As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2, 2018

Registration No. 333 -                

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

DERMADOCTOR, LLC

(to be converted as described herein to a corporation named)

 

DERMADOCTOR, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   8071   [     ]

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

DERMAdoctor, Inc.

1901 McGee Street

Kansas City, Missouri 64108

(816) 472-5700

 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive office)

 

Jeff Kunin, M.D.

President and Chief Executive Officer

DERMAdoctor, Inc.

1901 McGee Street

Kansas City, Missouri 64108

(816) 472-5700

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

Copies to:

 

Leslie Marlow, Esq.

Hank Gracin, Esq.

Patrick J. Egan, Esq.

Gracin & Marlow, LLP

The Chrysler Building

405 Lexington Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10174

Telephone: (212) 907-6457

Facsimile: (212) 208-4657

 

Aron Izower, Esq.

Reed Smith, LLP

599 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Telephone: (212) 521-5400

Facsimile: (212) 521-54504

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.

 

If any of the Securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, check the following box: ☒

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act Registration Statement number of the earlier effective Registration Statement for the same offering: ☐

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act Registration Statement number of the earlier effective Registration Statement for the same offering: ☐

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act Registration Statement number of the earlier effective Registration Statement for the same offering: ☐ 

 

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

 

  Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐
  Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☒
    Emerging Growth Company ☒

 

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

 

 

 

  

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of each class of securities to be registered  

Proposed maximum aggregate offering

price (1)

    Amount of registration fee  
Common Stock, $0.001 par value (2)(3)   $ 17,250,000     $ 2,147.63  
Representative’s Warrants (4)            
Shares of Common Stock underlying Representative’s Warrants (2)(5)   $ 937,500     $ 116.72  
Total   $ 18,187,500     $ 2,264.35  

 

 

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
   
(2) Pursuant to Rule 416, the securities being registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of additional securities as may be issued after the date hereof as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.
   
(3) Includes shares of common stock the underwriters have the option to purchase to cover over-allotments, if any.
   
(4) No fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act.
   
(5) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act. The representative’s warrants are exercisable at a per share exercise price equal to 125% of the public offering price per share. As estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act, the proposed maximum aggregate offering price of the representative’s warrants is $937,500, which is equal to 125% of $750,000 (5% of $15,000,000).

 

The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED MAY 2, 2018

 

1,875,000 Shares

Common Stock

 

 

 

DERMAdoctor, Inc.

 

 

 

This is a firm commitment initial public offering of 1,875,000 shares of common stock of DERMAdoctor, Inc. No public market currently exists for our shares. We anticipate that the initial public offering price will be between $7.00 and $9.00 per share.

 

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. We have applied to list our shares of common stock for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “DDOC.” No assurance can be given that our application will be approved.

 

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of this prospectus for a discussion of information that you should consider before investing in our securities.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” under applicable SEC rules and will be eligible for reduced public company disclosure requirements. See “Summary — Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company.”

 

Following the completion of this offering, we will also qualify as a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of Nasdaq. Under these rules, a “controlled company” may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements.

 

    Per Share     Total  
Public offering price   $              $           
Underwriting discounts and commissions (1)   $       $    
Proceeds, before expenses, to us   $       $    

   

(1) The underwriters will receive compensation in addition to the discounts and commissions. The registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, also registers for sale warrants to purchase 93,750 shares of our common stock to be issued to the representative of the underwriters. We have agreed to issue the warrants to the representative of the underwriters as a portion of the underwriting compensation payable to the underwriters in connection with this offering. See “Underwriting” for a description of compensation payable to the underwriters.

 

We have granted the representative of the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 281,250 shares of common stock from us at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any. If the representative of the underwriters exercises the option in full, the total underwriting discounts and commissions payable will be $          , and the total proceeds to us, before expenses, will be $          .

 

The underwriters expect to deliver our shares to purchasers in the offering on or about                 , 2018.

 

ThinkEquity

a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc.

 

The date of this prospectus is                 , 2018

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY 1
THE OFFERING 7
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 9
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 11
RISK FACTORS 12
USE OF PROCEEDS 39
DIVIDEND POLICY 40
THE CORPORATE REORGANIZATION 41
CAPITALIZATION 42
DILUTION 43
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 45
BUSINESS 58
MANAGEMENT 74
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 79
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 81
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS 82
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE 83
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK 84
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES 88
UNDERWRITING 93
LEGAL MATTERS 99
EXPERTS 99
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 99
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-1

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus that we may specifically authorize to be delivered or made available to you. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with any information other than that contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus may only be used where it is legal to offer and sell our securities. The information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of our securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.

 

For investors outside the United States: We have not and the underwriters have not done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of securities and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.

 

This prospectus includes statistical and other industry and market data that we obtained from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies generally indicate that their information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe that each of these studies and publications is reliable, we have not independently verified market and industry data from third-party sources. We believe that the data obtained from these industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies are reliable. We are ultimately responsible for all disclosure included in this prospectus.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you should consider in making your investment decision. Before investing in our securities, you should carefully read this entire prospectus, including our financial statements and the related notes and the information set forth under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in each case included elsewhere in this prospectus. In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “DERMAdoctor” and the “Company” refer to DERMAdoctor, LLC for the periods prior to the consummation of the corporate reorganization (as described below), and such terms refer to DERMAdoctor, Inc. for the periods after the consummation of the corporate reorganization. Except as disclosed in the prospectus, the financial statements and selected historical financial data and other financial information included in this registration statement are (i) those of DERMAdoctor, LLC and an affiliated company, 1901 McGee, LLC, a variable interest entity for which DERMAdoctor, LLC is the primary beneficiary; and (ii) do not give effect to the corporate reorganization.

 

Prior to the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, we will complete a number of transactions pursuant to which DERMAdoctor, Inc. will succeed to the business of DERMAdoctor, LLC and the members of DERMAdoctor, LLC will become stockholders of DERMAdoctor, Inc. In this prospectus, we refer to such transactions as the “corporate reorganization.” 

 

Overview

 

We are an omni-channel, innovative, skincare company primarily focused on the creation of products that are designed to target common skin concerns, ranging from aging and blemishes to dry skin, perspiration and keratosis pilaris. We develop, market, distribute and sell skincare products under our DERMAdoctor ® brand worldwide. All of our DERMAdoctor ® products are conceived by our product design team headed by our Chief Creative Officer and founder, Dr. Audrey Kunin, who is a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Kunin adds her unique perspective, which is incorporated in our packaging, that skincare can be both elegant and powerful. Our philosophy is to mix science and technology synergistically to provide non-irritating, effective and pleasing skincare products aimed at targeting overlooked or unfulfilled common skin concerns. All of our products are fragrance and dye free. Since 2003, we have been developing, marketing, distributing and selling an extensive array of our proprietary skincare products. Today, we produce and sell over 30 DERMAdoctor ® products that account for 39 stock keeping units, or skus, at prices ranging from $22 for an antiperspirant to $95 for a Kakadu vitamin C skin product. Our products are typically grouped into families of products and include those such as Wrinkle Revenge, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Calm Cool and Corrected and KP Duty designed to improve the skin’s appearance for aging, acne, redness and keratosis pilaris, respectively. Within each family, products are typically further broken down to face, eyes, and body. The ingredients are then uniquely formulated for the resulting product subcategory. Each family of products creates opportunities for the customer to expand into different product types aimed at addressing their particular skincare problems. For example, within our KP Duty family we offer both a lotion and a scrub. Often these products are purchased together. We recently launched a third KP Duty product, the KP Duty Body Peel, providing an innovative product delivery system which should expand this family of products to a large group of current customer users.

 

We initially began operations in 1998 as an e-commerce company selling third-party beauty products and skincare products on the internet and providing skincare advice and information on our website. Through our online sales we developed significant market knowledge of the industry, specifically what consumers desired and disliked, product packaging successes and failures, new technology and product opportunities and market voids, which led to our decision to create our own proprietary products to leverage our customer base and daily internet traffic and eventually to discontinue sales of third-party products to focus on sales of our own proprietary products. We named our proprietary skincare line DERMAdoctor ® .

 

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We utilize an omni-channel distribution model which includes traditional domestic retail distribution outlets, online shopping and international distributors. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, domestic, e-commerce and international sales were 42%, 32%, and 26% of our net sales, respectively, as compared to 46%, 35%, and 19%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2017, domestic, e-commerce and international sales were 44%, 26% and 30% of our net sales, respectively, as compared to 68%, 26% and 6%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016. The traditional domestic retail distribution outlets consist mainly of specialty and department stores, including their company websites. To date, specialty retailers Ulta Beauty and Sephora have accounted for a majority of our U.S. sales. Other U.S. retailers include Belk, Macy’s online, Von Maur, Nordstrom online, Dermstore.com, and Skinstore.com. Other retail outlets include “flash” websites such as Gilt, HauteLook and Rue La La and in the past have included Home Shopping Network, or HSN, and QVC. In 2017, we began initial sales to Costco Wholesale Corporation (“Costco”) for select products, as well as Evine, a home shopping television channel. As of March 31, 2018, our products are distributed to over 700 Ulta Beauty stores located in 49 states and the District of Columbia as well as other department stores. Our direct to consumer distribution channel is comprised of internet sales through our website ( www.dermadoctor.com ) and through Amazon.com. Our primary source of revenue historically has been from the sale of our products in the United States. In 2017, however, we saw significant growth in our international distribution channel. The majority of the growth during 2017 was driven by the signing of our China distributor in October 2016, their significant advance purchase in 2017 of one of our products due to a price that reflected a one-time special manufacturing discount and growth in sales to our Kuwait distributor. We experienced continued growth in our international channel during the three months ended March 31, 2018 due to sales of our products by our China and Kuwait distributors as well as sales by our Hong Kong distributor who was signed in July 2017. The majority of our international sales have occurred through these distributors that sell our products via the internet in China, Hong Kong and Kuwait. In April 2017, we were granted the approval for European Union registration of some of our products and we expect to expand shipments of our approved products in Europe in 2018. In August 2017, we began shipping to our distributor in Guatemala who has the rights to begin shipping to other countries in Central America, namely, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. In January 2018, we began shipping to our distributor in The United Arab Emirates (UAE) who has the rights to ship our products to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman and Bahrain.

 

We believe that a core element of our success is our distinctive marketing strategy. We focus on educating our target customers, women between the ages of 18 to 65 who have a college education with above average household income, about the unique attributes of our products, developing intimate relationships with these consumers and capitalizing on our omni-channel distribution strategy to effectively reach and engage these consumers. We believe educational media such as appearances on television shows, information on our website and physical presence at specialty retailers such as Ulta Beauty, as well as at certain department stores, has helped us to further strengthen our brand image and provide additional points of contact to educate consumers about our products. We have received multiple awards from respected publications such as Health and Fitness magazine and have been a finalist in the CEW Beauty Awards, the “Academy Awards” of the beauty industry. In addition, Dr. Audrey Kunin has been a guest on The Dr. Oz show several times. Dr. Kunin and her products have graced numerous publications including InStyle, W, More, Redbook, Bride Glamour, Family Circle, O The Oprah Magazine, Shape, Self, Fitness, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Health, Allure, Elle, RealSimple, Lucky, Ladies Home Journal, People and People en Espanol, Prevention, Men’s Health, New York Daily News, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, WebMD, Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report, The Today Show, E! and the Tyra Banks Show.

 

Strengths and Competitive Advantages

 

The skincare products market is large and attractive

 

We believe that the skincare products market is highly attractive given its scale, growth dynamics and consumer demand trends. The Cosmetic Skin Care Market: Global Industry Analysis, Trends, Market Size and Forecasts to 2023 reports that the global cosmetic skincare market was $130.7 billion in 2016. It predicts the global skincare market to grow with a compound annual growth rate of between 4.7% and 5.3% from 2017 to 2023. The report predicts that Asia Pacific, which includes China, will dominate the world market with the Middle East and Africa growing at the highest compounded annual growth rate over the forecasted period. Lucitel, a market research firm, in its December 12, 2016 report, forecasts the global skincare market to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.8% from 2016 to 2021, with opportunities in the areas of anti-aging, sun protection, body care lotion and multi-functional skin cream.

 

Our strategic differentiation: DERMAdoctor, a prestige, problem solving, skincare company

 

We are driven by what we believe today’s consumer wants—an assortment of high-quality, prestige-inspired skincare products at extraordinary value. Through our modern consumer engagement and responsiveness, we interact with our consumers instead of broadcasting at them. We focus a significant portion of our product development efforts on creating new and improving existing products that fulfill unmet skincare needs. We believe that our business model has multiple areas of competitive advantage, including the following:

 

Authentic brand that attracts a wide range of consumers in the category. Since 1998, we have prioritized getting to know our consumers, and they in turn have provided us with valuable feedback, enabling us to build DERMAdoctor ® into an authentic and trusted brand. Our differentiated marketing approach focuses on educating consumers as to the unique attributes of our products; communicating product efficacy through product demonstrations; featuring our consumers instead of celebrities on our website and developing direct connections with our consumers. By providing a comprehensive experience—from integrated engagement online, through social media and in retail stores to our differentiated product offerings—we target new users as well as sophisticated buyers of skincare products.

 

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Innovation and customer feedback model . We believe innovation is a major key to our success. We have built an innovation capability that has led to breakthrough new product introductions. We introduced five new products over the past three years and 28% of our 2017 net sales came from products launched in the last three years. With almost a half million visits per year and online reviews, dermadoctor.com has been a useful vehicle for aiding in refinement of products and determining customer preferences. We are able to analyze sales results, reviews and feedback through social media to provide a quick indication of a product’s performance, which allows us to quickly allocate appropriate marketing and other resources. 

 

True omni-channel brand. We are a true omni-channel brand with a presence across national retailers, e-commerce and international distributors, which allows us to leverage insights gained from each channel to drive performance across the business.

 

  National retailers . We currently sell our products to retailers, some of which sell our products in brick-and-mortar stores and through their websites and others who sell our products solely through their websites. Ulta Beauty, a leading national retail customer and key beauty destination for many consumers, currently sells our products in over 700 of their stores. We have also continued to expand our sales through other retailers, including Von Maur, Nordstrom, Gilt, Sephora, Costco and Macy’s. We believe that our presence across many touch points within the beauty industry further strengthens our brand image.

 

  e-commerce . Our e-commerce business, which includes sales on our website and on Amazon.com, serves as a strong source of sales and an important component of our engagement and innovation model. We have nurtured a loyal, highly active online community for almost two decades through our own website and more recently through Amazon’s Luxury Beauty page. In 2017, we had just over one-half million total visitors to our website and over two million page views. During 2017, we focused on driving more customers to our website through on-line marketing and social media. Sales through our website and Amazon.com contribute the highest gross margin of any of our sales channels.

 

  International Distributors . We currently sell our products to international distributors who sell into China, Hong Kong, Central America and Kuwait and the UAE. This is the fastest growing segment of our business with a growth rate of 539% between 2016 and 2017 and a growth rate of 66% between the first quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018. Although we have experienced significant growth in this segment during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and the three months ended March 31, 2018 when compared to prior periods, we do not expect a similar percentage increase for the rest of 2018, as 2017 sales included the impact of the signing of our China distributor in October 2016, their significant advance purchase of one of our products due to a price that reflected a one-time special manufacturing discount, and growth in sales to our Kuwait distributor. We are actively pursuing additional distribution partners and other opportunities to sell our products internationally.

 

Experienced management team. Our Chief Creative Officer, Audrey Kunin, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist, author, clinician, educator, and television personality. Dr. Kunin founded our company in 1998 with her husband, Jeff Kunin, M.D., who currently serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Jeff Kunin also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Under the leadership of Audrey and Jeff Kunin we have assembled an experienced management team that possesses complementary experiences managing prestige cosmetic brands within retail and wholesale distribution channels and overseeing operations in the branded consumer products industry. Our team has demonstrated skills in building brands, leading innovation, expanding distribution, and supply chain management. We operate with a high-performance team culture. The combination of an experienced team, strong culture and values and disciplined execution forms the foundation of our success.

 

Our Growth Strategy

 

DERMAdoctor ® is a prestige skincare brand. We are in the early stages of development, with significant room to grow by developing innovative new products, converting more consumers to the brand while increasing sales to existing consumers, and making DERMAdoctor ® products more widely available both domestically and internationally. We expect international markets to be the largest source of our growth over the next few years and also see an opportunity to expand in the United States. We also believe we have an opportunity to improve our profitability through greater operating leverage and efficiency.

 

We believe we are well positioned for continued growth driven by three main strategies.

 

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Develop new products

 

We have a track record of bringing prestige-inspired innovative and effective skincare products to markets. As stated above, from 2015 through 2017, we introduced five new products including our Kakadu C line of products and KP Duty Peel Pads and 28% of our net sales during the year ended December 31, 2017 came from products launched in the last three years. We focus a significant portion of our product development efforts on creating new products and improving existing products based on feedback from our consumer community. We seek to create packaging that is unique to our brand, while being approachable and effective. We believe there are significant additional opportunities within the skincare space. We expect to continue to leverage our product development expertise to introduce new products into related market segments.

 

Expand domestic market penetration

 

Draw new consumers to the brand . Increasing brand awareness is a major growth driver for our company. We believe we can significantly grow our following of passionate consumers to the brand from current levels with assistance from a public relations firm focused on beauty and through a greater focus on social media and other on-line marketing tools. While we introduced DERMAdoctor ® 14 years ago, we are still relatively unknown to many women.

 

Encourage current consumers to use more DERMAdoctor ® products . Our consumers’ loyalty to the DERMAdoctor® brand drives growth through increased usage of our products across categories and advocacy of our brand to other potential consumers. We have a loyalty program where customers receive reward points for each purchase that may be applied to payment for future purchases made through our website within 90 days. We also allow customers on our website to select up to three free samples of other products with each purchase to encourage future purchases of those additional products. In 2016, we started a subscription service for our products which allows customers to sign up for periodic delivery of our products. While still in its infancy, we are seeing increased participation by our consumers resulting in increased monthly subscription sales. We believe that through sustained innovation and efficient marketing, we will increase the number of DERMAdoctor ® items our consumers purchase.

 

Grow our retail relationships . We intend to continue to increase net sales through key premium retail accounts, such as Ulta Beauty, Costco, and Sephora. Within Ulta Beauty and other physical retail locations, we will seek to improve our in-store product positioning and collaborative marketing efforts. We believe we have significant potential upside in deepening distribution with our existing domestic retailers by continuing to leverage our productivity, innovation and growth to win more shelf space. In addition, we expect our domestic retail sales will grow as Ulta Beauty opens new stores and we are able to develop additional opportunities to sell our products in upscale department stores and on their websites.

 

Drive additional traffic to our website . We intend to grow our direct-to-consumer sales by driving additional traffic to our website and the Amazon website as well as improving customer conversion metrics. By focusing on affiliate marketing, paid search, search engine optimization (SEO) and other media spending, enhanced content and social media referrals including user generated content and paid influencers, through Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Pinterest, we expect to increase sales both in stores and online. The higher product margins and relatively fixed expenses of our website sales creates a leveraged business environment for higher profits.

 

Expand our global presence

 

We operate in a number of countries outside the United States, which accounted for 26% of our net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2018, up from 19% of our net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 30% of our net sales during the year ended December 31, 2017, up from 6% of our net sales during the year ended December 31, 2016. Given that the skin conditions we target are universal, we believe that the DERMAdoctor ® brand is highly portable, which will provide us with a significant opportunity in international markets over the long term. We believe our market penetration in the Middle East (Kuwait and UAE), China and Hong Kong represents the most significant opportunities for increasing our existing global sales. The United Kingdom, Canada, Western Europe, Asia, India and Australia are markets we plan to enter or expand in over the next three years, which would significantly expand our global presence.

 

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Recent Developments 

  

Costco Purchase Orders

 

In the first quarter of 2018, we received an order from Costco for the purchase of one of our products for a special promotion. This order was fulfilled in early April 2018. We expect this order to contribute approximately $1.5 million to net sales when recorded in the second quarter of 2018.

 

Risks

 

Our business and our ability to execute our business strategy are subject to a number of risks of which you should be aware before you decide to buy our common stock. In particular, you should carefully consider the following risks, which are discussed more fully in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of this prospectus:

 

  historically we have incurred significant net losses and anticipate that we will continue to incur net losses in the future;
     
  our independent registered public accounting firm has expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern;

 

  we are currently dependent upon a small number of customers for a significant percentage of our revenue and a decrease or interruption in their business with us would reduce our sales and profitability;

 

  we do not have long-term contracts with any of our retailers, and the loss of orders of our products from our retailers or a retailer’s refusal to accept products may have a material adverse effect on our operating results;

 

  the skincare business is highly competitive, and if we are unable to compete effectively our results will suffer;

 

  our success depends, in part, on the quality, performance and safety of our products and our ability to introduce new products that appeal to consumers or offer new benefits or otherwise successfully compete with our competitors in the skincare industry;

 

  there can be no assurance that we will be able to execute on our business strategy, successfully market our products, drive customers to our distribution channels and increase sales;

 

  we rely on third-party suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and other vendors, and their ability to produce products or provide services that are consistent with our standards or applicable regulatory requirements could be disrupted, which could harm our brand, cause consumer dissatisfaction, and require us to find alternative suppliers of our products or services;

 

  we are increasingly dependent on information technology, and we may experience service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches which result in the disruption of our operating systems or the loss of confidential information of our customers;

 

  our success depends, in part, on our retention of key members of our senior management team and ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;

 

  our products may be the subject of regulatory actions, including but not limited to actions by the Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, the Federal Trade Commission, or the FTC, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or the CPSC, in the United States;

 

  our business is subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations; and

 

  if we are unable to protect our intellectual property the value of our brand and other intangible assets may be diminished, and our business may be adversely affected.

 

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Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, and, for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of certain exemptions from various public company reporting requirements, including not being required to have our internal controls over financial reporting audited by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and any golden parachute payments. We may take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards under the JOBS Act, which election is irrevocable. We will remain an “emerging growth company” until the earlier of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which the fifth anniversary of the closing of this offering occurs; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion; (iii) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means we (1) have an aggregate worldwide market value of common equity securities held by non-affiliates of $700 million or more as of the last business day of our most recently completed second quarter, (2) have been required to file annual and quarterly reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, for a period of at least 12 months and (3) have filed at least one annual report pursuant to the Exchange Act, and (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. References herein to “emerging growth company” have the meaning associated with associated with that term in the JOBS Act.

 

Implications of Being a Controlled Company

 

Following the completion of this offering, we will qualify as a “Controlled Company” within the meaning of the rules of Nasdaq. Under these rules, a “Controlled Company” may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements.

 

Corporate Information

 

DERMAdoctor, LLC was formed as a Missouri limited liability company in December 2015. Initially, our company was formed as a Missouri corporation in 1998 under the name DERMAdoctor, Inc. In December 2015, DERMAdoctor, Inc. contributed all of its assets to D. Doctor Acquisition, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company and received membership interests in D. Doctor Acquisition, LLC. On December 31, 2015, D. Doctor Acquisition, LLC filed an amendment to its articles of organization changing its name to DERMAdoctor, LLC and DERMAdoctor, Inc. filed an amendment to its articles of organization changing its name to Papillon Partners, Inc., or Papillon. Papillon is owned 51% by the Audrey G. Kunin Trust and 49% by the Jeffrey R. Kunin Trust.

 

Prior to the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, DERMAdoctor, LLC will merge directly with and into a Delaware corporation. We refer to this as the “corporate reorganization.” In connection with the corporate reorganization, all outstanding membership units, or Units, of DERMAdoctor, LLC will be converted into 3,000,000 shares of common stock of DERMAdoctor, Inc., the members of DERMAdoctor, LLC will become stockholders of DERMAdoctor, Inc. and DERMAdoctor, Inc. will succeed to the business of DERMAdoctor, LLC. See “The Corporate Reorganization” for further information regarding the transactions to be effected in the corporate reorganization.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 1901 McGee St, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, and our telephone number is (816) 472-5700. Our website address is www.dermadoctor.com . Information contained in our website does not form part of the prospectus and is intended for informational purposes only.

 

This prospectus contains references to our trademarks and to trademarks belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus, including logos, artwork and other visual displays, may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names or trademarks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.

 

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THE OFFERING

 

Issuer DERMAdoctor, Inc.
   
Common stock offered by us 1,875,000 shares (or 2,156,250 shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full).
   
Over-allotment option The underwriters have an option for a period of 45 days to purchase up to 281,250 additional shares of our common stock to cover over-allotments, if any.
   
Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering 4,875,000 shares. If the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full, the total number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after this offering would be 5,156,250.
   
Use of Proceeds We estimate the net proceeds from this offering will be $13,200,000 assuming an initial public offering price of $8.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
   
  We currently intend to use $190,000 of the net proceeds from this offering to repay the outstanding balance owed by us under two bridge notes that we issued to Papillon. The balance of the proceeds will be used to pay approximately $500,000 of our accounts payable, purchase approximately $1,000,000 in additional inventory, allocate approximately $1,500,000 to expand product development and increase marketing activities, invest approximately $300,000 to improve our infrastructure by upgrading our computer systems and information technology and acquiring additional equipment for our warehouse, and retaining the remaining proceeds for other working capital and general corporate purposes. Pending our use of the net proceeds from this offering, we intend to invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation investments, including short-term, investment grade, interest bearing instruments and U.S. government securities. See “Use of Proceeds.”
   
Representative’s Warrants The registration statement of which this prospectus is a part also registers for sale warrants to purchase 93,750 shares of our common stock to the representative of the underwriters as a portion of the underwriting compensation payable to the underwriters in connection with this offering. The warrants will be exercisable for a four-year period commencing one year following the closing of this offering at an exercise price equal to 125% of the initial public offering price of the common stock. Please see “Underwriting—Representative’s Warrants” for a description of these warrants.
   
Risk Factors See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 and the other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before investing in our securities.
   
Proposed symbol and listing We have applied to list our shares of common stock for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “DDOC.”

 

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Unless we indicate otherwise, the number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering is based on the following:

 

 

the consummation of the corporate reorganization, pursuant to which all of the outstanding Units of DERMAdoctor, LLC (described in the “Description of Securities” section of this prospectus) will be automatically converted into an aggregate of 3,000,000 shares of our common stock; and

 

  excludes 731,250 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the new equity incentive plan (the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan) that we intend to adopt prior to the closing of this initial public offering; however, we do not intend to issue any awards under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan in connection with this offering.

 

Unless specifically stated otherwise, the information in this prospectus:

 

  assumes completion of the corporate reorganization;
     
  assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase up to an additional 281,250 shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any;
     
  assumes no exercise of the representative’s warrants granted to the representative of the underwriters upon completion of this offering; and
     
  assumes an initial public offering price of $8.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the front cover page of this prospectus.

 

Assuming an initial public offering price of $8.00 per share, the maximum number of shares of our common stock which will be issued pursuant to the corporate reorganization and which will be reserved for future issuance under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan will in no event exceed 3,731,250 total shares. 

 

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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The following table sets forth our summary consolidated statement of operations data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 which are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the summary consolidated statements of operations data for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and selected balance sheet data as of March 31, 2018 which are derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. In our opinion, such condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments consisting of only normal recurring adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information set forth in those statements. Our financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The results indicated below are not necessarily indicative of our future performance. You should read this information together with the sections entitled “Capitalization,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. We do not own or have any claim to any of the assets of 1901 McGee, LLC, nor are we liable for the mortgage on the property owned by 1901 McGee, LLC.

 

    Three months ended     Years ended  
    March 31, (unaudited)     December 31,  
    2018     2017     2017     2016  
Statement of Operations Data:                        
Net sales   $ 1,711,291     $ 1,474,059     $ 8,808,674     $ 6,474,861  
Cost of sales (1)     707,376       787,849       4,062,563       2,902,349  
Gross profit     1,003,915       686,210       4,746,111       3,572,512  
Total expenses (1)     1,190,795       1,116,862       5,014,986       5,430,936  
Loss from operations     (186,880 )     (430,652 )     (268,875 )     (1,858,424 )
Net loss     (249,036 )     (476,950 )     (456,356 )     (2,023,233 )
Net loss attributable to DERMAdoctor, LLC     (233,395 )     (459,433 )     (345,083 )     (1,897,264 )
                                 
Per Shares Data:                                
Net loss per unit (2)                                
Basic and diluted   $ (0.23 )   $ (0.46 )   $ (0.35 )   $ (1.90 )
Weighted average units outstanding (2)                                
Basic and diluted     1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000  
Pro forma net loss per share of common stock (2)                                
Basic and diluted (unaudited)   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.11 )   $ (0.63 )
Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding (2)                                
Basic and diluted (unaudited)     3,000,000       3,000,000       3,000,000       3,000,000  

 

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    As of March 31, 2018  
    Actual     Pro Forma (3)    

Pro Forma, As

Adjusted (4)(5)

 
Balance Sheet Data:                  
Cash and cash equivalents (1)   $ 105,785     $ 105,785     $ 12,615,785  
Total assets (1)     6,084,383       6,084,383       18,594,383  
Total liabilities (1)     6,764,641       6,764,641       6,074,641  
Redeemable membership interest     1,270,000              
Total equity (deficiency)     (1,950,258 )     ( 680,258 )       12,519,742  

 

 

 

(1) Includes cost of sales of $18,665, $18,170, $89,905, and $89,785 and operating expenses of $27,315, $27,818, $133,707, and $114,820 attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Total expenses including rent expense of $51,984, $50,470, $201,902, and $198,952 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, paid from DERMAdoctor, LLC to 1901 McGee, LLC is eliminated upon consolidation. Includes cash and cash equivalents of $27,172, total assets of $2,980,106 and total liabilities of $2,668,469 attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC as of March 31, 2018.
   
(2) The unaudited pro forma basic and diluted loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 gives effect to the assumed conversion of all membership units upon an initial public offering by treating all membership units as if they had been converted to common stock in all periods in which such shares were outstanding. Shares to be sold in the offering are excluded from the unaudited pro forma basic and diluted loss per share attributable to common stock holders calculations. In addition, the $2,850 and $0 of interest expense incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 and the $3,250 and $0 of interest expense incurred during the twelve month ended December 2017 and 2016 on the $190,000 related party notes to be repaid at the closing of the offering has been excluded from the unaudited pro forma basic and diluted loss per share; however, the net loss attributable to common stockholders has not been adjusted for this interest expense. Weighted average shares are calculated by multiplying the weighted average units by the ratio of units to shares in the corporate reorganization.
   
(3) The pro forma balance sheet data gives effect to the corporate reorganization. The pro forma balance sheet also gives effect to the elimination of the redeemable membership interest in the amount of $1,270,000 as well as the reclassification of the redeemable membership interest into permanent equity.
   
(4) The pro forma, as adjusted balance sheet data reflects the items described in footnote (2) above and gives effect to our receipt of estimated net proceeds of $12,510,000 from the sale of 1,875,000 shares of common stock that we are offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $8.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, a payment of $190,000 to Papillon, which is the outstanding balance owed by us to Papillon under two bridge notes that we issued to Papillon in the aggregate principal amount of $190,000, which accrues interest at the rate of 6% per annum, as well as payments of $500,000 to certain vendors to reduce our accounts payable balance.
   
(5) The pro forma, as adjusted data is illustrative only and will be adjusted based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

 

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $8.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) each of cash and cash equivalents, total assets and total stockholders’ equity by $1,725,000 assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable.

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include those that express plans, anticipation, intent, contingency, goals, targets or future development and/or otherwise are not statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and projections about future events and they are subject to risks and uncertainties known and unknown that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among others:

 

  our ability to implement our business plan;
     
  our ability to raise additional capital to meet our liquidity needs;
     
  our ability to generate product revenues;
     
  our ability to achieve profitability;
     
  our ability to obtain market acceptance;
     
  our ability to compete in the market;
     
  our ability to gain acceptance of customers for use of our products;
     
  our ability to rely on third-party researchers, manufacturers and payors;
     
  our ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships, including for the distribution of products;
     
  our ability to attract and retain sufficient qualified personnel;
     
  our ability to obtain or maintain patents or other appropriate protection for our intellectual property; and
     
  our ability to adequately support future growth.

 

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology, such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “will” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions.

 

You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference herein and therein and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus only. Because the risks and uncertainties describe in this prospectus could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New risks may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict what new risks will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of any particular risk on our business or the extent to which any risk, or combination of risks, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We qualify all of the information presented in this prospectus, and particularly our forward-looking statements, by these cautionary statements.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Investors should carefully consider the risks described below before deciding whether to invest in our securities. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements made throughout this prospectus as a result of different factors, including the risks we face described below.

 

Risks Relating to our Company

 

We have a history of losses and there can be no assurance that we will be able to generate a profit in the future.

 

Historically, we have incurred net losses, including a net loss attributable to DERMAdoctor, LLC of $233,395 and $459,433 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively, and $345,083 and $1,897,264 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. We expect to continue to incur substantial expenditures to develop, manufacture and market our products and could continue to incur losses and negative operating cash flow. We may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors that may adversely affect our business. Our ability to generate profits will depend, in part, on our expenses and our ability to generate revenue. Our prior losses and any future losses have had and will have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm has expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

As described in Note 2 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the years then ended, our auditors have issued a going concern opinion on our financial statements, expressing substantial doubt that we can continue as a going concern for the next twelve months after the issuance of their report based upon our recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations. While the net loss was significantly reduced in 2017 compared to 2016, cash from operations will not be sufficient to fund our operations for the twelve-month period from the date the 2017 financial statements were issued. In addition, we incurred a net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and management has determined that a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern continues to exist and that cash from operations will not be sufficient to fund operations for the twelve-month period from the date of the issuance of the condensed consolidated financial statements. We have entered into a receivables financing facility and we are actively pursuing additional sources of financing to fund our operations, including this offering. Our majority member, Papillon, has provided short-term loans to us and may continue to do so, but there is no assurance that additional financing from any source will be available on acceptable terms, if at all. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

We are currently dependent upon a small number of customers for a significant percentage of our business and do not have long-term purchase commitments from these customers. A decrease or interruption in their business with us would reduce our sales and profitability.

 

We currently depend on four customers for a significant portion of our business. Sales to these customers each accounted for 10% or more of our revenues and combined accounted for an aggregate of approximately 66% (29%, 17%, 10%, and 10%, respectively) of our revenue from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Sales to three customers each accounted for 10% or more of our revenues and combined accounted for an aggregate of approximately 58% (26%, 17% and 15%, respectively) of our revenue from operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. At March 31, 2018, two significant customers accounted for 100% (71% and 29%) of our accounts receivable. At December 31, 2017 two significant customers accounted for approximately 83% (45% and 38%) of our accounts receivable. Our arrangements with these retailers are by purchase order and are terminable at will at the option of either party. A substantial decrease or interruption in business from these three customers could result in inventory write-offs or in the loss of future business and would likely reduce our liquidity and profitability.

 

In the future, our significant customers may undergo restructurings or reorganizations, or realign their affiliations, any of which could decrease their orders for our products. Any severe adverse impact on the business operations of our significant customers may have a corresponding negative effect on us. One or more of these customers could decide to exclusively feature a competitor’s skincare products, develop their own store-brand skincare products or reduce the number of brands of skincare products they sell, any of which could affect our ability to sell our products to them on favorable terms, if at all. Our loss of significant customers would impair our sales and profitability and harm our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We do not have long-term contracts with any of our retailers, and the loss of orders of our products from our retailers or a retailer’s refusal to accept products may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

 

We do not maintain long-term contracts with any of our retailers, and retailers generally purchase products from us on a purchase order basis. As a result, our retailers generally may, with little or no notice or penalty, decide to cease ordering and selling our products, could materially reduce their orders in any period or refuse to accept products that they have ordered. If certain significant retailers, individually or in the aggregate, refuse to accept our products, particularly if an order is of significant size, choose to return our products to us, or elect to no longer sell our products, we may be unable to change our distribution to other retailers in a timely manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The skincare business is highly competitive, and if we are unable to compete effectively our results will suffer.

 

We face vigorous competition from companies throughout the world, including large multinational consumer products companies that have many skincare brands under ownership and standalone skincare brands, including those that may target the latest trends or specific distribution channels. The skincare industry is highly competitive and subject to rapid changes due to consumer preferences and industry trends. Competition in the skincare industry is generally based on the introduction of new products, pricing of products, quality of products and packaging, brand awareness, perceived value and quality, innovation, in-store presence and visibility, promotional activities, advertising, editorials, e-commerce and mobile-commerce initiatives and other activities. We must compete with a high volume of new product introductions and existing products by diverse companies across several different distribution channels.

 

Our products face, and will continue to face, competition for consumer recognition and market share with products that have achieved significant national and international brand name recognition and consumer loyalty, such as those offered by global prestige beauty companies like Avon Products, Inc., Elizabeth Arden, Inc., The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Inc., L’Oréal Group, Shiseido, Coty, Mary Kay, Inc. and The Proctor & Gamble Company, each of which have launched skincare brands. In addition, we compete with brands including Dr. Dennis Gross, Kate Somerville, Murad, Perricone M.D., Dr. Brandt, Clarins, Clinique, Dermalogica, Exuviance, La Roche Posay and Vichey. We also compete with numerous other companies that market skincare products. These companies may have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources, longer operating histories, greater brand recognition and larger customer bases than we do and may be able to respond more effectively to changing business and economic conditions than we can. These competitors typically devote substantial resources to promoting their brands through traditional forms of advertising, such as print media and television commercials. Because of such mass marketing methods, these competitors’ products may achieve higher visibility and recognition than our products. We compete with prestige cosmetics companies primarily in online retailing, department stores and specialty beauty retail channels, but prestige cosmetics companies also recently have increased their sales through infomercial and home shopping television channels. Mass cosmetics brands are sold primarily though channels in which we do not sell our products, such as mass merchants, but mass cosmetics companies are increasingly making efforts to acquire market share in the higher-margin prestige cosmetics category by introducing brands and products that address this market. Many of these competitors’ products are sold in a wider selection or greater number of retail stores and possess a larger presence in these stores, typically having significantly more inline shelf space than we do. Given the finite space allocated to skincare products by retail stores, our ability to grow the number of retail stores in which our products are sold, and expand our space allocation once in these retail stores, may require the removal or reduction of the shelf space of these competitors. We may be unsuccessful in our growth strategy in the event retailers do not reallocate shelf space from our competitors to us. Our competitors may attempt to gain market share by offering products at prices at or below the prices at which our products are typically offered, including through the use of large percentage discounts and “buy one and get one free” offers. Competitive pricing may require us to reduce our prices, which would decrease our profitability or result in lost sales. Our competitors, many of whom have greater resources than we do, may be better able to withstand these price reductions and lost sales.

 

It is difficult for us to predict the timing and scale of our competitors’ activities in these areas or whether new competitors will emerge in the skincare business. In addition, further technological breakthroughs, including new and enhanced technologies which increase competition in the online retail market, new product offerings by competitors and the strength and success of our competitors’ marketing programs may impede our growth and the implementation of our business strategy.

 

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Our ability to compete depends on the continued strength of our brand and products, the success of our marketing, innovation and execution strategies, the continued diversity of our product offerings, the successful management of new product introductions and innovations, strong operational execution, including in order fulfillment, and our success in entering new markets and expanding our business in existing geographies. If we are unable to continue to compete effectively, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our new product introductions may not be as successful as we anticipate.

 

The skincare industry is driven in part by beauty trends, which may shift quickly. Our continued success depends on our ability to anticipate, gauge and react in a timely and cost-effective manner to changes in consumer preferences for skincare products, consumer attitudes toward our industry and brand and where and how consumers shop for those products. We must continually work to develop, produce and market new products, maintain and enhance the recognition of our brand, maintain a favorable mix of products and develop our approach as to how and where we market and sell our products.

 

Despite our process for new product development, there can be no assurance that our new product launches will be successful or even if initially successful that we will be able to maintain customer demand. The acceptance of new product launches and sales to our retail customers may not be as high as we anticipate, due to a variety of reasons including lack of acceptance of the products themselves or their price, or limited effectiveness of our marketing strategies. In addition, our ability to launch new products may be limited by delays or difficulties affecting the ability of our suppliers or manufacturers to timely manufacture, distribute and ship new products or displays for new products. Sales of new products may be affected by inventory management by our retail customers, and we may experience product shortages or limitations in retail display space by our retail customers. We may also experience a decrease in sales of certain existing products as a result of newly-launched products, the impact of which could be exacerbated by shelf space limitations or any shelf space loss. Any of these occurrences could delay or impede our ability to achieve our sales objectives, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If our new products fail to maintain our distinctive brand identity, our brand image may be diminished and our net sales may decrease. In addition, the development and launch of new products may place a strain on management, diverting resources from other areas of business, which could negatively affect profitability.

 

Our success depends, in part, on the quality, performance and safety of our products.

 

Any loss of confidence on the part of consumers in the ingredients used in our products, whether related to product contamination or product safety or quality failures, actual or perceived, or inclusion of prohibited ingredients, could tarnish the image of our brand and could cause consumers to choose other products. We believe that our customer appeal is based in large part upon the trust our customers place in our products to be effective. If our products are found to be, or perceived to be, defective or unsafe, or if they otherwise fail to meet our consumers’ expectations, our relationships with consumers could suffer, the appeal of our brand could be diminished, we may need to recall some of our products and/or become subject to regulatory action, and we could lose sales or market share or become subject to boycotts or liability claims. In addition, safety or other defects found in our competitors’ products could reduce consumer demand for our own products if consumers view them to be similar. Any of these outcomes could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Any damage to our reputation or brand may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We believe that developing and maintaining our brand is critical and that our financial success is directly dependent on consumer perception of our brand. Furthermore, the importance of our brand recognition may become even greater as competitors offer more products similar to ours. We believe that our customers view our brand as one that is trusted, respected and effective. Many factors, some of which are beyond our control, are important to maintaining our reputation and brand. These factors include our ability to comply with ethical, social, product, labor and environmental standards. Any actual or perceived failure in compliance with such standards could damage our reputation and brand.

 

The growth of our brand depends largely on our ability to provide a high-quality consumer experience, which in turn depends on our ability to bring innovative products to the market at competitive prices that respond to consumer demands and preferences. Additional factors affecting our consumer experience include our ability to provide appealing store displays in retail stores, the maintenance and stocking of those displays by our retail customers, the overall shopping experience provided by our retail customers, a reliable and user-friendly website interface and mobile applications for our consumers to browse and purchase products over the Internet. If we are unable to preserve our reputation, enhance our brand recognition or increase positive awareness of our products and in-store and Internet platforms, it may be difficult for us to maintain and grow our consumer base, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

The success of our brand may also suffer if our marketing strategy or product initiatives do not have the desired impact on our brand’s image or its ability to attract consumers. Further, our brand value could diminish significantly due to a number of factors, including consumer perception that we have acted in an irresponsible manner, adverse publicity about our products, our failure to maintain the quality of our products, product contamination, the failure of our products to deliver consistently positive consumer experiences, or the products becoming unavailable to consumers.

 

The success of our brand internationally relies on our international distribution partners and their business and marketing strategies. They maintain independence from our company and actions on their part could not have the desired impact on our brand’s image or its ability to attract customers. Further, our brand value could diminish significantly due to a number of factors, including consumer perception that we or our distribution partners have acted in an irresponsible manner, adverse publicity about our products, our failure to maintain the quality of our products, product contamination, the failure of our products to deliver consistently positive consumer experiences, or the products becoming unavailable to consumers.

 

Our future success depends upon our ability to successfully implement our growth strategy.

 

Our future revenues and profitability depend upon our ability to successfully implement our growth strategy. There can be no assurance given that we will be successful in executing our growth strategy, and even if we achieve our strategic plan, that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect our strategy will achieve. The failure to realize those benefits could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, achieving our objectives will require investments in product development, marketing initiatives, distribution channels, information technology, operating infrastructure and the hiring and training of additional employees which may result in short-term costs without generating any current net sales and therefore may be dilutive to our earnings.

 

In future periods, our revenue could decline or grow more slowly than we expect. We also may incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including the following risks and the other risks described in this prospectus, and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors:

 

 

 

we may lose one or more significant retail customers, or sales of our products through these retail customers may decrease;

 

 

 

 

we may be unable to attract new customers, grow our space allocation with our existing national retail customers, grow our direct-to-consumer business, develop successful distribution partners in current international markets or encourage current customers to use more of our products;

 

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  ●  the ability of our third-party suppliers and manufacturers to produce our products and of our distributors to distribute our products could be disrupted;
     
  ●  because few of our product components are sourced and manufactured internationally, our operations are susceptible to risks inherent in doing business in foreign countries;
     
  ●  our products may be the subject of regulatory actions, including but not limited to actions by the Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, the Federal Trade Commission, or the FTC, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or the CPSC, in the United States;
     
  ●  we may be unable to introduce new products that appeal to consumers or offer new benefits or otherwise successfully compete with our competitors in the skincare industry;
     
  we may be unsuccessful in maintaining or enhancing the recognition and reputation of our brand, and our brand may be damaged as a result of, among other reasons, our failure, or alleged failure, to comply with applicable ethical, social, product, labor or environmental standards;
     
  we may experience service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches which result in the disruption of our operating systems or the loss of confidential information of our consumers;
     
   ● we may be unable to successfully market our products, drive customers to our distribution channels and increase sales.
     
  we may be unable to retain key members of our senior management team or attract and retain other qualified personnel; and
     
  we may be affected by any adverse economic conditions in the United States or internationally.

 

Our growth has placed, and is expected to continue to place, a strain on our management team, financial and information systems, supply chain and distribution capacity and other resources. To manage growth effectively, we must continue to enhance our operational, financial and management systems, including our warehouse management, and inventory control; maintain and improve our internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures; maintain and improve our information technology systems and procedures; and expand, train and manage our employee base. We may not be able to effectively manage this expansion in any one or more of these areas, and any failure to do so could significantly harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We rely on a small number of third-party suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and other vendors, and our inability to obtain products from third-party suppliers or from our manufacturers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

 

The management and oversight of the engagement and activities of our third-party suppliers, manufacturers and distributors requires substantial time, effort and expense of our employees, and we may be unable to successfully manage and oversee the activities of our third-party manufacturers, suppliers and distributors. If we experience any supply chain disruptions caused by our manufacturing process or by our inability to locate suitable third-party manufacturers or suppliers, or if our manufacturers or suppliers experience problems with product quality or disruptions or delays in the manufacturing process or delivery of the finished products or the raw materials or components used to make such products, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

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We do not manufacture any of our products and instead rely primarily on third-party manufacturers, located in the United States, for the manufacture of most of our products with a few components manufactured in China and Spain. We also have two suppliers who accounted for approximately 64% (43% and 21%) of our purchases for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and one vendor who accounted for approximately 39% and 31% of our purchases for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. We do not have long-term contracts with any of our suppliers or manufacturers and instead engage our third-party suppliers and manufacturers on a purchase order basis. These third-party suppliers and manufacturers produce and package our products according to formulations that have been developed by the manufacturer’s chemists, based on the concept, ingredient list, and application method proscribed by our in-house product development team. The fact that we do not have long-term contracts with any of our third-party suppliers or manufacturers means that they could cease supplying or manufacturing these products for us suddenly and unpredictably. Our third-party manufacturers are not restricted from manufacturing our competitors’ products. There can also be no assurance that suppliers will provide the raw materials or manufactured products that are needed by us in the quantities that we request or at the prices that we are willing to pay. Furthermore, because we do not control the actual production of certain raw materials and products, we are also subject to delays caused by any interruption in the production of these materials, based on conditions not within our control, including weather, crop conditions, transportation interruptions, strikes by supplier employees, and natural disasters or other catastrophic events. The ability of these third parties to supply and manufacture our products may be affected by competing orders placed by other customers and the demands of those customers. If we are unable to obtain adequate supplies of suitable products or ingredients because of the loss of one or more key vendors or manufacturers or our supplier agent or otherwise, our business and results of operations would suffer because we would be missing products from our merchandise mix unless and until we could make alternative supply arrangements. Any of our manufacturers may also increase the cost of the products we purchase from them. If our manufacturers increase our costs, our margins would suffer unless we were able to pass along these increased costs to our customers. If we experience significant increases in demand, or need to replace a significant number of existing suppliers or our primary manufacturer, there can be no assurance that additional supply and manufacturing capacity will be available when required on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, or that any supplier or manufacturer will allocate sufficient capacity to us in order to meet our requirements. New suppliers and manufacturers might not allocate sufficient capacity to us to meet our requirements and products from alternative sources, if any, may be of a lesser quality or more expensive than those we currently purchase. To the extent we fail to obtain additional products from our manufacturers, we may not be able to meet customer demand, which could harm our net sales and profitability. Our inability to secure adequate and timely supplies of merchandise would harm inventory levels, net sales and gross profit, and ultimately our results of operations.

 

We also contract with third-party delivery service providers to deliver our products to a single distribution facility located in Kansas City, Missouri, and from there to our retail customers. Further, we rely on postal and parcel carriers for the delivery of products sold directly to consumers over the Internet. Interruptions to or failures in these delivery services could prevent the timely or successful delivery of our products. These interruptions or failures may be due to unforeseen events that are beyond our control or the control of our third-party delivery service providers, such as inclement weather, natural disasters, increased fuel expense, export or import controls, increased airport and shipping port congestion or labor unrest or shortages. Disruptions in our container shipments may result in increased costs, including the additional use of airfreight to meet demand. Congestion to ports can affect previously negotiated contracts with shipping companies, resulting in unexpected increases in shipping costs and reduction in our profitability. Although international distributors are responsible for shipping from our distribution facility, we record revenue when orders are shipped, so any delay in shipping to our international distributors could affect our results. Furthermore, the delivery personnel of contracted third-party delivery service providers act on our behalf and interact with our consumers personally. Any failure to provide high-quality delivery services to our consumers may negatively affect the shopping experience of our consumers, damage our reputation and cause us to lose consumers.

 

Our ability to meet the needs of our consumers and retail customers depends on the proper operation of our Kansas City, Missouri distribution facility, where most of our inventory that is not in transit is housed. Although we currently insure our inventory, our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of any loss or damage to our inventory or distribution facility, and any loss, damage or disruption of this facility, or loss or damage of the inventory and contents stored there, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. A natural disaster or other catastrophic event, such as a fire, flood, severe storm, break-in, terrorist attack or other comparable event would cause interruptions or delays in our business and loss of inventory and could render us unable to accept or fulfill customer orders in a timely manner, or at all. Kansas City has been subject to severe storms and tornados increasing our susceptibility to the risk that severe weather conditions could harm the operations of our distribution facility. In the event that a storm, tornado, fire, natural disaster or other catastrophic event were to destroy a significant part of the facility or interrupt our operations for an extended period of time, our net sales would be reduced and our results of operations would be harmed.

 

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Changes in production costs, including raw material prices, could erode our profit margins and negatively impact operating results.

 

Pricing and availability of raw materials needed for our business, such as plastic, glass bottles, and cardboard, as well as pricing and availability of energy, shipping and other services needed for our business, can be volatile due to general economic conditions, labor costs, production levels, import duties and tariffs and other factors beyond our control. There is no certainty that we will be able to offset future cost increases. This volatility can significantly affect our production cost, and may, therefore, have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition

 

If we fail to properly estimate product demand and manage our inventory effectively, our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our business requires us to estimate demand for our products and therefore estimate the amount of inventory we require. We depend on our forecasts of demand for and popularity of various products to make purchase decisions and to manage our inventory of skus. Demand for products, however, can change significantly between the time inventory or components are ordered and the date of sale, which can be as long as four months. Demand may be affected by seasonality, new product launches, rapid changes in product cycles and pricing, product defects, promotions, changes in consumer spending patterns, changes in consumer tastes with respect to our products and other factors, and our consumers may not purchase products in the quantities that we expect. It may be difficult to accurately forecast demand and determine appropriate levels of product or componentry. We do not have the right to return unsold products to our suppliers. If we fail to manage our inventory effectively or negotiate favorable credit terms with third-party suppliers, we may be subject to a heightened risk of inventory obsolescence, a decline in inventory values, and significant inventory write-downs or write-offs. In addition, if we are required to lower sale prices in order to reduce inventory level or to pay higher prices to our suppliers, our profit margins might be negatively affected. Any of the above may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are increasingly dependent on information technology, and if we are unable to protect against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, our operations could be disrupted.

 

The global nature of our business requires the development and implementation of robust and efficiently functioning information technology systems. We rely on information technology networks and systems to market and sell our products, to process, transmit and store electronic and financial information, to manage a variety of business processes and activities and to comply with regulatory, legal and tax requirements. We are increasingly dependent on a variety of information systems to effectively process retail customer orders and fulfill consumer orders from our e-commerce business. Our ability to receive and fulfill orders successfully is critical to our success and largely depends upon the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our computer and communications hardware and software systems. Our primary computer systems and operations are located at our facility in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

In addition, we depend on our information technology infrastructure for digital marketing activities, personnel, retail customers, consumers, manufacturers and suppliers around the world. Our e-commerce operations are important to our business. Our website serves as an effective extension of our marketing strategies by exposing potential new consumers to our brand, product offerings and enhanced content. Due to the importance of our website and e-commerce operations, we are vulnerable to website downtime and other technical failures. Our failure to successfully respond to these risks could reduce e-commerce sales and damage our brand’s reputation.

 

We provide emails and “push” communications to inform consumers of new products, shipping specials and other promotions. We believe these messages are an important part of our consumer experience. If we are unable to successfully deliver emails or other messages to our subscribers, or if subscribers decline to open or read our messages, our net revenue and profitability would be materially adversely affected. Changes in how web and mail services block, organize and prioritize email may reduce the number of subscribers who receive or open our emails. For example, Google’s Gmail service has a feature that organizes incoming emails into categories (for example, primary, social and promotions). Such categorization or similar inbox organizational features may result in our emails being delivered in a less prominent location in a subscriber’s inbox or viewed as “spam” by our subscribers and may reduce the likelihood of that subscriber reading our emails.

 

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These information technology systems, some of which are managed by third parties, are vulnerable to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches, catastrophic events and errors in usage by our employees and customers. Actions by third parties to block, impose restrictions on or charge for the delivery of emails or other messages could also adversely impact our business. From time to time, Internet service providers or other third parties may block bulk email transmissions or otherwise experience technical difficulties that result in our inability to successfully deliver emails or other messages to consumers. Any material disruption of our systems, or the systems of our third-party service providers, could disrupt our ability to track, record and analyze the products that we sell and could negatively impact our operations, shipment of goods, ability to process financial information and transactions, and our ability to receive and process retail customers and e-commerce orders or engage in normal business activities. If our information technology systems suffer damage, disruption or shutdown and we do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected, and we could experience delays in reporting our financial results.

 

Changes in the laws or regulations that limit our ability to send communications to consumers or impose additional requirements upon us in connection with sending such communications would also materially adversely impact our business. Our use of email and other messaging services to send communications to consumers may also result in legal claims against us, which may cause us increased expenses, and if successful might result in fines and orders with costly reporting and compliance obligations or might limit or prohibit our ability to send emails or other messages. We also rely on social networking messaging services to send communications and to encourage consumers to send communications. Changes to the terms of these social networking services to limit promotional communications, any restrictions that would limit our ability or our consumers’ ability to send communications through their services, disruptions or downtime experienced by these social networking services or decline in the use of or engagement with social networking services by consumers could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

If we fail to adopt new technologies or adapt our website and systems to changing consumer requirements or emerging industry standards, our business may be materially and adversely affected.

 

To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance and improve the responsiveness, functionality and features of our Internet platform, including our e-commerce website and mobile applications. Our competitors are continually developing innovations and introducing new products to increase their consumer base and enhance user experience. As a result, in order to attract and retain consumers and compete against our competitors, we must continue to invest resources to enhance our information technology and improve our existing products and services for our consumers. The Internet and the online retail industry are characterized by rapid technological evolution, changes in consumer requirements and preferences, frequent introductions of new products and services embodying new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards and practices, any of which could render our existing technologies and systems obsolete. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to identify, develop, acquire or license leading technologies useful in our business, and respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices in a cost-effective and timely way. The development of our website and other proprietary technology entails significant technical and business risks. There can be no assurance that we will be able to properly implement or use new technologies effectively or adapt our website and systems to meet consumer requirements or emerging industry standards. If we are unable to adapt in a cost-effective and timely manner in response to changing market conditions or consumer requirements, whether for technical, legal, financial or other reasons, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Failure to protect sensitive information of our consumers and information technology systems against security breaches could damage our reputation and brand and substantially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We collect, maintain, transmit and store data about our consumers, suppliers and others, including personally identifiable and financial information, as well as other confidential and proprietary information. We also employ third-party service providers that collect, store, process and transmit proprietary, personal and confidential information, including credit card information, on our behalf.

 

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Advances in technology, the expertise of criminals, new discoveries in the field of cryptography, acts or omissions by our employees, contractors or service providers or other events or developments could result in a compromise or breach in the security of confidential or sensitive information. We and our service providers may not be able to prevent third parties, including criminals, competitors or others, from breaking into or altering our systems, conducting denial-of-service attacks, attempting to gain access to our systems, information or monetary funds through phishing or social engineering campaigns, installing viruses or malicious software on our website or devices used by our employees or contractors, or carrying out other activity intended to disrupt our systems or gain access to confidential or sensitive information in our or our service providers’ systems. Furthermore, such third parties may further engage in various other illegal activities using such information, including credit card fraud, which may cause additional harm to us, our consumers and our brand. We also may be vulnerable to error or malfeasance by our own employees or other insiders. Third parties may attempt to fraudulently induce our or our service providers’ employees to misdirect funds or to disclose information in order to gain access to personal data we maintain about our consumers or website users. In addition, we have limited control or influence over the security policies or measures adopted by third-party providers of online payment services through which some of our consumers may elect to make payment for purchases at our website. Contracted third-party delivery service providers may also violate their confidentiality obligations and disclose or use information about our consumers inadvertently or illegally.

 

If any breach of information security were to occur, our reputation and brand could be damaged, our business may suffer, we could be required to expend significant capital and other resources to alleviate problems caused by such breaches, and we could be exposed to a risk of loss, litigation or regulatory action and possible liability. Actual or anticipated attacks may cause us to incur increasing costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees and engage third-party experts and consultants. In addition, any party who is able to illicitly obtain a subscriber’s password could access the subscriber’s financial, transaction or personal information. Any compromise or breach of our security measures, or those of our third-party service providers, may violate applicable privacy, data security and other laws, and cause significant legal and financial exposure, adverse publicity and a loss of confidence in our security measures, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although we maintain privacy, data breach and network security liability insurance, we cannot be certain that our coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred or that insurance will continue to be available to us on economically reasonable terms, or at all. We may need to devote significant resources to protect against security breaches or to address problems caused by breaches, diverting resources from the growth and expansion of our business.

 

Payment methods used on our Internet platform subject us to third-party payment processing-related risks.

 

We accept payments from our consumers using a variety of methods, including online payments with credit cards, and debit cards issued by major banks in the United States, and payment through third-party online payment platforms such as PayPal. We also rely on third parties to provide payment processing services. For certain payment methods, including credit and debit cards, we pay interchange and other fees, which may increase over time and raise our operating costs and lower our profit margins. We may also be subject to fraud and other illegal activities in connection with the various payment methods we offer, including online payment options. For online consumers, these are card-not-present transactions, so they present a greater risk of fraud. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to engage in illegal activities such as unauthorized use of credit or debit cards and bank account information. To the extent we are an online seller, requirements relating to consumer authentication and fraud detection are more complex. If we fail to follow payment card industry security standards, even if there is no compromise of customer information, we could incur significant fines or lose our ability to give customers the option of using payment cards to fund their payments or pay their fees. If we were unable to accept payment cards, our business would be seriously damaged. In addition, we may be subject to additional fraud risk if third-party service providers or our employees fraudulently use consumer information for their own gain or facilitate the fraudulent use of such information. Overall, we may have little recourse if we process a criminally fraudulent transaction.

 

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If our cash from operations is not sufficient to meet our current or future operating needs, expenditures and debt service obligations, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

We may require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or other future developments, including any marketing initiatives, investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. To the extent we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow, we may be forced to cancel, reduce or delay these activities. Alternatively, if our sources of funding are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to obtain a credit facility or sell additional equity or debt securities. The sale of additional equity securities would result in dilution of our existing stockholders. The incurrence of additional indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and operating and financing covenants that could restrict our operations.

 

Our ability to generate cash to meet our operating needs, expenditures and debt service obligations will depend on our future performance and financial condition, which will be affected by financial, business, economic, legislative, regulatory and other factors, including potential changes in costs, pricing, the success of product innovation and marketing, competitive pressure and consumer preferences. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations and other cash needs, we could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures or to dispose of material assets or operations, seek additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. Any future credit facilities may restrict our ability to take these actions, and we may not be able to affect any such alternative measures on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.

 

Our ability to raise capital through the sale of equity may be limited by the various rules of SEC, and the national securities exchange on which we intend to apply to list our shares of common stock, which place limits on the number of shares of stock that may be sold. If we should require additional capital and we do not succeed in raising additional funds on acceptable terms, we could be forced to delay, discontinue or curtail product development, forego sales and marketing efforts, and forego attractive business opportunities. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For further discussion of our liquidity requirements as they relate to our long-term plans, see the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 

The failure to comply with the terms of our accounts receivable financing facility with CircleUp Credit Advisors, LLC, or CircleUp, could potentially result in action against our pledged assets, which would likely have a disruptive effect on our business operations.

 

On October 19, 2017, we entered into an accounts receivable financing facility with CircleUp. CircleUp funds us based on a percentage of our outstanding accounts receivable from customers. Our customers pay CircleUp directly up to the amount funded to us by CircleUp in addition to any incurred interest. The accounts receivable financing facility requires us, among other things, to provide a security interest in all of our assets and meet various negative and affirmative covenants. If we fail to comply with the terms of the accounts receivable financing facility, CircleUp could declare a default and if the default were to remain uncured, CircleUp would have the right to proceed against any or all of the collateral securing the facility. Any action by our secured or unsecured creditors to proceed against our assets would likely have a disruptive effect on our business operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, CircleUp agreed to lend amounts to us, in addition to the outstanding accounts receivable facility, to fund payments owed to vendors for large inventory purchases made in conjunction with a substantial customer sale completed in the second of quarter of 2018.

 

Our success depends, in part, on our retention of key members of our senior management team and ability to attract and retain qualified personnel.

 

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to retain our key employees, including our executive officers (in particular, our Chief Creative Officer, Audrey Kunin, M.D., and our President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Kunin, M.D.), our senior management team and development, supply chain, operations, finance, sales and marketing personnel. We are a small company that relies on a few key employees, any one of whom would be difficult to replace, and because we are a small company, we believe that the loss of key employees may be more disruptive to us than it would be to a large, international company. Our success also depends, in part, on our continuing ability to identify, hire, train and retain other highly qualified personnel. In addition, we may be unable to effectively plan for the succession of senior management, including our chief executive officer. The loss of key personnel or the failure to attract and retain qualified personnel may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Adverse U.S. or international economic conditions could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Consumer spending on skincare products is influenced by general economic conditions and the availability of discretionary income. Adverse U.S. or international economic conditions or periods of inflation or high energy prices may contribute to higher unemployment levels, decreased consumer spending, reduced credit availability and declining consumer confidence and demand, each of which poses a risk to our business. A decrease in consumer spending or in retailer and consumer confidence and demand for our products could have a significant negative impact on our net sales and profitability, including our operating margins and return on invested capital. These economic conditions could cause some of our retail customers or suppliers to experience cash flow or credit problems and impair their financial condition, which could disrupt our business and adversely affect product orders, payment patterns and default rates and increase our bad debt expense. In addition, deterioration in global financial markets could make future financing difficult or more expensive, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to finance the acquisition of inventory for sale to our customers.

 

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Our ability to conduct business in international markets may be affected by political, legal, tax and regulatory risks.

 

Net sales from outside the United States comprised 26% and 19% of our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Net sales from outside the United States comprised 30% and 6% of our net sales for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Further, certain of our third-party suppliers and manufacturers are located in China and European countries. Our ability to capitalize on growth in new international markets and to maintain the current level of operations in our existing international markets is exposed to the risks associated with international operations, including:

 

  ●  burdens of complying with a wide variety of laws and regulations, including more stringent regulations relating to data privacy and security, particularly in the European Union;
     
  political and economic instability;

 

  natural disasters;

 

  trade restrictions;
     
  the imposition of government controls;
     
  an inability to use or to obtain adequate intellectual property protection for our key brands and products;

 

  tariffs and customs duties and the classifications of our goods by applicable governmental bodies;

 

  the lack of well-established or reliable legal systems in certain areas or a legal system subject to undue influence or corruption;

 

  a business culture in which illegal sales practices may be prevalent;

 

 

logistics and sourcing;

 

 

the presence of high inflation in the economies of international markets;

 

  military conflicts; and

 

  acts of terrorism.

 

The occurrence of any of these risks could negatively affect our international business and consequently our overall business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Currency exchange rate fluctuations could reduce our overall profits.

 

Currently all of our international sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, so we don’t currently have foreign exchange risk from our sales transactions, but could in the future. Any translation from foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar resulting from materials purchased from foreign suppliers is done using the spot exchange rate and is recorded as an expense in the period in which payment is made. If the U.S. dollar changes relative to applicable local currencies, there is a risk our reported operating expenses, and net income could fluctuate. We are not able to predict the degree of exchange rate fluctuations, nor can we estimate the effect any future fluctuations may have upon our future operations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging contracts or participated in any hedging or derivative activities as our foreign currency transactions are not currently material.

 

New laws, regulations, enforcement trends or changes in existing regulations governing the introduction, marketing and sale of our products to consumers could harm our business.

 

Our business is subject to strict government regulations. The processing, formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising, and distribution of our products are subject to federal laws and regulation by one or more federal agencies, including the FDA, the FTC, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency. These activities are also regulated by various state, local, and international laws and agencies of the states and localities in which our products are sold. If we or our manufacturers fail to comply with those regulations, we could become subject to significant penalties or claims, which could harm our results of operations or our ability to conduct our business. In addition, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations may result in significant compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales and may impair the marketing of our products, resulting in significant loss of net sales. Government regulations may prevent or delay the introduction, or require the reformulation, of our products, which could result in lost revenues and increased costs to us.

 

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Our failure to comply with federal or state regulations, or with regulations in foreign markets that cover our product claims and advertising, including direct claims and advertising by us, may result in enforcement actions and imposition of penalties or otherwise harm the distribution and sale of our products. Further, our business is subject to laws governing our accounting, tax, and import and export activities. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in legal and/or financial consequences that might adversely affect our sales and profitability. In addition, changes in the laws, regulations and policies that affect our business, or the interpretations thereof, and actions we may take in response to such changes, could have an adverse effect on our financial results. Any of these actions could prevent us from marketing particular products or making certain claims or statements of support for them. The FDA could also require us to remove a particular product from the market. Any future recall or removal would result in additional costs to us, including lost revenues from any additional products that we are required to remove from the market, any of which could be material. Any product recalls or removals could also lead to liability, substantial costs, and reduced growth prospects.

 

We face lengthy timelines with respect to product registrations in certain countries such as the United Arab Emirates, European Union member countries, and Latin American countries. The process for obtaining product permits and licenses may require extended periods of time that may prevent us from launching new product initiatives in the aforementioned countries on the same timelines as other markets around the world.

 

Additional or more stringent regulations of our products have been considered from time to time. These developments could require reformulation of some products to meet new standards, recalls or discontinuance of some products not able to be reformulated, additional record-keeping requirements, increased documentation of the properties of some products, additional or different labeling, additional scientific substantiation, adverse event reporting, or other new requirements. Any of these developments could result in, among other things, increased costs, delays in product launches, product returns or recalls and lower net sales, and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, our third-party suppliers or vendors may not be able to comply with these rules without incurring substantial expenses. If our third-party suppliers or vendors are not able to timely comply with these new rules, we may experience increased cost or delays in obtaining certain raw materials and third-party products.

 

In the United States, the FDA does not currently require pre-market approval for products intended to be sold as non-prescription skincare products so long as they are not marketed for the treatment or prevention of a disease, or as affecting the structure or function of the human body. However, the FDA may in the future require pre-market approval, clearance or registration/notification of skincare products, establishments or manufacturing facilities. Moreover, such products could also be regulated as both drugs and skincare simultaneously, as the categories are not mutually exclusive. The statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to drugs are extensive and require significant resources and time to ensure compliance. For example, if any of our products intended to be sold as skincare were to be regulated as drugs, we might be required to conduct, among other things, clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of these products. We may not have sufficient resources to conduct any required clinical trials or to ensure compliance with the manufacturing requirements applicable to drugs. If the FDA determines that any of our products intended to be sold as skincare should be classified and regulated as drug products and we are unable to comply with applicable drug requirements, we may be unable to continue to market those products. Any inquiry into the regulatory status of our skincare and any related interruption in the marketing and sale of these products could damage our reputation and image in the marketplace.

 

The facilities of our third-party manufacturers are subject to regulation under the FDCA, and FDA implementing regulations.

 

The facilities of our third-party manufacturers are subject to regulation under the FDCA and FDA implementing regulations. In accordance with the FDCA and FDA regulations, our products may not be sold if they are deemed to be adulterated or misbranded. Our third-party manufacturers may deviate from good manufacturing practices or, through their action or inaction, otherwise render our products misbranded. Labeling and claims made for products must follow specific requirements to avoid being deemed misbranded. The FDA may inspect our third-party manufacturers periodically to determine if they are complying with the FDCA. Certain claims may subject our products to being deemed an illegal new drug. A history of past compliance is not a guarantee that future FDA regulatory manufacturing requirements will not mandate other compliance steps with associated expense. Our operations could be harmed if regulatory authorities make determinations that our vendors, are not in compliance with these regulations. If the FDA finds a violation of Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMPs, it may enjoin our manufacturer’s operations, seize product, and impose administrative, civil or criminal penalties. If our third-party manufacturers fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, we could be required to take costly corrective actions, including suspending manufacturing operations, changing product formulations, suspending sales of nonconforming products, or initiating product recalls, change product labelling, packaging or advertising or take other corrective action. In addition, sanctions under the FDCA may include seizure of products, injunctions against future shipment of products, restitution and disgorgement of profits, operating restrictions and criminal prosecution. If any of the above events occurs, we would be required to expend significant resources on compliance, fines and/or legal fees and we might need to seek the services of alternative third-party manufacturers. A prolonged interruption in the manufacturing of one or more of our products as a result of non-compliance could decrease our supply of products available for sale, which could reduce our net sales, gross profits and market share, as well as harm our overall business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Government regulations and private party actions relating to the marketing and advertising of our products and services may restrict, inhibit or delay our ability to sell our products and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Government authorities regulate advertising and product claims regarding the performance and benefits of our products. These regulatory authorities typically require a reasonable basis to support any marketing claims. What constitutes a reasonable basis for substantiation can vary widely from market to market, and there is no assurance that the efforts that we undertake to support our claims will be deemed adequate for any particular product or claim. The most significant area of risk for such activities relates to improper or unsubstantiated claims about our products and their use or safety. If we are unable to show adequate substantiation for our product claims, or our promotional materials make claims that exceed the scope of allowed claims for the classification of the specific product, whether skincare, OTC drug products or other consumer products that we offer, the FDA, the FTC, other regulatory authorities a private plaintiff, or a class of private plaintiffs, could initiate an investigation, initiate enforcement action, initiate litigation, and/or seek to impose penalties, such as monetary consumer redress, requiring us to revise our marketing materials, amend our claims or stop selling certain products, all of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any regulatory action or penalty could lead to private party actions, which could further harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In 2012, the FDA issued warning letters to several cosmetic companies alleging improper structure/function claims regarding their cosmetic products, including, for example, product claims regarding gene activity, cellular rejuvenation, and rebuilding collagen. There is a degree of subjectivity in determining whether a claim is an improper structure/function claim. Given this subjectivity, there is a risk that we could receive a warning letter, be required to modify our product claims or take other actions to satisfy the FDA if the FDA determines any of our marketing materials include improper structure/function claims for our cosmetic products. In addition, plaintiffs’ lawyers have filed class action lawsuits against some of our competitors after our competitors received these FDA warning letters. There can be no assurance that we will not be subject to government actions or class action lawsuits, which could harm our business.

 

In 2009 in the United States, the FTC approved revisions to its Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, or Guides, that require disclosure of material connections between an endorser and the company they are endorsing and generally do not allow marketing using atypical results. Our sales force has used testimonials and “before and after” photos to market and sell some of our popular products. We intend to continue to use testimonials for our popular products, including our anti-aging products. In highly regulated and scrutinized product categories if we or our sales force fails to comply with the Guides or makes improper product claims, the FTC could bring an enforcement action against us and we could be fined and/or forced to alter our marketing materials.

 

In December 2014, a complaint was filed by the FTC against us and Audrey Kunin alleging unsubstantiated product claims made by us with respect to the effects of photodynamic therapy used in certain of our antiaging products and with respect to claims made in our Shrinking Beauty product. A consent order with the FTC was approved later in December 2014 and a judgment in the amount of $843,996 was entered against us, of which we were required to pay $12,675. Payment of the balance of the judgment was indefinitely suspended.

 

If the FTC has reason to believe the law or a consent order is being violated (e.g. failure to possess adequate substantiation for product claims), it can initiate an enforcement action. The FTC has a variety of processes and remedies available to it for enforcement, both administratively and judicially, including compulsory process authority, cease and desist orders, and injunctions. FTC enforcement could result in civil penalties or orders requiring, among other things, limits on advertising, consumer redress, and divestiture of assets, rescission of contracts, or such other relief as may be deemed necessary. Violation of these orders could result in substantial financial or other penalties. Any action against us by the FTC could materially and adversely affect our ability to successfully market our products.

 

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Our business is subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection and other matters. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in claims, changes to our business practices, monetary penalties, increased costs of operations or otherwise harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and abroad that involve matters central to our business, including privacy and data protection, intellectual property, advertising, marketing, distribution, consumer protection and online payment services. The sale of products outside the U.S., the introduction of new products or expansion of our activities in certain jurisdictions may subject us to additional laws and regulations. These U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations, which can be enforced by private parties or government entities, are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. For example, the European Union significantly amended its data protection laws in May of 2016 through the enactment of the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, which goes into full force in May of 2018. The GDPR may limit our ability to collect or use information about consumers that are located in the European Union or increase our potential liability for misuse, loss or a breach of security in data of European Union residents. The application, interpretation and enforcement of the GDPR may be uncertain, and may be interpreted and applied inconsistently from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and inconsistently with our current policies and practices. Moreover, consumer data privacy remains a matter of interest to lawmakers and regulators, and a number of other proposals are pending before federal, state and foreign legislative and regulatory bodies that could significantly affect our business. These existing and proposed laws and regulations can be costly to comply with and can delay or impede our ability to market and sell our products, result in negative publicity, increase our operating costs, require significant management time and attention, and subject us to inquiries or investigations, claims or other remedies, including fines or demands that we modify or cease existing business practices.

 

Furthermore, foreign data protection, privacy and other laws and regulations are often more restrictive than those in the United States. The GDPR, for example, imposes stricter obligations under its laws and regulations relating to privacy than the United States. European Union member countries have discretion with respect to their interpretation and implementation of the GDPR and have their own regulators with differing attitudes towards enforcement, which results in varying privacy standards and enforcement risks from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Legislation and regulation in the European Union and some European Union member states require companies to give specific types of notice and in some cases seek consent from consumers before using their data for certain purposes, including some marketing activities. In the majority of European Union member countries, consent must be obtained prior to setting cookies or other tracking technologies. Outside of the European Union, there are many countries with data protections laws, and new countries are adopting data protection legislation with increasing frequency. Many of these laws also require consent from consumers for the collection and use of data for various purposes, including marketing, which may reduce the ability to market our products. In particular, these laws may have an impact on our ability to conduct business through websites we and our partners may operate outside the U.S. There is no harmonized approach to these laws and regulations globally although several frameworks exist. Consequently, the potential risk of non-compliance with applicable foreign data protection laws and regulations will increase as we continue our international expansion. We may need to change and limit the way we use consumer information in operating our business and may have difficulty maintaining a single operating model that is compliant. Compliance with such laws and regulations will result in additional costs and may necessitate changes to our business practices and divergent operating models, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We may, from time to time, become party to litigation, regulatory proceedings or other disputes that, if adversely decided or settled, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may, from time to time, become party to litigation, regulatory proceedings or other disputes. In general, claims made by or against us in disputes and other legal or regulatory proceedings can be expensive and time consuming to bring or defend against, requiring us to expend significant resources and divert the efforts and attention of our management and other personnel from our business operations. These potential claims include but are not limited to personal injury and investigations relating to the advertising and promotional claims about our products. Plaintiffs in the past have received substantial damage awards from other cosmetics companies based upon claims for injuries allegedly caused by the use of their products. Any adverse determination against us in these proceedings, or even the allegations contained in the claims, regardless of whether they are ultimately found to be without merit, may also result in settlements, injunctions or damages that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We currently maintain general liability insurance with an annual aggregate coverage limit of two million dollars. Some allegations of regulatory non-compliance are also exempt from coverage under general liability insurance.

 

We may be required to recall products and may face product liability claims, either of which could result in unexpected costs and damage our reputation.

 

We may need to recall some of our products if they become contaminated, are tampered with or are mislabeled. A widespread product recall could result in adverse publicity, damage to our reputation, and a loss of consumer confidence in our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business results and the value of our brands. We also may incur significant liability if our products or operations violate applicable laws or regulations, or in the event our products cause injury, illness or death. In addition, we could be the target of claims that our advertising is false or deceptive under U.S. federal and state laws as well as foreign laws, including consumer protection statutes of some states. Even if a product liability or consumer fraud claim is unsuccessful or without merit, the negative publicity surrounding such assertions regarding our products could adversely affect our reputation and brand image.

 

We sell products for human use. Our products intended for use as skincare are not generally subject to pre-market approval or registration processes, so we cannot rely upon a government safety panel to qualify or approve our products for use. A product may be safe for the general population when used as directed but could cause an adverse reaction for a person who has a health condition or allergies, or who is taking a prescription medication. While we include what we believe are adequate instructions and warnings and we have historically had low numbers of reported adverse reactions, previously unknown adverse reactions could occur. If we discover that any of our products are causing adverse reactions, we could suffer further adverse publicity or regulatory/government sanctions.

 

Potential product liability risks may arise from the testing, manufacture and sale of our products, including that the products fail to meet quality or manufacturing specifications, contain contaminants, include inadequate instructions as to their proper use, include inadequate warnings concerning side effects and interactions with other substances or for persons with health conditions or allergies, or cause adverse reactions or side effects. Product liability claims could increase our costs, and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As we continue to offer an increasing number of new products, our product liability risk may increase. It may be necessary for us to recall products that do not meet approved specifications or because of the side effects resulting from the use of our products, which would result in adverse publicity, potentially significant costs in connection with the recall and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In addition, plaintiffs in the past have received substantial damage awards from other skincare and drug companies based upon claims for injuries allegedly caused by the use of their products. Although we currently maintain general liability insurance, any claims brought against us may exceed our existing or future insurance policy coverage or limits. Any judgment against us that is in excess of our policy coverage or limits would have to be paid from our cash reserves, which would reduce our capital resources. In addition, we may be required to pay higher premiums and accept higher deductibles in order to secure adequate insurance coverage in the future. Further, we may not have sufficient capital resources to pay a judgment, in which case our creditors could levy against our assets. Any product liability claim or series of claims brought against us could harm our business significantly, particularly if a claim were to result in adverse publicity or damage awards outside or in excess of our insurance policy limits.

 

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If we are unable to protect our intellectual property the value of our brand and other intangible assets may be diminished, and our business may be adversely affected.

 

We regard our trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, trade secrets, know-how and similar intellectual property as critical to our success. Our principal intellectual property rights include registered trademarks, “DERMAdoctor”, “KP Duty”, “AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’” and “POETRY IN LOTION” among others, copyrights, as well as trade secrets, know-how, and patents relating to our product formulations, sales and marketing and other business practices. We also rely in part on confidentiality agreements to protect our proprietary rights, including know-how, such as but not limited to processes and technologies. Our trademarks are valuable assets that support our brand, consumers’ perception of our products and the resultant goodwill. Although we have registered trademarks and pending trademark applications for our brands in the United States and in many foreign countries in which we operate, we may not be successful in asserting an action for trademark infringement in all jurisdictions. We also have not applied for trademark protection in all relevant foreign jurisdictions in which we operate, and cannot ensure that our pending trademark applications will be approved. Third parties may also oppose our trademark applications domestically or abroad, or otherwise challenge our use of the trademarks. In the event that our trademarks are successfully challenged, we could be forced to rebrand our products in some parts of the world, which could result in the loss of brand recognition and could require us to devote resources to advertising and marketing new brands.

 

Our products have limited patent protection. We have issued patents relating to four of our products. We may pursue additional patent protection in the future. Limited patent protection for our products limits our ability to protect our products from competition. As such, we primarily rely on know-how to protect our products and it is possible that others may independently develop the same or similar know-how, allowing them to become direct competitors by marketing the same or similar products. The efforts we have taken to protect our proprietary rights may not be sufficient or effective. For example, our confidentiality agreements may not effectively prevent disclosure of our proprietary information, technologies and processes, and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized use of such information, technologies and processes, which could harm our competitive position.

 

In addition, effective trademark, copyright, patent and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited for certain of our intellectual property. Other parties may infringe our intellectual property rights and may dilute our brands in the marketplace. We may need to engage in litigation or other activities to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets, and defend against third-party challenges to the validity and scope of our intellectual property and other proprietary rights, which could be expensive, time-consuming and unsuccessful. In addition, initiating a patent infringement litigation will place our patents at risk for invalidation through competitors counter claims of invalidity in court and/or initiation of a challenge to our patents in inter partes review or other opposition proceedings before the patent office. Such challenge, if successful, may render our patents invalid or unenforceable. An adverse result with respect to infringement could put one or more of our patents at risk for being interpreted narrowly, thereby limiting the scope of protection afforded by said patents. Defense of these claims, regardless of their merit, would involve substantial litigation expense and would be a substantial diversion of employee resources from our business. Further, we may not be able to prevent, alone or with our licensors, misappropriation of our trade secrets or confidential information, particularly in countries where the laws may not protect those rights as fully as in the United States. If we fail to protect our intellectual property or other proprietary rights, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Interference proceedings provoked by third parties may be necessary to determine the priority of inventions with respect to some of our patents or patent applications subject to pre-AIA or those of our licensors (i.e., those filed before March 16, 2013). An unfavorable outcome could result in a loss of our current patent rights and could require us to cease using the related technology or to attempt to license rights to it from the prevailing party. Our business could be harmed if the prevailing party does not offer us a license on commercially reasonable terms. Litigation or interference proceedings may result in a decision adverse to our interests and, even if we are successful, may result in substantial costs and distract our management and other employees.

 

Derivation proceedings may be provoked by third parties for our patents or patent applications subject to AIA or those of our licensors filed after March 16, 2013. Derivation proceedings provide a means to establish that a patent applicant (or patentee) was not an inventor, but rather that he derived the invention from someone else. An unfavorable result of any such derivation proceeding could require us to cease using the related technology or license rights to it from the prevailing party. Our business could be harmed if the prevailing party does not offer us a license on commercially reasonable terms or does not agree to license the technology. Thus, the derivation proceedings may result in a decision adverse to our interests and, even if we are successful, may result in substantial costs and distract our management and other employees.

 

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Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation despite the existence of protective orders in this type of litigation. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments during the course of litigation. If securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our shares of common stock.

 

Obtaining and maintaining our patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.

 

Periodic maintenance fees on any issued patent are due to be paid to the USPTO and foreign patent agencies in several stages over the lifetime of the patent. The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar provisions during the patent application process. While an inadvertent lapse can in many cases be cured by payment of a late fee or by other means in accordance with the applicable rules, there are situations in which non-compliance can result in abandonment or lapse of the patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. Noncompliance events that could result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application include, but are not limited to, failure to respond to official actions within prescribed time limits, non-payment of fees and failure to properly legalize and submit formal documents. In such an event, our competitors might be able to enter the market, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our success depends on our ability to operate our business without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the trademarks, patents, copyrights and other proprietary rights of third parties.

 

Our commercial success depends in part on our ability to operate without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the trademarks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets and other proprietary rights of others. We cannot be certain that the conduct of our business, and in particular, the marketing of our products do not and will not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate such third-party rights. In addition, third parties may involve us in intellectual property disputes as part of a business model or strategy to gain competitive advantage. While we are not involved in any currently active intellectual property litigation, from time to time we receive allegations of trademark or patent infringement and in the past, third parties have filed claims against us with allegations of intellectual property infringement.

 

To the extent we gain greater visibility and market exposure as a public company or otherwise, we may also face a greater risk of being the subject of such claims and litigation. Third-parties in the industry in which we operate are presently developing pipeline product candidates and own large patent portfolios. These third-party patent portfolios include numerous U.S. and Foreign issued patents and pending patent applications. As our industry expands, the large patent portfolios owned by third-parties increases the risk that our product candidates may launch with a higher risk of infringement. Our use of our trademarks may also be the subject of allegations of infringement and such use may be limited. For these and other reasons, third parties may allege that our products or activities infringe, misappropriate, dilute or otherwise violate their trademark, patent, copyright or other proprietary rights. Defending against such allegations and litigation could be expensive, occupy significant amounts of time, divert management’s attention from other business concerns and have an adverse impact on our ability to bring products to market. In addition, if we are found to infringe, misappropriate, dilute or otherwise violate third-party trademark, patent, copyright or other proprietary rights, our ability to use brands to the fullest extent we plan may be limited and our marketing of products may be enjoined. We may need to obtain a license to use our brand or sell our products, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Additionally, or alternatively, we may need to redesign or rebrand our marketing strategies or products, which may not be possible. We may also be required to pay substantial damages or be subject to an order prohibiting us and our retail customers from importing or selling certain products or engaging in certain activities. Our inability to operate our business without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the trademarks, patents, copyrights and proprietary rights of others could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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In the event of a successful claim of infringement against us, we may have to pay substantial damages, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees for willful infringement, obtain one or more licenses from third parties, pay royalties or redesign our infringing products, which may be impossible or require substantial time and monetary expenditure. We cannot predict whether any such license would be available at all or whether it would be available on commercially reasonable terms. Furthermore, even in the absence of litigation, we may need to obtain licenses from third parties to advance our research or allow commercialization of product candidates. We may fail to obtain any of these licenses at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms, if at all. In that event, we would be unable to further develop and commercialize product candidates, which could harm our business significantly.

 

We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of third parties.

 

We possess confidential and proprietary information of third parties. In addition, we employ individuals who were previously employed at other beauty, cosmetic or skincare companies, and therefore, may be privy to the confidential and proprietary information of their former employers. As such, we may be subject to claims that we or our employees, consultants or independent contractors have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed third party confidential or proprietary information without authorization. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial cost and be a distraction to our management and employees.

 

Use of social media may materially and adversely affect our reputation or subject us to fines or other penalties.

 

We rely to a large extent on our online presence to reach consumers. Negative commentary regarding us or our products may be posted on our website or social media platforms and may be adverse to our reputation or business. Our target consumers often value readily available information and often act on such information without further investigation and without regard to its accuracy. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. In addition, we may face claims relating to information that is published or made available through the interactive features of our website. For example, we may receive third-party complaints that the comments or other content posted by users on our platforms infringe third-party intellectual property rights or otherwise infringe the legal rights of others. While the Communications Decency Act, or the CDA, and Digital Millennium Copyright Act, or the DMCA, generally protect online service providers from claims of copyright infringement or other legal liability for the self-directed activities of its users, if it were determined that we did not meet the relevant safe harbor requirements under either law, we could be exposed to claims related to advertising practices, defamation, intellectual property rights, rights of publicity and privacy, and personal injury torts. We could incur significant costs investigating and defending such claims and, if we are found liable, significant damages. If any of these events occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We also use third-party social media platforms as marketing tools. For example, we maintain Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Google+ accounts. As e-commerce and social media platforms continue to rapidly evolve, we must continue to maintain a presence on these platforms and establish presences on new or emerging popular social media platforms. If we are unable to cost-effectively use social media platforms as marketing tools, our ability to acquire new consumers and our financial condition may suffer. Furthermore, as laws and regulations rapidly evolve to govern the use of these platforms and devices, the failure by us, our employees or third parties acting at our direction to abide by applicable laws and regulations in the use of these platforms and devices could subject us to regulatory investigations, class action lawsuits, liability, fines or other penalties and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and result of operations.

 

In addition, an increase in the use of social media for product promotion and marketing may cause an increase in the burden on us to monitor compliance of such materials, and increase the risk that such materials could contain problematic product or marketing claims in violation of applicable regulations.

 

Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, other applicable anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, and applicable trade control laws could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences.

 

We currently sell our products in several countries outside of the United States through distributors. Our operations are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or the FCPA, as well as the anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws in the countries where we do business. The FCPA prohibits covered parties from offering, promising, authorizing or giving anything of value, directly or indirectly, to a “foreign government official” with the intent of improperly influencing the official’s act or decision, inducing the official to act or refrain from acting in violation of lawful duty, or obtaining or retaining an improper business advantage. The FCPA also requires publicly traded companies to maintain records that accurately and fairly represent their transactions, and to have an adequate system of internal accounting controls. In addition, other applicable anti-corruption laws prohibit bribery of domestic government officials, and some laws that may apply to our operations prohibit commercial bribery, including giving or receiving improper payments to or from non-government parties, as well as so-called “facilitation” payments. In addition, we are subject to U.S. and other applicable trade control regulations that restrict with whom we may transact business, including the trade sanctions enforced by the U.S. Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC.

 

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While we have implemented certain safeguards designed to ensure compliance with U.S. trade control laws, our employees, agents, or distributors may engage in improper conduct for which we might be held responsible. Any violations of these anti-corruption or trade controls laws, or even allegations of such violations, can lead to an investigation and/or enforcement action, which could disrupt our operations, involve significant management distraction, and lead to significant costs and expenses, including legal fees. If we, or our employees, distributors or agents acting on our behalf, are found to have engaged in practices that violate these laws and regulations, we could suffer severe fines and penalties, profit disgorgement, injunctions on future conduct, securities litigation, bans on transacting government business, delisting from securities exchanges and other consequences that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our brand and reputation, our sales activities or our stock price could be adversely affected if we become the subject of any negative publicity related to actual or potential violations of anti-corruption, anti-bribery or trade control laws and regulations.

 

Government regulation of the Internet and e-commerce is evolving, and unfavorable changes or failure by us to comply with these regulations could substantially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are subject to general business regulations and laws as well as regulations and laws specifically governing the Internet and e-commerce. Existing and future regulations and laws could impede the growth of the Internet, e-commerce or mobile commerce. These regulations and laws may involve taxes, tariffs, privacy and data security, anti-spam, content protection, electronic contracts and communications, consumer protection, social media marketing and gift cards. It is not clear how existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes and consumer privacy apply to the Internet as the vast majority of these laws were adopted prior to the advent of the Internet and do not contemplate or address the unique issues raised by the Internet or e-commerce. It is possible that general business regulations and laws, or those specifically governing the Internet or e-commerce, may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another and may conflict with other rules or our practices. We cannot be sure that our practices have complied, comply or will comply fully with all such laws and regulations. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with any of these laws or regulations could result in damage to our reputation, a loss in business and proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others. Any such proceeding or action could hurt our reputation, force us to spend significant amounts in defense of these proceedings, distract our management, increase our costs of doing business and decrease the use of our sites by consumers and suppliers and may result in the imposition of monetary liability. We may also be contractually liable to indemnify and hold harmless third parties from the costs or consequences of non-compliance with any such laws or regulations. In addition, it is possible that governments of one or more countries may seek to censor content available on our sites or may even attempt to completely block access to our sites. Adverse legal or regulatory developments could substantially harm our business. In particular, in the event that we are restricted, in whole or in part, from operating in one or more countries, our ability to retain or increase our consumer base may be adversely affected, and we may not be able to maintain or grow our net sales and expand our business as anticipated.

 

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Risks Related to this Offering

 

Following this offering, Papillon will have sufficient voting power to make corporate governance decisions that could have a significant effect on us and our other stockholders.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, Papillon owns 82.23% of our outstanding Units. Following the consummation of this offering, Papillon, will control approximately 50.6% of our outstanding voting power on a fully diluted basis, assuming the issuance of all 1,875,000 shares of common stock being offered in this offering. As a result, Papillon will be able to exert a significant degree of influence over our management and affairs and over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. In addition, this concentration of ownership may delay or prevent a change in our control and might affect the market price of our common stock, even when a change in control may be in the best interest of all stockholders. Furthermore, the interests of Papillon may not always coincide with our interests or the interests of our other stockholders.

 

Following the completion of this offering, we will qualify as a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules and will qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. We do not currently intend to rely on these exemptions; however, if we do elect to rely on these exemptions in the future, holders of our common stock will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.

 

Following the completion of this offering, we will qualify as a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq corporate governance standards, because in excess of 50% of our voting power will be held by Papillon, an entity that Audrey and Jeff Kunin indirectly control. Under these rules, a “controlled company” may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including:

 

  the requirement that a majority of our board of directors consists of independent directors;
     
  the requirement that we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities;
     
  the requirement that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and
     
  the requirement for an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees.

 

Although we will qualify as a “controlled company” following the completion of this offering, we will nevertheless have a majority of independent directors, our nominating and corporate governance committee, and our compensation committee will both consist entirely of independent directors, and such committees will be subject to annual performance evaluations. However, there can be no assurance that in the future we will not elect to rely on the exemptions available to controlled companies, in which case holders of our common stock will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of              .

 

Stockholders purchasing shares of common stock in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution, causing their investment to immediately be worth less than their purchase price.

 

If you purchase shares of common stock in this offering, you will experience an immediate and substantial dilution in the projected book value of the common stock from the price you pay in this offering.

 

After consummation of this offering and assuming the consummation of this offering exclusive of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, you will have an immediate dilution of $ 5.53 per common share and an immediate increase in net tangible book value from $(0.39) to $2.47 per share will occur.

 

Future sales and issuances of our common stock or rights to purchase our common stock, including pursuant to the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan we plan to adopt prior to the closing of this offering, could result in additional dilution of the percentage ownership of our stockholders and could cause our stock price to fall.

 

As part of the corporate reorganization, which we will effect prior to the effective date of this registration statement, we will file a certificate of incorporation with the State of Delaware that will authorize the issuance of 50,000,000 shares of common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The common stock and preferred stock, as well as the awards available for issuance under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, may be issued by our board of directors, without stockholder approval. Any future issuances of such stock would further dilute the percentage ownership in us held by holders of our common stock. In addition, the issuance of preferred stock may be used as an “anti-takeover” device without further action on the part of our stockholders, and may adversely affect the holders of the common stock.

 

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We expect that significant additional capital may be needed in the future to continue our planned operations, including inventory, marketing and costs associated with operating as a public company. To raise capital, we may sell common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in one or more transactions at prices and in a manner we determine from time to time. If we sell common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities, investors may be materially diluted by subsequent sales. Such sales may also result in material dilution to our existing stockholders, and new investors could gain rights, preferences and privileges senior to the holders of our common stock, including shares of common stock sold in this offering.

 

In addition, our management will be authorized to grant equity incentive awards to our employees, directors and consultants under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, which will become effective on the business day prior to the public trading date of our common stock; however, we do not intend to issue any awards under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan in connection with this offering, but do intend to grant equity awards after this offering is consummated. “See Executive Compensation - Employment Agreements”. Initially, the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be issued pursuant to stock awards under our 2018 Equity Incentive Plan is 731,250 shares. Increases in the number of shares available for future grant or purchase may result in additional dilution, which could cause our stock price to decline.

 

If we issue preferred stock with superior rights than the common stock offered in this offering, it could result in a decrease in the value of our common stock and delay or prevent a change in control of us.

 

Our board of directors will be authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock pursuant to the certificate of incorporation we intend to adopt as part of the corporate reorganization. The issuance of any preferred stock having rights superior to those of the common stock may result in a decrease in the value or market price of the common stock. Holders of preferred stock may have the right to receive dividends, certain preferences in liquidation and conversion rights. The issuance of preferred stock could, under certain circumstances, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us without further vote or action by the stockholders and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock.

