of operation (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, any stock plan service provider selected by the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing his or her local human resources representative. Further, Participant understands that he or she is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to

 

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revoke his or her consent, his or her status as a Service Provider and career with the Service Recipient will not be adversely affected. The only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant Participant Options or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, Participant understands that refusing or withdrawing his or her consent may affect Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participant understands that he or she may contact his or her local human resources representative.

15. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Option Agreement will be addressed to the Company at Apexigen, Inc., 75 Shoreway Road, Suite C, San Carlos, CA 94070, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.

16. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Option Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Option Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restriction on transfer herein set forth, this Option Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and Participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Option Agreement may be assigned only with the prior written consent of the Company.

17. Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, qualification or rule compliance of the Shares upon any securities exchange or under any state, federal or non-U.S. law, the tax code and related regulations or under the rulings or regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body or the clearance, consent or approval of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the exercise of the Options or the purchase by, or issuance of Shares, to Participant (or his or her estate) hereunder, such exercise, purchase or issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, clearance, consent or approval will have been completed, effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. Subject to the terms of the Option Agreement and the Plan, the Company will not be required to issue any certificate or certificates for (or make any entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company of) the Shares hereunder prior to the lapse of such reasonable period of time following the date of exercise of the Option as the Administrator may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience.

18. Language. If Participant has received this Option Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.

19. Interpretation. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Option Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules (including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Shares subject to the Option have vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. Neither the Administrator nor any person acting on behalf of the Administrator will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Option Agreement.

 

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20. Electronic Delivery and Acceptance. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to the Option awarded under the Plan or future options that may be awarded under the Plan by electronic means or require Participant to participate in the Plan by electronic means. Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.

21. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Option Agreement.

22. Option Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Option Agreement will be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Option Agreement.

23. Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. By accepting this Option, Participant expressly warrants that he or she has received an Option under the Plan, and has received, read and understood a description of the Plan. Participant understands that the Plan is discretionary in nature and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Administrator at any time.

24. Country Addendum. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Option Agreement, this Option shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in an appendix (if any) to this Option Agreement for any country whose laws are applicable to Participant and this Option (as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion) (the “Country Addendum”). Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Country Addendum (if any), the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Country Addendum (if any) constitutes a part of this Option Agreement.

25. Modifications to the Option Agreement. This Option Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. Participant expressly warrants that he or she is not accepting this Option Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations, or inducements other than those contained herein. Modifications to this Option Agreement or the Plan can be made only in an express written contract executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Option Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Option Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of Participant, to comply with Section 409A or to otherwise avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A in connection with the Option.

26. No Waiver. Either party’s failure to enforce any provision or provisions of this Option Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision or provisions, nor prevent that party from thereafter enforcing each and every other provision of this Option Agreement. The rights granted both parties herein are cumulative and shall not constitute a waiver of either party’s right to assert all other legal remedies available to it under the circumstances.

 

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27. Tax Consequences. Participant has reviewed with his or her own tax advisers the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement. With respect to such matters, Participant relies solely on such advisers and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents, written or oral. Participant understands that Participant (and not the Company) shall be responsible for Participant’s own tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement.

*        *        *

 

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EXHIBIT B

APEXIGEN, INC.

2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

EXERCISE NOTICE

Apexigen, Inc.

75 Shoreway Road, Suite C

San Carlos, CA 94070

Attention: Finance Department

1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________, ____, the undersigned (“Participant”) hereby elects to exercise Participant’s option (the “Option”) to purchase ________________ shares of the Common Stock (the “Shares”) of Apexigen, Inc. (the “Company”) under and pursuant to the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement dated ______________, _____, including the Notice of Stock Option Grant, and the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant attached as Exhibit A thereto and other exhibits, appendices and addenda attached thereto (the “Option Agreement”). Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Exercise Notice will be ascribed the same defined meanings as set forth in the Option Agreement (or the Plan or other written agreement as specified in the Option Agreement).

2. Delivery of Payment. Participant herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price of the Shares, as set forth in the Option Agreement, and any Withholding Obligations to be paid in connection with the exercise of the Option.

3. Representations of Participant. Participant acknowledges that Participant has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance of the Shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Common Stock subject to the Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired shall be issued to Participant as soon as practicable after the Option is exercised in accordance with the Option Agreement. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance except as provided in Section 15 of the Plan.

5. Tax Consultation. Participant understands that Participant may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Participant’s purchase or disposition of the Shares. Participant represents that Participant has consulted with any tax consultants Participant deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Participant is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.

 

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6. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Exercise Notice shall be submitted by Participant or by the Company forthwith to the Administrator, which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of such a dispute by the Administrator shall be final and binding on all parties to the maximum extent permitted by law.

7. Governing Law; Severability. This Exercise Notice is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Delaware. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Exercise Notice shall continue in full force and effect.

8. Entire Agreement. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and the Option Agreement (including this Exercise Notice and any exhibits, appendices, and addenda attached to the Notice of Stock Option Grant of the Option Agreement) constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.

 

Submitted by:     Accepted by:
PARTICIPANT     APEXIGEN, INC.
       
Signature     By
       
Print Name     Print Name
     
  Title  
Address:     Address:
       
       
     
    Date Received

 

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APPENDIX A

APEXIGEN, INC.

2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

COUNTRY ADDENDUM TO STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Country Addendum to Stock Option Agreement (the “Country Addendum”) will be ascribed the same defined meanings as set forth in the Option Agreement of which this Country Addendum forms a part (or the Plan or other written agreement as specified in the Option Agreement).

Terms and Conditions

This Country Addendum includes additional terms and conditions that govern this Option granted to Participant under the Plan to the extent Participant resides and/or works in one of the countries listed below. If Participant is a citizen or resident (or is considered as such for local law purposes) of a country other than the country in which Participant is currently residing and/or working, or if Participant relocates to another country after the Option is granted, the Company, in its discretion, shall determine to what extent the terms and conditions contained herein shall apply to Participant.

Notifications

This Country Addendum also may include information regarding exchange controls and certain other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to Participant’s participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control, and other Applicable Laws in effect in the respective countries as of [•], 2022. Such Applicable Laws often are complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the information in this Country Addendum as the only source of information relating to the consequences of Participant’s participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time Participant vests in or exercises the Option or sells Shares acquired under the Plan.

In addition, the information contained in this Country Addendum is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the Applicable Laws in Participant’s country may apply to his or her situation.

Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant currently is residing and/or working, transfers residence and/or employment to another country after this Option is awarded, or is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the information in this Country Addendum may not apply to Participant in the same manner.

[NTD: Jurisdiction specific provisions to be added by local counsel.]

 

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APEXIGEN, INC.

2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Apexigen, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same defined meanings in this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement which includes the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Grant (the “Notice of Grant”), the Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and all other exhibits, appendices, and addenda attached hereto (the “Award Agreement”).

Participant Name:

Address:

The undersigned Participant has been granted an Award of Restricted Stock Units, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, as follows:

 

Grant Number:

  
  

 

Date of Grant:

  
  

 

Vesting Commencement Date:

  
  

 

Total Number of Restricted Stock Units:

  
  

 

Vesting Schedule:

Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan, this Award Agreement or any other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable) governing the terms of this Award, the Restricted Stock Units will be scheduled to vest according to the following vesting schedule:

[25% of the Total Number of Restricted Stock Units (as set forth above) subject to this Award Agreement will be scheduled to vest on the first Quarterly Vesting Date on or immediately following the 1-year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date (such first vesting date, the “First Vesting Date”), and thereafter, 1/16th of the Total Number of Restricted Stock Units subject to this Award Agreement will be scheduled to vest on each of the 12 Quarterly Vesting Dates that occur after the First Vesting Date, subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through the applicable vesting date.]

For purposes of this Agreement, “Quarterly Vesting Dates” with respect to any calendar year means [•], [•], [•], and [•].

By Participant’s signature and the signature of the representative of the Company below, Participant and the Company agree that this Award of Restricted Stock Units is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, including the Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and all other exhibits,


appendices and addenda attached hereto, all of which are made a part of this document. Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Award Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Award Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and this Award Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan or this Award Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Participant’s residence address indicated below.

 

PARTICIPANT     APEXIGEN, INC.
 

 

     

 

Signature     Signature
       
Print Name     Print Name
     
    Title
Residence Address:    
     
     

 

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EXHIBIT A

APEXIGEN, INC.

2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT

1. Grant of Restricted Stock Units. The Company hereby grants to the individual (“Participant”) named in the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Grant of this Award Agreement (the “Notice of Grant”) under the Plan an Award of Restricted Stock Units, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 20 of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

2. Company’s Obligation to Pay. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive a Share on the date it vests. Unless and until the Restricted Stock Units will have vested in the manner set forth in Section 3 or 4, Participant will have no right to payment of any such Restricted Stock Units. Prior to actual payment of any vested Restricted Stock Units, such Restricted Stock Unit will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all) only from the general assets of the Company.

3. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 4, and subject to Section 5, the Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting provisions set forth in the Notice of Grant. Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, governing the terms of this Award, Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on a certain date or upon the occurrence of a certain condition will not vest in accordance with any of the provisions of this Award Agreement, unless Participant will have been continuously a Service Provider from the Date of Grant until the date such vesting occurs.

4. Payment after Vesting.

(a) General Rule. Subject to Section 7, any Restricted Stock Units that vest will be paid to Participant (or in the event of Participant’s death, to his or her properly designated beneficiary or estate) in whole Shares. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(c), such vested Restricted Stock Units shall be paid in whole Shares as soon as practicable after vesting, but in each such case within 60 days following the vesting date. In no event will Participant be permitted, directly or indirectly, to specify the taxable year of payment of any Restricted Stock Units payable under this Award Agreement.

(b) Discretionary Acceleration. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Restricted Stock Units at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Restricted Stock Units will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator.

 

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(c) Section 409A.

(i) If Participant is a U.S. taxpayer, the payment of Shares vesting pursuant to this Award Agreement (including any discretionary acceleration under Section 4(b)) shall in all cases be paid at a time or in a manner that is exempt from, or complies with, Section 409A. The prior sentence may be superseded in a future agreement or amendment to this Award Agreement only by direct and specific reference to such sentence.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Award Agreement or any other agreement (whether entered into before, on or after the Date of Grant), if the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the Restricted Stock Units is accelerated in connection with the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (provided that such termination is a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, as determined by the Administrator), other than due to Participant’s death, and if (x) Participant is a U.S. taxpayer and a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of such termination as a Service Provider and (y) the payment of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will result in the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A if paid to Participant on or within the 6-month period following the cessation of Participant’s status as a Service Provider, then the payment of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will not be made until the date 6 months and 1 day following the date of cessation of Participant’s status as a Service Provider, unless Participant dies following his or her termination as a Service Provider, in which case, the Restricted Stock Units will be paid in Shares to Participant’s estate as soon as practicable following his or her death.

(iii) It is the intent of this Award Agreement that it and all payments and benefits to U.S. taxpayers hereunder be exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Restricted Stock Units provided under this Award Agreement or Shares issuable thereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be so exempt or so comply. Each payment payable under this Award Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, references to termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider, termination of employment, or similar phrases will be references to Participant’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. In no event will the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company have any responsibility, liability, or obligation to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless Participant (or any other person) for any taxes, penalties and interest that may be imposed, or other costs that may be incurred, as a result of Section 409A.

5. Forfeiture Upon Termination as a Service Provider. Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, governing the terms of this Award, if Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason, the then-unvested Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will thereupon be forfeited at no cost to the Company and Participant will have no further rights thereunder.

 

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6. Death of Participant. Any distribution or delivery to be made to Participant under this Award Agreement, if Participant is then deceased, will be made to Participant’s designated beneficiary, or if no beneficiary survives Participant, the administrator or executor of Participant’s estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of his or her status as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the validity of the transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer.

7. Tax Obligations

(a) Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, Participant’s employer or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company to which Participant is providing services (together, the “Service Recipients”), the ultimate liability for any tax and/or social insurance liability obligations and requirements in connection with the Restricted Stock Units, including, without limitation, (i) all federal, state, and local taxes (including Participant’s Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) obligations) that are required to be withheld by any Service Recipient or other payment of tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant, (ii) Participant’s and, to the extent required by any Service Recipient, the Service Recipient’s fringe benefit tax liability, if any, associated with the grant, vesting, or settlement of the Restricted Stock Units or sale of Shares, and (iii) any other Service Recipient taxes the responsibility for which Participant has, or has agreed to bear, with respect to the Restricted Stock Units (or settlement thereof or issuance of Shares thereunder) (collectively, the “Tax Obligations”), is and remains Participant’s sole responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the applicable Service Recipient(s). Participant further acknowledges that no Service Recipient (A) makes any representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax Obligations in connection with any aspect of the Restricted Stock Units, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the Restricted Stock Units, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends or other distributions, and (B) makes any commitment to and is under any obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Restricted Stock Units to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax Obligations or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax Obligations in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges that the applicable Service Recipient(s) (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Withholding Obligations (as defined below) in more than one jurisdiction.

(b) Tax Withholding. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the applicable Service Recipient(s) will withhold the amount required to be withheld for the payment of Tax Obligations (the “Withholding Obligations”). The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit Participant to satisfy such Withholding Obligations, in whole or in part (without limitation), if permissible by applicable local law, by: (i) paying cash in U.S. dollars, (ii) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences) (“Net Share Withholding”), (iii) withholding the amount of such Withholding Obligations from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the applicable Service Recipient(s), (iv) delivering to the Company Shares that Participant owns and that already have vested with a fair market value equal to the Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences), (v) selling a sufficient

 

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number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant, through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences) (“Sell to Cover”), or (vi) such other means as the Administrator deems appropriate. If the Withholding Obligations are satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, Participant is deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested Restricted Stock Units, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Withholding Obligations. To the extent determined appropriate by the Administrator in its discretion, the Administrator will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any Withholding Obligations by Net Share Withholding. If Net Share Withholding is the method by which such Withholding Obligations are satisfied, the Company will not withhold on a fractional Share basis to satisfy any portion of the Withholding Obligations and, unless the Company determines otherwise, no refund will be made to Participant for the value of the portion of a Share, if any, withheld in excess of the Withholding Obligations. If a Sell to Cover is the method by which Withholding Obligations are satisfied, Participant agrees that as part of the Sell to Cover, additional Shares may be sold to satisfy any associated broker or other fees. Only whole Shares will be sold pursuant to a Sell to Cover. Any proceeds from the sale of Shares pursuant to a Sell to Cover that are in excess of the Withholding Obligations and any associated broker or other fees will be paid to Participant in accordance with procedures the Company may specify from time to time.

(c) Tax Consequences. Participant has reviewed with his or her own tax advisers the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Award Agreement. With respect to such matters, Participant relies solely on such advisers and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents, written or oral. Participant understands that Participant (and not the Company) shall be responsible for Participant’s own tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Award Agreement.

(d) Companys Obligation to Deliver Shares. For clarification purposes, in no event will the Company issue Participant any Shares unless and until arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator have been made for the payment of Participant’s Withholding Obligations. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of such Withholding Obligations hereunder at the time any applicable Restricted Stock Units otherwise are scheduled to vest pursuant to Sections 3 or 4 or Participant’s Withholding Obligations otherwise become due, Participant permanently will forfeit such Restricted Stock Units to which Participant’s Withholding Obligation relates and any right to receive Shares thereunder and such Restricted Stock Units will be returned to the Company at no cost to the Company. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may permanently refuse to issue or deliver the Shares if such Withholding Obligations are not delivered at the time they are due.

8. Rights as Stockholder. Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates representing such Shares (which may be in book entry form) will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to Participant (including through electronic delivery to a brokerage account). After such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a

 

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stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.

9. No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF THE RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER, WHICH UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAWS IS AT THE WILL OF THE APPLICABLE SERVICE RECIPIENT AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AWARD AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF ANY SERVICE RECIPIENT TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER, SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, WHICH TERMINATION, UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, MAY BE AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.

10. Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in Section 6, this Award and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this Award, or any right or privilege conferred hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this Award and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void.

11. Nature of Grant. In accepting this Award of Restricted Stock Units, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:

(a) the grant of the Restricted Stock Units is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of Restricted Stock Units, or benefits in lieu of Restricted Stock Units, even if Restricted Stock Units have been granted in the past;

(b) all decisions with respect to future Restricted Stock Units or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Administrator;

(c) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;

(d) the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(e) the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;

 

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(f) the future value of the Shares underlying the Restricted Stock Units is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;

(g) for purposes of the Restricted Stock Units, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Award Agreement (including by reference in the Notice of Grant to other arrangements or contracts) or determined by the Administrator, Participant’s right to vest in the Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., Participant’s period of service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any, unless Participant is providing bona fide services during such time); the Administrator shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of this Award of Restricted Stock Units (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence and consistent with local law);

(h) unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Administrator in its discretion, the Restricted Stock Units and the benefits evidenced by this Award Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Restricted Stock Units or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the Shares; and

(i) the following provisions apply only if Participant is providing services outside the United States:

(i) the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose;

(ii) Participant acknowledges and agrees that no Service Recipient shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Restricted Stock Units or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the Restricted Stock Units or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement; and

(iii) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Units resulting from the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the Restricted Stock Units to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against any Service Recipient, waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and releases each Service Recipient from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim.

 

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12. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the Shares underlying the Restricted Stock Units. Participant is hereby advised to consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisers regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.

13. Data Privacy. Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Award Agreement and any other Restricted Stock Unit grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Service Recipients for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.

Participant understands that the Company and the Service Recipient may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any Shares or directorships held in the Company, details of all Restricted Stock Units or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.

Participant understands that Data may be transferred to a stock plan service provider, as may be selected by the Company in the future, assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country of operation (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, any stock plan service provider selected by the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing his or her local human resources representative. Further, Participant understands that he or she is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to revoke his or her consent, his or her status as a Service Provider and career with the Service Recipient will not be adversely affected. The only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant Participant Restricted Stock Units or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, Participant

 

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understands that refusing or withdrawing his or her consent may affect Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participant understands that he or she may contact his or her local human resources representative.

14. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Award Agreement will be addressed to the Company at Apexigen, Inc., 75 Shoreway Road, Suite C, San Carlos, CA 94070, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.

15. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Award Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Award Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Award Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and Participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Award Agreement may be assigned only with the prior written consent of the Company.

16. Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, qualification or rule compliance of the Shares upon any securities exchange or under any state, federal or non-U.S. law, the tax code and related regulations or under the rulings or regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body or the clearance, consent or approval of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the issuance of Shares to Participant (or his or her estate) hereunder, such issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, clearance, consent or approval will have been completed, effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. Subject to the terms of the Award Agreement and the Plan, the Company will not be required to issue any certificate or certificates for (or make any entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company of) the Shares hereunder prior to the lapse of such reasonable period of time following the date of vesting of the Restricted Stock Units as the Administrator may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience.

17. Language. If Participant has received this Award Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.

18. Interpretation. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Award Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules (including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Restricted Stock Units have vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. Neither the Administrator nor any person acting on behalf of the Administrator will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Award Agreement.

19. Electronic Delivery and Acceptance. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to the Restricted Stock Units awarded under the Plan or future Restricted Stock Units that may be awarded under the Plan by electronic means or require Participant to participate in the Plan by electronic means. Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.

 

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20. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Award Agreement.

21. Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. By accepting this Award, Participant expressly warrants that he or she has received an Award of Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, and has received, read and understood a description of the Plan. Participant understands that the Plan is discretionary in nature and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Administrator at any time.

22. Country Addendum. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock Unit grant shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in an appendix (if any) to this Award Agreement for any country whose laws are applicable to Participant and this Award of Restricted Stock Units (as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion) (the “Country Addendum”). Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Country Addendum (if any), the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Country Addendum (if any) constitutes a part of this Award Agreement.

23. Modifications to the Award Agreement. This Award Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. Participant expressly warrants that he or she is not accepting this Award Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations, or inducements other than those contained herein. Modifications to this Award Agreement can be made only in an express written contract executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Award Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Award Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of Participant, to comply with Section 409A or to otherwise avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A in connection with this Award of Restricted Stock Units.

24. No Waiver. Either party’s failure to enforce any provision or provisions of this Award Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision or provisions, nor prevent that party from thereafter enforcing each and every other provision of this Award Agreement. The rights granted both parties herein are cumulative and shall not constitute a waiver of either party’s right to assert all other legal remedies available to it under the circumstances.

25. Governing Law; Severability. This Award Agreement and the Restricted Stock Units are governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Delaware. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Award Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

 

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26. Entire Agreement. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Award Agreement (including the exhibits, appendices, and addenda attached to the Notice of Grant) constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.

*                *                 *

 

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APPENDIX A

APEXIGEN, INC.

2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

COUNTRY ADDENDUM TO RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Country Addendum to Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the “Country Addendum”) will be ascribed the same defined meanings as set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement of which this Country Addendum forms a part (or the Plan or other written agreement as specified in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement).

Terms and Conditions

This Country Addendum includes additional terms and conditions that govern the Award of Restricted Stock Units granted to Participant under the Plan to the extent Participant resides and/or works in one of the countries listed below. If Participant is a citizen or resident (or is considered as such for local law purposes) of a country other than the country in which Participant is currently residing and/or working, or if Participant relocates to another country after the Award of Restricted Stock Units is granted, the Company, in its discretion, will determine to what extent the terms and conditions contained herein will apply to Participant.

Notifications

This Country Addendum also may include information regarding exchange controls and certain other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to Participant’s participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control and other Applicable Laws in effect in the respective countries as of [•], 2022. Such Applicable Laws often are complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the information in this Country Addendum as the only source of information relating to the consequences of Participant’s participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time Participant vests in or receives or sells the Shares covered by the Restricted Stock Units.

In addition, the information contained in this Country Addendum is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the Applicable Laws in Participant’s country may apply to his or her situation.

Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant currently is residing and/or working, transfers residence and/or employment to another country after the grant of the Restricted Stock Units, or is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the information in this Country Addendum may not apply to Participant in the same manner.

[NTD: Jurisdiction specific provisions to be added by local counsel.]

 

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Exhibit 10.6

APEXIGEN, INC.