 

We have no plans to pay dividends in the future.

 

Holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors. We do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. Therefore, any returns investors in common stock may have will be in the form of appreciation, if any, in the market value of their common stock. See “Dividend Policy.”

 

Nasdaq may not list our securities for quotation on its exchange which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.

 

We anticipate that our securities will be listed on the Nasdaq, a national securities exchange, upon consummation of this offering. Although, after giving effect to this offering, we expect to meet, on a pro forma basis, the Nasdaq’s minimum initial listing standards, which generally mandate that we meet certain requirements relating to stockholders’ equity, market capitalization, aggregate market value of publicly held shares and distribution requirements, we cannot assure you that we will be able to meet those initial listing requirements. If the does not list our securities for trading on its exchange, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:

 

  a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;

 

  reduced liquidity with respect to our securities;

 

  a determination that our shares of common stock are “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our shares of common stock to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our shares of common stock;

 

  a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; and

 

  a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

 

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The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because we expect that our common stock will be listed on the Nasdaq, our common stock will be covered securities. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of covered securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. Further, if we were to be delisted from the, our common stock would cease to be recognized as covered securities and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.

 

Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq could result in a de-listing of our common stock.

 

If after listing we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq such as the corporate governance requirements, the stockholder’s equity requirement or the minimum closing bid price requirement, the may take steps to de-list our common stock. Such a de-listing or even notification of failure to comply with such requirements would likely have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and would impair your ability to sell or purchase our common stock when you wish to do so. In the event of a de-listing, we would take actions to restore our compliance with the Nasdaq’s listing requirements, but we can provide no assurance that any such action taken by us would allow our common stock to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our common stock, prevent our common stock from dropping below the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement or prevent future non-compliance with the Nasdaq’s listing requirements.

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” and any decision on our part to comply with certain reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, and, for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, not being required to comply with any new requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, requiring a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer, not being required to comply with any new audit rules adopted by the PCAOB after April 5, 2012 unless the SEC determines otherwise, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenues of $1.07 billion or more; (ii) the last day of our fiscal year in which the fifth anniversary of this offering occurs; (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in nonconvertible debt during the previous three years; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result of any choices to reduce future disclosure, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile. Further, as a result of these scaled regulatory requirements, our disclosure may be more limited than that of other public companies and you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of such companies.

 

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Under Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards, which election is irrevocable, and, therefore, we will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.

 

As a result of our becoming a public company, we will become subject to additional reporting and corporate governance requirements that will require additional management time, resources and expense.

 

As a public company, and particularly after we are no longer an emerging growth company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the listing requirements of the national securities exchange on which we intend to apply to list our shares of common stock and other applicable securities rules and regulations impose various requirements on public companies, including the obligation to file with the SEC annual and quarterly information and other reports that are specified in the Exchange Act, and to establish and maintain effective disclosure and financial controls and corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly.

 

We are evaluating these rules and regulations, and cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs. These rules and regulations are often subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices.

 

We have not performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting, such as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, nor have we engaged our independent registered public accounting firm to perform an audit of our internal control over financial reporting as of any balance sheet date or for any period reported in our financial statements. Had we performed such an evaluation or had our independent registered public accounting firm performed an audit of our internal control over financial reporting, material weaknesses may have been identified.

 

As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We expect that the requirements of these rules and regulations will continue to increase our legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time consuming and costly, and place significant strain on our personnel, systems and resources.

 

We have not performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting, such as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, nor have we engaged our independent registered public accounting firm to perform an audit of our internal control over financial reporting as of any balance sheet date or for any period reported in our financial statements. Had we performed such an evaluation or had our independent registered public accounting firm performed an audit of our internal control over financial reporting, material weaknesses may have been identified. For so long as we qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act, which may be up to five years following this offering, we will not have to provide an auditor’s attestation report on our internal controls in future annual reports on Form 10-K as otherwise required by Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. During the course of the evaluation, documentation or attestation, we or our independent registered public accounting firm may identify weaknesses and deficiencies that we may not otherwise identify in a timely manner or at all as a result of the deferred implementation of this additional level of review.

 

Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in conditions in our business, including increased complexity resulting from our international expansion. Further, weaknesses in our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls, or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our financial statements for prior periods. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could also adversely affect the results of management reports and independent registered public accounting firm audits of our internal control over financial reporting that we will eventually be required to include in our periodic reports that will be filed with the SEC. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock.

 

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We are not currently required to comply with the SEC rules that implement Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and are therefore not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. As a public company, we will be required to provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting commencing with our second annual report on Form 10-K. Our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to audit the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until after we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. At such time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our internal control over financial reporting is documented, designed or operating.

 

Any failure to maintain effective disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting could have a material and adverse effect on our business and operating results, and cause a decline in the market price of our common stock.

 

Future sales of a substantial number of our common stock by our existing stockholders could cause our stock price to decline.

 

We will have a significant number of shares of restricted common stock that will become eligible for sale shortly after this registration statement is declared effective. We currently have shares of our common stock outstanding. All of the shares sold in this offering will be eligible for sale immediately upon effectiveness of this registration statement. All of the remaining shares will be eligible for sale in the public market upon expiration of lock-up agreements, which will expire 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject, in some cases to the volume, manner of sale and other limitations of Rule 144 or 701 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. It is conceivable that following the holding period, many stockholders may wish to sell some or all of their shares. If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market at the same time, the market price of our common stock could decrease significantly due to an imbalance in the supply and demand of our common stock. Even if they do not actually sell the common stock, the perception in the public market that our stockholders might sell significant common stock could also depress the market price of our common stock.

 

A decline in the price of our common stock might impede our ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional common stock or other equity securities, and may cause you to lose part or all of your investment in our common stock.

 

Our common stock may be thinly traded, so you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all if you need to sell your shares to raise money or otherwise desire to liquidate your shares.

 

Prior to this offering, you could not buy or sell our common stock publicly. We cannot predict the extent to which investors’ interests will lead to an active trading market for our common stock or whether the market price of our common stock will be volatile following this offering. If an active trading market does not develop, investors may have difficulty selling any of our common stock that they buy. There may be limited market activity in our stock and we are likely to be too small to attract the interest of many brokerage firms and analysts. We cannot give you any assurance that a public trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained. The market price of our common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to quarterly variations in our revenues and operating expenses, announcements of new products or services by us, significant sales of our common stock, including “short” sales, the operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors may deem comparable to us, and news reports relating to trends in our markets or general economic conditions.

 

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The price of our common stock may be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

The trading price of our common stock following this offering is likely to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control, including limited trading volume. In addition to the factors discussed in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this prospectus, these factors include:

 

  our decision to initiate or not initiate a product launch to delay a product launch, or to terminate a product;
     
  changes in laws or regulations applicable to our products;
     
  adverse developments concerning our manufacturers;
     
  our inability to obtain adequate product supply for any product or inability to do so at acceptable prices;
     
  additions or departures of key management personnel;
     
  unanticipated safety concerns related to the use of our products;
     
  introduction of new products offered by our competitors;
     
  announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by us or our competitors;
     
  our ability to effectively manage our growth;
     
  the size and growth of our target markets;
     
  actual or anticipated variations in quarterly operating results;
     
  our cash position;

 

  our failure to meet the estimates and projections of the investment community or that we may otherwise provide to the public;
     
  publication of research reports about us or our industry, or positive or negative recommendations or withdrawal of research coverage by securities analysts;
     
  changes in the market valuations of similar companies;
     
  overall performance of the equity markets;
     
  sales of our common stock by us or our stockholders in the future;
     
  trading volume of our common stock;
     
  changes in accounting practices;
     
  ineffectiveness of our internal controls;
     
  disputes or other developments relating to proprietary rights, including patents, litigation matters and our ability to obtain patent protection for our products;
     
  significant lawsuits, including patent or stockholder litigation;
     
  general political and economic conditions; and
     
  other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control.

 

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In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. Broad market and industry factors may negatively affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. If the market price of our common stock after this offering does not exceed the initial public offering price, you may not realize any return on your investment in us and may lose some or all of your investment. In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities. This type of litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which would harm our business, operating results or financial condition.

 

The offering price of the common stock may not be indicative of the value of our assets or the price at which shares can be resold.

 

The offering price of the common stock may not be an indication of our actual value. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our securities. The offering price of $8.00 per share (the midpoint of the range on the cover page of this prospectus) was determined based upon negotiations between the underwriters and us. Factors considered in determining such price in addition to prevailing market conditions include an assessment of our future prospects, an increase in value of our stock due to becoming a public company and prior valuations of our shares prepared for us. Such price does not have any relationship to any established criteria of value, such as book value or earnings per share. Such price may not be indicative of the current market value of our assets. No assurance can be given that the shares can be resold at the public offering price.

 

Our management will have broad discretion over the use of the proceeds we receive in this offering, and may not apply the proceeds in ways that increase the value of your investment.

 

If the representative of the underwriter exercises their option to purchase additional shares in this offering in full, we estimate that net proceeds of the sale of the common stock that we are offering will be $15,292,500. Our management will have broad discretion to use the net proceeds from this offering, and you will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of these proceeds. Although we intend to use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering for payment of accounts payable, product development, improvement of our infrastructure, marketing and advertising and the purchase of additional inventory, because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering, we cannot specify with certainty the particular use of the net proceeds that we will receive from this offering, and we cannot assure you that we will use the proceeds in a manner that will increase the value of your investment or of which you would approve. Moreover, you will not have the opportunity to influence our decision on how to use the proceeds from this offering. We may use the proceeds for corporate purposes that do not immediately enhance our prospects for the future or increase the value of your investment. See the section entitled “Use of Proceeds.”

 

The application of the “penny stock” rules to our common stock could limit the trading and liquidity of the common stock, adversely affect the market price of our common stock and increase your transaction costs to sell those shares.

 

If our common stock becomes traded on a securities market or exchange, as long as the trading price of our common stock is below $5.00 per share, the open-market trading of our common stock will be subject to the “penny stock” rules, unless we otherwise qualify for an exemption from the “penny stock” definition. The “penny stock” rules impose additional sales practice requirements on certain broker-dealers who sell securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets in excess of $1.0 million or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 together with their spouse). These regulations, if they apply, require the delivery, prior to any transaction involving a penny stock, of a disclosure schedule explaining the penny stock market and the associated risks. Under these regulations, certain brokers who recommend such securities to persons other than established customers or certain accredited investors must make a special written suitability determination regarding such a purchaser and receive such purchaser’s written agreement to a transaction prior to sale. These regulations may have the effect of limiting the trading activity of our common stock, reducing the liquidity of an investment in our common stock and increasing the transaction costs for sales and purchases of our common stock as compared to other securities. The stock market in general and the market prices for penny stock companies in particular, have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our stock, regardless of our operating performance. Stockholders should be aware that, according to SEC Release No. 34-29093, the market for penny stocks has suffered in recent years from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include: (i) control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer; (ii) manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases; (iii) boiler room practices involving high-pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by inexperienced sales persons; (iv) excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differential and markups by selling broker-dealers; and (v) the wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desired level, along with the resulting inevitable collapse of those prices and with consequent investor losses. The occurrence of these patterns or practices could increase the volatility of our share price.

 

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Provisions in our corporate charter documents and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of our company, which may be beneficial to our stockholders, more difficult and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management.

 

Provisions in our corporate charter and our bylaws that will become effective upon the closing of this offering may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of our company that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which you might otherwise receive a premium for your shares. These provisions could also limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock, thereby depressing the market price of our common stock. In addition, because our board of directors is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors. Among other things, these provisions:

 

  the authorized number of directors can be changed only by resolution of our board of directors;

 

  our bylaws may be amended or repealed by our board of directors or our stockholders;

 

  stockholders may not call special meetings of the stockholders or fill vacancies on the board of directors;
     
  our board of directors will be authorized to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock, the rights of which will be determined at the discretion of the board of directors and that, if issued, could operate as a “poison pill” to dilute the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer to prevent an acquisition that our board of directors does not approve;

 

  our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights, and therefore our stockholders holding a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding will be able to elect all of our directors; and

 

  our stockholders must comply with advance notice provisions to bring business before or nominate directors for election at a stockholder meeting.

 

Moreover, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits a person who owns in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock from merging or combining with us for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person acquired in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock, unless the merger or combination is approved in a prescribed manner.

 

Our Bylaws have an exclusive forum for adjudication of disputes provision that limits the forum to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware for certain actions against us.

 

Article XIV, Section 48 of our bylaws dictates that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for certain actions including any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of us, an action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our officers, directors, employees or to our stockholders; any claim arising under Delaware corporate law, including under the Delaware General Corporation Law; and any action asserting a claim against us or any of our officers, directors or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine. While management believes limiting the forum for resolution of disputes to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is in the best interests of our company and our stockholders in that it will provide the most appropriate outcomes by avoiding the risk of another forum misapplying Delaware law and Delaware courts have a well-developed body of case law, our stockholders could be inconvenienced by not being able to bring an action in another forum they find more convenient. In addition, this exclusive forum provision may discourage stockholder lawsuits, or limit stockholders’ ability to obtain a more favorable judicial forum for disputes with us, our officers and/or directors.

 

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

 

The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on us. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of us, the trading price for our stock would likely be negatively impacted. In the event securities or industry analysts initiate coverage, if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price may decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price and trading volume.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that the net proceeds from our issuance and sale of 1,875,000 shares of our common stock in this offering will be $13,200,000 (or $15,292,500 if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full), assuming an initial public offering price of $8.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $8.00 per share, would increase (decrease) the net proceeds from this offering by $1,725,000, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

We currently intend to use $190,000 of the net proceeds to repay the outstanding balance owed by us under two bridge notes that we issued to Papillon in the aggregate principal amount of $190,000, which accrue interest at the rate of 6% per annum. One bridge note is in the principal amount of $100,000 and matures on July 29, 2018 and the other bridge note is in the principal amount of $90,000 and matures on July 29, 2018. The proceeds from the bridge notes were used for working capital purposes.

 

The balance of the proceeds will be used to pay approximately $500,000 of our accounts payable, purchase approximately $1,000,000 in additional inventory, allocate approximately $1,500,000 to expand product development and increase marketing activities, invest approximately $300,000 to improve our infrastructure by upgrading our computer systems and information technology and acquiring additional equipment for our warehouse, and retaining the remaining proceeds for other working capital and general corporate purposes. This expected use of the net proceeds from this offering represents our intentions based upon our current plans and business conditions. As of the date of this prospectus, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to be received from this offering. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors including the progress in, and costs of, our product development activities. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds, and investors will be relying on the judgment of management regarding the application of the net proceeds from the offering.

 

Pending our use of the net proceeds from this offering, we intend to invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation investments, including short-term, investment grade, interest bearing instruments and U.S. government securities.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We do not anticipate paying dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. We are not subject to any legal restrictions respecting the payment of dividends, except that we may not pay dividends if the payment would render us insolvent. Any future determination as to the payment of cash dividends on our common stock will be at our board of directors’ discretion and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements and other factors that our board of directors considers to be relevant.

 

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THE CORPORATE REORGANIZATION

 

Prior to the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, DERMAdoctor, LLC will merge directly with and into a Delaware corporation. We refer to this as the “corporate reorganization.” In order to consummate the corporate reorganization, a certificate of merger will be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware prior to the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and articles of merger will be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Missouri prior to the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. In connection with the corporate reorganization, all outstanding Units of DERMAdoctor, LLC will be converted into 3,000,000 shares of common stock of DERMAdoctor, Inc., the members of DERMAdoctor, LLC will become stockholders of DERMAdoctor, Inc. and DERMAdoctor, Inc. will succeed to the business of DERMAdoctor, LLC. In addition, the redeemable membership interest of $1,270,000 will be reclassified to permanent equity because the put option will be eliminated.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth the capitalization of DERMAdoctor, LLC, excluding the amounts attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC, as of March 31, 2018.

 

  on an actual basis;
     
  on a pro forma basis to give effect to the corporate reorganization and the conversion of all of the units immediately outstanding prior to this offering into 3,000,000 shares of common stock, which includes the redeemable membership interest of $1,270,000 which will be reclassified to permanent equity due to the elimination of the put option.
     
  on a pro forma, as adjusted basis after giving effect to the corporate reorganization, as adjusted for the sale of 1,875,000 shares of our common stock in this offering at the assumed public offering price of $8.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses payable by us the cash repayment of the outstanding principal amount of $190,000 under two of our loans, and payments totaling $500,000 to reduce our accounts payable balance.

 

You should consider this table in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

    As of March 31, 2018  
    (unaudited)  
    DERMAdoctor, LLC Actual     DERMAdoctor, Inc. Pro Forma    

DERMAdoctor, Inc.

Pro Forma,

As Adjusted (1)

 
Cash   $ 78,613       78,613       12,588,613  
Total Indebtedness   $ 2,424,748       2,424,748     $ 2,234,748  
Redeemable membership interest     1,270,000              
Members’ / stockholders’ equity                        
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, pro forma and pro forma, as adjusted; 3,000,000 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma; 4,875,000 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma, as adjusted             3,000       4,875  
Additional paid in capital             (994,895 )     12,203,230  
Accumulated deficit                   — 
Total members’ deficiency/stockholders’ equity     (2,261,895 )     (991,895 )     12,208,105  
Total capitalization   $ 1,432,853       1,432,853       14,442,853  

 

 

 

(1) A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $8.00 per share would increase or decrease total stockholders’ equity and total capitalization on a pro forma as adjusted basis by approximately $1,725,000, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

The number of shares of common stock that will be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on shares of common stock outstanding immediately prior to this offering after giving effect to the corporate reorganization, which will be effected prior to the effective date of this registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and excludes:

 

  731,250 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan we intend to adopt immediately prior to this offering; and
     
  93,750 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the representative’s warrants to be granted to the representative of the underwriters upon completion of this offering.

 

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DILUTION

 

If you invest in our common stock in this offering, your interest will be immediately and substantially diluted to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of our common stock and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock after giving effect to this offering. 

 

Our historical net tangible book value, excluding the amounts attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC, as of March 31, 2018 was $(2,436,533). Historical net tangible book value excludes the redeemable membership interest. Historical net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2018 has not been provided due to the fact that at March 31, 2018 we were a limited liability company and did not have shares of common stock outstanding.

 

Our pro forma net tangible book value, excluding the amounts attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC, as of March 31, 2018 was $ (1,166,533), or $(0.39) per share of our common stock. Pro forma net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets less our total liabilities, divided by the pro forma number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2018, which includes shares after giving effect to the corporate reorganization. The pro forma net tangible book value also accounts for the reclassification of the redeemable membership interest in the amount of $1,270,000 to permanent equity due to the elimination of the put option.

 

After giving effect to the sale of 1,875,000 shares in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $8.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses payable by us as well as the repayment of $190,000 related party notes and $500,000 of accounts payable, our pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value, excluding the amounts attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC, at March 31, 2018 would have been $12,033,467, or $2.47 per share. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of approximately $2.86 per share to our existing stockholders, and an immediate dilution of $ 5.53 per share to investors purchasing shares of common stock in this offering. 

 

Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share represents the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers of our common stock in this offering and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. 

 

The following table illustrates the per share dilution to investors purchasing shares in the offering:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share   $ 8.00  
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2018     (0.39 )
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors     2.86  
Pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering     2.47  
Dilution per share to new investors   $ 5.53  

 

If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value will increase to $2.74  per share, representing an immediate dilution of $5.26 per share to new investors, assuming that the initial public offering price will be $8.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. 

 

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $8.00 per share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value by approximately $1,725,000, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share by $0.36  per share, and the dilution in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share to investors in this offering by $0.64 per share, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. 

 

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The following table summarizes, on a pro forma as adjusted basis as of March 31, 2018 the differences between the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration and the average price per share paid by existing stockholders and by investors participating in this offering, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, at an assumed public offering price of $8.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

 

    Shares Purchased     Total Consideration     Average Price Per  
    Number     %     Amount     %     Share  
Existing stockholders     3,000,000       61.5       7,015,431       31.9 %     2.34  
New investors     1,875,000       38.5       15,000,000       68.1 %     8.00  
Total     4,875,000       100.0 %     22,015,431       100.0 %     4.52  

 

The number of shares of common stock that will be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 3,000,000 shares of common stock outstanding immediately prior to this offering after giving effect to the corporate reorganization, which will be effected prior to the effective date of this registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and excludes:

 

  731,250 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan we intend to adopt immediately prior to this offering; and
     
   93,750 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the representative’s warrants to be granted to the representative of the underwriters upon completion of this offering.

 

If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, the number of shares held by new investors will increase to 2,156,250, or 41.8 % of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding after this offering and the shares held by existing stockholders will be 3,000,000, but the percentage of shares held by existing stockholders will decrease to 58.2% of the total shares outstanding. 

 

To the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised or any warrants or options are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors.

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read together with our audited financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements reflecting our current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Overview

 

We are an omni-channel, innovative, skincare company primarily focused on the creation of products that are designed to target common skin concerns, ranging from aging and blemishes to dry skin, perspiration and keratosis pilaris. We develop, market, distribute and sell skincare products under our DERMAdoctor ® brand worldwide. All of our DERMAdoctor ® products are conceived by our product design team headed by our Chief Creative Officer and founder, Dr. Audrey Kunin, who is a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Kunin adds her unique perspective, which is incorporated in our packaging, that skincare can be both elegant and powerful. Our philosophy is to mix science and technology synergistically to provide non-irritating, effective and pleasing skincare products aimed at targeting overlooked or unfulfilled common skin concerns. All of our products are fragrance and dye free. Since 2003, we have been developing, marketing, distributing and selling an extensive array of our proprietary skincare products. Today, we produce and sell over 30 DERMAdoctor ® products that account for 39 skus at prices ranging from $22 for an antiperspirant to $95 for a Kakadu vitamin C skin product. Our products are typically grouped into families of products and include those such as Wrinkle Revenge, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Calm Cool and Corrected and KP Duty designed to improve the skin’s appearance for aging, acne, redness and keratosis pilaris, respectively. Within each family, products are typically further broken down to face, eyes, and body. The ingredients are then uniquely formulated for the resulting product subcategory. Each family of products creates opportunities for the customer to expand into different product types aimed at addressing their particular skincare problems. For example, within our KP Duty family we offer both a lotion and a scrub. Often these products are purchased together. We recently launched a third KP Duty product, the KP Duty Body Peel, providing an innovative product delivery system which should expand this family of products to a large group of current customer users.

 

Historically, we have incurred net losses, including a net loss attributable to DERMAdoctor, LLC of $233,395 and $459,433 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and net losses attributable to DERMAdoctor, LLC of $345,083 and $1,897,264 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cash from operations is not expected to be sufficient to fund our operations over the next twelve months.

 

Our financial statements described in the prospectus include the results of 1901 McGee, LLC, an entity owned by Dr. Audrey Kunin and Dr. Jeff Kunin. Its sole asset is a building which is the leased corporate headquarters of DERMAdoctor, LLC. Since a related party owns 100% of 1901 McGee, LLC and we have the power to direct the activities of 1901 McGee, LLC, we have determined that 1901 McGee, LLC qualifies as a variable interest entity and we consolidate the 1901 McGee, LLC financial statements with our financial statements. We do not own or have any claim to any of the assets of 1901 McGee, LLC, nor are we liable for the mortgage or other liabilities related to the property owned by 1901 McGee, LLC. In the following discussion, 2017 refers to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, and 2016 refers to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

 

While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this filing, we believe that the following accounting policies are critical to the process of making significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, we believe that the following accounting policies and estimates are critical to our business operations and understanding of our financial results.

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

Accounts receivables consist of customer obligations from transactions with domestic retail customers, reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses based on the aging of accounts receivable and historical collection experience. We write off accounts receivable against the allowance when a balance is determined to be uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded when received. Based on historical trends and review of the account balances, we did not record an allowance for doubtful accounts in either 2018 or 2017. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, $62,362 and $181,778, respectively, of the sales allowances (as discussed further under “Revenue Recognition” below) were netted against accounts receivable. We grant credit terms in the normal course of business to our domestic retail customers. The risk with respect to trade receivables is mitigated by the thirty to sixty-day duration of customer payment terms and the good credit quality type of customer we sell to. Credit is not currently extended to e-commerce customers or international distributors who pay for goods prior to them being shipped.

 

Inventory, net

 

Inventories consist of components and finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first in, first out method. Cost components include direct materials, assembly, and freight. We review our inventory for excess, obsolescence, or expiration and write down inventory that has no alternative uses to its net realizable value. We recorded a $128,000, $142,000, and $95,841 reserve for obsolete inventory as of March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively.

 

Cost of sales includes all the costs to manufacture our products by third-party contractors, which are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations when the product is sold. Cost of sales also includes the cost of inventory write-downs associated with adjustments of held inventories to their net realizable value. These costs are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations and when the product is sold, and net sales revenues are recognized or, in the case of inventory write-downs, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of inventories is in excess of their recoverable value. Cost of sales also includes warehouse costs including depreciation, wages, utilities, real estate taxes, and property insurance.

  

Property and equipment, net

 

Repairs and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. The Property and Equipment, net balance as of March 31, 2018 was $2,958,884 with $2,952,934 of the balance attributable to the property of 1901 McGee, LLC. The Property and Equipment, net balance as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $2,982,227 and $3,077,671, respectively, with $2,974,830 and $3,062,415, respectively, of the balance attributable to the property of 1901 McGee, LLC. Fixed assets include items of property and equipment such as buildings, leasehold improvements, office furniture, fixtures, computers and other related technology equipment. All capitalized assets are depreciated using the straight-line depreciation method. We evaluate events and changes in circumstances that could indicate carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted future cash flows derived from their use and eventual disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of an asset, we record an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. There was no impairment charge recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or the years ended December 31, 2017 or 2016.

 

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Revenue recognition

 

Revenue consists of sales of our products through domestic retail customers, international distributors and retail customers, and e-commerce channels and shipping fees charged to our e-commerce customers. Through December 31, 2017, sales were recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered (the product has shipped or when delivered, based on the shipping terms), the price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue recognized through e-commerce sales is recognized net of any taxes that are collected from consumers and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.

 

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606), which replaced existing revenue recognition standards and expand the disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements. It may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis to new contracts and existing contracts with remaining performance obligations as of the effective date. We adopted ASU 2015-14 effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis. We reviewed all terms and conditions with customers to determine any potential effects of ASU 2014-09 and determined that the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and/or financial statement disclosures.

 

Sales through all channels are recognized when the related goods have been transferred to customers for an amount that reflects the consideration for which we expect to be entitled in exchange for said goods. Revenue recognized through e-commerce sales is recognized net of any taxes that are collected from consumers and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.

 

E-commerce customers can return unused product within 30 days for any reason for full credit. Our domestic retail customers can return product or take credits for damaged product and returns from their customers. In certain circumstances they are also allowed to return product that they decide to no longer carry in their stores or sell on their websites. Some agreements with domestic retail customers allow them to use a portion of the products they purchase as testers.

 

Provision for sales discounts, product returns, markdowns, shortages, damages and testers are recorded as reductions to revenue when the related revenue from customers is recognized. The estimated reserves for these items are established by us based upon management’s best estimates at the time of sale based upon historical trends.

 

We regularly review and revise, when deemed necessary, our estimates of sales returns and other required reserves based primarily upon the historical rate of actual product returns, the duration of time between the original sale and return, new product launches and any communicated changes in sales plans by our retail customers. Customers will take credits for discounts, returns, markdowns, damages, shortages, and testers which will reduce future amounts owed to us. These revenue reductions are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as an allowance against revenue. We recorded an estimated reserve of $198,000 and $390,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. At March 31, 2018, $62,362 of the reserve was netted against accounts receivable, while $135,638 was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. At December 31, 2017, $181,778 of the reserve was netted against accounts receivable, while $208,222 was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. We recorded $243,917 and $328,098 of revenue reductions during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Certain international customers pay for products in advance. In these instances, when cash is received in advance of a shipment of goods to customers, deferred revenue is recorded. We recorded deferred revenue of $0 and $45,077 as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively

 

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Concentrations of risk

 

Four significant customers (defined as contributing at least 10%) accounted for an aggregate of 66% (29%, 17%, 10% and 10%, respectively) of our revenue from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018. At March 31, 2018, two significant customers accounted for 100% (71% and 29%, respectively) of accounts receivable. We had two vendors that accounted for approximately 64% (43% and 21%, respectively) of purchases for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

 

Two significant customers (defined as contributing at least 10%) accounted for an aggregate of 55% (35% and 20%, respectively) of revenue from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017. We had two vendors that accounted for approximately 50% (39% and 11%) of purchases for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

 

Three significant customers (defined as contributing at least 10%) accounted for an aggregate of 58% (26%, 17% and 15%, respectively) of our revenue from operations for the year ended December 31 , 2017. At December 31, 2017, two significant customers accounted for approximately 83% (45% and 38%) of our accounts receivable. We had one vendor that accounted for approximately 39% of purchases for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Three significant customers (defined as contributing at least 10%) accounted for an aggregate of 71% (40%, 21% and 10%, respectively) of revenue from operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, three significant customers accounted for an aggregate of approximately of 85% (48%, 22% and 15%, respectively) of accounts receivable. We had one vendor that accounted for approximately 31% of purchases for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

We adopted the provisions of the accounting pronouncement which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances fair value measurement disclosure. Under the provisions of the pronouncement, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

 

U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use on unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is described below:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

 

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets but corroborated by market data.

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

 

It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements. When available, we use quoted market prices to measure fair value. If market prices are not available, the fair value measurement is based on models that use primarily market-based parameters including interest rate yield curves, option volatilities and currency rates. In certain cases where market rate assumptions are not available, we are required to make judgments about assumptions market participants would use to estimate the fair value of a financial instrument. Changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows could significantly affect the results of current or future values. The results may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of an asset or liability.

 

Income taxes  

 

We are a limited liability company which is not a tax paying entity at the corporate level. Each member is instead individually responsible for their share of our income or loss for income tax reporting purposes.

 

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Recent accounting pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606), which will replace existing revenue recognition standards and significantly expand the disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements. It may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis to new contracts and existing contracts with remaining performance obligations as of the effective date. We adopted ASU 2015-14 effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and/or financial statement disclosures (see “Revenue recognition” note above for further information regarding revenue recognition).

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidations (Topic 810): Amendments to the consolidation analysis”. The amendment places more emphasis in the consolidation evaluation on variable interests other than fee arrangements such as principal investment risk. Additionally, the amendments in this update reduce the extent to which related party arrangements cause an entity to be considered a primary beneficiary. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-02 beginning as of January 1, 2016, and notes that this adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and/or financial statement disclosures.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the financial statements as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability, consistent with the presentation of debt discounts.

 

This guidance became effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted, and is applied retrospectively. We adopted ASU No. 2015-03 beginning as of January 1, 2015 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and/or our financial statement disclosures.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventories by requiring inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU No. 2015-11 beginning as of January 1, 2015 and did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and/or our financial statement disclosures

 

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-02 “Leases” (Topic 842), which will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs. Lessor accounting is similar to the current model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model (e.g., certain definitions, such as initial direct costs, have been updated) and the new revenue recognition standard. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We expect to adopt ASU No. 2016-02 beginning as of January 1, 2019. Due to the fact that 1901 McGee, LLC is consolidated, we do not expect this adoption to have an impact.

 

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, “Consolidations (Topic 810): Interests held through related parties under common control”, which amends the consolidation guidance on how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a VIE should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control, with the reporting entity when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is a reporting entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE, and, therefore, consolidates the VIE. A reporting entity has an indirect interest in a VIE if it has a direct interest in a related party that, in turn, has a direct interest in the VIE. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-17 beginning as of January 1, 2017, and notes that the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and/or financial statement disclosures.

 

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JOBS Act

 

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” pursuant to the provisions of the JOBS Act. For as long as we are an “emerging growth company,” we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, reduced disclosure obligations relating to the presentation of financial statements in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and exemptions from the requirements of holding advisory “say-on-pay” votes on executive compensation and shareholder advisory votes on golden parachute compensation. We have availed ourselves of the reduced reporting obligations and executive compensation disclosure in this prospectus, and expect to continue to avail ourselves of the reduced reporting obligations available to emerging growth companies in future filings.

 

In addition, an emerging growth company can delay its adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We are choosing not to take advantage of such extended transition period, and as a result, we will comply with any new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which non-emerging growth companies must adopt such standards. This election is irrevocable.

 

We will continue to qualify as an emerging growth company until the earliest of:

 

  the last day of our fiscal year in which the fifth anniversary of this offering occurs;

 

  ●  the last day of our fiscal year in which have annual gross revenues of $1.07 billion or more;

 

  the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt;

 

  the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer.”

 

Results of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

 

The following information summarizes our results of operations included in our consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Net Sales

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, net sales by sales channel as a percentage of total sales were as follows:

 

    Three months ended     Three months ended  
    March 31, 2018     March 31, 2017  
Domestic     42 %     46 %
E-Commerce     32 %     35 %
International     26 %     19 %

 

Our net sales are derived from sales of products, net of provisions for sales discounts and allowances, product returns, markdowns and price adjustments. Net sales increased 16%, from $1,474,059 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 to $1,711,291 for the three months ended March 31, 2018. This increase was driven by an increase in international sales of $174,943, an increase in online sales of $24,339, and an increase in domestic sales of $37,950. Our international sales comprised 26% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018, up from 19% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 due to sales of our products by our China and Kuwait distributors and the signing of our Hong Kong distributor in July 2017. Sales to domestic retail customers increased 6% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017, positively impacted by an approximately $90,000 reduction in the reserve for testers and returns for the three months ended March 31, 2018. We fulfilled a large purchase order from Costco in the second quarter of 2018. As such, we expect sales to domestic retail customers to increase and to continue to be the largest component of our sales in fiscal year 2018.

 

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Cost of sales and gross margin

 

Cost of sales reflects the aggregate costs to procure our products, including the amounts invoiced by our third-party contractors for components and finished goods as well as costs related to transportation to and from our manufacturers and distribution centers. Cost of sales also includes the effect of changes in the balance of reserves for excess and obsolete inventory and write-off of inventory not previously reserved. In addition, cost of sales includes warehouse costs including depreciation, wages, utilities, real estate taxes, and property insurance. Cost of sales were $707,376 (of which $18,665 are attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC) and $787,849 (of which $18,170 are attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing a decrease of 10%, despite a 16% increase in revenue. This decrease was the result of a difference in the mix of products sold during the period, and the impact of an approximately $46,000 inventory reserve for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for obsolete products. All of our products are manufactured by third-parties, so we must schedule the production of our products when there is availability. While we have good relations with our manufacturers, the current size of our orders does not give us scheduling priority or the lowest possible cost. We continue to work with our manufacturers to look for ways to reduce overall costs as a percentage of sales. If we can increase sales and order sizes in the future, we believe we will be able to reduce our cost of sales as a percentage of sales.

 

Gross profit is our net sales less cost of sales. Gross profit increased $317,705, or 46%, to $1,003,915 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the gross profit of $686,210 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Our gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 58.7% and 46.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Gross profit was impacted by the changes in Net Sales and Cost of sales described above.

 

Total expenses

 

Total expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were $1,190,795, an increase of $73,933, or 6.6%, from $1,116,862 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, approximately 62% of our total expenses were selling expenses and 38% were general and administrative expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, approximately 72% were selling expenses and 28% were general and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses include $27,315 and $27,818 attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Rent expense of $51,984 and $50,470 paid from DERMAdoctor, LLC to 1901 McGee, LLC for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Selling expenses

 

Selling expenses totaled $735,680 and $802,944 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Selling expenses primarily consisted of advertising and marketing expenses of $392,294 and $394,407 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and sales and marketing team payroll of $241,328 and $295,337 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in selling expenses in 2018 when compared to 2017 is mainly related to the reduction of our sales payroll. To the extent sales to our retail channel grows at a smaller or larger rate than our online website or international distributor channels, this expense may become a smaller or larger part of total expenses.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses were $455,115 for the three months ended 2018, an increase of $141,197, or 45.0%, over the $313,918 expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase is primarily due to higher payroll costs associated with additional accounting personnel and higher professional fees related to the financial statement audit. Research and development expenses were $21,660 and $7,855 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

As we expand our product sales we expect that both selling expenses and general and administrative expenses will increase.

 

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Losses from operations

 

We had operating losses of $186,880 and $430,652 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The main reasons for the significant reduction in losses from operations is related to the increased sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017, and the reduction of cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017. A significant portion of the loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 is attributable to a material reduction in sales to one of our larger domestic specialty retailers who stopped selling our products in their stores and began selling our products only on their website. It took us time to adjust inventory and expenses to be more in line with lower sales and to diversify our business to international distributors.

 

Interest expense

 

Interest expense was $61,483 and $45,670 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Interest expense on our related party notes was $26,503 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 ($1,790,000 balance at March 31, 2018) and $23,671 for the three months ended in March 31, 2017 ($1,600,000 balance at March 31, 2017). The remaining increase in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is primarily attributable to the accounts receivable financing facility put in place in October 2017 of $12,688.

 

Cash flows 

 

Cash used in operating activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $368,886 (of which cash provided of $5,256 is attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC). Net loss before deducting depreciation, and other non-cash items used $229,193 of cash.

 

Cash from operations was negatively impacted by a $139,693 increase in working capital primarily attributed to an increase in inventory of $776,709 due to inventory acquired for the large Costco order that was placed in the first quarter of 2018 and a decrease in accrued expenses of $157,206, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $208,661 and an increase in accounts payable of $643,648. The increase in accounts payable is primarily related to inventory purchased to satisfy the Costco orders, which sales occurred at the beginning of the second quarter.

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $178,798 (of which cash provided of $10,554 is attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC). Net loss before deducting depreciation, and other non-cash items used $397,452 of cash. Cash from operations was positively impacted by a $218,654 decrease in working capital primarily attributed to an increase in accounts payable of $258,259 and an increase in accrued expenses of $264,352, partially offset by an increase in inventory of $280,506.

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

No equipment was purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

 

Cash provided by financing activities .

 

Net Cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $394,042 (of which $1,920 was attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC). In 2018, we continued an accounts receivable financing facility with CircleUp. The accounts receivable financing facility balance increased $454,432 during the three months ended March 31, 2018. Finally, in 2018, we also incurred $62,310 in deferred offering costs related to the potential initial public offering.

 

Net Cash used by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $4,387 (of which $4,387 was attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC).

 

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Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

The following information summarizes our results of operations included in our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. References to 2017 are references to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and references to 2016 are references to the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

 

Net Sales

 

During 2017 and 2016, net sales by sales channel were as follows:

 

    Twelve months ended     Twelve months ended  
    December 31, 2017     December 31, 2016  
Domestic     44 %     68 %
E-Commerce     26 %     26 %
International     30 %     6 %

 

Our net sales are derived from sales of products, net of provisions for sales discounts and allowances, product returns, markdowns and price adjustments. Net sales increased 36%, from $6,474,861 in 2016 to $8,808,674 in 2017. This increase was mainly driven by an increase in international sales of $2,190,017, an increase in online sales of $733,131, partially offset by a decrease in domestic sales of $589,335. Our international sales comprised 30% of net sales and was the fastest growing segment of our business with a growth rate of 539% between 2016 and 2017. This growth was driven by the signing of our China distributor in October 2016, their advance purchase in 2017 of approximately $816,000 of one of our products due to a price that reflected a one-time special manufacturing discount, and growth in sales to our Kuwait distributor. We expect this growth to continue in 2018, albeit at a slower a rate, due in part to our recent receipt of approval to sell certain products in the European Union, our recent entry into the Central American, Hong Kong and UAE markets, and as we continue to increase our international sales territory. Sales to domestic retail customer declined from 2016 to 2017 mainly due to the fact that two of our larger specialty retailers reduced the number of locations at which they sell our products, and one of these retailers is now only selling our products on their website. We received a large order from Costco we delivered at the beginning of the second quarter of 2018. As such we expect sales to domestic retail customers to increase and to continue to be the largest component of our sales in 2018.

 

Cost of sales and gross margin

 

Cost of sales reflects the aggregate costs to procure our products, including the amounts invoiced by our third-party contractors for components and finished goods as well as costs related to transportation to and from our manufacturers and distribution centers. Cost of sales also includes the effect of changes in the balance of reserves for excess and obsolete inventory and write-off of inventory not previously reserved. In addition, cost of sales includes warehouse costs including depreciation, wages, utilities, real estate taxes, and property insurance. Cost of sales were $4,062,563 and $2,902,349 in 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing an increase of 40%. All of our products are manufactured by third-parties, so we must schedule the production of our products when there is availability. While we have good relations with our manufacturers, the current size of our orders does not give us scheduling priority or the lowest possible cost. We continue to work with our manufacturers to look for ways to reduce overall costs as a percentage of sales. If we can increase sales and order sizes in the future, we believe we will be able to reduce our cost of sales as a percentage of sales.

 

Gross profit is our net sales less cost of sales. Gross profit increased $1,173,599, or 33%, to $4,746,111 for 2017 as compared to the gross profit of $3,572,512 in 2016. Our gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 53.9% and 55.2% for 2017 and 2016, respectively. This number was impacted by the mix of products sold during the period as well as the mix of sales between distribution channels. Our e-commerce sales are the highest margin contributors followed by our domestic retail sales. Sales to our international distributors have the lowest gross margin. Since sales to our international distributors increased in 2017, our gross margin declined in 2017 when compared to 2016.

 

Total expenses

 

Total expenses in 2017 were $5,014,986, a decrease of $415,950, or 7.7%, from $5,430,936 in 2016. In 2017, approximately 67% of our total expenses were selling expenses and 33% were general and administrative expenses. In 2016, approximately 73% were selling expenses and 27% were general and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses include $133,707 and $114,820 attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Rent expense of $201,902 and $198,952 paid from DERMAdoctor, LLC to 1901 McGee, LLC for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, is eliminated upon consolidation.

 

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Selling expenses

 

Selling expenses totaled $3,371,570 and $3,955,468 in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Selling expenses primarily consisted of advertising and marketing expenses of $1,793,846 and $2,114,847 in 2017 and 2016, respectively, and sales and marketing team payroll of $1,148,376 and $1,425,012 in 2017 and 2016, respectively. A significant portion of our current selling expense is related to sales in retail outlets. The decrease in advertising and marketing expenses in 2017 when compared to 2016 is mainly because we were no longer selling products in certain physical locations of some specialty retailers in 2017. This allowed us to lower our costs related to product testers, payroll, and travel expenses. To the extent sales to our retail channel grows at a smaller or larger rate than our online website or international distributor channels, this expense may become a smaller or larger part of total expenses.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses were $1,643,416 in 2017, an increase of $167,948, or 11.4%, over the $1,475,468 expense in 2016. The increase is primarily due to higher payroll costs associated with additional accounting personnel and higher professional fees related to the financial statement audit. Research and development expenses were $83,845 and $79,385 in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

As we expand our product sales we expect that both selling expenses and general and administrative expenses will increase.

 

Losses from operations

 

We had operating losses of $268,875 and $1,858,424 in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The main reasons for the significant reduction in losses from operations is related to the increased sales in 2017 compared to 2016, and the reduction of marketing and advertising expenses in 2017 compared to 2016. A significant portion of the loss in 2016 is attributable to a material reduction in sales to one of our larger specialty retailers who stopped selling our products in their store and began selling our products only on their website. It took us time to adjust inventory and expenses to be more in line with lower sales and to diversify our business to international distributors.

 

Interest expense

 

Interest expense was $199,321 and $175,545 in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Interest expense on our related party notes was $99,250 in 2017 ($1,790,000 balance at year-end) and $14,203 in 2016 ($1,600,000 balance at year-end) in 2016. The remaining interest expense for 2017 is attributable to the accounts receivable financing facility put in place in 2017 of $10,508 and the mortgage payables of 1901 McGee, LLC of $89,563. The remaining interest expense for 2016 was attributable to a bank line of credit of $30,290 and the mortgage payables of 1901 McGee, LLC of $131,052.

 

Net income (loss)

 

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we reported a net loss of $345,083 and $1,897,264, respectively, attributable to DERMAdoctor, LLC.

 

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Cash flows 

 

Cash used in operating activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $469,283 (of which $14,006 is attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC). Net loss before deducting depreciation, and other non-cash items used $303,751 of cash. Cash from operations was negatively impacted by a $165,532 increase in working capital primarily attributed to an increase in accounts receivable of $178,364, an increase in inventory of $368,762 to support higher sales, partially offset by an increase in accrued expenses of $228,566. The increase in accrued expenses is primarily related to inventory in transit and an increase in our outstanding credit card balance.

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $2,803,362 (of which $37,951 is attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC). Net cash used in operating activities consisted of a net loss of $2,023,233 (of which $125,969 is related to 1901 McGee, LLC), $1,061,217 in changes in operating assets and liabilities, offset in part by $281,088 of non-cash operating activity (of which $87,585 is depreciation attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC). Net non-cash operating expenses included $95,841 to record an obsolete inventory reserve. Changes in operating assets and liabilities were attributable to decreases in working capital, primarily related to a decrease in accounts receivable of $349,377, an increase in inventory of $492,797, a decrease in prepaid expenses of $27,644, a decrease in accounts payable of $1,085,777 (of which $18,705 is attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC), and an increase in accrued expenses of $88,460. The decrease in accounts payable of $1,085,777 and the increase in inventory of $492,797 was attributable to using the proceeds of the cash infusion from the issuance of equity as described below. Inventory was increased as a result of an effort to lower the cost of goods sold by increasing order sizes.

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

No equipment was purchased during 2017. The Company purchased $6,492 of equipment during 2016.

 

Cash provided by financing activities .

 

Net Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $297,905 (of which $22,589 was attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC). In 2017, we entered into two additional notes payable with Papillon for a total principal amount of $190,000. Also in 2017, we entered into an accounts receivable financing facility with CircleUp. An outstanding balance of $180,316 still remains as of December 31, 2017. Finally, in 2017, we also incurred $95,000 in deferred operating costs related to the potential initial public offering.

 

Net Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $2,942,422 (of which $32,472 was attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC). In 2016, we sold Units representing 47.5% of our outstanding equity to two investors for aggregate proceeds of $3,500,000. A portion of those proceeds were used to repay $353,000 of related party long-term debt. We also entered into a bank line of credit with Banker’s Trust in 2016. The proceeds of that line of credit were used to pay off a bank line of credit with ANB Bank and to provide working capital during 2016. In November 2016, the Banker’s Trust bank line of credit was paid off by Papillon in exchange for a note payable from by us in the amount of $1,600,000. Proceeds related to the re-financing of 1901 McGee, LLC mortgage payables totaled $1,624,211. Total payments made related to the outstanding mortgage payables of 1901 McGee, LLC totaled $1,720,160. In addition, 1901 McGee, LLC received capital contributions of $128,421 during 2016.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have a history of recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operations. We have funded our operations from revenue derived from sales of our products as well as from the sale of equity, account receivable financings, and short-term loans from related parties. We used $368,886 and $178,798 of cash in our operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2018 (of which cash provided of $5,256 is attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC) and 2017 (of which cash provided of $10,554 is attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC), respectively. We used $469,283 and $2,803,302 of cash in our operating activities during the years ended December 31, 2017 (of which $14,006 is attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC) and 2016 (of which $37,951 is attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC), respectively. We have a lengthy manufacturing process that requires us to pay for product ingredients and components up to four months before we get paid for the product from our customers. Therefore, as long as sales and related required inventory are growing we will likely require external working capital to finance the timing difference between when we must pay for inventory and when we get paid by our customers.

 

As a result, management concluded that there was a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern as current cash balances and projected cash flows from operations will not be sufficient to fund operations for the next twelve months from the date that the condensed consolidated financial statements are issued. We anticipate completing an initial public offering for gross proceeds of approximately $15,000,000; however there can be no certainty that the financing will be consummated. If we continue to experience losses and do not achieve breakeven cash flow, we may need to raise additional funds in the future, in addition to those anticipated in contemplation of this initial public offering, to meet our working capital requirements and pursue our business strategy.

 

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling $105,785 and $80,629, respectively, total current assets of $3,125,499 and $2,442,975, respectively, and total assets of $6,084,383 and $5,425,202, respectively. We had total current liabilities of $2,635,739 and $1,739,062, respectively, and a net working capital of $489,760 and $703,913, respectively. Our primary working capital requirements are for product and product-related costs, the payment of payroll, and advertising and marketing costs. Fluctuations in working capital are primarily driven by the time lag between when we must pay for inventory and when our customers pay us for the product we sell them.

 

The total numbers in the paragraph above include the following attributable to 1901 McGee, LLC: cash and cash equivalents of $27,172 and $19,996, respectively, total current assets of $27,172 and $19,996, respectively, and total assets of $2,980,106 and $2,994,826, respectively. 1901 McGee, LLC had total current liabilities of $122,239 and $123,358, respectively, and a net working capital deficit of ($95,067) and ($103,362), respectively.

 

Description of Indebtedness

 

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our total indebtedness was $5,089,222 and $4,663,440, respectively, which includes: (i) a promissory note issued by 1901 McGee, LLC to EDC Loan Corporation in the outstanding principal amount of $1,132,376 as of March 31, 2018; and (ii) a promissory note issued by 1901 McGee, LLC to Alterra Bank in the outstanding principal amount of $1,532,098 as of March 31, 2018, which promissory notes is secured by the real property of 1901 McGee, LLC (which includes the office and warehouse we lease from 1901 McGee, LLC) and are guaranteed by Audrey Kunin, Jeff Kunin and other entities affiliated with each of them; (iii) outstanding promissory notes issued by us to Papillon in the principal amount of $1,790,000; and (iv) an outstanding financing facility in the amount of $634,748 to CircleUp as of March 31, 2018.

 

On November 6, 2016, we issued a promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $1,600,000 to Papillon, which accrues interest at a rate of 6% per annum. The note matures of November 8, 2019, unless earlier repaid. All or any portion of the note may be prepaid without premium or penalty of any kind.

 

On July 17, 2017, we issued a promissory note in the principal amount of $90,000 to Papillon. Interest is paid at a rate of 6% per annum, payable monthly. On October 9, 2017, the maturity of the note was extended for a three (3) month period to January 13, 2018. On January 13, 2018, the note was amended to extend the maturity date to March 15, 2018. On March 15, 2018, the note was amended to extend the maturity date to May 14, 2018. On April 30, 2018, the note was amended to extend the maturity date to July 29, 2018. All or any portion of the note may be prepaid without premium or penalty of any kind.

 

On November 9, 2017, we issued an additional promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000 to Papillon, which accrues interest at a rate of 6% per annum, payable monthly. The note was originally scheduled to mature on February 7, 2018. On February 6, 2018 the note was amended to extend the maturity date to May 8, 2018. On April 30, 2018, the note was amended to extend the maturity date to July 29, 2018. All or any portion of this note may be prepaid without premium or penalty of any kind.

 

On October 19, 2017, we entered into an accounts receivable financing facility with CircleUp. CircleUp lends to us based on a percentage of outstanding accounts receivable from customers. Our customers pay CircleUp directly up to the amount funded to us by CircleUp in addition to any incurred interest. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, CircleUp agreed to lend amounts to the Company, above the outstanding accounts receivable balance, to fund payments owed to vendors for large inventory purchases made in conjunction with a material sale to Costco in the second of quarter of 2018. Interest is paid at a rate of 17% per annum. To the extent payments from our customers are not sufficient to repay any funds advanced to us by CircleUp, we are obligated to repay any outstanding loan amounts. We may prepay any amounts outstanding at any time without penalty. In addition, to secure payment of all funds to CircleUp, we have granted it a security interest in all of our assets.

 

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Sale of Membership Interests

 

In 2016, we sold Units representing 47.5% of our outstanding equity to two investors for aggregate proceeds of $3,500,000. In November 2016, the investors sold 50% of the Units they had acquired to Papillon in consideration for Papillon loaning us $1,600,000 that was used to repay our bank debt. In December 2017, Papillon purchased 25% of the remaining Units owned by the PE firm in consideration for Papillon paying the PE firm $480,000.

 

Contractual obligations and commitments

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2018:

 

    Payments due by period  
    Total     Less than
one year
    1-3 Years     3-5 Years     More than
5 years
 
Notes (1)   $ 2,664,474     $ 117,239     $ 245,281     $ 1,507,618     $ 794,336  
Indebtedness to related parties (2)     1,790,000       190,000       1,600,000                  
Accounts receivable financing (3)     634,748       634,748                          
                                         
Total contractual obligations (4)   $ 5,089,222     $ 941,987     $ 1,845,281     $ 1,507,618     $ 794,336  

 

 

 

(1) 1901 McGee, LLC promissory notes (mortgage payables) to EDC Loan Corporation and Alterra Bank, excluding financing fees.

 

(2) Promissory notes issued to Papillon.
   
(3) Accounts receivable financing facility with CircleUp.
   
(4) Lease payments on our headquarters are not reflected in the table since they are eliminated in consolidation with 1901 McGee, LLC.

 

Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

We did not have during the period presented, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined under SEC rules.

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

Except as otherwise disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus, we have no material commitments or contingent liabilities. We have an employment agreement with each of our President/Chief Executive Officer and Chief Creative Officer that would require a one-year severance payment in the event that we terminate his or her services under certain circumstances. We have an employment agreement with our Chief Financial Officer that would require a three-month severance payment in the event that we terminate her services under certain circumstances.

 

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BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

We are an omni-channel, innovative, skincare company primarily focused on the creation of products that are designed to target common skin concerns, ranging from aging and blemishes to dry skin, perspiration and keratosis pilaris. We develop, market, distribute and sell skincare products under our DERMAdoctor ® brand worldwide. All of our DERMAdoctor ® products are conceived by our product design team headed by our Chief Creative Officer and founder, Dr. Audrey Kunin, who is a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Kunin adds her unique perspective, which is incorporated in our packaging, that skincare can be both elegant and powerful. Our philosophy is to mix science and technology synergistically to provide non-irritating, effective and pleasing skincare products aimed at targeting overlooked or unfulfilled common skin concerns. All of our products are fragrance and dye free. Since 2003, we have been developing, marketing, distributing and selling an extensive array of our proprietary skincare products. Today, we produce and sell over 30 DERMAdoctor ® products that account for 39 stock keeping units, or skus, at prices ranging from $22 for an antiperspirant to $95 for a Kakadu vitamin C skin product. Our products are typically grouped into families of products and include those such as Wrinkle Revenge, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Calm Cool and Corrected and KP Duty designed to improve the skin’s appearance for aging, acne, redness and keratosis pilaris, respectively. Within each family, products are typically further broken down to face, eyes, and body. The ingredients are then uniquely formulated for the resulting product subcategory. Each family of products creates opportunities for the customer to expand into different product types aimed at addressing their particular skincare problems. For example, within our KP Duty family we offer both a lotion and a scrub. Often these products are purchased together. We recently launched a third KP Duty product, the KP Duty Body Peel, providing an innovative product delivery system which should expand this family of products to a large group of current customer users.

 

We initially began operations in 1998 as an e-commerce company selling third-party beauty products and skincare products on the internet and providing skincare advice and information on our website. Through our online sales we developed significant market knowledge of the industry, specifically what consumers desired and disliked, product packaging successes and failures, new technology and product opportunities and market voids, which led to our decision to create our own proprietary products to leverage our customer base and daily internet traffic and eventually to discontinue sales of third-party products to focus on sales of our own proprietary products. We named our proprietary skincare line DERMAdoctor ® .

 

We utilize an omni-channel distribution model which includes traditional domestic retail distribution outlets, online shopping and international distributors. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, domestic, e-commerce and international sales were 42%, 32% and 26% of our net sales, respectively, as compared to 46%, 35% and 19%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2017, domestic, e-commerce and international sales were 44%, 26% and 30% of our net sales, respectively, as compared to 68%, 26% and 6%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016. The traditional domestic retail distribution outlets consist mainly of specialty and department stores, including their company websites. To date, specialty retailers Ulta Beauty and Sephora have accounted for a majority of our U.S. sales. Other U.S. retailers include Belk, Macy’s online, Von Maur, Nordstrom online, Dermstore.com, and Skinstore.com. Other retail outlets include “flash” websites such as Gilt, HauteLook and Rue La La and in the past have included HSN and QVC. In 2017, we began initial sales to Costco for select products, as well as Evine, a home shopping television channel. As of March 1, 2018, our products are distributed to over 700 Ulta Beauty stores located in 49 states and the District of Columbia as well as other department stores. Our direct to consumer distribution channel is comprised of internet sales through our website ( www.dermadoctor.com ) and through Amazon.com. Our primary source of revenue historically has been from the sale of our products in the United States. In 2017 and the first quarter of 2018, however, we saw significant growth in our international distribution channel. The majority of the growth during 2017 was driven by the signing of our China distributor in October 2016, their significant advance purchase in 2017 of one of our products due to a price that reflected a one-time special manufacturing discount, and growth in sales to our Kuwait distributor. We experienced continued growth in our international channel during the three months ended March 31, 2018 due to sales of our products by our China and Kuwait distributors as well as sales by our Hong Kong distributor signed in July 2017. The majority of our international sales have occurred through these distributors that sell our products via the internet in China, Hong Kong, and Kuwait. In April 2017, we were granted the approval for European Union registration of some of our products and we expect to expand shipments of our approved products in Europe in 2018. In August 2017, we began shipping to our distributor in Guatemala who has the rights to begin shipping to other countries in Central America, namely, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. In January 2018, we began shipping to our distributor in the UAE who has the rights to begin shipping to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman and Bahrain.

 

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We believe that a core element of our success is our distinctive marketing strategy. We focus on educating our target customers, women between the ages of 18 to 65 who have a college education with above average household income, about the unique attributes of our products, developing intimate relationships with these consumers and capitalizing on our omni-channel distribution strategy to effectively reach and engage these consumers. We believe educational media such as appearances on television shows, information on our website and physical presence at specialty retailers such as Ulta Beauty, as well as at certain department stores, has helped us to further strengthen our brand image and provide additional points of contact to educate consumers about our products. We have received multiple awards from respected publications such as Health and Fitness magazine and have been a finalist in the CEW Beauty Awards, the “Academy Awards” of the beauty industry. In addition, Dr. Audrey Kunin has been a guest on The Dr. Oz show several times. Dr. Kunin and her products have graced numerous publications including InStyle, W, More, Redbook, Glamour, Bride, Family Circle, O The Oprah Magazine, Shape, Self, Fitness, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Health, Allure, Elle, RealSimple, Lucky, Ladies Home Journal, People and People en Espanol, Prevention, Men’s Health, New York Daily News, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, WebMD, Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report, The Today Show, E! and the Tyra Banks Show.

 

Our Market

 

We operate within the large and steadily growing skincare category of the beauty industry. According to Forbes, the skincare market is the biggest segment of the beauty industry. The skincare market is divided into facial care, hand and body care and sun care. Skincare products can also be subdivided into prestige and mass segments. Prestige products are characterized by higher price points and are typically sold in high-end specialty stores, such as Ulta Beauty stores and department stores. Within the skincare market, we sell and compete across all major product categories with our prestige products.

 

Strengths and Competitive Advantages

 

The skincare products market is large and attractive

 

We believe that the skincare products market is highly attractive given its scale, growth dynamics and consumer demand trends. The Cosmetic Skin Care Market: Global Industry Analysis, Trends, Market Size and Forecasts to 2023 reports that the global cosmetic skincare market was $130.7 billion in 2016. It predicts the global skincare market to grow with a compound annual growth rate of between 4.7% and 5.3% from 2017 to 2023. The report predicts that Asia Pacific, which includes China, will dominate the world market with the Middle East and Africa growing at the highest compounded annual growth rate over the forecasted period. Lucitel, a market research firm, in its December 12, 2016 report, forecasts the global skincare market to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.8% from 2016 to 2021, with opportunities in the areas of anti-aging, sun protection, body care lotion and multi-functional skin cream.

 

Our strategic differentiation: DERMAdoctor, a prestige, problem solving, skincare company

 

We are driven by what we believe today’s consumer wants—an assortment of high-quality, prestige-inspired skincare products at extraordinary value. Through our modern consumer engagement and responsiveness, we interact with our consumers instead of broadcasting at them. We focus a significant portion of our product development efforts on creating new and improving existing products that fulfill unmet skincare needs. We believe that our business model has multiple areas of competitive advantage, including the following:

 

Authentic brand that attracts a wide range of consumers in the category. Since 1998, we have prioritized getting to know our consumers, and they in turn have provided us with valuable feedback, enabling us to build DERMAdoctor ® into an authentic and trusted brand. Our differentiated marketing approach focuses on educating consumers as to the unique attributes of our products; communicating product efficacy through product demonstrations; featuring our consumers instead of celebrities on our website and developing direct connections with our consumers. By providing a comprehensive experience—from integrated engagement online, through social media and in retail stores to our differentiated product offerings—we target new users as well as sophisticated buyers of skincare products.

 

Innovation and customer feedback model. We believe innovation is a major key to our success. We have built an innovation capability that has led to breakthrough new product introductions. We introduced five new products over the past three years and 28% of our 2017 net sales came from products launched in the last three years. With almost one million visits per year and online reviews, dermadoctor.com has been a useful vehicle for aiding in refinement of products and determining customer preferences. We are able to analyze sales results, reviews and feedback through social media to provide a quick indication of a product’s performance, which allows us to quickly allocate appropriate marketing and other resources.

 

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True omni-channel brand. We are a true omni-channel brand with a presence across national retailers, e-commerce and international distributors, which allows us to leverage insights gained from each channel to drive performance across the business.

 

  National retailers . We currently sell our products to retailers, some of which sell our products in brick-and-mortar stores and through their websites and others who sell our products solely through their websites. Ulta Beauty, a leading national retail customer and key beauty destination for many consumers, currently sells our products in over 700 of their stores. We have also continued to expand our sales through other retailers, including Von Maur, Nordstrom, Gilt, Sephora, Costco and Macy’s. We believe that our presence across many touch points within the beauty industry further strengthens our brand image.

 

  e-commerce. Our e-commerce business, which includes sales on our website and on Amazon.com, serves as a strong source of sales and an important component of our engagement and innovation model. We have nurtured a loyal, highly active online community for almost two decades through our own website and more recently through Amazon’s Luxury Beauty page. In 2017, we had just over a half a million total visitors to our website and over two- million page views. During 2017, we focused on driving more customers to our website through on-line marketing and social media. Sales through our website and Amazon.com contribute the highest gross margin of any of our sales channels.

 

  International Distributors . We currently sell our products to international distributors who sell into China, Hong Kong, Central America, Kuwait and the UAE. This is the fastest growing segment of our business with a growth rate of 539% between 2016 and 2017 and a growth rate of 66% between the first quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2017.  Although we have experienced significant growth in this segment during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and the three months ended March 31, 2018 when compared to the prior periods, we do not expect a similar percentage increase for the rest of 2018, as 2017 sales included the impact of the signing of our China distributor in October 2016, their significant advance purchase of one of our products to take advantage of a one-time special manufacturing discount, and the signing of our Hong Kong distributor in July 2017. We are actively pursuing additional distribution partners and other opportunities to sell our products internationally.

 

Experienced management team. Our Chief Creative Officer and President, Audrey Kunin, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist, author, clinician, educator, and television personality. Dr. Kunin founded our company in 1998 with her husband, Jeff Kunin, M.D., who currently serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Jeff Kunin also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Under the leadership of Audrey and Jeff Kunin we have assembled an experienced management team that possesses complementary experiences managing prestige cosmetic brands within retail and wholesale distribution channels and overseeing operations in the branded consumer products industry. Our team has demonstrated skills in building brands, leading innovation, expanding distribution, and supply chain management. We operate with a high-performance team culture. The combination of an experienced team, strong culture and values and disciplined execution forms the foundation of our success.

 

Our Growth Strategy

 

DERMAdoctor ® is a prestige skincare brand. We are in the early stages of development, with significant room to grow by developing innovative new products, converting more consumers to the brand while increasing sales to existing consumers, and making DERMAdoctor ® products more widely available both domestically and internationally. We expect international markets to be the largest source of our growth over the next few years and also see an opportunity to expand in the United States. We also believe we have an opportunity to improve our profitability through greater operating leverage and efficiency.

 

We believe we are well positioned for continued growth driven by three main strategies.

 

Develop new products

 

We have a track record of bringing prestige-inspired innovative and effective skincare products to markets. As stated above, from 2015 through 2017, we introduced five new products including our Kakadu C line of products and KP Duty Peel Pads and 28% of our net sales during the year ended December 31, 2017 came from products launched in the last three years. We focus a significant portion of our product development efforts on creating new products and improving existing products based on feedback from our consumer community. We seek to create packaging that is unique to our brand, while being approachable and effective. We believe there are significant additional opportunities within the skincare space. We expect to continue to leverage our product development expertise to introduce new products into related market segments.

 

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Expand domestic market penetration

 

Draw new consumers to the brand . Increasing brand awareness is a major growth driver for our company. We believe we can significantly grow our following of passionate consumers to the brand from current levels through a greater focus on social media and other on-line marketing tools. While we introduced DERMAdoctor ® 14 years ago, we are still relatively unknown to many women.

 

Encourage current consumers to use more DERMAdoctor ® products . Our consumers’ loyalty to the DERMAdoctor® brand drives growth through increased usage of our products across categories and advocacy of our brand to other potential consumers. We have a loyalty program where customers receive reward points for each purchase that may be applied to payment for future purchases made through our website within 90 days. We also allow customers on our website to select up to three free samples of other products with each purchase to encourage future purchases of those additional products. In 2016, we started a subscription service for our products which allows customers to sign up for periodic delivery of our products. While still in its infancy, we are seeing increased participation by our consumers resulting in increased monthly subscription sales. We believe that through sustained innovation and efficient marketing, we will increase the number of DERMAdoctor ® items our consumers purchase.

 

Grow our retail relationships . We intend to continue to increase net sales through key premium retail accounts, such as Ulta Beauty, Costco, and Sephora. Within Ulta Beauty and other physical retail locations, we will seek to improve our in-store product positioning and collaborative marketing efforts. We believe we have significant potential upside in deepening distribution with our existing domestic retailers by continuing to leverage our productivity, innovation and growth to win more shelf space. In addition, we expect our domestic retail sales will grow as Ulta Beauty opens new stores and we are able to develop additional opportunities to sell our products in upscale department stores and on their websites.

 

Drive additional traffic to our website . We intend to grow our direct-to-consumer sales by driving additional traffic to our website and the Amazon website as well as improving customer conversion metrics. By focusing on affiliate marketing, paid search, SEO and other media spending, enhanced content and social media referrals, including user generated content and paid influencers through Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest, we expect to increase sales both in stores and online. The higher product margins and relatively fixed expenses of our website sales creates a leveraged business environment for higher profits.

 

Expand our global presence

 

We operate in a number of countries outside the United States, which accounted for 26% of our net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2018, up from 19% of our net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 30% of our net sales in 2017, up from 6% of our net sales in 2016. Given that the skin conditions we target are universal, we believe that the DERMAdoctor ® brand is highly portable, which will provide us with a significant opportunity in international markets over the long term. We believe our market penetration in the Middle East and Asia represents the most significant opportunities for increasing our existing global sales. The United Kingdom, Canada, Western Europe, Asia, India and Australia are markets we plan to enter or expand in over the next three years, which would significantly expand our global presence.

 

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Brands and Products

 

We market and sell our products under the DERMAdoctor ® brand. Our products are grouped into 13 families of products based upon their formulations and the skincare problems they address. A detailed table of our products is set forth below:

 

Family   Skincare Use   Products
         
Ain’t Misbehavin’   Acne and Blemishes   Acne Cleanser 
Healthy Toner 
Acne Mask & Spot Treatment 
Acne Control Serum
         
Calm Cool & Corrected   Redness 
Sensitive Skin
  Tranquility Cleanser 
Tranquility Cream
         
DD Cream   Sunscreen 
Dry Skin 
Concealer
  DD Cream
         
Kakadu C   Wrinkles 
Anti-Aging
  Brightening Daily Cleanser 
Vitamin C Serum 
Face Crème 
Eye Soufflé 
Detox Mask 
Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad 
Evening Oil
         
KP Duty   Keratosis Pliaris 
Dry Skin
  Moisturizing Therapy 
Body Scrub 
Body Peel Pads
         
MED e Tate   Sweating 
Hyperhidrosis
  Antiperspirant Wipes
         
Photodynamic Therapy   Sun Protection 
Wrinkles
  3 in 1 Facial Lotion 
Energizing Eye Renewal Cream
         
Physical Chemistry   Wrinkles 
Discoloration 
Enlarged Pores
  Facial Microdermabrasion + Multiacid Peel
         
Picture Porefect   Enlarged Pores 
Oily Skin
  Pore Minimizer
         
Poetry in Lotion   Discoloration 
Wrinkles
  Intensive 1% Retinol
         
Shrinking Beauty   Dry Skin   Shrinking Beauty Lotion
         
Total NonScents   Sweating   Ultra-Gentle Antiperspirant 
Ultra-Gentle Brightening Antiperspirant
         
Wrinkle Revenge   Wrinkles 
Sensitive Skin
  Antioxidant Enhanced Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser 
Rescue & Protect Eye Balm 
Rescue & Protect Facial Crème 
Ultimate Hyaluronic Serum

 

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Merchandising and Product Packaging

 

Our product formulations and branding are consistent across our distribution channels. However, we tailor product offerings to our distribution channels by creating unique sizes and differentiated “kits” or assortments of products which help us to:

 

  introduce new consumers to our brand;

 

  create specialized offerings for our channel partners;

 

  merchandise products according to channel demographics;

 

  increase the average consumer purchase;

 

  generate and renew excitement among our consumers; and

 

  reinforce our brand.

 

For example, our DERMAdoctor ® Wrinkle Revenge Anti-Aging Essentials Intro Kit, which we market across our various distribution channels, includes an assortment of our Wrinkle Revenge products, including a facial cleanser, facial serum and eye balm. The products are uniquely packaged and priced to offer the consumer a trial of multiple products that they otherwise may not have purchased at a special value. We also offer promotional kits which are typically “themed” to address specific end uses, targeted consumer segments or seasonal offerings.

 

Distribution Channels

 

We believe that a core element of our success is our distinctive omni-channel distribution model including a strong internet presence, traditional retail channel and an international distributor channel. The internet portion of our business consists of online shopping through our website ( www.dermadoctor.com ) as well as through Amazon.com . Our retail channel consists of select department stores, select specialty boutiques, primarily Ulta Beauty, physician offices, spas and salons, Macys.com, Nordstrom.com, Sephora.com, and Ulta.com. Special pricing and offerings are also promoted on Costco.com, Ipsy.com, HauteLook.com, Gilt.com and other flash sale websites as well as periodically through home shopping and other television appearances. We believe that this distribution model, through which each channel reinforces the others, provides:

 

  greater brand awareness across channels;

 

  cost-effective consumer acquisition and education;

 

  premium brand positioning without the large expenditures on print-based advertising and marketing common in our industry; and

 

  improved convenience for consumers.

 

We use the Internet to increase brand awareness and educate consumers on product differentiation, proper application and resulting benefits. We believe this increased brand awareness drives consumers to shop across all retail distribution points. In turn, we believe that our physical presence at specialty retailers such as Ulta Beauty further enhances our brand image and validates the premium positioning of our products.

 

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Our distribution channels are summarized as follows:

 

 

National Retailers

 

The domestic retail channel accounted for approximately 42% and 46% of our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The domestic retail channel accounted for approximately 44% and 68% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Our retail channel enables us to provide additional points of contact to educate consumers about our products, expand our traditional retail location penetration with limited capital investment, and further strengthen our brand image. The brick-and-mortar portion of this channel allows us to target a consumer who may be less inclined to shop at home and provides an inviting venue to experience the products personally and discuss product features with experienced sales personnel. As of March 31, 2018, our products were distributed in over 700 locations of these specialty beauty retailers with Ulta Beauty being the largest retail presence. The retailers’ websites offer an additional point of contact with our customer and facilitates subsequent purchases. Television appearances on such shows as Good Morning America, HSN and The View and flash sale sites such as Ipsy and Rue La La allow us to reach a wide audience, many of whom may not yet be familiar with our brand. In 2017, we began doing business with Costco for select products, as well as Evine, a home shopping television channel. In the first quarter of 2018, we received an order from Costco for the purchase of one of our products for a special promotion. This order was fulfilled in April 2018. We expect this order to contribute approximately $1.5 million to net sales when recorded in the second quarter of 2018.

 

Online Shopping

 

We sell our products via our existing website, www.dermadoctor.com and on Amazon.com . On-line sales through these websites accounted for 32% and 35% of our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively and 26% for both the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. In addition to allowing consumers to purchase the core items in our product assortment, our website also educates consumers as to the attributes as well as proper usage and application techniques for each of the products offered. We fulfill and ship all Amazon.com orders and this allows us to control the distribution of our product while allowing our customers the convenience of purchasing our products through their Amazon account.

 

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International Distributors

 

We market our DERMAdoctor ® products internationally through a network of distributors. We sell to a limited number of distributors who distribute product through websites, retail channels and spas and salons in certain international markets. Our international distributor channel accounted for 26% and 19% of our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our international distributor channel accounted for 30% and 6% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and was our fastest growing channel. The majority of our international sales have occurred through distributors in China and Kuwait.

 

In April 2017, we received approval for European Union registration of some our products and we expect to expand shipments of our approved products in Europe in 2018. In August 2017, we began shipping to our distributor in Guatemala who has the rights to begin shipping to other countries in Central America, namely, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. We also commenced shipments to our Hong Kong distributor in the fourth quarter of 2017. In January 2018, we began shipping to our distributor in The United Arab Emirates (UAE) who has the rights to ship to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman and Bahrain.

 

Marketing and Promotion

 

We have an innovative, media-driven marketing strategy which focuses on educating consumers about the attributes of our products, developing intimate relationships with those consumers, and leveraging our omni-channel distribution approach to effectively reach and engage those consumers.

 

We employ the following marketing techniques:

 

Social Media . A primary method of building brand awareness is through social media such as Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. These channels provide a unique opportunity for us to communicate the attributes of our products to a broad audience as well as build brand awareness. We also contract with various internet marketing services that allow us to target customers who research various skincare issues or shop for or purchase other brands’ skincare products. During the past year we have put greater human and financial resources into this initiative and anticipate continued future growth in our audience which should translate to increasing sales.

 

Consumer Testimonials . We believe that one of the keys to the success of the DERMAdoctor ® brands has been testimonials from our consumers regarding the attributes of our products. Unlike other skincare companies that rely on image-based marketing, we have used consumer testimonials in our marketing which allow us to demonstrate both the efficacy of our products and the increased self-confidence that our products have given many women. We believe that consumer testimonials both through user generated content and paid influencers on social media and our website are a particularly powerful component of our educational media marketing. These actual consumer comments are often unsolicited and may be available across all marketing channels.

 

Public Relations . We have benefited from a broad range of media coverage that has highlighted our innovative products and success. Our products have been profiled in:

 

  magazines such as InStyle, W, More, Redbook, Bride, Glamour, Family Circle, O The Oprah Magazine, Shape, Self, Fitness, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Health, Allure, Elle, RealSimple, Lucky, Ladies Home Journal, People and People en Espanol, Prevention, Men’s Health;

 

  newspapers and publications such as The New York Daily News, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, WebMD, Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report; and

 

  television shows such as Dr. Oz, The Today Show, E!, The Tyra Banks Show and Good Morning America.

 

Word of Mouth . We believe that our company benefits from strong consumer loyalty as well as the emotional connection formed between our consumers and our brand. In turn, we believe that our consumers are strong advocates for our brand and have displayed a willingness to convert others to our brand. Our nearly 20 year business history has provided us a competitive advantage of long term customer acquisition, with the resulting customer loyalty, brand awareness and trustworthiness which is difficult for others to replicate

 

Our Website . We utilize our website as a method for us to communicate the attributes of our products to a broad audience as well as build brand awareness. Since our founding in 1998, our website has become a trusted source of skincare information besides a destination for consumers to purchase our unique problem-solving prestige line of skincare products.

 

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Sales Force . We have a robust sales team throughout the United States. Territories are managed by seven Account Executives who are our employees. In addition, we use a third-party for outside additional marketing people or freelancers who we do not employ but who work independently to assist in marketing our products within retail stores. Currently, our total freelancers amount to approximately 80 to 100 individuals throughout the United States who work in any one week’s time. We have proprietary data analytics developed by us to analyze individual, and team performance in order to rapidly deploy marketing individuals and to simultaneously maximize sales and profit potential in the store.

 

Retail Partner Marketing . We participate in our retail partners’ periodic promotions, catalogues and various other marketing campaigns. These partner promotions allow us to introduce our products to a broad, focused audience.

 

Product Development

 

We focus a significant portion of our product development efforts on creating new products and improving existing products based on feedback and suggestions from our consumers. Many of these suggestions are the catalyst for new product development as well as product extensions. For example, in August 2017, we launched KP Duty Body Peels, which was developed based on feedback from our consumers who were searching for additional products related to their purchases of our top selling KP Duty product franchise. We believe that a novel application system will expand our KP Duty products, allowing us to increase sales and profits related to the consumer’s needs.

 

Our product development department continually meets in creative sessions to develop ideas for new products. Once we have a concept of what type of skin concern we want to address or product we want to develop, we work with third-party laboratory teams to develop unique formulations with different purposes for our prospective products, and to determine the ideal delivery systems, opacity, texture and viscosity of such products. Formulas go through many rounds of lab samples and changes prior to us approving them for testing. Extensive clinical and safety testing by outside labs is done on the formula samples we approve including sensitivity, allergy, stability and compatibility testing. If a formulation doesn’t pass a particular test, we work with our labs to reformulate the formulation until it does. All of our products are fragrance and dye free and we do not test on animals. Finally, the finished product including packaging must meet adequate quality control, and performance tests before it can be marketed. We continue to create new products and improve existing products in our core product lines by incorporating consumer feedback into our product development efforts.

 

Sourcing

 

We use third-party contract manufacturers and suppliers to obtain substantially all raw materials, components and packaging products and to manufacture finished products relating to our DERMAdoctor ® brand. We utilize a total of approximately six different product fillers and numerous ingredient and packaging suppliers from which we source and contract manufacture our products. Currently, each product we sell is manufactured by a single filler. Manufacturers directly purchase some and we supply a portion of the raw materials needed to manufacture our products. While we source these raw materials, such as plastic, glass bottles, and cardboard through a limited number of suppliers in order to take advantage of volume discounts, we do not believe we are materially dependent upon any one supplier of our raw materials as we have sufficient other suppliers across our broad range of products that we are able to mitigate most of our supply chain risk within a reasonable time frame. Each supplier manufactures products that meet our established guidelines.

 

With respect to our other third-party manufacturers, we make purchases through purchase orders. We believe that we have good relationships with our manufacturers and that there are alternative sources available to us in the event that one or more of these manufacturers is not available; however, the products manufactured by alternative manufacturers may not be identical to the current products because product formulations are often owned by the manufacturer. We continually review our manufacturing needs against the capacity of our contract manufacturers to ensure that we are able to meet our production goals, reduce costs, and operate more efficiently.

 

The majority of our raw materials are purchased from U.S.-based suppliers, although the materials may have originated in other countries. We directly purchase some raw materials such as jars, pumps, caps and droppers from suppliers in China and Spain.

 

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We work closely with our suppliers on new product innovation and quality. Our team members source our component and design secondary packaging specifications based on the supplier’ ability to provide competitive pricing, meet our design and packaging specifications and maintain a high quality.

 

Quality Control

 

We have a comprehensive quality assurance program that gives us visibility into the quality of our products during the sourcing and production cycle. Our quality team approves product samples prior to any initial production runs, analyzing formula ingredients and testing for compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and/or International Standard for Organization (ISO) quality team provides oversight of our third-party manufacturers as well as component and packaging suppliers. We also validate our manufacturers’ finished product with both internal and external stability and microbiological testing to monitor compliance with industry and country-specific regulations and standards.

 

Management Information Systems

 

We use our information systems to manage our national retailers, e-commerce and corporate operations. These management information systems provide business process support and intelligence across our omni-channel operations.

 

Our order management process is automated via electronic data interchange with the vast majority of our retail customers. We have an integrated inventory system, which allows us to manage our inventory and interfaces with our accounting systems.

 

Trademarks and other Intellectual Property

 

We believe that our intellectual property has substantial value and has contributed significantly to the success of our business. Our primary trademarks include “DERMAdoctor ® ,” and KP Duty,” both of which are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for our goods and services of primary interest. “DERMAdoctor ® and depictions of Dr. Audrey are also registered or have registrations pending in Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Philippines. We also have numerous other trademark registrations and pending applications for product trade names and tag lines. Our trademarks are valuable assets that reinforce the distinctiveness of our brand and our consumers’ favorable perception of our products, and goodwill. The current registered trademarks in the United States and foreign countries are in use, and registration renewals are due at various times between 2017 and 2028, provided that we comply with all applicable renewal requirements including, where necessary, the continued use of the trademarks in connection with similar goods the trademarks will continue to be in force. In addition to trademark protection, we own numerous URL designations, including www.dermadoctor.com . We also rely on and use reasonable business activities to protect our trade secrets, such as proprietary expertise and product formulations, continuing innovation efforts and techniques, and other know-how to develop and maintain our competitive position.

 

We currently own the following four patents:

  

Patent Title   Related Product   Country   Patent No.   Issue Date   Expiration Date
Composition For Treatment of Hyperhidrosis   Med e Tate antiperspirant
wipes
  U.S.   8,337,821 B2   December 25, 2012   March 24, 2031
                     
Moisturizing Retinol Composition   Poetry in Lotion   U.S.   9,155,915 B2   October 13, 2015   August 31, 2031
                     
Topical Skin Care Composition   Topical skincare formulation (product is discontinued)   U.S.   8,784,852 B2   July 22, 2014   May 10, 2030
                     
Composition and Method for Treating Keratosis Pilaris   KP Duty lotion   U.S.   8,647,682 B2   February 11, 2014   April 5, 2028

 

While KP Duty lotion is a top selling product and we believe the patent is valuable for this product, we have determined that the benefits of seeking patents for many of our other products may not exceed the time and expense in doing so. For example, the Kakadu C family of products are material to our business and we do not hold a patent on those compositions. We intend to review any future decision on whether to obtain a patent on a particular new product or method on a case by case basis. To the extent we believe in seeking, obtaining, and protecting a patent on a particular composition or method would be beneficial and make a material difference in our ability to sell the product, we plan to pursue a patent.

 

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Competition

 

The skincare industry is highly competitive and subject to rapid changes due to consumer preferences and industry trends. Competition in the skincare industry is generally based on the introduction of new products, pricing of products, quality of products and packaging, brand awareness, perceived value and quality, innovation, in-store presence and visibility, promotional activities, advertising, editorials, e-commerce and mobile-commerce initiatives and other activities. We must compete with a high volume of new product introductions and existing products by diverse companies across several different distribution channels.

 

We face vigorous competition from companies throughout the world, including large multinational consumer products companies that have many skincare brands under ownership and standalone skincare brands, including those that may target the latest trends or specific distribution channels. Our products face, and will continue to face, competition for consumer recognition and market share with products that have achieved significant national and international brand name recognition and consumer loyalty, such as those offered by global prestige beauty companies like Avon Products, Inc., Elizabeth Arden, Inc., The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Inc., L’Oréal Group, Shiseido, Coty, Mary Kay, Inc. and The Proctor & Gamble Company, each of which have launched skincare brands. In addition, we compete with brands including Dr. Dennis Gross, Kate Somerville, Murad, Perricone M.D., Dr. Brandt, Clarins, Clinique, Dermalogica, Exuviance, La Roche Posay and Vichey. We also compete with numerous other companies that market skincare products.

 

These companies may have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources, longer operating histories, greater brand recognition and larger customer bases than we do and may be able to respond more effectively to changing business and economic conditions than we can. These competitors typically devote substantial resources to promoting their brands through traditional forms of advertising, such as print media and television commercials. Because of such mass marketing methods, these competitors’ products may achieve higher visibility and recognition than our products. We compete with prestige cosmetics companies primarily in online retailing, department stores and specialty beauty retail channels, but prestige cosmetics companies also recently have increased their sales through infomercial and home shopping television channels. Mass cosmetics brands are sold primarily though channels in which we do not sell our products, such as mass merchants, but mass cosmetics companies are increasingly making efforts to acquire market share in the higher-margin prestige cosmetics category by introducing brands and products that address this market. Many of these competitors’ products are sold in a wider selection or greater number of retail stores and possess a larger presence in these stores, typically having significantly more inline shelf space than we do. Given the finite space allocated to skincare products by retail stores, our ability to grow the number of retail stores in which our products are sold, and expand our space allocation once in these retail stores, may require the removal or reduction of the shelf space of these competitors. We may be unsuccessful in our growth strategy in the event retailers do not reallocate shelf space from our competitors to us. Our competitors may attempt to gain market share by offering products at prices at or below the prices at which our products are typically offered, including through the use of large percentage discounts and “buy one and get one free” offers. Competitive pricing may require us to reduce our prices, which would decrease our profitability or result in lost sales. Our competitors, many of whom have greater resources than we do, may be better able to withstand these price reductions and lost sales.

 

We believe that we compete primarily on the basis of product differentiation, sales and marketing strategy and distribution model. In addition to the significant resources we have devoted over time to developing our innovative product formulation and differentiated product concepts, we believe that our expertise within the skincare category, brand authenticity and loyal consumer base, and omni-channel marketing and distribution expertise provide us with competitive advantages in the market for prestige skincare products.

  

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Seasonality

 

Sales of our products that contain sunscreen and our antiperspirants are higher in the summer than the winter and sales of our products that contain moisturizers are higher in the fall and winter months. The overall effects of the seasonality of our various products that have higher sales in the warm weather months is offset by the seasonality of the sale of products that have higher sales in the colder weather months, with the net effect of seasonality being minimal on overall net revenue.

 

Government Regulation

 

We and our products are subject to regulation by the FDA, the CPSC and the FTC as well as various other federal, state, local and foreign regulatory authorities. These laws and regulations principally relate to the ingredients, proper labeling, advertising, packaging, marketing, manufacture, safety, shipment and disposal of our products.

 

Under the FDCA cosmetic skincare products are defined as articles or components of articles that are applied to the human body and intended to cleanse, beautify or alter its appearance, with the exception of soap. The labeling of cosmetic products is also subject to the requirements of the FDCA, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, the Poison Prevention Packaging Act and other FDA regulations. Cosmetics are not subject to pre-market approval by the FDA, however certain ingredients, such as color additives, must be pre-authorized. If safety of the products or ingredients has not been adequately substantiated, a specific warning label is required. Other warnings may also be mandated pursuant to FDA regulations. The FDA monitors compliance of cosmetic products through market surveillance and inspection of cosmetic manufacturers and distributors to ensure that the products neither contain false nor misleading labeling and that they are not manufactured under unsanitary conditions. Inspections also may arise from consumer or competitor complaints filed with the FDA. In the event the FDA identifies false or misleading labeling or unsanitary conditions or otherwise a failure to comply with FDA requirements, we may be required by a regulatory authority or we may independently decide to conduct a recall or market withdrawal of our product or to make changes to our manufacturing processes or product formulations or labels which could result in an insufficient amount of our products in the market and harm our reputation.

 

The FDA evaluates the “intended use” of a product to determine whether it is a drug, cosmetic product, or both. If a product is intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of a disease condition or to affect the structure or function of the human body, the FDA will regulate the product as a drug. Drug products will then be subject to applicable requirements under the FDCA. The FDA may also consider labeling claims in determining the intended use of a product. If the FDA considers label claims for our cosmetic products to be claims affecting the structure or function of the human body, or intended for a disease condition, those products may be regulated as “new” drugs. If such products were regulated as “new” drugs by the FDA, it would be necessary to obtain pre-market approval, which includes, among other things, conducting clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy of our products in order to continue marketing those products. However, we may not have sufficient resources to conduct any required clinical studies and because clinical trial outcomes are uncertain we may not be able to demonstrate sufficient efficacy or safety data to resume future marketing of those products.

 

Our current products that are intended to treat acne and used as sunscreen are considered OTC drug products by the FDA. Our OTC products are subject to regulation through the FDA’s “monograph” system which specifies, among other things, permitted active drug ingredients and their concentrations. The FDA’s monograph system also provides the permissible product claims and certain product labeling requirements, based on the intended use of the product. Our OTC drug products must be manufactured consistent with the FDA’s current GMP requirements, and the failure to maintain compliance with these requirements could require us to conduct recalls, market withdrawals, or make changes to our manufacturing practices. Any of these actions could result in harm to our reputation or affect our ability to provide sufficient product to the market.

 

The FDA may change the regulations as to any product category, requiring a change in labeling, product formulation or analytical testing. However, we may not have sufficient resources to conduct any required analytical testing, reformulate the product or make required label changes, possibly resulting in an inability to continue or resume marketing these products. Any inquiries or investigations from the FDA, FTC or other foreign regulatory authorities into the regulatory status of our cosmetic products and any subsequent interruption in the marketing and sale of those products could severely damage our brand and company reputation in the marketplace.

 

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We may be subject to regulation by the CPSC under the Consumer Product Safety Act, as amended by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. These statutes and the related regulations ban from the market consumer products and packaging that fail to comply with applicable product safety laws, regulations, and standards. The CPSC has the authority to require the recall, repair, replacement or refund of any such banned products or products that otherwise create a substantial risk of injury and may seek penalties for regulatory noncompliance under certain circumstances. CPSC regulations also require manufacturers of consumer products to report to the CPSC certain types of information regarding products that fail to comply with applicable regulations. Certain state laws also address the safety of consumer products, and mandate reporting requirements, and noncompliance may result in penalties or other regulatory action.

 

The FTC, FDA and other government authorities also regulate advertising and product claims regarding the safety, performance and attributes of our products. These regulatory authorities typically require a safety assessment of the product and reasonable basis to support any marketing claims. What constitutes a reasonable basis for substantiation can vary widely from market to market, and there is no assurance that our efforts to support our claims will be considered sufficient. The most significant area of risk for such activities relates to improper or unsubstantiated claims about the use and safety of our products. If we cannot adequately support safety or substantiate our product claims, or if our promotional materials make claims that exceed the scope of allowed claims for the classification of the specific product, the FDA, FTC or other regulatory authority could take enforcement action or impose penalties, such as monetary consumer redress, requiring us to revise our marketing materials, amend our claims or stop selling certain products, all of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In December of 2014 the FTC filed a complaint against us and Audrey Kunin alleging unsubstantiated product claims made by us with respect to the effects of photodynamic therapy used in certain of our antiaging products and with respect to claims made in our Shrinking Beauty product. Although we had conducted several consumer perception studies with respect to such products, the FTC did not agree that the studies provided enough support for the claims that were made with respect to the products. In December 2014, a judgment in the amount of $843,996 was entered into of which we were required to pay $12,675 and payment of the balance of the judgment was indefinitely suspended based truthfulness, accuracy, and completeness of the information that we provided at that time to the FTC, which included information about our financial condition. If the court finds that we provided inaccurate information to the FTC, including, for example, an inaccurate representation of our material assets at the time, the suspension will be lifted.

 

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

 

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or the FCPA, prohibits any U.S. individual or business from paying, offering, or authorizing payment or offering of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any foreign official, political party or candidate for the purpose of influencing any act or decision of such foreign official in her or her official capacity or to secure any other improper advantage in order to obtain or retain business. In addition to the antibribery provisions, the FCPA also obligates “issuers,” companies whose securities are registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act or is required to file periodic and other reports with SEC under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act to comply with the FCPA’s record keeping and internal controls provisions; the accounting provisions require a listed company to maintain books and records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect all transactions of the corporation, including international affiliates, and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls to assure management’s control authority, and responsibility over our assets.

 

Export Controls and Economic Sanctions

 

Several U.S. statutes and regulations regulate the export from the United States of pharmaceutical products. Pursuant to the Export Administration Regulations, or the EAR, the export (including re-exports and “deemed exports”) of commercial and “dual-use” products may require a license or be prohibited. A listing of the types of goods and services controlled for export by the EAR is on the Commerce Control List, or the CCL, which includes essentially all civilian science, technology, and engineering dual use items. For products listed on the CCL, a license will be required as a condition to export, unless an exclusion or license exception applies. The DERMAdoctor ® products do not fall under EAR but are included in a broad category known as “EAR99.” Although a license may not generally be required for EAR99 designated items, a license will be required if the item will be shipped or otherwise transferred to a comprehensively embargoed country or for a potentially prohibited purpose.

 

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The Commerce Department’s Office of Antiboycott Compliance and the Treasury Department’s Internal Revenue Service enforce anti-boycott compliance regulations that prohibit U.S. persons such as us from participating directly or indirectly with an economic boycott that is not recognized by the United States. The regulations include reporting requirements, prohibitions, and tax liabilities that may be incurred if we support, even inadvertently, an economic boycott in which the U.S. does not participate.

 

Pursuant to the Trading With the Enemy Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and other related statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions that prohibit or restrict certain activities with embargoed countries, sanctioned entities, and sanctioned individuals for particular foreign policy and national security reasons. The scope of the sanctions varies significantly, but may include comprehensive restrictions on imports, exports, investment, and facilitation of foreign transactions involving a sanctioned jurisdiction, entity or person, as well as non-sanctioned persons and entities acting on behalf of sanctioned jurisdictions, entities or people. OFAC’s programs also prohibit U.S. persons, such as us, from transacting with any person or entity that is deemed to be a Foreign Sanctions Evader (foreign individuals and entities determined to have violated, attempted to violate, conspired to violate, or caused a violation of U.S. sanctions).

 

Other U.S. government agencies, including the U.S. Department of State, may maintain regulations that impact our ability to export pharmaceutical products from the United States. These broad range of U.S. export control laws and regulations obligate U.S. businesses to develop, maintain, and enforce an adequate system of internal controls to ensure compliance with such laws and regulations.

 

Business Over the Internet

 

In addition, there are an increasing number of laws and regulations being promulgated by the U.S. government, governments of individual states and governments overseas that pertain to the Internet and doing business online. In addition, a number of legislative and regulatory proposals are under consideration by federal, state, local, and foreign governments and agencies. Laws or regulations have been or may be adopted with respect to the Internet relating to:

 

  liability for information retrieved from or transmitted over the Internet;
     
  online content regulation;
     
  commercial e-mail;
     
  visitor privacy; and
     
  taxation and quality of products and services.

 

Moreover, the applicability to the Internet of existing laws governing issues such as:

 

  intellectual property ownership and infringement;
     
  consumer protection;
     
  obscenity;
     
  defamation;
     
  employment and labor;
     
  the protection of minors;
     
  health information; and
     
  personal privacy and the use of personally identifiable information.

 

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This area is uncertain and developing. Any new legislation or regulation or the application or interpretation of existing laws may have an adverse effect on our business. Even if our activities are not restricted by any new legislation, the cost of compliance may become burdensome, especially as different jurisdictions adopt different approaches to regulation. For example, we are subject to federal, state and foreign laws regarding privacy and protection of people’s data. Foreign data protection, privacy and other laws and regulations can be more restrictive than those in the United States. U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. In addition, the application, interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations are often uncertain, and may be interpreted and applied inconsistently from country to country and inconsistently with our current policies and practices. There are also a number of legislative proposals pending before the U.S. Congress, various state legislative bodies and foreign governments concerning privacy and data protection which could affect us. For example, in 2016 the European Commission recently enacted a new data protection regulation that includes operational requirements for companies that offer goods or services to people that are located in the European Union. The new regulation is significantly different than the one previously in place in the European Union, and also includes significant penalties for non-compliance.

 

Environmental, Health and Safety

 

We are subject to numerous foreign, federal, provincial, state, municipal and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations relating to, among other matters, safe working conditions, product stewardship and environmental protection, including those relating to, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous substances and waste materials, and the registration and evaluation of chemicals. We maintain policies and procedures to monitor and control environmental, health and safety risks, and to monitor compliance with applicable environmental, health and safety requirements. Compliance with such laws and regulations pertaining to the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, has not had a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. However, environmental laws and regulations have tended to become increasingly stringent and, to the extent regulatory changes occur in the future, they could result in, among other things, increased costs to our company. For example, certain states such as California and the U.S. Congress have proposed legislation relating to chemical disclosure and other requirements related to the content of our products.