2022 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

1. Purpose. The purpose of this Plan is to provide employees of the Company and its Designated Companies with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock through accumulated Contributions. The Company intends for this Plan to have two components: a component that is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Code Section 423 (the “423 Component”) and a component that is not intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Code Section 423 (the “Non-423 Component”). The provisions of the 423 Component, accordingly, will be construed so as to extend and limit Plan participation in a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis consistent with the requirements of Code Section 423. In addition, this Plan authorizes the grant of an option to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Non-423 Component that does not qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Code Section 423; an option granted under the Non-423 Component will provide for substantially the same benefits as an option granted under the 423 Component, except that a Non-423 Component option may include features necessary to comply with applicable non-U.S. laws pursuant to rules, procedures or sub-plans adopted by the Administrator. Except as otherwise provided herein or by the Administrator, the Non-423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the 423 Component.

2. Definitions.

2.1 “Administrator” means the Board or any Committee designated by the Board to administer this Plan pursuant to Section 4.

2.2 “Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards, including the related issuance of shares of Common Stock, including under U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any non-U.S. country or jurisdiction where options are, or will be, granted under this Plan.

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

2.4 “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(a) Change in Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change in Control; provided, further, that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Board also will not be considered a Change in Control. Further, if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the


Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event will not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (a). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership will include an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or

(b) Change in Effective Control of the Company. If the Company has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, a change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any 12-month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this subsection (b), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or

(c) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Companys Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (c), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (i) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (ii) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (A) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (B) an entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (C) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (D) an entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (c)(ii)(C). For purposes of this subsection (c), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this Section 2.4, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A.

Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (x) its sole purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (y) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.

 

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2.5 “Closing” means the closing of the merger contemplated by that certain Business Combination Agreement by and among the Company, Apexigen, Inc., and certain other parties, dated March 17, 2022, as may be amended from time to time.

2.6 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or other formal guidance of general or direct applicability promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.

2.7 “Committee” means a committee of the Board appointed in accordance with Section 4.

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

2.9 “Company” means Brookline Capital Acquisition Corp. (which, on or following the Closing, will be named Apexigen, Inc.), a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.

2.10 “Compensation” means an Eligible Employee’s base straight time gross earnings, but exclusive of payments for overtime, shift premium, commissions, incentive compensation, equity compensation, bonuses and other similar compensation. The Administrator, in its discretion, may, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis, establish a different definition of Compensation for a subsequent Offering Period.

2.11 “Contributions” means the payroll deductions and other additional payments that the Company may permit to be made by a Participant to fund the exercise of options granted pursuant to this Plan.

2.12 “Designated Company” means any Subsidiary that has been designated by the Administrator from time to time in its sole discretion as eligible to participate in this Plan. For purposes of the 423 Component, only the Company and its Subsidiaries may be Designated Companies, provided, however that at any given time, a Subsidiary that is a Designated Company under the 423 Component will not be a Designated Company under the Non-423 Component.

2.13 “Director” means a member of the Board.

2.14 “Effective Date” means the date of the Closing.

2.15 “Eligible Employee” means any individual who is a common law employee providing services to the Company or a Designated Company and is customarily employed for at least 20 hours per week and more than 5 months in any calendar year by the Employer, or any lesser number of hours per week or number of months in any calendar year established by the Administrator (if required under Applicable Laws) for purposes of any separate Offering or for Participants in the Non-423 Component. For purposes of this Plan, the employment relationship will be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence that the Employer approves or is legally protected under Applicable Laws with respect to the Participant’s participation in this Plan. Where the period of leave exceeds 3 months and the individual’s right to

 

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reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment relationship will be deemed to have terminated 3 months and 1 day following the commencement of such leave. The Administrator, in its discretion, from time to time may, prior to an Enrollment Date for all options to be granted on such Enrollment Date in an Offering, determine (for each Offering under the 423 Component, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis or as otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2) that the definition of Eligible Employee will or will not include an individual if he or she: (a) has not completed at least 2 years of service since his or her last hire date (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (b) customarily works not more than 20 hours per week (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (c) customarily works not more than 5 months per calendar year (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (d) is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Code Section 414(q), or (e) is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Code Section 414(q) with compensation above a certain level or is an officer or subject to the disclosure requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, provided the exclusion is applied with respect to each Offering under the 423 Component in an identical manner to all highly compensated individuals of the Employer whose employees are participating in that Offering. Each exclusion will be applied with respect to an Offering under the 423 Component in a manner complying with U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(e)(2)(ii). Such exclusions may be applied with respect to an Offering under the Non-423 Component without regard to the limitations of U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2.

2.16 “Employer” means the employer of the applicable Eligible Employee(s).

2.17 “Enrollment Date” means the first Trading Day of each Offering Period.

2.18 “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

2.19 “Exercise Date” means the last Trading Day of a Purchase Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an Offering Period is terminated prior to its expiration pursuant to Section 18, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine that any Purchase Period also terminating under such Offering Period will terminate without options being exercised on the Exercise Date(s) that otherwise would have occurred on the last Trading Day of such Purchase Period.

2.20 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date and unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:

(a) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or, if no closing sales price was reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such closing sales price was reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

 

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(b) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

(c) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.

The determination of fair market value for purposes of tax withholding may be made in the Administrator’s discretion subject to Applicable Laws and is not required to be consistent with the determination of Fair Market Value for other purposes.

2.21 “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.

2.22 “New Exercise Date” means a new Exercise Date if the Administrator shortens any Offering Period then in progress.

2.23 “Offering” means an offer under this Plan of an option that may be exercised during an Offering Period as further described in Section 6. For purposes of this Plan, the Administrator may designate separate Offerings under this Plan (the terms of which need not be identical) in which Eligible Employees of one or more Employers will participate, even if the dates of the applicable Offering Periods of each such Offering are identical and the provisions of this Plan will separately apply to each Offering. To the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(a)(1), the terms of each Offering need not be identical provided that the terms of this Plan and an Offering together satisfy U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(a)(2) and (a)(3).

2.24 “Offering Period” means a period beginning on such date as may be determined by the Administrator, in its discretion, and ending on such Exercise Date as may be determined by the Administrator, in its discretion, during which an option granted pursuant to this Plan may be exercised. The duration and timing of Offering Periods may be changed pursuant to Sections 6 and 18.

2.25 “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).

2.26 “Participant” means an Eligible Employee that participates in this Plan.

2.27 “Plan” means this Apexigen, Inc. 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

2.28 “Purchase Period” means the period during an Offering Period and during which shares of Common Stock may be purchased on behalf of Participants thereunder in accordance with the terms of this Plan. Purchase Periods will have such duration as determined by the Administrator, commencing after one Exercise Date and ending with the next Exercise Date, except that the first Purchase Period of any Offering Period will commence on the Enrollment Date and end with the next Exercise Date. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, a Purchase Period in an Offering Period will have the same duration as, and coincide with the length of, such Offering Period.

 

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2.29 “Purchase Price” means an amount equal to 85% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date or on the Exercise Date, whichever is lower; provided however, that the Purchase Price may be determined for any Offering Period by the Administrator subject to compliance with Code Section 423 (or any successor rule or provision or any other Applicable Laws, regulation or stock exchange rule) or pursuant to Section 18.

2.30 “Section 409A” means Code Section 409A and the U.S. Treasury Regulations and guidance thereunder, and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be promulgated, amended or modified from time to time.

2.31 “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(f).

2.32 “Trading Day” means a day that the primary stock exchange, national market system, or other trading platform, as applicable, upon which the Common Stock is listed (or otherwise trades regularly, as determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion) is open for trading.

2.33 “U.S. Treasury Regulations” means the Treasury Regulations of the Code. Reference to a specific Treasury Regulation or Section of the Code will include such Treasury Regulation or Section, any valid regulation promulgated under such Section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such Section or regulation.

3. Stock.

3.1 Stock Subject to this Plan. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 17 and the automatic increase set forth in Section 3.2, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that will be made available for sale under this Plan will be 257,341 shares of Common Stock. The shares of Common Stock may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

3.2 Automatic Share Reserve Increase. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 17, the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under this Plan will be increased on the first day of each Fiscal Year beginning with the 2023 Fiscal Year, in an amount equal to the least of (a) 536,126 shares of Common Stock, (b) a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 1% of the total number of shares of all classes of common stock of the Company on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year, or (c) such number of Shares determined by the Administrator no later than the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year.

 

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4. Administration. This Plan will be administered by the Board or a Committee appointed by the Board, which Committee will be constituted to comply with Applicable Laws. The Administrator will have full and exclusive discretionary authority to

(a) construe, interpret and apply the terms of this Plan,

(b) delegate ministerial duties to any of the Company’s employees,

(c) designate separate Offerings under this Plan,

(d) designate Subsidiaries as participating in the 423 Component or Non-423 Component,

(e) determine eligibility,

(f) adjudicate all disputed claims filed under this Plan, and

(g) establish such procedures that it deems necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan (including to adopt such procedures, sub-plans, and appendices to the enrollment agreement as are necessary or appropriate to permit the participation in this Plan by employees who are foreign nationals or employed outside the U.S., the terms of which sub-plans and appendices may take precedence over other provisions of this Plan, with the exception of Section 3, but unless otherwise superseded by the terms of such sub-plan or appendix, the provisions of this Plan will govern the operation of such sub-plan or appendix). Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the Eligible Employees eligible to participate in each sub-plan will participate in a separate Offering under the 423 Component, or if the terms would not qualify under the 423 Component, in the Non-423 Component, in either case unless such designation would cause the 423 Component to violate the requirements of Code Section 423.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures regarding eligibility to participate, the definition of Compensation, handling of Contributions, making of Contributions to this Plan (including in forms other than payroll deductions), establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold Contributions, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, obligations to pay payroll tax, determination of beneficiary designation requirements, withholding procedures and handling of stock certificates that vary with applicable local requirements. The Administrator also is authorized to determine that, to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f), the terms of an option granted under this Plan or an Offering to citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction will be less favorable than the terms of options granted under this Plan or the same Offering to employees resident solely in the U.S. Every finding, decision and determination made by the Administrator will, to the full extent permitted by law, be final and binding upon all parties.

5. Eligibility.

5.1 Offering Periods. Any Eligible Employee on a given Enrollment Date will be eligible to participate in this Plan, subject to the requirements of Section 7.

5.2 Non-U.S. Employees. Eligible Employees who are citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction (without regard to whether they also are citizens or residents of the United States or resident aliens (within the meaning of Code Section 7701(b)(1)(A))) may be excluded from participation in this Plan or an Offering if the participation of such Eligible Employees is prohibited under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or if complying with the laws of the applicable jurisdiction would cause this Plan or an Offering to violate Code Section 423. In the case of the Non-423 Component, an Eligible Employee may be excluded from participation in this Plan or an Offering if the Administrator has determined that participation of such Eligible Employee is not advisable or practicable.

 

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5.3 Limitations. Any provisions of this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, no Eligible Employee will be granted an option under this Plan (a) to the extent that, immediately after the grant, such Eligible Employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to such Eligible Employee pursuant to Code Section 424(d)) would own capital stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company or hold outstanding options to purchase such stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of the capital stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, or (b) to the extent that his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans (as defined in Code Section 423) of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company accrues at a rate, which exceeds $25,000 worth of stock (determined at the Fair Market Value of the stock at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time, as determined in accordance with Code Section 423 and the regulations thereunder.

6. Offering Periods. This Plan will be implemented by Offering Periods as established by the Administrator from time to time. Offering Periods will expire on the earliest to occur of (a) the completion of the purchase of shares on the last Exercise Date occurring within 27 months of the applicable Enrollment Date on which the option to purchase shares was granted under this Plan, or (b) such shorter period established prior to the Enrollment Date of the Offering Period by the Administrator, from time to time, in its discretion, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis, for all options to be granted on such Enrollment Date. The Administrator will have the power to change the duration of Offering Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with respect to future Offerings without stockholder approval if such change is announced prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be affected thereafter; provided, however, that no Offering Period may last more than 27 months.

7. Participation. An Eligible Employee may participate in this Plan pursuant to Section 5.1 by (a) submitting to the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee), a properly completed subscription agreement authorizing Contributions in the form provided by the Administrator for such purpose (which may be similar to the form attached hereto as Exhibit A), or (b) following an electronic or other enrollment procedure determined by the Administrator, in either case, on or before a date determined by the Administrator prior to an applicable Enrollment Date.

8. Contributions.

8.1 Contribution Amounts. At the time a Participant enrolls in this Plan pursuant to Section 7, he or she will elect to have Contributions (in the form of payroll deductions or otherwise, to the extent permitted by the Administrator) made on each pay day during the Offering Period in an amount not exceeding 15% of the Compensation, which he or she receives on each pay day during the Offering Period; provided, however, that unless and until determined otherwise by the Administrator, should a pay day occur on an Exercise Date, a Participant will have any Contributions made on such day applied to his or her account under the then-current Purchase Period or Offering Period (i.e., for which the Exercise Date occurs on such day).

 

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8.2 Contribution Methods. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may permit all Participants in a specified Offering to contribute amounts to this Plan through payment by cash, check or other means set forth in the subscription agreement prior to each Exercise Date of each Offering Period. A Participant’s subscription agreement will remain in effect for successive Offering Periods unless terminated as provided in Section 12 (or Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Section 13).

(a) In the event Contributions are made in the form of payroll deductions, such payroll deductions for a Participant will commence on the first pay day following the Enrollment Date and will end on the last pay day on or prior to the last Exercise Date of such Offering Period to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in Section 12 (or Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Section 13).

(b) All Contributions made for a Participant will be credited to his or her account under this Plan and Contributions will be made in whole percentages of his or her Compensation only. A Participant may not make any additional payments into such account.

8.3 Participant Changes to Contributions. A Participant may discontinue his or her participation in this Plan as provided under Section 12. Until and unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, during any Offering Period, a Participant may not increase the rate of his or her Contributions and may decrease the rate of his or her Contributions only one time, provided that such decrease is to a Contribution rate of 0%. In addition, until and unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, during any Offering Period, a Participant may increase or decrease the rate of his or her Contributions (as a whole percent to a rate between 0% and the maximum percentage specified in Section 8.1), which Contribution rate adjustment will become effective upon the commencement of the next Offering Period and remain in effect for subsequent Offering Periods and, except as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, any such adjustment will not affect the Contribution rate for any ongoing Offering Period.

(a) A Participant may make a Contribution rate adjustment pursuant to this Section 8.3 by (A) properly completing and submitting to the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee), a new subscription agreement authorizing the change in Contribution rate in the form provided by the Administrator for such purpose, or (B) following an electronic or other procedure prescribed by the Administrator, in either case, on or before a date determined by the Administrator prior to (x) the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be affected or (y) an applicable Exercise Date, as applicable. If a Participant has not followed such procedures to change the rate of Contributions, the rate of his or her Contributions will continue at the originally elected rate throughout the Offering Period and future Offering Periods (unless the Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Sections 12 or 13).

(b) The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, limit or amend the nature or number of Contribution rate changes (including to permit, prohibit or limit increases or decreases to rate changes) that may be made by Participants during any Purchase Period or Offering Period, and may establish such other conditions or limitations as it deems appropriate for Plan administration.

 

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(c) Except as provided by this Section 8.3, any change in Contribution rate made pursuant to this Section 8.3 will be effective as of the first full payroll period following 5 business days after the date on which the change is made by the Participant (unless the Administrator, in its sole discretion, elects to process a given change in Contribution rate earlier).

8.4 Other Contribution Changes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 423(b)(8) and Section 5.3 (which generally limit participation in an Offering Period pursuant to certain Applicable Laws), a Participant’s Contributions may be decreased to 0% by the Administrator at any time during an Offering Period (or a Purchase Period, as applicable). Subject to Code Section 423(b)(8) and Section 5.3, Contributions will recommence at the rate originally elected by the Participant effective as of the beginning of the first Offering Period (or Purchase Period, as applicable) scheduled to end in the following calendar year, unless the Participant’s participation has terminated as provided in Sections 12 or 13.

8.5 Cash Contributions. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in this Plan, the Administrator may allow Participants to participate in this Plan via cash contributions instead of payroll deductions if (a) payroll deductions are not permitted or advisable under Applicable Laws, (b) the Administrator determines that cash contributions are permissible for Participants participating in the 423 Component or (c) the Participants are participating in the Non-423 Component.

8.6 Tax Withholdings. At the time the option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at the time some or all of the Common Stock issued under this Plan is disposed of (or at any other time that a taxable event related to this Plan occurs), the Participant must make adequate provision for the Company’s or Employer’s federal, state, local or any other tax liability payable to any authority including taxes imposed by jurisdictions outside of the U.S., national insurance, social security or other tax withholding or payment on account obligations, if any, which arise upon the exercise of the option or the disposition of the Common Stock (or any other time that a taxable event related to this Plan occurs). At any time, the Company or the Employer may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the Participant’s compensation the amount necessary for the Company or the Employer to meet applicable withholding obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company or the Employer any tax deductions or benefits attributable to the sale or early disposition of Common Stock by the Eligible Employee. In addition, the Company or the Employer may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the proceeds of the sale of Common Stock or use any other method of withholding the Company or the Employer deems appropriate to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f).

8.7 Use of Funds. The Company may use all Contributions received or held by it under this Plan for any corporate purpose, and the Company will not be obligated to segregate such Contributions except under Offerings or for Participants in the Non-423 Component for which Applicable Laws require that Contributions to this Plan by Participants be segregated from the Company’s general corporate funds or deposited with an independent third party, provided that, if such segregation or deposit with an independent third party is required by Applicable Laws, it will apply to all Participants in the relevant Offering under the 423 Component, except to the extent otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f). Until shares of Common Stock are issued, Participants will have only the rights of an unsecured creditor with respect to such shares.

 

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9. Grant of Option. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each Eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period will be granted an option to purchase on each Exercise Date during such Offering Period (at the applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of Common Stock determined by dividing such Eligible Employee’s Contributions accumulated prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the Eligible Employee’s account as of the Exercise Date by the applicable Purchase Price.

9.1 Certain Option Limits. In no event will an Eligible Employee be permitted to purchase during each Offering Period more than 8,500 shares of Common Stock (subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 17), and provided further that such purchase will be subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 3 and 5.3 and in the subscription agreement. The Administrator, in its absolute discretion, may increase or decrease the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that an Eligible Employee may purchase during each Purchase Period or Offering Period, as applicable.

9.2 Option Receipt. The Eligible Employee may accept the grant of an option under this Plan by electing to participate in this Plan in accordance with the requirements of Section 7.

9.3 Option Term. Exercise of the option will occur as provided in Section 10, unless the Participant’s participation has terminated pursuant to Sections 12 or 13. The option will expire on the last day of the Offering Period.

10. Exercise of Option.

10.1 Automatic Exercise. Unless a Participant’s participation in this Plan has terminated as provided in Sections 12 and 13, his or her option for the purchase of shares of Common Stock will be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date, and the maximum number of full shares of Common Stock subject to the option will be purchased for such Participant at the applicable Purchase Price with the accumulated Contributions from his or her account. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be purchased; any Contributions accumulated in a Participant’s account, which are not sufficient to purchase a full share will be retained in the Participant’s account for the subsequent Purchase Period or Offering Period, as applicable, subject to earlier termination of the Participant’s participation in this Plan as provided in Sections 12 or 13. Any other funds left over in a Participant’s account after the Exercise Date will be returned to the Participant. During a Participant’s lifetime, a Participant’s option to purchase shares of Common Stock under this Plan is exercisable only by him or her.

10.2 Pro Rata Allocations. If the Administrator determines that, on a given Exercise Date, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options are to be exercised may exceed (a) the number of shares of Common Stock that were available for sale under this Plan on the Enrollment Date of the applicable Offering Period, or (b) the number of shares of Common Stock available for sale under this Plan on such Exercise Date, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (x) provide that the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the shares of

 

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Common Stock available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as will be practicable and as it will determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants exercising options to purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and continue all Offering Periods then in effect or (y) provide that the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as will be practicable and as it will determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all participants exercising options to purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and terminate any or all Offering Periods then in effect pursuant to Section 18. The Company may make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available on the Enrollment Date of any applicable Offering Period pursuant to the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any authorization of additional shares of Common Stock for issuance under this Plan by the Company’s stockholders subsequent to such Enrollment Date.

11. Delivery. As soon as reasonably practicable after each Exercise Date on which a purchase of shares of Common Stock occurs, the Company will arrange the delivery to each Participant of the shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of his or her option in a form determined by the Administrator (in its sole discretion) and pursuant to rules established by the Administrator. The Company may permit or require that shares of Common Stock be deposited directly with a broker designated by the Company or with a trustee or designated agent of the Company, and the Company may utilize electronic or automated methods of share transfer. The Company may require that shares of Common Stock be retained with such broker, trustee or agent for a designated period of time or may establish other procedures to permit tracking of disqualifying dispositions or other dispositions of such shares. No Participant will have any voting, dividend, or other stockholder rights with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to any option granted under this Plan until such shares have been purchased and delivered to the Participant as provided in this Section 11.

12. Withdrawal.

12.1 Withdrawal Procedures. A Participant may withdraw all but not less than all the Contributions credited to his or her account and not yet used to exercise his or her option under this Plan at any time by (a) submitting to the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee) a written notice of withdrawal in the form determined by the Administrator for such purpose (which may be similar to the form attached hereto as Exhibit B), or (b) following an electronic or other withdrawal procedure determined by the Administrator. The Administrator may set forth a deadline of when a withdrawal must occur to be effective prior to a given Exercise Date in accordance with policies it may approve from time to time. All of the Participant’s Contributions credited to his or her account will be paid to such Participant as soon as administratively practicable after receipt of notice of withdrawal and such Participant’s option for the Offering Period will be automatically terminated, and no further Contributions for the purchase of shares of Common Stock will be made for such Offering Period. If a Participant withdraws from an Offering Period, Contributions will not resume at the beginning of the succeeding Offering Period, unless the Participant re-enrolls in this Plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.

 

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12.2 No Effect on Future Participation. A Participant’s withdrawal from an Offering Period will not have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan that may hereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding Offering Periods that commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.