 

Description of Facilities

 

We lease approximately 3,000 square feet of office space for our principal executive office and 11,000 square feet of warehouse space in Kansas City, Missouri from 1901 McGee, LLC. From this warehouse we distribute wholesale and bulk orders of product to our domestic retail customers, international distributors and direct-to-consumer orders, including distribution of product to our website and Amazon.com customers. Our lease commenced on January 1, 2016 and is for a term of one year, which we have the right to extend for ten additional one year terms. We did not extend the lease at the end of its initial one-year term and are therefore renting the facility on a month to month basis. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, monthly base rent was $17,328 and $16,823, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, monthly base rent was $16,823 and $16,333, respectively. Rental income and rent expense is eliminated upon consolidation. Base rent is subject to an annual increase of 3% per year. We consider our properties to be generally in good condition and believe that our existing facilities are currently adequate to support our existing operations. However, we do expect to outgrow our current warehouse space due to increasing sales and anticipate relocation to a new facility will be necessary. There is no assurance that new space may not increase our overall monthly rent which is currently at market rates.

 

Employees

 

As of March 31, 2018, we had approximately 21 full-time employees and one part-time employee. None of our employees are currently covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and we have experienced no work stoppages. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We are from time to time subject to, and are presently involved in, litigation and other proceedings. We believe that there are no pending lawsuits or claims that may, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of certain exemptions from various public company reporting requirements, including not being required to have our internal controls over financial reporting audited by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and any golden parachute payments. We may take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards under the JOBS Act, which election is irrevocable. We will remain an “emerging growth company” until the earlier of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which the fifth anniversary of the closing of this offering occurs; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion; (iii) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means we (1) have an aggregate worldwide market value of common equity securities held by non-affiliates of $700 million or more as of the last business day of our most recently completed second quarter, (2) have been required to file annual and quarterly reports under the Exchange Act for a period of at least 12 months and (3) have filed at least one annual report pursuant to the Exchange Act, and (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. References herein to “emerging growth company” have the meaning associated with associated with that term in the JOBS Act.

 

Corporate Information

 

DERMAdoctor, LLC was formed as a Missouri limited liability company in December 2015. Initially, our company was formed as a Missouri corporation in 1998 under the name DERMAdoctor, Inc. In December 2015, DERMAdoctor, Inc. contributed all of its assets to D. Doctor Acquisition, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company and received membership interests in D. Doctor Acquisition, LLC. On December 31, 2015, D. Doctor Acquisition, LLC filed an amendment to its articles of organization changing its name to DERMAdoctor, LLC and DERMAdoctor, Inc. filed an amendment to its articles of organization changing its name to Papillon Partners, Inc. Papillon is owned 51% by the Audrey G. Kunin Trust and 49% by the Jeffrey R. Kunin Trust.

 

Prior to the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, DERMAdoctor, LLC will merge directly with and into a Delaware corporation. We refer to this as the “corporate reorganization.” In connection with the corporate reorganization, all outstanding membership units of DERMAdoctor, LLC will be converted into 3,000,000 shares of common stock of DERMAdoctor, Inc., the members of DERMAdoctor, LLC will become stockholders of DERMAdoctor, Inc., and DERMAdoctor, Inc. will succeed to the business of DERMAdoctor, LLC. See “The Corporate Reorganization” for further information regarding the transactions effected in the corporate reorganization.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 1901 McGee St, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, and our telephone number is (816) 472-5700. Our website address is www.dermadoctor.com . Information contained in our website does not form part of the prospectus and is intended for informational purposes only.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

Board of Directors and Executive Officers

 

Our business and affairs are organized under the direction of our board of directors, which currently consists of three members. Set forth below are our directors and executive officers and their respective ages and positions as of the date of this prospectus:

  

Executive Officers and Directors   Age   Position(s) Held
         
Jeff Kunin, M.D.   56   President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
         
Audrey Kunin, M.D.   59   Chief Creative Officer and Director
         
Andrea Bielsker   59   Chief Financial Officer
         
William Kunin   46   Director

 

Jeff Kunin, M.D. President and Chief Executive Officer, Co-founder and Member of the Board of Directors

 

Jeff Kunin, M.D. co-founded our company in 1998. He currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of our company and has served as our Chief Operating Officer since November 2016 until his appointment as our President and Chief Executive Officer and from November 2016 until May 2017 served as our Chief Financial Officer.

 

Dr. Kunin served as the Chairman of the Department of Radiology at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City from 2007 to 2017. He graduated college with a B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from the University of California, San Diego. Jeff then graduated medical school and earned his M.D. degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Then he completed a residency in diagnostic radiology at the Medical College of Virginia and Henry Ford Hospital. Subsequently, he completed a fellowship in body imaging at the University of Michigan Hospitals. Jeff received his MBA degree from Washington University in St. Louis Olin School of Business. Dr. Kunin is also a co-owner of 1901 McGee, LLC, our landlord.

 

We selected Dr. Kunin to serve on our board of directors because he brings to the board extensive knowledge of the medical industry as well as his business background. Dr. Kunin has a vast knowledge of the industry and brings to the board significant executive leadership and operational experience. His business experience provides him with a broad understanding of the operational, financial and strategic issues facing similar companies.

 

Audrey Kunin, M.D. – Chief Creative Officer Co-founder and Member of the Board of Directors

 

Audrey Kunin, M.D. is one of our founders, currently serves as the Chief Creative Officer of our company since March 1, 2018 and the Chief Executive Officer of our company and its predecessor since 1998. Dr. Kunin graduated from Ohio State University in December 1980 and received her M.D. at the Medical College of Ohio in July 1985. She became a clinical researcher at Tulane Medical School and received her postgraduate training in Dermatology at the Medical College of Virginia after serving as Chief Resident in July 1989. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and serves as an Assistant Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Dr. Kunin is also a co-owner of 1901 McGee, LLC, our landlord.

 

We selected Dr. Kunin to serve on our board of directors because she brings to the board extensive knowledge of the dermatology industry and vast knowledge about our company. As a leader in the field of dermatology and her product development experience, she is invaluable to our company.

 

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Dr. Audrey Kunin is the wife of Dr. Jeff Kunin, our President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors, and the sister-in-law of William Kunin, a member of our board of directors.

 

Dr. Jeff Kunin, our President and Chief Executive Officer, is the husband of Dr. Audrey Kunin, our Chief Creative Officer and a member of our board of directors, and the brother of William Kunin, a member of our board of directors.

 

Andrea Bielsker - Chief Financial Officer

 

Andrea Bielsker joined DERMAdoctor in May 2017. She spent the majority of her career at Kansas City Power & Light Company, or KCPL, and its parent company, Great Plains Energy (NYSE: GXP), or GXP. Ms. Bielsker joined KCPL/GXP in 1984 as a financial analyst, was named Supervisor Financial Planning in 1989 and promoted to Assistant Treasurer in 1995, Treasurer in 1996, and Vice President-Finance in January 2000. She was promoted to Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer in January 2001, the position she held until leaving KCPL and GXP in 2005. While at KCPL and GXP she was responsible for Corporate Finance and Analysis, Accounting and Tax, Cash Management, Risk Management, and Budgeting and Financial Forecasting and Investor Relations. Ms. Bielsker has a master of business administration from the University of Kansas where she also earned an undergraduate degree in business administration. She has had several officer positions in the Kansas City Treasury Management Association and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Fountains Foundation, the Kansas City Tomorrow Alumni Association, and Marillac. Ms. Bielsker was elected a Director of UMB Scout mutual funds in 2006 and was named Chairperson of the Board in 2014. From 2005 to May 2017, Ms. Bielsker worked as a consultant advising on primarily finance-related matters. She also held senior financial positions at Liberty Power and Aleritas Capital during 2007 and 2008.

 

William Kunin, Director

 

William Kunin is a visual effects (VFX) supervisor for Hydraulx, a VFX company based in Santa Monica, California. He has worked on numerous films and productions in all aspects of visual effects including inferno artist and digital compositor. He currently supervises a team of artists based in Los Angeles, Vancouver, and New Orleans. Mr. Kunin graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with B.A. in Political Science. Mr. Kunin was elected as a member of our board of directors because of his technological expertise.

 

William Kunin is the brother of Dr. Jeff Kunin, our President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors, and the brother-in-law of Dr. Audrey Kunin, our Chief Creative Officer and a member of our board of directors.

 

Board of Directors as of the Effective Date 

 

Effective immediately upon the effective date of this offering, it is intended that William Kunin will resign from the Board and that the following three independent directors will join the Board.

 

Name   Age   Positions
Victoria Barnard   61   Director, Nominee
Brad Hampton   51   Director, Nominee
James Hyde   53   Director, Nominee

  

Victoria Barnard, Director Nominee

 

Victoria Barnard is the President of Foot Traffic USA, LLC, a privately held brand leader in fashion legwear and novelty socks with national distribution in 1,300 boutiques, specialty retailers and online retailers, and has held such position since 2012. From 1984 to 2012, she held various leadership positions at Hallmark Cards, Inc., a family held, industry leader in global greetings, specialty retail and the parent company of Crayola and the Hallmark Cable Television Channel. In 1995, she was named General Manager, Hallmark Season Greeting Cards, and served in that capacity until 1999 when she was promoted to Vice President, Acquisitions Strategy and Integration and served in that capacity until 2002. From 2002 to 2012, she served as Vice President, Strategic Planning responsible for strategic decisions within and across all divisions. Since March 2017, she has served as an independent director and the Compensation Committee Chair of Just Born Quality Confections (“Just Born”). A family held company, Just Born is the 9 th largest candy company in the United States and is known for several iconic brands, including Peeps Marshmallow candies, Mike and Ike fruity, chewy candies and Hot Tamales, the number one selling cinnamon candy. Ms. Barnard holds an MBA from the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business, and a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Marquette University. Ms. Barnard serves as a Commissioner on the Kansas City Crime Commission, is co-founder and former Board Chair of the Women’s Capital Connection, an all women angel-investing group, former Board Chair of the Kansas Women’s Business Center and former Board Member of the Kansas City Ballet.

 

Ms. Barnard was elected as a member of our board of directors because of her over thirty years of consumer goods experience in senior executive positions.

 

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Brad Hampton, Director Nominee

 

Brad Hampton is the Chief Financial Officer of Helzberg Diamonds, a nationwide and online fine jewelry retailer, and subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Company. Prior to joining Helzberg Diamonds in June 2017, he held numerous senior financial executive positions with Sprint Corporation. Mr. Hampton joined Sprint Corporation in October 1996 as a financial analyst, was named a Director, Product Finance in January 2004, a Director, Marketing Finance in January 2005, and a Director, Financial Planning and Analysis in January 2006. In 2009, he was promoted to Vice President-Finance; in 2012, he was promoted to Vice President and Investor Relations Officer; and in 2014, he was promoted to Vice President and Business Unit Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Hampton holds an Executive Leadership Certificate from Duke University, an Executive Education Certificate from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and an MBA from LeTourneau University. He also holds Bachelor degrees in Economics and Latin American studies from the University of New Mexico. Brad serves as a director on the board of Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City, and is a long-time volunteer leader for the Boy Scouts of America and his local church.

 

Mr. Hampton was elected as a member of our board of directors because of his over twenty years of finance experience in senior executive positions. 

 

James Hyde, Director Nominee

 

James A Hyde has served in various senior capacities in the telecommunication industry. From April 2016 to December 2017, he was the President - Wholesale, Affiliates and Strategic Partnerships at Sprint Corporation. From October 2015 through December 2016, he served as a board member and Executive Chairman of Fastback Networks, a wireless telecommunications company. From April 2009 to August 2014, he was the Chief Executive Officer and a director of nTelos Holdings, a Nasdaq-listed telecommunications company. From October 2011 to September 2014, he served as a director of Lumos Networks, a Nasdaq-listed telecommunications company, and served as its Chief Executive Officer from October 2011 to April 2012. From January 2006 to March 2009, he served as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of T-Mobile, United Kingdom. From July 1997 to January 2006, he was Vice President, Sales and Operations at T-Mobile. Mr. Hyde holds a Bachelor degree in Business/Finance from Arizona State University.

 

Mr. Hyde was elected as a member of our board of directors because of his significant experience in serving as a board member and senior executive of Nasdaq-listed public companies.

 

Board Composition and Election of Directors

 

Our board of directors currently consists of three members: Audrey Kunin, Jeff Kunin and William Kunin. Our board of directors has undertaken a review of its composition and its committees and the independence of each director. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our board of directors has determined that none of our current directors are “independent” under the applicable rules of the SEC and Nasdaq. Audrey and Jeff Kunin are not independent directors under these rules because Jeff is our President and Chief Executive Officer and Audrey is our Chief Creative Officer. William is not an independent director under these rules because of his family relationship to Audrey and Jeff. Upon the effective date of this offering, we intend for Victoria Barnard, James Hyde and Brad Hampton to be elected to serve as directors on our board of directors. We have determined that each of Ms. Barnard and Messrs. Hyde and Hampton will be independent directors under the applicable Nasdaq rules.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Our Status as a Controlled Company

 

After completion of this offering, we will qualify as a “controlled company” within the meaning of the applicable Nasdaq corporate governance standards because in excess of 50% of our voting power will be held by Papillon, an entity that Audrey and Jeff Kunin indirectly control. As such, we will qualify for certain exemptions to the Nasdaq listing requirements, including the requirement that a majority of our directors be independent, and the requirements to have a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee, each composed of entirely independent directors.

 

Board Committees

 

Prior to the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, our board of directors will establish an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

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Audit Committee

 

The members of our Audit Committee will be Victoria Barnard, James A. Hyde, and Brad Hampton, each of whom has been determined by our board of directors to be independent under applicable Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations. Mr. Hampton  will be the chair of the Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee’s responsibilities will include, among others:

 

  appointing, approving the compensation of, and assessing the independence of our registered public accounting firm;
     
  overseeing the work of our independent registered public accounting firm, including through the receipt and consideration of reports from that firm;
     
  reviewing and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures;
     
  monitoring our internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures;
     
  overseeing our internal audit function;
     
  discussing our risk management policies;

 

  establishing policies regarding hiring employees from our independent registered public accounting firm and procedures for the receipt and retention of accounting related complaints and concerns;
     
  meeting independently with our internal auditing staff, if any, our independent registered public accounting firm and management;
     
  reviewing and approving or ratifying any related person transactions; and
     
  preparing the Audit Committee report required by SEC rules.

 

All audit and non-audit services, other than de minimis non-audit services, to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm must be approved in advance by our Audit Committee.

 

Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Hampton is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in applicable SEC rules.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The members of our Compensation Committee will be Victoria Barnard, James A. Hyde and Brad Hampton, each of whom has been determined by our board of directors to be independent under applicable Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations. Ms. Barnard will be the chair of the Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee’s responsibilities will include, among others:

 

  reviewing and approving annually the corporate goals and objectives applicable to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, evaluating at least annually the Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determining and approving the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation level based on this evaluation;

 

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  reviewing and approving the compensation of all other executive officers;
     
  reviewing and approving and, when appropriate, recommending to the board of directors for approval, incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans, and where appropriate or required, recommending for approval by our stockholders, the adoption, amendment or termination of such plans; and administering such plans;
     
  reviewing and approving the executive compensation information included in our annual report on Form 10-K and proxy statement;
     
  reviewing and approving or providing recommendations with respect to any employment agreements or severance arrangements or plans; and
     
  reviewing director compensation and recommending any changes to the board of directors.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

The members of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will be Victoria Barnard, James A. Hyde, and Brad Hampton, each of whom has been determined by our board of directors to be independent under current Nasdaq rules.  Mr. Hyde will be the chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s responsibilities include, among others:

 

  identifying and recommending candidates to fill vacancies on the board of directors and for election by the stockholders;
     
  recommending committee and chairperson assignments for directors to the board of directors;
     
  developing, subject to the board of directors’ approval, a process for an annual evaluation of the board of directors and its committees and to oversee the conduct of this annual evaluation;
     
  overseeing our corporate governance practices, including reviewing and recommending to the board of directors for approval any changes to the documents and policies in our corporate governance framework, including its certificate of incorporation and bylaws; and
     
  monitoring compliance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, investigating alleged breaches or violations thereof and enforcing its provisions.

 

Board of Directors Leadership Structure

 

Our board of directors does not have a lead independent director. Our board of directors has determined its leadership structure is appropriate and effective for us, given our stage of development.

  

Risk Oversight

 

Our board of directors will monitor our exposure to a variety of risks through our Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee charter will give the Audit Committee responsibilities and duties that include discussing with management, the internal audit department and the independent auditors our major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures, including our risk assessment and risk management policies.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

We will adopt a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers, and directors, including those officers responsible for financial reporting. These standards are designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct. We will disclose any amendment or waiver of our code of business conduct and ethics via a Form 8-K or our website.

 

The code of business conduct and ethics and the written charter for each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will be available on our website. The information that appears on our website is not part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus.

 

None of our directors, director nominees or executive officers, nor any associate of such individual, is involved in a legal proceeding adverse to us.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table (2017 and 2016)

 

The following table sets forth the information as to compensation paid to or earned by, our principal executive officer for such year and our two other executive officers whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 for each of the fiscal years presented below. The persons listed in the following table are referred to herein as the “named executive officers.”

   

Name and Principal Position   Fiscal
Year
  Salary     All Other
Compensation (4)
    Total  
Jeff Kunin (1)                            
President and Chief Executive Officer and   2017                  
Former Chief Financial Officer   2016                  
                             
Audrey Kunin (1)(2)   2017   $ 150,000     $ 6,000     $ 156,000  
Chief Creative Officer and former Chief Executive Officer   2016   $ 150,000     $ 5,917     $ 155,917  
                             
Andrea Bielsker (3)   2017   $ 76,000           $ 76,000  
Chief Financial Officer   2016                        

 

 

 

(1) Does not include any distribution that Drs. Kunin has received from 1901 McGee, LLC, the lessor of our corporate headquarters and warehouse.
   
(2) Dr. Audrey Kunin served as our Chief Executive Officer until March 1, 2018 when Dr. Jeff Kunin was appointed to serve as our Chief Executive Officer.
   
(3) Ms. Bielsker joined our company as our Chief Financial Officer in May 2017.
   
(4) Represents 401(k) benefits.

 

Employment Agreements

 

On March 10, 2018, we entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Jeff Kunin to act as our President and Chief Executive Officer, or the Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement. The initial term of the Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement is from March 10, 2018 through March 10, 2022; however, this agreement will be automatically renewed for successive one year periods, each a renewal term, unless, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term, either party gives written notice to the other party specifically electing to terminate the Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement at the end of the applicable term. The Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement provides for Dr. Kunin to receive an annual base salary of $150,000 per year, which will increase to $200,000 per year upon consummation of this offering. Pursuant to the Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement, Dr. Kunin may receive a cash bonus equal to 150% of his base salary and an equity bonus as determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion. In addition, at the first meeting of the board of directors held after the consummation of this offering, Dr. Kunin will be issued options to purchase a number of shares of our common stock, to be determined by the board of directors in its sole discretion, at an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the grant date, vesting monthly on a pro rata basis over four years with accelerated vesting upon a Change of Control (as defined in the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan). If Dr. Kunin’s employment is terminated by us for Just Cause (as defined in the agreement), death or disability, he (or his estate in the event of death) will receive the accrued base salary, vacation pay, expense reimbursement and any other entitlements accrued by him through the date of termination to the extent not previously paid. If Dr. Kunin’s employment is terminated by us Without Just Cause (as defined in the agreement) or by Dr. Kunin for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), he will also receive an amount equal to one year’s base salary as severance; provided that he executes and does not revoke a release and settlement agreement releasing us from all claims arising from his employment. The Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement includes customary non-competition provisions.

 

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On March 10, 2018, we entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Audrey Kunin to act as our Chief Creative Officer, or the Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement. The initial term of the Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement from March 10, 2018 through March 10, 2022; however, this agreement will be automatically renewed for successive one year periods, each a renewal term, unless, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term, either party gives written notice to the other party specifically electing to terminate the Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement at the end of the applicable term. The Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement provides for Dr. Kunin to receive an annual base salary of $150,000 per year, which will increase to $200,000 per year upon consummation of this offering. Pursuant to the Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement, Dr. Kunin may receive a cash bonus equal to 150% of her base salary and an equity bonus as determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion. In addition, at the first meeting of the board of directors held after the consummation of this offering, Dr. Kunin will be issued options to purchase a number of shares of our common stock, to be determined by the board of directors in its sole discretion, at an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the grant date, vesting monthly on a pro rata basis over four years with accelerated vesting upon a Change of Control (as defined in the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan). If Dr. Kunin’s employment is terminated by us for Just Cause (as defined in the agreement), death or disability, she (or her estate in the event of death) will receive the accrued base salary, vacation pay, expense reimbursement and any other entitlements accrued by her through the date of termination to the extent not previously paid. If Dr. Kunin’s employment is terminated by us Without Just Cause (as defined in the agreement) or by Dr. Kunin for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), she will also receive an amount equal to one year’s base salary as severance; provided that she executes and does not revoke a release and settlement agreement releasing us from all claims arising from her employment. The Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement includes customary non-competition provisions.

 

The Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement will replace the employment agreement that we entered into on January 1, 2016, with Dr. Audrey Kunin to act as our Chief Executive Officer, or the AK Employment Agreement. Effective January 1, 2017, the AK Employment Agreement was automatically renewed for a successive one year period. Pursuant to the AK Employment Agreement, Dr. Kunin received an annual base salary of $150,000 per year and was entitled to a bonus equal to two percent (2%) of actual measurable sales that were the direct result of her personal media appearances on our behalf, as determined by us.

 

On May 22, 2017, we entered into an employment agreement with Andrea Bielsker to act as our Chief Financial Officer, or the Bielsker Employment Agreement. The initial term of the Bielsker Employment Agreement is May 22, 2017 through December 31, 2018; however, this agreement will be automatically renewed for successive one year periods, each a renewal term, unless, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term, either party gives written notice to the other party specifically electing to terminate the Bielsker Employment Agreement at the end of the applicable term. Ms. Bielsker receives an annual base salary of $130,000 per year and has agreed to devote at least sixty percent (60%) of her professional time attending to our business. Pursuant to the Bielsker Employment Agreement, Ms. Bielsker may receive a bonus equal to a percentage of her base salary as determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion. If Ms. Bielsker’s employment is terminated by us for Just Cause (as defined in the agreement), death or disability, she (or her estate in the event of death) will receive the accrued base salary, vacation pay, expense reimbursement and any other entitlements accrued by her through the date of termination to the extent not previously paid. If Ms. Bielsker’s employment is terminated by us Without Just Cause (as defined in the agreement) or by Ms. Bielsker for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), she will also receive an amount equal to three months base salary as severance; provided that she executes and does not revoke a release and settlement agreement releasing us from all claims arising from her employment. The Bielsker Employment Agreement includes customary non-competition provisions.

 

Non-Employee Director Compensation

 

2016 Compensation of Directors

  

Since 2014, our directors have not received any compensation for their service as directors. Commencing after this offering, directors who are not employees will receive compensation for their service as directors, including service as members of each committee on which they serve. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not yet determined a formal policy regarding the amount and type of compensation to be paid to our non-employee directors. We anticipate that we will adopt a formal compensation policy for non-employee directors upon consummation of the offering.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock immediately prior to and immediately following the offering:

  

  each person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock;
     
  each of our directors and director nominees;
     
  each of our named executive officers; and
     
  all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

 

The pre-offering percentage ownership information shown in the table is based upon 3,000,000  shares of common stock outstanding immediately prior to the offering (assuming that the 1,000,000 Units that are outstanding convert to 3,000,000 shares of common stock). The post-offering percentage is based upon 4,875,000  shares of common stock outstanding after completion of this offering, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

  

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting power or investment power with respect to those securities. In addition, the rules would include shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options, warrants or other rights that are either immediately exercisable or exercisable on or before May 1, , 2018, which is 60 days after the date of this prospectus. These shares are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding those options or warrants for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person, but they are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons or entities identified in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable community property laws.

 

Except as otherwise noted below, the address for each of the individuals and entities listed in this table is c/o DERMAdoctor, Inc., 1901 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri 64108.

    

Name of Beneficial Owner   Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
    Percentage
Ownership
(Pre-Offering)
    Percentage
Ownership
(Post-Offering)
 
Executive Officers & Directors                  
Jeff Kunin (1)     2,466,900       82.23 %     50.6 %
Audrey Kunin, M.D. (1)     2,466,900       82.23 %     50.6 %
Andrea Bielsker                    
William Kunin                    
Victoria Barnard                  
Brad Hampton                  
James Hyde                  
All Executive Officers & Directors, & Director Nominees as a group (seven (7) persons)     2,466,900       82.23 %     50.6 %
                         
5% Stockholders                        
Papillon Partners, Inc. (1)     2,466,900       82.23 %     50.6 %
Midwest Growth Partners LLLP (2)     533,100       17.77 %     10.9 %

 

 

 

(1) Jeff Kunin, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and a member of our board of directors, and Audrey Kunin, M.D., our Chief Creative Officer a member of our board of directors, share voting and dispositive power over the shares. Audrey Kunin is the trustee of the Audrey G. Kunin Trust which owns 51% of the outstanding equity Papillon. Jeff Kunin is the trustee of the Jeffrey R. Kunin Trust, which owns 49% of the outstanding equity of Papillon.
   
(2) John Mickelson and Mike Taylor have voting control of Midwest Growth Partners LLLP.  The address of Midwest Growth Partners LLLP is 7049 Vista Drive, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The following is a summary of transactions since January 1, 2016 to which we have been a party in which the amount involved exceeded the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at the end of the last two recent fiscal years and in which any of our executive officers, directors, director nominees or beneficial holders of more than five percent of our capital stock had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than compensation arrangements which are described under the section of this prospectus entitled “Executive Compensation.”

 

Promissory Notes

 

On November 8, 2016, we issued a promissory note to Papillon, our largest stockholder, in the aggregate principal amount of $1,600,000, or the November 2016 Note. The November 2016 Note bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum and matures on November 8, 2019 unless earlier prepaid. All principal under the November 2016 Note is paid at maturity, therefore, the principal amount outstanding on the November 2016 Note as of the date of this prospectus remains $1,600,000. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we recognized $96,000 and $14,203, respectively, in interest expense as reflected in our Statement of Operations and paid those same amounts, respectively, in interest on the November 2016 Note. From January 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018, we have paid an aggregate of $23,653 in interest related to the November 2016. The November 2016 Note is a general unsecured obligation of our company and is not guaranteed by any other person or entity or secured by any of our assets. The proceeds of the November 2016 Note were used by us to repurchase half of the outstanding Units of our other members at that time.

 

On July 17, 2017, we issued a short-term promissory note to Papillon in the aggregate principal amount of $90,000, or the July 2017 Bridge Note. All principal under the July 2017 Bridge Note is paid at maturity, therefore, the principal amount outstanding on the July 2017 Bridge Note as of the date of this prospectus remains $90,000. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid interest on the July 2017 Bridge Note and recognized $2,250 in interest expense as reflected in our Statement of Operations. From January 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018, we have paid an aggregate of $1,350 in interest related to the July 2017 Bridge Note. The July 2017 Bridge Note bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum and was to mature 90 days after its issuance, unless earlier prepaid. On October 9, 2017, the July 2017 Bridge Note was amended to extend its maturity date to January 13, 2018. On January 13, 2018 the July 2017 Bridge Note was amended to extend its maturity date to March 15, 2018. On March 15, 2018 the July 2017 Bridge Note was amended to extend its maturity date to May 14, 2018. On April 30, 2018 the July 2017 Bridge Note was amended to extend its maturity date to July 29, 2018. The July 2017 Bridge Note is a general unsecured obligation of our company and is not guaranteed by any other person or entity or secured by any of our assets.

 

On November 9, 2017, we issued a short-term promissory note to Papillon in the aggregate principal amount of $100,000, or the November 2017 Bridge Note. The November 2017 Bridge Note bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum and is scheduled to mature on February 7, 2018, unless earlier prepaid. All principal under the November 2017 Bridge Note is paid at maturity, therefore, the principal amount outstanding on the November 2017 Bridge Note as of the date of this prospectus remains $100,000. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we did not pay any interest on the November 2017 Bridge Note and recognized $1,000 in interest expense as reflected in our Statement of Operations. From January 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018, we have paid an aggregate of $1,500 in interest related to the November 2017 Bridge Note. On February 6, 2018, the November 2017 Bridge Note was amended to extend its maturity date to May 8, 2018. On April 30, 2018 the November 2017 Bridge Note was amended to extend its maturity date to July 29, 2018.The November 2017 Bridge Note is a general unsecured obligation of our company and is not guaranteed by any other person or entity or secured by any of our assets. The proceeds of the November 2017 Bridge Note were used by us for working capital purposes.

 

Lease

 

The lessor of the building in which our corporate headquarters and warehouse are located, 1901 McGee, LLC, is an entity owned 50.1% by Audrey Kunin and 49.9 % by Jeff Kunin. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we paid rent of $51,984 and $50,470, respectively, to 1901 McGee, LLC. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 we paid rent of $201,902 and $198,952, respectively, to 1901 McGee, LLC. The associated rental income and rent expense is eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Sale Proceeds Sharing Agreements

 

On January 1, 2016, we and Papillon entered into sale proceeds sharing agreements with certain of our employees to (i) encourage and reward our employees upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below); and (ii) to provide for certain restrictive covenants binding upon the employee. In the event of a Change of Control affecting us, Papillon will pay and/or transfer to the employee that is a party to the sale proceeds sharing agreement on the date that is ninety (90) days following the closing of the Change of Control, or the Closing Date, an award, or the Award, equal to 0.25% of the liquidation proceeds from the Change of Control. The Award will only be payable if the employee fully complies with the terms of the sale proceeds sharing agreement and is employed by us on the Closing Date. As of the date of this prospectus, there are two employees eligible for a Change of Control payment.

 

For purposes of the sale proceeds sharing agreements, “Change of Control” means (i) the sale, lease, transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of our assets to any person or group; or (ii) the acquisition by any person or group (other than our current members or their affiliates or family members) of a direct or indirect interest in 100% of our voting interests by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise. This offering does not trigger a payment under these sale proceeds sharing agreements. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, and the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we recognized $9,500, $8,000, $32,000 and $64,000, respectively, in compensation expense related to the sale proceeds sharing agreements, as reflected in our Statement of Operations.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE 

 

Before this offering, there was no public market for our securities and a significant public market for our securities may not develop or be sustained after this offering. As described below, the approximately 3,000,000 shares outstanding immediately prior to the offering will not be available for sale immediately after this offering due to certain contractual and securities law restrictions on resale. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market after these restrictions lapse could cause the prevailing market price of our common stock to decline and limit our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

  

Upon completion of this offering, we will have outstanding an aggregate of 4,875,000  shares of common stock (5,156,250   shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full). In addition, we have reserved shares for future issuance under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan we intend to adopt immediately prior to this offering.

  

Of these shares, the 1,875,000  shares sold in this offering (2,156,250   shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) will be freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act; provided that any shares that are acquired by affiliates as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or Rule 144, will be subject to the volume, manner of sale and other limitations of Rule 144.

  

As a result of contractual restrictions described below and the provisions of Rule 144 and/or Rule 701, the 4,875,000  shares sold in this offering and the restricted securities will be available for sale in the public market as follows:

  

  the 1,875,000  shares sold in this offering (2,156,250  shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) will be eligible for immediate sale upon the completion of this offering; and
     
  approximately 3,000,000 restricted shares will be eligible for sale in the public market upon expiration of the lock-up agreements (described below), which will occur 180 days after the date of this prospectus, which date may be extended in specified circumstances, subject to the volume, manner of sale and other limitations applicable to affiliates under Rule 144.

 

Rule 144

 

In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, once we have been subject to the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act for at least 90 days a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of ours at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least six months, would be entitled to sell those shares, subject only to the availability of current public information about us. A non-affiliated person who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least one year would be entitled to sell those shares without regard to the availability of current public information about us.

 

An affiliate of ours who has beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for at least twelve months (or six months, provided that such sale occurs after we have been subject to the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act for at least 90 days) would be entitled to sell, within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of (i) 1% of shares of our common stock then outstanding and (ii) the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the Nasdaq during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such sale.

 

Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.

 

Rule 701

 

Under Rule 701, common stock acquired pursuant to other awards granted under a written compensatory benefit plan (or written compensation contract) established by the issuer may be resold, to the extent not subject to lock-up agreements, (a) by persons other than affiliates, beginning 90 days after the effective date of this offering, and (b) by affiliates, subject to the manner-of-sale, volume limitations, current public information and filing requirements of Rule 144, in each case, without compliance with the holding period requirement of Rule 144.

 

2018 Equity Incentive Plan

 

At the first meeting of our Board of Directors that is held after completion of this offering, we intend to issue awards under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan to each of Dr. Jeff Kunin and Dr. Audrey Kunin and other employees and to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering all shares of common stock issuable pursuant to our 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The number and type of awards have not yet been determined and will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Subject to Rule 144 volume limitations applicable to affiliates, shares registered under this registration statement will be available for sale in the open market, subject to any vesting restrictions or the contractual restrictions described below.  

 

Lock-Up Agreements

  

In connection with this offering, our directors and officers and all other holders of our outstanding equity securities, on an as converted basis, will agree not to sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, without the prior written consent of ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc., for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions. See the section entitled “Underwriting.” The underwriters may release all or any portion of the securities subject to lock-up agreements.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK

  

The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. holders (as defined below) of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common stock issued pursuant to the initial public offering. This discussion is not a complete analysis of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences and does not address any tax consequences arising under any state, local or foreign tax laws, any income tax treaties, or any other U.S. federal tax laws, including U.S. federal estate and gift tax laws (except as specifically addressed herein with respect to U.S. federal estate taxes). This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, all as in effect on the date of the initial public offering. These authorities may change, possibly retroactively, resulting in tax consequences different from those discussed below. No rulings have been or will be sought from the IRS with respect to the matters discussed below, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a different position regarding the tax consequences of a non-U.S. holder’s acquisition, ownership or disposition of our common stock or that any such position would not be sustained by a court.

   

This discussion is limited to non-U.S. holders who purchase our common stock pursuant to this offering and who hold our common stock as “capital assets” within the meaning of Code Section 1221 (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a non-U.S. holder in light of the holder’s particular circumstances. It also does not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders subject to special rules under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including, without limitation, certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States, banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, “controlled foreign corporations” (as defined in Code Section 957), “passive foreign investment companies” (as defined in Code Section 1297), corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax, brokers, dealers or traders in securities, commodities or currencies, partnerships or other pass-through entities (or investors in such entities), tax-exempt organizations, governmental organizations, tax-qualified retirement plans, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax or the unearned income Medicare contribution tax, persons who hold or receive our common stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock or option or otherwise as compensation, persons who have elected to mark securities to market, and persons holding our common stock as part of a straddle, hedge or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated investment.

  

WE RECOMMEND THAT PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS, ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATIES, OR ANY OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS (INCLUDING ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS).

  

Definition of Non-U.S. Holder

  

As used in this discussion, a non-U.S. holder is any beneficial owner of our common stock who is not treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is not:

 

  an individual citizen or resident of the United States;
     
  a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
     
  an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or
     
  a trust if (i) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have authority to control all its substantial decisions or (ii) the trust was in existence on August 20, 1996, was treated as a U.S. person prior to that date and validly elected to continue to be so treated, or (iii) that has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

  

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If any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships and their partners should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences to them of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common stock.

 

Distributions on Our Common Stock

  

As described in the section entitled, “Dividend Policy,” we do not anticipate paying dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. If we make a distribution of cash or other property with respect to our common stock, the distribution generally will constitute a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Amounts not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital and will first be applied against and reduce a holder’s adjusted tax basis in its common stock, but not below zero. Any remaining excess will be treated as capital gain from the sale of property.

  

Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder of our common stock that are not effectively connected to the holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends, or a lower rate specified by an applicable tax treaty. To receive the benefit of a reduced treaty rate, a non-U.S. holder must furnish to us or our paying agent a valid IRS Form W-8BEN (or applicable successor form) certifying the holder’s qualification for the reduced rate. A non-U.S. holder may be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number to claim treaty benefits. This certification must be provided to us or our paying agent prior to the payment of dividends and may be required to be updated periodically. Non-U.S. holders that do not timely provide us or our paying agent with the required certification, but which qualify for a reduced treaty rate, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under a relevant income tax treaty.

 

If a non-U.S. holder holds our common stock in connection with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and dividends paid on the common stock are effectively connected with the holder’s U.S. trade or business and, if an income tax treaty applies, the non-U.S. holder maintains a “permanent establishment” in the United States to which the dividends are attributable, the non-U.S. holder will be exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax, if the appropriate certification is provided. To claim the exemption for effectively connected income, the non-U.S. holder must furnish to us or our paying agent a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or applicable successor form) prior to the payment of the dividends. Any dividends paid on our common stock that are effectively connected with a non-U.S. holder’s U.S. trade or business generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if the holder were a resident of the United States, unless the holder is entitled to the benefits of a tax treaty that provides otherwise. A non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or a lower rate specified by an applicable tax treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year that are attributable to such dividends, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable tax treaties that may provide for different rules.

  

Gain on Disposition of Our Common Stock

 

Subject to the discussions below regarding backup withholding and foreign accounts, a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of our common stock unless:

 

  the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States;
     
  the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other requirements are met; or
     
  our common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest by reason of our status as a U.S. real property holding corporation at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period for our common stock and certain other requirements are met.

 

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Unless an applicable tax treaty provides otherwise, gain described in the first bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if the holder were a resident of the United States. Non-U.S. holders that are foreign corporations also may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or a lower rate specified by an applicable tax treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year that are attributable to such gain, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable tax treaties that may provide for different rules.

 

Gains described in the second bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a flat 30% rate (or a lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty), but may be offset by U.S. source capital losses.

 

With respect to the third bullet point above, we believe we currently are not and will not become a U.S. real property holding corporation. However, because the determination of whether we are a U.S. real property holding corporation generally depends on whether the fair market value of our U.S. real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of our other trade or business assets and our worldwide real property interests, there can be no assurance that we will not become a U.S. real property holding corporation in the future. In the event we do become a U.S. real property holding corporation, as long as our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market, our common stock will constitute a U.S. real property interest only with respect to a non-U.S. holder that actually or constructively holds more than five percent of our common stock at some time during the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period for our common stock. Any taxable gain generally will be taxed in the same manner as gain that is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, except that the branch profits tax will not apply.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Annual reports are required to be filed with the IRS and provided to each non-U.S. holder indicating the amount of dividends on our common stock paid to such holder and the amount of any tax withheld with respect to those dividends. These information reporting requirements apply even if no withholding was required because the dividends were effectively connected with the holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business, or withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. This information also may be made available under a specific treaty or agreement with the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established.

  

Backup withholding, currently at a rate of 24%, generally will not apply to payments of dividends to a non-U.S. holder of our common stock provided the non-U.S. holder furnishes to us or our paying agent the required certification as to its non-U.S. status (typically, by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI) or an exemption is otherwise established. Backup withholding may apply if the payor has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the holder is a U.S. person who is not an exempt recipient.

  

Payment of the proceeds from a non-U.S. holder’s disposition of our common stock made by or through a foreign office of a broker will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding, except that information reporting (but generally not backup withholding) may apply to those payments if the broker does not have documentary evidence that the beneficial owner is a non-U.S. holder, an exemption is not otherwise established and the broker is:

  

  a U.S. person, as defined in the Code;
     
  a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
     
  a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business for a specified three-year period; or
     
  a foreign partnership if at any time during its tax year (1) one or more of its partners are U.S. persons who hold in the aggregate more than 50% of the income or capital interest in the partnership or (2) it is engaged in the conduct of a U.S. trade or business.

 

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Payment of the proceeds from a non-U.S. holder’s disposition of our common stock made by or through the U.S. office of a broker generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless the non-U.S. holder certifies as to its non-U.S. status (such as by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI) or otherwise establishes an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.

  

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Taxpayers may use amounts withheld as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability or may claim a refund if they timely provide certain information to the IRS.

  

U.S. Federal Estate Tax

  

Shares of common stock held (or deemed held) by an individual who is a non-U.S. holder at the time of his or her death will be included in such non-U.S. holder’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise, and thus may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax.

  

Additional Withholding Tax Relating to Foreign Accounts

  

Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (commonly referred to as FATCA) will generally impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends and the gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock paid after December 31, 2012 to a foreign financial institution (whether holding stock for its own account or on behalf of its account holders/investors) unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners). FATCA will also generally impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends and the gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock paid after December 31, 2012 to any other foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification identifying the direct and indirect U.S. owners of the entity. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify these requirements.

  

FATCA currently applies to dividends paid on our common stock. FATCA will also apply to gross proceeds from sales or other dispositions of our common stock after December 31, 2018. Under certain circumstances, a holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible impact of these rules on their investment in our common stock.

  

WE RECOMMEND THAT PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS, ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATIES, OR ANY OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS (INCLUDING ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS).

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

 

The following description of our capital stock and the provisions of our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws are summaries and are qualified by reference to the certificate of incorporation and the bylaws that will be in effect upon the closing of this offering. We have filed copies of these documents with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The descriptions of the common stock and preferred stock reflect changes to our capital structure that will occur prior to and upon the closing of this offering.

  

General

  

Upon the closing of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.

  

As of the date of this prospectus, we have issued and outstanding 1,000,000 Units held by two holders of record. As part of the corporate reorganization, the outstanding Units will be automatically converted into an aggregate of  3,000,000 shares of our common stock prior to the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

  

Membership Units

  

The Units are designed to largely mimic shares in a C corporation with the class and characteristics of the Units determining the voting rights and share of cash distributions to be received by holders of the Units, all as defined in the LLC Operating Agreement.

 

Under the LLC Operating Agreement, we are authorized to issue 1,000,000 Units. At March 31, 2018, there were 1,000,000 Units outstanding.

 

Capital Stock

 

The following description summarizes the terms of our capital stock following the corporate reorganization. Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. For a complete description, you should refer to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as in effect immediately following the closing of this offering, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

Common Stock

  

Common stock outstanding. Assuming the corporate reorganization is consummated, and assuming an initial public offering price of $8.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, there will be no more than 4,875,000  shares of our common stock outstanding, immediately following the consummation of this offering, but assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option and no exercise of outstanding options or warrants.

  

Voting rights. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders, except on matters relating solely to terms of preferred stock.

  

Dividend rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. See “Dividend Policy.”

  

Rights upon liquidation. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock, if any, then outstanding.

  

Other rights. The holders of our common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock.

 

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Preferred Stock

  

Our board of directors has the authority to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more classes or series and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion right, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any class or series, without further vote or action by the stockholders. Although we have no present plans to issue any other shares of preferred stock (other than the preferred stock that may be issued pursuant to the Exchange Agreement), the issuance of shares of preferred stock, or the issuance of rights to purchase such shares, could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to the holders of common stock, could adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of the common stock, and could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change of control of us or an unsolicited acquisition proposal.

 

Representative’s Warrants

  

Please see “Underwriting—Representative’s Warrants” for a description of the warrants we have agreed to issue to the representative of the underwriters in this offering, subject to the completion of the offering. We expect to enter into a warrant agreement in respect of the Representative’s Warrants prior to the closing of this offering.

 

Promissory Notes

 

On November 8, 2016, we issued a promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $1,600,000, or the Note, to Papillon. The Note bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum and matures on November 8, 2019 unless earlier prepaid. The Note is a general unsecured obligation and is not guaranteed by any other person or entity or secured by any of our assets. The proceeds of the Note were used by us to repurchase half of the outstanding Units of our other members at that time.

 

On July 17, 2017, we issued a short-term promissory note to Papillon in the aggregate principal amount of $90,000, or the July 2017 Bridge Note. The July 2017 Bridge Note bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum and was to mature 90 days after its issuance, unless earlier prepaid. On October 9, 2017, the July 2017 Bridge Note was amended to extend its maturity date to January 13, 2018. On January 13, 2018, the July 2017 Bridge Note was amended to extend its maturity date to March 15, 2018. On March 15, 2018 the July 2017 Bridge Note was amended to extend its maturity date to May 14, 2018. On April 30, 2018 the July 2017 Bridge Note was amended to extend its maturity date to July 29, 2018. The July 2017 Bridge Note is a general unsecured obligation and is not guaranteed by any other person or entity or secured by any of our assets. The proceeds of the July 2017 Bridge Note were used by us for working capital purposes.

 

On November 9, 2017, we issued a short-term promissory note to Papillon in the aggregate principal amount of $100,000, or the November 2017 Bridge Note. The November 2017 Bridge Note bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum and was scheduled to mature on February 7, 2018, unless earlier prepaid. On February 6, 2018 the November Bridge Note was amended to extent its maturity date to May 8, 2018. On April 30, 2018 the November 2017 Bridge Note was amended to extend its maturity date to July 29, 2018. The November 2017 Bridge Note is a general unsecured obligation of ours and is not guaranteed by any other person or entity or secured by any of our assets. The proceeds of the November 2017 Bridge Note were used by us for working capital purposes.

  

Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law

   

The provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws described below may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us.

  

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Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

  

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years after the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, with the following exceptions:

 

  before such date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
     
  upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction began, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned (i) by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
     
  on or after such date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

  

In general, Section 203 defines business combination to include the following:

  

  any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;
     
  any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;
     
  subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;
     
  any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock or any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or
     
  the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loss, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits by or through the corporation.

  

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that:

 

  the authorized number of directors can be changed only by resolution of our board of directors;
     
  our bylaws may be amended or repealed by our board of directors or our stockholders;
     
  stockholders may not call special meetings of the stockholders or fill vacancies on the board of directors;
     
  our board of directors will be authorized to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock, the rights of which will be determined at the discretion of the board of directors and that, if issued, could operate as a “poison pill” to dilute the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer to prevent an acquisition that our board of directors does not approve;
     
  our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights, and therefore our stockholders holding a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding will be able to elect all of our directors; and
     
  our stockholders must comply with advance notice provisions to bring business before or nominate directors for election at a stockholder meeting.

 

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Exclusive forum for adjudication of disputes provision which limits the forum to the Delaware Court of Chancery for certain actions against the Company.

 

Article XIV, Section 48 of our bylaws dictates that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for certain actions including any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of us, an action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our officers, directors, employees or to our stockholders; any claim arising under Delaware corporate law, including under the Delaware General Corporation Law; and any action asserting a claim against us or any of our officers, directors or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine. While management believes limiting the forum for resolution of disputes to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is in the best interests of our company and our stockholders, our stockholders could be inconvenienced by not being able to bring an action in another forum they find more convenient. In addition, this exclusive forum provision may discourage stockholder lawsuits, or limit stockholders’ ability to obtain a more favorable judicial forum for disputes with us, our officers and/or directors.

 

A Delaware corporation is allowed to mandate in its corporate governance documents a chosen forum for the resolution of state law-based stockholder class actions, derivative suits and other intra-corporate disputes. Our management believes limiting state law-based claims to Delaware will provide the most appropriate outcomes as the risk of another forum misapplying Delaware law is avoided, Delaware courts have a well-developed body of case law and limiting the forum will preclude costly and duplicative litigation and avoids the risk of inconsistent outcomes. Additionally, Chancery Courts of the State of Delaware can typically resolve disputes on an accelerated schedule when compared to other forums.

 

Potential Effects of Authorized but Unissued Stock

 

We have shares of common stock and preferred stock available for future issuance without stockholder approval. We may utilize these additional shares for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, to facilitate corporate acquisitions or payment as a dividend on the capital stock.

  

The existence of unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock may enable our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management or to issue preferred stock with terms that could render more difficult or discourage a third-party attempt to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, thereby protecting the continuity of our management. In addition, the board of directors has the discretion to determine designations, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences of each series of preferred stock, all to the fullest extent permissible under the Delaware General Corporation Law and subject to any limitations set forth in our certificate of incorporation. The purpose of authorizing the board of directors to issue preferred stock and to determine the rights and preferences applicable to such preferred stock is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible financings, acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third-party to acquire, or could discourage a third-party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

  

Limitations of Director Liability and Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employees

  

Our certificate of incorporation, which will become effective upon the closing of this offering, limits the liability of directors to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except for liability for any:

  

  breach of their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;
     
  act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
     
  unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or
     
  transaction from which the directors derived an improper personal benefit.

 

These limitations of liability do not apply to liabilities arising under the federal or state securities laws and do not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.

  

Our bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law, and may indemnify employees and other agents. Our bylaws also provide that we are obligated to advance expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of any action or proceeding.

  

We have obtained a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

 

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We plan to enter into separate indemnification agreements with our directors and officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify our directors and officers for any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such directors or officers or on his or her behalf in connection with any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of our directors or officers, or any of our subsidiaries or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request provided that such person follows the procedures for determining entitlement to indemnification and advancement of expenses set forth in the indemnification agreement. We believe that these bylaw provisions and indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.

  

The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duties. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might provide a benefit to us and our stockholders. Our results of operations and financial condition may be harmed to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

  

At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors or officers as to which indemnification is required or permitted, and we are not aware of any threatened litigation or proceeding that may result in a claim for indemnification.

 

Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals

  

Our Bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and nomination of candidates for election as directors.

  

Limits on Special Meetings

  

Special meetings of the stockholders may be called at any time only by the board of directors, the Chairman of the board of directors or our Chief Executive Officer, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock.

  

Election and Removal of Directors

  

Our stockholders may only remove directors for cause and out board of directors may remove a director for cause with the vote of 2/3rds of the directors then appointed to the board. Our board of directors may elect a director to fill a vacancy, including vacancies created by the expansion of the board of directors. This system of electing and removing directors may discourage a third-party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, because it generally makes it more difficult for stockholders to replace a majority of our directors. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws will not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

  

Amendments to Our Governing Documents

  

Generally, the amendment of our certificate of incorporation requires approval by our board of directors and a majority vote of stockholders. Any amendment to our bylaws requires the approval of either a majority of our board of directors or approval of at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of our outstanding capital stock in elections of our board of directors.

 

Listing

  

We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq under the symbol “DDOC.”

  

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is VStock Transfer, LLC.

 

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UNDERWRITING

 

ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc., is acting as the representative of the underwriters of the offering, or the Representative. We have entered into an underwriting agreement dated                      , 2018 with the Representative. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to each underwriter named below and each underwriter named below has severally and not jointly agreed to purchase from us, at the public offering price per share less the underwriting discounts set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the number of shares of common stock listed next to its name in the following table:

  

Underwriters   Number of
Shares
 
ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc.            
Total        

 

All of the shares to be purchased by the underwriters will be purchased from us.

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are subject to various conditions and representations and warranties, including the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and other conditions specified in the underwriting agreement. The shares of common stock are offered by the underwriters, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify the offer to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus if any such shares of common stock are taken, other than those shares of common stock covered by the over-allotment option described below.

 

Over-Allotment Option

 

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable no later than 45 calendar days after the closing of this offering, to purchase up to an additional  281,250 shares of common stock (15% of the shares of common stock sold in this offering) from us to cover over-allotments, if any, at a price per share of common stock equal to the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters may exercise this option only to cover over-allotments made in connection with this offering. If the underwriters exercise this option in whole or in part, then the underwriters will be severally committed, subject to the conditions described in the underwriting agreement, to purchase these additional shares of common stock. If any additional shares of common stock are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional shares of common stock on the same terms as those on which the shares of common stock are being offered hereby.

 

Discounts and Commissions

 

The Representative has advised us that the underwriters propose to offer the shares of common stock to the public at the initial public offering price per share set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. The underwriters may offer shares to securities dealers at that price less a concession of not more than $         per share, of which up to $           per share may be re-allowed to other dealers. After the initial offering to the public, the public offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the Representative.

 

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The following table summarizes the public offering price, underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds before expenses to us assuming both no exercise and full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option:

 

    Per Share     Total Without
Over-allotment
Option
    Total With
Over-allotment
Option
 
Public offering price   $            $                $           
Underwriting discounts and commissions (7%)   $       $       $    
Non-accountable expense allowance (1%) (1)   $       $       $    
Proceeds, before expenses, to us   $       $       $    

 

 

 

(1) The non-accountable expense allowance of 1% is not payable with respect to the shares sold upon exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

 

We will pay an expense deposit of $18,000 to the Representative, which will be applied against the out-of-pocket accountable expenses that will be paid by us to the underwriters in connection with this offering, and will be reimbursed to us to the extent not incurred.

 

In addition, we have also agreed to pay the following expenses of the underwriters relating to the offering: (a) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to background checks of our officers and directors in an amount not to exceed $2,000 per individual and $10,000 in the aggregate; (b) all filing fees and communication expenses associated with the review of this offering by FINRA; (c) up to $5,000 for “blue sky” counsel; (d) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of securities offered under the securities laws of foreign jurisdictions designated by the Representative; (e) $29,500 for the underwriters’ use of Ipreo’s book-building, prospectus tracking and compliance software for this offering; (f) the underwriters’ legal fees incurred in connection with this offering in an amount up to $75,000; (g) up to $20,000 of the Representatives’ actual accountable road show expenses for the offering; and (h) the costs associated with bound volumes of the public offering materials as well as commemorative mementos and Lucite tombstones in an amount not to exceed $2,500 in the aggregate.

 

We estimate the expenses of this offering payable by us, not including underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $750,000.                      .

 

Representatives’ Warrants

 

Upon closing of this offering, we have agreed to issue to the Representative as compensation warrants to purchase a number of shares of common stock equal to 5% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock sold in this initial public offering, or the Representative’s Warrants. The Representative’s Warrants will be exercisable at a per share exercise price equal to 125% of the public offering price per share of the shares of common stock sold in this offering. The Representative’s Warrants are exercisable at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, during the four-year period commencing one year from the effective date of the registration statement related to this offering. We have registered the shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Representative’s Warrants in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

The Representative’s Warrants have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to Rule 5110(g)(1) of FINRA. The Representative (or permitted assignees under Rule 5110(g)(1)) will not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate these warrants or the securities underlying these warrants, nor will they engage in any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the warrants or the underlying securities for a period of 180 days from the effective date of the registration statement. In addition, the warrants provide for registration rights upon request, in certain cases. The demand registration right provided will not be greater than five years from the effective date of the offering in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(iv). The piggyback registration right provided will not be greater than seven years from the effective date of the offering in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(v). We will bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the securities issuable on exercise of the warrants other than underwriting commissions incurred and payable by the holders. The exercise price and number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the warrant exercise price or underlying shares will not be adjusted for issuances of shares of common stock at a price below the warrant exercise price.

 

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Right of First Refusal

 

Until 15 months from the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, the Representative will have, subject to certain exceptions, an irrevocable right of first refusal to act as sole investment banker, sole book-runner and/or sole placement agent, at the Representative’s discretion, for each and every future public and private equity and debt offerings for us, or any successor to or any subsidiary of us, including all equity linked financings, on terms customary for the Representative. The Representative will have the sole right to determine whether or not any other broker-dealer shall have the right to participate in any such offering and the economic terms of any such participation. The Representative will not have more than one opportunity to waive or terminate the right of first refusal in consideration of any payment or fee.

 

Determination of Initial Public Offering Price

 

Prior to the offering, there has been no public market for shares of our common stock. The initial public offering price has been negotiated by and between us and the Representative. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price of the shares of common stock, in addition to prevailing market conditions, were the information set forth in this prospectus and otherwise available to the Representative; our history and prospects and the history and prospects for the industry in which we compete; estimates of our business potential and earnings prospects; an assessment of our management; recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded common stock of generally comparable companies; and other factors deemed relevant by the underwriters and us.

 

Neither we nor the underwriters can assure investors that an active trading market will develop for our common stock, or that the shares will trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.

 

We have applied to list the shares of our common stock on the Nasdaq under the symbol “DDOC.”

 

The Representative has advised us that the underwriters propose to offer the shares directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. After the offering to the public, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the representatives without changing our proceeds from the underwriters’ purchase of the shares.

 

The underwriters and their affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking and other financial services for us, for which they may receive, in the future, customary fees.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

We, and each of our directors, officers and stockholders have agreed, for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, without the prior written consent of the Representative, not to directly or indirectly (subject to limited exceptions):

 

  issue (in the case of us), offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our capital stock; or

  

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  file or cause the filing of any registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any shares of our capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our capital stock; or
     
  in the case of us, complete any offering of our debt securities, other than entering into a line of credit with a traditional bank; or
     
  enter into any swap or other agreement, arrangement, hedge or transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our common stock or other capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock or other capital stock, whether any transaction described in any of the foregoing bullet points is to be settled by delivery of our common stock or other capital stock, other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly announce an intention to do any of the foregoing.

 

Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of our common stock. Specifically, the underwriters may over-allot in connection with this offering by selling more shares than are set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. This creates a short position in our common stock for its own account. The short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares of common stock over-allotted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of shares of common stock that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares of common stock involved is greater than the number of shares common stock in the over-allotment option. To close out a short position, the underwriters may elect to exercise all or part of the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also elect to stabilize the price of our common stock or reduce any short position by bidding for, and purchasing, common stock in the open market.

 

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter or dealer repays selling concessions allowed to it for distributing shares of common stock in this offering because the underwriter repurchases the shares of common stock in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

 

Finally, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, shares of our common stock in market making transactions, including “passive” market making transactions as described below.

 

These activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of our common stock at a price that is higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the absence of these activities. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may discontinue any of these activities at any time without notice. These transactions may be effected on the national securities exchange on which our shares of common stock are traded, in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise.

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters and selling group members, if any, or their affiliates may engage in passive market making transactions in our common stock immediately prior to the commencement of sales in this offering, in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Rule 103 generally provides that:

 

  a passive market maker may not effect transactions or display bids for our common stock in excess of the highest independent bid price by persons who are not passive market makers;
     
  net purchases by a passive market maker on each day are generally limited to 30% of the passive market maker’s average daily trading volume in our common stock during a specified two-month prior period or 200 shares, whichever is greater, and must be discontinued when that limit is reached; and
     
  passive market making bids must be identified as such.

 

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Indemnification

 

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities relating to the offering arising under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, liabilities arising from breaches of some or all of the representations and warranties contained in the underwriting agreement, and to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make for these liabilities.

 

Electronic Distribution

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representative of the underwriters to underwriters and selling group members that may make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. In connection with the offering, the underwriters or syndicate members may distribute prospectuses electronically. No forms of electronic prospectus other than prospectuses that are printable as Adobe® PDF will be used in connection with this offering.

 

The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend to confirm sales to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority in excess of five percent of the total number of shares of common stock offered by them.

 

Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on any underwriter’s website and any information contained in any other website maintained by an underwriter is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or any underwriter in its capacity as underwriter and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

Selling Restrictions

 

No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the United States) that would permit a public offering of our common stock, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other material relating to us or our common stock in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, our common stock may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and none of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with our common stock may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction, except in compliance with any applicable rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.

 

European Economic Area

 

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive, each a “Relevant Member State”, with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State, or the “Relevant Implementation Date”, our securities will not be offered to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to our securities that has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, an offer of our securities may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:

 

  to any legal entity that is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;
     
  to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the manager for any such offer; or
     
  in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the issuer of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of the securities shall require the issuer or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.  

 

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For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of securities to the public” in relation to any securities in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe securities, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State and the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State), and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State and the expression “2010 PD Amending Directive” means Directive 2010/73/EU.

 

United Kingdom

 

In the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are “qualified investors” (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19 (5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the Order), and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together, the relevant persons). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not relevant persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is only available to, and will be engaged in with, relevant persons.

 

Canada

 

The offering of our common stock in Canada is being made on a private placement basis in reliance on exemptions from the prospectus requirements under the securities laws of each applicable Canadian province and territory where our common stock may be offered and sold, and therein may only be made with investors that are purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal and that qualify as both an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario) and as a “permitted client” as such term is defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any offer and sale of our common stock in any province or territory of Canada may only be made through a dealer that is properly registered under the securities legislation of the applicable province or territory wherein our common stock is offered and/or sold or, alternatively, where such registration is not required.

 

Any resale of our common stock by an investor resident in Canada must be made in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, which require resales to be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, prospectus requirements under applicable Canadian securities laws. These resale restrictions may under certain circumstances apply to resales of the common stock outside of Canada.

 

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

 

Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (“NI 33-105”), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

 

Upon receipt of this prospectus, each Québec investor hereby confirms that it has expressly requested that all documents evidencing or relating in any way to the sale of the securities described herein (including for greater certainty any purchase confirmation or any notice) be drawn up in the English language only. Par la réception de ce document, chaque investisseur québecois confirme par les présentes qu’il a expressément exigé que tous les documents faisant foi ou se rapportant de quelque manière que ce soit à la vente des valeurs mobilières décrites aux présentes (incluant, pour plus de certitude, toute confirmation d’achat ou tout avis) soient rédigés en anglais seulement .

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the securities being offered by this prospectus have been passed upon for us by Gracin & Marlow, LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Reed Smith LLP, New York, New York.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 included in the Registration Statement have been audited by Friedman LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, to the extent and for the periods set forth in their report, which included an explanatory paragraph regarding our ability to continue as a going concern, appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance on such report given upon the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of common stock we are offering to sell. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not include all of the information contained in the registration statement and the exhibits, schedules and amendments to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and our common stock, we refer you to the registration statement and to the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus about the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, we refer you to the copy of the contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. Each of these statements is qualified in all respects by this reference.

 

You may read and copy the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part at the SEC’s public reference room, which is located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549. You can request copies of the registration statement by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the SEC’s public reference room. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet website, which is located at www.sec.gov , that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. You may access the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part at the SEC’s Internet website. Upon completion of this offering, we will be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and we will file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.

 

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DERMAdoctor, LLC

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page
Financial Statements (unaudited)  
Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 F-2
   

Condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

F-3
   
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 F-4
   
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements F-5

 

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DERMAdoctor, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

 

    March 31, 2018     December 31, 2017  
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents (a)   $ 105,785     $ 80,629  
Accounts receivable, net     18,882       227,543  
Inventory, net     2,818,909       2,028,200  
Deferred offering costs     157,310       95,000  
Prepaid expenses     24,613       11,603  
Total current assets     3,125,499       2,442,975  
Property and equipment, net (a)     2,958,884       2,982,227  
Total assets   $ 6,084,383     $ 5,425,202  
                 
Liabilities, Redeemable Membership Interest and Deficiency                
Current portion of mortgage payables (a)   $ 117,239     $ 116,360  
Current portion of related party notes payable     190,000       190,000  
Accounts receivables financing payable     634,748       180,316  
Accounts payable (a)     1,148,503       504,854  
Related party accounts payable     45,000       45,000  
Deferred revenue     -       45,077  
Accrued expense and other current liabilities     500,249       657,455  
Total current liabilities     2,635,739       1,739,062  
Mortgage payables, net of current portion (a)     2,528,902       2,557,431  
Related party note payable     1,600,000       1,600,000  
Total liabilities     6,764,641       5,896,493  
                 
Commitments and contingencies                
                 
Redeemable membership interest     1,270,000       1,270,000  
                 
Members' deficiency     (2,261,895 )     (2,038,000 )
Noncontrolling interests     311,637       296,709  
Total deficiency     (1,950,258 )     (1,741,291 )
Total liabilities, redeemable membership interest  and deficiency   $ 6,084,383     $ 5,425,202  

 

(a) At March 31, 2018, $27,172 of cash and cash equivalents, $2,952,934 of property and equipment, net, $117,239 of current portion of mortgage payables, $5,000 of accounts payable, $2,528,902 of mortgage payables, net of current portion, from consolidated variable interest entities are included in the respective balance sheets captions above. See Note 11-Variable Interest Entity.
   
  At December 31, 2017, $19,996 of cash and cash equivalents, $2,974,830 of property and equipment, net, $116,360 of current portion of mortgage payables, $6,998 of accounts payable, $2,557,431 of mortgage payables, net of current portion, from consolidated variable interest entities are included in the respective balance sheets captions above. See Note 11-Variable Interest Entity.

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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DERMAdoctor, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

 

    For the three months ended  
    March 31, 2018     March 31, 2017  
             
Net sales   $ 1,711,291     $ 1,474,059  
Cost of sales     707,376       787,849  
Gross profit     1,003,915       686,210  
                 
Operating expenses                
  Selling expenses     735,680       802,944  
  General and administrative expenses     455,115       313,918  
Total expenses     1,190,795       1,116,862  
                 
Loss from operations     (186,880 )     (430,652 )
                 
Other income and expenses                
  Other expense     (673 )     (628 )
  Interest expense     (61,483 )     (45,670 )
Net loss     (249,036 )     (476,950 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     (15,641 )     (17,517 )
Net loss attributable to DERMAdoctor, LLC   $ (233,395 )   $ (459,433 )
               
Net loss per unit, basic and diluted   $ (0.23 )   $ (0.46 )
               
Weighted average units outstanding - basic and diluted     1,000,000       1,000,000  
                 
Pro forma income tax effect   $ -     $ -  
               
Pro forma net loss per share of common stock, basic and diluted (note 3)   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.15 )
                 
Pro forma weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (note 3)     3,000,000       3,000,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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DERMAdoctor, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

 

    For the three months ended  
    March 31, 2018     March 31, 2017  
Cash flows from operating activities:            
             
Net Loss   $ (249,036 )   $ (476,950 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities                
Depreciation of property and equipment     23,343       24,338  
Amortization of deferred financing fees     1,000       1,000  
Obsolete inventory reserve     (14,000 )     46,159  
Non-cash compensation     9,500       8,000  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     208,661       (41,155 )
Inventory     (776,709 )     (280,506 )
Prepaid Expenses     (13,010 )     17,705  
Accounts payable     643,648       258,259  
Deferred revenue     (45,077 )     -  
Accrued expenses     (157,206 )     264,352  
Net cash used in operating activities     (368,886 )     (178,798 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
                 
Net cash used in investing activities     -       -  
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
                 
Proceeds from accounts receivable financing     1,162,000       -  
Repayment of mortgage payables     (28,650 )     (28,311 )
Repayments of accounts receivable financing     (707,568 )     -  
Capital contributions, 1901 McGee LLC     30,570       23,924  
Deferred offering costs     (62,310 )     -  
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities     394,042       (4,387 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash     25,156       (183,185 )
Cash - Beginning of period     80,629       252,008  
Cash - End of period   $ 105,785     $ 68,823  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash and non-cash investing and financing transactions                
                 
Cash paid for interest   $ 61,483     $ 45,670  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements

 

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Note 1 - Nature of operations

 

DERMAdoctor, LLC was initially formed as a Missouri corporation under the name DERMAdoctor, Inc. At the end of 2015, D. Doctor Acquisition LLC was formed and a Contribution Agreement, Bill of Sale and Assignment and Assumption Agreement was entered into between DERMAdoctor, Inc. and D. Doctor Acquisition LLC. DERMAdoctor, Inc. contributed assets to D. Doctor Acquisition LLC for consideration of 525,000 Units of the Company. At the same time, D. Doctor Acquisition LLC changed its name to DERMAdoctor, LLC and DERMAdoctor, Inc., changed its name to Papillon Partners Inc. (“Papillon”) which owns the majority of DERMAdoctor, LLC. Jeff and Audrey Kunin own 100% of 1901 McGee LLC, which owns the building that is being leased by DERMAdoctor, LLC and is therefore consolidated within DERMAdoctor, LLC under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Papillon is jointly owned by Audrey Kunin, Chief Creative Officer of DERMAdoctor, LLC and Jeff Kunin, President and Chief Executive Officer of DERMAdoctor, LLC. DERMAdoctor, LLC was founded by board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Audrey Kunin and the company headquarters is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

The Company is an innovative, prestige skin care company focused on the creation and sale of products designed to target common skin concerns. The Company’s product portfolio includes cleansers, serums, masks, moisturizers, and antiperspirants. The Company utilizes a multi-channel distribution model which includes traditional domestic retail outlets, direct to consumer internet sales through our website ( www.dermadoctor.com ) and Amazon.com, and international distributors who resell the products in their exclusive territories. The Company currently sells to distributors in China, Hong Kong, the Middle East, and Central America. The Company believes that a core element of its success is its distinctive marketing strategy. The Company focuses on educating its target customers, women between the age of 18-65 who have a college education with above average household income, about the unique benefits of its products, developing intimate relationships with those consumers and capitalizing on its multi-channel distribution strategy to effectively reach and engage those consumers.

 

Note 2 - Going concern

 

The Company has incurred losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception. Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2018 and cash flows from operations will not be sufficient to fund the operations of the Company over the twelve month period from the date these condensed consolidated financial statements are issued. The Company has entered into a financing facility and the Company’s majority member, Papillon, has provided short-term loans to the Company and may continue to do so (see Note 9-Related party transactions). The Company is actively pursuing additional sources of financing to fund its operations. These sources could include an initial public offering of the Company’s equity, or additional issuances of debt or equity. There is no assurance that additional financing from any source will be available on acceptable terms, if at all. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared with the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business and do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.

 

Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies

 

Principles of consolidation

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include all the accounts of DERMAdoctor, LLC and its affiliated company, 1901 McGee LLC, a variable interest entity for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Basis of presentation

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. However, the Company believes that the disclosures in these financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this document have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements, and in our opinion reflect all adjustments, which include normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation in accordance with GAAP and SEC regulations for interim financial statements. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that the Company will have for any subsequent period. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

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Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash balances and highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of three months or less. The Company’s cash is currently comprised of cash on hand, deposits in banks, and cash balances held at third-party e-commerce marketplaces.

 

The Company places its cash with high credit quality financial institutions. At times such investments may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limit. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits. Accounts at each institution are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.

 

The Company utilizes multiple third-party e-commerce marketplaces to sell goods. Typically, cash generated from sales, via the marketplaces, is transferred within one week of the sale. Cash generated from these sales is held in a non-FDIC insured account and then transferred to the Company’s bank account at the earliest possible instance.

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

Accounts receivables consist of customer obligations arising from transactions with domestic retail customers, reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses based on the aging of accounts receivable and historical collection experience. The Company writes off accounts receivable against the allowance when a balance is determined to be uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded when received. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, $62,362 and $181,778, respectively, of the sales allowances (as discussed below under “Revenue recognition”) were netted against accounts receivable. The Company grants credit terms in the normal course of business to its domestic retail customers. The risk with respect to trade receivables is mitigated by the thirty to sixty-day duration of customer payment terms and the good credit quality type of the Company’s customer. Credit is not currently extended to e-commerce customers or international distributors who pay for goods prior to them being shipped.

 

Inventory, net

 

Inventories consist of components and finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on the first in, first out method. Cost components include direct materials, assembly, and freight. The Company reviews its inventory for excess, obsolescence, or expiration and writes down inventory that has no alternative uses to its net realizable value.

 

Cost of sales includes all the costs to manufacture the Company's products by third-party contractors, which are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations when the product is sold. Cost of sales also includes the cost of inventory write-downs associated with adjustments of held inventories to their net realizable value. These costs are reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations when the product is sold, and net sales revenues are recognized or, in the case of inventory write-downs, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of inventories is more than their recoverable value. In addition, cost of sales includes warehouse costs including depreciation, wages, utilities, real estate taxes, and property insurance.

 

Property and equipment, net

 

A fixed asset is any tangible asset purchased for use in the day-to-day operations of the Company from which an economic benefit will be derived over a period greater than one year. Fixed assets include items of property and equipment such as buildings, leasehold improvements, office furniture, fixtures, computers and other related technology equipment. All capitalized assets are depreciated using the straight-line depreciation method. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. The Company evaluates events and changes in circumstances that could indicate carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, the Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted future cash flows derived from their use and eventual disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of an asset, the Company records an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. There was no impairment recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

 

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Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Deferred offering costs

 

Deferred offering costs, which primarily consist of direct incremental legal and accounting fees relating to the IPO, have been capitalized. The deferred offering costs will be offset against IPO proceeds upon the consummation of the offering. In the event the offering is terminated, deferred offering costs will be expensed.

 

Segment Reporting

 

Operating segments are components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Utilizing these criteria, the Company manages its business based on one operating segment and one reportable segment.

 

Revenue recognition

 

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606), which will replace existing revenue recognition standards and significantly expand the disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements. It may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis to new contracts and existing contracts with remaining performance obligations as of the effective date. The Company adopted ASU 2015-14 effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis. The Company reviewed all terms and conditions with customers to determine any potential effects of ASU 2014-09 and determined that the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and/or financial statement disclosures.

 

Revenue consists of sales of our products through domestic retail customers, international distributors, international retail customers, and e-commerce channels and shipping fees charged to our e-commerce customers. Sales through all channels are recognized when the related goods have been transferred to customers for an amount that reflects the consideration for which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for said goods. Revenue recognized through e-commerce sales is recognized net of any taxes that are collected from consumers and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.

 

E-commerce customers can return unused product within 30 days for any reason for full credit. Our domestic retail customers can return product or take credits for damaged product and returns from their customers. They are also allowed to return product that they decide to no longer carry in their stores or sell on their websites. Some agreements with domestic retail customers allow them to use a portion of the products they purchase as testers.

 

Provision for sales discounts, product returns, markdowns, shortages, damages and testers are recorded as reductions to revenue when the related revenue from customers is recognized. The estimated reserves for these items is established by the Company based upon management’s best estimates at the time of sale based upon historical trends.

 

The Company regularly reviews and revises, when deemed necessary, its estimates of sales returns and other required reserves based primarily upon the historical rate of actual product returns, the duration of time between the original sale and return, new product launches and any communicated changes in sales plans by our retail customers. Customers will take credits for discounts, returns, markdowns, damages, shortages, and testers which will reduce future amounts owed to the Company. These revenue reductions are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as an allowance against revenue.

 

The Company recorded an estimated reserve of $198,000 and $390,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. At March 31, 2018, $62,362 of the reserve was netted against accounts receivable, while $135,638 was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. At December 31, 2017, $181,778 of the reserve was netted against accounts receivable, while $208,222 was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The Company recorded $243,917 and $328,098 of revenue reductions during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Certain international customers pay for products in advance. In these instances, when cash is received in advance of a shipment of goods to customers, deferred revenue is recorded. The Company recorded deferred revenue of $0 and $45,077 as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

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Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Concentrations of risk

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, four significant customers (defined as contributing at least 10%) accounted for 66% (29%, 17%, 10%, and 10%) of net sales. As of March 31, 2018, two significant customers accounted for approximately 100% of (71% and 29%) of accounts receivable. Two vendors accounted for approximately 64% (43% and 21%) of purchases for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, two significant customers (defined as contributing at least 10%) accounted for 55% (35% and 20%) of net sales. As of March 31, 2017, two significant customers accounted for approximately 80% (61% and 19%) of accounts receivable. Two vendors accounted for approximately 50% (39% and 11%) of purchases for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, net sales by sales channel were as follows:

 

    Three months ended     Three months ended  
    March 31,
2018
    March 31,
2017
 
             
Domestic     42 %     46 %
E-commerce     32 %     35 %
International     26 %     19 %

 

Selling expenses

 

Selling expenses include expenses to advertise and market the Company's products, such as, print advertising costs, digital marketing costs, freelance sales representatives, selling fees and expenses, promotional displays, samples and consumer promotions. Advertising and marketing within Selling Expenses, including promotions and digital marketing costs are expensed as incurred or distributed. Advertising and marketing expenses were $392,294 and $394,407 for the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses include depreciation and amortization of certain fixed assets, non-sales overhead (principally personnel and related expenses), insurance and professional service fees.

 

Research and development expenses

 

Research and development (“R&D”) costs are expensed as incurred. R&D costs include costs of all basic research activities required to develop a new product or make significant changes to an existing product. R&D costs also include the cost of laboratory testing and registering of new products. R&D costs, included in General and Administrative expenses, totaled $21,660 and $7,855 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company is a limited liability company which is not a tax paying entity at the corporate level. Each member is instead individually responsible for their share of the Company’s income or loss for income tax reporting purposes.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements

 

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases” (Topic 842), which will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs. Lessor accounting is similar to the current model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model (e.g., certain definitions, such as initial direct costs, have been updated) and the new revenue recognition standard. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt ASU No. 2016-02 beginning as of January 1, 2019. Due to the fact that 1901 McGee, LLC is consolidated, the Company does not expect this adoption to have a material impact.

 

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Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Loss per membership unit

 

Basic loss per membership unit is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to DERMAdoctor, LLC by the weighted-average number of membership units outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per membership unit is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to DERMAdoctor, LLC by the weighted-average number of membership units and dilutive membership units equivalents outstanding for the period.

 

Proforma EPS

 

The unaudited pro forma basic and diluted loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 give effect to the assumed conversion of all 1,000,000 membership units upon an initial public offering by treating all membership units as if they had been converted to 3,000,000 shares of common stock in all periods in which such shares were outstanding. Shares to be sold in the offering are excluded from the unaudited pro forma basic and diluted loss per share attributable to common stock holders calculations. In addition, $2,850 of interest expense incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $0 of interest expense incurred during three months ended March 31, 2017, on the $190,000 related party notes to be repaid with anticipated proceeds from the IPO has been excluded from the unaudited pro forma basic and diluted loss per share.

 

Note 4 - Inventory, net

 

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, total net inventory values represented by finished goods and components were as follows:

 

    March 31, 2018     December 31, 2017  
             
Finished Goods   $ 1,893,377     $ 1,114,208  
Components     925,532       913,992  
Total   $ 2,818,909     $ 2,028,200  

 

Based on historical trends as well as review of the products on hand, the Company recorded a reserve for obsolete inventory of $128,000 and $142,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

Note 5 - Property and equipment, net

 

Property and equipment, net as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consists of the following:

 

    Useful Life     March 31, 2018     December 31, 2017  
                   
Buildings     39     $ 2,890,299     $ 2,890,299  
Land     Indefinite       395,350       395,350  
Equipment     5       36,727       36,727  
Furniture & Fixtures     5       11,130       11,130  
Property and Equipment, Gross             3,333,506       3,333,506  
Less:  Accumulated Depreciation             (374,622 )     (351,279 )
Property and Equipment, Net           $ 2,958,884     $ 2,982,227  

 

Depreciation expense was $23,343 and $24,338 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Depreciation expense attributable to the Company’s warehouse is recorded within cost of goods sold, while depreciation expense attributable to the Company’s general office workspace is recorded within general and administrative expenses. For each of the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, $10,948 of depreciation expense was recorded in cost of goods sold

 

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Note 6 - Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

The Company’s accrued expenses and other current liabilities at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following:

 

    March 31, 2018     December 31, 2017  
             
Reserve for sales returns   $ 135,638     $ 208,222  
Inventory in transit     110,164       155,248  
Credit card payable     173,000       153,420  
Compensation     25,862       65,036  
Marketing     20,056       40,000  
Other accruals     35,529       35,529  
Total   $ 500,249     $ 657,455  

 

Note 7 - Debt

 

The Company’s outstanding debt as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consists of the following:

 

    March 31, 2018     December 31, 2017  
Mortgage payables:            
Term loan - EDCKC   $ 1,132,376     $ 1,147,983  
Term loan - Alterra Bank     1,532,098       1,545,141  
Less: debt issuance costs     (18,333 )     (19,333 )
Less:  current portion     (117,239 )     (116,360 )
               
Total long-term portion of mortgage payables:     2,528,902       2,557,431  
Related Party notes payable:                
Promissory notes - Papillon Partners     1,790,000     $ 1,790,000  
Less:  current portion     (190,000 )     (190,000 )
               
Total long-term portion of related notes payable:     1,600,000       1,600,000  
                 
Current portion of accounts receivable financing payable   $ 634,748     $ 180,316  

 

Mortgage payables

 

On December 21, 2012 1901 McGee, LLC entered into a 20-year $1,440,000 loan with EDC Loan Corporation (“EDCKC”) which was funded on February 13, 2013 and matures on February 1, 2033. The loan is secured by all the real property of 1901 McGee, LLC, including the assignment of rents and income, and is subordinate to the deed of trust in favor of Alterra Bank. The loan is guaranteed by Audrey Kunin, Jeff Kunin, Audrey G. Kunin Trust, Jeffrey R. Kunin Trust, and Papillon (See Note 9-Related Party Transactions). The interest rate on the loan is 2.21% with an all-in rate of 2.25% including servicing and other fees. The note may be prepaid in full with 45 days’ notice. The monthly payment is $9,644, including principal and interest payments of $7,451. A prepayment penalty applies if the loan is repaid prior to the tenth year of the loan based on a prepayment schedule. At March 31, 2018, the prepayment penalty was equal to 1.55% of the remaining principal balance.

 

The Company capitalized $40,000 in deferred financing fees related to this note. 1901 McGee, LLC is also subject to certain events of default including cross default and adverse financial condition provisions.

 

On May 31, 2016, 1901 McGee, LLC entered into a loan with Alterra Bank for $1,624,211. The loan will mature on October 26, 2022. Interest is paid at a fixed rate of 3.95%. 1901 McGee, LLC is also subject to certain reporting and other covenants to remain in good standing under the loan. The term loan will be repaid in 76 monthly installments of $9,421 each and one last payment estimated at $1,268,821, with the first payment due June 26, 2016. The loan is secured by all the real property of 1901 McGee, LLC, including the assignment of rents and the security interest in the rents and personal property up to a maximum amount of $1,624,211. The loan is guaranteed by Jeff and Audrey Kunin and the Audrey G. Kunin Trust and the Jeffrey R. Kunin Trust (see note 9-Related party transactions). The term loan can be prepaid in part or in whole without premium or penalty.

 

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Note 7 - Debt (continued)

 

Related party debt

 

On November 8, 2016 the Company entered into a three (3) year $1,600,000 promissory note with Papillon. Interest is paid monthly at a rate of 6% per annum and all or any portion of the note may be prepaid without premium or penalty of any kind. The principal amount is due in one balloon payment at the maturity date of November 8, 2019. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized $23,653 and $23,671, respectively, in interest expense related to this note.

 

On July 17, 2017, the Company entered into a three (3) month $90,000 promissory note with Papillon. Interest is paid at a rate of 6% per annum, payable monthly. The note was extended for a three month period on October 9, 2017. The note was extended on January 15, 2018 for a two month period. The note was extended on March 15, 2018. The note matures on May 14, 2018 and all or any portion of the note may be prepaid without premium or penalty of any kind. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company has recognized $1,350 in interest expense related to this note.

 

On November 9, 2017, the Company entered into a three (3) month $100,000 promissory note with Papillon. Interest is paid at a rate of 6% per annum, payable monthly. The note was extended for a three month period on February 6, 2018. The note matures on May 8, 2018 and all or any portion of the note may be prepaid without premium or penalty of any kind. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company has recognized $1,500 in interest expense related to this note.

 

Accounts receivable financing payable

 

On October 19, 2017, the Company entered into an accounts receivable financing facility with CircleUp Credit Advisors, LLC (“CircleUp”). CircleUp issues individual loans under the facility based on a percentage of outstanding accounts receivable from certain customers less the current total loan amounts outstanding. The customers pay CircleUp directly up to the amount funded to the Company by CircleUp in addition to any incurred interest. Interest is paid at a rate of 17% per annum. To the extent payments from our customers are not sufficient to repay any funds advanced to us by CircleUp, we are obligated to repay any outstanding loan amounts. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, CircleUp agreed to lend amounts to the Company, in addition to the outstanding accounts receivable facility, to fund payments owed to vendors for large inventory purchases made in conjunction with a material sale to Costco in the second of quarter of 2018. As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the outstanding balance on the facility was $634,748 and $180,316.

 

Aggregate future minimum principal payments on the outstanding debt are as follows:

 

Twelve months ending March 31,      
2019     941,987  
2020     1,720,697  
2021     124,584  
2022     128,446  
2023     1,379,172  
Thereafter     794,336  
Total outstanding debt     5,089,222  

 

Note 8 - Commitments and contingencies

 

From time to time, the Company may become involved in legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Management is not currently aware of any matters that it expects will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

  

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Note 8 - Commitments and contingencies (continued)

 

On March 10, 2018 the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Jeff Kunin to act as our President and Chief Executive Officer, or the Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement The initial term of the Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement is four years, through March 10, 2022; however, this agreement will be automatically renewed for successive one year periods, each a renewal term, unless, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term, either party gives written notice to the other party specifically electing to terminate the Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement at the end of the applicable term. The Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement provides for Dr. Kunin to receive an annual base salary of $150,000 per year, which will increase to $200,000 per year upon consummation of an initial public offering. Pursuant to the Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement, Dr. Kunin may receive a cash bonus equal to 150% of his base salary and an equity bonus as determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion. In addition, at the first meeting of the board of directors held after our Initial Public Offering, Dr. Kunin will be issued options to purchase a number of shares of our common stock, to be determined by the board of directors in its sole discretion, at an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the grant date, vesting monthly on a pro rata basis over four years with accelerated vesting upon a Change of Control (as defined in the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan). If Dr. Kunin's employment is terminated by us for Just Cause (as defined in the agreement), death or disability, he (or his estate in the event of death) will receive the accrued base salary, vacation pay, expense reimbursement and any other entitlements accrued by him through the date of termination to the extent not previously paid. If Dr. Kunin's employment is terminated by us Without Just Cause (as defined in the agreement) or by Dr. Kunin for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), he will also receive an amount equal to one year's base salary as severance. The Jeff Kunin Employment Agreement includes customary non-competition provisions.

 

On March 10, 2018 the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Audrey Kunin to act as our Chief Creative Officer, or the Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement. This Agreement replaces the employment agreement that we entered into on January 1, 2016 with Dr. Audrey Kunin to act as our Chief Executive Officer. The initial term of the Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement is four years, through March 10, 2022; however, this agreement will be automatically renewed for successive one year periods, each a renewal term, unless, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term, either party gives written notice to the other party specifically electing to terminate the Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement at the end of the applicable term. The Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement provides for Dr. Kunin to receive an annual base salary of $150,000 per year, which will increase to $200,000 per year upon consummation of this offering. Pursuant to the Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement, Dr. Kunin may receive a cash bonus equal to 150% of her base salary and an equity bonus as determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion. In addition, at the first meeting of the board of directors held after the consummation of this offering, Dr. Kunin will be issued options to purchase a number of shares of our common stock, to be determined by the board of directors in its sole discretion, at an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the grant date, vesting monthly on a pro rata basis over four years with accelerated vesting upon a Change of Control (as defined in the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.) If Dr. Kunin's employment is terminated by us for Just Cause (as defined in the agreement), death or disability, she (or her estate in the event of death) will receive the accrued base salary, vacation pay, expense reimbursement and any other entitlements accrued by her through the date of termination to the extent not previously paid. If Dr. Kunin's employment is terminated by us Without Just Cause (as defined in the agreement) or by Dr. Kunin for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), she will also receive an amount equal to one year's base salary as severance. The Audrey Kunin Employment Agreement includes customary non-competition provisions.

 

 

On May 22, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Andrea Bielsker to act as our Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Bielsker receives an annual base salary of $130,000 per year. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Ms. Bielsker will devote 60% of her professional time to the Company. Ms. Bielsker is eligible for an annual bonus equal to a percentage of her base salary. Any bonus that may be awarded will be in the sole and absolute discretion of both the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company. If Ms. Bielsker’s employment contract is terminated for cause (as defined in the agreement), death or disability, she (or her estate in the event of death) will receive the accrued base salary, vacation pay, expense reimbursement and any other entitlements accrued by her through the date of termination to the extent not previously paid. If Ms. Bielsker’s employment is terminated without cause, she will also receive an amount equal to three months base salary as severance. Under her employment agreement, Ms. Bielsker has also agreed to non-competition provisions. The initial term of this Agreement shall end on December 31, 2018.

 

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Note 9 - Related party transactions

 

Audrey and Jeff Kunin, through their wholly-owned company, Papillon, are 82.23% owners of DERMAdoctor, LLC. Audrey Kunin is the Chief Executive Officer of DERMAdoctor, LLC and Jeff Kunin is the Chief Operating Officer of DERMAdoctor, LLC. They are 100% owners of 1901 McGee, LLC which owns the building where DERMAdoctor, LLC leases office and warehouse space. Audrey and Jeff Kunin have entered into direct loan agreements with the Company and have guaranteed unrelated third-party principal and interest repayments for the Company including individually, though Papillon, and through the Audrey G. Kunin Trust and the Jeffrey R. Kunin Trust.

 

Papillon, at March 31, 2018, had extended a total of $1,790,000 in promissory notes to the Company (see Note 7 - Debt).

 

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company entered into sales proceeds agreements with multiple employees of the Company and Papillon. As of March 31, 2018, only two of these employees remain with the Company. Pursuant to these agreements, on the event of a sale of the Company, these two employees are eligible to receive .25% of Papillon’s portion of the excess sales proceeds after reductions for (a) all debts and liabilities of the Company, (b) the unreturned capital contributions, and (c) the establishment of any reserves which the Board deems reasonably necessary for any contingent or unforeseen liabilities or obligations of the Company. To estimate the value of these potential sales proceeds, the Company first developed an estimate of the potential valuation of the Company as of March 31, 2018 and 2017. The estimated value was then reduced by the necessary capital contributions and outstanding debt as of March 31, 2018 and 2017. The remaining value was then multiplied by .25% to determine the potential sales proceeds liability. The Company estimated a value of for these potentials proceeds payments of $105,500 and $96,000 as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Of these amounts, $9,500 and $8,000 were recorded as compensation expense and as contributed equity during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company owed $45,000 to related parties to cover costs related to the capital raise discussed in Note 10 – Capital Raise.

 

Note 10 - Capital raise

 

January 1, 2016 securities purchase agreement

 

On January 1, 2016, the Company sold 475,000 of the 1,000,000 outstanding Units to a private equity firm and an employee of the same private equity firm (hereafter both parties will be referred to as “PE Firm”), constituting 47.5% of the issued and outstanding Units of the Company for a purchase price of $3,500,000 under a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”). The proceeds were used to repay outstanding promissory notes to Jeff and Audrey Kunin in the amount of $353,000 and for working capital and general corporate purposes as disclosed in Note 7-Debt. In conjunction with the investment, an Operating Agreement was entered into by the members of the Company. The Operating Agreement limited the Company from taking certain actions such as incurring additional indebtedness, issuing additional Units, and hiring certain employees without a supermajority of Units in favor of such action. The Operating Agreement provides for five managers, consisting of two managers designated by Papillon, two designated by the PE Firm, and one jointly designated by Papillon and the PE Firm, who are authorized to make the day to day decisions for the Company. The Operating Agreement designates how profits and losses are to be allocated. Distributions upon dissolution of the Company under certain circumstances go first, to the payment of debts and liabilities of the Company; second to the establishment of any reserve for an contingent, conditional or unasserted claims or obligations of the Company; third, to the PE Firm in an amount equal to its Unreturned Capital Contributions (as such term is defined in the Operating Agreement); fourth to Papillon in an amount equal to its Unreturned Capital Contributions; and finally, to the members pro rata in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests (as such term is defined in the Operating Agreement). The Company incurred costs related to the equity transaction in the amount of $209,384 which were recorded as a reduction of the proceeds received in the sale of the membership interests.

 

In conjunction with the Purchase Agreement, a put right was granted to the PE firm. The put right allowed the PE Firm to sell their 475,000 Units to the Company at any time after January 1, 2019, in their absolute discretion, by delivering a 12-month prior notice to the Company and Papillon. Upon delivery of the put notice, Papillon could elect to initiate a process for an approved sale of the Company to a third party during the 12-month period. If Papillon did not elect to exercise its rights with respect to such an approved sale by the expiration of the 12-month period, the Company would be required to purchase all of the Units put to the Company within 120 days. The put price for the 475,000 units was the greater of two times the PE Firm’s capital contribution ($3,500,000) or the Fair Market Value of such Units as of the date of the notice.

 

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Note 10 - Capital raise (continued)

 

The Company evaluated the put right and considered the put right a redemption provision on the membership interests, which was outside of the control of the Company and required mezzanine equity classification on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

November 8, 2016 reorganization

 

On November 8, 2016, pursuant to the terms of a Unit Purchase Agreement, the PE Firm sold one-half of their Units to Papillon in exchange for Papillon repaying the Company’s $1,590,942 outstanding balance on Banker’s Trust Line of Credit through a $1,600,000 term loan to the Company. The transaction resulted in Papillon owning 762,500 Units or 76.25% of the outstanding Units of the Company, and the PE firm owning 237,500 of the outstanding Units of the Company. In connection with the transaction, the Operating Agreement was amended (the “Amended Operating Agreement”) to change the supermajority requirement for the actions described above to a simple majority requirement, giving Papillon the authority to authorize the specified Company actions without agreement from the PE Firm. The Amended Operating Agreement also limits related party transactions and requires that any additional loans made by Papillon to the Company must be made at a maximum interest rate of 6% per annum. The number of managers was reduced from five to three and Papillon was given the authority to designate all three members. The Amended Operating Agreement also provides for a right of first refusal and drag along and tag along rights to both Papillon and the PE Firm. In conjunction with entering into the Amended Operating Agreement, the put right previously granted to the PE Firm was modified (the “Modified Put Option”), and the PE firm’s put right associated with the 237,500 Units purchased by Papillon was terminated, which resulted in the reclassification of $1,750,000 being reclassified from mezzanine financing to permanent equity. The Modified Put Option permits the PE Firm to sell their 237,500 Units to the Company at any time after November 8, 2020, in their absolute discretion, by delivering a 12-month prior notice to the Company and Papillon. Upon delivery of the put notice, Papillon may elect to initiate a process for an approved sale of the Company to a third party during the 12-month period. If Papillon does not elect to exercise its rights with respect to such an approved sale by the expiration of the 12-month period, the Company will be required to purchase all of the Units put to the Company within 120 days. The put price for the 237,500 Units is the greater of the PE Firm’s capital contribution ($1,750,000) or the fair market value of such Units as of the date of the notice. At the discretion of the Company, payment for the Units may be with a promissory note to be paid in equal monthly installments over three years. The interest rate for such a note will be the Prime Rate in effect on the first banking day of each year. The promissory note will be secured by a joint and several personal guarantees by Jeff and Audrey Kunin.

 

December 28, 2017 amendment

 

On December 28, 2017, the PE firm and Papillon entered into an agreement pursuant to which the PE firm sold Papillon 59,884 Units of the Company (representing approximately 25% of the PE firm’s total ownership of the Company). In consideration of the Units received, Papillon paid the PE firm $480,000. This transaction reduced the put price (discussed in “November 8, 2016 Reorganization” note above) to $1,270,000 or the fair market value of the PE firms’ remaining Units as of the date of the put notice. As a result, $480,000 was reclassified from mezzanine financing to permanent equity. In the event of a successful initial public offering, the remaining put right will be cancelled.

 

Note 11 - Variable interest entity

 

We have determined that 1901 McGee, LLC qualifies as a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) because: it was formed with the sole intent of leasing office and warehouse space to DERMAdoctor, LLC; is 100% owned by Audrey and Jeff Kunin who also own 100% of Papillon which owns 82.23% of DERMAdoctor, LLC; and the Company has significant control over the financial performance of 1901 McGee, LLC. We consolidate the 1901 McGee, LLC financial statements because we have the power to direct the activities that significantly affect their economic performance due to implicit interests of our common majority owner. DERMAdoctor, LLC does not have any rights of the assets or obligations of the liabilities of 1901 McGee, LLC.

 

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Note 11 - Variable interest entity (continued)

 

The classification and carrying amounts of assets and liabilities of 1901 McGee, LLC in the consolidated balance sheet are as follows for the periods ending March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

    March 31, 2018     December 31, 2017  
             
Current assets   $ 27,172     $ 19,996  
Property and equipment     2,952,934       2,974,830  
      2,980,106       2,994,826  
                 
Current liabilities (a)     139,567       140,686  
Mortgage payable, net of current portion     2,528,902       2,557,431  
Equity - Non-controlling interest     311,637       296,709  
    $ 2,980,106     $ 2,994,826  

 

(a) $17,328 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 of deferred revenue related to prepaid rent of the building is included within the consolidated balance sheets of 1901 McGee, LLC above. The deferred revenue of 1901 McGee, LLC and prepaid rent of DERMAdoctor, LLC are not included on the consolidated balance sheets as the amounts are eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Note 12 - Subsequent events

 

On April 30, 2018, The Company extended the $90,000 promissory note with Papillon for a 90-day period. The note matures on July 29, 2018 and all or any portion of the note may be prepaid without premium or penalty of any kind.

 

On April 30, 2018, The Company extended the $100,000 promissory note with Papillon for a 90-day period. The note matures on July 29, 2018 and all or any portion of the note may be prepaid without premium or penalty of any kind.

 

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DERMAdoctor, LLC

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

 

AND

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DERMAdoctor, LLC

  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-18
Financial Statements    
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016   F-19
Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016   F-20
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016   F-21
Consolidated statements of members’ deficiency for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016   F-22
Notes to consolidated financial statements   F-23

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and
Members of DERMAdoctor, LLC

 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of DERMAdoctor, LLC and affiliate (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, members’ deficiency, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Change in Accounting Principle

 

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for the valuation of its inventory in 2017.

 

Going Concern

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. If the Company is unable to obtain additional sources of financing and achieve profitability there could be a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

/s/ Friedman LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.

East Hanover, New Jersey

March 2, 2018

 

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Table of Contents

 

DERMAdoctor, LLC

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    December 31,
2017
    December 31,
2016
 
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents (a)   $ 80,629     $ 252,008  
Accounts receivable, net     227,543       49,179  
Inventory, net     2,028,200       1,705,597  
Deferred offering costs     95,000       -  
Prepaid expenses (a)     11,603       43,416  
Total current assets     2,442,975       2,050,200  
Property and equipment, net (a)     2,982,227       3,077,671  
Total assets   $ 5,425,202     $ 5,127,871  
                 
Liabilities and Members' Deficiency                
Current portion of mortgage payables (a)   $ 116,360     $ 111,770  
Current portion of related party notes payable     190,000       -  
Accounts receivables financing payable     180,316       -  
Accounts payable (a)     504,854       446,841  
Related party accounts payable     45,000       51,876  
Deferred revenue     45,077       -  
Accrued expense and other current liabilities     657,455       428,889  
Total current liabilities     1,739,062       1,039,376  
Mortgage payables, net of current portion (a)     2,557,431       2,671,103  
Related party note payable     1,600,000       1,600,000  
Total liabilities     5,896,493       5,310,479  
                 
Commitments and contingencies                
                 
Redeemable membership interest     1,270,000       1,750,000  
                 
Members' deficiency     (2,038,000 )     (2,204,917 )
Noncontrolling interests     296,709       272,309  
Total deficiency     (1,741,291 )     (1,932,608 )
Total liabilities, redeemable membership interest  and deficiency   $ 5,425,202     $ 5,127,871  

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, $19,996 of cash and cash equivalents, $2,974,830 of property and equipment, net, $116,360 of current portion of mortgage payables, $6,998 of accounts payable, $2,557,431 of mortgage payables, net of current portion, from consolidated variable interest entities are included in the respective balance sheets captions above. See Note 12-Variable Interest Entity.

 

At December 31, 2016, $11,413 of cash and cash equivalents, $6,052 of prepaid expenses, $3,062,415 of property and equipment, net, $111,770 of current portion of mortgage payables, $7,875 of accounts payable, $2,671,103 of mortgage payables, net of current portion, from consolidated variable interest entities are included in the respective balance sheets captions above. See Note 12-Variable Interest Entity.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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DERMAdoctor, LLC

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

   

For the

year ended

   

For the

year ended

 
    December 31,
2017
    December 31,
2016
 
             
Net sales   $ 8,808,674     $ 6,474,861  
Cost of sales     4,062,563       2,902,349  
Gross profit     4,746,111       3,572,512  
                 
Operating expenses                
Selling expenses     3,371,570       3,955,468  
General and administrative expenses     1,643,416       1,475,468  
Total Expenses     5,014,986       5,430,936  
                 
Loss from operations     (268,875 )     (1,858,424 )
                 
Other income and expenses                
Other income     11,840       10,736  
Interest expense     (199,321 )     (175,545 )
Net loss     (456,356 )     (2,023,233 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     (111,273 )     (125,969 )
Net loss attributable to DERMAdoctor, LLC   $ (345,083 )   $ (1,897,264 )
                 
Net loss per unit, basic and diluted   $ (0.35 )   $ (1.90 )
                 
Weighted average units outstanding - basic and diluted     1,000,000       1,000,000  
                 
Pro forma income tax effect (unaudited)   $ -     $ -  
                 
Pro forma net loss per share of common stock, basic and diluted (note 3) (unaudited)   $ (0.11 )   $ (0.63 )
                 
Pro forma weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (note 3) (unaudited)     3,000,000       3,000,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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DERMAdoctor, LLC

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

    For the year Ended     For the year Ended  
    December 31,
2017
    December 31,
2016
 
Cash flows from operating activities:            
             
Net Loss   $ (456,356 )   $ (2,023,233 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities                
Depreciation of property and equipment     95,446       101,915  
Amortization of deferred financing fees     4,000       19,332  
Obsolete inventory reserve     46,159       95,841  
Non-cash compensation     32,000       64,000  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     (178,364 )     349,377  
Inventory     (368,762 )     (492,797 )
Prepaid Expenses     31,813       27,644  
Related party accounts payable     (6,876 )     51,876  
Accounts payable     58,014       (1,085,777 )
Deferred revenue     45,077       -  
Accrued expenses     228,566       88,460  
Net cash used in operating activities     (469,283 )     (2,803,362 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
                 
Purchases of property and equipment     -       (6,492 )
Net cash used in investing activities     -       (6,492 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
                 
Proceeds from mortgage payables     -       1,624,211  
Proceeds from line of credit     -       4,643,099  
Proceeds from related party notes payable     190,000       1,600,000  
Proceeds from accounts receivable financing     1,057,000       -  
Repayment of mortgage payables     (113,084 )     (1,720,160 )
Repayment of related party notes payable     -       (353,000 )
Repayment of line of credit     -       (6,375,149 )
Repayments of accounts receivable financing     (876,684 )     -  
Capital contributions, 1901 McGee LLC     135,673       128,421  
Capital contributions, DERMAdoctor, LLC     -       3,500,000  
Deferred offering costs     (95,000 )     -  
Financing fees     -       (105,000 )
Net cash provided by financing activities     297,905       2,942,422  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash     (171,379 )     132,568  
Cash - Beginning of period     252,008       119,440  
Cash - End of period   $ 80,629     $ 252,008  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash and non-cash investing and financing transactions                
                 
Cash paid for interest   $ 199,321     $ 175,544  
Financing costs included in accounts payable   $ -     $ 104,384  
Reclassification of mezzanine financing to permanent equity   $ 480,000     $ 1,750,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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DERMAdoctor, LLC

 

Consolidated Statements of Members’ Deficiency

 

    Members' Deficiency     Non-Controlling Interests     Total Deficiency  
                   
Balance as of January 1, 2016   $ (1,912,269 )   $ 269,857     $ (1,642,412 )
                         
Net loss     (1,897,264 )     (125,969 )     (2,023,233 )
Capital contributions     64,000       128,421       192,421  
Reclassification of mezzanine financing to permanent equity     1,750,000       -       1,750,000  
Fees associated with sale of membership interest     (209,384 )     -       (209,384 )
                         
Balance as of December 31, 2016   $ (2,204,917 )   $ 272,309     $ (1,932,608 )
                         
Net loss     (345,083 )     (111,273 )     (456,356 )
Capital contributions     32,000       135,673       167,673  
Reclassification of mezzanine financing to permanent equity     480,000       -       480,000  
                         
Balance as of December 31, 2017   $ (2,038,000 )   $ 296,709     $ (1,741,291 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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DERMAdoctor, LLC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

Note 1 - Nature of operations

 

DERMAdoctor LLC was initially formed as a Missouri corporation under the name DERMAdoctor, Inc. At the end of 2015, D. Doctor Acquisition LLC was formed and a Contribution Agreement, Bill of Sale and Assignment and Assumption Agreement was entered into between DERMAdoctor Inc. and D. Doctor Acquisition LLC. DERMAdoctor Inc. contributed assets to D. Doctor Acquisition LLC for consideration of 525,000 Units of the Company. At the same time, D. Doctor Acquisition LLC changed its name to DERMAdoctor LLC and DERMAdoctor Inc., changed its name to Papillon Partners Inc. (“Papillon”) which owns the majority of DERMAdoctor, LLC. Jeff and Audrey Kunin own 100% of 1901 McGee LLC, which owns the building that is being leased by DERMAdoctor, LLC and is therefore consolidated within DERMAdoctor, LLC under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Papillon is jointly owned by Audrey Kunin, Chief Creative Officer of DERMAdoctor, LLC (formerly Chief Executive Officer) and Jeff Kunin, President and Chief Executive Officer of DERMAdoctor, LLC (formerly Chief Operating Officer). DERMAdoctor, LLC was founded by board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Audrey Kunin and the company headquarters is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

The Company is an innovative, prestige skin care company focused on the creation and sale of products designed to target common skin concerns. The Company’s product portfolio includes cleansers, serums, masks, moisturizers, and antiperspirants. The Company utilizes a multi-channel distribution model which includes traditional domestic retail outlets, direct to consumer internet sales through our website (www.dermadoctor.com) and Amazon.com., and international distributors who resell the products in their exclusive territories. The Company currently sells to distributors in China, Hong Kong, Kuwait, the UAE and Central America. The Company believes that a core element of its success is its distinctive marketing strategy. The Company focuses on educating its target customers, women between the age of 18 to 65 who have a college education with above average household income, about the unique benefits of its products, developing intimate relationships with those consumers and capitalizing on its multi-channel distribution strategy to effectively reach and engage those consumers.

 

Note 2 - Going concern

 

The Company has incurred losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017 and cash flows from operations will not be sufficient to fund the operations of the Company over the twelve month period from the date these consolidated financial statements are issued. The Company has entered into a receivables financing facility and the Company’s majority member, Papillon, has provided short-term loans to the Company and may continue to do so (see Note 10-Related party transactions). The Company is actively pursuing additional sources of financing to fund its operations. These sources could include an initial public offering of the Company’s equity, or additional issuances of debt or equity. There is no assurance that additional financing from any source will be available on acceptable terms, if at all. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared with the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business and do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.

 

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Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies

 

Principles of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include all the accounts of DERMAdoctor LLC and its affiliated company, 1901 McGee LLC, a variable interest entity for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current year. These reclassifications had no impact on net loss, shareholders’ equity or cash flows as previously reported.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash balances and highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of three months or less. The Company’s cash is currently comprised of cash on hand, deposits in banks, and cash balances held at third-party e-commerce marketplaces.

 

The Company places its cash with high credit quality financial institutions. At times such investments may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limit. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits. Accounts at each institution are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.

 

The Company utilizes multiple third-party e-commerce marketplaces to sell goods. Typically, cash generated from sales, via the marketplaces, is transferred within one week of the sale. Cash generated from these sales is held in a non-FDIC insured account and then transferred to the Company’s bank account at the earliest possible instance.

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

Accounts receivables consist of customer obligations arising from transactions with domestic retail customers, reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses based on the aging of accounts receivable and historical collection experience. The Company writes off accounts receivable against the allowance when a balance is determined to be uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded when received. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, $181,778 and $0, respectively, of the sales allowances (as discussed below under “Revenue recognition”) were netted against accounts receivable.

 

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Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

The Company grants credit terms in the normal course of business to its domestic retail customers. The risk with respect to trade receivables is mitigated by the thirty to sixty-day duration of customer payment terms and the good credit quality type of the Company’s customer. Credit is not currently extended to e-commerce customers or international distributors who pay for goods prior to them being shipped.

 

Inventory, net

 

Inventories consist of components and finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on the first in, first out method. Cost components include direct materials, assembly, and freight. The Company reviews its inventory for excess, obsolescence, or expiration and writes down inventory that has no alternative uses to its net realizable value.

 

Cost of sales includes all the costs to manufacture the Company's products by third-party contractors, which are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations when the product is sold. Cost of sales also includes the cost of inventory write-downs associated with adjustments of held inventories to their net realizable value. These costs are reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations when the product is sold, and net sales revenues are recognized or, in the case of inventory write-downs, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of inventories is more than their recoverable value. In addition, cost of sales includes warehouse costs including depreciation, wages, utilities, real estate taxes, and property insurance.

 

Effective January 1, 2017, the Company elected to change its method of valuing its inventory to the FIFO method, where as in all prior years’ inventory was valued using the average cost method. The Company believes that the FIFO method of inventory valuation is preferable because the FIFO method results in the valuation of inventories at more current costs on the consolidated balance sheet, as well as the fact that the FIFO method is commonly used in the beauty industry. The Company determined that this change was not material to the financial statements in the current year or prior years. As such, no retrospective changes were made to the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of cash flows, or consolidated statements of member’s deficiency.

 

Property and equipment, net

 

A fixed asset is any tangible asset purchased for use in the day-to-day operations of the Company from which an economic benefit will be derived over a period greater than one year. Fixed assets include items of property and equipment such as buildings, leasehold improvements, office furniture, fixtures, computers and other related technology equipment. All capitalized assets are depreciated using the straight-line depreciation method. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. The Company evaluates events and changes in circumstances that could indicate carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, the Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted future cash flows derived from their use and eventual disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of an asset, the Company records an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. There was no impairment recorded in 2017 or 2016.

 

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Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Debt issuance costs

 

Debt issuance costs were incurred for arranging credit facilities from various financial institutions. These costs were presented as a discount to the related liability on the consolidated balance sheets and accreted over the term of the related liability using the effective interest rate method. Accretion expense is included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations in the amounts of $4,000 and $19,332 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

Deferred offering costs

 

Deferred offering costs, which primarily consist of direct incremental legal and accounting fees relating to the IPO, have been capitalized. The deferred offering costs will be offset against IPO proceeds upon the consummation of the offering. In the event the offering is terminated, deferred offering costs will be expensed.

 

Segment Reporting

 

Operating segments are components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Utilizing these criteria, the Company manages its business based on one operating segment and one reportable segment.

 

Revenue recognition

 

Revenue consists of sales of our products through domestic retail customers, international distributors, international retail customers, and e-commerce channels and shipping fees charged to our e-commerce customers. Sales through all channels are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered (the product has shipped or when delivered, based on the shipping terms), the price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue recognized through e-commerce sales is recognized net of any taxes that are collected from consumers and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.

 

E-commerce customers can return unused product within 30 days for any reason for full credit. Our domestic retail customers can return product or take credits for damaged product and returns from their customers. They are also allowed to return product that they decide to no longer carry in their stores or sell on their websites. Some agreements with domestic retail customers allow them to use a portion of the products they purchase as testers.

 

Provision for sales discounts, product returns, markdowns, shortages, damages and testers are recorded as reductions to revenue. The reserve for these items is established by the Company based upon management’s best estimates at the time of sale based upon historical trends.

 

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Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

The Company regularly reviews and revises, when deemed necessary, its estimates of sales returns and other required reserves based primarily upon the historical rate of actual product returns, the duration of time between the original sale and return, new product launches and any communicated changes in sales plans by our retail customers. Customers will take credits for discounts, returns, markdowns, damages, shortages, and testers which will reduce future amounts owed to the Company. These revenue reductions are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as an allowance against revenue. The Company recorded an estimated reserve of $390,000 and $298,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017, $181,778 of the reserve was netted against accounts receivable, while $208,222 was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. At December 31, 2016, the reserve of $298,000 was included in accrued expenses and other liabilities. These reserves were related to known and potential domestic retail customer returns, testers, and damages. The Company recorded $958,542 and $1,283,261 of revenue reductions during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Certain international customers pay for products in advance. In these instances, when cash is received in advance of a shipment of goods to customers, deferred revenue is recorded. The Company recorded $45,077 and $0 of deferred revenue at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Concentrations of risk

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, three significant customers (defined as contributing at least 10%) accounted for 58% (26%, 17% and 15%) of net sales. As of December 31, 2017, two significant customer accounted for approximately 83% of (45% and 38%) of accounts receivable. During 2017, one vendor accounted for approximately 39% of purchases for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, three significant customers (defined as contributing at least 10%) accounted for 71% (40%, 21% and 10%) of net sales. As of December 31, 2016, three significant customers accounted for approximately 85% (48%, 22% and 15%) of accounts receivable. During 2016, one vendor accounted for approximately 31% of purchases for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

During 2017 and 2016, net sales by sales channel were as follows:

 

   

Twelve months

ended

   

Twelve months

ended

 
    December 31,
2017
    December 31,
2016
 
             
Domestic     44 %     68 %
E-commerce     26 %     26 %
International     30 %     6 %

 

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Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

The Company adopted the provisions of the accounting pronouncement which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances fair value measurement disclosure. Under the provisions of the pronouncement, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

 

U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use on unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is described below:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

 

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

 

It is the Company’s policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements. When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to measure fair value. If market prices are not available, the fair value measurement is based on models that use primarily market based parameters including interest rate yield curves, option volatilities and currency rates. In certain cases where market rate assumptions are not available, the Company is required to make judgments about assumptions market participants would use to estimate the fair value of a financial instrument. Changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows could significantly affect the results of current or future values. The results may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of an asset or liability. For certain instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, it was determined that the carrying amount approximated fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments. All debt is based on current rates at which the Company could borrow funds with similar remaining maturities and approximate fair value.

 

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Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Selling expenses

 

Selling expenses include expenses to advertise and market the Company's products, such as, print advertising costs, digital marketing costs, freelance sales representatives, selling fees and expenses, promotional displays, samples and consumer promotions. Advertising and marketing within Selling Expenses, including promotions and digital marketing costs are expensed as incurred or distributed. Advertising and marketing expenses were $1,793,846 and $2,114,847 in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses include depreciation and amortization of certain fixed assets, non-sales overhead (principally personnel and related expenses), insurance and professional service fees.

 

Research and development expenses

 

Research and development (“R&D”) costs are expensed as incurred. R&D costs include costs of all basic research activities required to develop a new product or make significant changes to an existing product. R&D costs also include the cost of laboratory testing and registering of new products. R&D costs, included in General and Administrative expenses, totaled $83,845 and $79,385 in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company is a limited liability company which is not a tax paying entity at the corporate level. Each member is instead individually responsible for their share of the Company’s income or loss for income tax reporting purposes.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements

 

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606), which will replace existing revenue recognition standards and significantly expand the disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements. It may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis to new contracts and existing contracts with remaining performance obligations as of the effective date.

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidations (Topic 810): Amendments to the consolidation analysis”. The amendment places more emphasis in the consolidation evaluation on variable interests other than fee arrangements such as principal investment risk. Additionally, the amendments in this update reduce the extent to which related party arrangements cause an entity to be considered a primary beneficiary. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-02 beginning as of January 1, 2016, and notes that this adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and/or financial statement disclosures.

 

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date,” which allows for a deferral of the adoption date for ASU No. 2014-09 until January 1, 2018 and permits early adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, but not before the effective date of January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the alternative methods of adoption and the effect on its financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the financial statements as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability, consistent with the presentation of debt discounts.

 

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Note 3 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

This guidance became effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted, and is applied retrospectively. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-03 beginning as of January 1, 2015 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and/or financial statement disclosures.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory," which simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventories by requiring inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-11 beginning as of January 1, 2015 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and/or financial statement disclosures.

 

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases” (Topic 842), which will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs. Lessor accounting is similar to the current model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model (e.g., certain definitions, such as initial direct costs, have been updated) and the new revenue recognition standard. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt ASU No. 2016-02 beginning as of January 1, 2019. Due to the fact that 1901 McGee, LLC is consolidated, the Company does not expect this adoption to have an impact.

 

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, “Consolidations (Topic 810): Interests held through related parties under common control”, which amends the consolidation guidance on how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a VIE should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control, with the reporting entity when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is a reporting entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE, and, therefore, consolidates the VIE. A reporting entity has an indirect interest in a VIE if it has a direct interest in a related party that, in turn, has a direct interest in the VIE. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-17 beginning as of January 1, 2017, and notes that the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and/or financial statement disclosures.

 

Loss per membership unit

 

Basic loss per membership unit is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to DERMAdoctor, LLC by the weighted-average number of membership units outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per membership unit is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to DERMAdoctor, LLC by the weighted-average number of membership units and dilutive membership units equivalents outstanding for the period.

 

Proforma EPS

 

The unaudited pro forma basic and diluted loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 give effect to the assumed conversion of all 1,000,000 membership units upon an initial public offering by treating all membership units as if they had been converted to 3,000,000 shares common stock in all periods in which such shares were outstanding. Shares to be sold in the offering are excluded from the unaudited pro forma basic and diluted loss per share attributable to common stock holders calculations. In addition, the $3,250 of interest expense incurred during 2017 on the $190,000 related party notes to be repaid has been excluded form the unaudited pro forma basic and diluted loss per share.

 

Note 4 - Inventory, net

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, total net inventory values represented by finished goods and components were as follows:

 

    December 31,
2017
    December 31,
2016
 
             
Finished Goods   $ 1,114,208     $ 541,598  
Components     913,992       1,163,999  
Total   $ 2,028,200     $ 1,705,597  

 

Based on historical trends as well as review of the products on hand, the Company recorded a reserve for obsolete inventory of $142,000 and $95,841 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

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Note 5 - Property and equipment, net

 

Property and equipment, net as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 consists of the following:

 

    Useful
Life
    December 31,
2017
    December 31,
2016
 
                   
Buildings   39     $ 2,890,299     $ 2,890,299  
Land   Indefinite       395,350       395,350  
Equipment   5       36,727       36,727  
Furniture & Fixtures   5       11,130       11,130  
Property and Equipment, Gross           3,333,506       3,333,506  
Less:  Accumulated Depreciation           (351,279 )     (255,835 )
Property and Equipment, Net         $ 2,982,227     $ 3,077,671  

 

Depreciation expense was $95,446 and $101,915 for 2017 and 2016, respectively. Depreciation expense attributable to the Company’s warehouse is recorded within cost of goods sold, while depreciation expense attributable to the Company’s general office workspace is recorded within general and administrative expenses. For each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, $43,792 of depreciation expense was recorded in cost of goods sold.

 

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Note 6 - Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

The Company’s accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:

 

    December 31,
2017
    December 31,
2016
 
             
Reserve for sales returns   $ 208,222     $ 298,000  
Inventory in transit     155,248       -  
Credit card payable     153,420       -  
Compensation     65,036       61,888  
Marketing     40,000       34,553  
Other accruals     35,529       34,448  
Total   $ 657,455     $ 428,889  

 

Note 7 - Debt

 

The Company’s outstanding debt as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 consists of the following:

 

    December 31,
2017
    December 31,
2016
 
Mortgage payables:            
Term loan - EDCKC   $ 1,147,983     $ 1,210,797  
Term loan - Alterra Bank     1,545,141       1,595,409  
Less: debt issuance costs     (19,333 )     (23,333 )
Less:current portion     (116,360 )     (111,770 )
Total long-term portion of mortgage payables:     2,557,431       2,671,103  
Related Party notes payable:                
Promissory notes - Papillon Partners     1,790,000     $ 1,600,000  
Less:  current portion     (190,000 )     -  
Total long-term portion of related notes payable:     1,600,000       1,600,000  
Current portion of accounts receivable financing payable   $ 180,316     $ -  

 

Mortgage payables

 

On December 21, 2012 1901 McGee, LLC entered into a 20-year $1,440,000 loan with EDC Loan Corporation (“EDCKC”) which was funded on February 13, 2013 and matures on February 1, 2033. The loan is secured by all the real property of 1901 McGee, LLC, including the assignment of rents and income, and is subordinate to the deed of trust in favor of Alterra Bank. The loan is guaranteed by Audrey Kunin, Jeff Kunin, Audrey G. Kunin Trust, Jeffrey R. Kunin Trust, and Papillon (See Note 10-Related Party Transactions). The interest rate on the loan is 2.21% with an all-in rate of 2.25% including servicing and other fees. The note may be prepaid in full with 45 days’ notice. The monthly payment is $9,644, including principal and interest payments of $7,451. A prepayment penalty applies if the loan is repaid prior to the tenth year of the loan based on a prepayment schedule. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the prepayment penalty was equal to 1.55% of the remaining principal balance. The Company capitalized $40,000 in deferred financing fees related to this note. 1901 McGee, LLC is also subject to certain events of default including cross default and adverse financial condition provisions.

 

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Note 7 - Debt (continued)

 

On October 26, 2012, 1901 McGee, LLC entered into a 10-year, $1,750,000 term loan with ANB Bank. 1901 McGee, LLC repaid the remaining balance of the ANB loan in full on May 31, 2016 with the proceeds from the term loan with Alterra Bank discussed below.

 

On May 31, 2016, 1901 McGee, LLC entered into a loan with Alterra Bank for $1,624,211. The proceeds of the loan were used to pay off the ANB Bank term loan. The loan will mature on October 26, 2022. Interest is paid at a fixed rate of 3.95%. 1901 McGee, LLC is also subject to certain reporting and other covenants to remain in good standing under the loan. The term loan will be repaid in 76 monthly installments of $9,421 each and one last payment estimated at $1,268,821, with the first payment due June 26, 2016.

 

The loan is secured by all the real property of 1901 McGee, LLC, including the assignment of rents and the security interest in the rents and personal property up to a maximum amount of $1,624,211. The loan is guaranteed by Jeff and Audrey Kunin and the Audrey G. Kunin Trust and the Jeffrey R. Kunin Trust (see note 10-Related party transactions). The term loan can be prepaid in part or in whole without premium or penalty.

 

Line of credit

 

On October 26, 2012, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility with ANB Bank with a maturity date of October 26, 2015. The credit limit on the Facility was $1,900,000. The facility was collateralized with the Audrey G. Kunin Trust UA dated February 21, 1999. Audrey Kunin is the Chief Creative Officer and has an ownership position in the Company (see Note 10-Related party transactions). The PE firm investment proceeds (see Note11-Capital Raise) were used to pay off the credit facility in full. The facility was closed on January 7, 2016.

 

On February 22, 2016, the Company entered into a one (1) year, $2,000,000 line of credit with Banker’s Trust Company. All amounts under the line of credit were available for draw until the maturity date on February 22, 2017. The line of credit was collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s assets. The interest rate on the line of credit was subject to change from time to time and is charged at a rate of 0.58 percentage points over the Wall Street Journal U.S. Prime Rate. The Company was also subject to certain reporting and financial covenants to remain in good standing under the line of credit. All or a portion of the line of credit may be paid without penalty earlier than it is due. The line was paid in full with proceeds from the Papillon loan discussed below. The line was closed on November 8, 2016.

 

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Note 7 - Debt (continued)

 

Related party debt

 

On September 30, 2014, the Company entered into a $250,000 demand loan agreement with Jeff and Audrey Kunin. There was no interest rate associated with the loan and all or any portion of the note could be prepaid without premium or penalty. The note was repaid in full on January 11, 2016.

 

On December 1, 2015, the Company entered into a $150,000 demand loan agreement with Jeff and Audrey Kunin of which $103,000 was drawn. There was no interest rate associated with the loan and all or any portion of the note could be prepaid without premium or penalty. The note was repaid in full on January 11, 2016.

 

On November 8, 2016 the Company entered into a three (3) year $1,600,000 promissory note with Papillon. Interest is paid monthly at a rate of 6% per annum and all or any portion of the note may be prepaid without premium or penalty of any kind. The principal amount is due in one balloon payment at the maturity date of November 8, 2019. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company has recognized $96,000 and $14,203, respectively, in interest expense related to this note.

 

On July 17, 2017, the Company entered into a three month $90,000 promissory note with Papillon. Interest is paid at a rate of 6% per annum, payable monthly. The note was extended for a three month period on October 15, 2017. The note was extended again on January 13, 2018 for a two month period. The note matures on March 15, 2018 and all or any portion of the note may be prepaid without premium or penalty of any kind. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company has recognized $2,250 in interest expense related to this note.

 

On November 9, 2017, the Company entered into a three month $100,000 promissory note with Papillon. Interest is paid at a rate of 6% per annum, payable monthly. The note was extended for a three-month period on February 6, 2018. The note matures on May 8, 2018 and all or any portion of the note may be prepaid without premium or penalty of any kind. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company has recognized $1,000 in interest expense related to this note.

 

Accounts receivable financing payable

 

On October 19, 2017, the Company entered into an accounts receivable financing facility with CircleUp Credit Advisors, LLC (“CircleUp”). CircleUp issues individual loans under the facility based on a percentage of outstanding accounts receivable from certain customers less the current total loan amounts outstanding. The customers pay CircleUp directly up to the amount funded to the Company by CircleUp in addition to any incurred interest. Interest is paid at a rate of 17% per annum. To the extent payments from our customers are not sufficient to repay any funds advanced to us by CircleUp, we are obligated to repay any outstanding loan amounts. As of December 31, 2017, the outstanding balance on the facility was $180,316.

 

Aggregate future minimum principal payments on the outstanding debt are as follows:

 

Year ending December 31,      
2018     486,676  
2019     1,719,947  
2020     123,491  
2021     127,476  
Thereafter     2,205,850  
Total outstanding debt     4,663,440  

 

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Note 8 - Commitments and contingencies

 

From time to time, the Company may become involved in legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Management is not currently aware of any matters that it expects will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Employment Agreements

 

On January 1, 2016, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Audrey Kunin to act as our Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Kunin receives an annual base salary of $150,000 per year. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Dr. Kunin will be entitled to a bonus equal to two percent of actual measurable sales that are the direct result of her personal media appearances on behalf of the Company, as determined by the Company. No bonus was paid to Dr. Kunin for the year ended December 31, 2017 or 2016. If Dr. Kunin’s employment contract is terminated for cause (as defined in the agreement), death or disability, she (or her estate in the event of death) will receive the accrued base salary, vacation pay, expense reimbursement and any other entitlements accrued by her through the date of termination to the extent not previously paid. If Dr. Kunin’s employment is terminated without cause, she will also receive an amount equal to two months base salary as severance. Under her employment agreement, Dr. Kunin has also agreed to non-competition provisions. The Company has negotiated a new employment agreement with Dr. Kunin with respect to her position as Chief Creative Officer.

 

On May 22, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Andrea Bielsker to act as our Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Bielsker receives an annual base salary of $130,000 per year. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Ms. Bielsker will devote 60% of her professional time to the Company. Ms. Bielsker is eligible for an annual bonus equal to a percentage of her base salary. Any bonus that may be awarded will be in the sole and absolute discretion of both the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company. If Ms. Bielsker’s employment contract is terminated for cause (as defined in the agreement), death or disability, she (or her estate in the event of death) will receive the accrued base salary, vacation pay, expense reimbursement and any other entitlements accrued by her through the date of termination to the extent not previously paid. If Ms. Bielsker’s employment is terminated without cause, she will also receive an amount equal to three months base salary as severance. Under her employment agreement, Ms. Bielsker has also agreed to non-competition provisions. The initial term of this Agreement shall end on December 31, 2018.

 

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Note 9 - Employee benefit plan

 

The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) plan (the “401(k) Plan”) for eligible employees. Participants may make voluntary contributions up to the maximum amount allowable by law. The Company may make contributions to the 401(k) Plan on a discretionary basis which vest to the participants 100%. The Company made contributions of $35,307 and $33,625 for 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Note 10 - Related party transactions

 

Audrey and Jeff Kunin, through their wholly-owned company, Papillon, are 82.23% owners of DERMAdoctor, LLC. Audrey Kunin is the Chief Executive Officer of DERMAdoctor, LLC and Jeff Kunin is the Chief Operating Officer of DERMAdoctor, LLC. They are 100% owners of 1901 McGee, LLC which owns the building where DERMAdoctor, LLC leases office and warehouse space.

 

Audrey and Jeff Kunin have entered into direct loan agreements with the Company and have guaranteed unrelated third-party principal and interest repayments for the Company including individually, though Papillon, and through the Audrey G. Kunin Trust and the Jeffrey R. Kunin Trust.

 

Papillon, at December 31, 2017, had extended a total of $1,790,000 in promissory notes to the Company (see Note 7 - Debt).

 

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company entered into sales proceeds agreements with multiple employees of the Company and Papillon. As of December 31, 2017, only two of these employees remain with the Company. Pursuant to these agreements, on the event of a sale of the Company, these two employees are eligible to receive .25% of Papillon’s portion of the excess sales proceeds after reductions for (a) all debts and liabilities of the Company, (b) the unreturned capital contributions, and (c) the establishment of any reserves which the Board deems reasonably necessary for any contingent or unforeseen liabilities or obligations of the Company. To estimate the value of these potential sales proceeds, the Company first developed an estimate of the potential valuation of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The estimated value was then reduced by the necessary capital contributions and outstanding debt as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The remaining value was then multiplied by .25% to determine the potential sales proceeds liability. The Company estimated a value for these potential sales proceeds payments of $96,000 and $64,000 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Of these amounts, $32,000 and $64,000 were recorded as compensation expense and as contributed equity during 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company owed $45,000 to related parties to cover costs related to the capital raise discussed in Note 11 – Capital Raise.

 

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Note 11 - Capital raise

 

January 1, 2016 securities purchase agreement

 

On January 1, 2016, the Company sold 475,000 of the 1,000,000 outstanding Units to a private equity firm and an employee of the same private equity firm (hereafter both parties will be referred to as “PE Firm”), constituting 47.5% of the issued and outstanding Units of the Company for a purchase price of $3,500,000 under a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”). The proceeds were used to repay outstanding promissory notes to Jeff and Audrey Kunin in the amount of $353,000 and for working capital and general corporate purposes as disclosed in Note 7-Debt.

 

In conjunction with the investment, an Operating Agreement was entered into by the members of the Company. The Operating Agreement limited the Company from taking certain actions such as incurring additional indebtedness, issuing additional Units, and hiring certain employees without a supermajority of Units in favor of such action. The Operating Agreement provides for five managers, consisting of two managers designated by Papillon, two designated by the PE Firm, and one jointly designated by Papillon and the PE Firm, who are authorized to make the day to day decisions for the Company. The Operating Agreement designates how profits and losses are to be allocated.

 

Distributions upon dissolution of the Company under certain circumstances go first, to the payment of debts and liabilities of the Company; second to the establishment of any reserve for an contingent, conditional or unasserted claims or obligations of the Company; third, to the PE Firm in an amount equal to its Unreturned Capital Contributions (as such term is defined in the Operating Agreement); fourth to Papillon in an amount equal to its Unreturned Capital Contributions; and finally, to the members pro rata in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests (as such term is defined in the Operating Agreement). The Company incurred costs related to the equity transaction in the amount of $209,384 which were recorded as a reduction of the proceeds received in the sale of the membership interests. In conjunction with the Purchase Agreement, a put right was granted to the PE firm. The put right allowed the PE Firm to sell their 475,000 Units to the Company at any time after January 1, 2019, in their absolute discretion, by delivering a 12-month prior notice to the Company and Papillon. Upon delivery of the put notice, Papillon could elect to initiate a process for an approved sale of the Company to a third party during the 12-month period. If Papillon did not elect to exercise its rights with respect to such an approved sale by the expiration of the 12-month period, the Company would be required to purchase all of the Units put to the Company within 120 days. The put price for the 475,000 units was the greater of two times the PE Firm’s capital contribution ($3,500,000) or the Fair Market Value of such Units as of the date of the notice. The Company evaluated the put right and considered the put right a redemption provision on the membership interests, which was outside of the control of the Company and required mezzanine equity classification on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

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Note 11 - Capital Raise (continued)

 

November 8, 2016 reorganization

 

On November 8, 2016, pursuant to the terms of a Unit Purchase Agreement, the PE Firm sold one-half of their Units to Papillon in exchange for Papillon repaying the Company’s $1,590,942 outstanding balance on Banker’s Trust Line of Credit through a $1,600,000 term loan to the Company. The transaction resulted in Papillon owning 762,500 Units or 76.25% of the outstanding Units of the Company, and the PE firm owning 237,500 of the outstanding Units of the Company. In connection with the transaction, the Operating Agreement was amended (the “Amended Operating Agreement”) to change the supermajority requirement for the actions described above to a simple majority requirement, giving Papillon the authority to authorize the specified Company actions without agreement from the PE Firm. The Amended Operating Agreement also limits related party transactions and requires that any additional loans made by Papillon to the Company must be made at a maximum interest rate of 6% per annum. The number of managers was reduced from five to three and Papillon was given the authority to designate all three members. The Amended Operating Agreement also provides for a right of first refusal and drag along and tag along rights to both Papillon and the PE Firm.

 

In conjunction with entering into the Amended Operating Agreement, the put right previously granted to the PE Firm was modified (the “Modified Put Option”), and the PE firm’s put right associated with the 237,500 Units purchased by Papillon was terminated, which resulted in the reclassification of $1,750,000 being reclassified from mezzanine financing to permanent equity. The Modified Put Option permits the PE Firm to sell their 237,500 Units to the Company at any time after November 8, 2020, in their absolute discretion, by delivering a 12-month prior notice to the Company and Papillon. Upon delivery of the put notice, Papillon may elect to initiate a process for an approved sale of the Company to a third party during the 12-month period.

 

If Papillon does not elect to exercise its rights with respect to such an approved sale by the expiration of the 12-month period, the Company will be required to purchase all of the Units put to the Company within 120 days. The put price for the 237,500 Units is the greater of the PE Firm’s capital contribution ($1,750,000) or the fair market value of such Units as of the date of the notice. At the discretion of the Company, payment for the Units may be with a promissory note to be paid in equal monthly installments over three years. The interest rate for such a note will be the Prime Rate in effect on the first banking day of each year. The promissory note will be secured by a joint and several personal guarantees by Jeff and Audrey Kunin.

 

December 28, 2017 amendment

 

On December 28, 2017, the PE firm and Papillon entered into an agreement pursuant to which the PE firm sold Papillon 59,884 Units of the Company (representing approximately 25% of the PE firm’s total ownership of the Company). In consideration of the Units received, Papillon paid the PE firm $480,000. This transaction reduced the put price (discussed in “November 8, 2016 Reorganization” note above) to $1,270,000 or the fair market value of the PE firms’ remaining Units as of the date of the put notice. As a result, $480,000 was reclassified from mezzanine financing to permanent equity. In the event of a successful initial public offering, the remaining put right will be cancelled.

 

Note 12 - Variable interest entity

 

We have determined that 1901 McGee, LLC qualifies as a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) because: it was formed with the sole intent of leasing office and warehouse space to DERMAdoctor, LLC; is 100% owned by Audrey and Jeff Kunin who also own 100% of Papillon which owns 82.23% of DERMAdoctor, LLC; and the Company has significant control over the financial performance of 1901 McGee, LLC. We consolidate the 1901 McGee, LLC financial statements because we have the power to direct the activities that significantly affect their economic performance due to implicit interests of our common majority owner. DERMAdoctor, LLC does not have any rights of the assets or obligations of the liabilities of 1901 McGee, LLC.

 

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Note 12 - Variable interest entity (continued)

 

The classification and carrying amounts of assets and liabilities of 1901 McGee, LLC in the consolidated balance sheet are as follows for the periods ending December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

    December 31,
2017
    December 31,
2016
 
             
Current assets   $ 19,996     $ 17,465  
Property and equipment     2,974,830       3,062,415  
      2,994,826       3,079,880  
                 
Current liabilities (a)     140,686       136,468  
Mortgage payable, net of current portion     2,557,431       2,671,103  
Equity - Non-controlling interest     296,709       272,309  
    $ 2,994,826     $ 3,079,880  

 

(a) $17,328 at December 31, 2017 and $16,823 at December 31, 2016 of deferred revenue related to prepaid rent of the building is included within the consolidated balance sheets of 1901 McGee, LLC above. The deferred revenue of 1901 McGee, LLC and prepaid rent of DERMAdoctor, LLC are not included on the consolidated balance sheets as the amounts are eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Note 13 - Subsequent events

 

The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date of the independent auditors’ report on consolidated financial statements.

 

On March 1, 2018, Jeff Kunin was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, and Audrey Kunin was appointed as Chief Creative Officer.

 

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1,875,000 Shares
Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ThinkEquity

a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Through and including                      , 2018 (25 days after commencement of this offering), all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

 

The following table sets forth all expenses to be paid by the registrant, other than estimated underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with our public offering. All amounts shown are estimates except for the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee and the Nasdaq listing fee:

 

SEC registration fee   $ 2,265  
FINRA filing fee     3,229  
Nasdaq listing fee     50,000  
Legal fees and expenses     395,311  
Accounting fees and expenses     28,998  
Transfer agent and registrar’s fees and expenses     1,000  
Printing and engraving expenses     10,000  
Non-accountable expenses to Representative     150,000  
Miscellaneous expenses     109,197  
Total   $ 750,000  

 

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

The Registrant is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any persons who were, are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person is or was an officer, director, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as an officer, director, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation’s best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was illegal. A Delaware corporation may indemnify any persons who were, are, or are threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation’s best interests except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him or her against the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred.

 

The Registrant’s certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, each of which will become effective prior to the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, provide for the indemnification of its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

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Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits a corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duties as a director, except for liability for any:

 

  transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit;
     
  act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
     
  unlawful payment of dividends or redemption of shares; or
     
  breach of a director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders.

 

The Registrant’s certificate of incorporation includes such a provision. Expenses incurred by any officer or director in defending any such action, suit or proceeding in advance of its final disposition shall be paid by the Registrant upon delivery to it of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified by the Registrant.

 

Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides, among other things, that a director who willfully or negligently approves of an unlawful payment of dividends or an unlawful stock purchase or redemption, may be held liable for such actions. A director who was either absent when the unlawful actions were approved or dissented at the time may avoid liability by causing his or her dissent to such actions to be entered in the books containing minutes of the meetings of the board of directors at the time such action occurred or immediately after such absent director receives notice of the unlawful acts.

 

As permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Registrant has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its directors and executive officers, that require the Registrant to indemnify such persons against any and all costs and expenses (including attorneys’, witness or other professional fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such persons in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (including derivative actions), whether actual or threatened, to which any such person may be made a party by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer or is or was acting or serving as an officer, director, employee or agent of the Registrant or any of its affiliated enterprises. Under these agreements, the Registrant is not required to provide indemnification for certain matters, including:

 

  indemnification beyond that permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law;
     
  indemnification for any proceeding with respect to the unlawful payment of remuneration to the director or officer;
     
  indemnification for certain proceedings involving a final judgment that the director or officer is required to disgorge profits from the purchase or sale of the Registrant’s stock;
     
  indemnification for proceedings involving a final judgment that the director’s or officer’s conduct was in bad faith, knowingly fraudulent or deliberately dishonest or constituted willful misconduct or a breach of his or her duty of loyalty, but only to the extent of such specific determination;
     
  indemnification for proceedings or claims brought by an officer or director against us or any of the Registrant’s directors, officers, employees or agents, except for claims to establish a right of indemnification or proceedings or claims approved by the Registrant’s board of directors or required by law;
     
  indemnification for settlements the director or officer enters into without the Registrant’s consent; or
     
  indemnification in violation of any undertaking required by the Securities Act or in any registration statement filed by the Registrant.

 

The indemnification agreements also set forth certain procedures that will apply in the event of a claim for indemnification thereunder.

 

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Except as otherwise disclosed under the heading “Legal Proceedings” in the “Business” section of this registration statement, there is at present no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of the Registrant’s directors or executive officers as to which indemnification is required or permitted, and the Registrant is not aware of any threatened litigation or proceeding that may result in a claim for indemnification.

 

The Registrant has an insurance policy in place that covers its officers and directors with respect to certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act or otherwise.

 

The Registrant plans to enter into an underwriting agreement which provides that the underwriters are obligated, under some circumstances, to indemnify the Registrant’s directors, officers and controlling persons against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

 

During the last three years, we have issued unregistered securities to the persons described below. None of these transactions involved any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. We believe that each transaction was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof as a transaction not involving a public offering. The recipients both had access, through their relationship with us, to information about us.

 

On December 31, 2015, we issued 525,000 Units to DERMAdoctor, Inc. (now known as Papillon Partners, Inc., or Papillon) in consideration of the contribution by DERMAdoctor, Inc. of assets.

 

On January 1, 2016, we issued 475,000 Units to Midwest Growth Partners LLLP for cash proceeds of $3,500,000.

 

On November 8, 2016, we issued a promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $1,600,000 to Papillon, which note bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum.

 

On July 17, 2017, we issued a short-term promissory note to Papillon in the aggregate principal amount of $90,000, which note bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum.

 

On November 9, 2017, we issued a short-term promissory note to Papillon in the aggregate principal amount of 100,000, which note bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum.

 

Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

The exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this registration statement.

 

Item 17. Undertakings.

 

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

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(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

 

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§230.424 of this chapter);

 

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

(f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

 

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(h) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

(i) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared

effective.

 

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Kansas City, State of Missouri, on 2nd of May, 2018.

 

  DERMADOCTOR, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Jeff Kunin, M.D.
  Name: Jeff Kunin, M.D.
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Audrey Kunin and Jeff Kunin, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with the full power of substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments), and to sign any registration statement for the same offering covered by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act, and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ Jeff Kunin, M.D.   President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and   May 2, 2018
Jeff Kunin, M.D.   Member of the Board of Directors  
         
/s/ Andrea Bielsker   Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   May 2, 2018
Andrea Bielsker    
         
/s/ Audrey Kunin, M.D.   Chief Creative Officer and Member of the Board of Directors   May 2, 2018
Audrey Kunin, M.D.    
         
/s/ William Kunin   Member of the Board of Directors   May 2, 2018
William Kunin    

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number   Description of Exhibit
1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement*
3.1   Articles of Organization of D. Doctor Acquisition, LLC (the predecessor of DERMAdoctor, LLC)
3.2   Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of DERMAdoctor, LLC
3.3   Amendment of Articles of Organization of DERMAdoctor, LLC
3.4   Certificate of Incorporation of DERMAdoctor, Inc. filed with Delaware Secretary of State on April 30, 2018.
3.5   Bylaws of DERMAdoctor, Inc.
3.6   Form of Certificate of Merger to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
3.7   Form of Articles of Merger to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Missouri
3.8   Form of Agreement and Plan of Merger
4.1   Specimen Common Stock Certificate*
4.2   Form of Representative’s Warrant*
4.3   Promissory Note, dated November 8, 2016
4.4   Promissory Note, dated July 17, 2017
4.5   Promissory Note, dated November 9, 2017
4.6   Promissory Note Extension Agreement dated October 9, 2017 (to July 2017 Note)
4.7   Promissory Note Second Extension Agreement dated January 13, 2018 (to July 2017 Note)
4.8   Promissory Note Extension Agreement dated February 6, 2018 (to November 2017 Note)
4.9   Promissory Note Third Extension Agreement dated March 15, 2018 (to November 2017 Note)
4.10   Promissory Note Extension Agreement dated April 30, 2018 (to July 2017 Note)
4.11   Promissory Note Extension Agreement dated April 30, 2018 (to November 2017 Note)
5.1   Opinion of Gracin & Marlow, LLP
10.1   Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between the Registrant and its directors and officers
10.2   DERMAdoctor, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan
10.3   Form of Stock Option Agreement, Notice of Exercise and Stock Option Grant Notice under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan
10.4   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement and Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan
10.5   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement and Notice of Award of Restricted Stock under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan
10.6   Non-Competition Agreement with Jeffery R. Kunin, dated January 1, 2016
10.7   Employment Agreement with Andrea Bielsker, dated May 22, 2017
10.8   Employment Agreement with Andrea Kunin, dated March 10, 2018
10.9   Employment Agreement with Jeffrey R. Kunin, dated March 10, 2018
10.10   Building Lease dated January 1, 2016 between 1901 McGee, LLC and DERMAdoctor, LLC
10.11   Form of Commercial Loan Agreement between DERMAdoctor, LLC and CircleUp Credit Advisors, LLC
10.12   Form of Sales Proceeds Sharing Agreement
21.1   Subsidiaries of DERMAdoctor, Inc.*
23.1   Consent of Friedman, LLP
23.2   Consent of Gracin & Marlow, LLP (See Exhibit 5.1 above)
24.1   Power of Attorney (Included in the signature page of this Registration Statement)
99.1   Consent of Victoria Barnard, Director Nominee
99.2   Consent of Brad Hampton, Director Nominee
99.3   Consent of James Hyde, Director Nominee

 

+ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
   
* To be filed by amendment

 

 

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Exhibit 3.1

 

        LC001472275
Date Filed: 12/21/2015
Jason Kander
Missouri Secretary of State
  State of Missouri  
  Jason Kander, Secretary of State  
  Corporations Division  
  PO Box 778 / 600 W. Main St., Rm. 322    
  Jefferson City, MO 65102    

 

Articles of Organization

(Submit with filing fee of $105.00)

 

1. The name of the limited liability company is

D. Doctor Acquisition, LLC

 

(Must include “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” “LC,” “L.C.,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC”)

 

2. The purpose(s) for which the limited liability company is organized:

 

The transaction of any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the Missouri Limited Liability Company Act, Chapter 347 RSMo.

 

 

3. The name and address of the limited liability company’s registered agent in Missouri is:

 

  BC AGENT SERVICES, INC.   1200 Main Street Suite 3800   Kansas City MO 64105
  Name   Street Address: May not use PO Box unless street address also provided   City/State/Zip

 

4 . The management of the limited liability company is vested in:     ☒ managers   ☐ members    (check one)

 

5. The events, if any, on which the limited liability company is to dissolve or the number of years the limited liability company is to continue, which may be any number or perpetual: Perpetual ____________________________________

(The answer to this question could cause possible tax consequences, you may wish to consult with your attorney or accountant)

 

6 . The name(s) and street address(es) of each organizer (PO box may only be used in addition to a physical street address) :

(Organizer(s) are not required to be member(s), manager(s) or owner(s)

 

  Name   Address   City/State/Zip
  Pfannenstiel, Sarah   1200 Main Street, Suite 3800   Kansas City MO 64105
           
           
           
           

 

7. Series LLC (OPTIONAL) Pursuant to Section 347.186, the limited liability company may establish a designated series in its operating agreement. The names of the series must include the full name of the limited liability company and are the following:

 

  New Series:
  The limited liability company gives notice that the series has limited liability.
   
  New Series:
  The limited liability company gives notice that the series has limited liability.
   
  New Series:
  The limited liability company gives notice that the series has limited liability.
  (Each separate series must also file an Attachment Form LLC IA.)

     
Name and address to return filed document:    
     
Name: Sarah Pfannenstiel    
Address:  Email: sarah.pfannenstiel@bryancave.com    
City, State, and Zip Code:       
       

 

 

 

8. The effective date of this document is the date it is filed by the Secretary of State of Missouri unless a future date is otherwise indicated:

 

 

(Date may not be more than 90 days after the filing date in this office)

 

In Affirmation thereof, the facts stated above are true and correct:

(The undersigned understands that false statements made in this filing are subject to the penalties provided under Section 575.040, RSMo)

 

All organizers must sign:

 

/s/ Sarah Pfannenstiel   SARAH PFANNENSTIEL   12/21/2015
Organizer Signature   Printed Name   Date of Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.2

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT OF

DERMADOCTOR, LLC

 

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT is made and entered into effective as of the day of    , 2016 (the “Effective Date”) by and among DERMAdoctor, LLC (the “Company”) and the Persons executing this Agreement as Members on the signature page hereof or who otherwise become parties hereto in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

WHEREAS, the Company was formed on December 21, 2015 under the name D. Doctor Acquisition, LLC, as a limited liability company under the Missouri Limited Liability Company Act (the “Act”);

 

WHEREAS, on or about December 31, 2015, the Company filed an amendment to its articles of organization changing its name to DERMAdoctor, LLC;

 

WHEREAS, the Members and the Company entered into the Operating Agreement of the Company dated January 1, 2016 (the “Original Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, this Agreement hereby amends and restates in its entirety the Original Agreement and any other prior operating agreement of the Company (whether oral or written);

 

WHEREAS, while the Original Agreement provided for separate classes of Units, such classes have been consolidated into one (1) class of Units under this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, by executing this Agreement, each of the Members hereby (a) ratifies the formation of the Company and the filing of the Articles, (b) confirms and agrees to the Member's status as a member of the Company, and (c) continues the existence of the Company for the purposes hereinafter set forth, subject to the terms and conditions hereof.

 

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

 

ARTICLE l

FORMATION AND OFFICES

 

1.1 Formation

 

Pursuant to the Act, the Members have formed a Missouri limited liability company effective upon the filing of the Articles of the Company with the Secretary of State of Missouri.

 

1.2 Principal Office

 

The principal office of the Company shall be located at 1901 McGee Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or at such other place(s) as the Managers may determine from time to time.

 

1

 

 

1.3 Registered Office and Registered Agent

 

The location of the registered office and the name of the registered agent of the Company in the State of Missouri shall be as stated in the Articles.

 

1.4 Purpose of Company

 

The purposes for which the Company is organized are to engage in all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the Act. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Company shall have the power to do any and all acts and things necessary, appropriate, advisable or convenient for the furtherance and accomplishment of the purposes of the Company, including, without limitation, to engage in any kind of activity and to enter into and perform obligations of any kind necessary to or in connection with, or incidental to, the accomplishment of the purposes of the Company, so long as said activities and obligations may be lawfully engaged in or performed by a limited liability company under the Act.

 

1.5 Date of Dissolution

 

The duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

 

1.6 Delivery of Copies to Members

 

Upon the return by the Secretary of State of Missouri to the Company of any document “Filed” with the Secretary of State of Missouri relating to the Company, neither the Company nor the Person executing such document shall be required to deliver or mail a copy thereof to any Member.

 

ARTICLE 2

DEFINITIONS

 

2.1 Terms Defined Herein

 

As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:

 

“Act” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

“Additional Units” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.

 

“Affiliate” of a specified Person (the “Specified Person”) means any Person: (a) who directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Specified Person; (b) who owns or controls fifty percent (50%) or more of the Specified Person's outstanding voting securities or equity interests; (c) of whom such Specified Person owns or controls fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding voting securities or equity interests; (d) who is a director, partner, manager, executive officer or trustee of the Specified Person; (e) in whom the Specified Person is a director, partner, manager, executive officer or trustee; or (f) who has any relationship with the Specified Person by blood, marriage or adoption, not more remote than first cousin.

 

“Agreement” means this Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, as amended or restated from time to time.

 

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“Approved Sale” means the sale of the Company, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, to a third party (a) pursuant to which such third party proposes to acquire seventy-five percent (75%) or more of the Percentage Interests (whether by merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization, purchase of the outstanding Units or otherwise) or all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, (b) which has been approved by a Majority in Interest, and (c) pursuant to which (i) all selling Members will receive (whether in such transaction or, with respect to an asset sale, upon a subsequent liquidation) the same form and amount of consideration per Percentage Interest or, if any Members are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all Members are given the same option, and (ii) in all events, each MGP Member receives an amount equal to or greater than its Put Price and PPI receives the same proportional consideration based on its Percentage Interests.

 

“Articles” means the Articles of Organization of the Company filed with the Secretary of State of Missouri, as amended or restated from time to time.

 

“Assignee” means any Person who is the holder of Units but is not then a Member. An Assignee shall not be entitled to participate in the management of the business and affairs of the Company or to become or to exercise the rights of a Member, including the right to vote, the right to require any information or accounting of the Company's business or the right to inspect the Company's books and records. An Assignee shall only be entitled to receive, to the extent of the Interest held by such Assignee, the share of distributions and profits, including distributions representing the return of Capital Contributions, to which the transferor would otherwise be entitled with respect to the Transferred Units. An Assignee shall not have the right to vote his, her or its Transferred Units until the transferee is admitted to the Company as a substitute Member with respect to the Transferred Units.

 

“Board” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

 

“Budget” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(e).

 

“Capital Contribution” means the total amount of cash, other property, services rendered, conversion of debt or other obligation to contribute cash or property or perform services contributed to the Company by a Member pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Any reference in this Agreement to the Capital Contributions of a Member shall include the Capital Contributions made by any predecessor holder of the Units of that Member (it being agreed, however, that PPI has not received and will not receive credit for any Capital Contributions attributable to the Units of the MGP Members purchased by PP! under the Unit Purchase Agreement between PPI and the MGP Members dated as of the Effective Date, and therefore, as of the Effective Date, the MGP Members' Capital Contributions and Capital Accounts have been reduced by the Capital Contributions attributable to such Units sold thereunder, but PPI's Capital Contributions and Capital Account have not been increased as a result thereof).

 

“Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

 

“Closing Documentation” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.10(a).

 

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“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

“Company” has the meaning set forth in the opening paragraph.

 

“Control” as to PPI, means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of PPI, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, Jeffrey R. Kunin and Audrey G. Kunin will not be deemed to Control PPI in the event both of them are deceased.

 

“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the opening paragraph.

 

“Election Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(b )(ii).

 

“Event of Withdrawal” means an event that causes a Person to cease to be a Member as provided in the Act which events include, but are not limited to, (a) voluntary withdrawal to the extent permitted by Section 8.1, (b) assignment (in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement) of all of a Member's Interest, (c) the making of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (d) being subject to bankruptcy, (e) appointment of a trustee or receiver for the Member or for all or any substantial part of his, her or its property, (f) in the case of a Member who is a natural person (1) his or her death, (2) his or her retirement or retirement, removal or expulsion, or (3) the entry by a court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating him or her incompetent to manage his or her person or estate, (g) in the case of a Member that is a trust (1) the termination of the trust or (2) a distribution of its entire Interest but not merely the substitution of a new trustee, (h) in the case of a Member that is a general or limited partnership (1) the dissolution and commencement of winding up of the partnership or (2) a distribution of its entire Interest, (i) in the case of a Member that is a corporation (1) the filing of articles of dissolution or their equivalent for the corporation, (2) a revocation of its charter or (3) a distribution of its entire Interest, G) in the case of a Member that is an estate the distribution by the fiduciary of the estate's entire Interest, (k) in the case of a Member that is a limited liability company (1) the filing of articles of dissolution or termination or their equivalent for a limited liability company or (2) a distribution of its entire Interest, or (I) in the case of a Member that is a limited partnership (1) the filing of articles of dissolution or termination or their equivalent for a limited partnership or (2) a distribution of its entire Interest.

 

“Excluded Issuance” shall mean the issuance of Additional Units in an underwritten public offering (or transaction relating thereto) pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act (or other applicable foreign securities laws governing such issuance) and approved in accordance with this Agreement.

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

 

“Indemnitee” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

 

“Initial Employees” means Gabrielle Bridges, Tamara Ditto, Mike Jacobs and Ed z Kwiatkawski.

 

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“Interest” refers to all of a Member's (or an Assignee's) rights and interests in the Company in such Member's (or Assignee's) capacity as a Member (or an Assignee), all as provided in the Articles, this Agreement and the Act together with the obligations of such Member (or Assignee) to comply with all the terms and provisions of the Agreement and the Act.

 

“Issuance Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(b)(ii).

 

“Liquidation Proceeds” means all Property at the time of liquidation of the Company and all proceeds thereof.

 

“Mahoski” means Amanda Mahoski.

 

“Majority in Interest” means any individual Member or group of Members holding an aggregate of 50% or more of the Percentage Interests held by all Members.

 

“Managers” means the Persons designated or elected from time to time pursuant to this Agreement as Managers of the Company, acting in their capacity as Managers.

 

“Members” means those Persons executing this Agreement as members of the Company, including any substitute Members or additional Members, in each such Person's capacity as a Member of the Company.

 

“Member in Violation” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b ).

 

“MGP” means Midwest Growth Partners LLLP.

 

“MGP Fair Market Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.8(b).

 

“MGP Members” means MGP and Mahoski.

 

“MGP Put Determination Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.8(b ).

 

“MGP Put Final Appraiser” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.8(b ).

 

“Net Cash Flow” means, with respect to any fiscal period, all operating and investment revenues during such period and any amounts theretofore held in any reserve which the Managers determine need not be held any longer in reserve, all as determined in accordance with the Company's method of accounting, less Operating Expenses.

 

“Notice” means a writing containing the information required by this Agreement to be communicated to a Person in accordance with Section 11.3.

 

“Offer” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6(a).

 

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“Operating Expenses” means, with respect to any fiscal period, (a) to the extent paid other than with cash withdrawn from reserves therefor, the amount of cash disbursed in such period in order to operate the Company and to pay all expenses (including, without limitation, management fees, wages, taxes, insurance, repairs, and/or other costs and expenses) incident to the ownership or operation of the Property or the Company and (b) the amount of any reserves created during such period or the amount of any increase in any existing reserve, as provided in Section 4.3.

 

“Original Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

“Other Members” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6(a).

 

“Over-Allotment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(b)(ii).

 

“Percentage Interest” of a Member means, at any particular time, a ratio, expressed as a percentage, which is the ratio that the number of issued Units of such Member bears to the total number of issued Units of all Members. The Members' Percentage Interests are set forth on Schedule A and shall hereafter be reflected on the books and records of the Company.

 

“Permitted Assignee” means (a) any Member, or (b) Jeffrey R. Kunin or Audrey G. Kunin, or any trust for the primary benefit of either of them or their descendants, so long as, in each case, each trustee entitled to vote thereunder is also either a Member or a settlor of a trust that is a Member.

 

“Person” means any natural person, partnership (whether general or limited), trust, estate, association, corporation, custodian, nominee or any other individual or entity in its own or any representative capacity, in each case, whether domestic or foreign, or a limited liability company or foreign limited liability company.

 

“PPI” means Papillon Partners, Inc. f/k/a DERMAdoctor, Inc.

 

“PPI Fair Market Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.9(b).

 

“PPI Purchase Determination Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.9(b).

 

“PPI Purchase Final Appraiser” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.9(b ).

 

“PPI Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.9(a).

 

“Prime Rate” means the annual rate of interest reported from time to time in The Wall Street Journal as the base rate on corporate loans at large money center commercial banks.

 

“Pro Rata Share” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(b)(i).

 

“Property” means all properties and assets that the Company may own or otherwise have an interest in from time to time.

 

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“Purchase Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.9(a).

 

“Put Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.8(a).

 

“Put Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.8(a).

 

“Qualified Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(c).

 

“Redemption Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.8(a).

 

“Requesting Purchaser” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(b)(ii).

 

“ROFR Over-Allotment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6(b).

 

“ROFR Pro Rata Share” means, with respect to an Other Member who elects to purchase the Subject Units of the Selling Member pursuant to Section 8.6, the number of Units held by such purchasing Other Member divided by the total number of Units held by such purchasing Other Member and each remaining Other Member.

 

“Sale Proceeds Sharing Agreements” means those certain Sale Proceeds Sharing Agreements to be entered into among the Company, PPI (and/or MGP, as applicable) and certain employees of the Company.

 

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

 

“Securities Purchase Agreement” means that certain Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of January 1, 2016 by and between the Company, MGP and PPL.

 

“Selling Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.

 

“Subject Units” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.

 

“Supermajority in Interest” means any individual Member or group of Members holding an aggregate of 80% or more of the Percentage Interests held by all Members.

 

“Tax Distributions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).

 

“Transfer” means (a) when used as a verb, to give, sell, exchange, assign, transfer, pledge, hypothecate, bequeath, devise or otherwise dispose of or encumber, directly or indirectly, and (b) when used as a noun, the nouns corresponding to such verbs, in either case voluntarily or involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise.

 

“Units” means those Units of Interest issued by the Company having the rights, privileges and preferences set forth in this Agreement.

 

“Unreturned Capital Contributions” means, as to a Member, as of any date, the aggregate Capital Contributions of such Member reduced (but not below zero) by all distributions made to such Member pursuant to Section 9.3, as applicable. PPI expressly agrees that the amount of its Unreturned Capital Contributions is subject to reduction pursuant to Section 7.02 of the Securities Purchase Agreement, and expressly agrees to any such reduction in the amount of its Unreturned Capital Contributions pursuant to Section 7.02 of the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE 3

CAPITALIZATION OF THE COMPANY

 

3.1 Capitalization

 

Schedule A hereto sets forth the amount of Capital Contributions of, and the number of Units held by, each Member.

 

3.2 Additional Capital Contributions

 

No Member (or Assignee) shall be required to make any additional Capital Contribution except as otherwise provided herein. If agreed to by the Managers and a Supermajority in Interest, each Member (and Assignee) shall, upon the written Notice of such agreement, make additional Capital Contributions to the Company equal to the total amount of additional Capital Contributions required times such Member's (or Assignee's) then Percentage Interest.

 

3.3 Capital Contributions

 

No Member shall have the right to reduce such Member's Capital Contribution or to receive any distributions from the Company except as provided in Sections 4.1 and 9.3. No Member shall be entitled to receive or be credited with any interest on the balance of such Member's Capital Contribution at any time.

 

3.4 Description of Authorized Units

 

(a) The Company currently has issued 1,000,000 Units.

 

(b) The holders of the Units shall have the rights and duties set forth in this Agreement and under the Act.

 

(c) For purposes of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 8.8), any determination to be made by the MGP Members as a group under this Agreement shall be made pursuant to the determination of MGP.

 

3.5 Issuance of Units

 

The Company has issued Units to the Persons as set forth on Schedule A.

 

3.6 Additional Units

 

(a) The Managers are hereby authorized to cause the Company to issue additional Units, or options, rights, warrants or appreciation rights relating thereto, or any other type of equity security that the Company may lawfully issue (“Additional Units”), to any Person, if the Managers determine in good faith that the Company has a need for additional Capital Contributions for any proper Company purpose.

 

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(b) With respect to any Additional Units issued by the Company:

 

(i) Prior to the Company issuing, other than in an Excluded Issuance, any Additional Units, each Member shall have the right to purchase the number or amount of Additional Units being issued such that after each such issuance, such Member will have a Percentage Interest equal to its Percentage Interest immediately prior to such issuance (subject to subsection (ii) below, the maximum number or amount of Additional Units that can be purchased by a Member in a particular issuance shall be such Member's “Pro Rata Share”).

 

(ii) The Company shall give each Member at least fifteen (15) days' prior Notice (the “Issuance Notice”) of any proposed issuance of Additional Units other than an Excluded Issuance, which Issuance Notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the proposed terms and conditions of such issuance and shall offer to each Member the opportunity to purchase its Pro Rata Share (which Pro Rata Share shall be calculated as of the date of such Issuance Notice) of the Additional Units at the same price, on the same terms and conditions and at the same time as the Additional Units are proposed to be issued by the Company. If any Member wishes to exercise its preemptive rights, it must do so by delivering a binding and irrevocable written Notice to the Company within thirty (30) days after delivery by the Company of the Issuance Notice (the “Election Period”), which Notice shall state the amount of Additional Units such Member (each, a “Requesting Purchaser”) would like to purchase up to a maximum amount equal to such Requesting Purchaser's Pro Rata Share of the total offering amount plus the additional amount of Additional Units such Requesting Purchaser would like to purchase in excess of his, her or its Pro Rata Share (the “Over-Allotment Amount”), if any, if other Members do not elect to purchase their full Pro Rata Share of the Additional Units. The rights of each Requesting Purchaser to purchase Additional Units in excess of each such Requesting Purchaser's Pro Rata Share of the Additional Units shall be based on the relative Pro Rata Shares of those Requesting Purchasers desiring Over-Allotment Amounts (or as otherwise agreed to by such Requesting Purchasers).

 

(iii) If not all of the Additional Units are subscribed for by the Members, the Company shall have the right, but shall not be required, to issue and sell the unsubscribed portion of the Additional Units to a Person or Persons other than the Members at any time during the ninety (90) days following the termination of the Election Period pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Issuance Notice. The Managers may, in their discretion, impose such other reasonable and customary terms and procedures such as setting a closing date, and requiring customary closing deliveries in connection with any pre-emptive rights offering.

 

3.7 Representations and Warranties of Members

 

Each Member represents and warrants to the Company for such Member as follows:

 

(a) Such Member has such knowledge and experience in financial, investment and business matters that he, she or it is capable of evaluating the merits, risks and advisability of an investment and/or ownership in the Company. Such Member acknowledges and understands that distributions in respect of the Units are restricted by this Agreement and applicable law and may be restricted by future agreements or instruments binding on the Company or its properties. Such Member has carefully reviewed Article 8 and acknowledges that the Units to be issued will be subject to the Transfer restrictions and provisions set forth in that Article.

 

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(b) The Company has made available to such Member its Articles and this Agreement and all other documents and information that such Member has requested relating to an investment and/or ownership in the Company. The Company has afforded such Member the opportunity to discuss an investment and/or ownership in the Company and to ask questions of representatives of the Company concerning the terms and conditions thereof, and such representatives have provided answers to all such questions concerning the same. Such Member has examined or has had the opportunity to examine before the date hereof all information that such Member deems to be material to an understanding of the Company, the proposed business of the Company, and the investment and/or ownership in the Company and has consulted with his, her or its financial advisors, accountants and his, her or its attorneys as he, she or it deemed appropriate with respect to an understanding of the Company, the proposed business of the Company and the investment and/or ownership in the Company.

 

(c) Such Member acknowledges that the Units will be acquired solely by and for the account of such Member for investment purposes only, and are not being purchased for subdivision, fractionalization, resale or distribution. Such Member has no contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement to Transfer any of the Units which such Member has acquired hereunder. Such Member has no present plans or intentions to enter into any such contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement. Such Member acknowledges that the Units have not been registered or qualified for resale under applicable federal and state securities laws, and may not be sold except pursuant to a registration or qualification thereunder or an exemption therefrom. Such Member is capable of bearing the economic risk of investing in and/or owning the Units, can afford a total loss of such Units, and the financial condition of such Member is such that he or she has no need for liquidity with respect to his, her or its investment and/or ownership in the Company and no present or foreseeable need to dispose of any portion of the Units to satisfy any existing or contemplated undertaking or indebtedness. Such Member has adequate means of providing for such Member's current needs and possible contingencies and has a net worth equal to at least three times the fair market value of his, her or its Units.

 

(d) The decision of such Member to own Units has been made by such Member independent of any other Member and independent of any statements, disclosures or judgments as to the properties, business, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company which may have been made or given by any Member, Manager or other party. Such Member agrees and acknowledges that no other Member, Manager or any other party has acted, is expected to act, or will act as the agent or representative of such Member in connection with making, closing or monitoring of his or her investment hereunder.

 

(e) This Agreement constitutes a legal and binding obligation of such Member, enforceable against such Member in accordance with its terms.

 

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ARTICLE 4

CASH DISTRIBUTIONS; PROFITS AND LOSSES FOR TAX PURPOSES

 

4.1 Cash Distributions Prior to Dissolution

 

(a) If Net Cash Flow is otherwise available, the Company shall distribute to the Members an amount of Net Cash Flow sufficient for the Members to satisfy their respective income tax liabilities arising by virtue of the allocations in Schedule B hereof, assuming each Member is subject to tax at a 45% rate (“Tax Distributions”).

 

(b) In addition to Tax Distributions, the Managers shall have the right to determine how much additional Net Cash Flow, if any, of the Company shall be distributed among the Members each year. Any Net Cash Flow of the Company to be distributed pursuant to this Section 4.1(b) shall be distributed to the Members pro rata in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests.

 

4.2 Persons Entitled to Distributions

 

All distributions of Net Cash Flow to the Members under Section 4.1 hereof shall be made to the Persons shown on the records of the Company to be entitled thereto as of the last day of the fiscal period prior to the time for which such distribution is to be made, unless the transferor and transferee of any Units otherwise agree in writing to a different distribution and such distribution is consented to in writing by the Managers.

 

4.3 Reserves

 

The Managers shall have the right to establish, maintain and expend reserves to provide for working capital, future investments, debt service and such other purposes as they may deem necessary or advisable.

 

4.4 Allocation of Profits and Losses for Tax Purposes and Special Allocations

 

All Profits and Losses for Tax Purposes of the Company and all special allocations of the Company shall be made in accordance with the attached Schedule B.

 

4.5 Withholding Taxes

 

If the Company is required to withhold any portion of any amounts distributed, allocated or otherwise attributable to a Member of the Company by applicable U.S. federal, state, local or foreign tax laws, the Company may withhold such amounts and make such payments to taxing authorities as are necessary to ensure compliance with such tax laws. Any funds withheld by reason of this Section 4.5 shall nonetheless be deemed distributed to such Member in question for purposes of Article 4 and Article 9. If the Company does not withhold from actual distributions any amounts it was required to withhold by applicable tax laws, the Company may, at its option, (a) require the Member to which the withholding was credited to reimburse the Company for withholding required by such laws, including any interest, penalties or additions thereto; or (b) reduce any subsequent distributions to such Member by such withholding, interest, penalties or additions thereto. The obligation of a Member to reimburse the Company for such amounts shall continue after such Member transfers or liquidates its interest in the Company.

 

Each Member agrees to furnish the Company with any representations and forms as shall reasonably be requested by the Company to assist in determining the extent of, and in fulfilling, any withholding obligations it may have.

 

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ARTICLE 5

MEMBERS

 

5.1 Meetings of Members; Place of Meetings

 

Meetings of the Members may be held for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prohibited by law, and may be called by the Managers or by a Majority in Interest. All meetings of the Members shall be held at the principal offices of the Company as set forth in Section 1.2 hereof, or at such other place as shall be designated from time to time by the Managers and stated in the Notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of the Notice thereof. Members may participate in a meeting of the Members by means of conference telephone or other similar communication equipment whereby all Members participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in a meeting in this manner shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

 

5.2 Quorum; Voting Requirement

 

The presence, in person or by proxy, of a Majority in Interest shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Members. The affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest shall constitute a valid decision, determination or action of the Members, except where a larger vote is required by the Act, the Articles or this Agreement.

 

5.3 Proxies

 

At any meeting of the Members, every Member having the right to vote thereat shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy appointed by an instrument in writing (by means of electronic transmission or as otherwise permitted by applicable law) signed by such Member and bearing a date not more than one year prior to such meeting.

 

5.4 Action Without Meeting

 

Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Members may be taken without a meeting, without prior Notice and without a vote if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken is signed by Members having not less than the minimum Percentage Interests that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting of the Members. Prompt Notice of the taking of any action taken pursuant to this Section 5.4 by less than the unanimous written consent of the Members shall be given to those Members who have not consented in writing. A consent transmitted by electronic transmission by a Member shall be deemed to be written and signed for purposes of this Section 5.4. A consent may be executed in counterparts.

 

5.5 Notice

 

Notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose for which the meeting is called shall be delivered not less than seven (7) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting by or at the direction of the Managers or other Persons calling the meeting, to each Member entitled to vote at such meeting. When any Notice is required to be given to any Member hereunder, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the Member, whether before, at, or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the giving of such Notice. A Member may also waive Notice by attending a meeting without objection to a lack of Notice.

 

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5.6 Powers of the Members

 

No Member, acting solely in his, her or its capacity as a Member, shall act as an agent of the Company or have any authority to act for or to bind the Company, except when authorized by a Majority in Interest.

 

5.7 Other Business Ventures

 

Subject to any separate agreement between the Company and such Member or Manager, any Member or Manager may engage in or possess an interest in other business ventures of every nature and description, independently or with others, whether or not similar to or in competition with the business of the Company, and neither the Company nor the Members shall have any right by virtue of this Agreement in or to such other business ventures or to the income or profits derived therefrom. Unless otherwise agreed to, no Manager or Member shall be required to devote any of such Manager's or Member's time or business efforts to the affairs of the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to limit or otherwise reduce the obligations of any Member as set forth in any employment or other agreement between such Member and the Company.

 

ARTICLE 6

MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

 

6.1 Powers of the Managers

 

Subject to the requirements of the Act, and except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the business and affairs of the Company shall be managed and controlled by a board of Managers (herein, the “Board” or the “Managers”) to be appointed in accordance with Section 6.4 hereof, and, except as otherwise provided herein, the Managers shall have full and complete discretion to manage and control the business and affairs of the Company, to make all decisions affecting the business and affairs of the Company and to take all such actions as they deem necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of the Company as set forth herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Manager acting alone in his or her individual capacity shall have the authority to manage the Company or approve matters relating to, or otherwise to bind the Company, such powers being reserved to the Board acting in concert pursuant to a vote or consent action taken pursuant to Section 6.6 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may delegate certain duties and responsibilities to officers of the Company, subject in all respects to such officers' supervision by the Board and the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in any employment agreement or other contract between such officers and the Company.

 

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6.2 Limitation on Powers of Managers

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the approval of a Supermajority in Interest, the Managers shall not have the authority to:

 

(a) require additional Capital Contributions by existing Members (it being agreed that raising capital upon the sale of Additional Units to third parties does not require such approval of a Supermajority in Interest);

 

(b) amend this Agreement;

 

(c) enter into or amend any transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and PPI, Jeffrey R. Kunin, Audrey G. Kunin, or their Affiliates (the “Kunin Parties”), on the other hand, except in connection with transactions made on commercially reasonable terms; loan transactions between the Company and the Kunin Parties bearing an annual interest rate of six percent (6%) or less are deemed to be made on commercially reasonable terms;

 

(d) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money on behalf of the Company, except on commercially reasonable terms; or

 

(e) terminate, dissolve or wind-up the Company;

 

For purposes of this Section 6.2, in the event of any transaction involving any of the Kunin Parties, each of PPI and the Company agree to deliver to the MGP Members all applicable documents and information pertaining to the proposed transaction involving the Kunin Parties (the “Related Party Transaction”) at least ten (10) days prior to the consummation of the proposed Related Party Transaction. The MGP Members shall have the right to review proposed Related Party Transaction and provide notice to the Company and PPI whether the MGP Members deem the proposed Related Party Transaction to be on commercially reasonable terms.

 

6.3 Duties of Managers

 

In addition to the rights and duties of the Managers set forth elsewhere in this Agreement and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Managers shall be responsible for and are hereby authorized to:

 

(a) control the day to day operations of the Company;

 

(b) hire, appoint or terminate employees, agents, independent contractors or officers of the Company;

 

(c) carry out and effect all directions of the Members;

 

(d) select and engage the Company's accountants, attorneys, engineers and other professional advisors;

 

(e) apply for and obtain appropriate insurance coverage for the Company;

 

(f) temporarily invest funds of the Company in short term investments where there is appropriate safety of principal;

 

(g) acquire in the name of the Company by purchase, lease or otherwise, any real or personal property which may be necessary, convenient or incidental to the accomplishment of the purposes of the Company;

 

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(h) engage in any kind of activity and perform and carry out contracts of any kind necessary to, in connection with, or incidental to the accomplishment of the purposes of the Company, so long as said activities and contracts may be lawfully carried on or performed by a limited liability company under the Act and are in the ordinary course of the Company's business; and

 

(i) negotiate, execute and perform all agreements, contracts, leases, loan documents and other instruments and exercise all rights and remedies of the Company in connection with the foregoing.

 

6.4 Number, Appointment, Tenure and Election of Managers

 

(a) From and after the date hereof, the Members agree to vote all of their Units over which they have control, and the Company will take all reasonable actions within its control, that may be necessary in order to cause:

 

(i) the authorized number of the total Managers of the Company to be established and maintained at three (3) Managers all of whom shall be designated by a Majority in Interest; and

 

(ii) the prompt removal (with or without cause) of any or all Managers of the Company upon the written request of a Majority in Interest (but only upon such written request and under no other circumstances).

 

(b) In the event that any Manager of the Company for any reason ceases to serve as a Manager of the Company during such Manager's term of office, the resulting vacancy shall be promptly filled by a person designated by a Majority in Interest.

 

(c) A Manager may resign from such position at any time upon giving thirty (30) days' prior Notice to the Company.

 

(d) Managers need not be Members or residents of the State of Missouri. A Manager may either be a natural person or individual, as well as any other Person.

 

6.5 Compensation

 

No Manager or Member shall be entitled to compensation for any services such Manager or such Member may render to or for the Company or be entitled to reimbursement of any general overhead expenses incurred by such Manager or Member in his, her or its capacity as a Manager or Member unless otherwise determined by the Board. Each Manager and, where applicable, Member, shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for all reasonable direct out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Company upon presentation to the Company of receipts or other appropriate documentation evidencing such expenses.

 

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6.6 Meetings of and Voting by Managers

 

(a) Meetings of the Managers shall be held at such time and at such places as they shall determine. In addition, any one Manager may, upon giving seven (7) days' Notice to the others, call a meeting of the Managers. No meeting of the Managers shall be held without a quorum being present, which shall consist of a majority of the Managers. Managers may participate in a meeting of the Managers by means of conference telephone or other similar communication equipment whereby all Managers participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in a meeting in this manner shall constitute presence in person at the meeting. Any action, decision or determination of the Board (whether referred to in this Agreement as an action, decision or determination of the “Board” or the “Managers”) shall require the favorable vote of a majority of the Managers.

 

(b) Each Manager shall have one (1) vote on all matters.

 

(c) The Managers shall keep the Members advised of all pending matters, prospective decisions and actions taken and shall consult with the Members on such matters as they deem appropriate.

 

(d) Though the Managers have no obligation to do so, they may refer any matter to a meeting of the Members for a decision.

 

(e) Any action required or permitted by this Agreement to be taken at any meeting of the Managers may be taken without a meeting, without prior Notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by a majority of the Managers. Prompt Notice of the taking of any action taken pursuant to this Section 6.6(e) by less than the unanimous written consent of the Managers shall be given to those Managers who have not consented in writing. A consent transmitted by electronic transmission by a Manager shall be deemed to be written and signed for purposes of this Section 6.6(e). A consent may be executed by electronic transmission and may be executed in counterparts.

 

(f) When any Notice is required to be given to any Manager hereunder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the Manager, whether before, at or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the giving of such Notice. Further, a Manager may waive Notice of a meeting by attending such meeting without objection to a lack of Notice.

 

6.7 Officers

 

(a) The Managers may appoint a Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary, Treasurer and such other officers as the business of the Company may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority and perform such duties as are provided in this Agreement, or as the Managers may determine.

 

(b) The Chief Executive Officer shall have general and active management power and authority with respect to the day to day affairs of the Company and shall perform such duties and undertake such responsibilities as the Managers shall designate. The Chief Executive Officer shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Members are carried into effect.

 

(c) The President shall have such duties and responsibilities as may be set forth in any employment agreement with the Company or as otherwise determined by the Managers from time to time.

 

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(d) The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept a record of the affairs of the Company, including all orders and resolutions of the Members and record minutes of all such items in a book to be kept for that purpose. The Secretary shall also perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Managers and/or the President.

 

(e) The Treasurer shall have responsibility for the safekeeping of the funds and securities of the Company, shall keep or cause to be kept full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Company and shall keep or cause to be kept all other books of account and accounting records of the Company. The Treasurer shall have the general duties, powers and responsibility of a treasurer of a corporation and shall, unless otherwise provided by the Managers, be the chief financial and accounting officer of the Company. The Treasurer shall also perform such other duties and shall have such other responsibility and authority as may be prescribed by the Managers and/or the President.

 

(f) Each officer of the Company shall hold such office at the pleasure of the Managers or for such other period as the Managers may specify at the time of election or appointment, or until such officer's death, resignation or removal by the Managers. Officers may, but need not, be Managers and/or Members.

 

6.8 Authority to Execute Documents to be Filed Under the Act

 

Any authorized officer of the Company shall have the power and authority to execute, on behalf of the Company, or the Members, any document filed with the Secretary of State of Missouri pursuant to the terms of the Act.

 

ARTICLE 7

LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

 

7.1 Liability of Members

 

(a) A Member shall only be liable to make the payment of the Member's Capital Contributions required pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 3.2. No Member or Manager shall be liable for any obligations of the Company or any other Member or Manager, unless personally guaranteed by the Member or Manager pursuant to a separate document.

 

(b) No Member, except as otherwise specifically provided in the Act, shall be obligated to pay any distribution to or for the account of the Company or any creditor of the Company.

 

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7.2 Indemnification

 

(a) The Members, the Managers, any officers of the Company, and their Affiliates, and their respective stockholders, members, managers, directors, officers, partners, agents and employees (individually and collectively, an “Indemnitee”) shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, expenses (including legal fees and expenses),judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (each a “Claim”), in which the Indemnitee may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise by reason of such Indemnitee's status as any of the foregoing, which relates to or arises out of the Company, its assets, business or affairs, if in each of the foregoing cases (i) the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner such Indemnitee believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful, (ii) the Indemnitee's conduct did not constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct, (iii) the Indemnitee did not breach his, her or its duty of loyalty, to the Company or the Members, (iv) the Indemnitee did not receive any improper personal benefit with respect to the transaction at issue and (v) the Indemnitee did not materially breach any of his, her or its obligations under this Agreement, if any, or under any separate written agreement between the Company and such Indemnitee. The termination of any action, suit or 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 Indemnitee acted in a manner contrary to that specified in (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) above. Any indemnification pursuant to this Article 7 shall be made only out of the assets of the Company, and no Manager or Member shall have any personal liability on account thereof.

 

(b) In the event that an amendment to this Agreement reduces or eliminates any Indemnitee's right to indemnification pursuant to this Article 7, such amendment shall not be effective with respect to any Indemnitee's right to indemnification that accrued prior to the date of such amendment. For purposes of this subsection (b), a right to indemnification shall accrue as of the date of the event underlying the Claim that gives rise to such right to indemnification.

 

(c) All calculations of Claims and the amount of indemnification to which any Indemnitee is entitled under this Article 7 shall be made (i) giving effect to the tax consequences of any such Claim and (ii) after deduction of all proceeds of insurance net of retroactive premiums and self-insurance retention recoverable by the Indemnitee with respect to such Claims.

 

7.3 Expenses

 

Expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) incurred by an Indemnitee in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding described in Section 7.2 may, from time to time, be advanced by the Company prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, in the discretion of the Managers, upon receipt by the Company of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Article 7.

 

7.4 Non-Exclusivity

 

The indemnification and advancement of expenses set forth in this Article 7 shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any statute, the Act, the Articles, this Agreement, any other agreement, a vote of Members, a policy of insurance or otherwise, and shall not limit in any way any right which the Company may have to make additional indemnifications with respect to the same or different Persons or classes of Persons, as determined by the Managers. The indemnification and advancement of expenses set forth in this Article 7 shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a named Indemnitee and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of such a Person.

 

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7.5 Insurance

 

The Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of the Indemnitees against any liability asserted against them and incurred by them in such capacity, or arising out of their status as Indemnitees, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify them against such liability under this Article 7 .

 

7.6 Duties

 

(a) An authorized officer or Member or Manager shall discharge his, her or its duties hereunder in good faith, with the care a corporate officer of like position would exercise under similar circumstances, in the manner he, she or it reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the Company, and shall not be liable for any such action so taken or any failure to take such action, if he, she or it performs such duties in compliance with this subsection (a); provided, however, nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve any officer, Member or Manager from any obligations arising under any separate agreement between the Company and such officer, Member or Manager.

 

(b) No contract or other transaction between the Company and one or more of its Members, or between the Company and any Affiliate of a Member, or between the Company and any other Person in which one or more of the Members has a financial interest shall be void or voidable or in any way affected solely for this reason, or solely because such Member is present at or participates in the meeting which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because the Member's votes are counted for such purpose. Interested Members may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Members which authorizes the contract or transaction and in determining whether the Members have voted to authorize and approve such contract or transaction. This Section 7.6 shall not be construed to impair, invalidate, or in any way affect any contract or other transaction which would otherwise be valid under applicable law.

 

(c) Except as provided in this Section 7.6 , any Person who is a Member and who is not a Manager shall have no duties to the Company or to the other Members solely by reason of acting in his, her or its capacity as a Member.

 

ARTICLE 8

TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS

 

8.1 General Restrictions

 

(a) No Member may Transfer all or any portion of such Member's Units, except as provided in this Article 8. Any purported Transfer of Units or a portion thereof in violation of the terms of this Agreement shall be null and void and of no effect. A permitted Transfer shall be effective as of the date specified in the instruments relating thereto. Any transferee desiring to make a further Transfer shall become subject to all the provisions of this Article 8 to the same extent and in the same manner as any Member desiring to make any Transfer.

 

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(b) Subject to Section 8.2, no Member shall have the right to withdraw voluntarily from the Company as a Member, except upon ninety (90) days' Notice to the other Members and with the consent of the Managers and a Majority in Interest. In the event a Member voluntarily withdraws from the Company in violation of this Agreement, such Member (the “Member in Violation”) shall not be entitled to receive back his, her or its Capital Contribution and shall not be entitled to receive any other type or form of payment from the Company; instead, such Member in Violation shall have the status of an Assignee (and shall remain liable for any unpaid Capital Contributions or any required additional Capital Contributions) of its Units.

 

(c) All voting rights shall be forfeited with respect to any Units which are Transferred other than to a transferee who becomes a substitute Member (in accordance with Section 8.3), whether such Transfer is voluntary or involuntary, by order of a court or by operation of law.

 

(d) A Person shall cease to be a Member upon assignment of all such Member's Units.

 

(e) In the event that an Assignee exists as to the Units, the voting percentages of all the holders of Units (other than the Member who has withdrawn from the Company as a Member or has Transferred his, her or its Units) shall be adjusted on a pro rata basis to equal one hundred percent (100%), until such time as the Assignee of the Units is admitted as a substitute Member pursuant to Section 8.3, at which time the voting percentages shall then be adjusted again on a pro rata basis to equal one hundred percent (100%), taking into account such substitute Member's Units. An Assignee has only those rights described in the definition of “Assignee” in Section 2.1.

 

(f) If a Member who is an individual dies or a court of competent jurisdiction judges the Member to be incompetent to manage his or her person or property, then the Member's executor, administrator, guardian, conservator or other legal representative shall automatically become an Assignee of such Member's Units (subject to the terms of any separate agreement between the Company and such Member).

 

(g) The Company, each Member and any other Person having business with the Company need deal only with the Members who are admitted as Members or as substitute Members, and they shall not be required to deal with any other Person by reason of Transfer of Units by a Member or by reason of the death of a Member, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. In the absence of the substitution (as provided in Section 8.3) of a Member for a Transferring or a deceased Member, any payment to a Member or to a Member's executors or administrators shall acquit the Company of all liability to any other Person who may be interested in such payment by reason of a Transfer by, or the death of, such Member.

 

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8.2 Permitted Transfers

 

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.2, each Member shall have the right to Transfer (but not to substitute the transferee as a substitute Member in such Member's place, except in accordance with Section 8.3), by a written instrument, all or any portion of such Member's Units, if, and only if (i) the Managers and a Majority in Interest have consented in writing to such Transfer, (ii) the Transfer is to a Permitted Assignee, (iii) the Member complies with the rights and options set forth in Sections 8.6 through 8.9, as applicable, or (iv) the Transfer constitutes a Transfer of less than 50% of the Units held by such Member.

 

(b) Unless and until admitted as a substitute Member pursuant to Section 8.3, a transferee of a Member's Units in whole or in part shall be an Assignee with respect to such Transferred Units.

 

8.3 Substitute Members

 

No transferee of all or any portion of a Member's Units shall become a substitute Member in place of the transferor unless and until:

 

(a) the transferee has executed an instrument accepting and adopting the terms and provisions of the Articles and this Agreement;

 

(b) the transferee has caused to be paid all reasonable expenses of the Company in connection with the admission of the transferee as a substitute Member; and

 

(c) except for Transfers pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(i)-(iii) (but not Section 8.2(a)(iv), which does require the following consent), the Managers and a Majority in Interest shall have consented (which consent may be unreasonably or arbitrarily withheld) in writing to such transferee becoming a substitute Member.

 

Section 8.3(a) and (b) also apply to a transferee who is already a Member at the time of the Transfer; provided, however, that if such Transfer occurs pursuant to Section 8.6, such transferee Member shall automatically become a substitute Member with respect to the Transferred Units. Upon satisfaction of all the foregoing conditions with respect to a particular transferee, the Managers shall cause the books and records of the Company to reflect the admission of the transferee as a substitute Member to the extent of the Transferred Units held by the transferee.

 

8.4 Effect of Admission as a Substitute Member

 

A transferee who has become a substitute Member has, to the extent of the Transferred Units, all the rights, powers and benefits of and is subject to the restrictions and liabilities of a Member under the Articles, this Agreement and the Act. Upon admission of a transferee as a substitute Member, the transferor of the Units so acquired by the substitute Member shall cease to be a Member of the Company to the extent of such Transferred Units.

 

8.5 Additional Members

 

Any Person acceptable to the Managers and a Majority in Interest may become an additional Member of the Company for such consideration as a vote of the Managers shall determine, provided that such additional Member complies with all the requirements of a transferee under Sections 8.3. Prior to the admission of an additional Member, the Managers may revalue the Capital Account balances of the Members consistent with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-l(b)(2)(iv)(f) and (g). No additional Member shall be entitled to any retroactive allocation of losses, income or expense deductions incurred by the Company.

 

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8.6 Right of First Refusal; Tag Along Rights

 

If at any time a Member (the “Selling Member”) desires to Transfer 50% or more of his, her or its Units (the “Subject Units”) to a third party pursuant to a bona fide offer to purchase for cash, or cash and notes, the following shall apply:

 

(a) The Selling Member shall give to each other Member (collectively, the “Other Members”) a written offer (the “Offer”) setting forth: (i) the amount of Units that constitute the Subject Units; (ii) the name of the proposed purchaser; (iii) the per Unit purchase price and the other material terms and conditions of the Transfer, including a description of any non-cash consideration in sufficient detail to permit the Other Members to determine a relative valuation thereof; and (iv) the proposed date, time and location of the closing of the Transfer.

 

(b) The Other Members shall have thirty (30) days from the receipt of the Offer to accept the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer, as buyer, by giving written Notice thereof to the Selling Member. Each such Notice shall state the amount of the Subject Units such Other Member would like to purchase up to a maximum amount equal to such Other Member's ROFR Pro Rata Share of the total Subject Units amount plus the additional amount of such Subject Units such Other Member would like to purchase in excess of his, her or its ROFR Pro Rata Share (the “ROFR Over-Allotment Amount”), if any, if the remaining Other Members do not elect to purchase their full ROFR Pro Rata Shares of the Subject Units. The rights of each Other Member to purchase the Subject Units in excess of each such Other Member's ROFR Pro Rata Share of the Subject Units shall be based on the relative ROFR Pro Rata Shares of those Other Members desiring ROFR Over-Allotment Amounts (or as otherwise agreed to by such Other Members).

 

(c) If some or all of the Other Members agree to purchase all (but not less than all) of the Subject Units, then the Selling Member and the Other Members who are purchasing shall close the purchase upon the terms and conditions of the Offer within sixty (60) days after the Offer is made (or, if later, the closing date set forth in the Offer). If the purchase price set forth in the Offer includes any secured notes and/or third party guarantees, a pledge of the Subject Units as collateral by the purchasing Other Members shall be deemed equivalent to the collateral described in the Offer.

 

(d) If the Other Members fail to agree to purchase all of the Subject Units within the time period set out above, the Selling Member shall have the right (subject to compliance with the provisions of Section 8.3 (excluding subsection (c) thereof) to consummate the sale or conveyance of all of the Subject Units so long as (i) the purchaser is the proposed purchaser named in the Offer, (ii) the price, payment and other terms are at least as favorable to the Selling Member as those set forth in the Offer, (iii) the closing occurs on or before the date set forth in the Offer (but no more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of the Offer), and (iv) if any Other Member makes any applicable election described in subsection (e) below, the Units of such Other Member is also purchased by the proposed purchaser, and (v) unless all of the Units of the Company are being sold under subsection (e) below, the purchaser is not a competitor (or Person affiliated or related to a competitor) of the Company (as determined by the Managers).

 

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(e) If the Other Members fail to agree to purchase all of the Subject Units within the time period setout above, then for a period of fifteen (15) days following the expiration of the Offer to the Other Members each of the Other Members shall have the right to elect to participate in the sale as a seller of the same percentage of Units held by such other Member as applicable to the Selling Member along with the sale by the Selling Member(s) for the same consideration per percent of Units and upon the same terms and conditions as the Selling Member(s), subject to any appropriate adjustments to reflect disproportionate Capital Account balances. The Member(s) exercising such right shall give written Notice of exercise to the Company and the other applicable Members by the end of such fifteen (15) day period. At the closing, each participating Member shall execute and deliver all documents as may be reasonably required to effectuate the transfer of the applicable Units, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances of any type, other than this Agreement, and each participating Member shall execute such other instruments as may be reasonably required of all participating Members. All employment, consulting, covenant not to compete and similar payments or amounts to be paid, directly or indirectly, to a Member or its affiliates by the purchaser or its affiliates (and not all Members holding Units on a pro rata basis) shall be limited to reasonable amounts.