13. Termination of Employment. Upon a Participant’s ceasing to be an Eligible Employee, for any reason, he or she will be deemed to have elected to withdraw from this Plan and the Contributions credited to such Participant’s account during the Offering Period but not yet used to purchase shares of Common Stock under this Plan will be returned to such Participant, or, in the case of his or her death, to the person or persons entitled thereto, and such Participant’s option will be automatically terminated. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator in a manner that, with respect to an Offering under the 423 Component, is permitted by, and compliant with, Code Section 423, a Participant whose employment transfers between entities through a termination with an immediate rehire (with no break in service) by the Company or a Designated Company will not be treated as terminated under this Plan; however, if a Participant transfers from an Offering under the 423 Component to the Non-423 Component, the exercise of the option will be qualified under the 423 Component only to the extent it complies with Code Section 423; further, no Participant will be deemed to switch from an Offering under the Non-423 Component to an Offering under the 423 Component or vice versa unless (and then only to the extent) such switch would not cause the 423 Component or any option thereunder to fail to comply with Code Section 423.

14. Section 409A. This Plan is intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A, and, to the extent not exempt, is intended to comply with Section 409A and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so be exempt from, or comply with, Section 409A. In furtherance of the foregoing and notwithstanding any provision in this Plan to the contrary, if the Administrator determines that an option granted under this Plan may be subject to Section 409A or that any provision in this Plan would cause an option under this Plan to be subject to Section 409A, the Administrator may amend the terms of this Plan or of an outstanding option granted under this Plan, or take such other action the Administrator determines is necessary or appropriate, in each case, without the Participant’s consent, to exempt any outstanding option or future option that may be granted under this Plan from or to allow any such options to comply with Section 409A, but only to the extent any such amendments or action by the Administrator would not violate Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and any of its Parent or Subsidiaries will have no liability, obligation or responsibility to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless a Participant or any other party if the option to purchase Common Stock under this Plan that is intended to be exempt from or compliant with Section 409A is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Administrator with respect thereto. The Company makes no representation that the option to purchase Common Stock under this Plan is compliant with Section 409A.

15. Rights as Stockholder. Until the shares of Common Stock are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), a Participant will have only the rights of an unsecured creditor with respect to such shares, and no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to such shares. Shares of Common Stock to be delivered to a Participant under this Plan will be registered in the name of the Participant or, if so required under Applicable Laws, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse.

 

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16. Transferability. Neither Contributions credited to a Participant’s account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive shares of Common Stock under this Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution) by the Participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition will be without effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw funds from an Offering Period in accordance with Section 12.

17. Adjustments, Dissolution, Liquidation, Merger or Change in Control.

17.1 Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, reclassification, repurchase, or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Common Stock occurs (other than any ordinary dividends or other ordinary distributions), the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Plan, will adjust the number and class of common stock that may be delivered under this Plan, the Purchase Price per share, the class and the number of shares of common stock covered by each option under this Plan that has not yet been exercised, and the numerical share limits of Sections 3 and 9.1.

17.2 Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, any Offering Period then in progress will be shortened by setting a New Exercise Date, and will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed dissolution or liquidation, unless provided otherwise by the Administrator. The New Exercise Date will be before the date of the Company’s proposed dissolution or liquidation. The Administrator will notify each Participant in writing or electronically, prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the Participant’s option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the Participant’s option will be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 12 (or, prior to such New Exercise Date, Participant’s participation has terminated as provided in Section 13).

17.3 Merger or Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or Change in Control, each outstanding option will be assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the option, the Offering Period with respect to which such option relates will be shortened by setting a New Exercise Date on which such Offering Period will end. The New Exercise Date will occur before the date of the Company’s proposed merger or Change in Control. The Administrator will notify each Participant in writing or electronically prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the Participant’s option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the Participant’s option will be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 12 (or, prior to such New Exercise Date, Participant’s participation has terminated as provided in Section 13).

 

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18. Amendment or Termination.

18.1 Amendment, Suspension, Termination. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may amend, alter, suspend, or terminate this Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. If this Plan is terminated, the Administrator, in its discretion, may elect to terminate all outstanding Offering Periods either immediately or upon completion of the purchase of shares of Common Stock on the next Exercise Date (which may be sooner than originally scheduled, if determined by the Administrator in its discretion), or may elect to permit Offering Periods to expire in accordance with their terms (and subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 17). If the Offering Periods are terminated prior to expiration, all amounts then credited to Participants’ accounts that have not been used to purchase shares of Common Stock will be returned to the Participants (without interest thereon, except as otherwise required under Applicable Laws, as further set forth in Section 22) as soon as administratively practicable.

18.2 Certain Administrator Changes. Without stockholder consent and without limiting Section 18.1, the Administrator will be entitled to change the Offering Periods and any Purchase Periods, designate separate Offerings, limit the frequency or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, establish the exchange rate applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit Contributions in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company’s processing of properly completed Contribution elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with Contribution amounts, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion advisable that are consistent with this Plan.

18.3 Changes Due to Accounting Consequences. In the event the Administrator determines that the ongoing operation of this Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Administrator may, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify, amend or terminate this Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including:

(a) amending this Plan to conform with the safe harbor definition under the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto), including with respect to an Offering Period underway at the time;

(b) altering the Purchase Price for any Purchase Period or Offering Period including a Purchase Period or Offering Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase Price;

(c) shortening any Purchase Period or Offering Period by setting a New Exercise Date, including a Purchase Period or Offering Period underway at the time of the Administrator action;

(d) reducing the maximum percentage of Compensation a Participant may elect to set aside as Contributions; and

(e) reducing the maximum number of shares of Common Stock a Participant may purchase during any Purchase Period or Offering Period.

Such modifications or amendments will not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Plan Participants.

 

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19. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

19.1 Legal Compliance. Shares of Common Stock will not be issued with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of such shares pursuant thereto will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

19.2 Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may require the person exercising such option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

20. Term of Plan. This Plan will become effective upon the latest to occur of (a) its adoption by the Board, (b) its approval by the Company’s stockholders, or (c) the time as of immediately prior to the Closing. This Plan will continue in effect for a term of 20 years, unless sooner terminated under Section 18.

21. Stockholder Approval. This Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within 12 months after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.

22. Interest. No interest will accrue on the Contributions of a participant in this Plan, except as may be required by Applicable Laws, as determined by the Company, and if so required by the laws of a particular jurisdiction, will apply, with respect to Offerings under the 423 Component, to all Participants in the relevant Offering, except to the extent otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f).

23. No Effect on Employment. Neither this Plan nor any option under this Plan will confer upon any Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the right of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, to terminate such employment relationship at any time, free from any liability or any claim under this Plan.

24. Reports. Individual accounts will be maintained for each Participant in this Plan. Statements of account will be given to participating Eligible Employees at least annually, which statements will set forth the amounts of Contributions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares of Common Stock purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.

25. Notices. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with this Plan will be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form and manner specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

 

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26. Legal Construction.

26.1 Severability. If any provision of this Plan is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason in any jurisdiction or as to any Participant, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect the remaining parts of this Plan, and this Plan will be construed and enforced as to such jurisdiction or Participant as if the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had not been included.

26.2 Governing Law. This Plan will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, but without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

26.3 Headings. Headings are provided herein for convenience only, and will not serve as a basis for interpretation of this Plan.

27. Compliance with Applicable Laws. The terms of this Plan are intended to comply with all Applicable Laws and will be construed accordingly.

28. Automatic Transfer to Low Price Offering Period. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, this Section 28 applies to an Offering Period to the extent such Offering Period provides for more than one Exercise Date within such Offering Period. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, if the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on any Exercise Date in an Offering Period is less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date of such Offering Period, then all Participants in such Offering Period will be withdrawn automatically from such Offering Period immediately after the exercise of their option on such Exercise Date and automatically re-enrolled in the immediately following Offering Period as of the first day thereof.

29. Construction; Interpretation. The titles of the Sections of this Plan are for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing this Plan. In this Plan, unless otherwise specified: (a) “includes” and “including” shall mean respectively includes and including without limitation; (b) the word “or” shall not be deemed to be used in the exclusive sense and shall instead be used in the inclusive sense to mean “or”; (c) words denoting any gender shall include all genders; and (d) except as otherwise indicated, all references in this Plan to a “Section” are intended to refer to a Section of this Plan.

 

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EXHIBIT A

APEXIGEN, INC.

2022 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

_____ Original Application    Offering Date: _________________
_____ Change in Payroll Deduction Rate   

1. ____________________ hereby elects to participate in the Apexigen, Inc. 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) and subscribes to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock in accordance with this Subscription Agreement and the Plan. Any capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Subscription Agreement will have the meaning ascribed to them under the Plan.

2. I hereby authorize and consent to payroll deductions from each paycheck in the amount of ____% of my Compensation on each payday (from 0% to 15%) during the Offering Period in accordance with the Plan. (Please note that no fractional percentages are permitted.) I understand that only my first election to decrease the rate of my payroll deductions to 0% may be applied with respect to an ongoing Offering Period in accordance with the terms of the Plan, and (a) any subsequent election to decrease the rate of my payroll deductions during the same Offering Period or (b) any election to increase the rate of my payroll deductions during any Offering Period will not be applied to the ongoing Offering Period.

3. I understand that said payroll deductions will be accumulated for the purchase of shares of Common Stock at the applicable Purchase Price determined in accordance with the Plan. I understand that if I do not withdraw from an Offering Period, any accumulated payroll deductions will be used to automatically exercise my option and purchase Common Stock under the Plan. I further understand that if I am outside of the U.S., my payroll deductions will be converted to U.S. dollars at an exchange rate selected by the Company on the purchase date.

4. I have received a copy of the complete Plan and its accompanying prospectus. I understand that my participation in the Plan is in all respects subject to the terms of the Plan.

5. Shares of Common Stock purchased for me under the Plan should be issued in the name(s) of _____________ (Eligible Employee or Eligible Employee and spouse only).

6. If I am a U.S. taxpayer, I understand that if I dispose of any shares received by me pursuant to the Plan within 2 years after the Offering Date (the first day of the Offering Period during which I purchased such shares) or 1 year after the Exercise Date, I will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received ordinary income at the time of such disposition in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time such shares were purchased by me over the price that I paid for the shares. I hereby agree to notify the Company in writing within 30 days after the date of any disposition of my shares and I will make adequate provision for federal, state or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon the disposition of the Common Stock. The Company may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from my compensation the amount necessary to meet any applicable

 

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withholding obligation including any withholding necessary to make available to the Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Common Stock by me. If I dispose of such shares at any time after the expiration of the 2-year and 1-year holding periods, I understand that I will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received income only at the time of such disposition, and that such income will be taxed as ordinary income only to the extent of an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of such disposition over the purchase price which I paid for the shares, or (b) 15% of the fair market value of the shares on the first day of the Offering Period. The remainder of the gain, if any, recognized on such disposition will be taxed as capital gain.

7. For employees that may be subject to tax in non U.S. jurisdictions, I acknowledge and agree that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or any Designated Company with respect to any or all income tax, social security, social insurances, National Insurance Contributions, payroll tax, fringe benefit, or other tax-related items related to my participation in the Plan and legally applicable to me including in connection with the grant of such options, the purchase or sale of shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan or the receipt of any dividends on such shares (“Tax-Related Items”), the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains my responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or a Designated Company. Furthermore, I acknowledge that the Company or any Designated Company (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the options under the Plan and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant of options or any aspect of my participation in the Plan to reduce or eliminate my liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if I have become subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction between the date of my enrollment and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, I acknowledge that the Company or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

Prior to the purchase of shares of Common Stock under the Plan or any other relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, I agree to make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company or the applicable Designated Company to satisfy all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, I authorize the Company or the applicable Designated Company, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy any applicable withholding obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following: (a) withholding from my wages or Compensation paid to me by the Company or the applicable Designated Company; or (b) withholding from proceeds of the sale of the shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on my behalf pursuant to this authorization). Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable maximum withholding rates, in which case I will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the Common Stock equivalent.

Finally, I agree to pay to the Company or the applicable Designated Company any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the applicable Designated Company may be required to withhold as a result of my participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan on my behalf or refuse to issue or deliver the shares or the proceeds of the sale of shares if I fail to comply with my obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.

 

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8. By electing to participate in the Plan, I acknowledge, understand and agree that:

(a) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent provided for in the Plan;

(b) all decisions with respect to future grants under the Plan, if applicable, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;

(c) the grant of options under the Plan will not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming or amending an employment or service contract with the Company, or any Designated Company, and will not interfere with the ability of the Company or any Designated Company, as applicable, to terminate my employment (if any);

(d) I am voluntarily participating in the Plan;

(e) the options granted under the Plan and the shares of Common Stock underlying such options, and the income and value of same, are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(f) the options granted under the Plan and the shares of Common Stock underlying such options, and the income and value of same, are not part of my normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments;

(g) the future value of the shares of Common Stock offered under the Plan is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;

(h) the shares of Common Stock that I acquire under the Plan may increase or decrease in value, even below the Purchase Price;

(i) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages will arise from the forfeiture of options granted to me under the Plan as a result of the termination of my status as an Eligible Employee (for any reason whatsoever, and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any) and, in consideration of the grant of options under the Plan to which I am otherwise not entitled, I irrevocably agree never to institute a claim against the Company, or any Designated Company, waive my ability, if any, to bring such claim, and release the Company, and any Designated Company from any such claim that may arise; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, I will be deemed irrevocably to have agreed to not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim; and

 

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(j) in the event of the termination of my status as an Eligible Employee (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any), my right to participate in the Plan and any options granted to me under the Plan, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that I am no longer actively employed by the Company or one of its Designated Companies and, in any event, will not be extended by any notice period mandated under the employment laws in the jurisdiction in which I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any (e.g., active employment would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period pursuant to the employment laws in the jurisdiction in which I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any); the Company will have the exclusive discretion to determine when I am no longer actively employed for purposes of my participation in the Plan (including whether I may still be considered to be actively employed while on a leave of absence).

9. I understand that the Company or any Designated Company may collect, where permissible under applicable law certain personal information about me, including my name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of Common Stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all options granted under the Plan or any other entitlement to shares of Common Stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in my favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan. I understand that Company may transfer my Data to the United States, which is not considered by the European Commission to have data protection laws equivalent to the laws in my country. I understand that the Company will transfer my Data to its designated broker, or such other stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. I understand that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that a recipient’s country of operation (e.g., the United States) may have different, including less stringent, data privacy laws that the European Commission or my jurisdiction does not consider to be equivalent to the protections in my country. I understand that I may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting my local human resources representative. I authorize the Company, the Company’s designated broker and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing my participation in the Plan. I understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage my participation in the Plan. I understand that that I may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing my local human resources representative. Further, I understand that I am providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If I do not consent, or if I later seek to revoke my consent, my employment status or career with the Company or any Designated Company will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing my consent is that the Company would not be able to grant me options under the Plan or other equity awards, or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, I understand that refusing or withdrawing my consent may affect my ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of my refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, I understand that I may contact my local human resources representative.

 

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If I am an employee outside the U.S., I understand that in accordance with applicable law, I have the right to access, and to request a copy of, the Data held about me. I also understand that I have the right to discontinue the collection, processing, or use of my Data, or supplement, correct, or request deletion of my Data. To exercise my rights, I may contact my local human resources representative.

I hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of my personal data as described herein and any other Plan materials by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Subsidiaries for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing my participation in the Plan. I understand that my consent will be sought and obtained for any processing or transfer of my data for any purpose other than as described in the enrollment form and any other plan materials.

10. If I have received the Subscription Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control, subject to applicable laws.

11. The provisions of the Subscription Agreement and these appendices are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions nevertheless will be binding and enforceable.

12. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Subscription Agreement, I understand that if I am working or resident in a country other than the United States, my participation in the Plan also will be subject to the additional terms and conditions set forth on Appendix A and any special terms and conditions for my country set forth on Appendix A. Moreover, if I relocate to one of the countries included in Appendix A, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to me to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. Appendix A constitutes part of this Subscription Agreement and the provisions of this Subscription Agreement govern each Appendix (to the extent not superseded or supplemented by the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable Appendix).

13. I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Plan. The effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon my eligibility to participate in the Plan.

[Signature page follows.]

 

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Employee’s Social

 

Security Number

 

(for U.S.-based employees):

   

Employee’s Address:

   
   
   

I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT SUCCESSIVE OFFERING PERIODS UNLESS TERMINATED BY ME.

Dated:            
       

Signature of Employee

 

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EXHIBIT B

APEXIGEN, INC.

2022 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL

The undersigned Participant in the Offering Period of the Apexigen, Inc. 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) that began on ____________, ______ (the “Offering Date”) hereby notifies the Company that he or she hereby withdraws from the Offering Period. He or she hereby directs the Company to pay to the undersigned as promptly as practicable all the payroll deductions credited to his or her account with respect to such Offering Period. The undersigned understands and agrees that his or her option for such Offering Period will be terminated automatically. The undersigned understands further that no further payroll deductions will be made for the purchase of shares in the current Offering Period and the undersigned will be eligible to participate in succeeding Offering Periods only by delivering to the Company a new Subscription Agreement. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein will have the meaning ascribed to them under the Plan.

 

    Name and Address of Participant:
       
       
       
      Signature:
       
      Date:    

 

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EXHIBIT: 99.1

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Exhibit 99.1 shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Current Report on Form 8-K (the “Form 8-K”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 4, 2022 and, if not defined in the Form 8-K, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus/information statement filed by BCAC with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 30, 2022 (the “Proxy Statement”).

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to (i) the “Combined Company” refer to the entity formerly known as Brookline Capital Acquisition Corp., which is now named Apexigen, Inc. after giving effect to the Business Combination; (ii) “Legacy Apexigen” refer to the entity formerly known as Apexigen, Inc., which is now named Apexigen America, Inc. after giving effect to the Business Combination; and (iii) “BCAC” refer to Brookline Capital Acquisition Corp. prior to giving effect to the Business Combination.

The Combined Company is providing the following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information to aid in the analysis of the financial aspects of the Merger and other events contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement. The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presents the combination of the financial information of BCAC and Legacy Apexigen, adjusted to give effect to the Merger and other events contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement. The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses” (“Article 11 of Regulation S-X”).

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements give effect to the Merger and other events contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement as described in this Form 8-K. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2022 combines the historical unaudited condensed balance sheet of Legacy Apexigen with the historical unaudited condensed balance sheet of BCAC on a pro forma basis as if the Merger and the other events contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, summarized below, had been consummated on March 31, 2022. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 combines the historical unaudited condensed statement of operations of Legacy Apexigen for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and the historical unaudited condensed statement of operations of BCAC for the three months ended March 31, 2022, giving effect to the transaction as if the Merger and other events contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement had been consummated on January 1, 2021. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 combines the historical audited statement of operations of BCAC for the year ended December 31, 2021, with the historical audited statement of operations of Legacy Apexigen for the year ended December 31, 2021, giving effect to the transaction as if the Merger and other events contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement had been consummated on January 1, 2021.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been prepared for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of what the Combined Company’s condensed financial position or results of operations actually would have been had the Business Combination been consummated prior to March 31, 2022, nor are they necessarily indicative of future results of operations. In addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not purport to project the future financial position or operating results of the Combined Company.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction with the following historical financial statements and the accompanying notes:

 

   

audited historical financial statements of BCAC for the year ended December 31, 2021 included in the Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference;

 

   

unaudited historical condensed financial statements of BCAC as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 included in the Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference;


   

audited historical financial statements of Legacy Apexigen for the year ended December 31, 2021 included in the Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference;

 

   

unaudited historical condensed financial statements of Legacy Apexigen as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 included in the Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference; and

 

   

other information relating to BCAC and Apexigen included in the Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference, including the Business Combination Agreement and the description of certain terms thereof and the financial and operational condition of BCAC and Apexigen (see “Proposal No. 1—The Business Combination Agreement,” “BCAC Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Apexigen Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”).

Description of the Merger

Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into Legacy Apexigen, with Legacy Apexigen surviving the Merger and thereby becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of BCAC. In connection with the Merger, Legacy Apexigen was renamed “Apexigen America, Inc.” and BCAC was renamed as “Apexigen, Inc.” (hereafter referred to as Apexigen). The Merger consideration paid to the Legacy Apexigen equity holders at the Closing pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement has deemed to have a value of $205 million, assuming a deemed value of $10.00 per BCAC common share. Upon the consummation of the Merger, each share of Legacy Apexigen capital stock was converted into the right to receive shares of Combined Company common stock. Each share of Legacy Apexigen capital stock received a deemed value of $9.76 per share, assuming a deemed value of $10.00 per BCAC common share, after giving effect to the exchange ratio of 0.102448 (the “Exchange Ratio”).

Following the Merger and related events, 18,151,571 shares of Combined Company common stock were issued to Legacy Apexigen’s equity holders and are outstanding, 1,452,000 shares of Combined Company common stock and 726,000 Public Warrants were issued and are outstanding related to the PIPE Units, 2,875,000 Public Warrants remain issued and outstanding, 123,500 Private Warrants remain issued and outstanding, 150,000 shares of Combined Company common stock were issued to Lincoln Park as consideration under the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement and are outstanding, Combined Company Warrants related to the exchange of a Legacy Apexigen Warrant and exercisable for 4,321 shares of Combined Company common stock is outstanding, and Combined Company Options related to the exchange of Legacy Apexigen Options and exercisable for 3,415,868 of Combined Company common stock are outstanding. Following the Merger and related events, 442,985 shares of Combined Company common stock held by BCAC stockholders prior to the Closing remain issued and outstanding. Following the Merger and related events, 1,190,979 shares of Combined Company held by the Sponsor, comprised of Founder Shares and BCAC Common Stock issued in the Private Placement, remain issued and outstanding. Following the Merger and related events, 57,500 shares of Combined Company common stock held by the BCAC IPO Underwriter and Certain of Its Employees remain issued and outstanding.

The following transactions constituting the Merger took place as contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement:

 

   

the Merger of Merger Sub, the wholly owned subsidiary of BCAC, with and into Legacy Apexigen, with Legacy Apexigen as the surviving company;

 

   

the cancellation of each issued and outstanding share of Legacy Apexigen’s capital stock (including shares of Apexigen capital stock resulting from the conversion of Legacy Apexigen’s preferred stock or the exercise of Legacy Apexigen Options or Legacy Apexigen Warrants) and the conversion into the right to receive a number of shares of Combined Company common stock based on the Exchange Ratio;

 

   

the conversion on a net-exercise basis of one Legacy Apexigen Warrant (the “Convertible Warrant”), pursuant to its terms, immediately prior to the Closing into shares of Combined Company common stock based on the Exchange Ratio;


   

the exchange of an outstanding Legacy Apexigen Warrant (other than the Convertible Warrant) into a warrant exercisable for shares of Combined Company common stock with the same terms except for the number of shares exercisable and the exercise price, each of which was adjusted using the Exchange Ratio; and

 

   

the exchange of all outstanding vested and unvested Legacy Apexigen Options into Combined Company Options exercisable for shares of Combined Company common stock with the same terms except for the number of shares exercisable and the exercise price, each of which was adjusted using the Exchange Ratio.