 

(f) Any purchaser of Subject Units under subsection (d) or (e) above desiring to make a further sale or conveyance of any part of the Subject Units shall be subject to this Section.

 

(g) The provisions of this Section 8.6 shall not apply to the Transfer of any Units from a Member to any Permitted Assignee of such Member.

 

8.7 Drag Along Rights

 

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if a Majority in Interest elects to participate in an Approved Sale, then the Members constituting a Majority in Interest (the “Electing Members”) may give all other Members and any Assignee a Notice, which Notice shall be given not less than less than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of such proposed Approved Sale and shall contain the same information that is set forth in an Offer, and the other Members and Assignees will at the election of such Electing Members (i) consent to and raise no objections against the Approved Sale or the process pursuant to which the Approved Sale was arranged and (ii) if the Approved Sale is structured as a sale of Units, each Member and Assignee will agree to sell such Member's or Assignee's Units on the terms and conditions of the Approved Sale. Each Member and Assignee will take all necessary and desirable actions as directed by the Electing Members in connection with the consummation of any Approved Sale, including without limitation executing the applicable purchase agreement and granting indemnification rights; provided that any Member or Assignee required to make indemnification payments in connection with any Approved Sale shall have a right to recover from the other Members and Assignees to the extent that the amount required to be paid by such Member or Assignee is disproportionate to the proportion of the total consideration received by all Members and Assignees, compared to the consideration actually received by such Member or Assignee. The Members shall be excused from compliance with Section 8.6 for any Approved Sale in which the Electing Members exercise the rights contained in this Section 8. 7 to require participation of the other Members in the Approved Sale.

 

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(b) Each Member and Assignee will bear his, her or its pro rata share (based upon the number of Units sold) of the reasonable costs of any sale of Units pursuant to an Approved Sale to the extent such costs are incurred for the benefit of all selling Members and Assignees and are not otherwise paid by the Company or the acquiring Person. Costs incurred by any Member or Assignee on his, her or its own behalf will not be considered costs of the Approved Sale.

 

8.8 Put Option

 

(a) At any time after the date that is four (4) years from the Effective Date, the MGP Members shall have the right, exercisable in their absolute discretion, to elect to sell their Units to the Company by delivering at least a twelve (12) month (the “Redemption Period”) prior Notice to the Company and PPI (the “Put Notice”). Upon delivery of the Put Notice, PPI may elect to initiate a process for an Approved Sale during the Redemption Period. If PPI does not elect to exercise its rights with respect to such Approved Sale by the expiration of the Redemption Period in accordance with this Section 8.8, the Company shall purchase all of the MGP Members' Units put to the Company pursuant to this Section 8.8 within one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of expiration of the Redemption Period. The purchase price for each MGP Members' Units pursuant to this Section 8.8 shall be equal to the greater of: (i) such MGP Member's Capital Contributions set forth on Schedule A as of the Effective Date; or (ii) the MGP Fair Market Value of such Units as of the date of the Put Notice, as determined in accordance with subsection (b) below (such applicable purchase price herein referred to as the “Put Price”).

 

(b) For purposes hereof, “MGP Fair Market Value” means, as to each MGP Member, the fair market value of such MGP Member's Units as of the date of the Put Notice as determined by the mutual agreement of the Members within ninety (90) days after the expiration of the Redemption Period (such period, the “MGP Put Determination Period”); provided that if the Members do not agree as to the MGP Fair Market Value of each MGP Member's Units within the MGP Put Determination Period, the Members shall work together to agree upon a third party appraiser to determine the MGP Fair Market Value of each MGP Member's Units as of the date of the Put Notice, but if no such agreement is reached within ten (10) days of a party giving Notice to the other of the inability to reach agreement as to a third party appraiser, (i) the MGP Members, on the one hand, and PPI, on the other, shall each select a third party appraiser within five (5) days thereafter, (ii) such appraisers shall mutually select an additional third party appraiser (the “MGP Put Final Appraiser”) within five (5) days of their appointment, and (iii) within five (5) days thereafter, the MGP Put Final Appraiser acting alone shall render an opinion stating the MGP Fair Market Value of each MGP Member's Units as of the date of the Put Notice (the costs for which shall be paid by the Company).

 

(c) At the discretion of the Company, such payment may be paid pursuant to a promissory note dated as of the closing of such transaction, providing for consecutive equal monthly installments over three (3) years. Said promissory note shall be secured by a joint and several personal guaranty of Jeffrey R. Kunin and Audrey G. Kunin. The interest rate payable on the unpaid balance of the promissory note shall be adjusted annually and for any given period shall be an annual rate equal to the Prime Rate in effect on the first banking day of such year.

 

(d) During the Redemption Period, after delivery of the Put Notice, and if elected by PPI as provided above, the Members shall utilize commercially reasonable efforts and shall cooperate in good faith to facilitate and enter into the Approved Sale. If, at the expiration of the Redemption Period, the Members (or the Company, as applicable) have not been able to enter into a binding agreement for the consummation of the Approved Sale as contemplated above, the Company shall be required to purchase the MGP Members' Units in accordance with the requirements of Section 8.8(a) above.

 

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8.9 Purchase upon PPI Change in Control.

 

(a) If at any time Audrey G. Kunin and/or Jeffrey R. Kunin fail to Control PPI, the Company shall have the right, exercisable in its absolute discretion, to purchase PPI's Units by delivering Notice to PPI (the “Purchase Notice”). If the Company elects to purchase such Units, the Company shall purchase all of PPI's Units pursuant to this Section 8.9 within one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of the Purchase Notice (as tolled pursuant to subsection below for any determination of the PPI Fair Market Value). The purchase price for PPI's Units pursuant to this Section 8.9 (the “PPI Purchase Price”) shall be equal to the PP! Fair Market Value of such Units as of the date of the Purchase Notice, as determined in accordance with subsection (b) below.

 

(b) For purposes hereof, “PPI Fair Market Value” means the fair market value of PPI's Units as of the date of the Purchase Notice as determined by the mutual agreement of MGP and PPI within ninety (90) days after the date of the Purchase Notice (such period, the “PPI Purchase Determination Period”); provided that if MGP and PPI do not agree as to the PP! Fair Market Value of PPI's Units within the PPI Purchase Determination Period, MGP and PPI shall work together to agree upon a third party appraiser to determine the PPI Fair Market Value of PPI's Units as of the date of the Purchase Notice, but if no such agreement is reached within ten (I 0) days of a party giving Notice to the other of the inability to reach agreement as to a third party appraiser, (i) MGP and PPI shall each select a third party appraiser within five (5) days thereafter, (ii) such appraisers shall mutually select au additional third party appraiser (the “PPI Purchase Final Appraiser”) within five (5) days of their appointment, and (iii) within five (5) days thereafter, the PPI Purchase Final Appraiser acting alone shall render an opinion stating the PP! Fair Market Value of PPI's Units as of the date of the Purchase Notice (the costs for which shall be paid by the Company).

 

(c) At the discretion of the Company, such payment may be paid pursuant to a promissory note dated as of the closing of such transaction, providing for consecutive equal monthly installments over three (3) years. The interest rate payable on the unpaid balance of the promissory note shall be adjusted annually and for any given period shall be an annual rate equal to the Prime Rate in effect on the first banking day of such year. Further, in the event that the Company has received life insurance proceeds resulting from the death of Audrey G. Kunin, the Members acknowledge and agree that the Company, at the option of MGP, shall be entitled to use all or any portion of the life insurance proceeds toward the PPI Purchase Price (provided that the Company has and exercises the option to purchase under subsections (a) and (b) above). At the determination of the Board, the Company shall maintain and continue to pay key man life insurance on the life of Audrey G. Kunin and provide at least thirty (30) days' Notice to MGP of any material changes, lapses or cancellation of such policy (or, at the discretion of the Board, the Company may transfer such responsibility to MGP and, in such event, MGP shall have the option to maintain and continue the same). In the event the Board determines to transfer such responsibility to MGP, MGP may elect to change the beneficiary of such policy.

 

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8.10 Purchase Terms Varied By Agreement

 

Provided that the restrictions set forth in this Agreement have been satisfied, nothing contained herein is intended to prohibit the Members from agreeing upon other terms and conditions for the purchase by the Company or any other Member of the Units (or any provision thereof) of any Member desiring to retire, withdraw or resign.

 

8.11 Delivery

 

(a) If, with respect to any Units to be Transferred hereunder, a Member or Assignee is not present at the time and place designated for a closing, or, if present, fails to produce the any documentation evidencing the Transfer of such Units or fails to satisfy any other obligation to be satisfied at the closing, as aforesaid, for any reason whatsoever or no reason, then the purchase price and any other document or instrument required of the Company and/or any other purchaser, as the case may be, for the purchase of such Units at the closing (“Closing Documentation”) shall be deposited with the secretary of the Company. The foregoing shall constitute valid payment even though such Member or Assignee shall voluntarily encumber and dispose of said Units contrary to the provisions hereof and irrespective of the fact that any pledgee, transferee or other person or entity may thereby have acquired an interest in any such Units or the fact that a certificate or certificates or any other instrument of transfer for any such Units may have been delivered to any pledgee, transferee or other person or entity.

 

(b) If the Closing Documentation is deposited with the secretary of the Company as provided herein, then from and after the date of such deposit and even if the certificates or other documentation evidencing the Units have not been delivered to the Company or any other purchaser, as the case may be, the Transfer of the Units shall be deemed to have been fully effected and all title and interest in and to the Units so Transferred shall be deemed to have been vested in the Company and/or any other purchaser, as the case may be, and all rights of the Member or of any Assignee or any other Person having an interest therein, as a holder of such Units or otherwise, shall terminate except for the right to receive the Closing Documentation, but without interest; and the secretary of the Company, as attorney in fact for and in the name of such Member or Assignee, shall cause the Units so Transferred to be Transferred on the books of the Company to the Company and/or any other purchaser, as the case may be, and shall issue a new certificate or certificates or other such documentation therefor to the purchaser(s) thereof. Each Member and Assignee does hereby irrevocably appoint and designate the secretary of the Company and any successors in office as its attorney in fact, for and on its behalf, to receive, receipt for, hold and collect the said Closing Documentation, to effect the Transfer of Units subject to this Section 8.11 on the books of the Company, and to issue said certificate or certificates or other such documents in the manner above provided. Each such Member or Assignee shall be entitled to receive the Closing Documentation upon delivery to the Company of the certificates or other such documents evidencing the Units so Transferred, together with any document or instrument required of such Member or Assignee, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Company.

 

8.12 Warranties of Member for Transferred Units

 

At the time of the Transfer of Units pursuant to this Agreement, each such Member or Assignee shall be deemed to warrant that such Units are Transferred to the Company and/or any other purchaser, as the case may be, free and clear of any and all liens, encumbrances and claims of any kind or character. In the event that any such Units to be Transferred pursuant to this Agreement is subject to any lien, encumbrance or claim, the Company and/or the other purchasers, as the case may be, at such purchaser party's election and notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, may:

 

(a) postpone payment of the purchase price for such Units until such time as the lien, encumbrance or claim has been discharged, but in such case such Units shall immediately be Transferred of record to the purchaser; or

 

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(b) in lieu of and in satisfaction of the purchase price for such Units, either: (i) disburse directly to said lienholder, encumbrancer or claimant, if the amount of such claim be liquidated, such part of the purchase price as may be adequate to discharge said lien, encumbrance or claim; or (ii) in the event that any such lien, encumbrance or claim is in excess of the amount of the purchase price hereunder, then the Company and/or the other purchasers, as the case may be, may, but shall not be obligated to, disburse the purchase price and any additional amounts needed to discharge said lien, encumbrance or claim to such lienholder, encumbrancer or claimant; and upon the occurrence of the action described in either part (i) or of this subsection (b), any lien, encumbrance or claim against the Units shall be fully released and discharged and such Units shall be free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and claims and the Company and/or the other purchasers, as the case may be, shall have a claim against such Member or Assignee for any funds paid in excess of the purchase price to obtain the discharge of any and all such liens, encumbrances and claims.

 

8.13 The Company's Right to Refuse Transfer

 

The Company is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Member to refuse to make any Transfer of any Units which would not be in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and the Company and all of its Members, Managers and officers are hereby released and relieved from any and all liability which might arise from the refusal to make any such Transfer.

 

ARTICLE 9

DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION

 

9.1 Events Causing Dissolution

 

(a) The Company shall be dissolved upon the first to occur of the following events:

 

(i) Interest to dissolve; or

 

(ii) The sale or other disposition of substantially all of the assets of the Company and the receipt and distribution of all the proceeds therefrom; or

 

(iii) Except as otherwise agreed upon in this Agreement, any other event causing a dissolution of the Company under the provisions of the Act.

 

(b) Upon an Event of Withdrawal of a Member or upon the occurrence of any other event which terminates the continued membership of a Member in the Company, the Company shall not be dissolved and the business of the Company shall continue. Each Member hereby specifically consents to such continuation of the business of the Company upon the Event of Withdrawal of any Member.

 

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(c) Within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of an event that terminates the continued membership of the last remaining Member, the personal representative of such last remaining Member or its nominee or designee shall be obligated to agree in writing to continue the Company effective as of the occurrence of the event that terminated the continued membership of the last remaining Member, and such personal representative or nominee or designee shall automatically be deemed admitted as a Member, effective as of the occurrence of the event that terminated the continued membership of the last remaining Member.

 

9.2 Notices to Secretary of State

 

As soon as possible following the occurrence of the events specified in Section 9.1 above, the Company shall file all documents required under the Act with the Secretary of State of the State of Missouri.

 

9.3 Cash Distributions Upon Dissolution

 

Upon the dissolution of the Company as a result of the occurrence of any of the events set forth in Section 9.1, the Managers shall proceed to wind up the affairs of and liquidate the Company and the Liquidation Proceeds shall be applied and distributed in the following order of priority:

 

(a) First, to the payment of debts and liabilities of the Company in the order of priority as provided by law (including any loans or advances that may have been made by any of the Members to the Company) and the expenses of liquidation.

 

(b) Second, to the establishment of any reserve which the Managers may deem reasonably necessary for any contingent, conditional or unasserted claims or obligations of the Company. Such reserve may be paid over by the Managers to an escrow agent to be held for disbursement in payment of any of the aforementioned liabilities and, at the expiration of such period as shall be deemed advisable by the Managers, for distribution of the balance in the manner provided in this Article 9.

 

(c) Third, to the MGP Members, pro rata in proportion to and in an amount equal to their Unreturned Capital Contributions;

 

(d) Fourth, to PPI, in proportion to and in an amount equal to its Unreturned Capital Contributions; and

 

(e) Finally, to the Members, pro rata in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests.

 

In the event the Company enters into a transaction or series of related transactions for the sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets to any person or group, the proceeds from such sale shall be distributed in accordance with Section 9.3(a)-(e) above.

 

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9.4 In-Kind

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Managers shall determine that an immediate sale of part or all of the Property would cause undue loss to the Members, or the Managers determine that it would be in the best interest of the Members to distribute the Property to the Members in-kind (which distributions do not, as to the in-kind portions, have to be in the same proportions as they would be if cash were distributed, but all such in-kind distributions shall be equalized, to the extent necessary, with cash), then the Managers may either defer liquidation of, and withhold from distribution for a reasonable time, any of the Property except that necessary to satisfy the Company's debts and obligations, or distribute the Property to the Members in-kind.

 

ARTICLE 10

ACCOUNTING AND BANK ACCOUNTS

 

10.1 Fiscal Year and Accounting Method

 

The fiscal year and taxable year of the Company shall be as designated by the Managers in accordance with the Code. The Managers shall also determine the accounting method to be used by the Company.

 

10.2 Books and Records

 

The books and records of the Company shall be maintained at its principal place of business.

 

The Company shall keep the following books and records:

 

A current and past list, setting forth in alphabetical order the full name and last known mailing address of each Member and Manager to the extent provided by the Act, which shall be provided to such Member, without cost, upon his, her or its written request;

 

(i) A copy of the Articles and amendments thereto together with executed copies of any powers of attorney pursuant to which the Articles or any amendments have been executed;

 

(ii) Copies of the Company's federal, state and local income tax returns and reports, if any, for the three most recent years or, if such returns and reports were not prepared for any reason, copies of the information and records provided to, or which should have been provided to, the Members to enable them to prepare their federal, state and local tax returns for such period;

 

(iii) Copies of this Agreement, and all amendments thereto, and copies of any written operating agreements no longer in effect together with executed copies of any powers of attorney pursuant to which such documents have been executed;

 

(iv) Copies of any financial statements of the Company for the three (3) most recent years;

 

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(v) Copies of writings setting out the amount of cash and a statement of the agreed value of other property or services contributed or agreed to be contributed by each Member;

 

(vi) Copies of any written promise by a Member to make a Capital Contribution to the Company;

 

(vii) Copies of any written consents by the Members to the admission of any Person as a Member of the Company; and

 

(viii) Copies of any other instruments or documents reflecting matters required to be in writing pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Each Member (or such Member's designated representative) shall have the right during ordinary business hours and upon reasonable Notice to inspect and copy (at such Member's own expense) the books and records of the Company required to be kept by Section 10.2(b) hereof.

 

(c) The Managers shall have the right to keep confidential from the Members for such periods of time as the Managers deem reasonable, any information which the Managers reasonably believe to be in the nature of a trade secret or other information the disclosure of which the Managers in good faith believe is not in the best interest of the Company or its business or which the Company is required by law or by agreement with a third party to keep confidential.

 

10.3 Books and Financial Reports

 

(a) Proper and complete records and books of account shall be kept by the Managers in which shall be entered all transactions and other matters relative to the Company business.

 

(b) The Company shall have prepared at least annually, at the Company's expense, financial statements (balance sheet, statement of income or loss, Members' equity, and changes in financial position).

 

(c) The Company shall furnish to each Member holding 5% or more of the Units of the Company (each, a “Qualified Member”) the following:

 

(i) As soon as available, and in any event within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, audited consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of the end of each such fiscal year and audited consolidated statements of income, cash flows and Members' equity for such fiscal year, in each case setting forth in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year (except for 2015), accompanied by the certification of independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing selected by the Managers, certifying to the effect that, except as set forth therein, such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, applied on a basis consistent with prior years, and fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Company as of the dates thereof and the results of their operations and changes in their cash flows and Members' equity for the periods covered thereby; and

 

(ii) As soon as available, and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each quarterly accounting period in each fiscal year of the Company (other than the last fiscal quarter of the fiscal year), unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of the end of each such fiscal quarter and for the current fiscal year to date and unaudited consolidated statements of income, cash flows and Members' equity for such fiscal quarter and for the current fiscal year to date, in each case setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding periods of the previous fiscal quarter, all in reasonable detail and all prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of notes thereto), and certified by the principal financial or accounting officer of the Company.

 

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(d) Upon reasonable notice from a Qualified Member, the Company shall, and shall cause its Managers, officers and employees to, afford each Qualified Member and its representatives reasonable access during normal business hours to (i) the Company's properties, offices, plants and other facilities, (ii) the corporate, financial and similar records, reports and documents of the Company, including, without limitation, all books and records, minutes of proceedings, internal management documents, reports of operations, reports of adverse developments, copies of any management letters and communications with Members or Managers, and to permit each Qualified Member and its representatives to examine such documents and make copies thereof, and (iii) the Company's officers, senior employees and public accountants, and to afford each Qualified Member and its representatives the opportunity to discuss and advise on the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company with its officers, senior employees and public accountants (and the Company hereby authorizes said accountants to discuss with such Qualified Member and its representatives such affairs, finances and accounts).

 

(e) Not later than thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of each fiscal year of the Company, the Company shall prepare, submit to and obtain the unanimous approval of the Managers of a business plan and monthly and annual operating budgets for the Company in detail for the upcoming fiscal year, including capital and operating expense budgets, cash flow projections, covenant compliance calculations of all outstanding and projected indebtedness, and profit and loss projections, all itemized in reasonable detail (including itemization of provisions for officers' compensation) (the “Budget”). The Company shall operate in all material respects in accordance with the Budget. The Company shall review the Budget periodically and shall not make any material changes thereto without the approval of the Managers.

 

10.4 Tax Returns and Elections

 

(a) The Company shall cause to be prepared and timely filed all federal, state and local income tax returns or other returns or statements required by applicable law.

 

(b) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, the Company shall cause to be prepared and delivered to each Member all information with respect to the Company necessary for the Member's federal and state income tax returns.

 

10.5 Bank Accounts

 

All funds of the Company shall be deposited in a separate bank, money market or similar account(s) approved by the Managers and in the Company's name. Withdrawals therefrom shall be made only by Persons authorized to do so by the Managers.

 

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ARTICLE 11 MISCELLANEOUS

 

11.1 Title to Property; No Partition

 

Title to the Property shall be held in the name of the Company. No Member shall individually have any ownership interest or rights in the Property except indirectly by virtue of such Member's ownership of an Interest. No Member shall have any right to any specific assets of the Company upon the liquidation of, or any distribution from, the Company. The Members agree that the Property is not and will not be suitable for partition. Accordingly, each of the Members hereby irrevocably waives any and all right such Member may have to maintain any action for partition of any of the Property.

 

11.2 Waiver of Default

 

No consent or waiver, express or implied, by the Company or a Member with respect to any breach or default by the Company or a Member hereunder shall be deemed or construed to be a consent or waiver with respect to any other breach or default by any party of the same provision or any other provision of this Agreement. Failure on the part of the Company or a Member to complain of any act or failure to act of the Company or a Member or to declare such party in default shall not be deemed or constitute a waiver by the Company or the Member of any rights hereunder.

 

11.3 Notice

 

(a) Any Notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be (i) personally delivered, (ii) transmitted by postage pre-paid first class certified United States mail, (iii) transmitted by pre-paid, overnight delivery, or (iv) transmitted by electronic transmission.

 

(b) All Notices and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given, received and effective on (i) the date of receipt if delivered personally, (ii) two (2) business days after the date of posting if transmitted by mail, (iii) the business day after the date of transmission if by overnight delivery, or (iv) if transmitted by electronic transmission, the date of transmission with confirmation by the originating transmission machine of receipt by the receiving machine of such transmission.

 

(c) Any Member may change his, her or its address for purposes hereof by Notice given to the other Members and the Company.

 

(d) Notices hereunder shall be directed to the last known address of a Member as shown in the records of the Company.

 

11.4 Amendment

 

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not be altered, modified or changed except by an amendment approved by a Supermajority in Interest. No amendment shall negatively affect a Member's rights or obligations under Sections 4.1 or 9.3 of this Agreement without such Member's approval.

 

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(b) In addition to any amendments otherwise authorized herein, amendments may be made to this Agreement from time to time by the Managers without the consent of the Members (i) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein or (ii) to delete or add any provisions of this Agreement required to be so deleted or added by federal, state or local law or by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, or any other Federal agency or by a state securities or “blue sky” commission, a state revenue or taxing authority or any other similar entity or official.

 

11.5 No Third Party Rights

 

Except with respect to Section 7.2, none of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any third parties, including creditors of the Company. The parties to this Agreement expressly retain any and all rights to amend this Agreement as herein provided, notwithstanding any interest in this Agreement or in any party to this Agreement held by any other Person.

 

11.6 Severability

 

In the event any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

 

11.7 Nature of Interest in the Company

 

A Member's Interest shall be personal property for all purposes.

 

11.8 Binding Agreement

 

Subject to the restrictions on the disposition of Units herein contained, the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.

 

11.9 Headings

 

The headings of the Articles and Sections of this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered in construing or interpreting any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

11.10 Word Meanings

 

The words such as “herein,” “hereinafter,” “hereof,” and “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not merely to a subdivision in which such words appear unless the context otherwise requires. The singular shall include the plural, and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires.

 

11.11 Counterparts

 

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one agreement binding on all parties hereto, notwithstanding that all the parties have not signed the same counterpart.

 

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11.12 Entire Agreement

 

This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior writings or agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the operating agreement of the Company in effect immediately prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

11.13 Acknowledgments

 

Each Member acknowledges and agrees that the firm of Bryan Cave LLP has represented the Company and not any Member individually with respect to this Agreement. Each Member acknowledges and agrees that such Member has been advised to seek separate counsel with respect to the Company, this Agreement and all matters pertaining thereto.

 

11.14 Setoff

 

Without limiting any other right the Company may have, the Company, in its sole discretion, may set off against any amounts due a Member from the Company any and all liquidated amounts then or thereafter owed to the Company by the Member in any capacity, whether or not such amount or the obligations to pay such amount owed by the Member is then due.

 

11.15 Sale Proceeds Sharing Agreements

 

All parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the Company and PPI have entered into Sale Proceeds Sharing Agreements with the Initial Employees and that the payments of any awards thereunder are to be paid, if at all, solely by PPL with respect to any Sale Proceeds Sharing Agreements entered into with any other employees of the Company, the Members agree that the Company shall fund the payments required thereunder.

 

11.16 Non Disclosure

 

Each Member for itself and on behalf of its Affiliates agrees to keep the provisions of this Agreement and all schedules, appendices and exhibits hereto in confidence except pursuant to the requirements of applicable law and shall not publish or otherwise disclose the same at any time without the prior written consent of all the Members (except as otherwise provided below). All non-public and other confidential information regarding the Company and its Members shall be treated with confidentiality by the Company and the Members and not disclosed by the Company or the Members to third parties (other than as necessary in the ordinary course of and to further the business of the Company) without the prior approval of a Supermajority in Interest (or a specific Member, if the non-public or confidential information pertains to such Member); provided, however, (a) the Company and the Members may disclose such information to their respective attorneys, accountants and other professional advisors who have a need for such information provided that such persons are informed of the confidential nature of the information and are directed to maintain the confidentiality thereof, and (b) the Managers may cause the Company to share financial information about the Company, as well as this Agreement, with prospective investors in the Company (subject to the execution of a commercially reasonable confidentiality agreement by any such prospective investor). The confidentiality obligations of the Members shall survive any termination of the membership of any Member in the Company.

 

11.17 Governing Law

 

This Agreement shall be construed according to and governed by the laws of the State of Missouri.

 

[signature page follows]

 

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

 

  THE MEMBERS:
     
  Midwest Growth Partners LLLP
     
  By: /s/ John Mickelson
  Name: John Mickelson
  Title: Managing Partner
     
  By: /s/ Amanda Mahoski
    Amanda Mahoski
     
  Papillon Partners, Inc. f/k/a DERMAdoctor, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin
  Name: Audrey Kunin
  Title: CEO
     
  THE COMPANY:
   
  DERMAdoctor, LLC
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin
  Name: Audrey Kunin
  Title: CEO

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Operating Agreement

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE A - MEMBERS

 

Name   Capital Contributions     Units     Percentage Interest  
Midwest Growth Partners LLLP   $ 1,745,000       236,821.5       23.68 %
Amanda Mahoski   $ 5,000       678.5       0.07 %
Papillon Partners, Inc. f/k/a DERMAdoctor, Inc.   $ 3,515,431.05       762,500       76.25 %
Totals   $ 5,265,431.05       1,000,000       100 %

 

Schedule A

 

 

SCHEDULE B-TAXES

 

1. Definitions.

 

“Adjusted Capital Account” means the Capital Account balance of a Member increased by such Member's Share of Company Minimum Gain.

 

“Capital Account” means a separate account established by the Company and maintained for each Member in accordance with this Schedule B. The parties agree, however, that PPI has not received and will not receive credit for any Capital Contributions attributable to the Units of the MGP Members purchased by PPI under the Unit Purchase Agreement between PPI and the MGP Members dated as of the Effective Date, and therefore, as of the Effective Date, the MGP Members' Capital Contributions and Capital Accounts have been reduced by the Capital Contributions attributable to such Units sold thereunder, which were sold at a loss by the MGP Members to PPI, but PPI's Capital Contributions and Capital Account have not been increased as a result thereof.

 

“Member's Share of Company Minimum Gain” means an amount determined (i) in accordance with rules applicable to partnerships in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(g) with respect to a nonrecourse liability of the Company in which no Member bears the economic risk of loss and (ii) in accordance with rules applicable to partnerships in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i) with respect to a nonrecourse liability of the Company in which any Member bears any portion of the economic risk of loss.

 

“Minimum Gain” means the amount of gain, if any, as set forth in rules applicable to partnerships in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(d) that would be realized by the Company if it disposed of (in a taxable transaction) property subject to a nonrecourse liability of such Company, in full satisfaction of such liability (and for no other consideration).

 

“New Audit Rules” means the new partnership audit rules enacted under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.

“Profits and Losses For Tax Purposes” means, for accounting and tax purposes, the various items with respect to partnerships set forth in Section 702(a) of the Code and all applicable regulations, or any successor law, and shall include, but not be limited to, items such as capital gain or loss, tax preferences, credits, depreciation, other deductions and depreciation recapture.

 

“Treasury Regulations” means the regulations promulgated by the Treasury Department with respect to the Code, as such regulations are amended from time to time, or corresponding provisions of future regulations.

 

2. Maintenance of Capital Accounts.

 

The Company shall maintain for each Member a separate account (“Capital Account”) in accordance with the rules applicable to partnerships in Treasury Regulation 1.704- 1(b)(2)(iv) or any successor Treasury Regulations which by their terms would be applicable to the Company. No Member shall be entitled to receive or be credited with any interest on the balance of such Member's Capital Account at any time.

 

Schedule B- 1

 

 

3. Allocation of Profits and Losses For Tax Purposes.

 

Except as otherwise provided in Section 4 of this Schedule B, all Profits and Losses for Tax Purposes of the Company shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with this Section 3.

 

(a) Losses for each year shall be allocated in the following order of priority:

 

(i) First, to the Members pro rata in proportion to the amount by which each Member's Adjusted Capital Account balance exceeds such Member's Unreturned Capital Contributions until each Member's Adjusted Capital Account balance equals such Member's Unreturned Capital Contributions;

 

(ii) Second, to PPI in proportion to its positive Adjusted Capital Account balances until PPI's Adjusted Capital Account is reduced to zero;

 

(iii) Third, to the MGP Members pro rata in proportion to their positive Adjusted Capital Account balances until each MGP Member's Adjusted Capital Account is reduced to zero; and

 

(iv) Finally, to the Member or Members who bear the economic risk of loss in accordance with the applicable Treasury Regulations.

 

(b) Profits for each year shall be allocated in the following order of priority:

 

(i) First, to the Members with a negative Adjusted Capital Account balance pro rata in proportion to their negative Adjusted Capital Account balances until each Member's Adjusted Capital Account is restored to zero;

 

(ii) Second, to the MGP Members pro rata in proportion to their respective Unreturned Capital Contributions until each MGP Member's Adjusted Capital Account balance equals such MGP Member's Unreturned Capital Contributions;

 

(iii) Third, to PPI in proportion to its respective Unreturned Capital Contributions until PPI's Adjusted Capital Account balance equals PPI's Unreturned Capital Contributions; and

 

(iv) Finally, to the Members pro rata in proportion to their Percentage Interests.

 

4. Special Allocations.

 

4.1 Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, if the amount of any Minimum Gain at the end of any taxable year is less than the amount of such Minimum Gain at the beginning of such taxable year, there shall be allocated to each Member gross income or gain (in respect of the current taxable year and any future taxable year) in an amount equal to such Member's share of the net decrease in Minimum Gain during such year in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(f). Such allocation of gross income and gain shall be made prior to any other allocation of income, gain, loss, deduction or Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditure for such year. Any such allocation of gross income or gain pursuant to this Section 4.1 shall be taken into account, to the extent feasible, in computing subsequent allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Company so that the net amount of all items allocated to each Member pursuant to this paragraph shall, to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such Member pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph if the allocations made pursuant to the first sentence of this paragraph had not occurred. This provision is intended to be a minimum gain chargeback as described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted consistent therewith.

 

Schedule B- 2

 

 

4.2 Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, except as provided in Section 4.1 of this Schedule B, if there is a net decrease (as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(3)) during a taxable year in Minimum Gain attributable to a non recourse debt of the Company for which any Member bears the economic risk of loss (as determined accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704- 2(b)(4)), then any Member with a share of the Minimum Gain (as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(5)) attributable to such debt (determined at the beginning of such taxable year) shall be allocated in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section l .704- 2(i)(4) items of Company income and gain for such taxable year (and, if necessary, for subsequent years) in an amount equal to such Member's share of the net decrease in the Minimum Gain attributable to such Member in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i). Any allocations of items of gross income or gain pursuant to this paragraph shall not duplicate any allocations of gross income or gain pursuant to Section 4.1 of this Schedule B and shall be taken into account, to the extent feasible, in computing subsequent allocations of the Company, so that the net amount of all items allocated to each Member pursuant to this paragraph shall, to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each Member pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph if the allocations made pursuant to the first sentence of this paragraph had not occurred. This provision is intended to be a partner minimum gain chargeback as described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted consistent therewith.

 

4.3 Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, except as provided in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of this Schedule B, if any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations or distributions described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-l(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6) that reduces any Member's Capital Account below zero or increases the negative balance in such Member's Capital Account (taking into account such Member's deficit restoration obligation), gross income and gain shall be allocated to such Member in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate any negative balance in such Member's Capital Account (taking into account such Member's deficit restoration obligation) created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as quickly as possible in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-l(b)(2)(ii)(d). Any such allocation of gross income or gain pursuant to this paragraph shall be in proportion with such negative Capital Accounts of the Members. Any allocations of items of gross income or gain pursuant to this paragraph shall not duplicate any allocations of gross income or gain made pursuant to Section 4.1 or 4.2 of this Schedule Band shall be taken into account, to the extent feasible, in computing subsequent allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit, so that the net amount of all items allocated to each Member pursuant to this paragraph shall, to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such Member pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph if such adjustments, allocations or distributions had not occurred. This provision is intended to be a qualified income offset as described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistent therewith.

 

Schedule B- 3

 

 

4.4 Any item of Company loss, deduction or Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditure that is attributable to a non recourse debt of the Company for which any Member bears the economic risk of loss (as determined in accordance with rules applicable to partnerships in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) shall be allocated to such Member in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i).

 

4.5 In accordance with Section 704(c) and the Regulations thereunder, if property is contributed to the Company and the fair market value of such property on the date of its contribution differs from the adjusted tax basis of such property, any income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such property shall, solely for tax purposes, be allocated among the Members so as to take into account any variation between the adjusted tax basis to the Company of such property for federal income tax purposes and the fair market value of such property on the date of contribution to the Company. Such allocations shall be made using a reasonable method that is consistent with the purpose of Section 704(c) of the Code pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3.

 

5. Persons Entitled to Allocations.

 

With respect to any period in which a transferee of the interest of a Member is first entitled to a share of the Profits And Losses For Tax Purposes, the Company shall, with respect to such Profits And Losses For Tax Purposes, allocate such items among the Persons who were entitled to such items on a basis consistent with the provisions of the Code and the Treasury Regulations.

 

6. Tax Matter Member.

 

PPI is hereby designated (i) as the Company's “tax matters partner” within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (“Tax Matters Partner”) and (ii) commencing with respect to taxable years commencing after December 31, 2017, as the Company's “partnership representative” in accordance with Section 6223 of the Code (“Company Representative”), in all cases to exercise all authority permitted of a Tax Matters Partner or Company Representative, as applicable, under the Code. The Company Representative, may exercise any authority granted to the Company Representative under the Code. In particular, the Company Representative may, in its sole discretion, make any elections provided for under the New Audit Rules and may, in its sole discretion, settle and/or litigate any audit adjustments proposed by the Internal Revenue Service in any audit governed by the New Audit Rules. The Company shall fully reimburse the Tax Matters Partner and Company Representative for any and all costs and expenses incurred as a result of acting as Tax Matters Partner or Company Representative, as the case may be.

 

7. Negative Balance.

 

No Member with a negative balance in such Member's Capital Account shall have any obligation to the Company or any other Member to restore said negative balance to zero.

 

Schedule B- 4

Exhibit 3.3

 

        LC001472275
Date Filed: 12/31/2015
Jason Kander
Missouri Secretary of State
  State of Missouri  
  Jason Kander, Secretary of State  
  Corporations Division  
  PO Box 778 / 600 W. Main St., Rm. 322    
  Jefferson City, MO 65102    

 

Amendment of Articles of Organization

(Submit with filing fee of $25.00)

 

Charter #: LC001472275

 

1. The current name of the limited liability company is: D. Doctor Acquisition, LLC_______________________________

 

2. The effective date of this document is the date it is filed by the Secretary of State of Missouri unless a future date is otherwise indicated:
   
                                                  (Date may not be more than 90 days after the filing date in this Office)

 

3. State date of occurrence that required this amendment: December 29, 2015
                                       Month/Day/Year

 

4. The articles of organization are hereby amended as follows:

 

Article 1: The name of the limited liability company is DERMAdoctor, LLC

 

5. (Check if applicable) This amendment is required to be filed because:

 

management of the limited liability company is vested in one or more managers where management had not been so previously vested.

 

management of the limited liability company is no longer vested in one or more managers where management was previously so vested.

 

a change in the name of the limited liability company.

 

a change in the time set forth in the articles of organization for the limited liability company to dissolve.

 

adding a series under section 347.039 RSMo. (Form LLC 1A must be attached.)

 

6. This amendment is (check either or both):

 

authorized under the operating agreement

 

required to be filed under the provisions of RSMo Chapter 347

 

 

 

 

 

(Please see next page)

 

     
Name and address to return filed document:    
     
Name:    
Address:     
City, State, and Zip Code:     
     

 

 

 

In Affirmation thereof, the facts stated above are true and correct:

(The undersigned understands that false statements made in this filing are subject to the penalties provided under Section 575.040, RSMo)

 

/s/ Jeff Kunin   Jeff Kunin   12/29/2015
Authorized Signature   Printed Name   Date

 

         
Authorized Signature   Printed Name   Date

 

         
Authorized Signature   Printed Name   Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.4

 

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 
OF

 
DERMADOCTOR, INC.

  

The undersigned, a natural person (the “ Sole Incorporator ”), for the purpose of organizing a corporation to conduct the business and promote the purposes hereinafter stated, under the provisions and subject to the requirements of the laws of the State of Delaware hereby certifies that:

 

ARTICLE I

NAME

 

The name of this Corporation is DERMAdoctor, Inc. (the “ Corporation ”).

 

ARTICLE II

REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT

 

The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be established and maintained at the office of The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, County of New Castle, and The Corporation Trust Company shall be the registered agent of the Corporation in charge thereof.

 

ARTICLE III

PURPOSE

 

The purpose of this Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a Corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or any applicable successor act thereto, as the same may be amended from time to time (“ DGCL ”).

 

ARTICLE IV

CAPITAL STOCK

 

A.        This Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, “ Common Stock ” and “ Preferred Stock .” The total number of shares which the Corporation is authorized to issue is Fifty-Five Million (55,000,000) shares. Fifty Million (50,000,000) shares shall be Common Stock, having a par value of $0.001 per share. Five Million (5,000,000) shares shall be Preferred Stock, having a par value of $0.001 per share.

 

B.        The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The Board of Directors is hereby expressly authorized to provide for the issue of all of any of the shares of the Preferred Stock in one or more series, and to fix the number of shares and to determine or alter for each such series, such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designation, preferences, and relative, participating, optional, or other rights and such qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such shares and as may be permitted by the DGCL. The Board of Directors is also expressly authorized to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series subsequent to the issuance of shares of that series, but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding. In case the number of shares of any series shall be decreased in accordance with the foregoing sentence, the shares constituting such decrease shall resume the status that they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series. The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, without a separate vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock, or of any series thereof, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock.

 

  1  

 

 

ARTICLE V

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

For the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and in further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation, of its directors and of its stockholders or any class thereof, as the case may be, it is further provided that:

 

A.       Board of Directors . The management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation shall be vested in its Board of Directors. The number of directors which shall constitute the Board of Directors shall be fixed exclusively by resolutions adopted by a majority of the authorized number of directors constituting the Board of Directors. In no event shall the number of directors be less than the minimum prescribed by law. The directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot unless the Bylaws so provide. Directors need not be stockholders of the Corporation.

 

B.        Election of Board of Directors . Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, directors shall be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders for a term of one year. Each director shall serve until his successor is duly elected and qualified or until his 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.

 

C.        Removal of Directors . The Board of Directors or any individual director may be removed from office at any time (1) with cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation, entitled to vote at an election of directors; or (2) without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally at an election of directors.

 

D.       Vacancies . Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, shall, unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by the stockholders and except as otherwise provided by applicable law, be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, and not by the stockholders. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified.

 

E.       Bylaw Amendments . The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation . Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of a majority of the authorized number of directors . The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation, such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election or directors, voting together as a single class.

 

  2  

 

 

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

 

G.       Action Without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and such writing or writings or transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee. 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.

 

H.       Committees of the Board . Pursuant to the Bylaws the Board may establish one or more committees of the Board to which may be delegated any or all of the powers and duties of the Board to the full extent permitted by law.

 

ARTICLE VI

STOCKHOLDERS

 

A.       Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as provided under the DGCL.

 

B.       Stockholder Action . No action shall be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation except at an annual or special meeting of stockholders called in accordance with the Bylaws, and no action shall be taken by the stockholders by written consent or by electronic transmission. 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 provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE VII

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

 

A.       Liability of Directors . The liability of the directors for monetary damages shall be eliminated to the fullest extent under applicable law.

 

B.       Indemnification . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation is authorized to provide indemnification of (and advancement of expenses to) directors, officers and agents of the Corporation (and any other persons to which applicable law permits the Corporation to provide indemnification) through Bylaw provisions, agreements with such agents or other persons, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise in excess of the indemnification and advancement otherwise permitted by such applicable law. If applicable law is amended after approval by the stockholders of this Article VII to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director to the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as so amended.

 

  3  

 

 

C.       Repeal or Modification . Any repeal or modification of this Article VII shall only be prospective and shall not affect the rights or protections or increase the liability of any director under this Article VII in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any act or omission to act giving rise to liability or indemnification.

 

ARTICLE VIII

FORUM FOR ADJUDICATION OF DISPUTES

 

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation; (2) 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; (3) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation; or (4) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article VIII.

 

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENT

 

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

 

ARTICLE X

SOLE INCORPORATOR

 

The name and mailing address of the Sole Incorporator are as follows:

 

Leslie Marlow

Gracin & Marlow, LLP

The Chrysler Building

405 Lexington Avenue, 26 th Floor

New York, NY 10174 

 

 

[Signature page follows]

  

  4  

 

  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, the undersigned Sole Incorporator, for the purpose of forming a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware, do make, file and record this Certificate of Incorporation, and do certify that the facts herein stated are true, and I have accordingly hereunto set my hand this 30 th day of April, 2018.

 

  By: /s/ Leslie Marlow
     
  Name: Leslie Marlow , Sole Incorporator

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ Signature page to DERMAdoctor, Inc. Certification of Incorporation ]

 

5

 

 

Exhibit 3.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BYLAWS

 

OF

 

DERMADOCTOR, inc.

 

(A DELAWARE CORPORATION)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
     
ARTICLE I OFFICES 1
     
Section 1. Registered Office 1
     
Section 2. Other Offices 1
     
ARTICLE II CORPORATE SEAL 1
     
Section 3. Corporate Seal 1
     
ARTICLE III STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS 1
     
Section 4. Place of Meetings 1
     
Section 5. Annual Meetings 2
     
Section 6. Special Meetings 6
     
Section 7. Notice of Meetings 7
     
Section 8. Quorum 7
     
Section 9. Adjournment and Notice of Adjourned Meetings 8
     
Section 10. Voting Rights 8
     
Section 11. Joint Owners of Stock 8
     
Section 12. List of Stockholders 8
     
Section 13. Action Without Meeting 9
     
Section 14. Organization 9
     
ARTICLE IV DIRECTORS 9
     
Section 15. Number and Term of Office 9
     
Section 16. Powers 9
     
Section 17. Election of Directors 9
     
Section 18. Vacancies 10
     
Section 19. Resignation 10
     
Section 20. Removal 10
     
Section 21. Meetings 10
     
Section 22. Quorum and Voting 11
     
Section 23. Action Without Meeting 12
     
Section 24. Fees and Compensation 12
     
Section 25. Committees 12
     
Section 26. Lead Independent Director 13
     
Section 27. Chairman 13
     
Section 28 Organization 13

 

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Table Of Contents Continued

  

    Page
     
ARTICLE V OFFICERS 14
     
Section 29. Officers Designated 14
     
Section 30. Tenure and Duties of Officers 14
     
Section 31. Delegation of Authority 16
     
Section 32. Resignations 16
     
Section 33. Removal 16
     
ARTICLE VI EXECUTION OF CORPORATE INSTRUMENTS AND VOTING OF SECURITIES OWNED BY THE CORPORATION 16
     
Section 34. Execution of Corporate Instruments 16
     
Section 35. Voting of Securities Owned by the Corporation 17
     
ARTICLE VII SHARES OF STOCK 17
     
Section 36. Form and Execution of Certificates 17
     
Section 37. Lost Certificates 17
     
Section 38. Transfers 17
     
Section 39. Fixing Record Dates 18
     
Section 40. Registered Stockholders 18
     
ARTICLE VIII OTHER SECURITIES OF THE CORPORATION 18
     
Section 41. Execution of Other Securities 18
     
ARTICLE IX DIVIDENDS 19
     
Section 42. Declaration of Dividends 19
     
Section 43. Dividend Reserve 19
     
ARTICLE X FISCAL YEAR 19
     
Section 44. Fiscal Year 19
     
ARTICLE XI INDEMNIFICATION 19
     
Section 45. Indemnification of Directors, Executive Officers, Other Officers, Employees and Other Agents 19
     
ARTICLE XII NOTICES 22
     
Section 46. Notices 22
     
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENTS 23
     
Section 47. Amendments 23
     
ARTICLE XIV FORUM FOR ADJUDICATION OF DISPUTES 24
     
Section 48. Forum 24

 

ii  

 

 

BYLAWS

 

OF

 

DERMADOCTOR, INC.
(A DELAWARE CORPORATION)

 

ARTICLE I

 

Offices

 

Section 1. Registered Office. The registered office of DERMAdoctor, Inc. (the “ Corporation ”) in the State of Delaware shall be established and maintained at the office of The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, County of New Castle, and The Corporation Trust Company shall be the registered agent of the Corporation in charge thereof.

 

Section 2. Other Offices. The Corporation shall also have and maintain an office or principal place of business at such place as may be fixed by the Board of Directors, and may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

 

ARTICLE II

 

Corporate Seal

 

Section 3. Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may adopt a corporate seal. The corporate seal shall consist of a die bearing the name of the Corporation and the inscription, “Corporate Seal-Delaware.” Said seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Stockholders’ Meetings

 

Section 4. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as provided under the Delaware General Corporation Law (“ DGCL ”).

 

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Section 5. Annual Meetings.

 

(a)        The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, for the purpose of election of directors and for such other business as may properly come before it, shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation and the proposal of business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders: (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting of stockholders (with respect to business other than nominations); (ii) brought specifically by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving the stockholder’s notice provided for in Section 5(b) below, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in Section 5. For the avoidance of doubt, clause (iii) above shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations and submit other business (other than matters properly included in the Corporation’s notice of meeting of stockholders and proxy statement under Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “ Exchange Act ”)) before an annual meeting of stockholders.

 

(b)        At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as is a proper matter for stockholder action under Delaware law and as shall have been properly brought before the meeting.

 

(i)        For nominations for the election to the Board of Directors to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 5(a) of these Bylaws, the stockholder must deliver written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on a timely basis as set forth in Section 5(b)(iii) and must update and supplement such written notice on a timely basis as set forth in Section 5(c). Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth: (A) as to each nominee such stockholder proposes to nominate at the meeting: (1) the name, age, business address and residence address of such nominee; (2) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee; (3) the class and number of shares of each class of capital stock of the Corporation which are owned of record and beneficially by such nominee; (4) the date or dates on which such shares were acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition; (5) with respect to each nominee for election or re-election to the Board of Directors, include a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Section 5(e) of these Bylaws; and (6) such other information concerning such nominee as would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of such nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or that is otherwise required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (including such person’s written consent to being named as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and (B) the information required by Section 5(b)(iv). The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require 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 proposed nominee.

 

(ii)        Other than proposals sought to be included in the Corporation’s proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, for business other than nominations for the election to the Board of Directors to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 5(a) of these Bylaws, the stockholder must deliver written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on a timely basis as set forth in Section 5(b)(iii), and must update and supplement such written notice on a timely basis as set forth in Section 5(c). Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth: (A) as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, and any material interest (including any anticipated benefit of such business to any Proponent (as defined below) other than solely as a result of its ownership of the Corporation’s capital stock, that is material to any Proponent individually, or to the Proponents in the aggregate) in such business of any Proponent; and (B) the information required by Section 5(b)(iv).

 

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(iii)        To be timely, the written notice required by Section 5(b)(i) or 5(b)(ii) must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the ninetieth (90 th ) day nor earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120 th ) day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that, subject to the last sentence of this Section 5(b)(iii), in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than thirty (30) days prior to or delayed by more than thirty (30) days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120 th ) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90 th ) day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth (10 th ) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. In no event shall an adjournment or a postponement of an annual meeting for which notice has been given, or the public announcement thereof has been made, commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

(iv)        The written notice required by Section 5(b)(i) or 5(b)(ii) shall also set forth, as of the date of the notice and as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (each, a “ Proponent ” and collectively, the “ Proponents ”): (A) the name and address of each Proponent, as they appear on the Corporation’s books; (B) the class, series and number of shares of the Corporation that are owned beneficially and of record by each Proponent; (C) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether oral or in writing) with respect to such nomination or proposal between or among any Proponent and any of its affiliates or associates, and any others (including their names) acting in concert, or otherwise under the agreement, arrangement or understanding, with any of the foregoing; (D) a representation that the Proponents are holders of record or beneficial owners, as the case may be, of shares of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting and intend to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice (with respect to a notice under Section 5(b)(i)) or to propose the business that is specified in the notice (with respect to a notice under Section 5(b)(ii)); (E) a representation as to whether the Proponents intend to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a sufficient number of holders of the Corporation’s voting shares to elect such nominee or nominees (with respect to a notice under Section 5(b)(i)) or to carry such proposal (with respect to a notice under Section 5(b)(ii)); (F) to the extent known by any Proponent, the name and address of any other stockholder supporting the proposal on the date of such stockholder’s notice; and (G) a description of all Derivative Transactions (as defined below) by each Proponent during the previous twelve (12) month period, including the date of the transactions and the class, series and number of securities involved in, and the material economic terms of, such Derivative Transactions.

 

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For purposes of Sections 5 and 6, a “ Derivative Transaction ” means any agreement, arrangement, interest or understanding entered into by, or on behalf or for the benefit of, any Proponent or any of its affiliates or associates, whether record or beneficial:

 

(w)       the value of which is derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares or other securities of the Corporation,

 

(x)        which otherwise provides any direct or indirect opportunity to gain or share in any gain derived from a change in the value of securities of the Corporation,

 

(y)        the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss, manage risk or benefit of security value or price changes, or

 

(z)        which provides the right to vote or increase or decrease the voting power of, such Proponent, or any of its affiliates or associates, with respect to any securities of the Corporation,

 

which agreement, arrangement, interest or understanding may include, without limitation, any option, warrant, debt position, note, bond, convertible security, swap, stock appreciation right, short position, profit interest, hedge, right to dividends, voting agreement, performance-related fee or arrangement to borrow or lend shares (whether or not subject to payment, settlement, exercise or conversion in any such class or series), and any proportionate interest of such Proponent in the securities of the Corporation held by any general or limited partnership, or any limited liability company, of which such Proponent is, directly or indirectly, a general partner or managing member.

 

(c)        A stockholder providing written notice required by Section 5(b)(i) or (ii) shall update and supplement such notice in writing, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice is true and correct in all material respects as of (i) the record date for the meeting and (ii) the date that is five (5) business days prior to the meeting and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, five (5) business days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 5(c), such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for the meeting. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 5(c), such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than two (2) business days prior to the date for the meeting, and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, two (2) business days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting.

 

(d)        Notwithstanding anything in Section 5(b)(iii) to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors of the Board of Directors of the Corporation is increased and there is no public announcement of the appointment of a director, or, if no appointment was made, of the vacancy, made by the Corporation at least ten (10) days before the last day a stockholder may deliver a notice of nomination in accordance with Section 5(b)(iii), a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 5 and which complies with the requirements in Section 5(b)(i), other than the timing requirements in Section 5(b)(iii), shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

 

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(e)        To be eligible to be a nominee for election or re-election as a director of the Corporation pursuant to a nomination under clause (iii) of Section 5(a), such proposed nominee or a person on such proposed nominee’s behalf must deliver (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under Section 5(b)(iii) or 5(d), as applicable) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such proposed nominee and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request) and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request) that such person (i) is not and will not become a party to (A) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “ Voting Commitment ”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation in the questionnaire or (B) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law; (ii) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director of the Corporation that has not been disclosed therein; and (iii) in such person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with, all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation.

 

(f)        A person shall not be eligible for election or re-election as a director unless the person is nominated either in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5(a), or in accordance with clause (iii) of Section 5(a). Except as otherwise required by law, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made, or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with these Bylaws, or the Proponent does not act in accordance with the representations in Sections 5(b)(iv)(D) and 5(b)(iv)(E), to declare that such proposal or nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such nominations or such business may have been solicited or received.

 

(g)        Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5, in order to include information with respect to a stockholder proposal in the proxy statement and form of proxy for a stockholders’ meeting, a stockholder must also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to proposals and/or nominations to be considered pursuant to Section 5(a)(iii) of these Bylaws.

 

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(h)        For purposes of Sections 5 and 6,

 

(i)        public announcement ” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; and

 

(ii)        affiliates ” and “ associates ” shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Section 6. Special Meetings.

 

(a)        Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called, for any purpose as is a proper matter for stockholder action under Delaware law, by (i) the Chairman of the Board of Directors; (ii) the Chief Executive Officer; or (iii) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board of Directors for adoption).

 

(b)        The Board of Directors shall determine the time and place, if any, of such special meeting. Upon determination of the time and place, if any, of the meeting, the Secretary shall cause a notice of meeting to be given to the stockholders entitled to vote, in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 of these Bylaws. No business may be transacted at such special meeting otherwise than specified in the notice of meeting.

 

(c)        Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving notice provided for in this paragraph, who shall be entitled to vote at the meeting and who delivers written notice to the Secretary of the Corporation setting forth the information required by Section 5(b)(i). In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder of record may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if written notice setting forth the information required by Section 5(b)(i) of these Bylaws shall 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 ninetieth (90 th ) day prior to such meeting or the tenth (10 th ) 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. The stockholder shall also update and supplement such information as required under Section 5(c). In no event shall an adjournment or a postponement of a special meeting for which notice has been given, or the public announcement thereof has been made, commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

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(d)        Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, a stockholder must also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to matters set forth in this Section 6. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations for the election to the Board of Directors to be considered pursuant to Section 6(c) of these Bylaws.

 

Section 7. Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by law, notice, given in writing or by electronic transmission, of each meeting of stockholders shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, such notice to specify the place, if any, date and hour, in the case of special meetings, the purpose or purposes of the meeting, 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 any such meeting. If mailed, notice 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 records of the Corporation. Notice of the time, place, if any, and purpose of any meeting of stockholders may be waived in writing, signed by the person entitled to notice thereof, or by electronic transmission by such person, either before or after such meeting, and will be waived by any stockholder by his attendance thereat in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy, except when the stockholder 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. Any stockholder so waiving notice of such meeting shall be bound by the proceedings of any such meeting in all respects as if due notice thereof had been given.

 

Section 8. Quorum. At all meetings of stockholders, except where otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, the presence, in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy duly authorized, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum, any meeting of stockholders may be adjourned, from time to time, either by the chairman of the meeting or by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares represented thereat, but no other business shall be transacted at such meeting. The stockholders present at a duly called or convened meeting, at which a quorum is present, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum. Except as otherwise provided by statute or by applicable stock exchange rules, or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote generally on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders. Except as otherwise provided by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote generally on the election of directors. Where a separate vote by a class or classes or series is required, except where otherwise provided by the statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a majority of the outstanding shares of such class or classes or series, present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy duly authorized, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter. Except where otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the affirmative vote of the majority (plurality, in the case of the election of directors) of shares of such class or classes or series present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting shall be the act of such class or classes or series.

 

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Section 9. Adjournment and Notice of Adjourned Meetings. Any meeting of stockholders, whether annual or special, may be adjourned from time to time either by the chairman of the meeting or by the vote of a majority of the shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, if any, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place, if any, thereof 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 thirty (30) days or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

Section 10. Voting Rights. For the purpose of determining those stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders, except as otherwise provided by law, only persons in whose names shares stand on the stock records of the Corporation on the record date, as provided in Section 12 of these Bylaws, shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders. Every person entitled to vote shall have the right to do so either in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by an agent or agents authorized by a proxy granted in accordance with Delaware law. An agent so appointed need not be a stockholder. No proxy shall be voted after three (3) years from its date of creation unless the proxy provides for a longer period.

 

Section 11. Joint Owners of Stock. If shares or other securities having voting power stand of record in the names of two (2) or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety, or otherwise, or if two (2) or more persons have the same fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares, unless the Secretary is given written notice to the contrary and is furnished with a copy of the instrument or order appointing them or creating the relationship wherein it is so provided, their acts with respect to voting shall have the following effect: (a) if only one (1) votes, his act binds all; (b) if more than one (1) votes, the act of the majority so voting binds all; (c) if more than one (1) votes, but the vote is evenly split on any particular matter, each faction may vote the securities in question proportionally, or may apply to the Delaware Court of Chancery for relief as provided in the DGCL, Section 217(b). If the instrument filed with the Secretary shows that any such tenancy is held in unequal interests, a majority or even-split for the purpose of subsection (c) shall be a majority or even-split in interest.

 

Section 12. List of Stockholders. The Secretary shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at said meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, (a) 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 (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. 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. The list shall be open to examination of any stockholder during the time of the meeting as provided by law.

 

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Section 13. Action Without Meeting. No action shall be taken by the stockholders except at an annual or special meeting of stockholders called in accordance with these Bylaws, and no action shall be taken by the stockholders by written consent or by electronic transmission.

 

Section 14. Organization.

 

(a)        Unless otherwise proscribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside as chairman at all meetings of the stockholders. If the Chairman of the Board of Directors has not been appointed or is absent, then the Lead Independent Director (if any) shall preside as chairman of the meeting. If a Lead Independent Director has not been appointed or is absent, then the Chief Executive Officer shall preside as chairman of the meeting. If the Chief Executive Officer is absent, a chairman of the meeting chosen by a majority in interest of the stockholders entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy, shall preside as chairman of such meeting. The Secretary, or, in his or her absence, an Assistant Secretary directed to do so by the Chairman of the Board, or the Lead Independent Director (if any) if the Chairman of the Board is absent, or by the Chief Executive Officer if the Lead Independent Director is absent, and if the Chief Executive Officer is absent, then the President, shall act as secretary of the meeting.

 

(b)        The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be entitled to make such rules or regulations for the conduct of meetings of stockholders as it shall deem necessary, appropriate or convenient. Subject to such rules and regulations of the Board of Directors, if any, the chairman of the meeting shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are necessary, appropriate or convenient for the proper conduct of the meeting.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Directors

 

Section 15. Number and Term of Office. The authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation. Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation. If for any cause, the directors shall not have been elected at an annual meeting, they may be elected as soon thereafter as convenient at a special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose in the manner provided in these Bylaws.

 

Section 16. 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 by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Section 17. Election of Directors . Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, directors shall be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders. Each director shall serve until his successor is duly elected and qualified or until his death, resignation or removal. No stockholder entitled to vote at an election for directors may cumulate votes to which such stockholder is entitled. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

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Section 18. Vacancies. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors shall, unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholders, be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the 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, provided, however , that whenever the holders of any class or classes of stock or series thereof are entitled to elect one or more directors by the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, vacancies and newly created directorships of such class or classes or series shall, unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholders, be filled by a majority of the directors elected by such class or classes or series thereof then in office, or by a sole remaining director so elected, and not by the stockholders. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified. A vacancy in the Board of Directors shall be deemed to exist under this Bylaw in the case of the death, removal or resignation of any director.

 

Section 19. Resignation. Any director may resign at any time by delivering his or her notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Secretary, such resignation to specify whether it will be effective at a particular time. If no such specification is made, it shall be deemed effective at the time of delivery to the Secretary. When one or more directors shall 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, and each Director so chosen shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the Director whose place shall be vacated and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

 

Section 20. Removal. The Board of Directors or any individual director may be removed from office at any time (a) with cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation, entitled to vote generally at an election of directors; or (b) without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally at an election of directors.

 

Section 21. Meetings.

 

(a)       Regular Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time or date and at any place within or without the State of Delaware which has been designated by the Board of Directors and publicized among all directors, either orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice-messaging system or other system designed to record and communicate messages, facsimile, telegraph or telex, or by electronic mail or other electronic means. No further notice shall be required for regular meetings of the Board of Directors.

 

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(b)       Special Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time and place within or without the State of Delaware whenever called by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or at least one-third (1/3) of the authorized number of Directors.

 

(c)       Meetings by Electronic Communications Equipment. Any member of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

(d)       Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of the time and place of all special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice messaging system or other system or technology designed to record and communicate messages, facsimile, telegraph or telex, or by electronic mail or other electronic means, during normal business hours, at least twenty-four (24) hours before the date and time of the meeting. If notice is sent by US mail, it shall be sent by first class mail, charges prepaid, at least three (3) days before the date of the meeting. Notice of any meeting may be waived in writing, or by electronic transmission, at any time before or after the meeting and will be waived by any director by attendance thereat, except when the director attends the 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.

 

(e)       Waiver of Notice. The transaction of all business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, however called or noticed, or wherever held, shall be as valid as though it had been transacted at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum be present and if, either before or after the meeting, each of the directors not present who did not receive notice shall sign a written waiver of notice or shall waive notice, by electronic transmission. All such waivers shall be filed with the corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the meeting.

 

Section 22. Quorum and Voting.

 

(a)        Unless the Certificate of Incorporation requires a greater number, and except with respect to questions related to indemnification arising under these Bylaws for which a quorum shall be a majority of the exact number of directors fixed from time to time, a quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of a majority of the exact number of directors fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation; provided, however, at any meeting whether a quorum be present or otherwise, a majority of the directors present may adjourn from time to time until the time fixed for the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors, without notice other than by announcement at the meeting.

 

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(b)        At each meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present, all questions and business shall be determined by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present, unless a different vote be required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

 

Section 23. Action Without 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 thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and such writing or writings or transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee. 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.

 

Section 24. Fees and Compensation. Directors shall be entitled to such compensation for their services as may be approved by the Board of Directors, including, if so approved, by resolution of the Board of Directors, a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors and at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity as an officer, agent, employee, or otherwise and receiving compensation therefor.

 

Section 25. Committees.

 

(a)       Executive Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Committee to consist of one (1) or more members of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee, to the extent permitted by law and provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors 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 which may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to (i) approving or adopting, or recommending 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) adopting, amending or repealing any Bylaw of the Corporation.

 

(b)       Other Committees. The Board of Directors may, from time to time, appoint such other committees as may be permitted by law. Such other committees appointed by the Board of Directors shall consist of one (1) or more members of the Board of Directors and shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the resolution or resolutions creating such committees, but in no event shall any such committee have the powers denied to the Executive Committee in these Bylaws.

 

(c)       Term. The Board of Directors, subject to any requirements of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock and the provisions of subsections (a) or (b) of this Section 25, may at any time increase or decrease the number of members of a committee or terminate the existence of a committee. The membership of a committee member shall terminate on the date of his death or voluntary resignation from the committee or from the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may at any time for any reason remove any individual committee member and the Board of Directors may fill any committee vacancy created by death, resignation, removal or increase in the number of members of the committee. 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, and, in addition, in the absence or disqualification of any member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they 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.

 

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(d)       Meetings. Unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise provide, regular meetings of the Executive Committee or any other committee appointed pursuant to this Section 25 shall be held at such times and places as are determined by the Board of Directors, or by any such committee, and when notice thereof has been given to each member of such committee, no further notice of such regular meetings need be given thereafter. Special meetings of any such committee may be held at any place which has been determined from time to time by such committee, and may be called by any director who is a member of such committee, upon notice to the members of such committee of the time and place of such special meeting given in the manner provided for the giving of notice to members of the Board of Directors of the time and place of special meetings of the Board of Directors. Notice of any special meeting of any committee may be waived in writing or by electronic transmission at any time before or after the meeting and will be waived by any director by attendance thereat, except when the director attends such special 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. Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in the resolutions authorizing the creation of the committee, a majority of the authorized number of members of any such committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of those present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such committee.

 

Section 26. Lead Independent Director. One of the Corporation’s independent directors may be designated by the Board of Directors as lead independent director to serve until replaced by the Board of Directors (the “ Lead Independent Director ”). The Lead Independent Director (if any) will establish the agenda for meetings of the independent directors; coordinate with the committee chairs regarding meeting agendas and informational requirements; preside over meetings of the independent directors; preside over any portions of meetings of the Board of Directors at which the performance of the Board of Directors is presented or discussed; and perform such other duties as may be established or delegated by the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 27. Chairman. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.

 

Section 28. Organization. At every meeting of the directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or, if a Chairman has not been appointed or is absent, the Lead Independent Director (if any), or if the Lead Independent Director is absent, the Chief Executive Officer (if a director), or, if a Chief Executive Officer is absent, the President (if a director), or if the President is absent, the most senior Vice President (if a director), or, in the absence of any such person, a chairman of the meeting chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall preside over the meeting. The Secretary, or in his absence, any Assistant Secretary or other officer or director directed to do so by the President or, in the absence of the President, a majority of the directors in attendance, shall act as secretary of the meeting.

 

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ARTICLE V

 

Officers

 

Section 29. Officers Designated. The officers of the Corporation shall include, if and when designated by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, one or more Vice Presidents, the Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer and the Treasurer. In addition, a Principal Executive Officer (in almost every case, the Chief Executive Officer) and the Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer shall be designated pursuant to applicable SEC rules and regulations. The Board of Directors may also appoint one or more Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers and such other officers and agents with such powers and duties as it shall deem necessary. The Board of Directors may assign such additional titles to one or more of the officers as it shall deem appropriate. Any one person may hold any number of offices of the Corporation at any one time unless specifically prohibited therefrom by law. The salaries and other compensation of the officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by or in the manner designated by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 30. Tenure and Duties of Officers.

 

(a)       General. All officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified, unless sooner removed. Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the Board of Directors. If the office of any officer becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors.

 

(b)       Duties of Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders, unless the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Lead Independent Director (if any) has been appointed and is present. Unless an officer has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, the President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have general supervision, direction and control of the business and officers of the Corporation. To the extent that a Chief Executive Officer has been appointed and no President has been appointed, all references in these Bylaws to the President shall be deemed references to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time, including, but not limited to, the authority for the Chief Executive Officer or his or her designees to bind the Corporation by executing contracts or other agreements and/or entering into other arrangements, all of which are in the ordinary course of the Corporation’s business.

 

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(c)       Duties of President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders, unless the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Lead Independent Director, or the Chief Executive Officer has been appointed and is present. Unless another officer has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have general supervision, direction and control of the business and officers of the Corporation. The President shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.

 

(d)       Duties of Vice Presidents. The Vice Presidents may assume and perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President or whenever the office of President is vacant. The Vice Presidents shall perform other duties commonly incident to their office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or, if the Chief Executive Officer has not been appointed or is absent, the President shall designate from time to time.

 

(e)       Duties of Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors and shall record all acts and proceedings thereof in the minute book of the Corporation. The Secretary shall give notice in conformity with these Bylaws of all meetings of the stockholders and of all meetings of the Board of Directors and any committee thereof requiring notice. The Secretary shall perform all other duties provided for in these Bylaws and other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time. The President may direct any Assistant Secretary or other officer to assume and perform the duties of the Secretary in the absence or disability of the Secretary, and each Assistant Secretary shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall designate from time to time.

 

(f)       Duties of Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall keep or cause to be kept the books of account of the Corporation in a thorough and proper manner and shall render statements of the financial affairs of the Corporation in such form and as often as required by the Board of Directors or the President. The Chief Financial Officer, subject to the order of the Board of Directors, shall have the custody of all funds and securities of the Corporation. The Chief Financial Officer shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall designate from time to time. To the extent that a Chief Financial Officer has been appointed and no Treasurer has been appointed, all references in these Bylaws to the Treasurer shall be deemed references to the Chief Financial Officer. The President may direct the Treasurer, if any, or any Assistant Treasurer, or the Controller or any Assistant Controller to assume and perform the duties of the Chief Financial Officer in the absence or disability of the Chief Financial Officer, and each Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer and each Controller and Assistant Controller shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall designate from time to time.

 

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(g)       Duties of Treasurer. Unless another officer has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, the Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation and shall keep or cause to be kept the books of account of the Corporation in a thorough and proper manner and shall render statements of the financial affairs of the Corporation in such form and as often as required by the Board of Directors or the President, and, subject to the order of the Board of Directors, shall have the custody of all funds and securities of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall designate from time to time.

 

Section 31. Delegation of Authority. The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officer or agent, notwithstanding any provision hereof.

 

Section 32. Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board of Directors or to the President or to the Secretary. Any such resignation shall be effective when received by the person or persons to whom such notice is given, unless a later time is specified therein, in which event the resignation shall become effective at such later time. Unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of any such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation shall be without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract with the resigning officer.

 

Section 33. Removal. Subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under contract of employment, any officer may be removed from office at any time, either with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors in office at the time, by the unanimous written consent of the directors in office at the time, by the Chief Executive Officer, or by other superior officer or officers upon whom such power of removal may have been conferred by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Execution Of Corporate Instruments And Voting Of Securities

Owned By The Corporation

 

Section 34. Execution of Corporate Instruments. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, determine the method and designate the signatory officer or officers, or other person or persons, to execute on behalf of the Corporation any corporate instrument or document, or to sign on behalf of the Corporation the corporate name without limitation, or to enter into contracts on behalf of the Corporation, except where otherwise provided by law or these Bylaws, and such execution or signature shall be binding upon the Corporation.

 

All checks and drafts drawn on banks or other depositaries on funds to the credit of the Corporation or in special accounts of the Corporation shall be signed by such person or persons as the Board of Directors shall authorize so to do.

 

Unless authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors or within the agency power of an officer, including, but not limited to, Section 30(b) of these Bylaws, 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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Section 35. Voting of Securities Owned by the Corporation. All stock and other securities of other corporations owned or held by the Corporation for itself, or for other parties in any capacity, shall be voted, and all proxies with respect thereto shall be executed, by the person authorized so to do by resolution of the Board of Directors, or, in the absence of such authorization, by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or any Vice President.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Shares Of Stock

 

Section 36. Form and Execution of Certificates. The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any classes or series of its stock shall be uncertificated. Certificates for the shares of stock, if any, shall be in such form as is consistent with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law. Every holder of stock represented by certificate in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by or in the name of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or the President or any Vice President and by the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or Assistant Secretary, certifying the number of shares owned by him in the Corporation. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be facsimiles. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue.

 

Section 37. Lost Certificates. A new certificate or certificates shall be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen, or destroyed. The Corporation may require, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate or certificates, or the owner’s legal representative, to agree to indemnify the Corporation in such manner as it shall require or to give the Corporation a surety bond in such form and amount as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed.

 

Section 38. Transfers.

 

(a)        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 attorney duly authorized, and, in the case of stock represented by certificate, upon the surrender of a properly endorsed certificate or certificates for a like number of shares.

 

(b)        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.

 

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Section 39. Fixing Record Dates. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board 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, subject to applicable law, not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or 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 the adjourned meeting.

 

Section 40. Registered Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

Other Securities Of The Corporation

 

Section 41. Execution of Other Securities. All bonds, debentures and other corporate securities of the Corporation, other than stock certificates (covered in Section 36), may be signed by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President, or such other person as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, and the corporate seal impressed thereon or a facsimile of such seal imprinted thereon and attested by the signature of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer; provided, however, that where any such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be authenticated by the manual signature, or where permissible facsimile signature, of a trustee under an indenture pursuant to which such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be issued, the signatures of the persons signing and attesting the corporate seal on such bond, debenture or other corporate security may be the imprinted facsimile of the signatures of such persons. Interest coupons appertaining to any such bond, debenture or other corporate security, authenticated by a trustee as aforesaid, shall be signed by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation or such other person as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, or bear imprinted thereon the facsimile signature of such person. In case any officer who shall have signed or attested any bond, debenture or other corporate security, or whose facsimile signature shall appear thereon or on any such interest coupon, shall have ceased to be such officer before the bond, debenture or other corporate security so signed or attested shall have been delivered, such bond, debenture or other corporate security nevertheless may be adopted by the Corporation and issued and delivered as though the person who signed the same or whose facsimile signature shall have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer of the Corporation.

 

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ARTICLE IX

 

Dividends

 

Section 42. Declaration of Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors pursuant to law at any regular or special meeting. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.

 

Section 43. Dividend Reserve. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, for maintaining insurance policies or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall think conducive to the interests of the Corporation, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

 

ARTICLE X

 

Fiscal Year

 

Section 44. Fiscal Year. Except as from time to time otherwise designated by the Board of Directors, the fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of January of each year and end on the last day of December in each year.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

Indemnification

 

Section 45. Indemnification of Directors, Executive Officers, Other Officers, Employees and Other Agents.

 

(a)       Directors, Executive Officers and Other Officers . The Corporation shall indemnify its directors and executive officers (for the purposes of this Article XI, “ executive officers ” shall have the meaning defined in Rule 3b-7 promulgated under the Exchange Act) and shall have the power to indemnify its other officers, in each case to the extent not prohibited by the DGCL or any other applicable law; provided, however, that the Corporation may modify the extent of such indemnification by individual contracts with its directors, executive officers and other officers; and, provided, further, that the Corporation shall not be required to indemnify any director, executive officer or other officer in connection with any proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless (i) such indemnification is expressly required to be made by law, (ii) the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, (iii) such indemnification is provided by the Corporation, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Corporation under the DGCL or any other applicable law or (iv) such indemnification is required to be made under subsection (d).

 

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(b)       Expenses. The Corporation shall advance to 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, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or executive officer, of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or executive officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, prior to the final disposition of the proceeding, promptly following request therefor, all expenses incurred by any director or executive officer in connection with such proceeding provided, however, that if the DGCL requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by a director or executive officer in his or her capacity as a director or executive officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (hereinafter an “ undertaking ”), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter a “ final adjudication ”) that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this section or otherwise.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise determined pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, no advance shall be made by the Corporation to an officer of the Corporation (except by reason of the fact that such officer is or was a director of the Corporation in which event this paragraph shall not apply) in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, if a determination is reasonably and promptly made (i) by a majority vote of directors who were not parties to the proceeding, even if not a quorum, or (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (iii) if there are no such directors, or such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, that the facts known to the decision-making party at the time such determination is made demonstrate clearly and convincingly that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation.

 

(c)       Enforcement. Without the necessity of entering into an express contract, all rights to indemnification and advances to directors and officers under this Bylaw shall be deemed to be contractual rights and be effective to the same extent and as if provided for in a contract between the Corporation and the director or officer. Any right to indemnification or advances granted by this section to a director or officer shall be enforceable by or on behalf of the person holding such right in any court of competent jurisdiction if (i) the claim for indemnification or advances is denied, in whole or in part, or (ii) no disposition of such claim is made within ninety (90) days of request therefor. To the extent permitted by law, the claimant in such enforcement action, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting the claim. In connection with any claim for indemnification, the Corporation shall be entitled to raise as a defense to any such action that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct that make it permissible under the DGCL or any other applicable law for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed. In connection with any claim by an officer of the Corporation (except in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such executive officer is or was a director or officer of the Corporation) for advances, the Corporation shall be entitled to raise a defense as to any such action clear and convincing evidence that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or with respect to any criminal action or proceeding that such person acted without reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was lawful. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL or any other applicable law, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct. In any suit brought by a director or officer to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, the burden of proving that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this section or otherwise shall be on the Corporation .

 

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(d)       Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Bylaw shall not be exclusive of any other right which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any applicable statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding 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 advances, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL, or by any other applicable law.

 

(e)       Survival of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Bylaw shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer, employee or other agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

(f)       Insurance. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL or any other applicable law, the Corporation, upon approval by the Board of Directors, may purchase insurance on behalf of any person required or permitted to be indemnified pursuant to this section.

 

(g)       Amendments. Any repeal or modification of this section shall only be prospective and shall not affect the rights under this Bylaw in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that is the cause of any proceeding against any agent of the Corporation.

 

(h)       Saving Clause. If this Bylaw or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each director and officer to the full extent not prohibited by any applicable portion of this section that shall not have been invalidated, or by any other applicable law. If this section shall be invalid due to the application of the indemnification provisions of another jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall indemnify each director and officer to the full extent under any other applicable law.

 

(i)       Certain Definitions. For the purposes of this Bylaw, the following definitions shall apply:

 

(i)        The term “ proceeding ” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, the investigation, preparation, prosecution, defense, settlement, arbitration and appeal of, and the giving of testimony in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative.

 

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(ii)        The term “ expenses ” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, court costs, attorneys’ fees, witness fees, fines, amounts paid in settlement or judgment and any other costs and expenses of any nature or kind incurred in connection with any proceeding.

 

(iii)        The term 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, and 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 section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

 

(iv)        References to a “ director ,” “ executive officer ,” “ officer ,” “ employee ,” or “ agent ” of the Corporation shall include, without limitation, situations where such person is serving at the request of the Corporation as, respectively, a director, executive officer, officer, employee, trustee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

 

(v)        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 he 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 section.

 

ARTICLE XII

 

Notices

 

Section 46. Notices.

 

(a)       Notice to Stockholders. Written notice to stockholders of stockholder meetings shall be given as provided in Section 7 herein. Without limiting the manner by which notice may otherwise be given effectively to stockholders under any agreement or contract with such stockholder, and except as otherwise required by law, written notice to stockholders for purposes other than stockholder meetings may be sent by US mail or nationally recognized overnight courier, or by facsimile, telegraph or telex or by electronic mail or other electronic means.

 

(b)       Notice to Directors. Any notice required to be given to any director may be given by the method stated in subsection (a), as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, or by overnight delivery service, facsimile, telex or telegram, except that such notice other than one which is delivered personally shall be sent to such address as such director shall have filed in writing with the Secretary, or, in the absence of such filing, to the last known post office address of such director.

 

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(c)       Affidavit of Mailing. An affidavit of mailing, executed by a duly authorized and competent employee of the Corporation or its transfer agent appointed with respect to the class of stock affected, or other agent, specifying the name and address or the names and addresses of the stockholder or stockholders, or director or directors, to whom any such notice or notices was or were given, and the time and method of giving the same, shall in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts therein contained.

 

(d)       Methods of Notice. It shall not be necessary that the same method of giving notice be employed in respect of all recipients of notice, but one permissible method may be employed in respect of any one or more, and any other permissible method or methods may be employed in respect of any other or others.

 

(e)       Notice to Person with Whom Communication is Unlawful. Whenever notice is required to be given, under any provision of law or of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Corporation, 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 any provision of 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.

 

(f)       Notice to Stockholders Sharing an Address. Except as otherwise prohibited under DGCL, any notice given under the provisions of DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the 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. Such consent shall have been deemed to have been given if such stockholder fails to object in writing to the Corporation within sixty (60) days of having been given notice by the Corporation of its intention to send the single notice. Any consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

Amendments

 

Section 47. Amendments. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 45(g) of these Bylaws or the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of a majority of the authorized number of directors. The stockholders also shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

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article xiv

 

FORUM FOR ADJUDICATION OF DISPUTES

 

Section 48. Forum. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding 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 asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation; or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article XIV.

 

Adoption

   

These Bylaws were duly approved and adopted by the Corporation’s Board of Directors as of the 30 th day of April, 2018 and the Corporation’s stockholders on the 30 th day of April, 2018 and shall become effective immediately upon the closing of the Corporation’s initial public offering.

 

  24  

Exhibit 3.6  

 

FORM OF

 

STATE OF DELAWARE

CERTIFICATE OF MERGER OF

DOMESTIC CORPORATION AND

FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

 

Pursuant to Title 8, Section 264(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the undersigned corporation executed the following Certificate of Merger:

 

FIRST : The name of the surviving corporation is DERMAdoctor, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, and the name of the limited liability company being merged into this surviving corporation is DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company.

 

SECOND : The Agreement of Merger has been approved, adopted, certified, executed and acknowledged by the surviving corporation and the merging limited liability company.

 

THIRD : The name of the surviving corporation is DERMAdoctor, Inc.

 

FOURTH : The merger is to become effective on                  , 2018.

 

FIFTH : The Agreement of Merger is on file at 1901 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, the place of business of the surviving corporation.

 

SIXTH : A copy of the Agreement of Merger will be furnished by the corporation on request, without cost, to any stockholder of any constituent corporation or member of any constituent limited liability company.

 

SEVENTH: The Certificate of Incorporation of the surviving corporation shall be its Certificate of Incorporation.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , said surviving corporation has caused this certificate to be signed by an authorized officer, this day of                  , 2018.

 

DERMADOCTOR, INC. 
     
  By:  
  Name:   Jeff Kunin
  Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Exhibit 3.7

 

ARTICLES OF MERGER

 

Pursuant to Section 347.725 of the Missouri Revised Statutes

 

Pursuant to the provisions of The Missouri Revised Statutes, Missouri Limited Liability Company Act, the undersigned entities certify the following:

 

1. That the name, state of organization and type of each constituent entity is:

 

  DERMAdoctor, LLC of Missouri (LC001472275)  limited liability company
  Name of Entity   State of Organization Missouri Charter (if any) Type of Entity
           
  DERMAdoctor, Inc. of Delaware corporation
  Name of Entity   State of Organization Missouri Charter (if any) Type of Entity

 

2. That the Agreement and Plan of Merger has been authorized and approved by resolution of the Managers and Members of DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company, adopted by written consent in lieu of a special meeting on ____________, 2018.

 

3. That the Agreement and Plan of Merger has been authorized and approved by resolution of the Board of Directors and Stockholders of DERMAdoctor, Inc., a Delaware corporation, adopted by written consent in lieu of a special meeting on _____________, 2018.

 

4. The effective date of this document is upon filing with the Missouri Secretary of State.

 

5. The name of the surviving entity is DERMAdoctor, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

6. The address of the registered office of the surviving entity is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware and name of the registered agent of the surviving entity is The Corporation Trust Company.

 

7. The organizational documents of the surviving entity shall be its organizational documents.

 

8. The executed Agreement and Plan of Merger is on file at the principal place of business of the surviving entity at 1901 McGee, Kansas City, MO 64108.

 

9. A copy of the Agreement and Plan of Merger will be furnished by the surviving entity on request and without cost to any member or stockholder of any entity that is a party to the merger.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

 

 

In Affirmation thereof, the facts stated above are true and correct:

(The undersigned understands that false statements made in this filing are subject to the penalties provided under Section 575.040, RSMo.)

 

Dated this _____ day of _____________, 2018.

 

DERMAdoctor, LLC  
A Missouri limited liability company  
     
By:    
Name: Jeff Kunin  
Title: Chief Operating Officer  

 

DERMAdoctor, Inc.  
A Delaware corporation  
     
By:    
Name: Jeff Kunin  
Title: Chief Executive Officer and  
  Chief Operating Officer  

 

(Signature Page – Articles of Merger)

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.8

 

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION OF
DERMADOCTOR, LLC, A MISSOURI LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, AND

DERMADOCTOR, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION

 

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION is dated               , 2018 (this “ Agreement ”), and is by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (“ DRLLC ”), and DERMAdoctor, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ DRINC ”).

 

WHEREAS , DRLLC’s Members and Managers and DRINC’s Stockholders and Board of Directors have approved and deem it in the best interest of the Members of DRLLC and the Stockholders of DRINC, respectively, to consummate the merger provided for herein in which DRLLC will merge with and into DRINC, with DRINC being the surviving entity, all on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS , such merger shall take place pursuant to a plan of merger in the form set forth in the Articles of Merger attached hereto as Exhibit A and the Certificate of Merger attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “ Merger ”);

 

WHEREAS , the Members and Managers of DRLLC and the Stockholders and Board of Directors of DRINC have approved the Merger and the execution of the Articles of Merger attached hereto as Exhibit A and the Certificate of Merger attached hereto as Exhibit B ;

 

WHEREAS , the laws of the States of Missouri and Delaware permit the Merger and the parties hereto wish to merge under and pursuant to the provisions of such laws; and

 

WHEREAS , for Federal income tax purposes it is intended that the Merger qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and this Agreement be a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of the regulations promulgated under Section 368 of the Code.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing premises and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
THE MERGER

 

1.1               The Merger . At the Effective Time, as defined in Section 1.2, the Merger shall be effected by merging DRLLC with and into DRINC, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “ DGCL ”) and the Missouri Limited Liability Company Act (the “ MRS ”), whereupon: (i) the separate corporate existence of DRLLC shall cease and (ii) DRINC shall continue as the surviving company.

 

1.2               Effective Time . On the Closing Date, as defined in Article IV, the parties shall file the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and shall file the Articles of Merger with the Missouri Secretary of State, and make all other filings or recordings required by the DGCL and MRS in connection with the Merger. The Merger shall become effective at the time as both the Certificate of Merger is duly filed and accepted with the Secretary of State of Delaware and the Articles of Merger are duly filed and accepted with the Missouri Secretary of State (the time the Mergers become effective being the “ Effective Time ”).

 

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1.3              Effects of the Merger . At the Effective Time, the Merger shall have the effects set forth in this Agreement, the DGCL and, as applicable, the MRS. Without limiting the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time: (i) all of the property, rights, powers, privileges and franchises of DRLLC shall be vested in DRINC, and (ii) all of the debts, liabilities and duties of DRLLC shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of DRINC.

 

1.4             Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws . The certificate of incorporation and the bylaws of DRINC as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of DRINC until thereafter amended as provided therein or by applicable law.

 

1.5              Officers and Directors . The officers and directors of DRINC immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain the officers and directors of DRINC, and shall hold office in accordance with the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of DRINC until the earlier of the applicable officer’s or director’s resignation or removal or until his or her respective successor is duly elected and qualified, as the case may be.

 

1.6              Conversion of Units . At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Members or Managers of DRLLC or the Stockholders or Board of Directors of DRINC: (i) each issued and outstanding Unit of membership interest in DRLLC shall be converted into and become three (3) shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of DRINC. For share calculations under this Section 1.6, the number of shares to be issued will be the number calculated and rounded to the nearest whole share.

 

1.7              Options and Warrants . Effective as of the Effective Time, all outstanding options and warrants (if any) that have been issued by DRLLC will be assumed by DRINC, and the holders thereof shall be entitled to exercise such options and warrants until their stated expiration date for an equivalent amount of securities at proportionately adjusted exercise price to give effect to the Merger, as determined by the Board of Directors of DRINC in good faith.

 

1.8              No Further Ownership Rights in Units . From and after the Effective Time, the holders of Units in DRLLC outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to such DRLLC Units, and as such will automatically be cancelled.

 

1.9             Approval of Merger . (i) DRLLC’s Members and Managers have approved this Agreement and the Merger and (ii) DRINC’s Stockholders and Board of Directors have approved this Agreement and the Merger.

 

ARTICLE II
DRLLC Representations

 

DRLLC represents to DRINC as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as follows:

 

2.1             Organization and Good Standing . DRLLC is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Missouri, with all limited liability company power and authority necessary to own or use its assets and conduct its business as it is now being conducted. DRLLC is duly qualified to do business as a foreign entity in, and is in good standing under the laws of, each state or other jurisdiction in which the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would have a material adverse effect on: (i) its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or (ii) the assets, financial position, or results of operations of DRLLC.

 

  2  

 

 

2.2              Authority . DRLLC has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. Execution and delivery of this Agreement and performance by DRLLC of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by the Members and the Managers of DRLLC and no other proceedings on the part of DRLLC is necessary with respect thereto.

 

2.3              Enforceability . This Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of DRLLC, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability is limited by: (i) any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar law affecting creditors’ rights generally or (ii) general principles of equity, whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

2.4              Consents . DRLLC is not required to obtain the consent of any person, including the consent of any party to any contract to which DRLLC is party, in connection with execution and delivery of this Agreement and performance of its obligations hereunder.

 

2.5             No Violations . The execution and delivery of this Agreement by DRLLC and the performance of its obligations hereunder do not: (i) violate any provision of DRLLC’s organizational documents as currently in effect; (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default under), accelerate the performance required by, result in the creation of any lien on any of the properties or assets of DRLLC under, or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require any notice under, any contract to which DRLLC is a party or by which any properties or assets of DRLLC are bound; or (iii) to DRLLC’s knowledge, contravene, conflict with, or violate any law or order to which it is subject.

 

2.6             Accredited Investors . To DRLLC’s knowledge, all of DRLLC’s members are “accredited investors” as that term is defined by Rule 501(a) of Regulation D, as promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

ARTICLE III
DRINC representations

 

DRINC represents to DRLLC as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as follows:

 

3.1              Organization and Good Standing . DRINC is validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with all corporate power and authority necessary to own or use its assets and conduct its businesses as it is now being conducted. DRINC is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in, and is in good standing under the laws of, each state or other jurisdiction in which the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would have a material adverse effect on: (i) its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or (ii) its assets, financial position, or results of operations.

 

3.2             Authority . DRINC has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. Execution and delivery of this Agreement and performance by DRINC of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by the Stockholders and Board of Directors of DRINC and no other proceedings on the part of either is necessary with respect thereto.

 

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3.3              Enforceability . This Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of DRINC, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability is limited by: (i) any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar law affecting creditors’ rights generally or (ii) general principles of equity, whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

3.4              Consents . DRINC is not required to obtain the consent of any person, including the consent of any party to any contract to which either is party, in connection with execution and delivery of this Agreement and performance of its obligations hereunder.

 

3.5              No Violations . The execution and delivery of the agreement by DRINC and the performance of its obligations hereunder does not: (i) violate any provision of its organizational documents as currently in effect; (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default under), accelerate the performance required by, result in the creation of any lien on any of the properties or assets of either under, or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require any notice under, any contract to which either is a party or by which any properties or assets of either is bound; or (iii) to DRINC’s knowledge, contravene, conflict with, or violate any law or order to which it is subject.

 

3.6              Capitalization . The authorized capital stock of DRINC consists of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which 100 shares are issued and outstanding (the “ Outstanding Shares ”) and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which no shares are issued and outstanding. All of the shares of common stock outstanding of DRINC have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. There are no securities of DRINC outstanding that contain anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by the Merger. There are no outstanding preemptive, conversion or other rights, options, warrants or agreements granted or issued by or binding upon DRINC for the purchase or acquisition of any shares of its capital stock. There are no agreements for the registration of any outstanding shares of capital stock of DRINC.

 

3.7              Liabilities .  DRINC has no debts, liabilities or obligations and there are no outstanding guaranties, performance or payment bonds, letters of credit or other contingent contractual obligations that have been undertaken by DRINC or otherwise related to its business that may survive the Merger.

 

3.8              Litigation . There are no actions, suits, proceedings or investigations (including any purportedly on behalf of DRINC) pending or threatened against or affecting the businesses or properties of DRINC whether at law or in equity or admiralty or before or by any governmental department, commission, board, agency, court or instrumentality, domestic or foreign; nor is the operating under, subject to, in violation of or in default with respect to, any judgment, order, writ, injunction or degree of any court or other governmental department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign. No written inquiries or oral inquiries have been made directly to DRINC by any governmental agency which might form the basis of any such action, suit, proceeding or investigation, or which might require DRINC to undertake a course of action which would involve any expense. No filings have been made by any present or former employee of any of DRINC with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any governmental agency, asserting any claim based on alleged race, gender (including, without limitation, sexual harassment), age or other type of discrimination on the part of DRINC.

 

3.9               Enforceability . This Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of DRINC, enforceable against DRINC in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles.

 

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ARTICLE IV
the closing

 

4.1            Closing . The parties shall hold the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) at Gracin & Marlow, LLP in New York, New York at 10:00 A.M. on [            ], 2018 or at such other time and place as the parties agree (the date of the Closing, the “ Closing Date ”).

 

ARTICLE V
Miscellaneous

 

5.1            Reasonable Efforts . Subject to the conditions of this Agreement, each of the parties shall use the efforts that a reasonable person would make so as to achieve that goal as expeditiously as possible to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary or advisable under applicable laws to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as promptly as practicable including but not limited to: (i) taking such actions as are necessary to obtain any required approval, consent, ratification, filing, declaration, registration, waiver, or other authorization and (ii) satisfying all conditions to Closing at the earliest possible time.

 

5.2            Transaction Costs . Each party shall pay its own fees and expenses (including without limitation the fees and expenses of its representatives, attorneys, and accountants) incurred in connection with negotiation, drafting, execution, and delivery of this Agreement.

 

5.3             Assignment . No party may assign any of its rights or delegate any performance under this Agreement except with the prior written consent of the other party.

 

5.4             Binding . This Agreement binds, and inures to the benefit of, the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

 

5.5             Governing Law . The laws of the State of Delaware (without giving effect to its conflict of laws principles) govern all matters arising out of this Agreement, including without limitation tort claims.

 

5.6             Entirety of Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Certificate of Merger and Articles of Merger, constitute the entire agreement of the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements, if any.

 

5.7             Further Assurances . Each of DRLLC and DRINC shall execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments and perform such additional acts as the other party may reasonably request to effectuate or carry out and perform all the terms of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and to effectuate the intent of this Agreement.

 

5.8              References to Time . All references to a time of day in this Agreement are references to the time in the State of New York.

 

5.9             Amendment . This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties.

 

5.10           Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which is an original and all of which together constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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5.11           No Third-Party Rights . Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement gives any Person other than the parties to this Agreement any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement, and this Agreement and all of its provisions are for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns. The undersigned are signing this Agreement on the date stated in the introductory clause.

 

  DERMADOCTOR, LLC,
         a Missouri limited liability company
     
  By:  
  Name; Jeff Kunin
  Title: Chief Operating Officer
     
  DERMADOCTOR, INC.,
         a Delaware corporation
     
  By:  
  Name; Jeff Kunin
  Title: Chief Executive Officer and
    Chief Operating Officer

 

  6  

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Articles of Merger

 

 

 

 

  7  

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

Certificate of Merger

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

Exhibit 4.3

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

 

$1,600,000.00 November 8, 2016

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED , the undersigned, Papillon Partners, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“ Maker ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of Jeff and Audrey Kunin or its successors or assigns (“ Holder ”), the principal aggregate sum of $1,600,000.00 plus interest on the unpaid balance at the rate of 6% per annum accruing from the date hereof. The interest shall be due and payable on the first day of each calendar month beginning on December 8, 2016 with all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest due and payable on the date that is three (3) years from the date hereof. Maker reserves the right to prepay all or any portion of this Promissory Note at any time and from time to time without premium or penalty of any kind.

 

Notwithstanding any provision in this Promissory Note to the contrary, if (i) there should be any default in the payment due hereunder, (ii) Maker should make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iii) a receiver, trustee or liquidator is appointed over any property of Maker, or (iv) proceedings are instituted by or against Maker under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law relating to the relief of debtors, including without limitation the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended (the events specified in clauses (i)-(iv) inclusive are hereinafter referred to as an “ Event of Default ”), then, and in each such event, Holder may, at its option, and in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity, without notice or demand, declare the remaining unpaid principal balance of this Promissory Note immediately due and payable in full.