Other Related Events in Connection with the Merger

Other related events that are contemplated to take place in connection with the Merger are summarized below:

 

   

PIPE Investment: Issuance and sale of 1,452,000 PIPE Units at a purchase price of $10.00 per unit pursuant to the PIPE Investment. The PIPE Investors purchased units, each of which includes one share of Combined Company common stock and one-half of one warrant to purchase a share of Combined Company common stock. The PIPE Investment resulted in the issuance of 1,452,000 shares of Combined Company common stock and 726,000 PIPE Warrants. In addition, shortly after the Closing Apexigen anticipates issuing and selling 50,000 additional PIPE Units for proceeds of $500,000. These additional PIPE Units have not been reflected in the pro forma.

 

   

Lincoln Park Purchase Arrangement: BCAC, Legacy Apexigen and Lincoln Park entered into a purchase agreement pursuant to which the Combined Company may direct Lincoln Park to purchase up to $50.0 million of Combined Company common stock from time to time over a 24-month period following the Closing, subject to certain limitations contained in the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement. At the Closing, the Combined Company issued 150,000 shares of Combined Company common stock to Lincoln Park. 90 days after the Closing, the Combined Company is obligated to issue $1.5 million of shares of Combined Company common stock to Lincoln Park at a price per share equal to the arithmetic average of the closing sale price for Combined Company common stock during the 10 consecutive business days immediately preceding the share delivery date, not to exceed 500,000 shares.

 

   

Forfeited Sponsor Shares: In connection with the Closing, the Sponsor forfeited 436,021 shares of common stock.

 

   

BCAC Stockholder Redemptions: On April 26, 2022, BCAC held a special meeting of its stockholders. BCAC stockholders approved a proposal to amend BCAC’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to extend the date by which BCAC must consummate a business combination transaction from May 2, 2022 on a monthly basis up to November 2, 2022. In connection with this special meeting, BCAC Public Stockholders elected to redeem 688,408 shares of common stock for total redemption proceeds of $7.0 million (the “April Partial Redemption”). In addition, BCAC Public Stockholders elected to redeem 4,618,607 additional shares of Combined Company common stock for $47.2 million upon the Merger Closing (the “Closing Redemption”). These redemptions have been reflected below.

 

   

Sponsor Extension Note: In May and June 2022, BCAC issued non-convertible unsecured promissory notes in the principal amount of $0.5 million to the Sponsor (“Extension Notes”) in exchange for funds that were deposited into the Trust Account. The Extension Notes were issued in connection with the approval of the Amendment to BCAC’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and extension (the “Extension”) of the date by which the Company was required to consummate a business combination transaction from May 2, 2022 (the date which was 15 months from the closing date of the Company’s initial public offering of units) and constitute monthly contributions. The Sponsor was repaid in cash upon the Merger Closing. These transactions have been reflected below.

 

   

Sponsor Working Capital Note: On May 2, 2022, BCAC issued an additional convertible unsecured promissory note (the “Working Capital Note”) in the principal amount of $0.4 million to the Sponsor. The Working Capital Note was issued to provide BCAC with additional working capital during the Extension and will not be deposited into the Trust Account. BCAC issued the Working Capital Note in consideration for a loan from the Sponsor to fund BCAC’s working capital requirements. As of the Closing Date, approximately $0.4 million was drawn and approximately $65,000 was not drawn of the Working Capital Note principal amount. The Working Capital Note was settled in cash upon the Merger closing.


Basis of Pro Forma Presentation

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X. The adjustments in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information have been identified and presented to provide relevant information necessary for an illustrative understanding of Combined Company upon consummation of the Merger in accordance with GAAP. Assumptions and estimates underlying the unaudited pro forma adjustments set forth in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information are described in the accompanying notes.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results and financial position that would have been achieved had the Merger occurred on the dates indicated. Any net cash proceeds remaining after the consummation of the Merger and the other related events contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement are expected to be used for general corporate purposes. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not purport to project the future operating results or financial position of Combined Company following the completion of the Merger. The unaudited pro forma adjustments represent management’s estimates based on information available as of the date of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and analyses are performed. BCAC and Legacy Apexigen did not have any historical relationship prior to the discussion of the Merger. Accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were required to eliminate activities between the companies.

Pursuant to its certificate of incorporation and as contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, BCAC provided the holders of BCAC Common Stock the opportunity to redeem the outstanding shares of BCAC Common Stock for cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account as of two business days prior to the consummation of the transactions (including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account, net of taxes). The per share redemption amount was approximately $10.10 in the April Partial Redemption and was approximately $10.22 in the Closing Redemption.

The following table presents the selected pro forma information after giving effect to the Merger and other events contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement and the April Partial Redemption. This scenario includes the April Partial Redemption and the Closing Redemption, following which 442,985 shares of BCAC Common Stock remain outstanding after the completion of the Merger.

The following summarizes the pro forma shares of the Combined Company common stock issued and outstanding immediately after the Merger:

 

     Shares      %  

BCAC Public Stockholders (1)

     442,985        2.1

Sponsor (2)

     1,190,979        5.6

BCAC IPO Underwriter and Certain of Its Employees (3)

     57,500        0.2

Legacy Apexigen equity holders (4)

     18,151,571        84.6

PIPE Investors (5)

     1,452,000        6.8

Lincoln Park (6)

     150,000        0.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Combined Company common stock outstanding at Merger Closing

     21,445,035        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Amount reflects the April Partial Redemption and the Closing Redemption. Amount excludes 2,875,000 outstanding Public Warrants issued in connection with the BCAC IPO as such securities are not exercisable until August 28, 2022, the date that is 30 days after the Merger Closing.


(2)

The Sponsor holds 1,190,979 shares of BCAC Common Stock, comprised of 1,380,000 Founder Shares and 247,000 shares of BCAC Common Stock issued as constituent securities of the units issued in the Private Placement, net of 436,021 shares forfeited by the Sponsor upon the Closing. This amount excludes 123,500 Private Warrants.

(3)

BCAC Underwriter and Certain of Its Employees hold 57,500 shares of BCAC Common Stock.

(4)

Amount excludes Combined Company options and warrants exercisable for 3,415,868 and 4,321 shares of Combined Company common stock, respectively, that were issued on conversion of equivalent Legacy Apexigen Options and Legacy Apexigen Warrants with the same terms and conditions, except for adjustment for the Exchange Ratio.

(5)

The PIPE Investors purchased units each of which includes one share of Combined Company common stock and one-half of one warrant to purchase Combined Company common stock (each such warrant, a “PIPE Warrant”) for $10.00 per unit at the Closing. This amount includes 1,452,000 shares of Combined Company common stock issued to the PIPE investors and excludes 726,000 PIPE warrants issued to the PIPE Investors.

(6)

This amount includes 150,000 shares of Combined Company common stock issued to Lincoln Park associated with the financing arrangement upon the Closing and excludes the $1.5 million commitment to issue additional shares of Combined Company common stock, not to exceed 500,000 shares, to Lincoln Park 90 days after the Closing, as well as any draws on the Lincoln Park line.

Expected Accounting Treatment for the Merger

The Merger is accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP because Legacy Apexigen has been determined to be the accounting acquirer. Under this method of accounting, BCAC, which is the legal acquirer, is treated as the accounting acquiree for financial reporting purposes and Legacy Apexigen, which is the legal acquiree, is treated as the accounting acquirer. Accordingly, the consolidated assets, liabilities and results of operations of Legacy Apexigen have become the historical financial statements of the Combined Company, and BCAC’s assets, liabilities and results of operations have been consolidated with Legacy Apexigen’s beginning on the acquisition date. For accounting purposes, the financial statements of the Combined Company represent a continuation of the financial statements of Legacy Apexigen with the Merger being treated as the equivalent of Legacy Apexigen issuing stock for the net assets of BCAC, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of BCAC are stated at historical costs and no goodwill or other intangible assets have been recorded. Operations prior to the Merger will be presented as those of Apexigen in future reports of the Combined Company.

Legacy Apexigen was determined to be the accounting acquirer presented based on evaluation of the following facts and circumstances:

 

   

Legacy Apexigen stockholders comprise a majority of approximately 85% of the voting power of the Combined Company;

 

   

Legacy Apexigen had the ability to nominate a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Combined Company;

 

   

Legacy Apexigen’s operations prior to the acquisition comprise the only ongoing operations of Combined Company;

 

   

Legacy Apexigen’s senior management comprise the senior management of Combined Company;

 

   

The Combined Company has assumed the Apexigen name;


   

The ongoing operations of Legacy Apexigen have become the operations of the Combined Company; and

 

   

Legacy Apexigen’s headquarters have become the Combined Company’s headquarters.

Assumptions and estimates underlying the unaudited pro forma adjustments set forth in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are described in the accompanying notes. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the operating results and financial position that would have been achieved had the Merger occurred on the dates indicated. Further, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not purport to project the future operating results or financial position of the Combined Company following the completion of the Merger. The unaudited pro forma adjustments represent management’s estimates based on information available as of the dates of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and analyses are performed.


Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

As of March 31, 2022

(in thousands)

 

     BCAC
(Historical)
     Apexigen
(Historical)
     Transaction Accounting
Adjustments (Note 2)
           Pro Forma
Combined
 

Assets

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 93      $ 17,551      $ 58,088       A      $ 27,315  
           14,520       B     
           (4,378     C     
           (4,392     CC     
           (6,953     D     
           (47,214     F     
           —         K     

Short-term investments

     —          10,387        —            10,387  

Deferred issuance costs, current

     —          —          1,525       J        1,525  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     98        2,569        (1,336     C        1,281  
           (50     J     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total current assets

     191        30,507        9,810          40,508  

Property and equipment, net

     —          217        —            217  

Right-of-use assets

     —          389        —            389  

Investments held in Trust Account

     58,088        —          (58,088     A        —    

Deferred issuance costs, non-current

     —          —          1,525       J        1,525  

Other assets

     —          331        —            331  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 58,279      $ 31,444      $ (46,753      $ 42,970  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Liabilities, Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

             

Current liabilities:

             

Accounts payable

   $ 109      $ 4,681      $ (787     C      $ 4,002  

Accrued expenses

     2,435        8,801        1,500       J        10,178  
           (416     C     
           (2,142     CC     

Accrued liabilities—Related Party

     60                60  

Deferred revenue

     —          4,117        —            4,117  

Lease liabilities, current portion

     —          378        —            378  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     2,604        17,977        (1,845        18,736  


Lease liabilities, less current portion

     —         35       —           35  

Derivative warrant liabilities

     53       —         —           53  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,657       18,012       (1,845       18,824  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Convertible preferred stock

     —             158,707       (158,707   H     —    

Common stock subject to possible redemption

     58,075       —         (6,953   D     —    
         (51,122   E  

Stockholders’ equity (deficit):

          

Combined Company common stock

     —         —         1     B     2  
         —       E  
         1     H  

Apexigen common stock

     —         31       (31   I     —    

Additional paid-in capital

     491       8,462                         14,519     B     177,912  
         (4,511   C  
         51,122     E  
         (47,214   F  
         (5,194   G  
         158,706     H  
         31     I  
         1,500     J  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     —         (2     —           (2