 

Each person liable hereon agrees to pay all reasonable costs of collection paid or incurred by Holder in enforcing this Promissory Note on default or the rights and remedies herein provided, including reasonable attorneys' fees. Maker, for itself and for any guarantors, sureties, endorsers and/or any other person or persons now or hereafter liable hereon, if any, hereby waives demand of payment, presentment for payment, protest, notice of nonpayment or dishonor and any and all other notices and demands whatsoever, and any and all delays or lack of diligence in the collection hereof, and expressly consents and agrees to any and all extensions or postponements of the time of payment hereof from time to time at or after maturity and any other indulgence and waives all notice thereof.

 

No delay or failure by Holder in exercising any right, power, privilege or remedy hereunder shall affect such right, power, privilege or remedy or be deemed to be a waiver of the same or any part thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof or any failure to exercise the same in any instance preclude any further or future exercise thereof, or exercise of-any other right, power, privilege or remedy. The delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder shall not waive such right.

 

This Promissory Note shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Maker has duly caused this Promissory Note'to be executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

  MAKER:
   
  Papillon Partners, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin, MD
  Name: Audrey Kunin, MD
  Title: Manager
  Date: 11/8/16

 

Exhibit 4.4

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

 

$90,000.00 July 17, 2017

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED , the undersigned, Papillon Partners, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“ Maker ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of Jeff and Audrey Kunin or its successors or assigns (“ Holder ”), the principal aggregate sum of $90,000.00 plus interest on the unpaid balance at the rate of 6% per annum accruing from the date hereof. The interest shall be due and payable on the seventeenth (17 th ) day of each calendar month beginning on August 17, 2017 with all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest due and payable on the date that is ninety (90) days from the date hereof. Maker reserves the right to prepay all or any portion of this Promissory Note at any time and from time to time without premium or penalty of any kind.

 

Notwithstanding any provision in this Promissory Note to the contrary, if (i) there should be any default in the payment due hereunder, (ii) Maker should make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iii) a receiver, trustee or liquidator is appointed over any property of Maker, or (iv) proceedings are instituted by or against Maker under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law relating to the relief of debtors, including without limitation the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended (the events specified in clauses (i)-(iv) inclusive are hereinafter referred to as an “ Event of Default ”), then, and in each such event, Holder may, at its option, and in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity, without notice or demand, declare the remaining unpaid principal balance of this Promissory Note immediately due and payable in full.

 

Each person liable hereon agrees to pay all reasonable costs of collection paid or incurred by Holder in enforcing this Promissory Note on default or the rights and remedies herein provided, including reasonable attorneys' fees. Maker, for itself and for any guarantors, sureties, endorsers and/or any other person or persons now or hereafter liable hereon, if any, hereby waives demand of payment, presentment for payment, protest, notice of nonpayment or dishonor and any and all other notices and demands whatsoever, and any and all delays or lack of diligence in the collection hereof, and expressly consents and agrees to any and all extensions or postponements of the time of payment hereof from time to time at or after maturity and any other indulgence and waives all notice thereof.

 

No delay or failure by Holder in exercising any right, power, privilege or remedy hereunder shall affect such right, power, privilege or remedy or be deemed to be a waiver of the same or any part thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof or any failure to exercise the same in any instance preclude any further or future exercise thereof, or exercise of any other right, power, privilege or remedy. The delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder shall not waive such right.

 

This Promissory Note shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Maker has duly caused this Promissory Note to be executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

  MAKER:
   
  Papillon Partners, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin, MD
  Name: Audrey Kunin, MD
  Title: CEO

 

Exhibit 4.5

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

 

$100,000.00 November 9, 2017

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED , the undersigned, DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri corporation (“ Maker ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of Papillon Partners, Inc., a Missouri corporation or its successors or assigns (“ Holder ”), the principal aggregate sum of $100,000.00 plus interest on the unpaid balance at the rate of 6% per annum accruing from the date hereof. The interest hall be due and payable on the ninth (9 th ) day of each calendar month beginning on December 9, 2017 with all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest due and payable on the date that is ninety (90) days from the date hereof. Maker reserves the right to prepay all or any portion of this Promissory Note at any time and from time to time without premium or penalty of any kind.

 

Notwithstanding any provision to this Promissory Note to the contrary, if (i) there should be any default in the payment due hereunder. (ii) Maker should make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iii) a receiver, trustee or liquidator is appointed over any property of Maker, or (iv) proceedings are instituted by or against Maker under any bankruptcy in solvency, reorganization or other law relating to the relief of debtors, including without limitation the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended (the events specified in clauses (i)-(iv) inclusive are hereinafter referred to as an “ Event of Default ”), then, and in each such event, Holder may, at its option, and in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity, without notice or demand, declare the remaining unpaid principal balance of this Promissory Note immediately due and payable in full.

 

Each person liable hereon agrees to pay all reasonable costs of collection paid or incurred by Holder in enforcing this Promissory Note on default or the rights and remedies herein provided, including reasonable attorneys' fee. Maker, for itself and for any guarantors, sureties, endorsers and/or any other person or persons now or hereafter liable hereon, if any, hereby waives demand of payment, presentment for payment, protest, notice of nonpayment or dishonor and any and all other notice s and demands whatsoever, and any and all delays or lack of diligence in the collection hereof, and expressly consents and agrees to any and all extensions or postponements of the time of payment hereof from time to time at or after maturity and any other indulgence and waives all notice thereof.

 

No delay or failure by Holder in exercising any right, power, privilege or remedy hereunder shall affect such right, power, privilege or remedy or be deemed to be a waiver of the same or any part thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof or any failure to exercise the same in any instance preclude any further or future exercise thereof, or exercise of any other right, power, privilege or remedy. The delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder shall not waive such right.

 

Th.is Promissory Note shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Maker has duly caused this Promissory Note to be executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

  MAKER:
   
  DERMAdoctor, LLC
   
  By: /s/ Jeff Kunin
  Name: Jeff Kunin
  Title: Vice President

 

Exhibit 4.6

 

PROMISSORY NOTE EXTENSION AGREEMENT

 

$90,000.00 October 9, 2017

 

This Promissory Note Extension Agreement, hereinafter referred to as “Extension Agreement,” entered into this Ninth day of October, 2017, by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri corporation (“Maker”), and Papillon Partners, Inc., a Missouri corporation, or its successors or assigns (“Holder”),

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder have entered into a Promissory Note dated July 17, 2017 for the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that is ninety (90) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder desire to enter into this Extension Agreement in order to extend the date when all the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest is due and payable to one hundred eighty (180) days from the original date of the Note.

 

NOW, THEREORE, it is duly agreed by both Maker and Holder to extend the due date of the Note to January 13, 2018.

 

All other provision of the original Note shall prevail unless otherwise written.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Maker and Holder have duly executed this Extension Agreement, extending the due date of the Note as of the day and year first written above.

 

  MAKER:
     
  DERMAdoctor, LLC
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin
  Name: Audrey Kunin
  Title: CEO
     
  HOLDER:
     
  Papillon Partners, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Jeff Kunin
  Name: Jeff Kunin
  Title:   Vice President

 

Exhibit 4.7

 

PROMlSSORY NOTE SECOND EXTENSION AGREEMENT

 

$90,000.00 January 13,   2018

 

This Promissory Note Extension Agreement, hereinafter referred to as the “Extension Agreement,” entered into this Thirteenth day of January, 2018, by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri corporation (“Maker”’), and Papillon Partners, Inc., a Missouri Corporation, or its successors or assigns (“Holder”),

 

WHEREAS. Maker and Holder have entered into a Promissory Note dated July 17, 2017 for the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that is ninety (90) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder into an Extension Agreement dated October 9, 2017 for the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that is one hundred eighty (180) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder desire to enter into this Second Extension Agreement in order to extend the date when all the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest is due and payable to two hundred forty-one (241) days from the original date of the Note.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, it is duly agreed by both Maker and Holder to extend the due date of the Note to March 15, 2018.

 

All other provisions of the original Note shall prevail unless otherwise written.

 

I N WITNESS WHEREOF, THE UNDERSIGNED Maker and Holder have duly executed this Extension Agreement, extending the due date of the Note as of the day and year first written above.

 

  MAKER:
   
  DERMAdoctor, LLC
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin
  Name: Audrey Kunin
  Title: CEO
     
 

HOLDER:

Papillon Partners, Inc.

 
     
  By: /s/ Jeff Kunin
  Name: Jeff Kunin
  Title: Vice President

 

Exhibit 4.8

 

PROMISSORY NOTE EXTENSION AGREEMENT

  

$100,000.00 February 6, 2018

 

This Promissory Note Extension Agreement, hereinafter referred to as “Extension Agreement,” entered into this Sixth day of February, 2018, by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri corporation (“Maker”), and Papillon Partners, Inc., a Missouri corporation, or its successors or assigns (“Holder”),

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder have entered into a Promissory Note dated November 9, 2017 for the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that is ninety (90) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder desire to enter into this Extension Agreement in order to extend the date when all the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest is due and payable to one hundred eighty (180) days from the original date of the Note.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, it is duly agreed by both Maker and Holder to extend the due date of the Note to May 8, 2018.

 

All other provisions the original Note shall prevail unless otherwise written.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Maker and Holder have duly executed this Extension Agreement, extending the due date of the Note as of the day and year first written above.

 

  MAKER:
     
  DERMAdoctor, LLC
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin
  Name: Audrey Kunin
  Title:  
   
  HOLDER:
     
  Papillon Partners, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Jeff Kunin
  Name: Jeff Kunin
  Title:  

 

Exhibit 4.9

 

PROMISSORY NOTE THIRD EXTENSION AGREEMENT

 

$90,000.00 March 15, 2018

 

This Promissory Note Extension Agreement, hereinafter referred to as “Extension Agreement,” entered into this Fifteenth day of March, 2018, by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri corporation (“Maker”), and Papillon Partners, Inc., a Missouri corporation, or its successors or assigns (“Holder”),

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder have entered into a Promissory Note dated July 17, 2017 for the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that is Ninety (90) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder have entered into an Extension Agreement dated October 9, 2017 for the amount of Nine Thousand Dollars ($90,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a day that is one hundred eighty (180) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder have entered into a second Extension Agreement dated January 13, 2018 for the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that is two hundred forty-one (241) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder desire to enter into this Third Extension Agreement in order to extend the date when all the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest is due and payable to three hundred and one (301) days from the original date of the Note.

 

NOW, THERE ORE, it is duly agreed by both Maker and Holder to extend the due date of the Note to May 14, 2018.

 

All other provision of the original Note shall prevail unless otherwise written.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Maker and Holder have duly executed this Extension Agreement, extending the due date of the Note as of the day and year first written above.

 

  MAKER:
   
  DERMAdoctor, LLC
     
  By: /s/ Jeff Kunin
  Name: Jeff Kunin
  Title: CEO
     
  HOLDER:
   
  Papillon Partners, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin
  Name: Audrey Kunin
  Title: President

 

Exhibit 4.10

 

PROMISSORY NOTE FOURTH EXTENSION AGREEMENT

 

$90,000.00 April 30, 2018

 

This Promissory Note Extension Agreement, hereinafter referred to as “Extension Agreement,” entered into this Thirtieth day of April, 2018, by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri entity (“Maker”), and Papillon Partners, Inc., a Missouri corporation, or its successors or assigns (“Holder”),

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder have entered into a Promissory Note date July 17, 2017 for the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that ninety (90) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder have entered into an Extension Agreement dated October 9, 2017 for the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that is one hundred eighty (180) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder have entered into an Extension Agreement dated January 13, 2018 for the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that is two hundred forty one (241) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder have entered into an Extension Agreement dated March 15, 2018 for the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that is three hundred and one (301) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder desire to enter into this Fourth Extension Agreement in order to extend the date when all the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest is due and payable to three hundred seventy seven (377) days from the original date of the Note.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, it is duly agreed by both Maker and Holder to extend the due date of the Note to July 29, 2018

 

All other provisions of the original Note shall prevail unless otherwise written.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

   

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Maker and Holder have duly executed this Extension Agreement, extending the due date of the Note as of the day and year first written above. 

 

  MAKER:
     
  DERMAdoctor, LLC
     
  By: /s/ Jeff Kunin
  Name: Jeff Kunin
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  HOLDER:
     
  PAPILLON PARTNERS, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin
  Name: Audrey Kunin
  Title: President

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.11

 

PROMISSORY NOTE SECOND EXTENSION AGREEMENT

 

$100,000.00 April 30, 2018

 

This Promissory Note Extension Agreement, hereinafter referred to as “Extension Agreement,” entered into this Thirtieth day of April, 2018, by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri entity (“Maker”), and Papillon Partners, Inc., a Missouri corporation, or its successors or assigns (“Holder”),

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder have entered into a Promissory Note date November 9, 2017 for the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that is ninety (90) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder have entered into an Extension Agreement date February 6, 2018 for the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Note”. The Note is due and payable on a date that is one hundred eighty (180) days from the original date of the Note.

 

WHEREAS, Maker and Holder desire to enter into this Second Extension Agreement in order to extend the date when all the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest is due and payable to two hundred sixty two (262) days from the original date of the Note.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, it is duly agreed by both Maker and Holder to extend the due date of the Note to July 29, 2018

 

All other provisions of the original Note shall prevail unless otherwise written.

 

  

 

[Signature page follows]

 

   

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Maker and Holder have duly executed this Extension Agreement, extending the due date of the Note as of the day and year first written above.

 

  MAKER:
     
  DERMAdoctor, LLC
     
  By: /s/ Jeff Kunin
  Name: Jeff Kunin
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  HOLDER:
     
  PAPILLON PARTNERS, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin
  Name: Audrey Kunin
  Title: President

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 5.1

 

HTTPS:||WWW.SEC.GOV|ARCHIVES|EDGAR|DATA|1471002|000114420416105277|TEX5-1LOGO.JPG

 

May 2, 2018

 

The Board of Directors of DERMAdoctor, Inc.

1901 McGee Street

Kansas City, Missouri 64108

 

Re: Registration Statement on Form S-1

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as U.S. securities counsel to DERMAdoctor, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), of a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (as it may be amended after the date hereof, the “ Registration Statement ”) pertaining to the issuance and sale by the Company of shares of common stock, par value $0.001 (the “ Common Stock ”), with a proposed maximum aggregate offering price of $17,250,000 (the “ Shares ”), including shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of an over-allotment option granted by the Company to the underwriters to purchase additional shares of Common Stock. The Shares are to be sold by the Company pursuant to an underwriting agreement (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”) to be entered into by and between the Company and ThinkEquity, a Division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc., the form of which is being filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registration Statement. The Company is also registering warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company to be issued to the representative of the underwriters as additional compensation pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement (the “ Representative’s Warrant ”), as well as the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Representative’s Warrant (the “ Representative’s Warrant Shares ”), with a proposed maximum aggregate offering price of $937,500.

 

In rendering the opinion set forth herein, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public officials and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or advisable.

 

In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all items submitted to us as originals, the conformity with originals of all items submitted to us as copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein that we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and public officials.

 

This opinion is based solely on the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (including all related provisions of the Delaware Constitution and all reported judicial decisions interpreting the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the Delaware Constitution) and the laws of the State of New York as they relate to the Representative’s Warrant.

 

   

 

 

DERMAdoctor, Inc.

May 2, 2018

Page 2

 

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that: (i) the Shares have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; (ii) the Representative’s Warrant, when executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with and in the manner described in the Registration Statement and the Underwriting Agreement, will constitute a valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and equitable principles of general applicability; and (iii) the Representative’s Warrant Shares have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and sold by the Company and delivered by the Company upon valid exercise thereof and against receipt of the exercise price therefor, in accordance with and in the manner described in the Registration Statement and the Representative’s Warrant, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

We consent to the inclusion of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and further consent to all references to us under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  /s/ Gracin & Marlow, LLP
 

 

Gracin & Marlow, LLP

 

     

 

   

Exhibit 10.1

 

DERMADOCTOR, INC.

 

FORM OF INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

This Indemnification Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made as of ___________, by and between DERMAdoctor, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company ”), and ________________ (the “ Indemnitee ”).

 

WHEREAS , the Company and Indemnitee recognize the substantial increase in corporate litigation in general, subjecting officers and directors to expensive litigation risks;

 

WHEREAS , the Company desires to attract and continue to retain the services of highly qualified individuals, such as Indemnitee, to serve as officers and directors of the Company and to indemnify its officers and directors so as to provide them with the maximum protection permitted by law;

 

WHEREAS , the statutory indemnification provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “ DGCL ”), Section 145, expressly provide that they are nonexclusive, and it is the desire of the Company to indemnify directors and officers who have entered into settlements of derivative suits or have paid judgments, fines or penalties therefor, provided they have not breached the applicable statutory standard of conduct; and

 

WHEREAS, in view of such considerations, the Company desires to provide, independent from the indemnification to which the Indemnitee is otherwise entitled by law and under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, indemnification to the Indemnitee and advances of expenses, all as set forth in this Agreement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, to induce the Indemnitee to serve the Company and in consideration of these premises and the mutual agreements set forth in this Agreement, as well as other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Indemnitee hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Indemnification .

 

(a) Third Party Proceedings . The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee if Indemnitee is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in (e.g., as a witness) any threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or any subsidiary of the Company, by reason of any action or inaction on the part of Indemnitee while an officer or director or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company 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 (if such settlement is approved in advance by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such action or proceeding if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, or with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.  The parties hereto intend that this Agreement shall provide to the fullest extent permitted by law for indemnification in excess of that expressly permitted by statute, including, without limitation, any indemnification provided by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, vote of its stockholders or disinterested directors or applicable law.

 

 

 

 

(b) Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company . The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee if Indemnitee was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in (e.g., as a witness) any threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding by or in the right of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or any subsidiary of the Company, by reason of any action or inaction on the part of Indemnitee while an officer or director or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, amounts paid in settlement, in each case to the extent actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or proceeding if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudicated by court order or judgment to be liable to the Company in the performance of Indemnitee’s duty to the Company and its shareholders unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any other court in which such action or proceeding is or was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or other such court shall deem proper.

 

(c) Indemnification of Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful . Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is a party to (or a participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 1(a) or Section 1(b) or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection therewith.  If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such action, suit or proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with or related to each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter to the fullest extent permitted by law.  For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.   Without limiting the foregoing, if any action, suit or proceeding is disposed of, on the merits or otherwise (including a disposition without prejudice), without (i) the disposition being adverse to Indemnitee, (ii) an adjudication that Indemnitee was liable to the Company, (iii) a plea of guilty or nolo contendere by Indemnitee, (iv) an adjudication that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and (v) with respect to any criminal proceeding, an adjudication that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful, Indemnitee shall be considered for the purpose hereof to have been wholly successful with respect thereto. DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

 

  2  

 

 

2. Expenses; Indemnification Procedure .

 

(a) Advancement of Expenses . The Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, all expenses incurred by Indemnitee (“ Expense Advances ”) in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any civil or criminal action or proceeding referred to in Section 1(a) or (b) hereof.  Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay such amounts advanced only if, and to the extent that, it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorized hereby. The advances to be made hereunder shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee within thirty (30) days following receipt of an undertaking (the “Undertaking”), substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1, by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay the amount of any such advance if and to the extent that it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification for such amount. The Undertaking shall be unsecured and shall bear no interest and shall be accepted without reference to the financial ability of Indemnitee to make repayment.

 

(b) Notice/Cooperation by Indemnitee . Indemnitee shall, give the Company notice in writing as soon as practicable of any claim made against Indemnitee for which indemnification is or will be sought under this Agreement. Notice to the Company shall be directed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company at the address shown on the signature page of this Agreement (or such other address as the Company shall designate in writing to Indemnitee). Notice shall be deemed received three (3) business days after the date postmarked if sent by domestic certified or registered mail, properly addressed; otherwise, notice shall be deemed received when such notice shall actually be received by the Company. In addition, Indemnitee shall give the Company such information and cooperation as it may reasonably require and as shall be within Indemnitee’s power.

 

(c) Procedure . (1) The omission by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. Any indemnification and advances provided for in Section 1 and this Section 2 shall be made promptly, and in any event within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the written request of Indemnitee together with such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to such indemnification or advances and, in the case of advances, a statement or statements reasonably evidencing the expenses incurred by Indemnitee and an undertaking as required by Section 2 hereof, unless with respect to such requests the Company determines within such 30-day period that Indemnitee did not meet the applicable standard of conduct or that indemnification is not required under Section 7 below. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement of Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of any action, suit or proceeding.  Such determination shall be made in each instance (i) if a Change in Control shall have occurred, unless otherwise elected by Indemnitee, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; or (ii) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred: (a) by a majority vote of the directors of the Company who are not at that time parties to the action, suit or proceeding in question (“disinterested directors”), even though less than a quorum; (b) by a committee of such disinterested directors designated by majority vote of such disinterested directors, even though less than a quorum; (c) if there are no such disinterested directors, or if such disinterested directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion; or (d) a majority vote of a quorum of the outstanding shares of stock of all classes entitled to vote for directors, voting as a single class, which quorum shall consist of stockholders who are not at that time parties to the action, suit or proceeding in question.  For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(A) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

 

(i) Acquisition of Stock by Third Party .  Any Person (as defined below) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined below), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities unless the change in relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;

 

  3  

 

 

(ii) Change in Board of Directors .  During any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in this definition of Change in Control whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;

 

(iii) Corporate Transactions .  The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the Surviving Entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Surviving Entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such Surviving Entity;

 

(iv) Liquidation .  The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and

 

(v) Other Events .  There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

 

(B) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

(C) “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Person shall exclude (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, and (iii) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.  

 

(D) “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Beneficial Owner shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity.

 

(E) “Surviving Entity” shall mean the surviving entity in a merger or consolidation or any entity that controls, directly or indirectly, such surviving entity.

 

  4  

 

 

(F) “Independent Counsel” shall mean a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent:  (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.  The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

 

(2) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 2(c)(2).  If a Change in Control shall not have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising Indemnitee of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected.  If a Change in Control shall have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Board, in which event the preceding sentence shall apply), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected.  In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion.  Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel.  If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or the Delaware Court has determined that such objection is without merit.  If, within twenty (20) days after the later of submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) hereof and the final disposition of the Proceeding, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by such court or by such other person as such court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 2(c)(1) hereof.  Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 2(d) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

 

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(d) If a claim under this Agreement, under any statute, or under any provision of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws providing for indemnification, is not paid in full by the Company within the time allowed, Indemnitee may, but need not, at any time thereafter bring an action against the Company to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, subject to Section 8 of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall also be entitled to be paid for the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) of bringing such action. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in connection with any action or proceeding in advance of its final disposition) that Indemnitee has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under applicable law for the Company to indemnify Indemnitee for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Company. Indemnitee shall be entitled to receive interim payments of expenses pursuant to Section 2(a) unless and until such defense may be finally adjudicated by court order or judgment from which no further right of appeal exists.  Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee’s option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association.  Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 2(d).  The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.  In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination.  If a determination shall have been made pursuant to this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Agreement, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Agreement that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.  It is the intent of the Company that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees or other expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to the Indemnitee hereunder.  The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify Indemnitee against any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, such expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement of expenses from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company if, in the case of indemnification, Indemnitee is wholly successful on the underlying claims; if Indemnitee is not wholly successful on the underlying claims, then such indemnification shall be only to the extent Indemnitee is successful on such underlying claims or otherwise as permitted by law, whichever is greater.

 

(e) Reliance on Reports . Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on Indemnitee’s good faith reliance on the records or books of account of the Company, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Company in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Company or on information or records given or reports made to the Company by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Company. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

(f) Presumption; Burden . In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement and has acted in good faith. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

 

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(g) Notice to Insurers . If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

 

(h) Assumption of Defense and Selection of Counsel . In the event the Company shall be obligated under Section 2(a) hereof to pay the expenses of any proceeding against Indemnitee, the Company, if appropriate, shall be entitled to assume the defense of such proceeding, with counsel approved by Indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, upon the delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of its election so to do. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be permitted to settle any action or claim on behalf of Indemnitee in any manner which would impose any unindemnified liability or penalty on Indemnitee or require any acknowledgment of wrongdoing on the part of Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. After delivery of such notice, approval of such counsel by Indemnitee and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees of counsel subsequently incurred by Indemnitee with respect to the same proceeding, provided that (i) Indemnitee shall have the right to employ his or her counsel in any such proceeding at Indemnitee’s expense; and (ii) if (A) the employment of separate counsel by Indemnitee has been previously authorized by the Company; (B) Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense; or (C) the Company shall not, in fact, have employed counsel to assume the defense of such proceeding, then the fees and expenses of Indemnitee’s counsel shall be at the expense of the Company. The Company shall not be entitled, without the consent of Indemnitee, to assume the defense of any claim brought by or in the right of the Company or as to which counsel for Indemnitee shall have reasonably made the conclusion provided for in clause (ii)(B) above.

 

3. Additional Indemnification Rights; Nonexclusivity; Contribution .

 

(a) Scope . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, notwithstanding that such indemnification is not specifically authorized by the other provisions of this Agreement, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s Bylaws or by statute. In the event of any change, after the date of this Agreement, in any applicable law, statute or rule which expands the right of a Delaware corporation to indemnify a member of its board of directors or an officer, such changes shall be, ipso facto , within the purview of Indemnitee’s rights and the Company’s obligations under this Agreement. In the event of any change in any applicable law, statute or rule which narrows the right of a Delaware corporation to indemnify a member of its board of directors or an officer, such changes, to the extent not otherwise required by such law, statute or rule to be applied to this Agreement shall have no effect on this Agreement or the parties’ rights and obligations hereunder.

 

(b) Nonexclusivity . The indemnification provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any rights to which Indemnitee may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, its Bylaws, any agreement, any vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, the DGCL, or otherwise, both as to action in Indemnitee’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to Indemnitee for any action taken or not taken while serving in an indemnified capacity even though he or she may have ceased to serve in any such capacity at the time of any action, suit or other covered proceeding.

 

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(c) Contribution .

 

(i) Whether or not the indemnification provided in Section 1 hereof is available, in respect of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any judgment or settlement of such action, suit or proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have against Indemnitee. The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee;

 

(ii) Without diminishing or impairing the obligations of the Company set forth in the preceding subparagraph, if, for any reason, Indemnitee shall elect or be required to pay all or any portion of any judgment or settlement in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall contribute to the amount of expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee in proportion to the relative benefits received by the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, from the transaction from which such action, suit or proceeding arose; provided, however, that the proportion determined on the basis of relative benefit may, to the extent necessary to conform to law, be further adjusted by reference to the relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, in connection with the events that resulted in such expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts, as well as any other equitable considerations which they may be required to be considered by law. The relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the degree to which their actions were motivated by intent to gain personal profit or advantage, the degree to which their liability is primary or secondary and the degree to which their conduct is active or passive;

 

(iii) The Company hereby agrees fully to indemnify and hold Indemnitee harmless from any claims of contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee; and

 

(iv) To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

 

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4. Partial Indemnification . If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of the expenses, judgments, fines or penalties actually or reasonably incurred by him in the investigation, defense, appeal or settlement of any civil or criminal action or proceeding, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion of such expenses, judgments, fines or penalties to which Indemnitee is entitled.

 

5. Primacy of Indemnification . The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by the Company’s insurance provider and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “ Fund Indemnitors ”). The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Fund Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee are secondary); (ii) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement and the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company (or any other agreement between the Company and Indemnitee), without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Fund Indemnitors; and (iii) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Fund Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Fund Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Fund Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Fund Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Fund Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 5.

 

6. Officer and Director Liability Insurance . The Company shall maintain a policy or policies of insurance with reputable insurance companies providing the officers and directors of the Company with coverage for losses from wrongful acts, or to ensure the Company’s performance of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement. Among other considerations, the Company will weigh the costs of obtaining such insurance coverage against the protection afforded by such coverage. In all policies of director and officer liability insurance, Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Company’s directors, if Indemnitee is a director; or of the Company’s officers, if Indemnitee is not a director of the Company but is an officer; or of the Company’s key employees, if Indemnitee is not an officer or director but is a key employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to any other obligation or agreement to maintain such insurance, the Company shall have no obligation to obtain or maintain such insurance if the Company determines in good faith that such insurance is not reasonably available, if the premium costs for such insurance are disproportionate to the amount of coverage provided, if the coverage provided by such insurance is limited by exclusions so as to provide an insufficient benefit, or if Indemnitee is covered by similar insurance maintained by a subsidiary or parent of the Company.

 

7. Severability . Nothing in this Agreement is intended to require or shall be construed as requiring the Company to do or fail to do any act in violation of applicable law. The Company’s inability, pursuant to court order, to perform its obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable as provided in this Section 7. If this Agreement or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Agreement that shall not have been invalidated, and the balance of this Agreement not so invalidated shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

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8. Exceptions . Any other provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement:

 

(a) Claims Initiated by Indemnitee . To indemnify or advance expenses to Indemnitee with respect to proceedings or claims initiated or brought voluntarily by Indemnitee and not by way of defense, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, with respect to proceedings brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification under this Agreement or any other statute or law or otherwise as required under Section 145 of the DGCL, but such indemnification or advancement of expenses may be provided by the Company in specific cases if the Board of Directors has approved the initiation of such suit; or

 

(b) Insured Claims . To indemnify Indemnitee for expenses or liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) to the extent such expenses or liabilities have been paid directly to Indemnitee under a policy of officers’ and directors’ liability insurance or under any other insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise maintained by the Company; or

 

(c) Claims under Section 16(b) . To indemnify Indemnitee for expenses or the payment of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar successor statute; or

 

9. Construction of Certain Phrases .  For purposes of this Agreement, references to the “ Company ” 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 if Indemnitee 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, Indemnitee shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Agreement with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as Indemnitee would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries.

 

10. Effectiveness of Agreement . This Agreement shall be effective as of the date set forth on the first page and may apply to acts or omissions of Indemnitee which occurred prior to such date if Indemnitee was an officer, director, employee or other agent of the Company, or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, as the time such act or omission occurred. The Company’s obligations hereunder shall continue as to Indemnitee if he or she ceases to be a director, officer, employee or agent.

 

11. Attorneys’ Fees . In the event that any action is instituted by Indemnitee under this Agreement to enforce or interpret any of the terms hereof, Indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid all court costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by Indemnitee with respect to such action, unless as a part of such action, the Delaware Court of Chancery determines that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee as a basis for such action were not made in good faith or were frivolous. In the event of an action instituted by or in the name of the Company under this Agreement or to enforce or interpret any of the terms of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid all court costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by Indemnitee in defense of such action (including with respect to Indemnitee’s counterclaims and crossclaims made in such action), unless as a part of such action the court determines that each of Indemnitee’s material defenses to such action were made in bad faith or were frivolous.

 

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12. No Rights of Continued Service . This Agreement shall not impose any obligation of the Company to continue Indemnitee’s service to the Company beyond any period otherwise required by law or by other agreements or commitments of the parties, if any.

 

13. Miscellaneous .

 

(a) Governing Law . This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflict of law.

 

(b) Consent to Jurisdiction . The Company and Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery for any purpose in connection with any actions or proceedings which arise out of or relate to this Agreement.

 

(c) Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights . This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and merges all prior discussions between them. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement. Furthermore, the Company agrees not to seek from a court, or agree to, a “bar order” which would have the effect of prohibiting or limiting the Indemnitee’s rights to receive advancement of expenses under this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

 

(d) Construction . This Agreement is the result of negotiations between, and has been reviewed by, each of the parties hereto and their respective counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any one of the parties hereto.

 

(e) Notices . Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, any notice, demand or request required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficient when directed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company at the address shown on the signature page of this Agreement (or such other address as the Company shall designate in writing) and when delivered personally or three business days after being postmarked, as certified or registered mail, with postage prepaid, and addressed to the party to be notified at such party’s address as set forth below or as subsequently modified by written notice.

 

(f) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

 

(g) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns, including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all, substantially all or a substantial part of the business or assets of the Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s heirs, legal representatives, executives and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect, and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part of the business or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

 

(h) Subrogation . In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Company to effectively bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page to follow]

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

 

DERMADOCTOR, INC.   Indemnitee
         
By:     By:        
Name:     Name:  
Title:     Title:  
Address:  1901 McGee Street   Address:   
  Kansas City, Missouri 64108      

 

 

Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement

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EXHIBIT 1

 

UNDERTAKING

 

1. This Undertaking is submitted pursuant to the Indemnification Agreement dated as of __________ by and between DERMAdoctor, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the undersigned (the “ Agreement ”).  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Agreement.

 

2. I am requesting certain Expense Advances in connection with a claim to which I believe I am entitled to indemnification.

 

3. I hereby undertake to repay such Expense Advances if it shall ultimately be determined that I am not entitled to be indemnified by the Company therefor under the Agreement or otherwise.

 

4. The Expense Advances are, in general, all related to: __________________________________.

 

 

13

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

FORM OF

DERMADOCTOR, INC.

2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Adopted by the Board of Directors: _________, 2018

Approved by the Stockholders: _________, 2018

IPO Date: _________, 2018

 

1.   Establishment and Purpose .

 

The purpose of the DERMAdoctor, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) is to promote the interests of DERMAdoctor, Inc. (the “ Company ”) and the stockholders of the Company by providing officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company with appropriate incentives and rewards to encourage them to enter into and continue in the employ or service of the Company, to acquire a proprietary interest in the long-term success of the Company and to reward the performance of individuals in fulfilling long-term corporate objectives.

 

2.   Definitions . For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below.

 

  (a) Administrator ” means the Board of Directors or a Committee appointed by the Board of Directors that will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 3 hereof.

 

  (b) Agreement ” shall mean the written agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing an Award.

 

  (c) Annual Incentive Award ” shall mean an Award described in Section 6(g) hereof that is based upon a period of one year or less.

 

  (d) Award ” shall mean any Option, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Stock Bonus award, Stock Appreciation Right, Performance Award, Other Cash-Based Award or Other Stock-Based Award granted pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

 

  (e) Award Agreement ” shall mean either (i) a written or electronic agreement entered into between the Company and a Participant setting forth the terms and conditions of an Award including any amendment or modification thereof; or (ii) a written or electronic statement issued by the Company to a Participant describing the terms and provisions of such Award, including any amendment or modification thereof. The Administrator may provide for the use of electronic, internet or other non-paper Award Agreements, and the use of electronic, internet or other non-paper means for the acceptance thereof and actions thereunder by a Participant. Each Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and need not be identical.

 

  (f) Beneficiary ” and “ Beneficiaries ” means the person, persons, trust or trusts which have been designated by a Participant in his or her most recent written beneficiary designation submitted to the Administrator to receive the benefits specified under the Plan upon such Participant’s death or, if there is no designated Beneficiary or surviving designated Beneficiary, then the person, persons, trust or trusts entitled by will or the laws of descent and distribution to receive such benefits.

 

  (g) Board of Directors ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

  (h) Capital Stock ” means each and every class (if more than one) of common stock of the Company, regardless of the number of votes per share.

 

1

 

  (i) Cause ” shall mean a termination of a Participant’s employment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries due to (i) the continued failure, after written notice, by such Participant substantially to perform his or her duties with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to reasonably documented physical illness or injury or mental illness); (ii) the Participant’s indictment or conviction of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a crime constituting a felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state thereof; or (iii) the material breach by the Participant of any agreement between such Participant, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand. Notwithstanding the above, with respect to any Participant who is a party to an employment agreement with the Company, Cause shall have the meaning set forth in such employment agreement. The determination that a termination of the Participant’s service is either for Cause or without Cause shall be made by the Company, in its sole discretion.

 

  (j) A “ Change in Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred if the event set forth in any one of the following paragraphs shall have occurred:

 

  (i) any Person is or becomes the “ Beneficial Owner ” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company) representing 50% or more of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

 

  (ii) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board of Directors and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least a two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; or

 

  (iii) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation other than (A) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or any parent thereof) at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a re-capitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company) representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

 

  (iv) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity at least 75% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by Persons in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale.

 

  (k) Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any regulations promulgated thereunder. References in the Plan to specific sections of the Code shall be deemed to include any successor provisions thereto.

 

  (l) Committee ” shall mean the committee of the Board of Directors delegated with the authority to administer the Plan, or the full Board of Directors, as provided in Section 3 hereof. With respect to any decision involving an Award intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee shall consist of two or more directors of the Company who are “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. With respect to any decision involving an Award intended to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3, the Committee shall consist solely of two or more “non-employee directors” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3. The fact that a Committee member shall fail to qualify under any of these requirements shall not invalidate an Award if the Award is otherwise validly made under the Plan. The Board of Directors may at any time appoint additional members to the Committee, remove and replace members of the Committee with or without Cause, and fill vacancies on the Committee however caused.

 

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  (m) Company ” shall mean DERMAdoctor, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto, and, where appropriate, each of its Subsidiaries.
     
  (n) Company Stock ” shall mean the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.
     
  (o) Disability ” shall mean total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, 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.
     
  (p) Effective Date ” shall mean the IPO Date, provided that this Plan has been adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the stockholders of the Company.
     
  (q) Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
     
  (r) The “ Fair Market Value ” of a share of Company Stock, as of a date of determination, shall mean (i) the closing sales price per share of Company Stock on the principal national securities exchange on which such Company Stock is listed on the date of the grant of such Award; (ii) if the shares of Company Stock are not listed or admitted to trading on any such exchange, the closing price of the shares of Company Stock on the principal securities market on which the shares trade as reported for the last preceding date on which there was a sale of such stock on such market; or (iii) if the shares of Company Stock are not then listed on a national securities exchange or traded on a securities market or in an over-the-counter market or the value of such shares is not otherwise determinable, such value as determined by the Administrator in good faith upon the advice of a qualified valuation expert. In no event shall the Fair Market Value of any share of Company Stock, the Option exercise price of any Option, the appreciation base per share of Company Stock under any Stock Appreciation Right, or the amount payable per share of Company Stock under any other Award, be less than the par value per share of Company Stock.
     
  (s) Full Value Award ” shall mean any Award, other than an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right, which Award is settled in Company Stock.
     
  (t) Incentive Stock Option ” shall mean an Option that is an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, and that is designated by the Administrator as an Incentive Stock Option.
     
  (u) IPO Date ” means the date on which the underwriting agreement between the Company and the underwriter(s) managing the initial public offering of the Company Stock, pursuant to which the Company Stock is priced for the initial public offering, is executed.
     
  (v) Long-Term Incentive Award ” shall mean an Award that is based upon a period in excess of one year.
     
  (w) Nonemployee Director ” shall mean a member of the Board of Directors who is not an employee of the Company.
     
  (x) Nonstatutory Stock Option ” shall mean an Option other than an Incentive Stock Option.

  

  (y) Option ” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Company Stock granted pursuant to Section 6(b).

 

  (z) Other Cash-Based Award ” shall mean a right or other interest granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 6(g) hereof other than an Other Stock-Based Award entitling such Participant to receive a cash payment at such times, and subject to such conditions, as are set forth in the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.

 

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  (aa) Other Stock-Based Award ” shall mean a right or other interest granted to a Participant, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, Company Stock pursuant to Section 6(g) hereof, including but not limited to: (i) unrestricted Company Stock awarded as a bonus or upon the attainment of performance goals or otherwise as permitted under the Plan; and (ii) a right granted to a Participant to acquire Company Stock from the Company containing terms and conditions prescribed by the Administrator.

 

  (bb) Participant ” shall mean an officer, director, employee or consultant of the Company to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan, and, upon the death of the officer, director, employee or consultant, his or her successors, heirs, executors and administrators, as the case may be.

 

  (cc) Performance Award ” shall mean an Award granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 6(f) hereof.

 

  (dd) Person ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, except that such term shall not include: (i) the Company; (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company; (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities; or (iv) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

 

  (ee) Restricted Stock ” shall mean a share of Company Stock that is granted pursuant to the terms of Section 6(e) hereof.

 

  (ff) Rule 16b-3 ” shall mean Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, as amended from time to time.

 

  (gg) Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

 

  (hh) Stock Appreciation Right ” shall mean the right, granted to a Participant under Section 6(d), to be paid an amount measured by the appreciation in the Fair Market Value of a share of Company Stock from the date of grant to the date of exercise of the right, with payment to be made in cash and/or a share of Company Stock, as specified in the Award or determined by the Administrator.

 

  (ii) Stock Bonus ” shall mean a bonus payable in shares of Company Stock granted pursuant to Section 6(e) hereof.

 

  (jj) Subsidiary ” shall mean an entity (whether or not a corporation) that is wholly or majority owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company; provided, however, that with respect to Incentive Stock Options, the term “Subsidiary” shall include only an entity that qualifies under Section 424(f) of the Code as a “subsidiary corporation” with respect to the Company.

 

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3.   Administration of the Plan .

 

The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator, which shall be the Company’s Board of Directors or a Committee appointed by the Board of Directors. The Administrator shall have the authority, in its sole discretion, subject to and not inconsistent with the express terms and provisions of the Plan, to administer the Plan and to exercise all the powers and authorities either specifically granted to it under the Plan or necessary or advisable in the administration of the Plan, including, without limitation, the authority to grant Awards; to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which Awards shall be granted; to determine the type and number of Awards to be granted (including whether an Option granted is an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option); to determine the number of shares of Company Stock to which an Award may relate and the terms, conditions, restrictions and performance criteria, if any, relating to any Award; to determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances an Award may be settled, cancelled, forfeited, exchanged or surrendered; to make adjustments in the performance goals that may be required for any award in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company or the financial statements of the Company (to the extent not inconsistent with Section 162(m) of the Code, if applicable), or in response to changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles; to construe and interpret the Plan and any Award; to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan; to determine the terms and provisions of Agreements; and to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

 

The Administrator may, in its absolute discretion, without amendment to the Plan, (a) accelerate the date on which any Option granted under the Plan becomes exercisable, waive or amend the operation of Plan provisions respecting exercise after termination of employment or otherwise adjust any of the terms of such Option; and (b) accelerate the vesting date, or waive any condition imposed hereunder, with respect to any Award or otherwise adjust any of the terms applicable to any such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to Sections 4(c) and 4(d), neither the Administrator nor its delegates shall have the authority to re-price (or cancel and/or re-grant) any Option, Stock Appreciation Right or, if applicable, other Award at a lower exercise, base or purchase price without first obtaining the approval of the Company’s stockholders.

 

Subject to Section 162(m) of the Code and except as required by Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act with respect to grants of Awards to individuals who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, or as otherwise required for compliance with Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or other applicable law, the Administrator may delegate all or any part of its authority under the Plan to officers or managers of the Company.

 

Subject to Section 162(m) of the Code and Section 16 of the Exchange Act, to the extent the Administrator deems it necessary, appropriate or desirable to comply with foreign law or practices and to further the purpose of the Plan, the Administrator may, without amending this Plan, establish special rules applicable to Awards granted to Participants who are foreign nationals, are employed outside the United States, or both, including rules that differ from those set forth in the Plan, and grant Awards to such Participants in accordance with those rules.

 

All decisions, determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and binding on all persons with any interest in an Award, including the Company and the Participant (or any person claiming any rights under the Plan from or through any Participant). No member of the Administrator acting in their capacity as Administrator shall be liable for any action taken or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award.

  

4. Stock Subject to the Plan .

  

  (a) Shares Available for Awards . The maximum aggregate number of shares of Company Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan (all of which may be granted as Incentive Stock Options) Seven Hundred Thirty One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty (731,250) shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, of the Seven Hundred Thirty One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty (731,250) shares reserved for issuance under this Plan, no more than One Million (1,000,000) of such shares shall be issued as Full Value Awards. Shares of Company Stock reserved under the Plan may be authorized but unissued Company Stock or authorized and issued Company Stock held in the Company’s treasury. The Administrator may direct that any stock certificate evidencing shares issued pursuant to the Plan shall bear a legend setting forth such restrictions on transferability as may apply to such shares pursuant to the Plan.

  

  (b) Individual Limitation . To the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code, the total number of shares of Company Stock subject to Awards awarded to any one Participant during any tax year of the Company, shall not exceed Five Hundred Thousand (500,000) shares (subject to adjustment as provided herein).

 

  (c) Adjustment for Change in Capitalization . In the event that the Administrator shall determine that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Company Stock, or other property), recapitalization, Company Stock split, reverse Company Stock split, reorganization, reclassification, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, share exchange, liquidation, dissolution or other similar corporate transaction or event, affects the Company Stock such that an adjustment is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants under the Plan, then the Administrator shall make such equitable changes or adjustments as it deems necessary or appropriate to any or all of (i) the number and kind of shares of Company Stock that may thereafter be issued in connection with Awards; (ii) the number and kind of shares of Company Stock, securities or other property (including cash) issued or issuable in respect of outstanding Awards; (iii) the exercise price, grant price or purchase price relating to any Award; and (iv) the maximum number of shares subject to Awards which may be awarded to any employee during any tax year of the Company; provided that, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, any such adjustment shall be made in accordance with Section 424 of the Code; and provided further that, no such adjustment shall cause any Award hereunder which is or could be subject to Section 409A of the Code to fail to comply with the requirements of such section.

 

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  (d) Specific Adjustments . Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with a spin-off or similar corporate transaction, the Administrator shall be required with respect to the Plan and to Awards granted thereunder to make adjustments described in this Section 4(d) that may include, but are not limited to, (i) the imposition of restrictions on any distribution with respect to Restricted Stock or similar Awards; and (ii) the substitution of comparable Options to purchase the common stock of another entity or Stock Appreciation Rights or Other Stock-Based Awards denominated in the securities of another entity, which may be settled in the form of cash, Company Stock, stock of such other entity, or other securities or property, as determined by the Administrator to the extent that any existing gain would otherwise be diminished without payment of adequate compensation to the holder of the award; and, in the event of such a substitution, references in this Plan and in the applicable Award Agreements thereunder to “ Company Stock ” or “ Stock ” shall be deemed to also refer to the securities of the other entity where appropriate.

 

  (e) Reuse of Shares . Except as set forth below, if any shares subject to an Award are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged or surrendered, or if an Award terminates or expires without a distribution of shares to the Participant, the shares of stock with respect to such Award shall, to the extent of any such forfeiture, cancellation, exchange, surrender, withholding, termination or expiration, again be available for Awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the exercise of any Award granted in tandem with any other Awards, such related Awards shall be cancelled to the extent of the number of shares of Company Stock as to which the Award is exercised and such number of shares shall no longer be available for Awards under the Plan. In addition, notwithstanding the forgoing, the shares of stock surrendered or withheld as payment of either the exercise price of an Option (including shares of stock otherwise underlying an Award of a Stock Appreciation Right that are retained by the Company to account for the appreciation base of such Stock Appreciation Right) and/or withholding taxes in respect of an Award shall no longer be available for Awards under the Plan.

 

5. Eligibility .

 

The persons who shall be eligible to receive Awards pursuant to the Plan shall be the individuals the Administrator shall select from time to time, who are employees (including officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries, whether or not they are directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries), Nonemployee Directors, and consultants of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided, that Incentive Stock Options shall be granted only to employees (including officers and directors who are also employees) of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

 

6. Awards Under the Plan .

 

  (a) Agreement .  The Administrator may grant Awards in such amounts and with such terms and conditions as it shall determine in its sole discretion, subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan. Each Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Agreement as the Administrator may in its sole discretion deem necessary or desirable and unless Administrator determines otherwise, such Agreement must be signed, acknowledged and returned by the Participant to the Company. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, any failure by the Participant to sign and return the Award Agreement within such reasonable period of time following the granting of the Award as the Administrator shall prescribe shall cause such Award to the Participant to be null and void. By accepting an Award or other benefits under the Plan (including participation in the Plan), each Participant shall be conclusively deemed to have indicated acceptance and ratification of, and consent to, all provisions of the Plan and the Award Agreement.

 

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  (b) Stock Options .

 

  (i) Grant of Stock Options . The Administrator may grant Options under the Plan to purchase shares of Company Stock in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as it shall from time to time determine in its sole discretion, subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan. The exercise price of the share purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Administrator but in no event shall the exercise price be less than the Fair Market Value per share on the grant date of such Option. The date as of which the Administrator adopts a resolution granting an Option shall be considered the day on which such Option is granted unless such resolution specifies a later date.

 

  (ii) Identification . Each Option shall be clearly identified in the applicable Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option and shall state the number of shares of Company Stock to which the Option (and/or each type of Option) relates.

 

  (c) Special Requirements for Incentive Stock Options.

 

  (i) To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of Company Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year under the Plan and any other stock option plan of the Company shall exceed $100,000, such Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. Such Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the date on which each such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

 

  (ii) No Incentive Stock Option may be granted to an individual if, at the time of the proposed grant, such individual owns (or is deemed to own under the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company unless (A) the exercise price of such Incentive Stock Option is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Company Stock at the time such Incentive Stock Option is granted and (B) such Incentive Stock Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

 

  (d) Stock Appreciation Rights .

 

  (i) The Administrator may grant a related Stock Appreciation Right in connection with all or any part of an Option granted under the Plan, either at the time such Option is granted or at any time thereafter prior to the exercise, termination or cancellation of such Option, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall from time to time determine in its sole discretion, consistent with the terms and provisions of the Plan, provided, however, that in no event shall the appreciation base of the shares of Company Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right be less than the Fair Market Value per share on the grant date of such Stock Appreciation Right. The holder of a related Stock Appreciation Right shall, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, have the right by exercise thereof to surrender to the Company for cancellation all or a portion of such related Stock Appreciation Right, but only to the extent that the related Option is then exercisable, and to be paid therefor an amount equal to the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares of Company Stock subject to the related Stock Appreciation Right or portion thereof surrendered (determined as of the exercise date) over (ii) the aggregate appreciation base of the shares of Company Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right or portion thereof surrendered. Upon any exercise of a related Stock Appreciation Right or any portion thereof, the number of shares of Company Stock subject to the related Option shall be reduced by the number of shares of Company Stock in respect of which such Stock Appreciation Right shall have been exercised.

 

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  (ii) The Administrator may grant unrelated Stock Appreciation Rights in such amount and subject to such terms and conditions, as the Administrator, shall from time to time determine in its sole discretion, subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, provided, however, that in no event shall the appreciation base of the shares of Company Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right be less than the Fair Market Value per share on the grant date of such Stock Appreciation Right. The holder of an unrelated Stock Appreciation Right shall, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, have the right to surrender to the Company for cancellation all or a portion of such Stock Appreciation Right, but only to the extent that such Stock Appreciation Right is then exercisable, and to be paid therefor an amount equal to the excess (if any) of (x) the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares of Company Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right or portion thereof surrendered (determined as of the exercise date), over (y) the aggregate appreciation base of the shares of Company Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right or portion thereof surrendered.

 

  (iii) The grant or exercisability of any Stock Appreciation Right shall be subject to such conditions as the Administrator in its sole discretion, shall determine.

 

  (e) Restricted Stock and Stock Bonus .

 

  (i) The Administrator may grant Restricted Stock awards, alone or in tandem with other Awards under the Plan, subject to such restrictions, terms and conditions, as the Administrator shall determine in its sole discretion and as shall be evidenced by the applicable Award Agreements. The vesting of a Restricted Stock award granted under the Plan may be conditioned upon the completion of a specified period of employment or service with the Company or any Subsidiary, upon the attainment of specified performance goals, and/or upon such other criteria as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion.

 

  (ii) Each Agreement with respect to a Restricted Stock award shall set forth the amount (if any) to be paid by the Participant with respect to such Award and when and under what circumstances such payment is required to be made.

 

  (iii) The Administrator may, upon such terms and conditions as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, provide that a certificate or certificates representing the shares underlying a Restricted Stock award shall be registered in the Participant’s name and bear an appropriate legend specifying that such shares are not transferable and are subject to the provisions of the Plan and the restrictions, terms and conditions set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, or that such certificate or certificates shall be held in escrow by the Company on behalf of the Participant until such shares become vested or are forfeited. Except as provided in the applicable Award Agreement, no shares underlying a Restricted Stock award may be assigned, transferred, or otherwise encumbered or disposed of by the Participant until such shares have vested in accordance with the terms of such Award.

 

  (iv) If and to the extent that the applicable Award Agreement may so provide, a Participant shall have the right to vote and receive dividends on the shares underlying a Restricted Stock award granted under the Plan. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, any stock received as a dividend on or in connection with a stock split of the shares underlying a Restricted Stock award shall be subject to the same restrictions as the shares underlying such Restricted Stock award.

 

  (v) The Administrator may grant Stock Bonus awards, alone or in tandem with other Awards under the Plan, subject to such terms and conditions as it shall determine in its sole discretion and as may be evidenced by the applicable Award Agreement.

 

  (f) Performance Awards .

 

  (i) The Administrator may grant Performance Awards, alone or in tandem with other Awards under the Plan, to acquire shares of Company Stock in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall from time to time in its sole discretion determine, subject to the terms of the Plan. To the extent necessary to satisfy the short-term deferral exception to Section 409A of the Code, unless the Administrator shall determine otherwise, the Performance Awards shall provide that payment shall be made within 2 1/2 months after the end of the year in which the Participant has a legally binding vested right to such award.

 

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  (ii) In the event that the Administrator grants a Performance Award or other Award (other than Nonstatutory Stock Option or Incentive Stock Option or a Stock Appreciation Right) that is intended to constitute qualified performance-based compensation within the meaning Section 162(m) of the Code, the following rules shall apply (as such rules may be modified by the Administrator to conform with Section 162(m) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder as may be in effect from time to time, and any amendments, revisions or successor provisions thereto): (a) payments under the Performance Award shall be made solely on account of the attainment of one or more objective performance goals established in writing by the Administrator not later than 90 days after the commencement of the period of service to which the Performance Award relates (but in no event after 25% of the period of service has elapsed); (b) the performance goal(s) to which the Performance Award relates shall be based on one or more of the following business criteria applied to the Participant and/or a business unit or the Company and/or a Subsidiary: (1) product development progress; (2) business development progress; (3) sales; (4) sales growth; (5) earnings growth; (6) cash flow or cash position; (7) gross margins; (8) stock price; (9) financings (issuance of debt or equity); (10) market share; (11) total stockholder return; (12) net revenues; (13) earnings per share of Company Stock; (14) net income (before or after taxes); (15) return on assets; (16) return on sales; (17) equity or investment; (18) improvement of financial ratings; (19) achievement of balance sheet or income statement objectives; (20) total stockholder return; (21) earnings from continuing operations; levels of expense; cost or liability; (22) earnings before all or any interest; taxes; depreciation and/or amortization (“ EBIT ”; “ EBITA ” or “ EBITDA ”); (23) cost reduction goals; (24) business development goals (including without limitation product launches and other business development-related opportunities); (25) identification or consummation of investment opportunities or completion of specified projects in accordance with corporate business plans; including strategic mergers; acquisitions or divestitures; (26) meeting specified market penetration or value added goals; (27) development of new technologies (including patent application or issuance goals); and (28) any combination of; or a specified increase or decrease of one or more of the foregoing over a specified period; and (c) once granted, the Administrator may not have discretion to increase the amount payable under such Award, provided, however, that whether or not an Award is intended to constitute qualified performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, to the extent provided by the Administrator at the time the Award is granted or as otherwise permitted under Section 162(m) of the Code, shall have the authority to make appropriate adjustments in performance goals under an Award to reflect the impact of extraordinary items not reflected in such goals. For purposes of the Plan, extraordinary items shall be defined as (1) any profit or loss attributable to acquisitions or dispositions of stock or assets including, without limitation, licenses; (2) any changes in accounting standards that may be required or permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or adopted by the Company after the goal is established; (3) all items of gain, loss or expense for the year related to restructuring charges for the Company; (4) all items of gain, loss or expense for the year determined to be extraordinary or unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence or related to the disposal of a segment of a business; (5) all items of gain, loss or expense for the year related to discontinued operations that do not qualify as a segment of a business as defined in APB Opinion No. 30; and (6) such other items as may be prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder as may be in effect from time to time, and any amendments, revisions or successor provisions and any changes thereto. The Board of Directors or the Committee shall, prior to making payment under any award under this Section 6(f), certify in writing that all applicable performance goals have been attained. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Plan or in any applicable Award Agreement, no dividends or dividend equivalents will be paid with respect to unvested Performance Awards.

  

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  (g) Other Stock-Based Award; Cash-Based Award; Restricted Stock Units .

 

  (i)

Other Stock-Based Awards; Cash-Based Awards . The Administrator is authorized to grant Awards to Participants in the form of Other Stock-Based Awards or Other Cash-Based Awards, as deemed by the Administrator to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan. To the extent necessary to satisfy the short-term deferral exception to Section 409A of the Code, unless the Administrator shall determine otherwise, the awards shall provide that payment shall be made within 2½ months after the end of the year in which the Participant has a legally binding vested right to such award. With respect to Other Cash-Based Awards intended to qualify as performance based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, (i) the maximum value of the aggregate payment that any Participant may receive with respect to any such Other Cash-Based Award shall be in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors or the Committee shall determine; (ii) the maximum value of the aggregate payment that any Participant may receive with respect to any such Other Cash-Based Award that is a Long-Term Incentive Award is the highest amount paid pursuant to clause (i) above multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months in the performance period and the denominator of which is twelve, and (iii) such additional rules set forth in Section 6(f) applicable to Awards intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) shall apply. The Administrator may establish such other rules applicable to the Other Stock-Based Awards or Cash-Based Awards to the extent not inconsistent with Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

(ii) Grant of Restricted Stock Units . A restricted stock unit (“ Restricted Stock Unit ”) represents the right to receive from the Company on the respective scheduled vesting or payment date for such Restricted Stock Unit, one share of Common Stock. An Award of a Restricted Stock Unit may be subject to the attainment of specified performance goals or targets, forfeitability provisions and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator may determine, subject to the provisions of this Plan. At the time an Award of Restricted Stock Units is made, the Administrator shall establish a period of time during which the restricted stock units shall vest and the timing for settlement of the Restricted Stock Unit, which shall be set forth in the applicable Restricted Stock award agreement.

 

(iii) Dividend Equivalent Accounts–Restricted Stock Units . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable Restricted Stock Unit award agreement, as well as any procedures established by the Administrator, prior to the expiration of the applicable vesting period of an Restricted Stock Unit, the Administrator may determine to pay dividend equivalent rights with respect to Restricted Stock Units, in which case, the Company shall establish an account for the participant and reflect in that account any securities, cash or other property comprising any dividend or property distribution with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying each Restricted Stock Unit. Each amount or other property credited to any such account shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the Restricted Stock Unit to which it relates. The participant shall have the right to be paid the amounts or other property credited to such account upon vesting of the subject Restricted Stock Unit.

 

(iv) Rights as a Stockholder–Restricted Stock Units . Subject to the restrictions imposed under the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable Restricted Stock Unit award agreement, each participant receiving Restricted Stock Units shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to such Restricted Stock Units until such time as shares of Common Stock are issued to the participant. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued at the time a Restricted Stock Unit is granted, and the Company will not be required to set aside a fund for the payment of any such award. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, shares of Common Stock issuable under an Restricted Stock Unit shall be treated as issued on the first date that the holder of the Restricted Stock Unit is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture as determined for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, and the holder shall be the owner of such shares of Common Stock on such date. An award agreement may provide that issuance of shares of Common Stock under an Restricted Stock Unit may be deferred beyond the first date that the Restricted Stock Unit is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, provided that such deferral is structured in a manner that is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

     
  (h) Exercisability of Awards; Cancellation of Awards in Certain Cases .
         

  (i) Except as hereinafter provided, each Agreement with respect to an Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall set forth the period during which and the conditions subject to which the Option or Stock Appreciation Right evidenced thereby shall be exercisable, and each Agreement with respect to a Restricted Stock award, Stock Bonus award, Performance Award or other Award shall set forth the period after which and the conditions subject to which amounts underlying such Award shall vest or be deliverable, all such periods and conditions to be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

 

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  (ii) Except as provided in Section 7(d) hereof, no Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised and no shares of Company Stock underlying any other Award under the Plan may vest or become deliverable more than ten years after the date of grant (the “ Stated Expiration Date ”).

  

  (iii) Except as provided in Section 7 hereof, no Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised and no shares of Common Stock underlying any other Award under the Plan may vest or become deliverable unless the Participant is at such time in the employ (for Participants who are employees) or service (for Participants who are Nonemployee Directors or consultants) of the Company or a Subsidiary (or a company, or a parent or subsidiary company of such company, issuing or assuming the relevant right or award in a Change in Control) and has remained continuously so employed or in service since the relevant date of grant of the Award.

 

  (iv) An Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable by the filing of a written notice of exercise or a notice of exercise in such other manner with the Company, on such form and in such manner as the Administrator in its sole discretion prescribe, and by payment in accordance with Section 6(i) hereof.

   

  (v) Unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise, the “Option exercise date” and the “Stock Appreciation Right exercise date” shall be the date that the written notice of exercise, together with payment, are received by the Company.

  

  (i) Payment of Award Price .

 

  (i) Unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise or the Administrator in its sole discretion otherwise determines, any written notice of exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right must be accompanied by payment of the full Option or Stock Appreciation Right exercise price.

 

  (ii) Payment of the Option exercise price and of any other payment required by the Award Agreement to be made pursuant to any other Award shall be made in any combination of the following: (a) by certified or official bank check payable to the Company (or the equivalent thereof acceptable to the Administrator); (b) with the consent of the Administrator its sole discretion, by personal check (subject to collection) which may in the discretion of the Administrator be deemed conditional; (c) unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, and as permitted by the Administrator by delivery of previously-acquired shares of Common Stock owned by the Participant having a Fair Market Value (determined as of the Option exercise date, in the case of Options, or other relevant payment date as determined by the Administrator, in the case of other Awards) equal to the portion of the exercise price being paid thereby; and/or (d) unless otherwise provided in applicable Award Agreement, and as permitted by the Administrator, on a net-settlement basis with the Company withholding the amount of Common Stock sufficient to cover the exercise price and tax withholding obligation. Payment in accordance with clause (a) of this Section 6(i)(ii) may be deemed to be satisfied, if and to the extent that the applicable Award Agreement so provides or the Administrator permits, by delivery to the Company of an assignment of a sufficient amount of the proceeds from the sale of Company Stock to be acquired pursuant to the Award to pay for all of the Company Stock to be acquired pursuant to the Award and an authorization to the broker or selling agent to pay that amount to the Company and to effect such sale at the time of exercise or other delivery of shares of Company Stock.

 

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7. Termination of Employment .

 

  (a) Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, upon termination of a Participant’s employment or service with the Company and its Subsidiaries by the Company or its Subsidiary for Cause (or in the case of a Nonemployee Director upon such Nonemployee Director’s failure to be renominated as Nonemployee Director of the Company), the portions of outstanding Awards granted to such Participant that are exercisable as of the date of such termination of employment or service shall remain exercisable, and any payment or notice provided for under the terms of any other outstanding Award as respects the portion thereof that is vested as of the date of such termination of employment or service, may be given, for a period of ninety (90) days from and including the date of termination of employment or service (and shall thereafter terminate). All portions of outstanding Awards granted to such Participant that are not exercisable as of the date of such termination of employment or service, and any other outstanding Award which is not vested as of the date of such termination of employment or service shall terminate upon the date of such termination of employment or service.

 

  (b) Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, upon termination of the Participant’s employment or service with the Company and its Subsidiaries for any reason other than as described in subsection (a), (c), (d) or (e) hereof, the portions of outstanding Awards granted to such Participant that are exercisable as of the date of such termination of employment or service shall remain exercisable for a period of ninety (90) days (and shall terminate thereafter), and any payment or notice provided for under the terms of any other outstanding Award as respects the portion thereof vested as of the date of termination of employment or service may be given, for a period of ninety (90) days from and including the date of termination of employment or service (and shall terminate thereafter). All additional portions of outstanding Awards granted to such Participant that are not exercisable as of the date of such termination of employment or service, and any other outstanding Award that is not vested as of the date of such termination of employment or service shall terminate upon the date of such termination of employment or service.

  

  (c) Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, if the Participant’s employment or service terminates due to Disability, all outstanding Awards with respect to Awards (other than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights) intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code) granted to such Participant shall continue to vest in accordance with the terms of the applicable Award Agreements. The Participant shall be entitled to exercise each such Award and to make any payment, give any notice or to satisfy other condition under each such other Award, in each case, for a period of one year from and including the date such entire Award becomes vested or exercisable in accordance with the terms of such Award and thereafter such Awards or parts thereof shall be canceled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator in its sole discretion may provide for a longer or shorter period for exercise of an Award or may permit a Participant to continue vesting under an Award or to make any payment, give any notice or to satisfy other condition under any other Award.

 

  (d) Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, if the Participant’s employment or service terminates by reason of death, or if the Participant’s employment or service terminates under circumstances providing for continued rights under subsection (b), (c) or (e) of this Section 7 and during the period of continued rights described in subsection (b), (c) or (e) the Participant dies, all outstanding Awards granted to such Participant shall vest and become fully exercisable (if applicable), and any payment or notice provided for under the terms of any other outstanding Award may be immediately paid or given and any condition may be satisfied, by the person to whom such rights have passed under the Participant’s will (or if applicable, pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution) for a period of one year from and including the date of the Participant’s death and thereafter all such Awards or parts thereof shall be canceled.

 

  (e) Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, upon termination of a Participant’s employment or service with the Company and its Subsidiaries (i) by the Company or its Subsidiaries without Cause (including, in case of a Nonemployee Director, the failure to be elected as a Nonemployee Director); or (ii) by the Participant for “good reason” or any like term as defined under any employment agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary to which a Participant may be a party to, the portions of outstanding Awards granted to such Participant which are exercisable as of the date of termination of employment or service of such Participant shall remain exercisable, and any payment or notice provided for under the terms of any other outstanding Award as respects the portion thereof vested as of the date of termination of employment or service may be given, for a period of one year from and including the date of termination of employment or service and shall terminate thereafter.

 

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  (f) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7 to the contrary, no Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised and no shares of Company Stock underlying any other Award under the Plan may vest or become deliverable past the Stated Expiration Date. In addition, the Administrator in its sole discretion, and in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, shall determine (i) for purposes of the Plan, whether any termination of employment or service is a voluntary retirement with the Company’s consent or is due to Disability for purposes of the Plan; (ii) whether any leave of absence (including any short-term or long-term Disability or medical leave) constitutes a termination of employment or service, or a failure to have remained continuously employed or in service, for purposes of the Plan (regardless of whether such leave or status would constitute such a termination or failure for purposes of employment law); (iii) the applicable date of any such termination of employment or service; and (iv) the impact, if any, of any of the foregoing on Awards under the Plan.

 

8. Effect of Change in Control .

 

Unless otherwise determined in an Award Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control:

 

  (a) With respect to each outstanding Award that is assumed or substituted in connection with a Change in Control, in the event of a termination of a Participant’s employment or service by the Company without Cause during the 12-month period following such Change in Control, on the date of such termination (i) such Award shall become fully vested and, if applicable, exercisable; (ii) the restrictions, payment conditions, and forfeiture conditions applicable to any such Award granted shall lapse; and (iii) any performance conditions imposed with respect to Awards shall be deemed to be fully achieved at target levels.

 

  (b) For purposes of this Section 8, an Award shall be considered assumed or substituted if, following the Change in Control, the Award remains subject to the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control except that, if the Award related to shares of Company Stock, the Award instead confers the right to receive common stock of the acquiring entity.

 

  (c) With respect to each outstanding Award that is not assumed or substituted in connection with a Change in Control, immediately upon the occurrence of the Change in Control, (i) such Award shall become fully vested and, if applicable, exercisable; (ii) the restrictions, payment conditions, and forfeiture conditions applicable to any such Award granted shall lapse; and (iii) any performance conditions imposed with respect to Awards shall be deemed to be fully achieved at target levels.

  

  (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan: (i) in the event of a Change in Control, except as would otherwise result in adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Code, the Board may, in its sole discretion, provide that each Award shall, immediately upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, be cancelled in exchange for a payment in cash or securities in an amount equal to (x) the excess of the consideration paid per Share in the Change in Control over the exercise or purchase price (if any) per Share subject to the Award multiplied by (y) the number of Shares granted under the Award; and (ii) with respect to any Award that constitutes a deferral of compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, in the event of a Change in Control that does not constitute a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company under Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code and regulations thereunder, such Award shall be settled in accordance with its original terms or at such earlier time as permitted by Section 409A of the Code.

  

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9. Miscellaneous.

 

  (a) The Administrator may specify in an Award Agreement at the time of the Award that the Participant’s rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such events shall include, but shall not be limited to, termination of service for Cause, violation of material Company policies, breach of non-competition, confidentiality or other restrictive covenants that may apply to the Participant, or other conduct by the Participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the Administrator shall have the right at any time to deny or delay a Participant’s exercise of Options if such Participant is reasonably believed by the Administrator to have engaged in material conduct adverse to the interests of the Company.

 

  (b) Participants are and at all times shall remain subject to the trading window policies adopted by the Company from time to time throughout the period of time during which they may exercise Options, Stock Appreciation Rights or sell shares of Company Stock acquired pursuant to the Plan.

 

10. No Special Employment Rights, No Right to Award .

 

  (a) Nothing contained in the Plan or any Agreement shall confer upon any Participant any right with respect to the continuation of employment or service by the Company or interfere in any way with the right of the Company, subject to the terms of any separate employment agreement to the contrary, at any time to terminate such employment or service or to increase or decrease the compensation of the Participant.

 

  (b) No person shall have any claim or right to receive an Award hereunder. The granting of an Award to a Participant at any time shall neither require the Company to grant any other Award to such Participant or other person at any time or preclude the Company from making subsequent grants to such Participant or any other person.

 

11. Securities Matters; No Assignment or Transfer .

 

  (a) The Company shall be under no obligation to effect the registration pursuant to the Securities Act of any interests in the Plan or any shares of Company Stock to be issued hereunder or to effect similar compliance under any state laws. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated to cause to be issued or delivered any certificates evidencing shares of Company Stock pursuant to the Plan unless and until the Company is advised by its counsel that the issuance and delivery of such certificates is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority and the requirements of any securities exchange or securities market on which shares of Company Stock are traded. The Administrator may require, as a condition of the issuance and delivery of certificates evidencing shares of Company Stock pursuant to the terms hereof, that the recipient of such shares make such agreements and representations, and that such certificates bear such legends, as the Administrator in its sole discretion, deems necessary or desirable.

 

  (b) The transfer of any shares of Company Stock hereunder shall be effective only at such time as counsel to the Company shall have determined that the issuance and delivery of such shares is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority and the requirements of any securities exchange or securities market on which shares of Company Stock are traded. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, defer the effectiveness of any transfer of shares of Company Stock hereunder in order to allow the issuance of such shares to be made pursuant to registration or an exemption from registration or other methods for compliance available under federal or state securities laws. The Administrator shall inform the Participant in writing of its decision to defer the effectiveness of a transfer. During the period of such deferral in connection with the exercise of an Award, the Participant may, by written notice, withdraw such exercise and obtain the refund of any amount paid with respect thereto.

 

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12. Withholding Taxes .

 

  (a) Whenever cash is to be paid pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have the right to deduct therefrom an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state and local withholding tax requirements related thereto.

 

  (b) Whenever shares of Company Stock are to be delivered pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have the right to require the Participant to remit to the Company in cash an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state and local (including jurisdictions outside the United States) withholding tax requirements related thereto. With the approval of the Administrator a Participant may satisfy the foregoing requirement by electing to have the Company withhold from delivery shares of Company Stock having a value equal to the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld. Such shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of which the amount of tax to be withheld is determined. Fractional share amounts shall be settled in cash. Such a withholding election may be made with respect to all or any portion of the shares to be delivered pursuant to an Award.

 

13. Non-Competition and Confidentiality .

 

The Administrator may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award shall be conditioned upon the Participant making a representation regarding compliance with non-competition, confidentiality or other restrictive covenants that may apply to the Participant and providing that the Participant’s rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment on account of a breach of such representations.

  

14. Notification of Election Under Section 83(b) of the Code .

 

If any Participant shall, in connection with the acquisition of shares of Company Stock under the Plan, make the election permitted under Section 83(b) of the Code, such Participant shall notify the Company of such election within 10 days of filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service.

 

15. Amendment or Termination of the Plan

 

The Administrator may, at any time, suspend or terminate the Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever; provided, however, that the requisite stockholder approval shall be required if and to the extent the Administrator determines that such approval is appropriate or necessary for purposes of satisfying Section 162(m) or Section 422 of the Code, Rule 16b-3 or other applicable laws, rules or regulations. Awards may be granted under the Plan prior to the receipt of such stockholder approval of the Plan but each such grant shall be subject in its entirety to such approval and no Award may be exercised, vested or otherwise satisfied prior to the receipt of such approval. No amendment or termination of the Plan may, without the consent of a Participant, adversely affect the Participant’s rights under any outstanding Award.

 

16. Transferability; Nonassignability .

 

  (a) Awards under the Plan shall not be assignable or transferable by the Participant, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and shall not be subject in any manner to assignment, alienation, pledge, encumbrance or charge. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may provide in an Award Agreement that the Participant shall have the right to designate a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries who shall be entitled to any rights, payments or other benefits specified under an Award following the Participant’s death. During the lifetime of a Participant, an Award shall be exercised only by such Participant or such Participant’s guardian or legal representative. In the event of a Participant’s death, an Award may, to the extent permitted by the Award Agreement, be exercised by the Participant’s Beneficiary as designated by the Participant in the manner prescribed by the Administrator or, in the absence of an authorized Beneficiary designation, by the legatee of such Award under the Participant’s will or by the Participant’s estate in accordance with the Participant’s will or the laws of descent and distribution, in each case in the same manner and to the same extent that such Award was exercisable by the Participant on the date of the Participant’s death.

 

  (b) Notwithstanding anything else in this Section 16 to the contrary, the Administrator may in its discretion provide in an Award Agreement that an Award in the form of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, share-settled Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, or share-settled Other Stock-Based Award may be transferred, on such terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate, either (i) by will or by the laws of descent and distribution; (ii) by instrument to a Beneficiary; (ii) by instrument to an inter vivos or testamentary trust (or other entity) in which the Award is to be passed to the Participant’s designated beneficiaries; or (iii) with the prior written approval of the Company, by gift, in a form acceptable to the Company. Any transferee of the Participant’s rights shall succeed and be subject to all of the terms of the applicable Award Agreement and the Plan.

 

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17. Effective Date and Term of Plan .

 

The Plan came into existence on the date that the Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors. However, no Award may be granted under the Plan prior to the IPO Date. In addition, the Plan shall be subject to the requisite approval of the stockholders of the Company. Unless earlier terminated by the Board of Directors, the right to grant Awards under the Plan shall terminate on the close of business on , 2028. Awards outstanding at Plan termination shall remain in effect according to their terms and the provisions of the Plan.

  

18. Applicable Law .

 

Except to the extent preempted by any applicable federal law, the Plan shall be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to its principles of conflicts of law.

 

19. Participant Rights .

 

  (a) No Participant shall have any claim to be granted any award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment for Participants. Except as provided specifically herein, a Participant or a transferee of an Award shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by any award until the date of the issuance of the Award to him or her for such shares (which may be certificated or uncertificated as stated herein).

 

  (b) Determinations by the Administrator under the Plan relating to the form, amount and terms and conditions of grants and Awards need not be uniform, and may be made selectively among persons who receive or are eligible to receive grants and awards under the Plan, whether or not such persons are similarly situated.

 

20. Unfunded Status of Awards .

 

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

 

21. No Fractional Shares .

 

No fractional shares of Company Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. The Administrator shall determine whether cash, other Awards, or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of such fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

 

22. Interpretation .

 

The Plan is designed and intended, to the extent applicable, to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, and to provide for grants and other transactions which are exempt under Rule 16b-3, and all provisions hereof shall be construed in a manner to so comply. Awards under the Plan are intended to comply with Code Section 409A to the extent subject thereto and the Plan and all Awards shall be interpreted in accordance with Code Section 409A and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date of the Plan. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, no payment or distribution under this Plan that constitutes an item of deferred compensation under Code Section 409A and becomes payable by reason of a Participant’s termination of employment or service with the Company will be made to such Participant until such Participant’s termination of employment or service constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined in Code Section 409A). For purposes of this Plan, each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Code Section 409A. If a Participant is a “specified employee” (as defined in Code Section 409A), then to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of taxes under Code Section 409A, such Participant shall not be entitled to any payments upon a termination of his or her employment or service until the earlier of: (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such Participant’s “separation from service” or (ii) the date of such Participant’s death. Upon the expiration of the applicable waiting period set forth in the preceding sentence, all payments and benefits deferred pursuant to this Section 22 (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single lump sum or in installments in the absence of such deferral) shall be paid to such Participant in a lump sum as soon as practicable, but in no event later than sixty (60) calendar days following such expired period, and any remaining payments due under this Plan will be paid in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

 

 

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Exhibit 10.3

FORM OF

DERMADOCTOR, INC.

STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE

2018 Equity Incentive Plan

 

DERMAdoctor, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to Optionholder an option to purchase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock set forth below. This option is subject to all terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the related Option Agreement, the Plan and the Notice of Exercise, each of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety.

 

Optionholder: ________________________
Date of Grant: ________________________
Vesting Commencement Date: ________________________
Number of Shares Subject to Option: ________________________
Exercise Price (Per Share): ________________________
Total Exercise Price: ________________________
Expiration Date: ________________________

 

Type of Grant: Incentive Stock Option 1 Nonstatutory Stock Option

 

Exercise Schedule :           ☐ Same as Vesting Schedule ☐ Early Exercise Permitted

 

Vesting Schedule : [             ]

 

Payment: By one or a combination of the following items (described in the Option Agreement):
   
By cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company
Pursuant to a Regulation T Program if the shares are publicly traded
By delivery of already-owned shares if the shares are publicly traded

If and only to the extent this option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, and subject to the Company’s consent at the time of exercise, by a “net exercise” arrangement
     

 

1 If this is an Incentive Stock Option, it (plus other outstanding Incentive Stock Options) cannot be first exercisable for more than $100,000 in value (measured by exercise price) in any calendar year. Any excess over $100,000 is a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

   

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Additional Terms/Acknowledgements: Optionholder acknowledges receipt of, and understands and agrees to, this Stock Option Grant Notice, the Option Agreement and the Plan. Optionholder acknowledges and agrees that this Stock Option Grant Notice and the Option Agreement may not be modified, amended or revised except as provided in the Plan. Optionholder further acknowledges that as of the Date of Grant, this Stock Option Grant Notice, the Option Agreement, and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between Optionholder and the Company regarding this option award and supersede all prior oral and written agreements, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of (i) options previously granted and delivered to Optionholder, and (ii) the following agreements only. This Stock Option Grant Notice and any notices, agreements or other documents related thereto may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

Other Agreements:  
   
   

 

By accepting this option, you consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company.

 

DERMAdoctor, Inc.   Optionholder:
     
By:        
  Signature     Signature
Title:     Email:  
Email:     Date:  
Date:        

 

Attachments : Option Agreement, 2018 Equity Incentive Plan and Notice of Exercise

 

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FORM OF

DERMADOCTOR, INC.

OPTION AGREEMENT

(INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION OR NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION)

 

Pursuant to your Stock Option Grant Notice ( Grant Notice ) and this Option Agreement, DERMAdoctor, Inc. (the “ Company ”) has granted you an option under its 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ) to purchase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the Company Stock ”) indicated in your Grant Notice at the exercise price indicated in your Grant Notice. Defined terms not explicitly defined in this Option Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan.

 

The details of your option are as follows:

 

1.           VESTING SCHEDULE . Your option shall vest and become exercisable at the time or times set forth in the accompanying Grant Notice.  In the event of a Change in Control, vesting of your option (if any) shall be as set forth in the Plan unless vesting upon a Change in Control is set forth in the Grant Notice, in which case the Grant Notice will govern the option vesting schedule notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15 herein.

 

2.           NUMBER OF SHARES AND EXERCISE PRICE . The number of shares of Company Stock subject to your option and your exercise price per share referenced in your Grant Notice may be adjusted from time to time for certain events, including such as stock dividends, split ups, mergers, spin-offs and the other events specified in the Plan.

 

3.           METHOD OF PAYMENT . Payment of the exercise price is due in full upon exercise of all or any part of your option. You may elect to make payment of the exercise price in cash or by check or by delivery to the Company of certificates representing shares of outstanding Company Stock already owned by you that are owned free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests together with stock powers duly executed and with signature guaranteed. In the event payment is made by delivery of such shares, said shares shall be deemed to have a per share value equal to the per share market value of the shares on the date of exercise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may not exercise your option by tender to the Company of Company Stock to the extent such tender would violate the provisions of any law, regulation or agreement restricting the redemption of the Company’s stock.

 

4.           WHOLE SHARES . You may exercise your option only for whole shares of Company Stock.

 

5.           SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, you may not exercise your option unless the shares of Company Stock issuable upon such exercise are then registered under the Securities Act or, if such shares of Company Stock are not then so registered, the Company has determined that such exercise and issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The exercise of your option also must comply with other applicable laws and regulations governing your option, and you may not exercise your option if the Company determines that such exercise would not be in material compliance with such laws and regulations.

 

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6.           TERM . You may not exercise your option before the commencement or after the expiration of its term. The term of your option commences on the Date of Grant and unless otherwise specified in the Grant Notice expires upon the earliest of:

 

(a)          Pursuant to the terms of your employment or consulting arrangement;

 

(b)          The Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice; or

 

(c)          The day before the tenth (10 th ) anniversary of the Date of Grant.         

 

If your option is an Incentive Stock Option, note that to obtain the federal income tax advantages associated with an Incentive Stock Option, the Code requires that at all times beginning on the Date of Grant of your option and ending on the day three (3) months before the date of your option’s exercise, you must be an employee of the Company or an Affiliate (defined as any “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act), except in the event of your death or Disability.

 

 7.           EXERCISE .

 

(a)          You may exercise the vested portion of your option during its term or as set forth in Section 1, if applicable, by delivering the attached Notice of Exercise together with the exercise price to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and/or the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, or to such other person as the Company may designate, during regular business hours, together with such additional documents as the Company may then require. Each election to exercise this option shall be in writing, signed by you, and delivered or mailed to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and/or the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, or to such other person as the Company may designate, at the Company’s principal office, 1901 McGee Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108. The address for and the recipient of such Notice of Exercise may be changed in the Company’s sole discretion and any such changes will be communicated to you. In the event an option is exercised by the executor or administrator of your estate, by a Beneficiary, or by the person or person to whom the option has been transferred by your will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution, the Company shall be under no obligation to deliver Company Stock thereunder unless and until the Company is satisfied that the person or person exercising the option is or are your duly appointed executor or administrator or the person to whom the option has been transferred by your will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.

 

(b)          By exercising your option you agree that, as a condition to any exercise of your option, the Company may require you to enter into an arrangement providing for the payment by you to the Company of any tax withholding obligation of the Company arising by reason of (1) the exercise of your option, (2) the lapse of any substantial risk of forfeiture to which the shares of Company Stock are subject at the time of exercise, or (3) the disposition of shares of Company Stock acquired upon such exercise.

 

(c)          If your option is an Incentive Stock Option, by exercising your option you agree that you will notify the Company in writing within fifteen (15) days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of the Company Stock issued upon exercise of your option that occurs within two (2) years after the date of your option grant or within one (1) year after such shares of Company Stock are transferred upon exercise of your option.

 

8.            PAYMENT .

 

(a)          Payment in full by a certified or bank check should be made for all the shares of which your option is exercised at the time of such exercise, and no shares shall be delivered until such payment is made.

 

4


(b)          Alternatively, payment may be made by delivering to the Company shares of outstanding Company Stock of the Company together with stock powers duly executed and with signature guaranteed. In the event payment is made in whole or in part by such shares, said shares shall be deemed to have a per share value equal to the closing price of the shares on the last trading day immediately preceding the date the shares are then being issued.

 

(c)          The Company shall not be obligated to deliver any Company Stock unless and until: (1) all applicable Federal and state laws and regulations have been complied with; and (2) the shares to be delivered have been listed, or authorized to be added to the list by the applicable exchange where they are listed; and (3) all legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery of the shares of Company Stock have been approved by counsel for the Company. You shall have no rights as a shareholder until the Company Stock is actually delivered to you.

 

9.          TRANSFERABILITY .

 

(a)          If your option is an Incentive Stock Option, your option is not transferable, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during your life only by you. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you shall have the right to designate a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries who shall be entitled to any rights, payments or other benefits specified under the option following your death, or in the absence of an authorized Beneficiary designation, by the legatee of the option under your will or by your estate in accordance with your will or the laws of descent and distribution, in each case in the same manner and to the same extent that the option was exercisable by you on the date of your death.

 

        (b)          If your option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, your option is not transferable, except (i) by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, (ii) by instrument to a Beneficiary, (iii) by instrument to an inter vivos or testamentary trust (or other entity) in which the option is to be passed to your designated beneficiaries; and (iv) with the prior written approval of the Company, by gift, in a form acceptable by the Company.

 

10.          OPTION NOT A SERVICE CONTRACT . Your option is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in your option shall be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on your part to continue in the employ of the Company or an affiliate, or of the Company or an affiliate to continue your employment. In addition, nothing in your option shall obligate the Company or an affiliate, their respective stockholders, Boards of Directors, officers or employees to continue any relationship that you might have as a Director or consultant for the Company or an affiliate.

 

11.          WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS .

 

(a)          At the time you exercise your option, in whole or in part, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Company or an affiliate, if any, which arise in connection with the exercise of your option.

 

5


 

(b)          Upon your request and subject to approval by the Company, in its sole discretion, and compliance with any applicable legal conditions or restrictions, the Company may withhold from fully vested shares of Company Stock otherwise issuable to you upon the exercise of your option a number of whole shares of Company Stock having a fair market value, determined by the Company as of the date of exercise based on the closing price of the shares on the last trading day immediately preceding the date the shares are then being issued, not in excess of the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law (or such lower amount as may be necessary to avoid classification of your option as a liability for financial accounting purposes). If the date of determination of any tax withholding obligation is deferred to a date later than the date of exercise of your option, share withholding pursuant to the preceding sentence shall not be permitted unless you make a proper and timely election under Section 83(b) of the Code, covering the aggregate number of shares of Company Stock acquired upon such exercise with respect to which such determination is otherwise deferred, to accelerate the determination of such tax withholding obligation to the date of exercise of your option. Notwithstanding the filing of such election, shares of Company Stock shall be withheld solely from fully vested shares of Company Stock determined as of the date of exercise of your option that are otherwise issuable to you upon such exercise. Any adverse consequences to you arising in connection with such share withholding procedure shall be your sole responsibility.

 

(c)          You may not exercise your option unless the tax withholding obligations of the Company and/or any affiliate are satisfied. Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your option when desired even though your option is vested, and the Company shall have no obligation to issue a certificate for such shares of Company Stock or release such shares of Company Stock from any escrow provided for herein unless such obligations are satisfied.

 

13.          TAX CONSEQUENCES . You hereby agree that the Company does not have a duty to design or administer the Plan or its other compensation programs in a manner that minimizes your tax liabilities. You shall not make any claim against the Company, or any of its officers, directors, employees or affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from your option or your other compensation. In particular, you acknowledge that this option is exempt from Section 409A of the Code only if the exercise price per share specified in the Grant Notice is at least equal to the Fair Market Value per share of the Company Stock on the Date of Grant and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the option.

 

14.          NOTICES . Any notices provided for in your option or the Plan shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon receipt or, in the case of notices delivered by mail by the Company to you, five (5) days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to you at the last address you provided to the Company.

 

15.          GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT . Your option is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of which are hereby made a part of your option, and is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of your option and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.

 

16.          RIGHTS OF OPTIONEE . This Agreement does not entitle you to any voting rights or, except for the foregoing notice provisions, any other rights as a stockholder of the Company. No dividends are payable or will accrue on your option or the shares of Company Stock purchasable under this Agreement until, and except to the extent that, your option are exercised. Upon the surrender of your option and payment of the Exercise Price as provided above, the person or entity entitled to receive the shares of the Company Stock issuable upon such exercise shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of such shares as of the close of business on the date of the surrender of your option for exercise as provided above. Upon the exercise of your option, you shall have all of the rights of a stockholder in the Company.

 

17.          GOVERNING LAW . This Agreement shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to its principles governing conflicts of law.

 

6

 

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

DERMADOCTOR, INC.

 

  Date of Exercise:  

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This constitutes notice under my stock option award that I elect to purchase the number of shares for the price set forth below.

 

  Type of option (check one):   Incentive Stock Option     ☐   Nonstatutory Stock Option    ☐

 

  Stock option dated:      
         
 

Number of shares as to which option

is exercised:

     
         
  Certificates to be issued in name of:      
         
  Total exercise price: $      
         
  Cash payment delivered herewith: $      
           

 

  Value of _______ shares of        
  DERMAdoctor, Inc. 2 : $      
           

 

By this exercise, I agree: (i) to provide such additional documents as you may require pursuant to the terms of the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan; (ii) to provide for the payment by me to you (in the manner designated by you) of your withholding obligation, if any, relating to the exercise of this option; and (iii) if this exercise relates to an incentive stock option, to notify you in writing within fifteen (15) days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of Company Stock issued upon exercise of this option that occurs within two (2) years after the date of grant of this option or within one (1) year after such shares of Company Stock are issued upon exercise of this option.

 

                                    Very truly yours,

 

 

 

2 Shares must be valued in accordance with the terms of the option being exercised and must be owned free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests. Certificates must be endorsed or accompanied by an executed assignment separate from certificate.

 

 

7

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

FORM OF

DERMADOCTOR, INC.

NOTICE OF AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

DERMAdoctor, Inc. a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), awards to the undersigned (the “ Participant ”) the following restricted stock units to acquire shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (the “ Common Stock ”), pursuant to the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”):

 

Participant:

 

[      ]

Total Number of Restricted Stock Units

(each Restricted Stock Unit represents

the right to receive one share of Common

Stock on the applicable vesting date):

 

[      ]

Award Date:

 

[       ]

Vesting Commencement Date:

 

[       ]

Vesting Schedule:

 

[       ]

 

Final Exercise Date: [       ]

 

These Restricted Stock Units are awarded under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.  By signing below, the Participant accepts these Restricted Stock Units, acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, and agrees to the terms thereof.

 

NAME OF PARTICIPANT:   DERMADOCTOR, INC.:
       
       
    By:             
(Signature)      
    Name:  
       
Address:     Title:    
       
    Date:  

  

  1  

 

 

DERMADOCTOR, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

Awarded under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan

 

DERMAdoctor, Inc. , a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), has awarded to you the Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”) specified in the Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units above (the “ Notice ”), which is incorporated into this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) and deemed to be a part hereof. The RSUs have been awarded to you under Section 6(g) of the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), on the terms and conditions specified in the Notice and this Agreement. Capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined herein or in the Notice shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Plan.

 

1. RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD

 

The Committee has awarded to you on the Award Date an Award of RSUs as designated herein subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan. Each RSU shall represent the conditional right to receive, upon settlement of the RSU, one share of common stock of the Company (the “ Common Stock ”) (subject to any tax withholding as described in Section 3). RSUs include the right to receive dividend equivalents as specified in Section 4 (“ Dividend Equivalents ”). The purpose of such Award is to motivate and retain you as an employee of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, to encourage you to continue to give your best efforts for the Company’s future success, and to increase your proprietary interest in the Company. Except as may be required by law, you are not required to make any payment (other than payments for taxes pursuant to Section 3 hereof) or provide any consideration other than the rendering of future services to the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

 

2. RESTRICTIONS, FORFEITURES, AND SETTLEMENT

 

Except as otherwise provided in this Section 2, RSUs shall be subject to the restrictions and conditions set forth herein during the Restricted Period (as defined below). Vesting of the RSUs is conditioned upon you remaining continuously employed by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company following the Award Date until the relevant vesting date, subject to the provisions of this Section 2. Assuming satisfaction of such employment conditions, the RSUs will become vested and nonforfeitable as described in the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice.

 

  (a) Nontransferability . During the Restricted Period and any further period prior to settlement of your RSUs, you may not sell, transfer, pledge or assign any of the RSUs or your rights relating thereto.

 

  (b) Time of Settlement . RSUs shall be settled promptly upon expiration of the Restricted Period without forfeiture of the RSUs ( i.e. , upon vesting) by delivery of one share of Common Stock for each RSU being settled; provided , however , that settlement of an RSU shall be subject to the Plan, including if applicable the six-month delay rule in the Plan pursuant to Section 409A of the Code). ( Note: This rule may apply to any portion of the RSUs that vests after the time you become Retirement eligible under the Plan, and could apply in other cases as well ). Settlement of RSUs or cash amounts that directly or indirectly result from Dividend Equivalents on RSUs or adjustments to RSUs shall occur at the time of settlement of, and subject to the restrictions and conditions that apply to, the awarded RSU.  Until shares are delivered to you in settlement of RSUs, you shall have none of the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares issuable in settlement of the RSUs, including the right to vote the shares and receive actual dividends and other distributions on the underlying shares of Common Stock. Shares of stock issuable in settlement of RSUs shall be delivered to you upon settlement in certificated form or in such other manner as the Company may reasonably determine.

  

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  (c) Death . In the event of your death prior to the delivery of shares in settlement of RSUs (not previously forfeited), shares in settlement of your RSUs shall be delivered to your estate, upon presentation to the Committee of letters testamentary or other documentation satisfactory to the Committee, and your estate shall succeed to any other rights provided hereunder in the event of your death.

 

  (d) Termination not for Cause/Termination Following Change in Control . Upon termination of your employment or service with the Company and its Subsidiaries such that you are no longer either an employee or consultant to the Company (i) by the Company or its Subsidiaries without Cause (including, in case of a nonemployee Director (a “ Nonemployee Director ”), the failure to be elected as a Nonemployee Director) or (ii) by you  for “Good Reason” as defined  below) or the Company without Cause during the two  year period following a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), the Restricted Period and all remaining restrictions shall expire and the RSUs shall be deemed fully vested;  provided that you have been continuously employed by the Company for at least two years  and you sign a general release and, where deemed applicable by the Company, a non-compete and/or a non-solicitation agreement.   For purposes of this Agreement “Good Reason” shall have the definition set forth in your employment agreement with the Company and if there is no definition in your employment agreement with the Company then “good reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without your consent: (i) a material reduction in your base salary; (ii) a material breach by the Company of the terms of your employment agreement with the Company; (iii) a material reduction in your duties, authority and responsibilities relative to your duties, authority, and responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction; or (iv) the relocation of your principal place of employment, without your consent, in a manner that lengthens your one-way commute distance by twenty five (25) or more miles from [the Kansas City, Missouri area][your then-current principal place of employment immediately prior to such relocation].

 

  (e) Disability . In the event you become Disabled (as that term is defined in your employment agreement with the Company (if any) or if there is no definition in your employment agreement with the Company then the definition shall be the definition of “ Disability ” in the Plan), for the period during which you continue to be deemed to be employed by the Company or a subsidiary ( i.e. , the period during which you receive Disability benefits), you will not be deemed to have terminated employment for purposes of the RSUs. Upon the termination of your receipt of Disability benefits, (i) you will not be deemed to have terminated employment if you return to employment status, and (ii) if you do not return to employment status, you will be deemed to have terminated employment at the date of cessation of payments to you under all disability pay plans of the Company and its subsidiaries, with such termination treated for purposes of the RSUs as a Retirement or death.

  

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  (f) Other Termination of Employment . In the event of your voluntary termination, or termination by the Company for Cause (as defined in the Plan or your employment agreement with the Company) or misconduct or other conduct deemed by the Company to be detrimental to the interests of the Company, you shall forfeit all unvested RSUs on the date of termination.

 

  (g) Other Terms .

 

  (i) You may, at any time prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, waive all rights with respect to all or some of the RSUs by delivering to the Company a written notice of such waiver.

 

(ii) Termination of employment includes any event if immediately thereafter you are no longer an employee of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, subject to Section 2(h) hereof. References in this Section 2 to employment by the Company include employment by a subsidiary of the Company. Termination of employment means an event after which you are no longer employed by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company. Such an event could include the disposition of a subsidiary or business unit by the Company or a subsidiary.

 

(iii) Upon any termination of your employment, any RSUs as to which the Restricted Period has not expired at or before such termination shall be forfeited. Other provisions of this Agreement notwithstanding, in no event will an RSU that has been forfeited thereafter vest or be settled.

 

(h) The following events shall not be deemed a termination of employment:

 

  (i) A transfer of you from the Company to a subsidiary, or vice versa, or from one subsidiary to another;

 

  (ii) A leave of absence, duly authorized in writing by the Company, for military service or sickness or for any other purpose approved by the Company if the period of such leave does not exceed ninety (90) days; and

 

  (iii) A leave of absence in excess of ninety (90) days, duly authorized in writing, by the Company, provided your right to reemployment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract.

 

    However, failure of you to return to active service with the Company or a subsidiary at the end of an approved leave of absence shall be deemed a termination of employment. During a leave of absence as defined in (ii) or (iii), although you will be considered to have been continuously employed by the Company or a subsidiary and not to have had a termination of employment under this Section 2, the Committee may specify that such leave period shall not be counted in determining the period of employment for purposes of the vesting of the RSUs. In such case, the vesting dates for unvested RSUs shall be extended by the length of any such leave of absence.

  

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3. TAXES

 

At such time as the Company is required to withhold taxes with respect to the RSUs, or at an earlier date as determined by the Company, you shall make remittance to the Company of an amount sufficient to cover such taxes or make such other arrangement regarding payments of such taxes as are satisfactory to the Committee. The Company and its subsidiaries shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct such amount from any payment of any kind otherwise due to you, including by means of mandatory withholding of shares deliverable in settlement of your RSUs to satisfy the mandatory tax withholding requirements. When the Dividend Equivalents you receive under Section 4, if any, become payable to you, they will be compensation (wages) for tax purposes and will be included on your W-2 form. The Company will be required to withhold applicable taxes on such Dividend Equivalents. The Company may deduct such taxes either from the gross Dividend Equivalents payable on such RSUs or from any other cash payments to be made to or on account of you or may require you to make prompt remittance to the Company of such tax amounts. Any cash payment to you under Section 4 of the Agreement will be included in your W-2 form as compensation and subject to applicable tax withholding.

  

4. DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS AND ADJUSTMENTS

 

  (a) Dividend Equivalents shall be paid or credited on RSUs (other than RSUs that, at the relevant record date, previously have been settled or forfeited) as follows, except that the Committee may specify an alternative treatment from that specified in (i), (ii), or (iii) below for any dividend or distribution:

 

  (i) Cash Dividends . If the Company declares and pays a dividend or distribution on Common Stock in the form of cash, then you will be credited with a cash amount as of the payment date for such dividend or distribution equal to the number of RSUs credited to you as of the record date for such dividend or distribution multiplied by the amount of cash actually paid as a dividend or distribution on each outstanding share of Common Stock at such payment date. Any amounts credited under this Section 4(a)(i) shall be subject to the restrictions and conditions that apply to the RSU with respect to which the amounts are credited and will be payable when the underlying RSU becomes payable. If the underlying RSU does not vest or is forfeited, any amounts credited under this Section 4(a)(i) with respect to the underlying RSU will also fail to vest and be forfeited.
     
  (ii) Non-Share Dividends . If the Company declares and pays a dividend or distribution on Common Stock in the form of property other than shares, then a number of additional RSUs shall be credited to you as of the payment date for such dividend or distribution equal to the number of RSUs credited to you as of the record date for such dividend or distribution multiplied by the Fair Market Value of such property actually paid as a dividend or distribution on each outstanding share of Common Stock at such payment date, divided by the Fair Market Value of a share at such payment date. Any RSUs credited to you under this Section 4(a)(ii) shall be subject to the restrictions and conditions that apply to the RSU with respect to which the RSUs are credited and will be payable when the underlying RSU becomes payable. If the underlying RSU does not vest or is forfeited, any RSUs credited under this Section 4(a)(ii) with respect to the underlying RSU will also fail to vest and be forfeited. You will be eligible to receive Dividend Equivalents on any RSUs credited to you under this Section 4(a)(ii).

  

  5  

 

 

  (iii) Common Stock Dividends and Splits . If the Company declares and pays a dividend or distribution on Common Stock in the form of additional shares, or there occurs a forward split of Common Stock, then a number of additional RSUs shall be credited to you as of the payment date for such dividend or distribution or forward split equal to the number of RSUs credited to you as of the record date for such dividend or distribution or split multiplied by the number of additional shares actually paid as a dividend or distribution or issued in such split in respect of each outstanding share of Common Stock. Any RSUs credited to you under this Section 4(a)(iii) shall be subject to the restrictions and conditions that apply to the RSU with respect to which the RSUs are credited and will be payable when the underlying RSU becomes payable. If the underlying RSU does not vest or is forfeited, any RSUs credited under this Section 4(a)(iii) with respect to the underlying RSU will also fail to vest and be forfeited. You will be eligible to receive Dividend Equivalents on any RSUs credited to you under this Section 4(a)(iii).

 

(b) The number of your RSUs and other related terms shall be appropriately adjusted, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of your rights with respect to RSUs, to reflect any changes in the outstanding shares of Common Stock resulting from any event referred to in Section 3(c) of the Plan, taking into account any RSUs credited to you in connection with such event under Section 4(a).

 

5. EFFECT ON OTHER BENEFITS

 

In no event shall the value, at any time, of the RSUs or any other payment under this Agreement be included as compensation or earnings for purposes of any other compensation, retirement, or benefit plan offered to employees of the Company unless otherwise specifically provided for in such plan.

 

6. RIGHT TO CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

 

Nothing in the Plan or this Agreement shall confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary or any specific position or level of employment with the Company or any subsidiary or affect in any way the right of the Company or any subsidiary to terminate your employment without prior notice at any time for any reason or no reason.

 

7. ADMINISTRATION; UNFUNDED OBLIGATIONS

 

The Committee shall have full authority and discretion, subject only to the express terms of the Plan, to decide all matters relating to the administration and interpretation of the Plan and this Agreement, and all such Committee determinations shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon the Company, you, and all interested parties. Any provision for distribution in settlement of your RSUs and other obligations hereunder (including cash amounts set aside under Section 4(a)(i)) shall be by means of bookkeeping entries on the books of the Company and shall not create in you or any beneficiary any right to, or claim against any, specific assets of the Company, nor result in the creation of any trust or escrow account for you or any beneficiary. You and any of your beneficiaries entitled to any settlement or distribution hereunder shall be a general creditor of the Company.

  

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8. AMENDMENT

 

This Agreement shall be subject to the terms of the Plan, as amended from time to time, except that the Award which is the subject of this Agreement may not be materially adversely affected by any amendment or termination of the Plan approved after the Award Date without your written consent.

 

9. SEVERABILITY AND VALIDITY

 

The various provisions of this Agreement are severable, and any determination of invalidity or unenforceability of any one provision shall have no effect on the remaining provisions.

 

10. GOVERNING LAW

 

Except to the extent preempted by any applicable federal law, this Agreement shall be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to its principles of conflicts of law. The parties shall resolve all disputes, controversies and differences which may arise between the parties, out of or in relation to or in connection with this Agreement or the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity thereof, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this Agreement to arbitrate, after discussion in good faith attempting to reach an amicable solution.  Such discussion will begin immediately after one party has delivered to the other party a request for discussion. If the dispute, controversy, or claim cannot be resolved within 30 days following the date on which the request for discussion is delivered, then it will be finally settled by arbitration held in Kansas City, Missouri in accordance with the latest Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such arbitration shall be conducted by one arbitrator appointed as follows: each party will appoint one arbitrator and the appointed arbitrators shall appoint the deciding arbitrator.  The decision of the tribunal shall be final and may not be appealed.  The arbitral tribunal may, in its discretion award fees and costs as part of its award. Judgment on the arbitral award may be entered by any court of competent jurisdiction, including any court that has jurisdiction over either of the party or any of their assets.

 

11. SUCCESSORS

 

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors, assigns, and heirs of the respective parties.

 

12. DATA PRIVACY

 

By entering into this agreement, you (i) authorize the Company, and any agent of the Company administering the Plan or providing Plan recordkeeping services, to disclose to the Company or any of its subsidiaries such information and data as the Company or any such subsidiary shall request in order to facilitate the award of RSUs and the administration of the Plan; (ii) waive any data privacy rights you may have with respect to such information; and (iii) authorize the company to store and transmit such information in electronic form.

  

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13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND NO ORAL MODIFICATION OR WAIVER

 

This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties. This Agreement shall not be modified or amended except in writing duly signed by the parties, except that the Company may adopt a modification or amendment to the Agreement that is not materially adverse to you in writing signed only by the Company. Any waiver of any right or failure to perform under this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the party granting the waiver and shall not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent failure to perform.

 

 

DERMADOCTOR, INC.

   
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:

 

I have read this Agreement in its entirety. I understand that this Award has been granted to provide a means for me to acquire and/or expand an ownership position in DERMAdoctor, Inc., and I acknowledge and agree that any sales of shares will be subject to the Company’s policy regulating trading by employees. In accepting this Award, I hereby agree that such broker-dealer as the Company may choose to administer the Plan, may provide the Company with any and all account information.

 

8

 

Exhibit 10.5

 

FORM OF

DERMADOCTOR, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of __________________ (the “ Grant Date ”), by and between DERMAdoctor, Inc. , a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and __________________ (the “ Participant ”).

 

Subject to the Additional Terms and Conditions attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as part of this Agreement, the Company hereby awards as of the Grant Date to the Participant the shares of the Company’s restricted Common Stock (the “ Restricted Stock ”) described below (the “ Restricted Stock Award ”) pursuant to the DERMAdoctor, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”). Capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Plan.

 

Participant:

 

[      ]
Grant Date: [      ]
   

Total Number of Shares of

Restricted Stock Awarded:

 

[      ]

Vesting Schedule:

 

The Restricted Stock shall vest according to the Vesting Schedule attached hereto as Schedule 1 . The Restricted Stock that become vested on each Vesting Date pursuant to the Vesting Schedule are herein referred to as the “ Vested Restricted Stock .”

 

The Restricted Stock is awarded under and governed by the terms and conditions of this Restricted Stock Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference.  By signing below, the Participant accepts the Restricted Stock Award, acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and this Restricted Stock Agreement, and agrees to the terms thereof.

 

         
NAME OF PARTICIPANT:   DERMADOCTOR, INC.:
       
    By:    
(Signature)      
    Name:  
       
Address:     Title:    

 

1

 

  

ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF

DERMADOCTOR, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1. Restricted Stock Held in Plan Name . The Restricted Stock shall be issued in the name of the Plan and held for the account and benefit of the Participant. The Committee (as defined in the Plan) shall cause periodic statements of account to be delivered to the Participant, at such time or times as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, showing the number of Restricted Stock held by the Plan on behalf of the Participant. Subject to other Additional Terms and Conditions, the Committee shall cause one or more certificates to be delivered to the Participant as soon as administratively practicable following the date that all or any portion of the Restricted Stock become Vested Restricted Stock.

 

2. Condition to Delivery of Vested Restricted Stock .

 

(a) If Participant makes a timely election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code, it is a condition to receiving the Vested Restricted Stock that Participant must deliver to the Company, within thirty (30) days of making the election pursuant to said Section 83(b) as to all or any portion of the Restricted Stock, either cash or a certified check payable to the Company in the amount of all of the tax withholding obligations (whether federal, state or local), imposed on the Company by reason of the making of an election pursuant to said Section 83(b),

 

(b) If the Participant does not make a timely election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code as to all of the Restricted Stock, the Participant may notify the Company in writing, which notice must be received by the Company at least thirty (30) days prior to the date Restricted Stock become Vested Restricted Stock (or such later date as the Committee may permit), that the Participant wishes to pay in cash all of the tax withholding obligations (whether federal, state or local) imposed on the Company by reason of the vesting of some or all of the Restricted Stock. As a condition to receiving the Vested Restricted Stock, Participant must deliver to the Company no later than three (3) business days of the vesting either cash or a certified check payable to the Company in the amount of all of the tax withholding obligations (whether federal, state or local) imposed on the Company by reason of the vesting of the Vested Restricted Stock to which the election applies.

 

(c) If the Participant does not make a timely election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code as provided in Section 2(a), or deliver a timely election to make a supplemental payment with cash or by certified check for tax withholding obligations as provided in Section 2(b) as to all or a portion of the Vested Restricted Stock, Participant will be deemed to have elected to have the actual number of Vested Restricted Stock reduced by the smallest number of whole shares of underlying Common Stock which, when multiplied by the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock, as determined by the Committee, on the date of the vesting event is sufficient to satisfy the amount of the tax withholding obligations imposed on the Company by reason of the vesting of such Vested Restricted Stock (the “ Withholding Election ”). Participant understands and agrees that Participant’s acceptance of this Restricted Stock Award will be deemed to be Participant’s election to make a Withholding Election pursuant to this Section 2(c) and such other consistent terms and conditions prescribed by the Committee.

 

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(d) In addition to the provisions of Sections 2(a)-(c), if the Participant has attained the age of 62, and at least 12 months and one day has elapsed since the Grant Date, the Participant has a taxable event (“ Taxable Event ”) since Participant could voluntarily terminate employment and receive the Restricted Stock under Section 4(b)(iii). If the Participant has not made a timely election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code as to all of the Restricted Stock, the Participant may notify the Company in writing, which notice must be received by the Company at least thirty (30) days prior to the Taxable Event, that the Participant wishes to pay in cash all of the tax withholding obligations (whether federal, state or local) to be withheld by reason of the Taxable Event. If the Participant has not made a timely election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code as provided in Section 2(a), delivered a timely election to make a supplemental payment with cash or by certified check for tax withholding obligations, or delivered the supplemental payment within three (3) business days of the Taxable Event, Participant will be deemed to have elected to have the actual number of Restricted Stock reduced by the smallest number of whole shares of the underlying Common Stock which, when multiplied by the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock, as determined by the Committee, on the date of the Taxable Event that is sufficient to satisfy the amount of the tax withholding obligations by reason of the Taxable Event (the “ Taxable Event Withholding Election ”). A stock certificate for such Restricted Stock (net of any tax withholdings) will be issued and held by the Company and delivered to Participant after the Vesting Date or as otherwise provided herein. Participant understands and agrees that Participant’s acceptance of this Restricted Stock Award will be deemed to be Participant’s election to make a Taxable Event Withholding Election pursuant to this Section 2(d) and such other consistent terms and conditions prescribed by the Committee.

 

(e) In addition to the provisions of Sections 2(a)-(d), if Participant is terminated by the Company other than for Cause under Section 4(b)(ii), Participant will be deemed to have elected to have the actual number of Restricted Stock that will vest pursuant to the terms of Section 4(b)(ii) reduced by the smallest number of whole shares of the underlying Common Stock which, when multiplied by the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock, as determined by the Committee, is sufficient to satisfy the amount of the tax withholding obligations imposed on the Company by reason of the vesting of such Restricted Stock. The date for the withholding will be the date the tax withholding obligation is imposed on the Company, as determined by the Company. A stock certificate for such Restricted Stock (net of any tax withholdings) will be issued and held by the Company and delivered to Participant after the Vesting Date or as otherwise provided herein. Participant understands and agrees that Participant’s acceptance of this Restricted Stock Award will be deemed to be Participant’s election to make a tax withholding election pursuant to this Section 2(e) and such other consistent terms and conditions prescribed by the Committee.

 

(f) The Committee reserves the right to give no effect to a withholding election under Sections 2(c), (d) or (e) in which case the Participant will remain obligated as a condition to receiving the Vested Restricted Stock to satisfy applicable tax withholding obligations with cash or by a certified check in the manner provided by the Committee. If the Committee elects not to give effect to a withholding election under Sections 2(c), (d) or (e), it shall provide the Participant with written notice reasonably in advance of the applicable vesting event.

 

3. Rights as Stockholder . The Restricted Stock will be held for the Participant by the Company until the applicable Vesting Date. Participant shall have all the rights of a stockholder on shares of Restricted Stock that vest. With respect to unvested Restricted Stock: (a) Participant shall have the right to vote such shares at any meeting of stockholders of the Company; (b) Participant shall have and the right to receive, free of vesting restrictions (but subject to applicable withholding taxes) all cash dividends paid with respect to such shares; and (c) any non-cash dividends and other non-cash proceeds of such shares, including stock dividends and any other securities issued or distributed in respect of such shares shall be subject to the same vesting and forfeiture conditions as the shares of Restricted Stock to which they relate, and the term “Restricted Stock” when used in this Agreement shall also include any related stock dividends and other securities issued or distributed in respect of such shares.

 

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4. Vesting, Forfeiture and Restrictions on Transfer of Restricted Stock .

 

(a) Generally . The Restricted Stock which have become Vested Restricted Stock pursuant to the Vesting Schedule shall be considered as fully earned by the Participant, subject to the further provisions of this Section 4 and any applicable provisions of any employment agreement between the Participant and the Company (“ Employment Agreement ”), as applicable, and the Company shall deliver certificates to the Participant as soon as administratively practicable following the Vesting Date or other vesting event and the payment of any required taxes pursuant to the terms of Section 2. Any Restricted Stock which do not become Vested Restricted Stock in accordance with the Vesting Schedule or the provisions of this Section 4 as of the Participant’s termination of employment (“ Termination of Employment ”) (as described in Section 7 of the Plan) with the Company and/or its affiliates will be forfeited back to the Company.

 

(b) Vesting and Forfeitures upon Termination of Employment .

 

(i) Termination by Participant . Except as provided in Sections 4(b)(iii) and (iv), upon a Termination of Employment prior to the Vesting Date effected by the Participant for any reason all Restricted Stock shall be forfeited as of the effective date of such Termination of Employment.

 

(ii) Termination by Company Other Than for Cause . Upon a Termination of Employment prior to the Vesting Date effected by the Company for any reason other than Cause (as described in Section 4(b)(v)), upon the later of (i) the termination date, and (ii) Participant’s execution of a separation agreement and general release in favor of the Company and the separation agreement and general release becoming effective after the lapse of any permitted or required revocation period without the associated revocation rights being exercised by Participant, the Participant shall become vested in the following number of Restricted Stock: [       ].

 

The Vested Restricted Stock shall be delivered within thirty (30) days from the date such shares have vested pursuant to the terms of this Section 4(b)(ii). Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4(b)(ii), if the Participant refuses to sign, or elects to revoke during any permitted revocation period, the separation agreement and general release, then the vesting of any Restricted Stock pursuant to this Section 4(b)(ii) shall not occur and all Restricted Stock shall be forfeited.

 

(iii) Intentionally omitted .

 

(iv) Death or Disability . Upon the Participant’s Termination of Employment prior to the Vesting Date due to death or disability, all of the Restricted Stock shall vest and become Vested Restricted Stock on the last date of Participant’s employment. Vested Restricted Stock shall be delivered within thirty (30) days after the vesting event.

 

(v) Termination by Company for Cause . Upon a Termination of Employment prior to the Vesting Date effected by the Company for Cause (as defined in the Plan), all Restricted Stock shall be forfeited as of the effective date of such termination of employment.

 

(c) Certain Breaches of Employment Agreement . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if, at any time, the Company determines that the Participant has breached any of the terms, provisions and restrictions imposed upon Participant under the Employment Agreement (if any), all of the Restricted Stock, including any Restricted Stock that have become Vested Restricted Stock, shall be forfeited. Such forfeiture shall occur without limiting the Company’s other rights and remedies available under the Employment Agreement.

 

(d) Restrictions on Transfer of Restricted Stock . Participant shall effect no disposition of Restricted Stock prior to the date that an unrestricted certificate for Vested Restricted Stock in his name is delivered to him by the Committee; provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude a transfer by will or the laws of descent and distribution in the event of the death of the Participant.

 

4

 

 

(e) Legends . Participant agrees that the Company may endorse any certificates for Restricted Stock or Vested Restricted Stock with such legends to reflect the restrictions provided for herein or otherwise required by applicable federal or state securities laws. The Company need not register a transfer of the Restricted Stock and may also instruct its transfer agent not to register the transfer of the Restricted Stock unless the conditions specified in any legends are satisfied.

 

5. Removal of Legend and Transfer Restrictions . Any restrictive legends and any related stop transfer instructions may be removed at the direction of the Committee and the Company shall issue necessary replacement certificates without that portion of the legend to the Participant as of the date that the Committee determines that such legend(s) and/or instructions are no longer applicable.

 

6. Change in Capitalization .

 

(a) The number and kind of Restricted Stock shall be proportionately adjusted to reflect a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock split, stock dividend or other change in the capital structure of the Company in accordance with the terms of the Plan. All adjustments made by the Committee under this Section shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon all parties.

 

(b) The existence of the Plan and the Restricted Stock Award shall not affect the right or power of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, reclassification, reorganization or other change in its capital or business structure, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of debt or equity securities having preferences or priorities as to the Common Stock or the rights thereof, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, any sale or transfer of all or part of its business or assets, or any other corporate act or proceeding.

 

7. Governing Law . Except to the extent preempted by any applicable federal law, this Agreement shall be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to its principles of conflicts of law. The parties shall resolve all disputes, controversies and differences which may arise between the parties, out of or in relation to or in connection with this Agreement or the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity thereof, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this Agreement to arbitrate, after discussion in good faith attempting to reach an amicable solution.  Such discussion will begin immediately after one party has delivered to the other party a request for discussion. If the dispute, controversy, or claim cannot be resolved within 30 days following the date on which the request for discussion is delivered, then it will be finally settled by arbitration held in Kansas City, Missouri in accordance with the latest Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such arbitration shall be conducted by one arbitrator appointed as follows: each party will appoint one arbitrator and the appointed arbitrators shall appoint the deciding arbitrator.  The decision of the tribunal shall be final and may not be appealed.  The arbitral tribunal may, in its discretion award fees and costs as part of its award. Judgment on the arbitral award may be entered by any court of competent jurisdiction, including any court that has jurisdiction over either of the party or any of their assets.

 

8. Successors . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns of the parties.

 

9. Notice . Except as otherwise specified herein, all notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given if personally delivered or if sent by registered or certified United States mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the proposed recipient at the last known address of the recipient. Any party may designate any other address to which notices shall be sent by giving notice of the address to the other parties in the same manner as provided herein.

 

5

 

 

10. Severability . In the event that any one or more of the provisions or portion thereof contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the same shall not invalidate or otherwise affect any other provisions of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be construed as if the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion thereof had never been contained herein.

 

11. Entire Agreement . Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, and the applicable provisions of the Employment Agreement (if any), this Agreement expresses the entire understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan and the terms of this Agreement, the provisions of the Plan will control. The Restricted Stock Award has been made pursuant to the Plan and an administrative record is maintained by the Committee indicating under which plan the Restricted Stock Award is authorized.

 

12. Violation . Any disposition of the Restricted Stock or any portion thereof shall be a violation of the terms of this Agreement and shall be void and without effect.

 

13. Headings . Paragraph headings used herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered in construing this Agreement.

 

14. Specific Performance . In the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the party or parties who are thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunction in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative.

 

15. No Right to Continued Retention . Neither the establishment of the Plan nor the award of Restricted Stock hereunder shall be construed as giving Participant the right to a continued service relationship with the Company or an affiliate.

 

16. Definitions . Any terms which are capitalized herein but not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

 

6

 

 

SCHEDULE 1

TO DERMADOCTOR, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD

 

Vesting Schedule

 

A. Provided that the Participant continues to be employed by the Company or any affiliate on the applicable Vesting Date described in this Part A, the Restricted Stock shall become Vested Restricted Stock as follows:

 

Percentage of Restricted Stock Vesting

  Vesting Date  
         

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing vesting schedule, the events described in Sections 4(b)(ii), (iii) and (iv) of the Additional Terms and Conditions to the Agreement, and any change in control provisions of any Employment Agreement, provide for accelerated vesting of all or a portion of the Restricted Stock to the extent and in the manner described by such provisions. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 4(b)(ii), (iii) or (iv) of the Additional Terms and Conditions to the Agreement, and any change in control provisions of any Employment Agreement, all Restricted Stock shall be forfeited if the Participant experiences a Termination of Employment prior to the Vesting Date.

 

B. The provisions of this Vesting Schedule are subject to, and limited by, all applicable provisions of the Agreement

 

 

Schedule 1 – Page 1 of 1

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.6

 

NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT

 

THIS NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”) is made and entered effective this January 1, 2016, by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (“ Company ”), and Jeffrey R. Kunin (“ Principal ”).

 

WHEREAS, Principal owns certain shares in Papillon Partners, Inc., a Missouri corporation (the “ Original Member ”), which in turn owns 525,000 Class B Units in the Company, such Class B Units issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the First Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of the Company dated as of January 1, 2016 (the “ Operating Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 2016 (the “ Securities Purchase Agreement ”) between Midwest Growth Partners, LLLP, an Iowa limited liability limited partnership (“ Investor ”) and the Company, Investor (or its designee) is acquiring 475,000 Class A Units in the Company, such Class A Units to be issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Operating Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, as a condition for Investor to close the transactions contemplated by the Securities Purchase Agreement, Principal is required to enter into this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants herein contained, and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Not to Carry On Similar Business . During the period during which Principal remains a shareholder of the Original Member of the Company, and for a period of two (2) years after the Principal ceases to be a shareholder of the Original Member, Principal will not directly or indirectly, in the territory comprised of the continental United States, or any city in which the Company actually performs or provides the Services, as defined below (whichever is least restrictive):

 

(a)  as an individual proprietor, partner, stockholder, officer, employee, director, joint venturer, investor, lender, or in any other capacity whatsoever (other than as the holder of not more than one percent (1%) of the total outstanding stock of, a publicly held company), engage in the business of developing, manufacturing and distributing skin care products and related products and services, in addition to any other services or products which the Company may sell or provide while Principal is a beneficial owner of the Company (the “ Services ”).

 

(b)  recruit, solicit or induce, or attempt to induce employee(s) of Company, or any vendor(s) or subcontractor(s) of Company, to terminate their employment with, or otherwise cease their relationship with, Company, as the case may be; or

 

(c)  solicit, divert or take away, or attempt to divert or to take away, the business or patronage of any of the clients, customers or accounts, or prospective clients, customers or accounts, of Company which were contacted, solicited or served by Company while Principal was a member of Company.

 

If any restriction set forth in this Section 1 is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it extends for too long a period of time or over too great a range of activities or in too broad a geographic area, it shall be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time, range of activities or geographic area as to which it may be enforceable.

 

  1  

 

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the restrictions in this Section 1 shall in no way prohibit Employee from engaging in the practice of medicine in the event of termination of this Agreement, so long as Employee does not sell, provide or perform any Services in violation of this Section 1.

 

2.  Confidential Information .

 

(a)  As used in this Agreement, the term “ Confidential Information ” shall include, by way of illustration, but not limitation, financial data, research data, personnel data, customer and potential customer lists, computer software, computer programs and all other types of computer technology, manufacturing processes, methods and formulas, marketing data, sales techniques, and advertising, traveling and canvassing methods, brochures or instructions relating to the products, services or business of Company (including Confidential Information related to the assets purchased by the Company) or any customer or potential customer of Company. A “ potential customer ” means a customer which the Principal or Company actively solicits through personal contact or direct correspondence prior to or during Principal’s association and employment with Company.

 

(b)  By executing this Agreement, Principal acknowledges that he has been advised that Company wishes to preserve the Confidential Information as a secret. Principal further acknowledges that the Confidential Information shall be the property of Company and Company may, from time to time, identify other Confidential Information that it wishes to preserve as a secret.

 

(c)  Principal shall not disclose, communicate or divulge to, or use for his own benefit or for the benefit of any other person, proprietorship, partnership, venture, association, firm, corporation or other entity, either during or subsequent to the term of employment of Principal by Company, any Confidential Information, whether or not patentable, of which Principal becomes informed during his association or employment with Company, whether or not developed by Principal or Company, unless first securing written consent of the Company. This obligation shall not apply to any Confidential Information which is or shall become a part of the public domain through no fault or negligence of Principal.

 

(d)  Upon termination of Principal’s association or employment with Company, Principal shall promptly deliver to Company a copy of all manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, programs, customer and potential customer lists, and all copies thereof, and all other materials of a secret and confidential nature related to the business of Company or any customer or potential customer of Company, which are in the possession or under the control of Principal.

 

(e)  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the restrictions in this Section 6 shall in no way prohibit Employee, in the event of termination of this Agreement, from engaging in the practice of medicine so long as Employee does not sell, provide or perform any Service.

 

3.  Records Belong To Company . All books, records, files, forms, reports, accounts, papers and documents and other information (including, without limitation, the Confidential Information and the Developments, if any) relating in any manner to Company’s business, vendors, suppliers, list brokers or customers, whether prepared by Principal or anyone else (“ Records ”), are the property of Company and shall be returned immediately to Company upon termination of employment or upon Company’s request at any time.

 

(a)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Principal may retain an electronic copy of any of these Records maintained on the departing Principal’s computer or other electronic device but will remain subject to the terms of this Agreement with regards to the use or communication of the information therein.

 

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(b)  The rights to Records described in Section 3(a) shall not extend to financial reports on the Company, human resource records of the Company, or information which the Company is required to retain within the Company under a contractual or other legal obligation to do so. If such information is included in the files of the departing Principal’s computer or other electronic device, the departing Principal shall have an obligation to permanently delete such information from their electronic files within 30 days of leaving the Company and shall not share or otherwise disclose such information with parties outside the company.

 

4.  Breach . The parties hereby agree that each of the foregoing matters is important, material and confidential, and gravely affect the effective and successful conduct of the business of Company. Further, the restrictions contained in this Agreement are necessary for the protection of the business and goodwill of Company and are considered by the Principal to be reasonable for such purpose. Principal agrees that any breach of the terms and conditions of this Agreement is a material breach of this Agreement, from which Principal may be enjoined and for which the Principal shall also pay to Company all damages (including but not limited to compensatory, incidental, consequential and lost profits damages), which arise from the breach, together with interest, costs (including expert witness’ fees) and Company’s reasonable attorneys’ fees (through appeal) to enforce this Agreement.

 

5.  Accounting for Profits . Principal covenants and agrees that, if Principal shall violate any of Principal’s covenants or restrictions under this Agreement, Company shall be entitled to an accounting and repayment of all profits, compensation, commissions, remuneration or other benefits that Principal directly or indirectly realized and/or may realize as a result of, growing out of, or in connection with, any such violation. These remedies shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, any injunctive relief or other rights and remedies to which Company is or may be entitled at law, in equity or under this Agreement.

 

6.  Reasonableness of Restrictions . Principal has carefully read and considered the provisions of this Agreement, and, having done so, agrees that the restrictions set forth herein, including, but not limited to, the time period restriction and the geographical areas restriction, are fair and reasonable and are reasonably required for the protection of the interests of Company and its officers, directors and other employees. Principal represents that Principal’s experience, capabilities, and personal assets are such that this Agreement does not deprive Principal from either earning a livelihood in the unrestricted business activities which remain open to Principal or from otherwise adequately and appropriately supporting him or herself. In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions thereof shall nevertheless continue to be valid and enforceable as though the invalid and unenforceable parts had not been included therein, and the definition, time period and/or restricted areas or activities that are deemed reasonable and enforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction shall be substituted for the terms deemed unreasonable.

 

7.  Company Remedies for Threatened or Actual Breach . Principal acknowledges that Principal’s threatened or actual breach of any of the terms hereof will result in immediate, irreparable harm and injury to the Company, not adequately compensable by monetary relief. Principal agrees that damages alone will be inadequate protection for Company in the event of a breach or threatened breach or violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement. Company shall be entitled to an injunction restraining such breach or violation by Principal of any provision of this Agreement, and such injunctive remedy shall not be in limitation of, but in addition to, any other remedies authorized by law for the breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including the recovery of monetary damages and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Company from also pursuing any other remedy, the parties having agreed that all remedies are cumulative.

 

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8.  No Other Agreements . Principal represents that Principal has no agreements with or obligations to others concerning any Company records, developments or confidential information, nor does Principal have any agreements or obligations that might conflict or be otherwise inconsistent with Principal’s obligations under this Agreement.

 

9.  Waiver . The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. Neither the failure nor any delay by either party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement can be discharged by one party, in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no notice to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation of such party or of the right of the party giving such notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties hereto agree that this Agreement shall be immediately null and void, and of no force and effect, in the event that the Company shall have defaulted in its obligations under any documents or agreements or default in their obligations under the Operating Agreement of the Company.

 

10.  Jury Trial . THE COMPANY AND PRINCIPAL HEREBY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY EITHER PARTY AGAINST THE OTHER ON ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

11.  Governing Laws . This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Missouri without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any lawsuit for breach shall be brought only in State or Federal Courts situated in Jackson County, Missouri, which shall be a proper venue.

 

12.  No Waiver . Company may waive a provision of this Agreement only in a writing signed by unanimous consent of the Board of Managers of the Company. The waiver by Company of a breach by Principal of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the Principal.

 

13.  Assignment . The rights of Company under this Agreement may be assigned. Principal shall not assign his or her rights nor delegate his or her obligations under this Agreement.

 

14.  Headings . The paragraph headings of this Agreement are not a substantive part of this Agreement and shall not limit or restrict this Agreement in any way.

 

15.  Not Contract For Employment . This Agreement is not an employment contract and does not give Principal any employment rights. All employment rights of Principal shall be set forth in the Principal Agreement.

 

16.  Complete Understanding; Amendment . This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the matters contemplated hereby. This Agreement may not be changed, altered or amended, except by a writing signed by both parties.

 

17.  Severability . If any part of this Agreement is void, voidable, invalid, or unenforceable, for any reason, the Agreement shall then be considered divisible as to such part with the remainder of the Agreement remaining as valid and binding as though such part were not included in the Agreement.

  

[END OF PAGE]

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of this January 1 , 2016.

   

  DERMAdoctor , LLC a Missouri
  limited liability company
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin
  Name: Audrey Kunin
  Title: President
     
  PRINCIPAL:
     
    /s/ Jeffrey R. Kunin
  Name: Jeffrey R. Kunin

 

 

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Exhibit 10.7

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated May 22, 2017, is by and between by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (the “ Company ”), with a principal business address at 1901 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, and the undersigned employee (the “ Employee ”), an individual with a residential address as set forth below the Employee ’s signature block.

 

1. EMPLOYMENT; DUTIES

 

(a) The Corporation hereby engages and employs Employee as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, and Employee hereby accepts such engagement and employment as the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, for the term of this Agreement as long as Employee desires to serve. It is expected that the employment duties will be reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and Employee shall have such duties, authorities and responsibilities commensurate with the duties, authorities and responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies.

 

(b) Employee shall devote at least sixty percent (60%) of her professional time under this Agreement attending to the business of the Corporation at the Corporation’s office in Kansas City, Missouri. Employee may not engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business, investment, or activity that interferes with Employee’s performance of Employee’s duties hereunder, is contrary to the interest of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or requires any significant portion of Employee’s business time.  The foregoing notwithstanding, the parties recognize and agree that Employee may engage in personal investments, other business activities and civic, charitable or religious activities which do not conflict with the business and affairs of the Corporation or interfere with Employee’s performance of his duties hereunder.  Employee may not serve on the board of directors of any entity other than the Corporation and one Mutual Fund Board during the Term (as hereinafter defined) without the written approval of the Board of Directors with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.  Employee shall be permitted to retain any compensation received for approved service on any unaffiliated corporation’s board of directors.

 

(c) The Corporation shall provide a computer and office for Employee.

 

2. TERM

 

1. The initial term (the “ Initial Term ”) of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and, subject to the further provisions of this Agreement, shall end on December 31, 2018 (the “ Expiration Date ”); provided, however, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods (“ Renewal Term ”) unless, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, either party gives written notice to the other party specifically electing to terminate this Agreement at the end of the Initial Term or any such Renewal Term. Employee acknowledges that she is an employee “at-will” and, as such, is free to resign at any time without reason. The Company, likewise, retains the right to terminate Employee’s employment at any time with or without reason or notice. Nothing contained in this Agreement or any oral statement made by any Company representatives or any other document provided to the Employee is intended to be, nor should it be, construed as a guarantee that employment or any benefit will be continued for any period of time.

 

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3. COMPENSATION

 

(a) As compensation for the performance of her duties on behalf of the Corporation, Employee shall receive the following:

 

(i) BASE SALARY. Employee shall receive an annual base salary of One Hundred Thirty Thousand ($130,000) for the Term (the “Base Salary”), payable in biweekly installments.

 

(ii) BONUS. Employee shall be eligible for an annual bonus equal to a percentage of her Base Salary, payable in cash or equity. Any bonus that may be awarded will be in the sole and absolute discretion of both the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors of the Corporation; provided , that the Corporation shall endeavor to apply the same percentage of Base Salary for determining Employee’s bonus as it applies for determining the Chief Executive Officer’s annual bonus. The amount of any such bonus shall depend on the achievement by the Employee and/or the Corporation of certain objectives to be established by the Chief Executive Officer in consultation with the Employee, along with such other factors the Board and Compensation Committee deems relevant. Any such bonus for a given fiscal year shall be payable in one lump sum upon approval by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or the Compensation Committee, which shall be obtained at the same time as the bonuses paid to other executive officers.

 

(b) The Corporation shall reimburse Employee for all normal, usual and necessary expenses incurred by Employee, including all travel, lodging and entertainment, against receipt by the Corporation, as the case may be, of appropriate vouchers or other proof of Employee’s expenditures and otherwise in accordance with such expense reimbursement policy as may from time to time be adopted by the Corporation.

 

(c) Employee shall be entitled to two (2) weeks paid vacation and sick leave in accordance with the Corporation’s policies. The Corporation shall provide Employee and her family with healthcare coverage pursuant to the Corporation’s healthcare insurance policy plan as well as any other benefits provided to the Corporation’s officers.

 

(d) In addition to the foregoing payments, if the Corporation terminates Employee’s employment without Just Cause (as defined in Section 8 below) or Employee terminates employment with the Corporation for Good Reason (as defined in Section 8 below) at any time after the initial six months of the Term, the Corporation shall pay to the Employee as a severance benefit, an amount as set forth in Section 8(g).

 

4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY EMPLOYEE

 

Employee hereby represents and warrants to the Corporation as follows:

 

(a) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the performance by Employee of her duties and other obligations hereunder violates or will violate any statute, law, determination or award, or conflict with or constitute a default under (whether immediately, upon the giving of notice or lapse of time or both) any prior employment agreement, contract, or other instrument to which Employee is a party or by which she is bound.

 

(b) Employee has the full right, power and legal capacity to enter and deliver this Agreement and to perform her duties and other obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Employee enforceable against her in accordance with its terms. No approvals or consents of any persons or entities are required for Employee to execute and deliver this Agreement or perform her duties and other obligations hereunder.

 

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5. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

 

(a) Employee agrees that during the course of her employment or at any time thereafter, she will not disclose or make accessible to any other person, the Corporation’s products, services and technology, both current and under development, promotion and marketing programs, lists, trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary business information of the Corporation or any affiliates or any of their clients. Employee agrees: (i) not to use any such information for herself or others, and (ii) not to take any such material or reproductions thereof from the Corporation’s facilities at any time during her employment by the Corporation other than to perform her duties hereunder. Employee agrees immediately to return all such material and reproductions thereof in her possession to the Corporation upon request and in any event upon termination of employment.

 

(b) Except within the scope of her duties as Chief Financial Officer or with the prior written authorization by the Corporation, Employee agrees not to disclose or publish any of the confidential, technical or business information or material of the Corporation, its clients or any other party to whom the Corporation owes an obligation of confidence, at any time during or after her employment with the Corporation.

 

(c) In the event that Employee breaches any provisions of this Section 5 or there is a threatened breach, then, in addition to any other rights which the Corporation may have, the Corporation shall be entitled, without the posting of a bond or other security, to injunctive relief to enforce the restrictions contained herein. In the event that an actual proceeding is brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Section 5, Employee shall not urge as a defense that there is an adequate remedy at law, nor shall the Corporation be prevented from seeking any other remedies which may be available. In addition, Employee agrees that in the event that her breaches the covenants in this Section 5, in addition to any other rights that the Corporation may have, Employee shall be required to pay to the Corporation any amounts she receives in connection with such breach. This Section 5 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

(d) Employee recognizes that in the course of her duties hereunder, she may receive from the Corporation or others information which may be considered “material, non-public information” concerning a public company that is subject to the reporting requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Employee agrees not to:

 

(i) Buy or sell any security, option, bond or warrant while in possession of relevant material, non-public information received from the Corporation or others in connection herewith, and

 

(ii) Provide the Corporation with information with respect to any public company that may be considered material, non-public information, unless first specifically agreed to in writing by the Corporation.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1833(b), Employee shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (1) is made in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

 

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Notwithstanding the above, or any other provision in this Agreement, Employee may report possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or make other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Employee may also provide confidential information in connection with an administrative or regulatory proceeding commenced by a Wells Notice or non-party proceeding and to respond to subpoenas issued in connection therewith. Employee understands that she does not need the prior authorization of the Corporation to make any such reports or disclosures and Employee is not required to notify the Corporation that Employee has made such reports or disclosures. In addition, notwithstanding the above, or any other provision in this Agreement pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1833(b), Employee shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (1) is made in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

 

6. INVENTIONS DISCOVERED BY EMPLOYEE

 

Employee shall promptly disclose to the Corporation any invention, improvement, discovery, process, formula, or method or other intellectual property, whether or not patentable or copyrightable (collectively, “Inventions”), conceived or first reduced to practice by Employee, either alone or jointly with others, while performing services hereunder (or, if based on any Confidential Information, within one (1) year after the Term), (a) which pertain to any line of business activity of the Corporation, whether then conducted or then being actively planned by the Corporation, with which Employee was or is involved, (b) which is developed using time, material or facilities of the Corporation, whether or not during working hours or on the Corporation premises, or (c) which directly relates to any of Employee’s work during the Term, whether or not during normal working hours. Employee hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Corporation all of Employee’s right, title and interest in and to any such Inventions. Employee agrees to cooperate fully with the Company, both during and after her employment with the Company, with respect to the procurement, maintenance and enforcement of copyrights and patents (both in the United States and foreign countries) relating to Inventions. During and after the Term, Employee shall execute any documents necessary to perfect the assignment of such Inventions to the Corporation and to enable the Corporation to apply for, obtain and enforce patents, trademarks and copyrights in any and all countries on such Inventions, including, without limitation, the execution of any instruments and the giving of evidence and testimony, without further compensation beyond Employee’s agreed compensation during the course of Employee’s employment (i.e. Employee will be compensated at the equivalent hourly rate in place at the time of termination and all related out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Corporation’s policies and procedures). Without limiting the foregoing, Employee further acknowledges that all original works of authorship by Employee, whether created alone or jointly with others, related to Employee’s employment with the Corporation and which are protectable by copyright, are “works made for hire” within the meaning of the United States Copyright Act, 17 U. S. C. (S) 101, as amended, and the copyright of which shall be owned solely, completely and exclusively by the Corporation. If any Invention is considered to be work not included in the categories of work covered by the United States Copyright Act, 17 U. S. C. (S) 101, as amended, such work is hereby assigned or transferred completely and exclusively to the Corporation. Employee hereby irrevocably designates counsel to the Corporation as Employee’s agent and attorney-in-fact to do all lawful acts necessary to apply for and obtain patents and copyrights and to enforce the Corporation’s rights under this Section. This Section 6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Any assignment of copyright hereunder includes all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights” (collectively “Moral Rights”). To the extent such Moral Rights cannot be assigned under applicable law and to the extent the following is allowed by the laws in the various countries where Moral Rights exist, Employee hereby waives such Moral Rights and consents to any action of the Corporation that would violate such Moral Rights in the absence of such consent. Employee agrees to confirm any such waivers and consents from time to time as requested by the Corporation.

 

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7. NON-COMPETE; NON-SOLICITATION

 

(a) NON-COMPETE.  For a period commencing on the date hereof and ending one (1) year after the date Employee ceases to be employed by the Corporation (the “Non-Competition Period”), Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, either for herself or any other person, own, manage, control, materially participate in, invest in, permit her name to be used by, act as consultant or advisor to, render material services for (alone or in association with any person, firm, corporation or other business organization) or otherwise assist in any manner any business which develops, markets or sells products that are directly competitive with the products being sold by the Corporation at the time of termination (collectively, a “Competitor”).  Nothing herein shall prohibit Employee from being a passive owner of not more than five percent (5%) of the equity securities of a Competitor which is publicly traded, so long as she has no active participation in the business of such Competitor.

 

(b) NON-SOLICITATION.  During the Non-Competition Period, Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) induce or attempt to induce or aid others in inducing anyone working at or for the Corporation to cease working at or for the Corporation, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Corporation and anyone working at or for the Corporation except in the proper exercise of Employee’s authority or (ii) in any way interfere with the relationship between the Corporation and any customer, supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Corporation.

 

(c) SCOPE. If, at the time of enforcement of this Section 7, a court shall hold that the duration, scope, area or other restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties agree that the maximum duration, scope, area or other restrictions reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated duration, scope, area or other restrictions.

 

(d) INDEPENDENT AGREEMENT. The covenants made in this Section 7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

8. TERMINATION

 

Employee’s employment hereunder shall continue as set forth in Section 2 hereof unless terminated upon the first to occur of the following events:

 

(a) Employee’s death.

 

(b) Employee’s “Disability”, meaning Employee’s incapacity, due to physical or mental illness, which results in Employee having been absent from fully performing her duties with the Corporation for a continuous period of more than thirty (30) days or more than sixty (60) days in any period of three hundred sixty-five (365) consecutive days, subject to applicable law. In the event that the Corporation intends to terminate the employment of Employee by reason of Disability, the Corporation shall give Employee no less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of the Corporation’s intention to terminate Employee’s employment.  The Employee agrees, in the event of any dispute hereunder as to whether a Disability exists, and if requested by the Corporation, to submit to a physical examination in the state of the Corporation’s Employee offices by a licensed physician selected by mutual agreement between the Corporation and the Employee, the cost of such examination to be paid by the Corporation. The written medical opinion of such physician shall be conclusive and binding upon each of the parties hereto as to whether a Disability exists and the date when such Disability arose. If Employee refuses to submit to appropriate examinations by such physician at the request of the Corporation, the determination of the Employee’s Disability by the Corporation in good faith will be conclusive as to whether such Disability exists. This Agreement shall be interpreted and applied so as to comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (to the extent that it is applicable) and any other applicable laws regarding disability.

 

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(c) “Just Cause”, meaning the Employee’s:

 

(i) acts of embezzlement or misappropriation of funds, or fraud;

 

(ii) conviction of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or theft;

 

(iii) willful unauthorized disclosure of confidential information belonging to the Corporation or entrusted to the Corporation by a client;

 

(iv) material violation of any provision of the Agreement, which is not cured by Employee within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice of such violation by the Corporation;

 

(v) being under the influence of drugs (other than prescription medicine or other medically-related drugs to the extent that they are taken in accordance with their directions) during the performance of Employee’s duties under this Agreement;

 

(vi) engaging in conduct that violates the Corporation’s non- discrimination/harassment policy and warrants termination; or

 

(vii) willful failure to perform her written assigned tasks, where such failure is attributable to the fault of Employee, gross insubordination, or dereliction of fiduciary obligations which are not cured by Employee within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice of such violation by the Corporation.

 

In the event that the Corporation intends to terminate the employment of Employee by reason of Just Cause, the Corporation shall give Employee written notice of the Corporation’s intention to terminate Employee’s employment, and such termination may be effective immediately, unless a cure period applies, in which case the termination date may not precede the expiration date of the applicable cure period.

 

(d) “Without Just Cause”, meaning written notice by the Corporation to Employee of a termination without Just Cause and other than due to death or Disability.

 

(e) “Good Reason”, meaning a material breach by the Corporation of the terms of this Agreement, which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after notice thereof from Employee. In the event that Employee intends to terminate her employment for Good Reason, Employee shall give the Corporation written notice of her intention to terminate her employment, and such termination may be effective immediately, unless a cure period applies, in which case the termination date may not precede the expiration date of the applicable cure period.

 

(f) “Without Good Reason”, meaning written notice by Employee to the Corporation of a termination without Good Reason.

 

(g) If Employee’s employment hereunder is terminated for any reason under this Section 8, Employee or her estate, as the case may be, will only be entitled to receive the accrued Base Salary, vacation pay, expense reimbursement, to the extent not previously paid (the sum of the amounts described in this subsection shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Accrued Obligations”); provided, however, that if Employee’s employment is terminated by the Corporation Without Just Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason, then in addition to paying Accrued Obligations, the Corporation shall pay to the Employee as a severance benefit, an amount equal to three months’ Base Salary provided that Employee first executes and does not revoke a release and settlement agreement in form acceptable to the Corporation releasing the Corporation from all claims arising for her employment. The severance shall be paid to the Employee in substantially equal monthly payments on the same payroll schedule that was applicable to Employee immediately prior to his separation from service commencing on the first such payroll date on or following the date the required release of claims becomes effective.

 

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(h) The Company may do all permissible things, and take all permissible action, necessary or advisable, in the Company’s discretion, to protect its rights under Sections 5, 6 and 7, including without limitation notifying any subsequent employer of Employee of the existence of (and furnishing to any such employer) the provisions of this Agreement.

 

9. NO DISPARAGEMENT

 

Employee agrees that during the course of her employment or at any time thereafter, she shall refrain and cause her agents, family and/or representatives to refrain from (i) all conduct, verbal or otherwise, which would materially damage the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Corporation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, agents and related parties and their respective principals, owners (direct or indirect), members, directors, officers, agents, servants, employees, successors and assigns (collectively, the “the Corporation Related Parties”) and (ii) referring to or in any way commenting on the Corporation and/or any of the other the Corporation Related Parties in or through the general media or any public domain (including without limitation, internet websites, blogs, chat rooms and the like), which would materially damage, the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Corporation and/or any of the Corporation Related Parties. The Corporation agrees that during the course of Employee’s employment or at any time thereafter, it shall refrain from (i) all conduct, verbal or otherwise, which would materially damage the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Employee and (ii) referring to or in any way commenting on the Employee in or through the general media or any public domain (including without limitation, internet websites, blogs, chat rooms and the like), which would materially damage, the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Employee.

 

10. NOTICES

 

Any notice or other communication under this Agreement shall be in person or in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: (i) when delivered personally against receipt therefor, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by Federal Express or similar overnight delivery, (iii) three (3) days after being mailed registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to either party at the address set forth above, or to such other address as such party shall give by notice hereunder to the other party, or (iv) when sent by electronic mail, facsimile, followed by oral confirmation and with a hard copy sent as in (ii) or (iii) above.

 

11. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS

 

If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced in whole or in part, such provision shall be interpreted so as to remain enforceable to the maximum extent permissible consistent with applicable law and the remaining conditions and provisions or portions thereof shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect and enforceable to the extent they are valid, legal and enforceable, and no provision shall be deemed dependent upon any other covenant or provision unless so expressed herein.

 

12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT MODIFICATION

 

This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and the parties hereto have made no agreements, representations or warranties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement which are not set forth herein. No modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

 

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13. BINDING EFFECT

 

The rights, benefits, duties and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to, and be binding upon, the Corporation, its successors and assigns, and upon Employee and her legal representatives. This Agreement constitutes a personal service agreement, and the performance of Employee’s obligations hereunder may not be transferred or assigned by Employee. This Agreement cannot be assigned by Employer without the written consent of Employee.

 

14. NON-WAIVER

 

The failure of either party to insist upon the strict performance of any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of future compliance therewith, and said terms, conditions and provisions shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement on the part of either party shall be effective for any purpose whatsoever unless such waiver is in writing and signed by such party.

 

15. RIGHT TO INJUNCTION.

 

The Employee recognizes that the services to be rendered by her hereunder are of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary and intellectual character involving skill of the highest order and giving them peculiar value, the loss of which cannot be adequately compensated for in damages. In the event of a breach of this Agreement by Employee, subject to Section 16 below the Corporation shall be entitled to injunctive relief or any other legal or equitable remedies. Employee agrees that the Corporation may recover by appropriate action the amount of the actual damage caused the Corporation by any failure, refusal or neglect of Employee to perform her agreements, representations and warranties herein contained. The remedies provided in this Agreement shall be deemed cumulative and the exercise of one shall not preclude the exercise of any other remedy at law or in equity for the same event or any other event.

 

16. GOVERNING LAW, DISPUTE RESOLUTION

 

This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Missouri of the United States of America without regard to principles of conflict of laws. To ensure the rapid and economical resolution of disputes that may arise in connection with the Employee’s employment with the Corporation, the Employee and the Corporation both agree that any and all disputes, claims, or causes of action, in law or equity, including but not limited to statutory claims, arising from or relating to the enforcement, breach, performance, or interpretation of this Agreement, the Employee’s employment with the Company, or the termination of the Employee’s employment from the Corporation will be resolved pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §1-16, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, by final, binding and confidential arbitration conducted in Delaware by JAMS, Inc. (“ JAMS ”) or its successors. Both the Employee and the Corporation acknowledge that by agreeing to this arbitration procedure, each waives the right to resolve any such dispute through a trial by jury or judge or administrative proceeding. Any such arbitration proceeding will be governed by JAMS’ then applicable rules and procedures for employment disputes, which can be found at http://www.jamsadr.com/rules-clauses/ , and which will be provided to the Employee upon request. In any such proceeding, the arbitrator shall: (i) have the authority to compel adequate discovery for the resolution of the dispute and to award such relief as would otherwise be permitted by law; and (ii) issue a written arbitration decision including the arbitrator’s essential findings and conclusions and a statement of the award. The Employee and the Corporation each shall be entitled to all rights and remedies that either would be entitled to pursue in a court of law; provided, however, that in no event shall the arbitrator be empowered to hear or determine any class or collective claim of any type. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to prevent either the Corporation or the Employee from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration pursuant to applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 16 shall prevent the Corporation from seeking and obtaining a judicial junction in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce a violation of Section 6,7 or 8 or 9 of this Agreement. Employee hereby agrees to waive a jury and filing of a bond for any such action by the Corporation.

 

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The state or federal courts in the State of Missouri, County of Jackson, shall be the exclusive jurisdiction for any disputes arising under this Agreement and the parties hereby consent to such jurisdiction. The prevailing party in any legal proceeding to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be entitled to receive its reasonable attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with such proceeding, in addition to any other relief it may be granted.

 

17. HEADINGS

 

The headings of paragraphs are inserted for convenience and shall not affect any interpretation of this Agreement.

 

18. FACSIMILE SIGNATURES

 

The parties hereby agree that, for purposes of the execution of this Agreement, facsimile signatures shall constitute original signatures.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

Corporation:

 

DERMADOCTOR, LLC

 

By: /s/ Jeff Kunin, COO  
Title: Authorized agent  
     
Employee:   
     
/s/ Andrea Bielsker  
Name: Andrea Bielsker  

 

 

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Exhibit 10.8

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated March 10, 2018 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (the “ Company ”), with a principal business address at 1901 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, and the undersigned employee (the “ Employee ”), an individual with a residential address as set forth below the Employee’s signature block. This Agreement supersedes and replaces in its entirety that certain Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2016 entered into by and between the Company and the Employee.

 

1.            EMPLOYMENT; DUTIES

 

(a)       The Company hereby engages and employs Employee as Chief Creative Officer of the Company, and Employee hereby accepts such engagement and employment as the Chief Creative Officer of the Company, for the term of this Agreement as long as Employee desires to serve. It is expected that the employment duties will be reporting directly to the Board of Directors of the Company and Employee shall have such duties, authorities and responsibilities commensurate with the duties, authorities and responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies.

 

(b)       Employee shall devote substantially all of her professional time under this Agreement attending to the business of the Company. Executive’s services shall be performed principally at the Company’s headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. However, from time to time, Executive may also be required by her job responsibilities to travel on Company business, and Executive agrees to do so. Executive shall not be required to relocate from the Kansas City, Missouri area. Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be Executive’s exclusive employment during the term of this Agreement. Employee may not engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business, investment, or activity that interferes with Employee’s performance of Employee’s duties hereunder, is contrary to the interest of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or requires any significant portion of Employee’s business time.  The foregoing notwithstanding, the parties recognize and agree that Employee may engage in personal investments, other business activities and civic, charitable or religious activities which do not conflict with the business and affairs of the Company or interfere with Employee’s performance of her duties hereunder.  Employee may not serve on the board of directors of any entity other than the Company without the written approval of the Board of Directors with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.  Employee shall be permitted to retain any compensation received for approved service on any unaffiliated corporation’s board of directors.

 

(c)       The Company shall provide a computer and office for Employee.

 

2.            TERM

 

The initial term (the “ Initial Term ”) of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and, subject to the further provisions of this Agreement, shall end on the earlier of: (i) four (4) years from the Effective Date of this Agreement or (ii) termination under Section 8 of this Agreement (the “ Expiration Date ”); provided, however, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods (“ Renewal Term ”) unless, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, either party gives written notice to the other party specifically electing to terminate this Agreement at the end of the Initial Term or any such Renewal Term. Employee acknowledges that he is an employee “at-will” and, as such, is free to resign at any time without reason. The Company, likewise, retains the right to terminate Employee’s employment at any time with or without reason or notice. Nothing contained in this Agreement or any oral statement made by any Company representatives or any other document provided to the Employee is intended to be, nor should it be, construed as a guarantee that employment or any benefit will be continued for any period of time.

 

 

 

 

3.            COMPENSATION

 

(a)       As compensation for the performance of her duties on behalf of the Company, Employee shall receive the following:

 

(i)      BASE SALARY. Employee shall receive an annual base salary of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000) for the Term (the “ Base Salary ”), payable in biweekly installments; provided , however , that from and after the consummation of an initial public offering by the Company, the Base Salary for the remainder of the Term shall increase to Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) .

 

(ii)     BONUS. Employee shall be eligible for (a) an annual performance bonus of up to 150% of her Base Salary, which bonus shall be payable in cash; and (b) an annual performance bonus in an amount determined in the discretion of both the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company, which bonus shall be payable in equity. Any bonus that may be awarded will be in the sole and absolute discretion of both the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company. The amount of any such bonus shall depend on the achievement by the Employee and/or the Company of certain objectives to be established by the Board of Directors in consultation with the Employee, along with such other factors the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee deem relevant. Any such bonus for a given fiscal year shall be payable in no more than two payments (i.e., one payment in cash and one payable in equity) upon approval by the Board of Directors of the Company or the Compensation Committee, which shall be obtained at the same time as the bonuses paid to other executive officers of the Company.    

 

(b)       The Company shall reimburse Employee for all normal, usual and necessary expenses incurred by Employee, including all travel, lodging and entertainment, against receipt by the Company, as the case may be, of appropriate vouchers or other proof of Employee’s expenditures and otherwise in accordance with such expense reimbursement policy as may from time to time be adopted by the Company.

 

(c)       Employee shall be entitled to six (6) weeks paid vacation and sick leave in accordance with the Company’s policies. The Company shall provide Employee and her family with healthcare coverage pursuant to the Company’s healthcare insurance policy plan as well as any other benefits provided to the Company’s officers.

 

(d)       In addition to the foregoing payments, if the Company terminates Employee’s employment without Just Cause (as defined in Section 8 below) or Employee terminates employment with the Company for Good Reason (as defined in Section 8 below) at any time after the initial six months of the Term, the Company shall pay to the Employee as a severance benefit, an amount as set forth in Section 8(g).

 

(e)        At the first meeting of the Board of Directors after the consummation of the Company’s initial public offering, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Company shall grant to Executive an incentive stock option to purchase a number of shares of the Company’s publicly traded common stock as determined by the Board of Directors in its discretion (the “ Option ”) pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plan to be adopted in (the “ Plan ”) with an exercise price per share equal to the closing price of the common stock on the grant date, vesting monthly on a pro rata basis over a four (4) year period; provided, however, that if a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan) should occur within the first twelve months of employment, the Option shall fully vest upon the occurrence of the Change of Control.  Any vested portion of the Option will remain exercisable for a period of ten (10) years from the grant date, unless such exercise rights are terminated earlier per the Plan. Other terms of the Option, including the period to exercise vested options following termination of employment with the Company, shall be according to the Plan and the Company’s stock option agreement.

 

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4.            REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY EMPLOYEE

 

Employee hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

 

(a)       Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the performance by Employee of her duties and other obligations hereunder violates or will violate any statute, law, determination or award, or conflict with or constitute a default under (whether immediately, upon the giving of notice or lapse of time or both) any prior employment agreement, contract, or other instrument to which Employee is a party or by which he is bound.

 

(b)       Employee has the full right, power and legal capacity to enter and deliver this Agreement and to perform her duties and other obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Employee enforceable against her in accordance with its terms. No approvals or consents of any persons or entities are required for Employee to execute and deliver this Agreement or perform her duties and other obligations hereunder.

 

5.            CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

 

(a)       Employee agrees that during the course of her employment or at any time thereafter, he will not disclose or make accessible to any other person, the Company’s products, services and technology, both current and under development, promotion and marketing programs, lists, trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary business information of the Company or any affiliates or any of their clients. Employee agrees: (i) not to use any such information for herself or others, and (ii) not to take any such material or reproductions thereof from the Company’s facilities at any time during her employment by the Company other than to perform her duties hereunder. Employee agrees immediately to return all such material and reproductions thereof in her possession to the Company upon request and in any event upon termination of employment.

 

(b)        Except within the scope of her duties as Chief Creative Officer or with the prior written authorization by the Company, Employee agrees not to disclose or publish any of the confidential, technical or business information or material of the Company, its clients or any other party to whom the Company owes an obligation of confidence, at any time during or after her employment with the Company.

 

(c)      In the event that Employee breaches any provisions of this Section 5 or there is a threatened breach, then, in addition to any other rights which the Company may have, the Company shall be entitled, without the posting of a bond or other security, to injunctive relief to enforce the restrictions contained herein. In the event that an actual proceeding is brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Section 5, Employee shall not urge as a defense that there is an adequate remedy at law, nor shall the Company be prevented from seeking any other remedies which may be available. In addition, Employee agrees that in the event that her breaches the covenants in this Section 5, in addition to any other rights that the Company may have, Employee shall be required to pay to the Company any amounts he receives in connection with such breach. This Section 5 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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(d)      Employee recognizes that in the course of her duties hereunder, he may receive from the Company or others information which may be considered “material, non-public information” concerning a public company that is subject to the reporting requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Employee agrees not to:

 

(i)       Buy or sell any security, option, bond or warrant while in possession of relevant material, non-public information received from the Company or others in connection herewith, and

 

(ii)      Provide the Company with information with respect to any public company that may be considered material, non-public information, unless first specifically agreed to in writing by the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1833(b), Employee shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (1) is made in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

 

Notwithstanding the above, or any other provision in this Agreement, Employee may report possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or make other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Employee may also provide confidential information in connection with an administrative or regulatory proceeding commenced by a Wells Notice or non-party proceeding and to respond to subpoenas issued in connection therewith. Employee understands that he does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and Employee is not required to notify the Company that Employee has made such reports or disclosures. In addition, notwithstanding the above, or any other provision in this Agreement pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1833(b), Employee shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (1) is made in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

 

6.            INVENTIONS DISCOVERED BY EMPLOYEE

 

Employee shall promptly disclose to the Company any invention, improvement, discovery, process, formula, or method or other intellectual property, whether or not patentable or copyrightable (collectively, “ Inventions ”), conceived or first reduced to practice by Employee, either alone or jointly with others, while performing services hereunder (or, if based on any Confidential Information, within one (1) year after the Term), (a) which pertain to any line of business activity of the Company, whether then conducted or then being actively planned by the Company, with which Employee was or is involved, (b) which is developed using time, material or facilities of the Company, whether or not during working hours or on the Company premises, or (c) which directly relates to any of Employee’s work during the Term, whether or not during normal working hours. Employee hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Company all of Employee’s right, title and interest in and to any such Inventions. Employee agrees to cooperate fully with the Company, both during and after her employment with the Company, with respect to the procurement, maintenance and enforcement of copyrights and patents (both in the United States and foreign countries) relating to Inventions. During and after the Term, Employee shall execute any documents necessary to perfect the assignment of such Inventions to the Company and to enable the Company to apply for, obtain and enforce patents, trademarks and copyrights in any and all countries on such Inventions, including, without limitation, the execution of any instruments and the giving of evidence and testimony, without further compensation beyond Employee’s agreed compensation during the course of Employee’s employment (i.e., Employee will be compensated at the equivalent hourly rate in place at the time of termination and all related out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures). Without limiting the foregoing, Employee further acknowledges that all original works of authorship by Employee, whether created alone or jointly with others, related to Employee’s employment with the Company and which are protectable by copyright, are “works made for hire” within the meaning of the United States Copyright Act, 17 U. S. C. (S) 101, as amended, and the copyright of which shall be owned solely, completely and exclusively by the Company. If any Invention is considered to be work not included in the categories of work covered by the United States Copyright Act, 17 U. S. C. (S) 101, as amended, such work is hereby assigned or transferred completely and exclusively to the Company. Employee hereby irrevocably designates counsel to the Company as Employee’s agent and attorney-in-fact to do all lawful acts necessary to apply for and obtain patents and copyrights and to enforce the Company’s rights under this Section. This Section 6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Any assignment of copyright hereunder includes all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights” (collectively “ Moral Rights ”). To the extent such Moral Rights cannot be assigned under applicable law and to the extent the following is allowed by the laws in the various countries where Moral Rights exist, Employee hereby waives such Moral Rights and consents to any action of the Company that would violate such Moral Rights in the absence of such consent. Employee agrees to confirm any such waivers and consents from time to time as requested by the Company.

 

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7.            NON-COMPETE; NON-SOLICITATION

 

(a)       NON-COMPETE.  For a period commencing on the date hereof and ending one (1) year after the date Employee ceases to be employed by the Company (the “ Non-Competition Period ”), Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, either for herself or any other person, own, manage, control, materially participate in, invest in, permit her name to be used by, act as consultant or advisor to, render material services for (alone or in association with any person, firm, corporation or other business organization) or otherwise assist in any manner any business which develops, markets or sells products that are directly competitive with the products being sold by the Company at the time of termination (collectively, a “ Competitor ”).  Nothing herein shall prohibit Employee from being a passive owner of not more than five percent (5%) of the equity securities of a Competitor which is publicly traded, so long as he has no active participation in the business of such Competitor.

 

(b)       NON-SOLICITATION.  During the Non-Competition Period, Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) induce or attempt to induce or aid others in inducing anyone working at or for the Company to cease working at or for the Company, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company and anyone working at or for the Company except in the proper exercise of Employee’s authority or (ii) in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company and any customer, supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Company.

 

(c)       SCOPE.  If, at the time of enforcement of this Section 7, a court shall hold that the duration, scope, area or other restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties agree that the maximum duration, scope, area or other restrictions reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated duration, scope, area or other restrictions.

 

(d)       INDEPENDENT AGREEMENT.  The covenants made in this Section 7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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8.            TERMINATION

 

Employee’s employment hereunder shall continue as set forth in Section 2 hereof unless terminated upon the first to occur of the following events:

 

(a)       Employee’s death.

 

(b)       Employee’s “ Disability ”, meaning Employee’s incapacity, due to physical or mental illness, which results in Employee having been absent from fully performing her duties with the Company for a continuous period of more than thirty (30) days or more than sixty (60) days in any period of three hundred sixty-five (365) consecutive days, subject to applicable law. In the event that the Company intends to terminate the employment of Employee by reason of Disability, the Company shall give Employee no less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of the Company’s intention to terminate Employee’s employment.  The Employee agrees, in the event of any dispute hereunder as to whether a Disability exists, and if requested by the Company, to submit to a physical examination in the state of the Company’s Employee offices by a licensed physician selected by mutual agreement between the Company and the Employee, the cost of such examination to be paid by the Company. The written medical opinion of such physician shall be conclusive and binding upon each of the parties hereto as to whether a Disability exists and the date when such Disability arose. If Employee refuses to submit to appropriate examinations by such physician at the request of the Company, the determination of the Employee’s Disability by the Company in good faith will be conclusive as to whether such Disability exists. This Agreement shall be interpreted and applied so as to comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (to the extent that it is applicable) and any other applicable laws regarding disability.

 

(c)      “ Just Cause ”, meaning the Employee’s:

 

(i)       acts of embezzlement or misappropriation of funds, or fraud;

 

(ii)      conviction of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or theft;

 

(iii)     willful unauthorized disclosure of confidential information belonging to the Company or entrusted to the Company by a client;

 

(iv)     material violation of any provision of the Agreement, which is not cured by Employee within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice of such violation by the Company;

 

(v)      being under the influence of drugs (other than prescription medicine or other medically-related drugs to the extent that they are taken in accordance with their directions) during the performance of Employee’s duties under this Agreement;

 

(vi)     engaging in conduct that violates the Company’s non- discrimination/harassment policy and warrants termination; or

 

(vii)    willful failure to perform her written assigned tasks, where such failure is attributable to the fault of Employee, gross insubordination, or dereliction of fiduciary obligations which are not cured by Employee within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice of such violation by the Company.

 

In the event that the Company intends to terminate the employment of Employee by reason of Just Cause, the Company shall give Employee written notice of the Company’s intention to terminate Employee’s employment, and such termination may be effective immediately, unless a cure period applies, in which case the termination date may not precede the expiration date of the applicable cure period.

 

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(d)     “ Without Just Cause ”, meaning written notice by the Company to Employee of a termination without Just Cause and other than due to death or Disability.

 

(e)       “ Good Reason ”, meaning a material breach by the Company of the terms of this Agreement, which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after notice thereof from Employee or the relocation of the Company’s headquarters outside of the Kansas City, Missouri area. In the event that Employee intends to terminate her employment for Good Reason, Employee shall give the Company written notice of her intention to terminate her employment, and such termination may be effective immediately, unless a cure period applies, in which case the termination date may not precede the expiration date of the applicable cure period.

 

(f)       “ Without Good Reason ”, meaning written notice by Employee to the Company of a termination without Good Reason.

 

(g)       If Employee’s employment hereunder is terminated for any reason under this Section 8, Employee or her estate, as the case may be, will only be entitled to receive the accrued Base Salary, vacation pay, expense reimbursement, to the extent not previously paid (the sum of the amounts described in this subsection shall be hereinafter referred to as the “ Accrued Obligations ”); provided, however, that if Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company Without Just Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason, then in addition to paying Accrued Obligations, the Company shall pay to the Employee as a severance benefit, an amount equal to one year Base Salary provided that Employee first executes and does not revoke a release and settlement agreement in form acceptable to the Company releasing the Company from all claims arising for her employment. The severance shall be paid to the Employee in substantially equal monthly payments on the same payroll schedule that was applicable to Employee immediately prior to her separation from service commencing on the first such payroll date on or following the date the required release of claims becomes effective.

 

(h)        The Company may do all permissible things, and take all permissible action, necessary or advisable, in the Company’s discretion, to protect its rights under Sections 5, 6 and 7, including without limitation notifying any subsequent employer of Employee of the existence of (and furnishing to any such employer) the provisions of this Agreement.

 

9.            NO DISPARAGEMENT

 

Employee agrees that during the course of her employment or at any time thereafter, he shall refrain and cause her agents, family and/or representatives to refrain from (a) all conduct, verbal or otherwise, which would materially damage the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Company, its affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, agents and related parties and their respective principals, owners (direct or indirect), members, directors, officers, agents, servants, employees, successors and assigns (collectively, the “ Corporation Related Parties ”) and (b) referring to or in any way commenting on the Company and/or any of the other the Company Related Parties in or through the general media or any public domain (including without limitation, internet websites, blogs, chat rooms and the like), which would materially damage, the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Company and/or any of the Company Related Parties. The Company agrees that during the course of Employee’s employment or at any time thereafter, it shall refrain from (i) all conduct, verbal or otherwise, which would materially damage the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Employee and (ii) referring to or in any way commenting on the Employee in or through the general media or any public domain (including without limitation, internet websites, blogs, chat rooms and the like), which would materially damage, the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Employee.

 

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10.          NOTICES

 

Any notice or other communication under this Agreement shall be in person or in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: (i) when delivered personally against receipt therefor, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by Federal Express or similar overnight delivery, (iii) three (3) days after being mailed registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to either party at the address set forth above, or to such other address as such party shall give by notice hereunder to the other party, or (iv) when sent by electronic mail, facsimile, followed by oral confirmation and with a hard copy sent as in (ii) or (iii) above.

 

11.          SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS

 

If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced in whole or in part, such provision shall be interpreted so as to remain enforceable to the maximum extent permissible consistent with applicable law and the remaining conditions and provisions or portions thereof shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect and enforceable to the extent they are valid, legal and enforceable, and no provision shall be deemed dependent upon any other covenant or provision unless so expressed herein.

 

12.          ENTIRE AGREEMENT MODIFICATION

 

This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and the parties hereto have made no agreements, representations or warranties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement which are not set forth herein. No modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

 

13.          BINDING EFFECT

 

The rights, benefits, duties and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to, and be binding upon, the Company, its successors and assigns, and upon Employee and her legal representatives. This Agreement constitutes a personal service agreement, and the performance of Employee’s obligations hereunder may not be transferred or assigned by Employee. This Agreement cannot be assigned by Employer without the written consent of Employee, except in corporate reorganization in which the Company either converts from a Missouri limited liability company to a Delaware corporation or merge directly or indirectly into a Delaware corporation in which case the rights, benefits, duties and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to, and be binding upon, the Company, its successors and assigns, and upon Employee and her legal representatives.

 

14.          NON-WAIVER

 

The failure of either party to insist upon the strict performance of any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of future compliance therewith, and said terms, conditions and provisions shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement on the part of either party shall be effective for any purpose whatsoever unless such waiver is in writing and signed by such party.

 

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15.          RIGHT TO INJUNCTION

 

The Employee recognizes that the services to be rendered by her hereunder are of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary and intellectual character involving skill of the highest order and giving them peculiar value, the loss of which cannot be adequately compensated for in damages. In the event of a breach of this Agreement by Employee, subject to Section 16 below the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief or any other legal or equitable remedies. Employee agrees that the Company may recover by appropriate action the amount of the actual damage caused the Company by any failure, refusal or neglect of Employee to perform her agreements, representations and warranties herein contained. The remedies provided in this Agreement shall be deemed cumulative and the exercise of one shall not preclude the exercise of any other remedy at law or in equity for the same event or any other event.

 

16.          GOVERNING LAW, DISPUTE RESOLUTION

 

This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Missouri of the United States of America without regard to principles of conflict of laws. To ensure the rapid and economical resolution of disputes that may arise in connection with the Employee’s employment with the Company, the Employee and the Company both agree that any and all disputes, claims, or causes of action, in law or equity, including but not limited to statutory claims, arising from or relating to the enforcement, breach, performance, or interpretation of this Agreement, the Employee’s employment with the Company, or the termination of the Employee’s employment from the Company will be resolved pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §1-16, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, by final, binding and confidential arbitration conducted in Delaware by JAMS, Inc. (“ JAMS ”) or its successors. Both the Employee and the Company acknowledge that by agreeing to this arbitration procedure, each waives the right to resolve any such dispute through a trial by jury or judge or administrative proceeding. Any such arbitration proceeding will be governed by JAMS’ then applicable rules and procedures for employment disputes, which can be found at http://www.jamsadr.com/rules-clauses/ , and which will be provided to the Employee upon request. In any such proceeding, the arbitrator shall: (i) have the authority to compel adequate discovery for the resolution of the dispute and to award such relief as would otherwise be permitted by law; and (ii) issue a written arbitration decision including the arbitrator’s essential findings and conclusions and a statement of the award. The Employee and the Company each shall be entitled to all rights and remedies that either would be entitled to pursue in a court of law; provided, however, that in no event shall the arbitrator be empowered to hear or determine any class or collective claim of any type. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to prevent either the Company or the Employee from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration pursuant to applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 16 shall prevent the Company from seeking and obtaining a judicial junction in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce a violation of Section 6,7 or 8 or 9 of this Agreement. Employee hereby agrees to waive a jury and filing of a bond for any such action by the Company.

 

The state or federal courts in the State of Missouri, County of Jackson, shall be the exclusive jurisdiction for any disputes arising under this Agreement and the parties hereby consent to such jurisdiction. The prevailing party in any legal proceeding to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be entitled to receive its reasonable attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with such proceeding, in addition to any other relief it may be granted.

 

17.          HEADINGS

 

The headings of paragraphs are inserted for convenience and shall not affect any interpretation of this Agreement.

 

18.          FACSIMILE SIGNATURES

 

The parties hereby agree that, for purposes of the execution of this Agreement, facsimile or pdf. signatures shall constitute original signatures.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

Corporation:

 

DERMADOCTOR, LLC

 

By: /s/ Jeff kunin  
  Title:       Authorized agent  

 

Employee:

 

  /s/ Audrey Kunin, M.D.  
Name:  Audrey Kunin, M.D.  

 

 

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Exhibit 10.9

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated March 10, 2018 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (the “ Company ”), with a principal business address at 1901 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, and the undersigned employee (the “ Employee ”), an individual with a residential address as set forth below the Employee’s signature block. This Agreement supersedes and replaces in its entirety that certain Non-Competition Agreement dated January 1, 2016 entered into by and between the Company and the Employee.

 

1.            EMPLOYMENT; DUTIES

 

(a)       The Company hereby engages and employs Employee as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and Employee hereby accepts such engagement and employment as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, for the term of this Agreement as long as Employee desires to serve. It is expected that the employment duties will be reporting directly to the Board of Directors of the Company and Employee shall have such duties, authorities and responsibilities commensurate with the duties, authorities and responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies.

 

(b)       Employee shall devote substantially all of his professional time under this Agreement attending to the business of the Company. Executive’s services shall be performed principally at the Company’s headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. However, from time to time, Executive may also be required by his job responsibilities to travel on Company business, and Executive agrees to do so. Executive shall not be required to relocate from the Kansas City, Missouri area. Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be Executive’s exclusive employment during the term of this Agreement. Employee may not engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business, investment, or activity that interferes with Employee’s performance of Employee’s duties hereunder, is contrary to the interest of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or requires any significant portion of Employee’s business time.  The foregoing notwithstanding, the parties recognize and agree that Employee holds an active medical license and shall retain the right to work during late evenings, weekends and vacations on such matters so long as they do not interfere with Employee’s performance of Employee’s duties hereunder and that Employee may otherwise engage in personal investments, other business activities and civic, charitable or religious activities which do not conflict with the business and affairs of the Company or interfere with Employee’s performance of his duties hereunder.  Employee may not serve on the board of directors of any entity other than the Company without the written approval of the Board of Directors with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.  Employee shall be permitted to retain any compensation received for approved service on any unaffiliated corporation’s board of directors.

 

(c)       The Company shall provide a computer and office for Employee.

 

2.            TERM

 

The initial term (the “ Initial Term ”) of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and, subject to the further provisions of this Agreement, shall end on the earlier of: (i) four (4) years from the Effective Date of this Agreement or (ii) termination under Section 8 of this Agreement (the “ Expiration Date ”); provided, however, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods (“ Renewal Term ”) unless, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, either party gives written notice to the other party specifically electing to terminate this Agreement at the end of the Initial Term or any such Renewal Term. Employee acknowledges that he is an employee “at-will” and, as such, is free to resign at any time without reason. The Company, likewise, retains the right to terminate Employee’s employment at any time with or without reason or notice. Nothing contained in this Agreement or any oral statement made by any Company representatives or any other document provided to the Employee is intended to be, nor should it be, construed as a guarantee that employment or any benefit will be continued for any period of time.

 

 

 

 

3.            COMPENSATION

 

(a)       As compensation for the performance of his duties on behalf of the Company, Employee shall receive the following:

 

(i)        BASE SALARY. Employee shall receive an annual base salary of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000) for the Term (the “ Base Salary ”), payable in biweekly installments; provided , however , that from and after the consummation of an initial public offering by the Company, the Base Salary for the remainder of the Term shall increase to Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000).

 

(ii)       BONUS. Employee shall be eligible for (a) an annual performance bonus of up to 150% of his Base Salary, which bonus shall be payable in cash; and (b) an annual performance bonus in an amount determined in the discretion of both the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company, which bonus shall be payable in equity. Any bonus that may be awarded will be in the sole and absolute discretion of both the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company. The amount of any such bonus shall depend on the achievement by the Employee and/or the Company of certain objectives to be established by the Board of Directors in consultation with the Employee, along with such other factors the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee deem relevant. Any such bonus for a given fiscal year shall be payable in no more than two payments (i.e., one payment in cash and one payable in equity) upon approval by the Board of Directors of the Company or the Compensation Committee, which shall be obtained at the same time as the bonuses paid to other executive officers of the Company.    

 

(b)       The Company shall reimburse Employee for all normal, usual and necessary expenses incurred by Employee, including all travel, lodging and entertainment, against receipt by the Company, as the case may be, of appropriate vouchers or other proof of Employee’s expenditures and otherwise in accordance with such expense reimbursement policy as may from time to time be adopted by the Company.

 

(c)        Employee shall be entitled to six (6) weeks paid vacation and sick leave in accordance with the Company’s policies. The Company shall provide Employee and his family with healthcare coverage pursuant to the Company’s healthcare insurance policy plan as well as any other benefits provided to the Company’s officers.

 

(d)        In addition to the foregoing payments, if the Company terminates Employee’s employment without Just Cause (as defined in Section 8 below) or Employee terminates employment with the Company for Good Reason (as defined in Section 8 below) at any time after the initial six months of the Term, the Company shall pay to the Employee as a severance benefit, an amount as set forth in Section 8(g).

 

(e)        At the first meeting of the Board of Directors held after the consummation of the Company’s initial public offering, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Company shall grant to Executive an incentive stock option to purchase a number of shares of the Company’s publicly traded common stock as determined by the Board of Directors in its discretion (the “ Option ”) pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plan to be adopted in (the “ Plan ”) with an exercise price per share equal to the closing price of the common stock on the grant date, vesting monthly on a pro rata basis over a four (4) year period; provided, however, that if a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan) should occur within the first twelve months of employment, the Option shall fully vest upon the occurrence of the Change of Control.  Any vested portion of the Option will remain exercisable for a period of ten (10) years from the grant date, unless such exercise rights are terminated earlier per the Plan. Other terms of the Option, including the period to exercise vested options following termination of employment with the Company, shall be according to the Plan and the Company’s stock option agreement.

 

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4.            REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY EMPLOYEE

 

Employee hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

 

(a)        Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the performance by Employee of his duties and other obligations hereunder violates or will violate any statute, law, determination or award, or conflict with or constitute a default under (whether immediately, upon the giving of notice or lapse of time or both) any prior employment agreement, contract, or other instrument to which Employee is a party or by which he is bound.

 

(b)        Employee has the full right, power and legal capacity to enter and deliver this Agreement and to perform his duties and other obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Employee enforceable against his in accordance with its terms. No approvals or consents of any persons or entities are required for Employee to execute and deliver this Agreement or perform his duties and other obligations hereunder.

 

5.            CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

 

(a)        Employee agrees that during the course of his employment or at any time thereafter, he will not disclose or make accessible to any other person, the Company’s products, services and technology, both current and under development, promotion and marketing programs, lists, trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary business information of the Company or any affiliates or any of their clients. Employee agrees: (i) not to use any such information for herself or others, and (ii) not to take any such material or reproductions thereof from the Company’s facilities at any time during his employment by the Company other than to perform his duties hereunder. Employee agrees immediately to return all such material and reproductions thereof in his possession to the Company upon request and in any event upon termination of employment.

 

(b)        Except within the scope of his duties as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer or with the prior written authorization by the Company, Employee agrees not to disclose or publish any of the confidential, technical or business information or material of the Company, its clients or any other party to whom the Company owes an obligation of confidence, at any time during or after his employment with the Company.

 

(c)        In the event that Employee breaches any provisions of this Section 5 or there is a threatened breach, then, in addition to any other rights which the Company may have, the Company shall be entitled, without the posting of a bond or other security, to injunctive relief to enforce the restrictions contained herein. In the event that an actual proceeding is brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Section 5, Employee shall not urge as a defense that there is an adequate remedy at law, nor shall the Company be prevented from seeking any other remedies which may be available. In addition, Employee agrees that in the event that his breaches the covenants in this Section 5, in addition to any other rights that the Company may have, Employee shall be required to pay to the Company any amounts he receives in connection with such breach. This Section 5 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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(d)       Employee recognizes that in the course of his duties hereunder, he may receive from the Company or others information which may be considered “material, non-public information” concerning a public company that is subject to the reporting requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Employee agrees not to:

 

(i)        Buy or sell any security, option, bond or warrant while in possession of relevant material, non-public information received from the Company or others in connection herewith, and

 

(ii)       Provide the Company with information with respect to any public company that may be considered material, non-public information, unless first specifically agreed to in writing by the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1833(b), Employee shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (1) is made in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

 

Notwithstanding the above, or any other provision in this Agreement, Employee may report possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or make other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Employee may also provide confidential information in connection with an administrative or regulatory proceeding commenced by a Wells Notice or non-party proceeding and to respond to subpoenas issued in connection therewith. Employee understands that he does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and Employee is not required to notify the Company that Employee has made such reports or disclosures. In addition, notwithstanding the above, or any other provision in this Agreement pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1833(b), Employee shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (1) is made in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

 

6.            INVENTIONS DISCOVERED BY EMPLOYEE

 

Employee shall promptly disclose to the Company any invention, improvement, discovery, process, formula, or method or other intellectual property, whether or not patentable or copyrightable (collectively, “ Inventions ”), conceived or first reduced to practice by Employee, either alone or jointly with others, while performing services hereunder (or, if based on any Confidential Information, within one (1) year after the Term), (a) which pertain to any line of business activity of the Company, whether then conducted or then being actively planned by the Company, with which Employee was or is involved, (b) which is developed using time, material or facilities of the Company, whether or not during working hours or on the Company premises, or (c) which directly relates to any of Employee’s work during the Term, whether or not during normal working hours. Employee hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Company all of Employee’s right, title and interest in and to any such Inventions. Employee agrees to cooperate fully with the Company, both during and after his employment with the Company, with respect to the procurement, maintenance and enforcement of copyrights and patents (both in the United States and foreign countries) relating to Inventions. During and after the Term, Employee shall execute any documents necessary to perfect the assignment of such Inventions to the Company and to enable the Company to apply for, obtain and enforce patents, trademarks and copyrights in any and all countries on such Inventions, including, without limitation, the execution of any instruments and the giving of evidence and testimony, without further compensation beyond Employee’s agreed compensation during the course of Employee’s employment (i.e., Employee will be compensated at the equivalent hourly rate in place at the time of termination and all related out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures). Without limiting the foregoing, Employee further acknowledges that all original works of authorship by Employee, whether created alone or jointly with others, related to Employee’s employment with the Company and which are protectable by copyright, are “works made for hire” within the meaning of the United States Copyright Act, 17 U. S. C. (S) 101, as amended, and the copyright of which shall be owned solely, completely and exclusively by the Company. If any Invention is considered to be work not included in the categories of work covered by the United States Copyright Act, 17 U. S. C. (S) 101, as amended, such work is hereby assigned or transferred completely and exclusively to the Company. Employee hereby irrevocably designates counsel to the Company as Employee’s agent and attorney-in-fact to do all lawful acts necessary to apply for and obtain patents and copyrights and to enforce the Company’s rights under this Section. This Section 6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Any assignment of copyright hereunder includes all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights” (collectively “ Moral Rights ”). To the extent such Moral Rights cannot be assigned under applicable law and to the extent the following is allowed by the laws in the various countries where Moral Rights exist, Employee hereby waives such Moral Rights and consents to any action of the Company that would violate such Moral Rights in the absence of such consent. Employee agrees to confirm any such waivers and consents from time to time as requested by the Company.

 

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7.            NON-COMPETE; NON-SOLICITATION

 

(a)        NON-COMPETE.  For a period commencing on the date hereof and ending one (1) year after the date Employee ceases to be employed by the Company (the “ Non-Competition Period ”), Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, either for herself or any other person, own, manage, control, materially participate in, invest in, permit his name to be used by, act as consultant or advisor to, render material services for (alone or in association with any person, firm, corporation or other business organization) or otherwise assist in any manner any business which develops, markets or sells products that are directly competitive with the products being sold by the Company at the time of termination (collectively, a “ Competitor ”).  Nothing herein shall prohibit Employee from being a passive owner of not more than five percent (5%) of the equity securities of a Competitor which is publicly traded, so long as he has no active participation in the business of such Competitor.

 

(b)       NON-SOLICITATION.  During the Non-Competition Period, Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) induce or attempt to induce or aid others in inducing anyone working at or for the Company to cease working at or for the Company, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company and anyone working at or for the Company except in the proper exercise of Employee’s authority or (ii) in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company and any customer, supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Company.

 

(c)        SCOPE.  If, at the time of enforcement of this Section 7, a court shall hold that the duration, scope, area or other restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties agree that the maximum duration, scope, area or other restrictions reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated duration, scope, area or other restrictions.

 

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(d)        INDEPENDENT AGREEMENT.  The covenants made in this Section 7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

8.            TERMINATION

 

Employee’s employment hereunder shall continue as set forth in Section 2 hereof unless terminated upon the first to occur of the following events:

 

(a)        Employee’s death.

 

(b)        Employee’s “ Disability ”, meaning Employee’s incapacity, due to physical or mental illness, which results in Employee having been absent from fully performing his duties with the Company for a continuous period of more than thirty (30) days or more than sixty (60) days in any period of three hundred sixty-five (365) consecutive days, subject to applicable law. In the event that the Company intends to terminate the employment of Employee by reason of Disability, the Company shall give Employee no less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of the Company’s intention to terminate Employee’s employment.  The Employee agrees, in the event of any dispute hereunder as to whether a Disability exists, and if requested by the Company, to submit to a physical examination in the state of the Company’s Employee offices by a licensed physician selected by mutual agreement between the Company and the Employee, the cost of such examination to be paid by the Company. The written medical opinion of such physician shall be conclusive and binding upon each of the parties hereto as to whether a Disability exists and the date when such Disability arose. If Employee refuses to submit to appropriate examinations by such physician at the request of the Company, the determination of the Employee’s Disability by the Company in good faith will be conclusive as to whether such Disability exists. This Agreement shall be interpreted and applied so as to comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (to the extent that it is applicable) and any other applicable laws regarding disability.

 

(c)        “ Just Cause ”, meaning the Employee’s:

 

(i)        acts of embezzlement or misappropriation of funds, or fraud;

 

(ii)       conviction of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or theft;

 

(iii)      willful unauthorized disclosure of confidential information belonging to the Company or entrusted to the Company by a client;

 

(iv)      material violation of any provision of the Agreement, which is not cured by Employee within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice of such violation by the Company;

 

(v)       being under the influence of drugs (other than prescription medicine or other medically-related drugs to the extent that they are taken in accordance with their directions) during the performance of Employee’s duties under this Agreement;

 

(vi)      engaging in conduct that violates the Company’s non- discrimination/harassment policy and warrants termination; or

 

(vii)     willful failure to perform his written assigned tasks, where such failure is attributable to the fault of Employee, gross insubordination, or dereliction of fiduciary obligations which are not cured by Employee within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice of such violation by the Company.

 

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In the event that the Company intends to terminate the employment of Employee by reason of Just Cause, the Company shall give Employee written notice of the Company’s intention to terminate Employee’s employment, and such termination may be effective immediately, unless a cure period applies, in which case the termination date may not precede the expiration date of the applicable cure period.

 

(d)       “ Without Just Cause ”, meaning written notice by the Company to Employee of a termination without Just Cause and other than due to death or Disability.

 

(e)        “ Good Reason ”, meaning a material breach by the Company of the terms of this Agreement, which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after notice thereof from Employee or the relocation of the Company’s headquarters outside of the Kansas City, Missouri area. In the event that Employee intends to terminate his employment for Good Reason, Employee shall give the Company written notice of his intention to terminate his employment, and such termination may be effective immediately, unless a cure period applies, in which case the termination date may not precede the expiration date of the applicable cure period.

 

(f)        “ Without Good Reason ”, meaning written notice by Employee to the Company of a termination without Good Reason.

 

(g)        If Employee’s employment hereunder is terminated for any reason under this Section 8, Employee or his estate, as the case may be, will only be entitled to receive the accrued Base Salary, vacation pay, expense reimbursement, to the extent not previously paid (the sum of the amounts described in this subsection shall be hereinafter referred to as the “ Accrued Obligations ”); provided, however, that if Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company Without Just Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason, then in addition to paying Accrued Obligations, the Company shall pay to the Employee as a severance benefit, an amount equal to one year Base Salary provided that Employee first executes and does not revoke a release and settlement agreement in form acceptable to the Company releasing the Company from all claims arising for his employment. The severance shall be paid to the Employee in substantially equal monthly payments on the same payroll schedule that was applicable to Employee immediately prior to his separation from service commencing on the first such payroll date on or following the date the required release of claims becomes effective.

 

(h)         The Company may do all permissible things, and take all permissible action, necessary or advisable, in the Company’s discretion, to protect its rights under Sections 5, 6 and 7, including without limitation notifying any subsequent employer of Employee of the existence of (and furnishing to any such employer) the provisions of this Agreement.

 

9.             NO DISPARAGEMENT

 

Employee agrees that during the course of his employment or at any time thereafter, he shall refrain and cause his agents, family and/or representatives to refrain from (a) all conduct, verbal or otherwise, which would materially damage the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Company, its affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, agents and related parties and their respective principals, owners (direct or indirect), members, directors, officers, agents, servants, employees, successors and assigns (collectively, the “ Corporation Related Parties ”) and (b) referring to or in any way commenting on the Company and/or any of the other the Company Related Parties in or through the general media or any public domain (including without limitation, internet websites, blogs, chat rooms and the like), which would materially damage, the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Company and/or any of the Company Related Parties. The Company agrees that during the course of Employee’s employment or at any time thereafter, it shall refrain from (i) all conduct, verbal or otherwise, which would materially damage the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Employee and (ii) referring to or in any way commenting on the Employee in or through the general media or any public domain (including without limitation, internet websites, blogs, chat rooms and the like), which would materially damage, the reputation, goodwill or standing in the community of the Employee.

 

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10.          NOTICES

 

Any notice or other communication under this Agreement shall be in person or in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: (i) when delivered personally against receipt therefor, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by Federal Express or similar overnight delivery, (iii) three (3) days after being mailed registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to either party at the address set forth above, or to such other address as such party shall give by notice hereunder to the other party, or (iv) when sent by electronic mail, facsimile, followed by oral confirmation and with a hard copy sent as in (ii) or (iii) above.

 

11.          SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS

 

If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced in whole or in part, such provision shall be interpreted so as to remain enforceable to the maximum extent permissible consistent with applicable law and the remaining conditions and provisions or portions thereof shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect and enforceable to the extent they are valid, legal and enforceable, and no provision shall be deemed dependent upon any other covenant or provision unless so expressed herein.

 

12.          ENTIRE AGREEMENT MODIFICATION

 

This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and the parties hereto have made no agreements, representations or warranties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement which are not set forth herein. No modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

 

13.          BINDING EFFECT

 

The rights, benefits, duties and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to, and be binding upon, the Company, its successors and assigns, and upon Employee and his legal representatives. This Agreement constitutes a personal service agreement, and the performance of Employee’s obligations hereunder may not be transferred or assigned by Employee. This Agreement cannot be assigned by Employer without the written consent of Employee, except in corporate reorganization in which the Company either converts from a Missouri limited liability company to a Delaware corporation or merge directly or indirectly into a Delaware corporation in which case the rights, benefits, duties and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to, and be binding upon, the Company, its successors and assigns, and upon Employee and his legal representatives.

 

14.          NON-WAIVER

 

The failure of either party to insist upon the strict performance of any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of future compliance therewith, and said terms, conditions and provisions shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement on the part of either party shall be effective for any purpose whatsoever unless such waiver is in writing and signed by such party.

 

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15.          RIGHT TO INJUNCTION

 

The Employee recognizes that the services to be rendered by his hereunder are of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary and intellectual character involving skill of the highest order and giving them peculiar value, the loss of which cannot be adequately compensated for in damages. In the event of a breach of this Agreement by Employee, subject to Section 16 below the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief or any other legal or equitable remedies. Employee agrees that the Company may recover by appropriate action the amount of the actual damage caused the Company by any failure, refusal or neglect of Employee to perform his agreements, representations and warranties herein contained. The remedies provided in this Agreement shall be deemed cumulative and the exercise of one shall not preclude the exercise of any other remedy at law or in equity for the same event or any other event.