Accumulated deficit

     (2,944     (153,766     5,194     G     (153,766
         (2,250     CC    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     (2,453     (145,275     171,874         24,146  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity (deficit)

   $ 58,279     $ 31,444     $ (46,753     $ 42,970  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 


Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations

for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     BCAC
(Historical)
    Apexigen
(Historical)
    Transaction Accounting
Adjustments

(Note 2)
           Pro Forma
Combined
 

Operating expenses:

           

Research and development

   $ —       $ 7,108     $ —          $ 7,108  

General and administrative

     2,407       1,986       —            4,393  

Administrative expenses - related party

     30       —         —            30  

Franchise tax expense

     20       —         —            20  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     2,457       9,094       —            11,551  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Loss from operations

     (2,457     (9,094     —            (11,551
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Other income (expense), net

           

Interest income

     —         52       —            52  

Change in fair value of derivative warrant liabilities

     (3     —         —            (3

Offering costs allocated to private warrants

     —         —         —            —    

Net gain (loss) from investments held in Trust Account

     2       —         (2     L        —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total other income (expense) net

     (1     52       (2        49  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Loss before provision for income taxes

     (2,458     (9,042     (2        (11,502
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (2,458   $ (9,042   $ (2      $ (11,502
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

           

Net loss

   $ (2,458   $ (9,042   $ (2      $ (11,502

Other comprehensive loss

           

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

     —         2       —            2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

   $ (2,458   $ (9,040   $ (2      $ (11,500
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding - Combined Company common stock - basic and diluted

     —         —         —         M        21,378,153  

Basic and diluted net loss per share - Combined Company common stock

     —         —         —         M      $ (0.54

Weighted average shares outstanding - Apexigen common stock - basic and diluted

     —         31,395,518      
—  
  
 
 
       —    

Basic and diluted net loss per share – Apexigen common stock

     —       $ (0.29    
—  
  
 
 
       —    

Weighted average shares outstanding - BCAC redeemable common stock – basic and diluted

     5,750,000       —         —            —    

Basic and diluted net loss per share, BCAC redeemable common stock

   $ (0.33     —         —            —    

Weighted average shares outstanding - BCAC non-redeemable common stock – basic and diluted

     1,684,500       —         —            —    

Basic and diluted net loss per share, non-redeemable common stock

   $ (0.33     —         —            —    


Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations

for the Year Ended December 31, 2021

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     BCAC
(Historical)
    Apexigen
(Historical)
    Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments

(Note 2)
         Pro Forma
Combined
 

Operating expenses:

           

Research and development

   $ —       $ 21,664     $ —          $ 21,664  

General and administrative

     411       7,293       4,392     N      12,096  

Administrative expenses - related party

     110       —         —            110  

Franchise tax expense

     82       —         —            82  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     603       28,957       4,392          33,952  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Loss from operations

     (603     (28,957     (4,392        (33,952
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Other income (expense), net

           

Interest income

     —         41       —            41  

Change in fair value of derivative warrant liabilities

     110       —         —            110  

Offering costs allocated to private warrants

     (1     —         —            (1

Net gain (loss) from investments held in Trust Account

     10       —         (10   O      —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total other income (expense) net

     119       41       (10        150  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Loss before provision for income taxes

     (484     (28,916     (4,402        (33,802
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (484   $ (28,916   $ (4,402        (33,802
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

           

Net loss

   $ (484   $ (28,916   $ (4,402      $ (33,802

Other comprehensive loss

           

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

     —         (7     —            (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

   $ (484   $ (28,923   $ (4,402      $ (33,809
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding - Combined Company common stock - basic and diluted

     —         —         —       P      21,327,494  

Basic and diluted net loss per share - Combined Company common stock

     —         —         —       P    $ (1.58

Weighted average shares outstanding of Apexigen common stock - basic and diluted

     —         30,901,032       —            —    

Basic and diluted net loss per share – Apexigen common stock

     —       $ (0.94     —            —    

Weighted average shares outstanding - BCAC redeemable common stock – basic and diluted

     5,245,890       —         —            —    

Basic and diluted net loss per share, BCAC redeemable common stock

   $ (0.07     —         —            —    

Weighted average shares outstanding - BCAC non-redeemable common stock – basic and diluted

     1,646,407       —         —            —    

Basic and diluted net loss per share, BCAC non-redeemable common stock

   $ (0.07     —         —            —    


NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Presentation

The Business Combination is accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, BCAC, which is the legal acquirer, has been treated as the accounting acquiree for financial reporting purposes and Legacy Apexigen, which is the legal acquiree, has been treated as the accounting acquirer.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are prepared in accordance with Article 11 of SEC Regulation S-X, as amended January 1, 2021. The historical financial information of BCAC and Legacy Apexigen is presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management has made significant estimates and assumptions in its determination of the pro forma adjustments. The unaudited pro forma adjustments represent management’s estimates based on information available as of the dates of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and analyses are performed. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings or cost savings that may be associated with the Business Combination.

The pro forma adjustments reflecting the completion of the Business Combination and related transactions are based on currently available information and assumptions and methodologies that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited condensed pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available. Therefore, it is possible that the actual adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments and that the difference may be material. Management believes that its assumptions and methodologies provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the significant effects of the Business Combination and related transactions based on information available at the current time and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations and financial position would have been had the Business Combination and related transactions taken place on the dates indicated, nor are they indicative of the future consolidated results of operations or financial position of the Combined Company. They should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and notes thereto of BCAC and Legacy Apexigen.

2. Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet and Statement of Operations

Transaction Accounting Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2022

 

  (A)

Reflects the liquidation and reclassification of $58.1 million of investments held in the Trust Account to cash and cash equivalents that becomes available for general use by Combined Company following the Closing.

 

  (B)

Reflects the gross proceeds of $14.5 million from the issuance and sale of 1,452,000 units to PIPE investors at $10.00 per unit that are comprised of the issuance of 1,452,000 shares of Combined Company common stock and the issuance of 726,000 PIPE Warrants.

 

  (C)

Reflects the direct and incremental cash transaction costs incurred by Legacy Apexigen related to the Merger of approximately $4.5 million for financial advisory, legal, accounting and other fees reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet. Legacy Apexigen has reflected the direct and incremental transaction costs related to the Merger as a reduction to the Combined Company’s additional paid-in capital. As of March 31, 2022, Legacy Apexigen had deferred incremental transaction costs incurred of $1.2 million, of which $0.8 million was unpaid in accounts payable and $0.4 million was unpaid in accrued expenses.

 

  (CC)

Reflects the direct and incremental cash transaction costs incurred by BCAC related to the Merger of approximately $4.4 million reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet. As of March 31, 2022, BCAC had incurred and expensed $4.4 million, of which $2.1 million was unpaid in accrued expenses, and $2.3 million was reflected as additional accumulated deficit.


  (D)

Reflects the April Partial Redemption.

 

  (E)

Reflects the reclassification of the remaining BCAC Common Stock subject to possible redemption to permanent equity before the Closing Redemption and reclassification of the remaining 442,985 shares of BCAC Common Stock into shares of Combined Company Common Stock on a one-to-one-basis.

 

  (F)

Reflects the Closing Redemption, i.e., the redemption of an additional 4,618,607 shares of Combined Company common stock for $47.2 million, allocated to the Combined Company common stock and additional paid-in-capital using par value of $0.001 per share at the redemption price of approximately $10.22 per share.

 

  (G)

Reflects the elimination of BCAC’s historical retained earnings of $5.2 million and BCAC direct and incremental transaction costs incurred and expensed through the Merger closing of $5.2 million with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital for the Combined Company in connection with the reverse recapitalization at the closing.

 

  (H)

Reflects the conversion of Legacy Apexigen convertible preferred stock into Combined Company common stock upon the Closing.

 

  (I)

Reflects the difference in par value between Legacy Apexigen common stock of $0.001 value per share and BCAC common stock of $0.0001 per share. The par value of the Combined Company common stock is $0.0001 per share.

 

  (J)

Reflects deferred issuance costs of $3.1 million associated with the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement that is comprised of the following: 1) $1.5 million that represents the issuance of 150,000 shares of Combined Company common stock at Closing at a deemed price of $10.00 per share, 2) commitment to issue $1.5 million of additional shares of Combined Company common stock ninety 90 days after Closing, subject to a maximum of 500,000 shares, and 3) $50,000 recorded in prepaid and other assets for cash paid to Lincoln Park as of March 31, 2022.

 

  (K)

Reflects the net impact of zero on cash as BCAC received cash of $0.9 million from the Sponsor related to the Extension Notes and Working Capital Note during May and June 2022, which the Combined Company repaid upon the Merger closing.

Transaction Accounting Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022

 

  (L)

Represents the elimination of investment income related to the investments held in the BCAC Trust Account.

 

  (M)

The calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net loss per share assumes that the Merger occurred on January 1, 2021, and the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net loss per share assumes that the shares were outstanding for the entire period presented.

Transaction Accounting Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2021

 

  (N)

Reflects $4.4 million of BCAC direct and incremental transaction costs incurred and expensed through the Merger closing.

 

  (O)

Represents the elimination of investment income related to the investments held in the BCAC Trust Account.

 

  (P)

The calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net loss per share assumes that the Merger occurred on January 1, 2021, and the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net loss per share assumes that the shares were outstanding for the entire period presented.


3. Loss per Share

Represents the net loss per share calculated using the historical weighted average shares outstanding and the issuance of additional shares in connection with the Business Combination and related transactions, assuming the shares were outstanding since January 1, 2021. As the Business Combination is being reflected as if it had occurred at the beginning of the period presented, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net loss per share assumes that the shares issued relating to the Business Combination and related transactions were outstanding for the entire periods presented. This calculation eliminates the shares redeemed in the April Partial Redemption and the Closing Redemption for the entire period. Basic and diluted earnings per share are the same for each class of common stock because they were entitled to the same liquidation and dividend rights.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared utilizing the following information for the year ended December 31, 2021 and three months ended March 31, 2022 (in thousands, except share and per share data):

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2021
     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2022
 

Pro forma net loss

   $ (33,802    $ (11,502

Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted

     21,327,494        21,378,153  

Pro forma net loss per share, basic and diluted - common stock

   $ (1.58    $ (0.54

Pro forma weighted average shares calculation, basic and diluted:

     

BCAC Public Stockholders

     442,985        442,985  

Sponsor

     1,190,979        1,190,979  

BCAC IPO Underwriter and Certain of Its Employees

     57,500        57,500  

Former Apexigen equity holders

     18,034,030        18,084,689  

PIPE Investors

     1,452,000        1,452,000  

Lincoln Park

     150,000        150,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     21,327,494        21,378,153  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 


The following outstanding shares of Combined Company common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of pro forma diluted net loss per share presented because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect for the year ended December 31, 2021 and for the three months ended March 31, 2022:

 

Public Warrants (former BCAC)

     2,875,000  

PIPE Warrants (PIPE Issuance)

     726,000  

Private Warrants (former BCAC)

     123,500  

Stock Options (Legacy Apexigen)

     3,415,868  

Warrants (Legacy Apexigen)

     4,321  
  

 

 

 
     7,144,689