 

16.          GOVERNING LAW, DISPUTE RESOLUTION

 

This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Missouri of the United States of America without regard to principles of conflict of laws. To ensure the rapid and economical resolution of disputes that may arise in connection with the Employee’s employment with the Company, the Employee and the Company both agree that any and all disputes, claims, or causes of action, in law or equity, including but not limited to statutory claims, arising from or relating to the enforcement, breach, performance, or interpretation of this Agreement, the Employee’s employment with the Company, or the termination of the Employee’s employment from the Company will be resolved pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §1-16, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, by final, binding and confidential arbitration conducted in Delaware by JAMS, Inc. (“ JAMS ”) or its successors. Both the Employee and the Company acknowledge that by agreeing to this arbitration procedure, each waives the right to resolve any such dispute through a trial by jury or judge or administrative proceeding. Any such arbitration proceeding will be governed by JAMS’ then applicable rules and procedures for employment disputes, which can be found at http://www.jamsadr.com/rules-clauses/ , and which will be provided to the Employee upon request. In any such proceeding, the arbitrator shall: (i) have the authority to compel adequate discovery for the resolution of the dispute and to award such relief as would otherwise be permitted by law; and (ii) issue a written arbitration decision including the arbitrator’s essential findings and conclusions and a statement of the award. The Employee and the Company each shall be entitled to all rights and remedies that either would be entitled to pursue in a court of law; provided, however, that in no event shall the arbitrator be empowered to hear or determine any class or collective claim of any type. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to prevent either the Company or the Employee from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration pursuant to applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 16 shall prevent the Company from seeking and obtaining a judicial junction in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce a violation of Section 6,7 or 8 or 9 of this Agreement. Employee hereby agrees to waive a jury and filing of a bond for any such action by the Company.

 

The state or federal courts in the State of Missouri, County of Jackson, shall be the exclusive jurisdiction for any disputes arising under this Agreement and the parties hereby consent to such jurisdiction. The prevailing party in any legal proceeding to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be entitled to receive its reasonable attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with such proceeding, in addition to any other relief it may be granted.

 

17.          HEADINGS

 

The headings of paragraphs are inserted for convenience and shall not affect any interpretation of this Agreement.

 

18.          FACSIMILE SIGNATURES

 

The parties hereby agree that, for purposes of the execution of this Agreement, facsimile or pdf. signatures shall constitute original signatures.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

Corporation:

 

DERMADOCTOR, LLC

 

By: /s/ Audrey Kunin  
  Title:        Authorized agent  

 

Employee:

 

  /s/Jeffrey Kunin, M.D.  
Name:  Jeffrey Kunin, M.D.  

 

 

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Exhibit 10.10

 

BUILDING LEASE

 

THIS BUILDING LEASE (the “ Lease ”) is dated on January 1, 2016 (“ Effective Date ”), by and between 1901 McGee, LLC (“ Landlord ”) and DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (“ Tenant ”).

 

WHEREAS , Landlord owns that certain land (the “ Land ”) which is generally located at 1901 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri, and which is more specifically described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference;

 

WHEREAS , Tenant desires to lease certain parts of the building and improvements which are located on the Land (the “ Building ”), which lease shall cover approximately 14,000 square feet.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants herein contained, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Leased Premises. In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, Landlord hereby leases to Tenant and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord, for the rental and on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the premises (the “Premises”) consisting of 11,000 square feet of the first floor (the “Warehouse and Retail Space”) and 3,000 square feet on the second floor (the “Office Space”) as set forth on the floor plans in Exhibit B attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

2. Term . Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth in Section 4 below, the term of this Lease shall be for a period of one (1) year, beginning on the Effective Date and ending at 12:00 o’clock midnight on first anniversary thereof (the “Expiration Date”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease with respect to the Warehouse and Retail Space upon ninety (90) days prior written notice to Landlord, without any obligation or liability whatsoever.

 

3. Parking. Landlord agrees to make available to the Tenant for the non-exclusive use of Tenant, its employees, designees and invitees, a minimum number of 12 parking spaces in the parking areas near or adjacent to the Building (the “Parking Areas”) which have been specifically designated by Landlord for Tenant use. Landlord and Tenant acknowledge and agree that the Parking Areas may also be used by Tenant as a loading dock for its equipment, inventory and supplies. A Description of the Parking Areas is set forth in Exhibit C attached hereto. All parking available to Tenant hereunder shall be subject to the reasonable rules and regulations and charges from time to time established by Landlord for such parking facilities.

 

4. Option to Extend. Provided Tenant is not then in default under this Lease beyond any applicable cure period, Tenant shall have the right to extend the term of this Lease for ten (10) additional one (1) year terms (each, a “Renewal Term”) by written notice thereof given to Landlord not later than three (3) months prior to the Expiration Date; provided, however, if Landlord sells the building in compliance with the notice requirement in Section 36, Tenant may remain in the Premises for the balance of the current term, but may not extend the lease thereafter. To extend the term of this Lease at the end of the first renewal term, Tenant shall give written notice thereof to Landlord not later than thirty (30) days prior to the date of expiration of the then current renewal term. For each Renewal Term, Tenant agrees that the Base Rental payable under Section 5 hereof shall be increase by three percent (3%) annually.

 

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5. Base Rental. Beginning on the Effective Date, Tenant hereby agrees to pay a base annual rental (“Base Rental”) in the amount set forth in Exhibit D attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The Base Rental as determined under this Section 5 shall be due and payable in twelve (12) equal monthly installments as set forth in Exhibit D attached hereto, and each such installment shall be payable in advance on the first day of each calendar month during each year of the term hereof. All payments of rent shall be paid to the Landlord in lawful money of the United States of America at the address of the Landlord shown herein, or to such other party or at such other place as Landlord may designate from time to time in a written notice to Tenant. If the term commences or terminates on any day other than the first or last day of a calendar month, the Base Rental and all other sums due hereunder shall be prorated for such fractional calendar month. Tenant shall have no other obligations to make any payments to Landlord except as set forth in Exhibit D, it being acknowledged and agreed that this is a full service lease, and Landlord shall be solely obligated to maintain the Building and the Premises in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Lease.

 

6. Use of Premises. Tenant shall use the Premises for the purpose of warehouse, retail and office space, and for any other permitted lawful purpose. Tenant shall not overload, damage, or deface the Premises or do any act which may make void or voidable any insurance on the Premises or the Building, including the Premises, or which may render an increased or extra premium payable for insurance.

 

7. Alterations. No alterations, additions, or improvements to the Premises (other than the Tenant Improvements) shall be made without first having the consent in writing of Landlord which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; nor shall such alternations, additions, or improvements interfere with or damage the mechanical or electrical systems or the structure of the Premises or the Building. Further, Tenant shall not install or maintain any apparatus or device which will increase the usage of electrical power, water, or gas for the Premises to an amount greater than would be required for normal general office use for space of comparable size, unless Tenant shall have first obtained the prior written consent of Landlord and Tenant shall have delivered to Landlord a written agreement to pay additional costs related thereto. Landlord shall have the right to approve all window treatments in the Premises. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall have the right without Landlord’s consent to undertake and perform nonstructural alterations and improvements which Tenant considers necessary or appropriate to enhance and supplement heating, ventilating, air conditioning, electrical and communications equipment and systems serving the Premises and Tenant’ s operations therein, including without limitation the installation and removal of non-load bearing partition walls, and the construction of control rooms which may be necessary or appropriate to support such operations. Nothing herein is meant to interfere with Tenant’s ability to control the floor layout in the Premises. Except as otherwise provided in this Lease, any alterations, additions or improvements consented to by the Landlord shall be made at Tenant’ s sole expense. Tenant shall secure any and all governmental permits, approvals, or authorizations required in connection with any such work and shall hold Landlord harmless from any and all liability, costs, damages, expenses (including attorney’ s fees) and liens resulting therefrom. All alterations (expressly excluding all trade fixtures, office furniture systems, security systems, appliances and equipment), shall become the property of the Landlord upon termination of this Lease; provided however that Landlord may require Tenant to remove all or a portion or the alterations made to the Premises at the termination of this Lease if Landlord designates in writing such removal when the alterations are requested in writing by Tenant. Such property which does not become the property of Landlord shall remain the property of Tenant, and Tenant shall have the right to remove such property from the Premises. Tenant agrees to indemnify and hold Landlord harmless against and from all claims for mechanic’ s, materialmen’s or other liens in connection with any alterations, additions, or improvements to which Landlord may give its consent.

 

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8. Maintenance and Repairs. Landlord, at its sole cost and expense. shall provide for the cleaning and maintenance of the entire Building and the Premises, including snow removal, planting and landscaping surrounding the Building, in keeping with the usual standard for first-class office buildings; provided, however, that Landlord shall not be required to maintain or repair any non-building standard or special tenant improvements in or about the Premises. Tenant and Landlord shall keep in good repair the shell of the Building, including the roof, windows, grouting and brick and other facade surfaces. Landlord shall also maintain and replace as necessary the basic systems of the Building, including mechanical, heating, cooling, windows, and doors. Tenant shall not commit or allow any waste or damage to be committed on any portion of the Premises or the Building. Tenant shall pay to Landlord the full cost to repair or replace any damage or injury done to the Building or any part thereof caused by Tenant, its agents, employees, invitees, or visitors.

 

9. Services to be Provided by Landlord. Landlord agrees to furnish Tenant with electricity for the uses stated in Section 6 above, elevator service, security service, and janitorial service on a one day per week basis. During normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday; Sundays, and holidays not included), Landlord agrees to furnish Tenant with hot and cold water, and refrigerated air conditioning in season, at temperatures considered standard for first class office buildings or as determined by governmental edict. Such services beyond the normal periods and hours will be provided upon written request from Tenant at a reasonable hourly rate to be billed to Tenant. In the event of any failure, stoppage, or interruption thereof, Landlord shall use reasonable diligence to resume services promptly , and in which event rent shall abate for the period of time concerned, Landlord shall exercise best efforts to have such service(s) restored within three (3) days of Tenant’s notice to Landlord of such failure, stoppage or interruption, and if Landlord fails to restore such service(s) within such three (3) day period, then rent shall abate in the same proportion as the portion of the Premises subject of such failure, stoppage or interruption bears to the entire Premises beginning on the fourth (4th) day following Tenant’s notice and until such service(s) are restored. The abatement of rent as provided herein shall be Tenant’ s sole remedy against Landlord for any such failure, stoppage or interruption.

 

10. Lawful Use. Tenant shall comply with all federal, state, and municipal laws and ordinances relating to the use, condition, or occupancy of the Premises. Tenant shall not occupy or use the Premises for any business or purpose which is unlawful, disreputable, or deemed to be hazardous on account of fire, or permit anything to be done which will in any way increase the rate of fire insurance coverage on the Building or its contents.

 

11. Landlord’s Access. Landlord and Landlord’s mortgagee(s) shall have the right at all reasonable times during the term of this Lease to enter the Premises to inspect the conditions thereof, to determine if Tenant is performing its obligations under this Lease, to perform the services or to make the repairs and restoration that Landlord is obligated or elects to perform or furnish under this Lease, to make repairs to adjoining space, and to cure any defaults of Tenant hereunder that Landlord elects to cure.

 

12. Landlord’s Insurance. Landlord shall, at all times during the term of this Lease, keep in effect, insurance on all buildings and improvements on the Premises against loss by fire, the risks covered by what is commonly known as “extended coverage,” malicious mischief and vandalism, in an amount equal to the full replacement value of such buildings and improvements, but not less than that required by Landlord’s mortgagee from time to time. The policy or policies evidencing such insurance shall be written by a company or companies satisfactory to Landlord and to Landlord’s mortgagee and authorized to do business in the state and shall be paid to the insureds as their respective interest may appear. A mortgage clause may be included in said policies covering Landlord’s mortgagee.

 

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13. Tenant’s Insurance. Tenant covenants and agrees that it will at all times during the term hereof, at its own expense, carry and maintain (or cause to be carried and maintained) in the names and for the joint protection of Landlord and Tenant, and such other persons as Landlord may designate, with insurers satisfactory to Landlord, policies of insurance as follows: comprehensive general liability insurance naming Tenant, Landlord and Landlord’s mortgagee as insureds hereunder providing coverage of at least $1,000,000 single limit coverage and $2,000,000 aggregate coverage for any single incident. Landlord shall have the right to cause Tenant to increase the limits of such comprehensive general liability insurance from time to time to satisfy the reasonable requirements of Landlord’s mortgagee. All insurance to be furnished by Tenant shall be carried in companies reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, and certificates of insurers with respect to the issuance of such insurance policies, and with respect to the fact that the same are in full force and effect, shall promptly be delivered to Landlord, together with proof that all premiums thereon have been duly paid. All such policies of insurance shall provide that no cancellation or change of coverage will be made without at least ten (10) days’ prior written notice by certified or registered mail to Landlord and to Landlord’s mortgagee. Certificates confirming such coverage and copies of such policies shall be deposited with Landlord which may deposit the same with its mortgagee. In the event that Tenant shall fail to obtain or renew any of the insurance provided for in this Section, Landlord shall have the right at its election (but without being obligated so to do) to procure or renew the same; and the amount or amounts paid therefor shall become so much additional rent under the terms hereof, due and payable with the next succeeding installment of Base Rental due hereunder.

 

14. Fire or Other Casualty. Subject to the provisions hereof, damage to or destruction of all or any portion of the Building, including the Premises, or the Premises or the fixtures and equipment therein by fire, or other casualty, or any untenantability of the Premises resulting there from, shall not terminate this Lease or entitle Tenant to surrender the Premises. In the event of any such damage to or destruction of any portion of the Premises, Tenant shall immediately notify Landlord upon its discovery of the casualty. Within twenty (20) days after its receipt of notice of such damage or destruction, Landlord shall notify Tenant of the length of time that Landlord reasonably estimates will be required to repair or restore the Premises subject to force majeure. In the event that such estimated length of time is greater than one hundred eighty (180) days, Landlord and Tenant thereafter shall each have the right to terminate this Lease by written notice to the other within fifteen (15) days following Landlord’s notice of such estimated length of time for repair or restoration. In the event that the Lease is not terminated by either Landlord or Tenant within such fifteen (15) day period, Landlord, subject to the rights of the mortgagee, shall proceed with due diligence to collect the proceeds of any available insurance, and promptly and diligently shall restore the Premises to substantially as good condition and of not less value and utility than immediately prior to the casualty. For purposes hereof, “force majeure” shall mean an act of God, strike, lock-out or other labor dispute, war, invasion, insurrection, riot, natural disaster, civil disturbance, inability to obtain supplies or services not within Landlord’s reasonable control, act or restraint of any governmental body or authority, or any other matter beyond Landlord’s reasonable control. During any period of time that the Premises are untenantable, rent shall abate in the same proportion as the untenantable portion of the Premises bears to the entire Premises. Landlord shall not be responsible to Tenant for damage to, or destruction of, any furniture, equipment, improvements or other changes made by Tenant in, on, or about the Premises regardless of the cause of the damage or destruction. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, if such damage or destruction occurs during the last twenty-four (24) months of the Lease term, Landlord shall have no obligation to repair or restore the Premises, unless Tenant has an option to extend the Lease term, in which event Landlord shall be required to repair or restore the Premises in accordance with the foregoing provisions only if Tenant exercises its option to extend the term of this Lease.

 

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15. Waiver of Subrogation. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Lease to the contrary, each of Landlord and Tenant hereby releases the other from any and all liability or responsibility (to the other or anyone claiming through or under them by way of subrogation or otherwise) for any loss or damage to property caused by fire or any of the extended coverage casualties, to the extent of insurance proceeds realized by the releasing party as a result of such loss or damage, even if such fire or other casualty shall have been caused by the fault or negligence of the other party, or anyone for whom such party may be responsible. Each of Landlord and Tenant agrees that its policies will include such a clause or endorsement. In no event shall any such release be applicable if doing so would work in contravention of any requirement in an applicable policy of insurance to the effect that if the insurance waives subrogation, coverage is or may be void.

 

16. Eminent Domain. In the event the whole of the Premises, or so much thereof, including a portion of the Building, shall be taken or condemned for a public or quasi-public use or purpose by any competent authority and as a result thereof the balance of the Premises cannot be used for the same purpose as before such taking or condemnation , then and in either of such events, the term of this Lease shall terminate when possession of the whole of the Premises or Building shall be required for such use or purpose, and any award, compensation or damages (hereinafter sometimes called the “award”), shall be paid to and be the sole and absolute property of Landlord. In the event only a part of the Premises shall be taken or condemned for a public or quasi-public use or purpose by any competent authority, and as a result thereof the balance of the Premises can be used for the same purpose as before such taking or condemnation, this Lease shall not terminate and Landlord, subject to the rights of any mortgagee, shall repair and restore the Premises. Any award paid as a consequence of such taking or condemnation, shall be paid to Landlord and may be applied to the cost of said repairing and restoration. Any sums remaining after such application shall be retained by Landlord and Tenant shall have no right to any such sums. Basic Rental shall abate during such period of time that the Premises are untenantable, in the proportion that the untenantable portion of the Premises bears to the entire Premises. Nothing herein shall preclude Tenant from seeking and obtaining a separate award from the condemning authority so long as such separate award does not directly or indirectly reduce the amount of the award payable to Landlord.

 

17. Liens. Neither Landlord nor Tenant shall permit any mechanic’ s, materialmen’s, or other liens to be fixed against the Premises, the Building or the Land and agrees immediately to discharge (either by payment or by filing of the necessary bond, or otherwise) any mechanic’ s, materialmen’s , or other lien which is allegedly fixed or placed against any of the foregoing; provided, however, that the concerned party shall have the right to contest such liens in good faith if the party first provides assurance reasonably satisfactory to the other that no portion of the Premises, the Building or the Land shall be sold or otherwise utilized to satisfy such lien. Satisfactory assurances shall be deemed to include a letter of credit or a surety bond furnished by the concerned party to the other in an amount equal to one-hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the claimed lien, the proceeds of which shall be available to the other party only for the purpose of satisfying such lien if the concerned party fails to contest such lien, including appeals, in a manner which prevents the Premises, the Building and the land from being sold or otherwise utilized to satisfy such lien.

 

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18. Indemnity . Tenant hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold harmless Landlord and Landlord’ s agents, directors, officers, employees, invitees, and contractors , against and from all claims, losses, costs, damages, or expenses (including, but not limited to, attorney’ s fees) resulting from or arising from any and all injuries or death of any person or damage caused by any act, omission, or neglect of Tenant or Tenant’s members, managers, officers, employees, agents, invitees, or guests, relating in any way to the Premises or Tenant’s duties and obligations under this Lease.

 

19. Waiver of Covenants. Failure of Landlord to insist, in any one or more instances, upon strict performance of any term, covenant, or condition of the lease, or to exercise any option herein obtained, shall not be construed as a waiver, or a relinquishment for the future, of such term, covenant, condition, or option, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect. The receipt by Landlord of rents with knowledge of a breach in any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Lease to be kept or performed by Tenant shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach (but such rents shall be credited by Landlord toward payment of rent by Tenant hereunder in the normal course of business), and Landlord shall not be deemed to have waived any provision of this Lease unless expressed in writing and signed by Landlord.

 

20. Tenant to Surrender Premises in Good Condition. Upon the expiration or termination of the Lease Term, Tenant shall, at its expense: (a) remove Tenant’ s goods and effects and those of all persons claimed under Tenant as well as alterations as directed by Landlord; and (b) quit and deliver up the Premises to Landlord, peaceably and quietly, in as good order and condition as the same were in on the date the Lease term commenced or were thereafter placed in by Landlord, reasonable wear and tear excepted. Any property left in the Premises after the expiration or termination of the Lease term shall be deemed to have been abandoned and may, at Landlord’s option: (c) be removed by at Tenant’s sole cost and expense; or (d) be deemed the property of Landlord to dispose of as Landlord deems expedient.

 

21. Holding Over. If with Landlord’ s written consent Tenant remains in possession of the Premises after the expiration or other termination of the term of this Lease, Tenant shall be deemed to be occupying the Premises on a month-to-month tenancy at a rental rate as stated in the written consent. Such month-to-month tenancy may be terminated by Landlord or Tenant on the last day of any calendar month by delivery of at least thirty (30) days advance notice of termination to the other. If without Landlord’s written consent Tenant remains in possession of the Premises after the expiration or other termination of the Term, Tenant shall be deemed to be occupying the Premises upon a tenancy at sufferance at monthly rental equal to the Base Rental.

 

22. Default. If Tenant shall default in the payment of any installment or past due installment of Base Rental and if such default continues for ten (10 days after written notice thereof from Landlord to Tenant, or if Tenant shall be in default in the observance of any of Tenant’s other covenants, agreements, or obligations hereunder and if any such default by Tenant continues for thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from Landlord to Tenant or, if such default cannot be cured within such thirty day period, Tenant within such period fails to begin the correction thereof or thereafter fails to diligently pursue such correction to its completion within ninety (90) days following such written notice, or if any proceeding is commenced by or against Tenant for the purpose of subjecting the assets of Tenant to any law relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or for any appointment of a receiver of Tenant or of any of Tenant’s assets, or if Tenant makes a general assignment of Tenant’s assets for the benefit of creditors, then, in any such event, Landlord may, without process, reenter immediately into the Premises and remove all personal property therefrom, and at its option, annul and cancel this Lease as to all future rights of Tenant and have, regain, repossess, and enjoy the Premises after reentry or after judgment for possession thereof. If Landlord elects to terminate this Lease, all obligations herein contained on the part of Landlord to be done and performed shall cease, but without prejudice to the right of Landlord to recover from Tenant all past or future rentals and damages. The Premises may be relet by Landlord for such rent and upon such terms as Landlord in its sole discretion may determine and Tenant shall be liable for all damages sustained by Landlord, including fees, and expenses of placing the Premises in first class rentable condition and expenses of renting same including, but not limited to, payment of brokerage fees. The provisions contained in this Section shall be in addition to and shall not prevent the enforcement of any claim Landlord may have against Tenant for anticipatory breach of the unexpired term of this Lease. Any and all attorneys’ fees and costs of collection incurred by Landlord in the enforcement of the terms or provisions of this Lease shall be payable by Tenant, and the amount of such costs shall be deemed additional rent and shall upon notice by Landlord given at any time prior to and including the service of notice of any legal action, be immediately due hereunder. In the event Landlord shall commence legal action, or any unlawful detainer proceeding or other summary proceeding for collection of rent due hereunder, said additional rent shall be deemed a past due obligation to pay rent in connection with said actions to enforce the terms of this Section and the commencement and prosecution of one action shall not be deemed a waiver of an estoppel from commencing one or more actions from time to time in the future. All rights and remedies of Landlord under this Lease shall be cumulative and shall not be exclusive of any other rights and remedies provided to Landlord under applicable law.

 

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23. Landlord’s Right to Cure Defaults. If Tenant defaults in the observance or performance of any of Tenant’s covenants, agreements, or obligations hereunder, and fails to cure such default as provided above, and wherein the default can be cured by the expenditure of money, Landlord may, after reasonable notice to Tenant, but without obligation, and without limiting any other remedies which it may have by reason of such default, cure the default, charge the cost thereof to Tenant, and Tenant shall pay the same forthwith upon demand, as additional rent, together with interest thereon at the rate set forth in Section 6 of this Lease. In case the Landlord or Tenant prevails in any suit to defend or prosecute under the terms of this Lease, there shall be allowed by the prevailing party, to be included in any judgment recovered, reasonable attorney’s fees and other costs to be fixed by the court.

 

24. Notices. Each notice required or permitted to be given hereunder by one party to the other shall be in writing with a statement therein to the effect that notice is given pursuant to this Lease and the same shall be given and shall be deemed to have been delivered, served, and given if delivered in person or placed in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, by United States registered or certified mail, addressed to such party at the address provided for such party herein. Any notices to Landlord shall be addressed and given to Landlord at 1901 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri 64108. Prior to the Commencement Date, the address for notices to Tenant shall be the address set forth for Tenant on the signature page of this Lease, after the Commencement Date, the address for Tenant shall be the Premises. The addresses stated above shall be effective for all notices to the respective parties until written notice of a change in address is given.

 

25. Notice to Mortgagee . If Landlord shall deliver written notice to Tenant requiring Tenant to deliver to Landlord’s mortgagee or deed of trust holder any notices of breach or default by Landlord under this Lease, Tenant agrees to give said notice to Landlord’s mortgagee or deed of trust holder. Such mortgagee or deed of trust holder shall have the right to cure the defaults of Landlord hereunder, and if the curing of such default requires possession of the Premises by such mortgagee or holder, then Tenant shall not have the right to exercise its remedies for such default so long as such mortgagee or holder is proceeding diligently to acquire the Premises through foreclosure or otherwise; provided, however , that if such default results in a condition which requires immediate action or which if uncorrected would jeopardize the tenantability of the Premises, or any portion thereof, then Tenant shall have the right to take such action as Tenant considers appropriate notwithstanding the foregoing right of Landlord to cure.

 

26. Assignment and Subletting. Tenant shall not have the right to assign this Lease or sublet all or any part of the Premises unless Tenant shall obtain the prior written consent of the Landlord, which consent may be withheld at Landlord’s sole and absolute discretion. No assignment or subletting permitted by the Landlord shall relieve the Tenant of liability hereunder, but Tenant shall require each such assignee to assume and agree to perform and observe all of the Tenant’s obligations hereunder.

 

27. Commissions. Landlord and Tenant each represent and warrant to the other that except as otherwise provided in this Lease, they have incurred no brokerage commission or finder’s fees in connection with the execution of this Lease, and Landlord and Tenant each agree to indemnify the other against and hold it harmless from all such liabilities.

 

28. Quiet Possession. Landlord agrees that Tenant, upon payment of the Base Rental and observing and keeping the covenants of this Lease on its part to be kept, shall lawfully, peaceably and quietly hold, occupy and enjoy said Premises as space in a first class office building, during said term without hindrance or molestation by Landlord or any person or persons lawfully claiming under Landlord.

 

29. Estoppel Certificates . Tenant agrees, at any time and from time to time, upon not less than five days’ prior written notice by Landlord, to execute, acknowledge and deliver to Landlord or a party designated by Landlord, including Landlord’s mortgagee, a statement in writing (i) certifying that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect or if there have been modifications, that the Lease is in full force and effect as modified and stating the modifications, (ii) stating the dates to which the rent and other charges hereunder have been paid by Tenant, (iii) stating whether or not Landlord is in default in the performance of any covenant, agreement or condition contained in this Lease, and, if so, specifying each such default of which Tenant may have knowledge, and (iv) stating the address to which notices to Tenant should be sent, (v) agreeing that Tenant shall not encumber or assign or sublease any portion of the Premises without the written consent of Landlord, and (vi) agreeing that Tenant shall not prepay any rent more than 30 days in advance. Any such statement delivered pursuant hereto may be relied upon by any owner of the Building, any mortgagee, any prospective purchaser of the Building or of Landlord’s interest, or any prospective assignee of any mortgagee.

 

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30. Signage . All signage to be placed or erected by Tenant on or about the Building or the Premises shall at all times be subject to Landlord’s written consent which consent may be withheld in Landlord’s sole and absolute discretion. Any signage approved by Landlord shall be approved in accordance with the terms and conditions herein set forth and at Tenant’s sole cost and expense. Further, all signage shall be subject to the approval of all governmental regulating authorities having jurisdiction, and nothing herein shall permit Tenant to install any signage or other equipment on the roof of the Building. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, upon expiration or termination of the Lease Term, Landlord and Tenant expressly acknowledge and agree that Tenant shall have the right to remove, at its sole option and expense, the exterior signage located on the Building; provided, however, such signage may not be removed if it would in any way jeopardize the building’s status under or violate regulations applicable as a result of its listing on the Historical Registry of the U.S.

 

31. No Partnership. The parties agree and hereby declare that Landlord does not in any way or for any purpose become a partner or joint venturer with Tenant in the conduct of Tenant’s business. Tenant shall be deemed an independent contractor and shall not be deemed Landlord’s agent or representative for any purpose. Nothing herein shall be construed in such manner so as to constitute Landlord or Tenant as an agent or representative of the other party. Tenant shall not make any warranty or representation or incur any obligation, liability, or indebtedness whatsoever on Landlord’s behalf. Further, Landlord shall not be liable for, and Tenant shall indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from and against, any and all claims against Landlord that arise out of any act by Tenant, or by any of Tenant’s agents or employees.

 

32. Attorney Fees. Tenant agrees to pay and indemnify Landlord against all costs, fees and expenses, including actual and reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by Landlord in collecting the obligations of Tenant under this Lease and enforcing the rights of Landlord under this Lease.

 

33. Governing Law; Venue; Jurisdiction. This Lease shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Missouri without regard for the principles of conflicts of laws. Tenant acknowledges and agrees that all actions or proceedings arising directly or indirectly from this Lease shall be commenced and litigated only in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri or the United States District Court of Missouri, Western District, located in Kansas City, Missouri, and Tenant hereby consents to the jurisdiction over Tenant of the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri and the United States District Court of Missouri, in all actions or proceedings arising directly or indirectly from this Lease.

 

34. Trial by Jury Waiver. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY EITHER PARTY AGAINST THE OTHER ON ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS LEASE, THE RELATIONSHIP OF LANDLORD AND TENANT, OR TENANT’S USE AND OCCUPANCY OF THE PREMISES. TENANT HEREBY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO BRING A COUNTERCLAIM(S) AGAINST LANDLORD IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT BY LANDLORD AGAINST TENANT FOR THE NON-PAYMENT OF ANY RENT OR ADDITIONAL RENT PAYABLE HEREUNDER.

 

35. Entire Agreement. This instrument and any attached addenda or exhibits signed or initialed by the parties constitute the entire agreement between Landlord and Tenant; no prior written or prior or contemporaneous oral promises or representations shall be binding. This Lease shall not be amended, changed or extended except by written instrument signed by both parties hereto. Headings and section captions herein are for convenience only, and neither limit or amplify the provisions of this instrument; further, headings and section captions shall not be considered in any construction or interpretation of this Lease or any of its provisions. Any rider or exhibit attached to this Lease shall become a part of this Lease with the same force and effect and in the same manner as if all the provisions therein mentioned were actually included herein.

 

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36. Successors and Assigns; Sales of Building. Subject to the terms of Section 4, the terms, covenants and conditions contained in this Lease shall bind and inure to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, their respective personal representatives and successors and assigns; provided, however, that Landlord shall have the right to sell the Building but only upon prior six (6) month notice to Tenant, and upon the sale, assignment or transfer by Landlord (or by any subsequent Landlord) of its interest in the Building or Land, including, without limitation, any transfer upon or in lieu of foreclosure or by operation of law, all obligations or liabilities under this Lease, and all obligations subsequent to such sale, assignment or transfer (but not any obligations or liabilities that have accrued prior to the date of such sale, assignment or transfer) shall be binding upon the grantee, assignee or other transferee of such interest. Any such grantee, assignee or transferee, by accepting such interest, shall be deemed to have assumed such subsequent obligations and liabilities.

 

37. Severability . If any clause, provision or section of this Lease shall be held illegal or invalid by any court, the invalidity of such clause, provision or section shall not affect any of the remaining clauses, provisions or sections hereof, and this Lease shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid clause, provision or section had not been contained herein. In case any agreement or obligation contained in this Lease shall be held to be in violation of law, then such agreement or obligation shall be deemed to be the agreement or obligation of Tenant to the full extent permitted by law.

 

38. Counterparts. This Lease may be executed in two or more counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

39. Modification. No term or provision of this Lease may be modified, amended, changed, or waived, temporarily or permanently, except, in the case of modifications, changes and amendments, pursuant to the written consent of all the parties to this Lease.

 

[END OF PAGE]

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned Landlord and Tenant have executed this instrument as to the day and year first above written.

 

  LANDLORD :
   
  1901 McGee, LLC
  a Missouri limited liability company
     
  By: /s/ Jeff Kunin
  Name: Jeff Kunin
  Title: Member

  

  TENANT :
   
  DERMAdoctor, LLC
  a Missouri limited liability company
     
  By: /s/ Audrey Kunin
  Name: Audrey Kunin
  Title: President

 

 

10

 

Exhibit 10.11

 

FORM OF

 

CIRCLEUP CREDIT ADVISORS, LLC

 

This Commercial Loan Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of             by and between DERMAdoctor, LLC, as borrower (“ Borrowe r”) each party signatory hereto as a guarantor (each, a “ Guarantor ”, and together with Borrower, the “ Obligors ”) and CircleUp Credit Advisors, LLC a Delaware limited liability company, as lender (in such capacity, “ Lender ”) and agent on behalf of Lender (in such capacity, “ Agent ”) for the credit facility (the “ Facility ”) described herein.

 

Terms; Definitions. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Standard Terms and Conditions attached hereto as Exhibit A (as they may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, the “ Terms and Conditions ”). The Terms and Conditions attached hereto as Exhibit A are incorporated herein by reference. Lender is extending credit to Borrower pursuant to the accounts receivable (“ AR ”) loan application submitted by Borrower (the “ AR Loan Application ”).

 

Funding. The closing and funding of the Loan (as defined below) pursuant to this Agreement shall take place within the next thirty (30) days with such timing to be mutually agreed to by Borrower and Lender. Borrower and Lender agree that prior to the closing and funding of the Loan, amendments or modifications to the terms and conditions hereof may be made by mutual agreement of Borrower and Lender, including, but not limited to, amendments or modifications to the Principal, interest rate, effective date, and Maturity Date.

 

Promise to Pay. In return for a loan made by Lender to Borrower (the “ Loan ”), Borrower promises to pay $            (or such other amounts as shall become a part of this Agreement from time to time pursuant to the terms herein, “ Principal ”) in principal, plus interest, charges, fees and any applicable penalties, to Agent for the account of Lender. The Loan being made by Lender to Borrower is based on a pool of Eligible AR Accounts of Borrower for which Borrower is the AR creditor. The Loan shall only be made for commercial purposes. Once approved, Borrower shall instruct the AR debtor (“ AR Customer ”) to remit all future payments directly to Lender using specific payment labeling practices as provided by Lender. Any payments received prior to the Maturity Date shall be applied first to any accrued fees, second to any accrued interest, and finally to outstanding Principal. Lender will apply any additional payments received by Lender for the benefit of Borrower towards the outstanding fees, interest, and principal of any other loans made to Borrower, and forward any remaining and excess payments to Borrower to the extent all such loans to Borrower are paid in full. On the Payment Date, Borrower shall ensure that all outstanding Principal, plus interest, charges, fees and any applicable penalties under this Agreement are paid in full.

 

Additional Eligible AR Accounts . Under this Agreement, Lender may agree to lend and Borrower may agree to borrow additional funds by entering into the form of loan supplement attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “ Loan Supplement ”. An “ Eligible AR Account ” is one approved from time to time by the Agent, in its sole discretion, upon application to include such Eligible AR Account to the Facility through execution of a Loan Supplement and is further defined in Exhibit C attached hereto. It is intended that this Facility be made for multiple Eligible AR Accounts up to the amounts set forth from time to time in executed Loan Supplements.

 

Notification of AR Customer. From and after an AR Customer becomes the payor of an Eligible AR Account, Borrower agrees to notify AR Customer that (i) such amounts are now owed to Lenders, (ii) instruct AR Customer to route all payments for all obligations owed to Borrower by AR Customer to Lender pursuant to the Lender’s payment instructions and that (iii) all such payments to Lender will be fully credited on Borrower’s systems as a payment against the Eligible AR Account owed by AR Customer.

 

Interest. Interest will be charged from the date hereof at the rate of 17% per annum until the principal, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, charges, fees and penalties, is paid in full. Interest will accrue on the outstanding Principal balance on a daily basis for actual days outstanding and will be calculated based on the assumptions that there are 360 days in each year.

 

Deposit Connectivity. From the time of funding and thereafter, through the life of the loan, Borrower agrees to give the Lender full connectivity to the business’s bank account(s) without interruption. Borrower shall access the portal provided by Lender at least once every 30 days or upon the request of Lender. Should connectivity cease to exist, Borrower shall make every effort to reconnect in a reasonable time that may be specified by the Lender in written or oral communication after discovery of such interruption. If there are technological or coverage issues that actively prevent Borrower from connecting its Bank Account to the Lender, Borrower must send monthly bank statements to the Lender within 5 business days of month-end or screenshots of transaction history upon the request of Lender. Should these terms be violated, the Lender may view this inaction as an Event of Default.

 

  - 1 -  

 

Payments Generally. As payments from the AR Customer are received, Lender shall apply such payments first to fees, second to interest, and finally to outstanding Principal. Borrower shall make all outstanding payments required herein on the Payment Date. All payments shall be made directly to Lender. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as may be otherwise required by Lender, all payments by the AR Customer or Borrower hereunder shall be made (a) to Agent for the account of Lender in U.S. dollars and in immediately available funds, (b) no later than 7:00 p.m. ET on the date specified herein and (c) at the office of the Agent referenced in the Terms and Conditions or at a different place or to a different person if required by Lender. All payments received by Agent after 7:00 p.m. ET shall be deemed received on the next succeeding business day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by the AR Customer or Borrower shall come due on a day other than a business day, payment shall be made on the next following business day, and such extension of time shall be included in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.

 

Repayment and Maturity Date. Any outstanding principal amount of the Loan, together with any accrued but unpaid interest, charges, fees and penalties not covered by payments from the AR Customer, shall be due and payable on                             (the“Maturity Date”). Lender expressly grants Borrower an additional three (3) calendar day period after the Maturity Date (the “Extension Period”) within which Borrower can make timely payments under this Agreement (such date, the “ Payment Date ”). Interest and fees, if applicable, shall continue to accrue during such Extension Period. Borrower expressly authorizes Lender to initiate an Automated Clearing House (“ ACH ”) debit from the account designated by the Borrower in accordance with the AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT (ACH CREDIT) AND DIRECT PAYMENTS (ACH DEBITS) for all amounts due and owing by Borrower to Lender under this Agreement on or after the Maturity Date. In connection with such payments, Borrower further agrees to complete the separate ACH transfer authorization (“ ACH Authorization ”) in the form attached as Exhibit E. This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above, and shall continue in full force and effect until such time as the Loan has been paid in full, including principal, interest, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, and other fees and charges or until such time as the parties may agree in writing to terminate this Agreement. Each Obligor waives any statute of limitations applicable to this Agreement to the fullest extent permissible by law.

 

Prepayments. Borrower has the right to prepay the Loan in whole or in part without penalty. Partial prepayments shall be applied first to any accrued fees, second to any accrued interest, and finally to outstanding Principal and may result in Borrower receiving a greater share of the payments.

 

Application of Payments. All payments received by Agent or Lender from the AR Customer shall be applied toward fees, then interest, then Principal, and any other outstanding loans made to Borrower once the total balance on the oldest loan under this Facility is paid in full. All payments received by Agent or Lender from Borrower shall be applied first to any charges, fees and penalties, then to accrued but unpaid interest (including default interest), then Principal. Lender shall use its best efforts to remit any accumulated excess monies received from the AR Customer within five (5) calendar days or as soon as commercially reasonable under the circumstances. Borrower agrees that neither acceptance of a payment in an amount that is less than all amounts then due and payable nor application of such payment shall constitute or be deemed to constitute either a waiver of the unpaid amounts or an accord and satisfaction. Borrower authorizes Agent and Lender to disburse any accumulated excess monies to Borrower’s designated account.

 

Account Authorization. Borrower authorizes Agent and Lender to disburse the Loan proceeds by ACH transfer to Borrower’s designated account. Borrower authorizes Agent and Lender to resubmit any ACH debit authorized by Borrower that is returned for insufficient or uncollected funds, except as otherwise provided by NACHA – The Electronic Payment Organization’s ACH rules or applicable law. .

 

  - 2 -  

 

Late Payments. Borrower agrees that Lender may assess a late charge equal to the greater of $150.00 or 2.5% of the amount due if Lender has not received payment in full for all obligations due under this Agreement by the Payment Date. Borrower acknowledges that any failure to make timely payments will create additional expenses in servicing and processing the Loan and that it is extremely difficult and impractical to determine those additional expenses. Borrower agrees that any late charge payable pursuant hereto represents a fair and reasonable estimate, taking into account all circumstances existing on the date of this Agreement, of the additional expenses Lender will incur by reason of such late payment. Borrower also understands that Borrower will be charged more interest if payments are not made by the applicable Payment Date.

 

Payment Failure. Borrower agrees that Lender may assess a payment failure fee of $99.00 if any attempted payment to Lender fails for any reason, including when any check or payment instrument is not honored or cannot be processed or when ACH transfers fail due to insufficient funds, account closure, or other reasons beyond Lender’s reasonable control. Any payment failure fee will be added to the balance due and payable on the relevant Payment Date.

 

Ability to Retrieve All or Partial Loan Amount under Certain Circumstances. Borrower agrees and understands that, by executing and delivering the ACH Authorization, it is authorizing Lender, or its agents, to retrieve funds through ACH should Lender determine there has been an Event of Default, as more fully described in the Terms and Conditions.

 

Maximum Charges. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if at any time and for any reason whatsoever the interest rate, fees, charges or penalties payable on the Loan shall exceed the maximum rate permitted by applicable law, the portion that exceeds the maximum rate permitted by applicable law shall be deemed a voluntary prepayment of principal.

 

Grant of Security Interest by Borrower. To secure payment of all indebtedness owed to Lender and performance of all other obligations under this Agreement and for other valuable consideration, the adequacy, sufficiency and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Borrower grants to Agent for the benefit of Lender a security interest in all of its present and future right, title and interest in and to all of its assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and wherever located, together with all proceeds and products thereof, as more fully described in the Terms and Conditions. Such security interest on all of Borrower’s assets will be perfected by the filing of a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement as more fully described in the Terms and Conditions.

 

Obligations Guarantied. For valuable consideration, the adequacy, sufficiency and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, each Guarantor jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably, personally guaranties to Lender (i)  the due and prompt payment of all obligations of Borrower to Lender and (ii) the due and prompt performance of the obligations of Borrower to Lender. The term “obligations” is used in its most comprehensive sense and includes any and all debts, covenants, agreements, rental obligations and other obligations and liabilities of every kind of Borrower to Lender, whether made, incurred or created previously, concurrently or in the future, whether voluntary or involuntary and however arising, whether incurred directly, whether due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, legal or equitable, whether Borrower is liable individually or jointly or with others, whether incurred before, during or after any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding, and whether recovery thereof is or becomes barred by a statute of limitations or is or becomes otherwise unenforceable, together with all expenses of, for and incidental to collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

Accord and Satisfaction. Borrower agrees not to send payments marked with any language such as “paid in full,” “without recourse,” or language to similar effect. If Borrower sends such a payment, Agent and Lender may accept it without losing any rights under this Agreement, and Borrower will remain fully obligated to pay all amounts due under this Agreement. All communications concerning disputed amounts, including any check or other payment instrument that seeks to effect an accord and satisfaction by indicating that the instrument is “payment in full” of the amount owed under this Agreement or is tendered with other conditions or limitations or as full satisfaction of a disputed amount, must be mailed or delivered to Agent on behalf of Lender in accordance with the Terms and Conditions.

 

Default and Acceleration. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, as more fully described in the Terms and Conditions, Lender may require, without notice or demand, that Borrower repay the entire amount of the Loan at once. Even if, during the continuance of an Event of Default, Lender does not require Borrower to pay immediately in full as described above, Lender will still have the right to do so at any other time that an Event of Default is continuing.

 

  - 3 -  

 

Waiver by Obligors. Each Obligor waives any rights to require that Agent or Lender (a) demand payment of amounts due; (b) give notice that amounts due have not been paid; and (c) provide an official certification of loan payments. Each Obligor agrees that Lender (or Agent on its behalf) may renew or extend the Loan between Lender and Borrower; release any Collateral or Guarantor; fail to perfect or realize upon Lender’s security interest in any Collateral; and take any other action Lender deems necessary without notice to or consent by Borrower or any other person.

 

No Waiver by Lender. Borrower agrees that Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender’s right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, or between Lender and a Guarantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender’s rights or of any of Borrower’s or a Guarantor’s obligations as to any future transactions. No partial exercise by Lender of any right or remedy hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise of any such right or the exercise of any other remedy. The acceptance by Lender of any payment after the due date of such payment, or in an amount which is less than the required payment, shall not be a waiver of Lender’s right to require prompt payment when due of all other payments or to exercise any right or remedy with respect to any failure to make prompt payment. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender. Enforcement by Lender (or Agent on its behalf) of any security for Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute an election by Lender of remedies so as to preclude the exercise of any other right or remedy available to Lender.

 

Amendment. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, no amendment of any provision of this Agreement, and no consent to any departure by any Obligor therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Lender and the Borrower. The amendments to this Agreement set forth in Exhibit D hereto (the “ Amendments Exhibit ”) and signed by the Lender and the Borrower are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Transferable Record. Each Obligor expressly agrees that this Agreement is a “transferable record” as defined in applicable law relating to electronic transactions and that it may be created, authenticated, stored, transmitted and transferred in a manner consistent with and permitted by such applicable law.

 

Consent to Transfer. Each Obligor agrees and consents to Lender’s assignment, sale or transfer of all or part of Lender’s interests in the Loan. Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever, to any one or more purchasers or potential purchasers, any information or knowledge Lender may have about any Obligor or about any other matter relating to the Loan, and each Obligor hereby waives any rights to privacy such Obligor may have with respect to such matters. Each Obligor additionally waives any and all notices of sale of participation interests, as well as all notices of any repurchase of such participation interests. Each Obligor also agrees that the purchasers of any such interests will be considered as the absolute owners of such interests in the Loan and will have all the rights granted in this Agreement as to such interests. Each Obligor further waives all rights of offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or against any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce such Obligor’s obligations under the Loan regardless of the failure or insolvency of any holder of any interest in the Loan. Each Obligor further agrees that the purchaser of any such interests may enforce its interests regardless of any personal claims or defenses that such Obligor may have against Lender.

 

Successors and Assigns. All representations, warranties, covenants and agreements by or on behalf of the Obligors contained in this Agreement shall bind their respective successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns. No Obligor shall, however, have the right to assign its rights under this Agreement or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of Lender.

 

  - 4 -  

 

Governing Law; Venue. THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS. EACH OBLIGOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE ANY ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR DESCRIPTION, WHETHER IN LAW OR EQUITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT OR OTHERWISE, AGAINST AGENT, LENDER OR OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES OR ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, AGENT, TRUSTEE, ADMINISTRATOR, MANAGER, ADVISOR AND REPRESENTATIVE OF AGENT, LENDER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES (COLLECTIVELY, “ RELATED PERSONS ”) IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY RELATED DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATING HERETO OR THERETO IN ANY FORUM OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF. EACH OBLIGOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH DELAWARE STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OBLIGOR AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT LENDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AGAINST ANY OBLIGOR OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION. EACH OBLIGOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY RELATED DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT DESCRIBED ABOVE. EACH OBLIGOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT. EACH OBLIGOR UNDERSTANDS THAT AGREEING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF DELAWARE LAW AND VENUE IS A MATERIAL FACTOR IN LENDER’S WILLINGNESS TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OBLIGOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY RELATED DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).

 

Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable as to any circumstance, that finding shall not make the offending provision illegal, invalid or unenforceable as to any other circumstance. If feasible, the unenforceable provision shall be considered modified so that it becomes legal, valid and enforceable. If the unenforceable provision cannot be so modified, it shall be considered deleted from this Agreement. Unless otherwise required by law, the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

 

Execution. This Agreement may be executed by electronic signature and shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the parties hereto. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall be deemed to be one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or electronic (i.e., ‘pdf’ or ‘tif’) format shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.

 

Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the Terms and Conditions and AR Loan Application) constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Agreement and supersedes any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.

 

USA Patriot Act Notice. Lender hereby notifies each Obligor that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “ Act ”), it may be required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Obligor, which information includes the name and address of such Obligor and other information that will allow Lender to identify such Obligor in accordance with the Act.

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

The following are the Standard Terms and Conditions for Commercial Credit Agreements up to $           (these “ Terms and Conditions ”) with CircleUp Credit Advisors LLC as of the date first referenced above. Capitalized terms used but not defined in these Terms and Conditions shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Commercial Credit Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) or the AR Loan Application.

 

Incorporation by Reference. The provisions of these Terms and Conditions and the AR Loan Application are incorporated in the Agreement by reference.

 

Definitions; Interpretation. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context may require. Caption headings in the Agreement, these Terms and Conditions and the AR Loan Application are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions thereof. Words and terms not otherwise defined in the Agreement, these Terms and Conditions or the AR Loan Application shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law. Accounting words and terms not otherwise defined in the Agreement, these Terms and Conditions or the Application shall have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in effect on the date of the Agreement. Except where otherwise specifically provided or the context requires otherwise, (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any organizational document) shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements, restatements or modifications set forth in the Agreement), (b) any reference to any person shall be construed to include such person’s successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in the Agreement shall be construed to refer to such document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (d) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including without limitation cash, securities, accounts and contract rights, and (f) any reference in the Agreement to a period of “days” means calendar days and not business days. Any ambiguities in the Agreement shall not be construed strictly against the drafter of the language concerned, but shall be resolved by applying the most reasonable interpretation under the circumstances, giving full consideration to the intentions of the parties at the time of contracting. The Agreement shall not be construed against any party by reason of its preparation.

 

Multiple Obligors. When the Agreement is executed by more than one Borrower or Guarantor, then the words “Borrower”, “Guarantor” and “Obligor” shall mean all and any one or more of them (as applicable), and their respective successors and assigns, including debtors-in-possession and bankruptcy trustees. The obligations of each Obligor under the Agreement are joint and several. The following individuals shall sign the Agreement and become Guarantors thereby: (a) individuals responsible for the management and operations of Borrower’s business and holders of at least 20% of the economic or voting power of Borrower or Guarantor’s equity, if applicable, and (b) such other individuals as Lender, in its sole discretion, may deem acceptable as Guarantors.

 

Grant of Security Interest by Borrower. To secure payment of all indebtedness owed to Lender and performance of all other obligations under this Agreement and for other valuable consideration, the adequacy, sufficiency and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Borrower grants to Agent for the benefit of Lender a security interest in and to all of its assets, including the following described property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and wherever located, in which Borrower is giving to Agent a security interest for the benefit of Lender in the following (the “ Collateral ”):

 

a.       All trade fixtures and personal property of every kind and nature, including all accounts (including but not limited to all receivables), goods (including inventory and equipment), documents (including, if applicable, electronic documents), instruments, promissory notes, chattel paper (whether tangible or electronic), letter-of-credit rights, letters of credit, securities and all other investment property, general intangibles (including but not limited to all software and all payment intangibles), money, deposit accounts, motor vehicles, commercial tort claims identified to Agent from time to time, other rights to payment and performance, contract rights or rights to the payment of money and other obligations of any kind; and

 

  Ex. A- 1  

 

b.       All of Borrower’s present and future right, title and interest in and to all of the following property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and wherever located, including for the avoidance of doubt, the assets of Borrower:

 

(1)   All accessions, attachments, accessories, fittings, increases, tools, parts, repairs, supplies, replacements of, additions to and commingled goods related to any of the property described in this paragraph, whether added now or later;

 

(2)   All additions, replacements of and substitutions for all or any part of the property described in this paragraph, whether added now or later;

 

(3)   All products and produce of any of the property described in this paragraph;

 

(4)   All accounts, general intangibles, instruments, rents, monies, payments, and all other rights, arising out of a sale, lease, consignment or other disposition of any of the property described in this paragraph;

 

(5)   All good will relating to the property described in this paragraph;

 

(6)   All proceeds (including insurance proceeds) from the sale, destruction, loss or other disposition of any of the property described in this paragraph, and sums due from a third party who has damaged or destroyed such collateral or from that party’s insurer, whether due to judgment, settlement or other process;

 

(7)   All records and data and embedded software relating to any of the property described in this paragraph, in any medium whatever, together with all of Borrower’s right, title, and interest in and to all equipment, inventory and computer software required to utilize, create, maintain, and process any such records or data on electronic media;

 

(8)   All supporting obligations relating to the property described in this paragraph, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or whether now or hereafter subject to any rights in the property described in this paragraph; and

 

(9)   All products and proceeds (including but not limited to all insurance payments) of or relating to the property described in this paragraph.

 

Perfection of Security Interest in the Collateral. Borrower authorizes Agent to file Uniform Commercial Code financing statements or any other form, document or notice, or a copy of the Agreement, to perfect Agent’s security interest in the Collateral. At Lender’s request, Borrower agrees to sign all other documents that are necessary to perfect, protect, and continue Agent’s security interest in the Collateral. Borrower irrevocably appoints Agent as its attorney-in-fact, with full authority in its place and stead, to execute documents necessary to transfer title upon the occurrence of an Event of Default.

 

Further Assurances. Each Obligor shall make, execute and deliver to Agent such documents and take such other actions as Lender may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loan, to perfect Agent’s security interests in the Collateral securing the Loan and to protect Lender’s interests in the Loan and such Collateral.

 

Limitation on Guarantor’s Liability. It is the intention of Lender and each Guarantor that the guaranty and obligations of such Guarantor under the Agreement not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of the Bankruptcy Code, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any other federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law to the extent applicable to Agreement and the obligations of such Guarantor thereunder. The obligations of each Guarantor under the Agreement shall be limited to the maximum amount as will result in the obligations of such Guarantor under the Agreement not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

 

  Ex. A- 2  

 

Nature/Revocation/Reinstatement of Guaranty. The guaranty provided by each Guarantor is continuing and covers the Loan and all obligations of Borrower to Lender, including those arising under successive transactions which continue or increase such obligations from time to time, renew all or part of such obligations after they have been satisfied, or create new obligations. The guaranty provided by such Guarantor is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. Revocation by one or more Guarantors of the Agreement shall not (a) affect the obligations under the Agreement of a non-revoking Guarantor, (b) apply to obligations outstanding when Lender receives written notice of revocation, or to any extensions, renewals, readvances, modifications, amendments or replacements of such obligations or (c) apply to obligations arising after Lender receives such notice of revocation and created pursuant to a commitment existing at the time of the revocation, whether or not there exists an unsatisfied condition to such commitment or Lender has another defense to its performance. All of Lender’s rights pursuant to the Agreement continue with respect to amounts previously paid to Lender on account of any obligations which are thereafter restored or returned by Lender, whether in an insolvency proceeding of Borrower or for any other reason, all as though such amounts had not been paid to Lender; and each Guarantor’s liability under the Agreement (and all its terms and provisions) shall be reinstated and revived, notwithstanding any surrender or cancellation of the Agreement. If any insolvency proceeding is commenced by or against Borrower or any Guarantor, at Lender’s election, any Guarantor’s obligations under the Agreement shall immediately and without notice or demand become due and payable, whether or not then otherwise due and payable.

 

Authorization. Each Guarantor authorizes Lender, without notice and without affecting such Guarantor’s liability under the Agreement, from time to time, whether before or after any revocation of the Agreement, to (a) renew, compromise, extend, accelerate, release, subordinate, waive, amend and restate, or otherwise amend or change, the time or place for payment of all or any part of the obligations of Borrower under the Agreement; (b) accept delinquent or partial payments; (c) take or not take security or other credit support for the Loan and exchange, enforce, waive, release, subordinate, fail to enforce or perfect, sell or otherwise dispose of any security or credit support; (d) apply proceeds of any security or credit support and direct the order or manner of its sale or enforcement as Lender, at its sole discretion, may determine; and (e) release or substitute Borrower or any guarantor or other person or entity liable in respect of the Loan.

 

Guarantor Waivers.

 

a.       To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Guarantor unconditionally and irrevocably waives (i) all rights to require Lender to proceed against Borrower, or any other guarantor, or proceed against, enforce or exhaust any security for the Loan or to marshal assets or to pursue any other remedy in Lender’s power whatsoever; (ii) all defenses arising by reason of any disability or other defense of Borrower, the cessation for any reason of the liability of Borrower, any defense that any other indemnity, guaranty or security was to be obtained, any claim that Lender has made such Guarantor’s obligations more burdensome or more burdensome than Borrower’s obligations, and the use of any proceeds of the Loan other than as intended or understood by Lender or such Guarantor; (iii) all presentments, demands for performance, notices of nonperformance, protests, notices of dishonor, notices of acceptance of the Agreement and of the existence or creation of new or additional obligations of Borrower, and all other notices or demands to which such Guarantor might otherwise be entitled; (iv) all conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the Agreement; (v) all rights to file a claim in connection with Borrower’s obligations in an insolvency proceeding filed by or against Borrower; (vi) all rights to require Lender to enforce any of its remedies; (vii) until the obligations under the Agreement are satisfied and the Loan is fully paid with such payment not subject to return: (A) all rights of subrogation, contribution, indemnification or reimbursement, (B) all rights of recourse to any assets or property of Borrower, or to any Collateral or credit support for the Loan, (C) all rights to participate in or benefit from any security or credit support Lender may have or acquire, and (D) all rights, remedies and defenses such Guarantor may have or acquire against Borrower, including but not limited to any defense based on any right of set-off or recoupment or counterclaim against or in respect of the obligations of such Guarantor under the Agreement; and (viii) promptness, diligence, notice of acceptance, presentment, demand for performance, notice of non-performance, default, acceleration, protest or dishonor and any other notice with respect to the Loan and the Agreement and any requirement that Lender protect, secure, perfect or insure any lien or any property subject thereto.

 

b.       Each Guarantor waives any defense that such Guarantor may have by reason of the failure of Lender to provide such Guarantor with any material facts about Borrower, including any information respecting the financial condition of Borrower, Borrower’s ability to perform its obligations under the Agreement or the sufficiency of Lender’s Collateral.

 

  Ex. A- 3  

 

c.       Each Guarantor waives any defense that may arise by reason of the incapacity, lack of authority, death or disability of any other person, or the failure of Lender to file or enforce a claim against the estate (in administration, bankruptcy or any other proceeding) of any other person or persons.

 

Each Guarantor to Keep Informed. Each Guarantor warrants having established with Borrower adequate means of obtaining, on an ongoing basis, such information as such Guarantor may require concerning all matters bearing on the risk of nonpayment of the Loan or nonperformance of Borrower’s obligations under the Agreement. Each Guarantor assumes sole, continuing responsibility for obtaining such information from sources other than from Lender. Lender has no duty to provide any information to any Guarantor until Lender receives such Guarantor’s written request for specific information in Lender’s possession and Borrower has authorized Lender to disclose such information to such Guarantor.

 

Subordination. All obligations of Borrower to any Guarantor which presently or in the future may exist shall be subordinated to Borrower’s obligations to Lender. At Lender’s request, any Guarantor’s claims against Borrower will be enforced and performance thereon received by the relevant Guarantor only as a trustee for Lender, and such Guarantor will promptly pay over to Lender all proceeds recovered for application to the Loan without reducing or affecting such Guarantor’s liability under other provisions of the Agreement.

 

Married Guarantors. A Guarantor who is married agrees that recourse may be had against his or her separate and community property for all his or her obligations under the Agreement.

 

Representations and Warranties. To induce Lender to enter into the Agreement and to make the Loan, each Obligor, as applicable, represents and warrants to Lender as of the date of the Agreement and at all times the Loan exists that:

 

d.       if it is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, (i) it is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization; (ii) it has full power and authority to enter into the transactions provided for in the Agreement; (iii) it is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Agreement; and (iv) the execution, delivery and performance of the Agreement do not breach (1) any provision of its organizational documents, (2) any agreement or other instrument binding upon it or (3) any applicable law;

 

e.       it is duly authorized to transact business in all states in which it is doing business;

 

f.       it is in compliance with all laws applicable to or binding upon it or any of its property or to which it or any of its property is subject;

 

g.       the Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable against such Obligor in accordance with its terms;

 

h.       no litigation, claim, investigation, proceeding or similar action is pending or threatened against it, and no other event has occurred which may materially adversely affect its financial condition, properties or ability to repay the Loan;

 

i.        all of its tax returns and reports that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full, except those currently being or to be contested by it in good faith in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves have been provided;

 

j.        the proceeds of the Loan will not be used for “purchasing” or “carrying” any “margin stock” within the respective meanings of each of the quoted terms under Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as now and from time to time in effect or for any purpose which violates the provisions of the Regulations of such Board of Governors;

 

k.       it is not and is not required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and is not subject to regulation under any law that limits its ability to incur debt or which may otherwise render all or any portion of the obligations hereunder unenforceable;

 

  Ex. A- 4  

 

l.        as of the date of the Agreement and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Agreement,

(i) each Obligor will have sufficient cash flow to enable it to pay its debts as they become due, and (ii) no Obligor will have unreasonably small capital for the business in which it is engaged, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing;

 

m.      it owns and has good title to all Collateral free and clear of all security interests other than those which may have been disclosed to Lender in the AR Loan Application or otherwise prior to the execution of the Agreement in writing;

 

n.      the pledge of the Collateral pursuant to the Agreement creates a valid and perfected security interest therein in favor of Lender, securing the payment and performance when due of the obligations under the Agreement;

 

o.       the Loan is being incurred by Borrower solely for the purpose of carrying on a business or commercial enterprise, and not for personal, family or household purposes; and

 

p.      neither it nor any of its affiliates or officers, directors, brokers or agents (i) has violated any anti-terrorism laws, (ii) has engaged in any transaction, investment, undertaking or activity that conceals the identity, source or destination of the proceeds from any category of prohibited offenses designated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, (iii) is publicly identified on the most current list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” published by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Department of the Treasury (“ OFAC ”) or resides, is organized or chartered, or has a place of business in a country or territory subject to OFAC sanctions or embargo programs, (iv) is publicly identified as prohibited from doing business with the United States under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trading With the Enemy Act, or any other law, (v) conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of goods, services or money to or for the benefit of any person described in clauses (iii) or (iv) above,

(vi) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction related to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to any anti-terrorism law or (vii) engages in or conspires to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any anti-terrorism law.

 

Affirmative Covenants. Each Obligor, as applicable, covenants and agrees with Lender that, so long as the Agreement remains in effect, it will:

 

q.      comply with all terms and conditions of the Agreement and any other agreement, whether now or hereafter existing, between it and Lender;

 

r.       preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights and privileges, and comply with all laws applicable to it and its business activities;

 

s.       comply with all laws applicable to it and its properties, business and operations;

 

t.       keep and maintain its property in good order, repair and condition;

 

u.       permit Lender or its agents to inspect and make copies of its properties or books, accounts and records including, but not limited to, access to AR Customer digital portal, to the extent that it is permitted;

 

v.       promptly inform Lender in writing of (i) any material adverse change in its financial condition (including, but not limited to, any loss or change of employment) or in any financial or personal information previously provided to Lender, (ii) any existing or threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings or similar actions affecting it which could materially affect its financial condition, (iii) any default in connection with the Agreement, (iv) the description and location of its personal property upon request of Lender, (v) any loss or damage to the Collateral, and (vi) any material change to the agreements with AR Customers including, but not limited to, chargeback policies, invoice due dates, and payment methods;

 

w.      furnish Lender with (i) such Borrower’s balance sheet, cash flow statement and income statement prepared by such Borrower on an annual basis no later than thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal year of such Borrower; (ii)  such Borrower’s federal and other governmental tax returns, prepared by House Parks Dobratz & Wiebler P.C. or such other tax professional satisfactory to Lender, no later than forty-five (45) days after the applicable filing date for the tax reporting period; (iii) information and details regarding prospective transaction to finance the acquisition of inventory based on a purchase order from Costco; (iv) information and details regarding any planned initial public offering of its stock; and (v) such additional financial and operational information and statements as Lender may request from time to time;

 

  Ex. A- 5  

 

x.       authorize Lender to receive personal credit reports and business credit reports of each Obligor. Each Obligor agrees and understands that it is authorizing Lender, or its agents, to obtain credit reports and related information about each Obligor’s business from one or more consumer credit reporting agencies, such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each Obligor directs Lender to provide on its behalf certain elements of its application, and elements derived in whole or in part from certain elements of its application, to Lender’s affiliates and potential investors in Lender or its affiliates. Each Obligor authorizes Lender to obtain its credit reports in connection with the servicing, monitoring, collection or enforcement of the Loan. Credit scoring, based on personal credit data of each Guarantor, may be used in the evaluation of a credit request by the Borrower. Lender may report information about the account to consumer credit bureaus. Late payments, missed payments, or other defaults on the account may be reflected in the credit report of each Guarantor. To limit Lender’s sharing of your information, please contact us at [email address]; and

 

y.       file all tax returns and reports that are required to be filed and pay all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges in full, except those contested by it in good faith in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves are provided.

 

Negative Covenants. Each Obligor, as applicable, covenants and agrees with Lender that, so long as the Agreement remains in effect, it will not:

 

z.       change its name or state of organization or residence, as applicable, without giving Lender at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice;

 

aa.     compromise, settle, adjust or extend payment under or with regard to any of its accounts other than in the ordinary course of business;

 

bb.    sell, transfer or dispose of its assets other than in the ordinary course of business;

 

cc.     create, incur or assume any new indebtedness or mortgage, assign, pledge, lease, grant a security interest in or encumber any of its assets, including, without limitation, contingent indebtedness, the entry into any other loan or credit agreement, the entry into any factoring facility or Merchant Cash Advance financing, or the granting of a lien in any assets and intangibles, provided, however, this does not apply to shareholder debt, indebtedness in an amount less than $50,000, the prospective transaction to finance the acquisition of inventory based on a purchase order from Costco, and those security interests that are ministerial and incidental in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business;

 

dd.    cease operations or engage in any materially different business activities other than those disclosed in the AR Loan Application;

 

ee.     contact the AR Customer to further change the payment instructions provided to the AR Customer, stating that all future payments should be remitted directly to Lender, without the express consent of Lender;

 

ff.      merge or consolidate with any other entity;

 

gg.    loan to or invest in any other enterprise or entity;

 

hh.    store any Collateral (including any records concerning such Collateral) at any address other than as provided to Lender in writing; or

 

ii.       enter into any transactions other than on arm’s length terms.

 

Events of Default. Each of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default” under the Agreement:

 

jj.       any Obligor fails to make any payment when due under the Agreement;

 

kk.     any Obligor fails to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in the Agreement and these Terms and Conditions;

 

ll.       any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by or on behalf of any Obligor is false or misleading, either at the time made or furnished or at any time thereafter;

 

  Ex. A- 6  

 

mm.   the dissolution or termination of any Obligor’s existence as a going business, the insolvency of any Obligor, the appointment of a receiver for any part of any Obligor’s property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against any Obligor or any levy, garnishment, attachment or similar proceeding is instituted against any property of any Obligor held by Agent or Lender;

 

nn.    the Agreement or any related document ceases to be in full force and effect to create or retain a valid and perfected security interest or lien in any Collateral at any time and for any reason;

 

oo.    a default with respect to any other indebtedness of any Obligor for borrowed money, if the effect of such default is to cause or permit the acceleration of such debt;

 

pp.    commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings of any kind by any creditor of an Obligor or by any governmental agency against any Collateral securing the Loan;

 

qq.    the entry of a final judgment against any Obligor and the failure of such Obligor to discharge the judgment within ten (10) days of the entry thereof;

 

rr.      any Obligor dies, becomes incompetent, or ceases to exist;

 

ss.     any Obligor revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any guaranty of the Loan, the Agreement or any related document;

 

tt.      any change in ownership of twenty percent (20%) or more of the equity interests of any Obligor, other than Borrower’s prospective initial public offering of its stock in the next six (6) months; and

 

uu.    a material adverse change occurs in the financial condition of any Obligor, or Lender determines the prospect of payment or performance of the Loans is impaired.

 

Effect of an Event of Default. If any Event of Default shall occur, all commitments and obligations of Lender under the Agreement or any other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make further advances or disbursements) and, at Lender’s option, the Loan will become immediately due and payable, all without notice of any kind to any Obligor, except that in the case of any “insolvency” Event of Default, such acceleration shall be automatic and not optional. In addition to the acceleration provisions set forth above, upon the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, Lender may exercise any and all rights, options and remedies provided for in the Agreement or any related document, under the Uniform Commercial Code, any other applicable foreign or domestic laws or otherwise at law or in equity. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender’s rights and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of any Obligor shall not affect Lender’s right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.

 

Insurance. Borrower shall procure and maintain “all risks” insurance, including without limitation fire, theft and liability coverage together with such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to the Collateral, in form, amounts, coverages and basis reasonably acceptable to Lender and issued by a company or companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of insurance in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or diminished without at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Lender and not including any disclaimer of the insurer’s liability for failure to given such a notice. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of any Obligor or any other person. In connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered a security interest, Borrower will provide Lender with such loss payable or other endorsements as Lender may require. If Borrower at any time fails to obtain or maintain any insurance as required hereunder, Lender may (but shall not be obligated to) obtain such insurance as Lender deems appropriate, including, in Lender’s sole discretion, “single interest insurance,” which will cover only Lender’s interest in the Collateral. Lender may make proof of loss if Borrower fails to do so within fifteen (15) days of any casualty. All proceeds of any insurance on the Collateral, including accrued proceeds thereon, shall be held by Lender as part of the Collateral. If Lender consents to repair or replacement of the damaged or destroyed Collateral, Lender shall, upon satisfactory proof of expenditure, pay or reimburse Borrower from the proceeds for the reasonable cost of repair or restoration. If Lender does not consent to repair or replacement of the Collateral, Lender shall retain a sufficient amount of the proceeds to pay all of the indebtedness under the Agreement, and shall pay the balance to Borrower. Any proceeds which have not been applied to the repair or restoration of the Collateral within six (6) months after their receipt shall be used to repay indebtedness under the Agreement.

 

  Ex. A- 7  

 

Survival of Representations and Warranties. Each Obligor understands and agrees that in making the Loan, Lender is relying on all representations, warranties and covenants made by the Obligors in the Agreement and in any document, certificate or other instrument delivered by the Obligors to Lender under the Agreement. Each Obligor further agrees that regardless of any investigation made by Lender, all such representations, warranties and covenants will survive the execution of the Agreement and the funding of the Loan, shall be continuing in nature, and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as all of the Obligors’ obligations under the Agreement shall be fully satisfied, or until the Agreement shall be terminated, whichever is the last to occur.

 

Notices. Any notice required to be given under the Agreement shall be given in writing, and shall be effective when actually delivered, when actually received by e-mail (unless otherwise required by law), when delivered to a nationally-recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, as first class, certified or registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown in the AR Loan Application. Any party may change its address for notices under the Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party’s address. For notice purposes, each Obligor agrees to keep Lender informed at all times of its current address. Unless otherwise provided or required by law, if there is more than one Obligor, any notice given by Agent or Lender to Borrower is deemed to be notice given to all Obligors. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, any notice given by Borrower to Lender shall be sent to Lender care of Agent. Agent’s address for notice purposes is as follows:

 

CircleUp Credit Advisors LLC

Tel: 415-575-6669

Email: credit-team@circleup.com

 

Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Obligors. To the extent the context of any provisions of the Agreement makes it appropriate, including without limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the words “Borrower”, “Guarantor” and “Obligor” as used in the Agreement shall include all of such person’s subsidiaries and affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstances shall the Agreement be construed to require Lender to make any Loan or other financial accommodation to any of Borrower’s subsidiaries or affiliates.

 

Indemnity. Borrower shall indemnify Agent, Lender, their respective affiliates and each Related Person (each such person being called an “ Indemnitee ”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including (x) the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, (y) mortgage, recording or similar taxes payable in connection with recording or filing any document or that may have been assessed as a result of events that occurred prior to the date of the Agreement and (z) environmental claims), and shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from all fees and time charges and disbursements for attorneys who may be employees of any Indemnitee, incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any person (including any Obligor) other than such Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (a) the execution or delivery of the Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties to the Agreement of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, (b) the Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, (c) any actual or alleged presence or release of hazardous materials on or from any property owned or operated by an Obligor or any of its affiliates, or any environmental liability related in any way to an Obligor or any of its affiliates, or (d) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by an Obligor or any directors, shareholders or creditors of an Obligor, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto and whether or not any of the transactions contemplated under the Agreement is consummated, in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the comparative, contributory or sole negligence of the Indemnitee. This obligation to indemnify and defend the Indemnitees shall survive the repayment of the Loan and the termination of the Agreement.

 

  Ex. A- 8  

 

Expenses; Attorneys’ Fees. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Agent’s and Lender’s costs and expenses, including Agent’s and Lender’s attorneys’ fees and legal expenses (including in-house counsel) incurred in connection with the negotiation, documentation or enforcement of the Agreement. Borrower shall also pay all filing fees, title transfer fees, and other fees and costs involved in perfecting its security interest in any Collateral, unless prohibited by law or unless Agent or Lender is required by law to pay such fees and costs, as well as all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by any court in respect of the Agreement.

 

Self-Help. If any Obligor fails to comply with any provision of the Agreement, Lender may (but shall not be obligated to) take any action that Lender deems appropriate, including but not limited to discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances and other claims, at any time levied or placed on any Collateral and paying all costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving such Collateral. All such expenditures incurred or paid by Lender for such purposes will bear interest at the rate charged under the Agreement from the date incurred or paid by Lender to the date of repayment by the relevant Obligor. All such expenses will become a part of the Loan and, at Lender’s option, will (i) be payable on demand; (ii) be added to the balance of the Loan; or (iii) be treated as a balloon payment which will be due and payable at the Loan’s maturity.

 

Consent to Electronic Communications. Obligors hereby agree to transact business with Lender through electronic communications and Obligors understand that any disclosure, notice, agreement, contract, record or other type of information that is provided to Obligors in connection with such transaction with Lender may be sent to Obligors electronically by posting the information at Lender’s website, www.circleup.com, or by sending it to Obligors by email from Lender or any vendor contracted by Lender at any time. Lender is not obligated to provide any communication in paper form unless an Obligor specifically requests Lender to do so.

 

Broker Compensation. Lender will be responsible for any compensation payable by Lender directly to its broker pursuant to a separate written agreement in connection with originating the Loan. In no case will Lender reimburse Borrower for any amounts paid or owed by Borrower to a broker related to the Loan.

 

Preference Payments. Any monies Lender pays because of an asserted preference claim in Borrower’s bankruptcy will become a part of the Loan and, at Lender’s option, shall be payable by Borrower as provided in the Agreement.

 

California Waivers.

 

vv.    Borrower waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the benefits of California Code of Civil Procedures Section 431.70.

 

ww.   If Lender accepts a guaranty of only a portion of the indebtedness under the Agreement, Borrower hereby waives its right under California Civil Code Section 2822(a) to designate the portion of such indebtedness which shall be satisfied by any guarantor’s partial payment.

 

xx.      Each Guarantor expressly waives any and all benefits, rights and/or defenses which might otherwise be available to it under the following sections of the California Civil Code: (i) Section 2809 (the obligation of a surety must be neither larger in amount nor in other respects more burdensome than that of the principal); (ii) Section 2810 (a surety is not liable if, for any reason other than the mere personal disability of the principal, there is no liability upon the part of the principal at the time of execution of the contract, or the liability of the principal thereafter ceases); (iii)  Section 2819 (a surety is exonerated if the creditor alters the original obligation of the principal without the consent of the surety); (iv) Section 2822 (a surety’s right to have the principal designate the portion of any obligation to be satisfied by the surety in the event that the principal provides partial satisfaction of such obligation); (v)  Section 2845 (a surety is exonerated to the extent that the creditor fails to proceed against the principal, or to pursue any other remedy in the creditor’s power which the surety cannot pursue and which would lighten the surety’s burden); (vi)  Section 2846 (a surety may compel the principal to perform the obligation when due); (vii) Section 2847 (if a surety satisfies the principal obligation, or any part thereof, the principal is obligated to reimburse the surety for the amounts paid by the surety); (viii) Section 2850 (whenever the property of a surety is hypothecated with property of the principal, the surety is entitled to have the property of the principal first applied to the discharge of the obligation); (ix) Section 2899 (where one has a lien upon several things, and other persons have subordinate liens upon, or interests in, some but not all of the same things, the person having the prior lien, if he can do so without risk of loss to himself, or of injustice to other persons, must resort to the property in a certain order, on the demand of any party interested); and (x) Section 3433 (where a creditor is entitled to resort to each of several funds for the satisfaction of his claim, and another person has an interest in, or is entitled as a creditor to resort to some, but not all of them, the latter may require the former to seek satisfaction from those funds to which the latter has no such claim, so far as it can be done without impairing the right of the former to complete satisfaction, and without doing injustice to third persons).

 

  Ex. A- 9  

 

yy.    Each Guarantor expressly agrees not to exercise or take advantage of any rights, benefits and/or defenses which might be available to it under the following California Civil Code Sections, unless and until the guaranteed obligations shall have been indefeasibly paid and satisfied in full: (i) Section 2839 (performance of the principal obligation, or an offer of such performance, duly made as provided in the California Civil Code, exonerates a surety); (ii)  Section 2848 (a surety, upon satisfaction of the obligation of the principal, is entitled to enforce remedies which the creditor then has against the principal and to pursue his co-sureties or other third parties after the surety has satisfied the underlying debt, or at least more than his share of it); and (iii) Section 2849 (a surety is entitled to the benefit of security held by the creditor for the performance of the principal obligation held by the creditor).

 

zz.      Each Guarantor waives any defense that it may have by reason of the failure of Lender to provide it with any material facts about Borrower, including any information respecting the financial condition of Borrower, Borrower’s ability to perform its obligations under the Agreement or the sufficiency of Lender’s security.

 

aaa.   Each Guarantor waives any defense that may arise by reason of the incapacity, lack of authority, death or disability of any other Person, or the failure of Lender to file or enforce a claim against the estate (in administration, bankruptcy or any other proceeding) of any other person or persons.

 

bbb.  Each Guarantor waives all rights of indemnification and contribution and any other rights and defenses that are or may become available to it by reason of Sections 2787 to 2855, inclusive, of the California Civil Code. Each Guarantor hereby waives the benefits of any right of discharge under any and all statutes or other laws relating to guarantors or sureties and any other rights of guarantors or sureties thereunder.

 

ccc.   Any summary of statutory provisions is for convenience only, and each Guarantor has read and is familiar with the entirety of such provisions.

 

  Ex. A- 10  

 

EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF

LOAN SUPPLEMENT

 

[to be attached if any]

 

 

 

EXHIBIT C

 

Eligible AR Accounts

 

In the Agent’s sole discretion, the following types of accounts shall be deemed to be not Eligible AR Accounts:

 

AR from Consignment (not final) Sales: All AR accounts where Sales are NOT Final after product shipment (Consignment Sales / Sell or Return basis etc.);

 

AR from non-US customer: Any AR from customers that are not an incorporated legal entity in the United States OR are not covered under U.S. law, rules and regulations;

 

AR from customers requiring international shipping: AR generated from companies where the products are required to be shipped internationally to complete order fulfillment;

 

AR from new customers: Customers who sent their first Purchase Order less than 3 months from the date of this agreement;

 

Low AR Customers: Exclude customers if total outstanding AR as of the date hereof is less than $5,000;

 

Customers with AR Payment Terms more than 90 days: All customers that have payment terms greater than 90 days will be deemed ineligible for the loan;

 

Inability to get first Lien: All AR will be excluded if Agent is unable to obtain a first lien/perfect security interest on the assets; and

 

Other Exclusions: Any other AR customers deemed ineligible by Agent in its sole discretion.

 

 

 

EXHIBIT D

 

AMENDMENTS

 

[to be attached if any]

 

 

 

EXHIBIT E

 

AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT (ACH CREDIT) AND DIRECT PAYMENTS (ACH DEBITS)

This Authorization Agreement for Direct Deposit (ACH Credit) and Direct Payments (ACH Debits) is part of (and incorporated by reference into) the Commercial Loan Agreement. Borrower should keep this important legal document for Borrower’s records.

 

DISBURSEMENT OF LOAN PROCEEDS. By signing below, Borrower authorizes Lender to disburse the Loan proceeds less the amount of any applicable fees upon Loan approval by initiating an ACH credit, wire transfer or similar means to the checking account indicated below (or a substitute checking account Borrower later identifies and is acceptable to Lender) (hereinafter referred to as the “Designated Checking Account”) in the disbursal amount set forth in the accompanying Commercial Loan Agreement and any Loan Supplement. This authorization is to remain in full force and effect until seven (7) calendar days after Lender has received written notification from Borrower of its termination in such time and in such manner as to afford Lender, its agents and Borrower’s depository bank a reasonable opportunity to act on it.

 

DIRECT PAYMENTS. By signing below, Borrower authorizes Lender to collect payments required under the terms of Borrower’s Commercial Loan Agreement and any Loan Supplement by initiating ACH debit entries to the Designated Checking Account in the amounts and on the dates provided for in the accompanying Commercial Loan Agreement and any Loan Supplement. Borrower authorizes Lender to increase the amount of any scheduled ACH debit entry or assess multiple ACH debits for the amount of any outstanding payment(s) and any unpaid fees, expenses, or interest. Borrower authorizes Lender to collect additional amounts upon adverse business changes as set forth in Borrower’s Commercial Loan Agreement. Borrower agrees to have sufficient funds in the Designated Checking Account to pay the amounts required under the terms of Borrower’s Commercial Loan Agreement and any Loan Supplement. This authorization is to remain in full force and effect until seven (7) calendar days after Lender has received written notification from Borrower of its termination in such time and in such manner as to afford Lender, its agents and Borrower’s depository bank a reasonable opportunity to act on it. If Borrower revokes this authorization, Borrower still will be responsible for making timely payments pursuant to the Commercial Loan Agreement and any Loan Supplement.

 

BUSINESS PURPOSE ACCOUNT. By signing below, Borrower attests that the Designated Checking Account was established for business purposes and not primarily for personal, family or household purposes.

 

ACCOUNT CHANGES. Borrower agrees to promptly notify Lender in writing if there are any changes to the account and routing numbers of the Designated Checking Account.

 

MISCELLANEOUS. Lender is not responsible for any fees charged by Borrower’s bank as the result of credits or debits initiated under this agreement. The origination of ACH transactions to Borrower’s account must comply with the provisions of U.S. law.

 

Depository Name: DERMAdoctor, LLC

 

Branch: *****

 

City: Kansas City   State: Missouri   Zip: 64108

 

Routing Number: *****   Account Number: *****

 

Print Business Account Holder Name: DERMAdoctor LLC

 

Tax ID Number:

 

Signature:

 

Title:    
Date:    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.12

 

SALE PROCEEDS SHARING AGREEMENT

 

THIS SALE PROCEEDS SHARING AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made effective as of the      day of January, 2016, by and among DERMAdoctor, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (the “Company”), Papillon Partners, Inc. f/k/a DERMAdoctor, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“Papillon”), and Gabrielle Bridges (“Employee”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Employee is employed by the Company;

 

WHEREAS, Papillon is the owner of a majority of the membership interests of the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties desire to provide for an award to Employee upon a Change of Control (as defined below), as well as provide for certain restrictive covenants binding upon Employee, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which is acknowledged by the parties, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.  Purpose of Agreement; Acknowledgements. The purpose of this Agreement is to (a) encourage and reward Employee, in his or her capacity as an employee of the Company, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (if at all), and (b) provide for certain restrictive covenants binding upon Employee. Employee acknowledges that the restrictive covenants set forth herein are binding upon Employee regardless of whether or not a Change of Control occurs and whether or not Employee is in fact entitled to the Award hereunder. This Agreement represents the unsecured and unfunded promise of Papillon to pay the amount specified in this Agreement in the future to Employee subject to the conditions set forth herein, but Employee is not an actual Member of the Company by virtue of this Agreement and, as a result, among other things, this Agreement does not convey to Employee a right to vote on any matter relating to the Company or evidence an ownership interest in the Company. Except as otherwise provided in the Employment Agreement between Employee and the Company dated effective as of the date hereof, as may be amended from time to time (the “Employment Agreement”,) Employee acknowledges that Employee is an at-will employee of the Company, and therefore such employment can be terminated at any time and for any reason, or for no reason at all, by either party.

 

2.  Definitions . The following terms shall have the following definitions:

Proceeds.

“Award” shall mean a lump sum amount equal to 2.56% of the Liquidation.

 

“Board” shall mean the Board of Managers of the Company.

 

“Business” shall mean a business involved in the developing, producing, marketing or selling products or services of the kind or type developed or being developed, produced, marketed or sold by the Company while Employee is employed by the Company.

 

 

 

 

“Change of Control” shall mean (a) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Company’ s assets to any person or group, or (b) the acquisition by any person or group (other than the current Members of the Company or their affiliates or family members) of a direct or indirect interest in 100% of the voting interests of the Company by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise.

 

“Closing Date” shall mean the date of the closing of the transaction contemplated under the Definitive Agreement.

 

“Company Intellectual Property” shall mean all ideas, inventions, discoveries, improvements, designs, formulae, processes, production methods and technological innovations, patents, copyrights and trade secrets, whether or not patentable, which Employee has conceived or made or may hereafter conceive or make, alone or with others, in connection with his or her employment by the Company or its affiliates either prior to or after the date of this Agreement, whether or not during working hours, and which (a) relate specifically to the Business, (b) are based on or derived from Employee’s knowledge of the actual or planned business activities of the Company or its affiliates, or (c) are developed using existing intellectual property belonging to the Company or its affiliates.

 

“Confidential Information” shall mean (a) Company Intellectual Property, and information or data, whether or not reduced to writing, used by or belonging or relating to the Company or any of its affiliates, or any other person or entity to whom the Company or any of its affiliates owes a duty of confidentiality, including, without limitation, intellectual property, trade secrets, proprietary data, inventions, concepts, designs, processes, research, test results, plant layout, feasibility studies, procedures or standards, know-how, manuals, patent information, the identity of or information concerning current or prospective clients, customers, accounts, suppliers, service providers, licensors, licensees, contractors, subcontractors or other agents or representatives, financial or sales information, current or planned commercial activities, business strategies, records or marketing plans, or any other information that the Company advises should be treated as confidential.

 

“Definitive Agreement” shall mean the final definitive written agreement effecting the Change of Control.

 

“Liquidation Proceeds” shall mean the proceeds from a Change of Control, if any, after reduction for (a) all debts and liabilities of the Company, (b) the Unreturned Capital Contributions as of the Closing Date, and (c) the establishment of any reserves which the Board deems reasonably necessary for any contingent or unforeseen liabilities or obligations of the Company.

 

“Members” shall mean the Members of the Company.

 

“Unreturned Capital Contributions” shall mean the aggregate amount of capital contributions made by all Members to the Company reduced (but not below zero) by all distributions of unreturned capital contributions to the Members pursuant to the Company’ s operating agreement, as amended from time to time.

 

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3.  Administration of Award. The Board shall supervise and administer the Award. Any questions of interpretation of the Award issued hereunder shall be determined by the Board and such determination shall be final and binding upon all persons. Any determination of the Board under this Agreement may be made without notice or meeting of the Board by a writing signed by the Board. This Agreement shall not be a “qualified” plan for purposes of either the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

4.  Grant and Payment of Award. In the event of a Change of Control, Papillon shall pay and/or transfer to Employee the Award (proportionally in the same form and amount of consideration as received by Papillon pursuant to the Change of Control) on the date that is ninety (90) days following the Closing Date so long as Employee (a) is and has been at all times in full compliance with the terms of this Agreement, and (b) is employed by the Company on the Closing Date. The Award shall be deemed fully vested on the date hereof, subject to the preceding sentence.

 

5.  Modification of Award. The terms and conditions applicable to the Award may, after the grant, be amended or modified by the mutual written agreement of all parties.

 

6.  Restrictions on Transfer. Employee shall not sell, transfer, encumber or dispose of all or any portion of the Award.

 

7.  Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation . Employee acknowledges that Employee may develop or have access to and knowledge of (or may have developed or had access to and knowledge of) certain information and data of the Company or its affiliates that the Company considers confidential and that the release of this information or data to unauthorized persons or entities would be extremely detrimental to the Company and its affiliates. As a consequence and as further consideration given to the Company and Papillon in exchange for entering into this Agreement, Employee hereby acknowledges her non-competition and nonsolicitation obligations under Section 6 of the Employment Agreement.

 

8.  Confidentiality; Company Intellectual Property .

 

8.1. Employee hereby agrees that without the prior written consent of the Company (a) Employee shall not at any time communicate, publish or disclose to any person or entity anywhere or use any Confidential Information for any purpose, and (b) Employee shall at all times hold in confidence and safeguard any Confidential Information to ensure that any unauthorized persons do not gain possession of any Confidential Information and, in particular, will not permit any Confidential Information to be read, duplicated or copied by unauthorized persons. Employee shall deliver promptly to the Company, at the request and option of the Company, all tangible embodiments (and all copies) of the Confidential Information which are in Employee ’s possession or under Employee’s control. In the event that Employee is requested or required (by oral question or request for information or documents in any legal proceeding, interrogatory, subpoena, civil investigative demand, or similar process) to disclose any Confidential Information, Employee shall notify the Company promptly of the request or requirement so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective order or waive compliance with the provisions of this Section. If, in the absence of a protective order or the receipt of a waiver hereunder, Employee is, in the written opinion of Employee’ s counsel issued to the Company, compelled to disclose any Confidential Information to any tribunal or else stand liable for contempt, Employee may disclose the Confidential Information to the tribunal; provided, that, Employee shall use best efforts to obtain, at the request and sole cost of the Company, an order or other assurance that confidential treatment shall be accorded to such portion of the Confidential Information required to be disclosed as the Company shall designate.

 

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8.2. Employee agrees to disclose promptly to the Company all Company Intellectual Property. Employee agrees to assign, and does hereby assign, to the Company (and to bind Employee’s heirs, executors and administrators to assign to the Company) all Company Intellectual Property, regardless of when such Company Intellectual Property was created. Without further compensation, Employee agrees to give all testimony and execute all patent applications, rights of priority, assignments and other documents, and in general do all lawful things reasonably requested of Employee by the Company or its affiliates to enable the Company or its affiliates to obtain, maintain and enforce their rights to such Company Intellectual Property. All of Employee’s work product during Employee’s employment or during his involvement or relationship with the Company or its affiliates and all parts thereof shall be “work made for hire” for the Company within the meaning of the United States Copyright Act of 1976, as amended from time to time, and for all other purposes, and Employee hereby quitclaims and assigns to the Company any and all other rights Employee may have or acquire therein. Accordingly, all right, title and interest in any and all materials, or other property, including, without limitation, trademarks, service marks and related rights, whether or not copyrightable, created, developed, adapted, formulated or improved by Employee (whether alone or in conjunction with any other person or employee), constituting Company Intellectual Property shall be owned exclusively by the Company. Employee will not have or claim to have under this Agreement, or otherwise, any right, title or interest of any kind or nature whatsoever in any Company Intellectual Property.

 

9.  Miscellaneous Provisions.

 

9.1. Employee acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 1 and are fair, reasonable and necessary for the protection of the legitimate business interests of the Company and that the Company and its affiliates will suffer irreparable harm in the event of an actual or threatened breach of any such provision by Employee. Employee therefore consents to the entry of a restraining order, preliminary injunction or other court order to enforce such provisions and expressly waives any security that might otherwise be required in connection with such relief. Employee also agrees that any request for such relief by the Company shall be in addition and without prejudice to any claim for monetary damage s which the Company might elect to assert. Employee agrees that the terms of Sections 7 and are in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other restrictive covenants agreed to by Employee with respect to the Company. The provisions of this Agreement do not in any way limit or abridge any rights of the Company under the law of unfair competition, trade secret, copyright, patent, trademark or any other applicable law(s), all of which are in addition to and cumulative of the Company’s rights under this Agreement. Employee expressly agrees and acknowledges that the obligations and restrictions contained herein do not preclude Employee from earning a livelihood, nor do they unreasonably impose limitations on Employee’s ability to earn a living.

 

9.2. Throughout this Agreement, the masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be deemed to include the masculine, feminine and neuter and the singular, the plural and vice versa. The headings of the Sections of this Agreement are for reference only and do not limit, expand or otherwise affect the contents of the Agreement.

 

9.3. The invalidity or unenforceability of any prov1s1on of this Agreement in any respect shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement in any other respect or of any other provision of this Agreement. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction , such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision and shall not affect or render invalid or unenforceable any other provision of this Agreement, and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, this Agreement shall be construed as if such provision had been more narrowly drafted so as not to be invalid or unenforceable and the court shall reform this Agreement to render it enforceable to the broadest extent.

 

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9.4. No party may assign his, her or its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement and the Employment Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with reference to the transactions and other matters set forth herein; provided, however, that to the extent of any conflict or inconsistency between this Agreement and Employment Agreement, the stricter terms shall govern and control.

 

9.5. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Missouri without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

 

9.6. Employee’ s right, if any, to continue to serve the Company or its affiliates as an employee or otherwise, shall not be enlarged or otherwise affected by this Agreement.

 

9.7. In connection with any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the prevailing party or parties in such action or proceeding shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the non-prevailing party or parties for the reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred by the prevailing party or parties.

 

9.8. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Agreement and of executed signature pages by facsimile transmission or by other electronic means (including by “.pdf’) shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Agreement as to the parties and may be used in lieu of the original Agreement for all purposes. Signatures of the parties transmitted by facsimile or by other electronic means (including by “.pdf”) shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

 

 

 

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

 

  COMPANY
     
  DERMAdoctor, LLC a Missouri limited liability company
     
  By:           
  Name:  Audrey Kunin
  Title: President
     
  PAPILLON
     
  Papillon Partners, Inc. f/k/a DERMAdoctor, Inc.
     
  By:      
  Name:  Audrey Kunin
  Title: CEO
     
  EMPLOYEE
   

 

[Signature Page to Sale Proceeds Sharing Agreement]

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

  

We hereby consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement of DERMAdoctor, LLC (the “Company”) on Form S-1 of our report dated March 2, 2018, which includes an explanatory paragraph as to the Company’s ability to continue as going concern, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of DERMAdoctor, LLC as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the years then ended. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ Friedman LLP

 

East Hanover, New Jersey

May 2, 2018

Exhibit 99.1

 

CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE

 

DERMAdoctor, Inc. (the “Company”) is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-1, as such may be amended from time to time (the “Registration Statement”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), in connection with the initial public offering of the Company’s shares of common stock. In connection therewith, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, I hereby consent: (i) to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of DERMAdoctor, Inc. in the Registration Statement and related prospectus, and (ii) to the inclusion of certain of my biographical information in the Registration Statement and related prospectus. Furthermore, I consent to serve as a director if, and when, appointed to the board of directors of DERMAdoctor, Inc., effective immediately after the completion of the offering contemplated by the Registration Statement and such prospectus. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

 

Date: March 30, 2018

 

 

/s/ Victoria Barnard

  Victoria Barnard

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE

 

DERMAdoctor, Inc. (the “Company”) is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-1, as such may be amended from time to time (the “Registration Statement”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), in connection with the initial public offering of the Company’s shares of common stock. In connection therewith, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, I hereby consent: (i) to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of DERMAdoctor, Inc. in the Registration Statement and related prospectus, and (ii) to the inclusion of certain of my biographical information in the Registration Statement and related prospectus. Furthermore, I consent to serve as a director if, and when, appointed to the board of directors of DERMAdoctor, Inc., effective immediately after the completion of the offering contemplated by the Registration Statement and such prospectus. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

 

Date: March 30, 2018

 

 

/s/ Bradford B. Hampton

  Bradford B. Hampton

 

 

Exhibit 99.3

 

CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE

 

DERMAdoctor, Inc. (the “Company”) is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-1, as such may be amended from time to time (the “Registration Statement”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), in connection with the initial public offering of the Company’s shares of common stock. In connection therewith, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, I hereby consent: (i) to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of DERMAdoctor, Inc. in the Registration Statement and related prospectus, and (ii) to the inclusion of certain of my biographical information in the Registration Statement and related prospectus. Furthermore, I consent to serve as a director if, and when, appointed to the board of directors of DERMAdoctor, Inc., effective immediately after the completion of the offering contemplated by the Registration Statement and such prospectus. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

 

Date: March 30, 2018

 

 

/s/ James A. Hyde

  James A. Hyde